Dorset Knob Throwing!

I bet that caught your attention!

 (Outfit - Jumper and Scarf Hush, Jeans Zara, Converse Trainers, Michael Kors Watch, Chanel Sunnies)

So my latest Blogging absence has been whilst we packed up and moved down to beautiful Dorset.

Chris' family are based in Dorchester and I studied and lived in Bournemouth for seven years, albeit 20 years ago now.  It's where I met Chris and where we came back to get married, hence  we are not totally unfamiliar with the area.

We have found a pretty little village in between Poole and Dorchester, so of course both Alfie and Luca are loving the country life, the new garden and the myriad of country lanes to stroll down.

Hailing from Liverpool and with an inherent Scouse sense of humor, my eyes have been constantly drawn towards posters dotted around here and there advertising the ... 'Dorset Knob Festival''.  In fact I nearly crashed the car laughing the first time I spotted them.

For those not in the know, it turns out a knob in these parts is a little savoury biscuit made by the Moore's family for the past 100 years or so.  These little knobs (fnar fnar) have formed the basis of a pretty fun annual food festival which has been hosted in the village of Cattistock for the past six years.

Of course we had to go and see what it was all about on Sunday and what a fantastic day we had.  The weather was beautiful, there was lots of amazing stalls promoting local Dorset produce, much traditional Cyder drunk and a little knob throwing for good measure.  

This is taken very seriously by a handful of participants who compete for the title of Champion Knob Thrower! The event has it's own set of rules one of which I broke - over arm throwing not allowed - once a cheat always a cheat and all that:-)

The few blog posts I have managed more recently have had an emphasis on clothes and fashion so for those readers who are interested my outfit was mostly made up of cute Hush purchases.  I am wondering if their clothes have ever been worn to throw knobs before ? :-)    

Although I've been somewhat absent in the posting department, I have been dipping my toe in and trying to read your blogs when I can.  I've been loving following some of your daily outfit posts and thought I would join in again.  This used to be something I did quite regularly then I started to feel a bit old and decrepit so I stopped.  

I stopped because I started to feel like a bit of a dweeb, because Chris and I would fall out over his (lack of) photographic skills. Me always ending up with my chin sticking out or my eyes closed.  Him telling me to stop sticking my chin out and closing my eyes :-)  I was also running my own business and trying to resist the urge to shop, as well as having the baby and becoming a walking eye bag.
   
But I've missed it, so I'm taking it upon myself to join in the fun once again.  This was a Saturday outfit.

 (Outfit - Cardigan Aubin and Wills, polka dot chiffon vest - old, gray skinnies - Topshop, belt - in the sale now at Gap, Wedges - Hush, statement necklace - Monsoon)

xxx

Beach Basics

Beach Basics by dolliedaydream featuring zara tops

Zara top
zara.com

Dorothy Perkins denim shorts
dorothyperkins.com

EVENDON
$28 - joulesusa.com

BEACH BAG
$31 - joules.com

Just when you think Spring is on it's way ...

it snows! 

Feeling a bit of a plonker having just ordered a fuchsia, batwing jumper, silk shorts and a pair of CORK WEDGES!!!

Not sure what I was thinking or where I thought I was living - somewhere in my much sunnier and warmer mind obviously.

Miami Beach Meets Laduree Pastels

Until late yesterday afternoon we still had snow on the ground.

Are you seeing any signs of early spring yet?  I am craving some warm weather and lighter days now. I bought some pretty ranunculas (one of my favorite flowers) to cheer up the living room and their pretty pastel colours set me thinking about spring time colours and lighter wear clothes.

I've bought some pretty winter cardigans and jumpers from Wrap London in the past and am always a little in love each time their latest collection catalogue hits my door mat.

The spring collection is no exception.  Think Miami beach side homes meets Laduree pastel macarons, dusky pinks, soft lilacs, pistachio mint and white with a sprinkling of lace and broderie anglaise thrown in for good measure.

The turquoise Braxton skinny jeans and lilac short sleeved jumper are definitely going onto my wish list. 

Adding to the equation that Bomber jackets seem like they are going to be big news this spring/summer, I think that gorgeous satin one will be finding it's way into my wardrobe before very long!    

High Street Steal Tapestry Jumper

And why shouldn't we mere mortals be able to look fantastic in a high street steal cosy jumper?

I pinned this rather fabulous if heftily priced tapestry rose printed Dolce and Gabbana number to my Winter Pinterest Board a few months ago.  It was available from luxury online retailer My Theresa and if my memory serves me right retailed at around £550.00 ... gulp.

As we remain feeling rather frosty in the far reaches of Lancashire, I've been on the look out for either some warm knitwear sale bargains or some new transitional winter to spring jumpers.  Whilst on the hunt I've just spotted a very similar piece from Zara - although I think I am more of the mutton age now to pull off the look with shorts!   

Spring Shoe Crushes

I am in shoe heaven this coming season!  Have you checked out any of the new ranges for Spring 2013 yet - what do you love?

Mind you, we have had snow this week so sadly I have been living in my North Face moon boots and Ugg (shh - don't tell!) boots the past few days.

My little feet will be dancing a dance however as soon as some of these beauties hit the shops.

I am so pleased to have lots of shoe crush goodies to introduce you to over the coming week or two starting with some Atlantic Pacific inspiration.  I ADORE this ladies style and would literally bow at her feet at how she can pull a look together and combine such amazing colours and patterns.

My idea for this post is thanks to AP and also Russell and Bromley  - did you know they have now launched online?  Dangerous territory!  I will always a love a pair of perspex and wooden heel mules I bought from R&B when I was a student ... wee are talking nearly twenty years ago now eek!   Actually I lie - Chris bought them for me, when we were first dating and lived in Bournemouth.  I hate to admit it, but he used money his parents had given him to buy food and 'essentials lol!   Those shoes were so cool - I even fell down a cliff on holiday in Spain and cut my knee in them - in those days I was less deterred by such things as practicality and I miss those days.

On that note I was alerted to Russell and Bromley's new website via Twitter.  I am on Twitter hurray ... at last don't forget to follow me here!  My focus has mainly been my yoga and coaching but I promise I will start to add some cake and fashion 'Tweets' very soon.   And and and .. don't forget you can also follow me on Pinterest and I am a TOTAL PINTEREST ADDICT!  There I've said it.

Anybody still looking to stock up on some winter sale bargains there are still some lovely goodies to be had.  The beautiful bright pink coat is from French Connection, still lots of stock and a variety of colours and sizes available.  I am torn between the purple and the pink - which do you prefer?

Lots more shoes to come ... watch this space.

xxx    

NY Contemplation

Can you accept the feeling of not knowing exactly where you are going, and train yourself to love and appreciate this sensation of freedom?

Because it is only when you are suspended in the air, with no destination in sight, that you force your wings to open fully so you can fly.

And as you soar around you still may not know where you’re traveling to. But that’s not what’s important.

What’s important is the opening of your wings.

You may not know where you’re going, but you know that so long as your wings are spread, the winds will carry you forward.

Blessings, love and laughter to you all - hope your New Year has got off to a flying start! 
xxx