VVNightingale

Cute Japanese dinnerware you'll love

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:43:00 +0000

If you're anything like me you spend a lot of time pining over and searching for the cutest things from Japan. I recently invested in my own authentic Japanese dinnerware set (more on that later) and it's given me so much joy to use it every week. So I thought I'd share some of my favourite Japanese dinnerware with you – just in case you were in need of some kawaii inspiration. Everything more or less is from UK suppliers so you don't need to worry about taxes or hidden shipping costs, too. Brace yourself, things are about to get very cute.

We're starting off strong here with this set of adorable cat dishes. They're actually inspired by a stray cat 'Tanabata' who wondered into a Japanese pottery studio one day. You can buy them individually or as a set.

Mount Fuji bowl: Mio London

These Mt. Fuji bowls are made to be displayed. This supplier also sells matching chopstick rests. Just saying.

Goldfish sauce dish from Mio London

I've been thinking about this goldfish dish for about a month now. It makes the perfect soy sauce dish.

Chopstick rests from Mio London

I could write a whole blog post about chopstick rests – and I probably will one day. But for now I'm scraping the surface with this fun-filled selection. Someone take my debit card away from me...

Sous Chef ramen start kit

I bought this ramen starter kit from Sous Chef for my boyfriend about two years ago and it remains one of my favourite things I've ever bought. You can actually find these sakura (cherry blossom) bowls in quite a few places but if you're looking for a gift then this is a really great choice as it comes with spoons and some recipes to start you off.

Ivory cat Japanese small side plate from Sous Chef

I think this one speaks for itself. TOO cute. This dish comes in a variety of sizes and also comes in black too.

Cat dishes from FromTokyoStore

So now for my own dinnerware set – I actually bought the first pieces from a few stockists in the UK who now sadly don't sell them. But I ended up completing my set by importing some pieces directly from Japan. I've linked their Etsy store as I had a really brilliant experience with them but it's obviously more expensive as this isn't a UK supplier so you have to pay the various taxes!

I hope I've helped your search for cute Japanese tableware. Did anything catch your eye?

Anyway – that's it for now. Till next time.

Love V x

I’ve fallen in love with these Valentine’s Day gifts

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:28:00 +0000

Every now and then I see a product or brand that is so perfect, I want to tell everyone about it. This is definitely one of those times... I mean look at this packaging. These wonderful creations are brought to you by Lauren of The Chocolate Gifting Company, as part of their new Valentine’s Day collection. Swoon.

Know a Wes Anderson fan? This tribute to The Grand Budapest Hotel will be a great present for Galentine’s Day and beyond, trust me.

Something to say “you’re my lobster.”

And the one I personally would love to receive. Hello, jammy dodger chocolate.

Love the look of these? There is even more to discover on their website... Shop the Valentine’s Day collection.

The most festive exhibition in London

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:24:00 +0000

So for a few years now, my absolute highlight of the festive period has been The Museum of Architecture’s The Gingerbread City exhibition. It is what it says on the tin — a whole world of gingerbread constructions brought to you by actual architects. The result? Some of the most impressive and innovative biscuit houses you’ll ever see.

This year’s theme was climate, so the area was broken up into different zones — Polar, Continental, Temperate, Dry and Tropical. And trust me, it made for a really interesting experience as it really pushed them to think about what they could achieve with sugar beyond the usual snowy scenes.

Want to visit? Here's the deets

How to get there

The closest stations are Knightsbridge or Sloane Square. You’ll find it at:

5-6 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, London, SW1X 8JU

Prices

Adult: £15/£16

Under 12: £10/£11

Under 3: free

Concessions available

Booking

Book tickets here

Opening times

Mon-Sat

9.00am—9.00pm

Sun

9am—6pm

Till 2nd January

This exhibition is a sweet-filled dream

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000

When you think of Kew Gardens, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is those beautiful tropical greenhouses. But actually, Kew is home to an amazing contemporary exhibition space called the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.

Till 5th March 2023 it will be home to Pip & Pop's (aka Australian artist Tanya Schultz's) When Flowers Dream exhibition. This joyful space is a feast for the eyes – with sweets turned into an absolutely dreamy landscape. Wouldn't it be the perfect setting for a kids show? It definitely reminded me of some of the ones I watched growing up!

While this landscape is undoubtedly the star of the show, everything else is marvellous, too. I particularly loved the candy mobiles you see on entry that sparkle in the light. There's also a gorgeous wallpaper I'd like to steal for my place.

I'm not usually a fan of video art, but I loved the installation there. It reminded me a lot of the amazing prints in Alexander McQueen's final Atlantis collection so I wouldn't be surprised if that was an inspiration.

While you're there, make sure you pop over to the Marianne North gallery that's literally just next door. There you'll find a collection of stunning botanical illustrations by the famous Victorian biologist that are a real feast for the eyes. You'll also find yourself near one of my favourite spots, The Japanese Garden which is always worth a visit but especially so in Autumn.

Want to visit? Here's the deets

How to get there

The closest station is Kew Gardens which is only about five minutes away from Victoria Gate (the main entrance). But you can also go to Kew Bridge station and enter via the Elizabeth Gate.

Parking is available – see their website for more info.

You can also cycle but bicycles aren't permitted in the garden but you'll find racks by each of the four main gates to stow it away safely.

Prices

Note: to get the best price book 48 hours before you go. I've shown this price first. Blue light card holders go free and they are now classifying a young person as 16-29.

Adult: £16.50/£21.45

Young person (16-29) or student: £9.35/£9.90

Child (4-15): £5.50

Blue light card: Free, use a discount code found on the app

These are just some of the prices listed on their website, please click here to see a full list and all concessions.

Booking

Book tickets here

Opening times

Last entry to the gallery is at 5pm with a 12pm opening on the first Monday of every month.

Kew Gardens opening times*:

Weekdays: 10am - 7pm (last entry 6pm)

Weekends: 10am - 8pm (last entry 7pm)

*Please make sure you check their site as these will vary depending on time of year.

Accessibility

Both galleries mentioned in this post have wheelchair access.

Mobility scooters are available but must be booked in advance by calling their visitor information office: 0208 332 5655. You can also bring your own if it's a pavement-use mobility scooter limited to 4mph. Wheelchairs are available with no booking needed.

There are accessible toilets around all of the main attractions at Kew.

Do check their website for their full accessibility guide

Looking for more things to do in London? Try these:

Discover mind-boggling miniature art at the small is beautiful exhibition in Chelsea. Now extended till September.
Meet the cutest otters at The London Wetland Centre in Barnes.

You won't want to miss this miniature exhibition in London

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 21:35:00 +0000

When I first heard about the Small is Beautiful exhibition in London, I was actually super skeptical. This was because I seemed to be getting about a million different ads targeting me about it. Funnily enough I literally just saw a post about it now on Facebook – so they must have a pretty meaty marketing campaign... After reading some reviews, I finally decided to bite the bullet and go. And you know what? I loveeeed it.

Located literally a stone's throw away from South Ken, you'll find the Small is Beautiful exhibition on Old Brompton road. It's a pretty pricey place at £18 a ticket for adults (13+) and £13.50 for kids but it definitely delivers on size (ironically). It's a lot bigger than it looks – hosting 143 miniature artworks and 80 artworks brought to you by 33 artists. And that's what I really enjoyed – there's so much variation. For some of the artists, miniature means tiny robots and for another artist, tiny models that fit into the eye of a needle. Yes, really – the eye of a needle. When you get to that part you'll be looking through a magnifying glass to see it. It's actually mind boggling.

There were so many great artists there but the one I wanted to call out was – NV Illustration. Indian-based artists Nayan and Vaishali create paper cuts and are famous for their 1000 days of miniature art series. This lovely little red panda is one of the pieces on show among several beautiful animal paintings. Honestly, I'd recommend visiting their site as their stuff is inspiring. I'd love to own one of these, it would be the dream.

When I say there's something for everyone there – I really mean it. There's things kids will love – I meaaan just look at the sweet village below. Literally a child's dream (and mine, too). I also love the pieces scattered around that are easy to miss, like this fire alarm button with a comical twist. Genius.

To be honest, this has been one of my favourite exhibitions in a while. Who knew the world of miniatures could be so exciting? Luckily it seems like they'll be touring around different parts of Europe, so if you miss it this time, maybe you'll still get to see it in the future.

Want to visit? Here's the deets

How to get there

It's about a five minute walk from South Kensington station, located at 81 Old Brompton Road.

Prices

Adult (13+): £18

Child (6-12): £13.50

Senior (65+), Student or NHS: £15

Booking

You don't have much time to book as this exhibition ends in July. But I've checked the website and they still have some slots! Book tickets here.

Opening times

Monday: closed

Tuesday to Thursday: 10am-7pm

Friday to Sunday: 10am-6pm

Accessibility

This venue is wheelchair accessible with nearby parking available.

The Netflix Persuasion trailer just dropped. Here are my thoughts...

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:17:00 +0000

The long-awaited Persuasion trailer has dropped and as an Austen fan I had to give you my thoughts... And, yep I have a lotttt of thoughts. But before we get on to the review, let's talk a little about Persuasion a.k.a one of the greatest romances all time.

They say it's the book that you appreciate the most as you get older and it's just so true. P&P and Emma are the ones that usually pull you in at a young age (I mean hello Mr Darcy) but the story of Anne Elliot is a much more wistful tale of longing and regret.

Now, if you've never read the book here's the TL;DR version of the plot.

It follows Anne Elliot who as a young woman gets happily engaged to Frederick Wentworth but is persuaded by friends and family to break it off in favour of a greater match. Fast forward seven years and she's 27, unmarried and lost all hope of being happy with someone again. Enter Captain Wentworth, now rich and wealthy from the war (an ideal suitor) and still single. However after Anne's rejection, neither of them know how to say that they still love each other. You can guess how this one might turn out...

The biggest sin

The worst part of the trailer? The "Now, we're worse than exes. We're friends" line. WHY? As you can see from the below, the original writing is so poignant and beautiful. Sure write a new line but why completely change the meaning? The whole point is that they're not friends. Their relationship exists in a kind of no man's land where they feel like they never can be. Part of me thinks they put that in the trailer for all the controversy because honestly... how can you do that?

"There could have never been two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement."

Fleabagification

Lots of people have also been talking about the 'Fleabagification' of the film with Dakota (as Anne Elliot) monologuing directly to the viewer. This is actually something I don't mind too much as I think it suits the story quite well as there's so much internal longing going on underneath the surface. After all, when it comes to Austen adaptations, there's definitely wiggle room to switch things up a bit. I mean just look at Clueless and how iconic that Emma adaptation was. That said, they've definitely shaken too much up so I can see why this has also annoyed people.

Anne Elliot (or should we say Elizabeth Bennet/Emma?!)

Now the thing that worries me the most about the film is that it feels like they've completely erased Anne Elliot as a character. Judging by the trailer they've made her into some kind of Lizzie/Emma hybrid. But the thing is she's not at all like either of those characters. For one thing she's 27 which isn't old obviously, *cries in 26 years old* but she's much older than them. She's a woman that's given up on her own wants, feels angry at the decisions she's had to make and is much more of a wallflower – not the flirty woman we've seen in the trailer. I wish they'd appreciated her character more but I guess we'll have to wait and see if there's more seriousness in the film than the comic trailer suggests.

The story behind Persuasion

I read a really poignant thread on the back story of Jane Austen writing Persuasion so wanted to share it here. It also gives some insight into the mood of the book.

@RomancingNope writes:

Jane Austen wrote Persuasion at the end of her life, when she was ailing and living in poverty, with the type of life she had not expected or planned.

She, her mother, and sister lost everything when Jane's father died.

"They were left penniless, the girls with no dowries to secure the marriages they had counted on. For several years they were functionally homeless, couch surfing with friends and relatives for a few months at a time, ultimately dependent on Jane's brothers' largesse.

....

Knowing all this, consider what Austen's feelings must have been as she wrote Persuasion, in her 40s, ailing, living with a brother and reliant on her brothers to ensure she was able to bring in a meagre income through publishing.

Anne Elliot is a character full of regrets, grief, and self-reproach. She is angry with her family, her few friends, and above all herself, mostly because she has ended up in a life of dependent spinsterhood where her only role is taking care of others who don't value her."

Read the full thread here. Trust me it's worth it.

What I liked (a very short list tbh)

- Richard E. Grant. