Hello handsome

As much as I love fashion, these days I am increasingly drawn to homeware. I'm in nestling mode it seems. Always striving to make a house a home, and prematurely stocking up on everything I need ready for when I move. "Need" being open to interpretation... My candle obsession is still in full swing, but now I'm eyeing cushions, bedding, throws, kitchen utensils and everything in-between.

My most recent discovery were these mugs from Next:

How cute are they?! Plus it's rather nice being complimented each morning ;)

Next is my one of my favourite places for homeware. I have already chosen out my future dining room chairs. Keen much?

Anyway back to the mugs... Very generously sized and priced £7 for two, they were brilliant value for money. And perfect for huge mugs of hot chocolate. Which is my life in a nutshell. 

On this occasion they were filled with Oreo hot chocolate which I brought back from my recent trip to France. Microwave friendly AND dishwasher proof, they tick all the right boxes. Plus you can never have too many cups in your life!

A few days in the South of France

With France just over a hour away by plane and lots of low cost airlines out there, a few days in France won't eat up your budget or your holiday allowance. I tend to visit Paris and the South of France the most. Paris... because it's so convenient by Eurostar. And the South because I have my own place there. It's a sharp contrast to the bustle of the city, but there is something about the country air that is therapeutic and puts everything into perspective. Earlier in 2014 I went ahead and booked those plane tickets. Fast forward a few months to earlier this week... Martin, Mols and I set off to London Stansted airport to begin our French adventure.

We couldn't have asked for better weather. Everyday sunshine and temperatures in the late 20s or early 30s. In-between visits to the supermarché to stock up on essentials, we lounged in the garden, played pétanque, went on long walks, ate a LOT of cakes, had BBQs on a daily basis, and adopted our neighbours' cats. Here's a little photo diary of our time there:

We discovered the most beautiful sparkling cider from Normandy:

And were mesmerised by dragonflies down by the river:

Me looking very hot and bothered after a 3 mile walk...

Flowers we collected for our table that night:

Much cake was eaten:

I was way too excited about finding massive macaroons in the supermarket (who knew those existed?!!)...

... and finding my favourite flavour of sorbet

I love French houses. The brickwork is always so rustique and dreamy

Even the paving beneath your feet is awesome:

Homely touches in our little maison. Including a picture I brought back from Paris, towels from Matalan, and a milk jug gifted to us by a craftman in Limoges who also kindly gifted us plenty of crockery too

Our gold fish consume anything and everything that hits the water. Including pesky hornets:

Purchases included a French magazine, Oreo hot chocolate for back home, and a new pair of heels

I will never tire of France. Next on my bucket list: Avignon and Dijon.

#7 Life as we know it

Making the most of the last few summery evenings with cava and strawberries:

Pizza Hut's new chorizo pizza makes me happy

More cider - or should I say cidre - filled evenings

... and days too, come to mention it...

Wasps that interfere with quality cider drinking time get taught a lesson:

Trying new tea (peach and blackcurrant)

Making olive and sun dried tomato bread from scratch

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Work charity cake sale where I fell in love with Oreo speckled cupcakes

Cooked breakfasts... what dreams are made of

I've come down with the flu so my life right about now consists of hot drinks - Lemsip, green tea and hot chocolate - and my bed. It's always important to keep your fluid levels up so I've been eyeing up these lovely sounding hot chocolates from Whittards. Ever tried any of these?

What have you been up to lately?