Smiling on Sunday :: On Monday.

[source]
I'm not going to lie to you, after the mega-high at the tail-end of last week, there have been a few things to worry about. Between job uncertainty and the sad news of Robin Williams' passing, the first half of this week didn't bring that much for me to be happy about.

That said, it was my birthday week, and having booked myself in for a long weekend at 'home-home', bagging a few interviews and making a trip up to London, this weekend has been another great one.
Turning 25 is still strange to me but I think it's going to be alright, so much has changed in the last five years that it's easy to see some progress on the horizon, and I'm quite excited about that.

IRL:

• Birthday treats and surprises – I felt truly spoilt on Saturday and will have lots to share with you over the next few days. Starting with a cream tea breakfast at cat-lady mecca, Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium followed by my 'surprise gift' of a box at The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. We then had a wander around Covent Garden before heading to secret Mexican restaurant, La Bodega Negra - what a treat! Mr Moon definitely won major boyfriend points and it was just the nicest day
• Let's go to the theatre some more! – After seeing a grand total of two plays this year, Moon has finally discovered that the theatre isn't all singing hams and he quite likes it. I'm not saying we'll be regulars now or anything but it's pretty cool to see that he's broadened his horizons a bit
• Little Doll feeling better – Dolly had some kind of virus all last week, which was a little worrying. She now seems to be completely better, her third eyelids are back where they should be and she's going outside again. I'm obviously happy she's not ill anymore anyway but the fact she won't be inclined to use the litter tray for a while is one of the best things about her recovery

Must-Try Recipes:

• Sweet Potato Nachos with Smoked Cheddar and Black Beans - Mexican food is one of my favourites and if Moon and I are out to dinner and there are nachos, you can bet we'll be eating them. These sound like a great twist and while the sweet potato hype has never really hit me, you can't beat anything covered in cheese
• Summertime Tea - I kind hate flavoured teas, they always smell so delicious and wind up tasting the same as each other, at least to me anyway. Mixing it with other (real) flavours to make something refreshing and (sort of) healthy sounds pretty good to me though.

Lovely Links:

This cute illustrated 'dress like a bookworm' wishlist from HelloGiggles.com


Sophie Gamand's lovely Pit Bull Flower Power photography series has the cute-o-meter dialled up to 11. I'm a firm believer in it often being a case of bad training than a case of bad dog. In fact, all of Sophie's dog portraits are wonderful, I've really been covetting a pup of my own lately.

• This list of beautiful Robin Williams stories - I, as I've seen from so many others, am genuinely mourning for the loss of Robin Williams. It still seems strange to say that given that I'd never met him and only watched his films but from comedy to drama, his are some films that I really love and I'd always name him among my favourite actors of all time.
  I even stuck it out with The Crazy Ones because of him, and despite the show's shortcomings, he's as brilliant as ever. It breaks my heart reading new details every day but his passing seems to have marked an opening for dialogue, that it's important to realise that some of us are fighting a hard fight and we need to take notice

Today has me looking ahead to a fresh week, hopefully with new challenges and slightly more of the positive thinking that was washing over me this time last week.

Smiling on Sunday.

[source]
It's been what feels like an absolute age since I've shared anything other than my weekends on here, I did have grand plans to do a bit more with this little space of mine but sitting at a computer all day makes me want to get as far away as possible from a screen once I get home and have time to do what I enjoy. It's a shame but I guess it's just how it goes and I've been seeing it more and more as the blogs I follow grow up with me.

Still, I like having this as a creative outlet and the Internet is a fun place to hang out on occasion so even if this doesn't become a regular thing, I thought it would be good to share a bit of love and some fun things I've found recently.


Books getting turned into films before they've even been published is something that doesn't really sit well with me. Don't get me wrong, I love films but usually enjoy the book counterpart better when it comes down to it. A trailer for a book is the neatest idea though and something people should consider more often. The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern is definitely on my to-read list, what can I say, I'm a sucker for good design and that cover and trailer just got me.


I love this sea bass bag from Don Fisher, it even has a boney fishy lining.


Cereal Magazine has been on my list of 'must subscribe' magazines for a little over a year now. I still haven't got around to it, but love reading their blog so much. With my current severe case of wanderlust and plans to actually, finally book a trip to Iceland for November, their photographs are really making me feel inspired.


