A Blog By Lauren Brumby

Abbey Park

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 10:20:00 +0000

I had my first Saturday off work since February last week so we decided to make the most of it and went for a picnic at Abbey Park followed by a trip to the farm. It was such a beautiful day and we really did have so much fun. Toby even told me it was the best day ever which was so adorably cute but it also did break my heart a little realising how much he must miss having me around properly at weekends.

Here are a few pictures of our wonderful day. I seem to be making a habit of forgetting to take the proper camera out with me so once again, I apologise for the poor camera phone quality and shoddy editing!

Zara Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:50:00 +0000

Zara Website

Zara is most definitely one of my favourite shops. I just love the simple elegance of all their pieces. My current wardrobe is predominantly monochrome and I've been getting a little bored of this. I decided to add a splash of colour and took full advantage of the Zara summer sale! I am so in love with the coat and I really can't wait for autumn so I get to wear it properly, not that I'm wishing the sunshine away just yet though! Pictures don't do the trousers justice either, the print is gorgeous and they're so great for dressing up with a pair of chunky heels or dressing down with a baggy t-shirt to brighten up those lazy days. I also got some adorable bits for Toby too. By far the best boyswear on the high street!

Graduate Fashion Week 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 08:31:00 +0000

all pictures via vogue

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend Graduate Fashion Week in London. My boyfriend Adams collection (pictured above) was selected to show for the De Monfort University catwalk and it was outstanding! The whole show was incredible and I cannot even begin to describe the level of talent. I also cannot even begin to describe how proud I am of him. He really has worked so incredibly hard for this and it really has paid off. His inspiration came from photographs of fishermen and trawlermen from the early twentieth century combined with unstructured tailoring. Key garments of the collection included knotted wool vests inspired by fishing nets and the technique originally used to make them. He also designed and developed his own prints and I definitely think I may have to 'borrow' the long purple shirt! Here are a few of my other favourites. I highly recommend you click here to see the whole show though as it really was amazing!

all pictures via vogue

An Update in Instagram - 100 Happy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 May 2014 09:06:00 +0000

So earlier this year I started the 100 Happy Days challenge on Instagram and yesterday I managed to complete it! I've been feeling a bit down the last few weeks. I got a new job which is fantastic and I really couldn't be happier, but I work the most unsociable hours and once Toby has gone to bed things do get a bit lonely. I know it sounds really silly but it really has just reminded me to be a little bit more positive and that there is always something to smile about. After all, looking back at all the beautiful moments I managed to capture while completing this challenge, I really can't complain at all can I?!

Palazzo Trousers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 21:31:00 +0000

1. White crop top 2. Zara palazzo trousers 3. Zara printed crop top 4. Mango black crop top 5.Mac lipstick 6. H&M silver rings 7. H&M silver earrings 8. ASOS black wedges

After far too long of pretty much living in nothing but leggings I decided to treat myself to this gorgeous pair of palazzo pants. They are ridiculously flattering and I really can't wait to wear them properly. All I need now is the perfect top to wear them with and also somewhere to actually wear them may be helpful...

2014 So Far!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:07:00 +0000

So somehow its February already! I really don't know where the time has gone! Once again it's been a while, I've been finding it quite tricky trying to find a spare moment or two to blog recently and in all honesty I fell a little out of love with the whole idea. I've now found myself at a point where I do actually want to do something with this little blog, I'm just not sure exactly what. I was considering for a while scrapping the whole thing and completely starting afresh with another. I could not bring myself to do it in the end so I think for now I'm just going to have a quick name change (ideas appreciated) and maybe a little move around while I figure out exactly what direction I want to take this place. So watch this space guys!

If there's anything you would like to see me post do let me know as I'm always craving some new ideas!

Until then, enjoy a little update of mine and Toby's year so far!

(Ignore the photo quality and poor phone editing, I'm currently waiting for my camera to be fixed)

1. We visited my Dad in Cheshire at the start of January and Toby was extremely fond of his beautiful dog Andre. 2. Another one from Cheshire, a lovely little dog walk. 3. Toby brought Rusty Bear home from nursery and we got to take him on lots of exciting adventures while filling out his diary. 4. One of our adventures with Rusty. 5. Toby all dressed up for my birthday meal, such a handsome little man! 6. Toby and Matilda, my dear friends Polly and Megan's beautiful niece. 7. I've made a little start on a study corner, so far I've only decorated the wall! 8. My extremely talented boyfriend made me and Toby absolutely adorable matching shirts! 9. A walk in Bradgate park. 10. My boys. 11. Toby having a little rest after our long walk.

Christmas Countdown!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:08:00 +0000

(Toby closes his eyes when he doesn't want a picture taken)

So last night we took Toby to see the Christmas lights being switched on in Leicester. We even met Santa and a snowman and I could have cried watching his little face so full of excitement! It was all so magical for him. I used to be a total Scrooge when it came to Christmas but since having Toby it really has made it so much more special. Everything is so exciting again! We wrote our list last week and every time I asked him what he wanted he just kept saying "I'll be happy what ever Santa gets me" and it was just so adorable! I eventually managed to squeeze some gift ideas out of him though so I can finally start shopping for his big bits! I've already finished everyone elses and got him a few little stocking fillers so I'm rather impressed with how well I'm doing this year. Now I just can't wait to put a mince pie and a carrot out for Santa and Rudolph and wake up ridiculously early to a little four year old jumping up and down on my bed!

Interior Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:33:00 +0000

all pictures via tumblr.

Autumn Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 22:08:00 +0000

Autumn has always been my absolute favourite season. We've been doing lots of painting on rainy days, enjoyed some lovely long walks around Bradgate Park and even did a bit of pumpkin carving on Halloween. It's been a wonderful!

Octobers been a rather busy month. I'm slowly getting back into the flow of studying again and I'm absolutely loving every minute of it. I made the decision shortly after my degree began to change from Design and Innovation to classical History and I have most definitely made the right choice! I really can't remember the last time I genuinely loved what I was doing this much. I've spent far to long trying out different things and I never really thought about sticking to the one thing I've always enjoyed and the one thing I'm genuinely good at. It sounds a bit silly really but I was just so desperate to get back into education after having a year off with Toby so I just jumped at the first opportunity without really considering all the options. I finally know what I want to do with my life as well now so everything seems to be falling into place rather nicely.

Me and Toby have also been enjoying the vast amount of party invitations he's been receiving this month. All of his friends birthdays seem to be this time of year and the boy currently has a better social life than me! Childrens parties really are the cutest though and its been so nice watching him running around having fun with all his friends. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all their mums as well as being a young mother means I don't actually really know anyone else with children!

We've got lots more exciting things planned next month as well so I'll keep you posted!

Your feet look gorgeous

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:21:00 +0000

1. Black Chunky Cut Out Buckle Boots 2. White Chunky Tassel Loafers

So I've been on a little shoe spree recently. I decided to have a little look on New Looks website, I haven't shopped there in ages and I used to always buy my shoes there and its nice to see that once again they haven't let me down! I've been wanting a pair of chunky cut out buckle boots for ages now but didn't want to spendt too much but at £29.99 I couldn't go wrong! I also found the tassel loafers in the sale and simply couldn't resist, they're absolutely adorable! Only £11 as well. Another bargain! The only problem is the loafers are a little tight so they'll need stretching out a bit but that's just giving me another excuse to never take them off.

An update in Instagram pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 19:04:00 +0000

1. New flowers for my new garden 2. Books from The Works 3. Toby playing with his bubbles 4. Toby all ready for his birthday party! 5. My new haircut 6. New globe on my mantel piece 7. Tobys market stall 8. Our new home 9. New bed sheets and bunting 10. Tobys little Hogwarts corner for his magic themed room. 11. Mirror selfie 12. Toby and Adam on our walk 13. Waiting to go to the space centre 14. Found this on tumblr and I love it! 15. Playing in the rain.

I'm rather busy with coursework at the minute, which I'm surprisingly rather enjoying, so here is a little update in Instagram pictures.
Enjoy!

Dream Home Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Since moving in to the new place I've become a little obsessed with looking for new bits for the house. I've taken to buying Ideal Home magazine every month as it just has some of the loveliest ideas and its such a great source for amazing inspiration. I've already got a massive new furniture spree planned for half term!

I think my favourite bit has been planning Tobys new room. I had so many amazing ideas pinned away on my pinterest for a dinosaur theme, something he's wanted for a year now, then he rather awkwardly changed his mind and decided he wants a magic theme instead. Thank god I hadn't started buying bits! It's just encouraged us to be a little more creative though and I cannot wait to see the outcome!

Winter Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:42:00 +0000

I apologise for being a little quiet lately but I have just moved home and have only just got the internet back up and running.

Don't worry I have lots to update you on though so keep an eye out for more posts!

For now though here are a few bits from my winter wish list.

Enjoy!

by lrnbrumby

1. New Look Boyfriend Coat 2. Topshop T-Bar Shoes 3. Mango Bowling Bag 4. Nasty Gal Stacking Rings 5. Topshop Pork Pie Hat 6. Monki Scarf 7. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

Laura Whitmore at London Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 10:43:00 +0000

stockholmstreetstyle

That green coat and those nude wedges. So effortlessly stunning and sophisticated.

I think I'm in love!

If you're ever struggling for outfit ideas I seriously suggest you check out this blog. So much inspiration and so many amazing looks!

New Jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 20:32:00 +0000

1. Silver earrings H&M 2. Gold necklace eBay 3. Silver stacking rings H&M 4. Gold earrings H&M

I hate wearing the same things twice but when you're on a rather tight budget buying a new outfit for every event and occasion isn't always possible or affordable! I've been trying to brighten up the outfits I'm now bored of with different pieces of jewellery, its a lot cheaper and its amazing how different you can make an outfit look just with different accessories!
Here are a few of my favourite new pieces of jewellery. I'm dying to wear those silver earring so someone invite me somewhere nice so I can please!

eBay bargains!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 07:28:00 +0000

1. Necklace 2. Shorts 3. Dress 4. Earrings 5. Shoes

I pretty much depend on eBay when it comes to funding and feeding my clothing habit. I sell my old pieces off once I'm bored of them and search eBay rigorously trying to find the latest bargains. These are a couple of my current favourite bits and pieces in my watch list.

I am so so in love with those shoes! Better get searching for something to sell so I can buy them!

An update in Instagram pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 11:13:00 +0000

1. Market Bosworth 2. What photos now look like from my cracked front screen camera 3. A sand painting in town, the man wrote Tobys name next to it 4. Here lies Dobby, a free elf 5. My bits and pieces from the Harry Potter studio tour 6. An unimpressed Toby in his Potter glasses 7. A very proud Toby with his sticker after a successful trip to the dentist 8. My flowers from Toby 9. A little cafe break with Adam and our fake names 10. An elephant in London 11. Toby making a crown 12. Toby in his crown with Adam.

So I've been rather quiet on this blog all through the second half of August but I have been extremely busy indeed! Lots of exciting new things are starting in September which I've been preparing for, but you'll hear more about that later. I also have my trip to London to blog about soon but me and Toby are currently getting ready for his friends party so for now I'll have to leave it at this.
Anybody else been up to anything exciting recently?

New Shoes.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:28:00 +0000

1. Primark 2. H&M 3. Primark

So recently I've been on a little bit of a shoe binge but considering they were all such bargains who can blame me really?!

I've been looking for a cheap pair of stiletto sandals for a while now as I originally fell in love with a pair I saw in Zara. I didn't have the money at the time so unfortunately missed out but I've been keeping an eye out ever since. I never usually go into Primark as I'm not a fan of busy shops and I tend to just stick to online shopping but I'm so happy I did as I found these two gorgeous pairs for only £12 each! The middle pair of flatforms were also a bargain at £7 in store from H&M. I also happened to stumble across these by accident as well while looking for a cheap pair of shoes to wear to dinner with my girls. The sandals I had been wearing at the time were well and truly ruined with two great big holes in the bottom as I had pretty much lived in them all summer so really did need a replacement!

I have a few lovely nights planned out soon so hopefully they'll all get a good wear!

Seaside

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 19:37:00 +0000

I apologise for the amount of photos but I simply couldn't choose between them all!

Yesterday me, my Mother, Toby, Adam and Willow the dog took a lovely little trip to to the seaside. We'd had it planned for quite a while and Toby was ever so excited bless him. We have taken him to the beach before but I think this is the first time he has really appreciated it. He'd been counting down the days and it was so lovely seeing his excited little face as he ran along the sand. He did insist on carrying a rather large rock with him every time we got too near to the sea just in case a whale came. I asked him why and he replied "but Mummy if a whale comes and eats me I'll never get to see you again." So adorable he made me well up a little bit!

We decided to stop off at Heacham beach for a quieter, more relaxed morning and lunchtime then headed on to Hunstanton for the afternoon. Its always so much busier at Hunstanton but theres also a lot more to do as its one of those traditional British seaside towns that I absolutely adore. There was also lots of little kiddie rides Toby insisted on dragging me on and he also had his first ever pony ride as pictured above! We finished with traditional fish and chips along the beach then headed home after a beautiful but also rather exhausting day.

Hopefully next year we'll get to make a little weekend of it!

Autumn/Winter Preparation!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:10:00 +0000

by lrnbrumby

1. Zara Coat 2. Monki Sweat T-shirt 3. Topshop Jeans 4. Nike Roshe Runs 5. H&M Bag 6. Revlon 'Really Red' Lipstick 7. Nasty Gal ID Necklace 8. H&M Rings

Its still the middle of Summer but the beautiful weather seems to have disappeared and been replaced with clouds and rain. As much as I'm missing the warmer weather its making me rather excited to get started on my Autumn/Winter wardrobe! Despite Summer being my favorite season weather wise, Winter is definitely my favorite when it comes to clothing. I just absolutely adore wrapping up and layering and there's just such a wider selection. So here is a few pieces take from my Winter wishlist!

Anyone else getting excited to wrap up warm?

Double Merrick Screenprints

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 17:48:00 +0000

Double Merrick

So I have some exciting news! At the end of September I shall be moving again. I know I've pretty much only just moved into this little house, but the new one is just so much more practical. Its right next to the playing fields and the park which will be great for Toby. The gardens much bigger, the layouts better and its currently going through a renovation. Plus its going to be cheaper for us which is always a plus! I've been looking for some new bits and pieces for the house and I stumbled across these screenprints which I absolutely adore! They're just so simple yet so stunning. They would look wonderful in thick black frames all lined along the wall in a row and I am seriously considering making the purchase. I also have a bit of a thing about things being in threes and they'd look like such a perfect little set!

Check out Double Merricks website, they really are such beautiful prints!

Also keep an eye out for some future posts as I'm hoping to make lots of little bits for the new place as well, perhaps with a few tutorials!
I shall keep you updated.

Twinlakes.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:56:00 +0000

Since the weather has been so beautiful the last few weeks or so I've been trying to make sure me and Toby make the most of it and try and do something different every single day. Of course its not always possible to be too exciting! Some days we'll just have a little camp out in Nannies garden, other days we'll just go on a little walk and take a picnic but its just nice to get out and do something. On Friday we went to the little family theme park Twinlakes and oh my did we have fun! It was a beautiful day so we really got a chance to make the most of it, even if Toby was scared of most the rides, but there was plenty more to do. We had a lovely little boat ride and walked round to see all of the animals. There is also a water park which we managed to enjoy for a good ten minutes until a giant bucket of water tipped right over our heads and Toby wasn't all too keen after that. I really do love our little days out like this and the adorable way Toby loves to tell everyone about them after. The way he describes things and puts sentences together is just the absolute cutest and I really could just listen to him for hours! We haven't been able to afford a little holiday this year but we're already saving for next summer, and until then we've got a many more little trips like this planned. I cannot wait!

An Update In Instagram Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:03:00 +0000

1. My new nail varnish 2. A book and a bath 3. My new weight loss motivation 4. Mojitos in the sun 5. Toby and Willow in the paddling pool 6. All ready for Alices birthday 7. New shoes and new bed sheets 8. Charity shop bargains 9. Tobys new trainers 10. A rose in my mothers garden 11. Avocado and green bean salad 12. Toby at the farm

My Polyvore Debut!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 18:52:00 +0000

Untitled #1 by lrnbrumby featuring vintage earrings

Topshop cropped camisole
topshop.com

Zara pants
zara.com

Zara heeles shoes
zara.com

Acne leather purse
openingceremony.us

Susan Caplan Vintage vintage earrings
$755 - coggles.com

Curb chain necklace
baublebop.com

MAC Cosmetics lips makeup
nordstrom.com

Style Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 16:16:00 +0000

source

Dress - Cos

Shoes - eBay

Lipstick - Revlon Pink About It

Recently I've been playing it safe colourwise and have generally just been sticking to monochrome. I've gotten a little bored now and have been wanting to try something a bit different. Usually I'm not particularly a fan of yellow (I don't even think I own a single yellow item!) but I saw this picture of Solange Knowles at the Max Mara launch event and its completely changed my mind and persuaded me to give it a try!

Teamed with these gorgeous shoes I've had my eye on for a while now and my trusty matte pink Revlon lipstick and I think I'm onto a winner!

Perfect for summer evenings as well!