Fritha from Tigerlily Quinn got engaged last week and her engagement story is lovely. It's a two-parter and I was on tenterhooks after reading the first half. I'm not quite at that stage where I feel ready to go through anything similar but I can't help but feel a little mushy.


I'm determined that once we move from our little flat here in Newbury that most of the furnishings will be nice, neutral wood. I think this make up station from iSkelter is a good place to start.


It's certainly wedding season, and like I said, I can't help feel mushy but this wedding shot by Rachel Thurston looks kind of perfect, right down to the homemade mini golf.


Must admit that I'm a little over the whole 'abandon porn' thing, but Kaylah from The Dainty Squid has always done it so well and this abandoned amusement park does look like a great place to do a bit of exploring.
Other links:

• 43 Things That Will Actually Make You Feel Old - Buzzfeed - home incessant lists - always one for making you remember you were once a 90's kid
• This Article of Cast Members Reminiscing About 'The Life Aquatic' - Most things Bill Murray have my full attention
• These Wise Words sooth my anxiety
• Theron's (of Maddie on Things fame) website makes my whole heart sing. His Instagram is pretty dreamy too, full of sweet portraits of Maddie and the fun they have on their adventures

I hope that you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and that Monday isn't too hard on you. ♥

Over to the Garden.

After the many successes of last year, I've been waiting for summertime to roll around for a long time now. If not for the warmer weather, lighter evenings and alfresco dining then definitely for all the fairs and county shows there are to check out.

When the lovely Rosie from Cider with Rosie got in touch with me to let me know I was lucky enough to win her competition to head over to the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair I was only too happy to jump at the chance.

So that's where I'm off to with my sister tomorrow and I can't wait, expect pictures, I'm really looking forward to the food tent(!)

Me, Myself and the cat.

It is pretty great to do things at your own pace sometimes without having to think about anyone else, yeah, I'm one for being a little selfish every now and then now. Here are some pictures from the weekend:


Such a dork, and always so helpful. Thanks for helping put the guest bed sheets away, Doll.


A little bit in love with the Flaming Katie our friends Tom and Matt bought us when they came to visit looks like it's really grown since we got it too, so exciting!


Feels like we're actually successfully growing flowers in the garden now, we have two of these badboys now. All we need to do next is sort out all the weeds and the garden will be just right.



Eating dinner at 9pm because I feel like it.



I picked up a couple of new plants for the house and potted them in new pots. I will definitely have to pop back to Wilko for some more, they'll be great for seeing that my money plants continue to grow.


Using spices in my spice rack that I've never used or thought about using before.


Home-made mango salsa (the colours!) ♥


For Moon's home-coming I made salmon tacos adapted from Design Love Fest's recipe, and boy were they a hit. I can't believe how well they worked and it's something I'd actually really like to share with our friends and family - a pretty big deal for seeing as I don't really like cooking for anyone other than Moon and I.


My beloved S3 has been sent to temporary Phones4U heaven for a little while, fingers crossed it will home safe in a couple of weeks. In the mean time I have nothing to 'instasnap' on, so I've gone back to just my camera, which I actually like a whole lot more because under it all and my instaddiction, I hate that most people's cameras are their phones now - the smallest of pet peeves but it still niggles at me occasionally, like that dumb advert where that girl is just strolling about with her 'digital scrapbook', get a real camera, you dick.

I guess only good can come from not constantly scrolling through social networks on the go, but then there's still my tablet and my laptop. Telephone call-wise though, it's back to the dark ages of the landline, call me?

The Versatile Blogger Award.

At the weekend, the lovely Alana, from Ivory Smoke put me up for the 'Versatile Blogger Award', which was really nice of her. Even though I'm not putting myself out here to impress anyone it sure is nice to know that someone is reading and likes what I'm doing. I've followed Alana on Tumblr for a while, so practically insta-followed her when I spotted her on the #bbloggers Facebook Group, the Internet can be a weirdly small place sometimes. Thank you Alana for nominating me, I really appreciate it ♥.
Here are the rules:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers
2. Let these nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself
4. Thank the blogger who nominated you
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award to your post.

7 'Random Facts':

1. After one year of waiting, I've finally bagged myself a respectable, grown-up job.
2. I've only ever had two boyfriends.
3. My favourite food is ribs in blackbean sauce, but it has to be cooked by my mum.
4. I'm half-Chinese, but quite un-Chinese.
5. My favourite movie is 'I Love You, Man'.
6. I'm so happy that I'm taking so many pictures again.
7. I'm a worrier, generally.

Nominated Blogs:

1. Wrapped Up In Rainbows
2. LeaLea Ho
3. Vanity Frills
4. Goodnight Prudence
5. Tea And Fairy Lights
6. Neeny's Wishlist
7. Suitcase Packer
8. Shelley Hearts
9. Lauren Potts
10. All The Pretty Things
11. Not Lovers
12. Trends With Benefits
13. Anan Says
14. The Girl Collected
15. Vintage Fee

---

I can't believe how 'on top' of blogging I am this week, and how much I have posted, with more still on the way, keep your eyes peeled ♥.

The Liebster Blog Award.

Awh, it was nice to wake up this morning to being nominated for an award. Lovely Charlotte from Suitcase Packer has nominated me for The Liebster Award, so thank you very much! I'm pleased anyway, but I just love this kind of thing.

---

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs!

---

Here are my 11 things about myself:

1. I need to start driving again.
2. There are two reasons I haven't cut my hair in the last year; I'm indecisive about the style and I can't choose which hairdresser to go to.
3. I often feel terribly nervous.
4. I'm so excited about my first proper grown-up holiday with Moon that I could burst!
5. Since starting work with Vue, I haven't been interviewed for a job that seems like more fun than working at Vue, even if it's a low-skilled job compared to my skillset and overall ambition.
6. I'm such a neat-freak.
7. I owe my love and knowledge of animals to David Attenborough and visits to The Natural History Museum and London Zoo.
8. I love making lists - I like to know what I've got to do by when and what I've done and when.
9. I kind of regret my degree discipline because I think I would have been capable of something more academic; although that's the only reason why, I loved University.
10. I wish I could spend afternoons drawing, the way I used to.
11. I cannot fathom how to plait hair.

Charlotte's questions:

1. Sweet or savoury? I'm a fan of both but I think savoury wins overall.
2. Three things that irritate you? Starting things halfway through, when pettiness is given ruling over common sense and unnecessary loud noises.
3. When are you at your happiest? When I'm not worrying/ when I'm eating.
4. Proudest moment/achievement to date? It's a toss-up between getting my degree and moving out.
5. Something you wear everyday. My watch.
6. Describe your style in three words. Colourful, quirky, high-street.
7. Are you a tea drinker or a coffee drinker? Tea, but I do love a good cup of coffee.
8. What would you most like to do if money weren't a problem? Travel the world, buy a few houses, get a Panasonic GF3, sort out driving - I can't really think of anything else I want at the moment.
9. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Lately, I've been hiding from the cat.
10. What is the last thing you do at night? Read.
11. What was the last film you watched? The Boondock Saints - which I didn't really like.

My questions:

1. What made you start blogging?
2. What do you like to do in your spare time?
3. What is your favourite TV show?
4. What was the last book you read?
5. What did you want to be when you younger?
6. What is your favourite item of clothing?
7. What is your favourite song at the moment?
8. Describe your style.
9. Last awkward moment?
10. If you were given £1,000,000 right now, what would you spend it on?
11. Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

My nominations:

Hannah Curson

Rachel T Beauty

Vanity Frills

Goodnight Prudence

Neeny's Wishlist

A Scholar Life

Jenni ~ My Style

All The Pretty Things

The Weekender Trender

When Flowers Fall

Chelle's Beauty

---

Tuesday Tabs #10

Wow, this is the tenth one I've done of these, that equates to over ten elapsed weeks of unemployment, which is definitely, the best!

I have found myself getting excited about these posts though, which is maybe a bit odd. It means that Chrome won't be over-crowded for a few days, as well as the fact that everything will be consolidated in one place, especially as LinkedWithin is amazing. I've found myself going way back on my blog and finding things that are encouraging regarding my writing ability and sometimes the way I think, and it makes me feel positive. I only wish I could be as optimistic as I was back in January - I applied for over ten jobs yesterday and not one has had the courtesy of getting back to me, apart from OUP and that was only an automated one...

I think that once we get to Newbury, even if I can get some temp work I will at least feel a bit more secure. We're going down there tomorrow to look at places, I tried to arrange more viewings but everything is either not available yet or gone, it's so frustrating. I'm sure everything will be alright I'm just being a grump.

My driving is going quite well, I had a god lesson this morning and I think if I just remain at this level I should be able to pass, which is obviously super-useful. I don't have much else exciting planned for the week apart from more driving and the standard pub quiz. Russell Howard was very funny last night, The Lyric Theatre is a lovely venue. He had good support acts too, which were basically just his mates, he literally is a stand-up guy.

---

Tears I Cried Ceramic Tile, £24.59, Rob Ryan
If I'm ever able to buy a house and am doing up the bathroom or kitchen, I will buy one of these tiles to put in with the normal ones, they're so pretty. I think they would look great like that, I can't think how else you would show it off, unless it was just propped up somewhere, and I'm tired of things being propped up.


'This egg will be enough' Egg Cup, £10.35, Rob Ryan
To me, Rob Ryan has this incredible knack for making really ridiculously soppy and romantic pieces without them actually being all that soppy and romantic. I just need a lot of Rob Ryan stuff, it's all so good and makes me happy and reminds me how important love is. *(vom)*


Soul Cal Deluxe 7/8th Daisy Trousers, £32, Republic
I spotted these on Gem Fatale's post for Republic's 'Wear It Your Way' blog and I think they'll be brilliant for spring. They're so pretty, I don't normally even look in Republic either but I'm encouraged to nose around a little bit more.


House of Holland Colour Block Dress with Navy Zip-Off Leather Collar, £370, ASOS
Perhaps a little steep, but I can dream can't I? I think I'm too into collars right now, and button dresses don't really work on me, but it's so pretty. The colours match a couple of colours from my latest Models Own order.


Underground Minnie Creepers, £85, Lazy Oaf
By the time I discovered these last time they were available, they had well and truly sold out. I noticed they had cropped up again on the Lazy Oaf website and I'm going to try and keep my finger on the pulse a bit and snap them up. They're so awesome and different from standard creepers, I'm trying to be a bit more classic but I can tell I will probably never tire of these shoes, so...


Pamela Mann Heart Suspender Tights, £9, Motel
Not dead into Motel because it's one of those shops that I always think is for super-skinny people and I am definitely not one of those, but I thought these were cute anyway.


Steve Madden Multi-Colour Peep Toe Boots, £74.99, New Look
I would never wear these, but it really doesn't even matter.


Good Ol' Daisy Dress, $84,99, Modcloth
Another daisy-print thing, lovely, lovely, lovely! Such a pretty design too as well as the fabric, although the colour is quite 'me' too. ♥


Koi To The World Dress, $159.99, Modcloth
Fifties loveliness ♥


Lemon Amour Dress, $419.99, Modcloth
If I had this dress, I wouldn't be able to justify getting any other dress,probably forever, but this is so beautiful and I would wear it all the time. Plus yellow is one of my top five colours. :3


ASOS Pineapple Bag, £30, ASOS


Would love to shoot something like this, it's so laid back and nice.

---

Link Love: ♥

Fat Mum Slim's Photo A Day April — Why not? Perhaps more fun than those silly challenges, and the fact I can compare work is also really motivating. The themes are so broad they can be interpreted any way. I think a lot will be happening to me in April and I'm really looking forward to taking part.

Photography: 10 Things Not to Do — A great list of tips again from Elsie at A Beautiful Mess. One of the things that makes her blog so engaging is the photos but it was great of her to outline the pitfalls. It was pretty encouraging that I found myself agreeing with most of it. Sometimes I find myself being a bit critical of others, but I prefer things to be done properly otherwise what's the point of being able to share so much with so many?

Motels' £25 Dresses — I'm seeing on a lot of blogs that Motel is releasing loads of neat prints right now. It's a little expensive for me plus I'd never be able to squeeze myself into any of their pretty skinny jeans (guaranteed if I did, they'd be too long anyway). These dresses though, could be wearable, and they have quite a purse-friendly price tag too so I don't know, pretty sure bodycon is not my friend though...

Hipster Branding — Amazing typography/graphic Tumblr, because Hipsters love simple fonts and grey.

Goodnight Little Spoon's 100 Ideas - Week Eleven

Customisable Bread Bowl Breakfast — These look incredible and need to get in my tummy.

---

Can't work out if this is shorter or longer than usual, flows a bit better than last week anyway.
Have a happy Tuesday! ♥

Tuesday Tabs #7

Lucky number seven! Blogging from a different place today and without my laptop, but I've tried my best to remember everything. Mainly so once I get home I can tidy up my computer, but also because I enjoy making this visual scrapbooks, even if I'm the only person watching.

I'm currently down in Dorking staying with my Gran as the journey from here is much quicker to Didcot and cheaper, than from New Malden. It's only until tomorrow morning but quite nice because I get tea cooked for me :)

I've not spent that much time at the computer recently, apart from to upload my own images. I don't want to be tempted by too many things online that I can't afford. I've also tried to steer clear for the last few days due to Oscars spoilers, call me a geek if you will, but I kind of love the whole ceremony - the news already informed me about The Artist winning best film and Christopher Plummer winning for best supporting actor, which I'm so happy about as 'Beginners' is probably my favourite film I've seen this year.

Today was the big Alamy interview, and I think it went well. It was super easy to get to, which considering I had to rely on public transport, was a mega plus - not that I plan to commute from New Malden/Dorking for long. The job sounds smashing-great and I'd just really love to be given a break soon. Things do kind of feel like they'll be on the up soon though.

---

Let The Be Flight Hanging Lamp, $97.99, Modcloth
How amazing is his lampshade? I think it would work best on a standing lamp rather than on the ceiling, so you could enjoy the detail. It's so overly whimsical, I love it.


Bear Bottle Opener, $13.99, Modcloth
I'm so into this bear bottle opener, so here's hoping that it will be back in stock soon. Since seeing the Funkytime Ikea Kitchen Cart Makeover, I'm totally inspired to make my own version once I'm moved out. I'm actually not into the cart as such but this would look good anywhere, at the side of a kitchen counter, on a table, watch this space.


No idea how this escaped me previously, I've loved New Girl from the beginning. This is Zooey Deschanel's version of the interactive video on the official New Girl website, but you can make you own here.


Burger & Chips Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, £9, Urban Outfitters


Persian Cat Salt and Pepper Shakers, £9, Urban Outfitters


Tee-shirt Frames, £20, Urban Outfitters
For someone who says they don't really like Urban Outfitters I do seem to be spending an awful lot of time browsing there. I'm totally promising myself that it's just for inspiration rather than intent. I did think that these were a nifty idea anyway. Frames for t-shirts would be great for someone like Moon, who has so many t-shirts with pretty designs that he's either worn out or doesn't get around to wearing. With shops like Boy Parker and sites like Threadless as well as many independent illustrators going for more design-orientated t-shirts, I can totally buy framing a t-shirt as a piece of artwork, but that might be just because I really love frames and framing things...

(via Some Notes on Napkins)

I watched this the other day and I firmly related to it, perhaps wouldn't recommend it to anyone who's feeling super down about finishing Uni but it was pretty funny and had that pretty, hazy indie film feel about it. I already had it to watch but my current read, 'Geek Girls Unite' bumped it to the top of my 'must-watch' list and I'm glad that it didn't disappoint.


Generally I hate this meme, but overall it's kind of true... sadface.

(via HelloYou Creatives)

Link love: ♥

DIY Shadowbox with Modcloth - I must start checking out the Modcloth blog more regularly as on a quick browse, it features so many things that I'm interested in and like to look at.

9-Eyes - I came across this a while ago, but it's such a unique take on Photography's function in the digital age. It showcases the weird and wonderful of Google Street View, some of the images are stunning, others are odd, but it's definitely worth a look.

Ryan Gosling Pancake - So, it was Shrove Tuesday last week, and I thought this was a particularly good pancake, bringing together my love of two particularly attractive things, may give this a go next year.

We All Scream Shaker Set - Too many nice salt and pepper shakers around at the moment, may have to resort to having several sets.

5 Overlooked Muppets - Can't believe it's taken so long for me to find Boyparker's new and improved blog, but it's amazing. This is my favourite so far, in case your Muppets trivia wasn't up to scratch.

Attempted Illustration - The Royal Tenebaums - Take a look at my friend Izzy's Royal Tenenbaum series, it's very good.

Drive Neon Sign

Casey Weldon - A great artist for lovers of pop culture, I particularly enjoy this scary Steve Zissou print.

---

I hope that your week is going well so far, would love hear what you think about these posts. Personally, I know I've said this before but I'm kind of using it as a scrap book, so I can keep track of things rather than clog everthing up. I can tend to change my mind quite quickly so I feel like it's also a good way to help me make choices, I think these kinds of posts are especially going to come in useful as visual reference points when I move out, a likely win for structured fun.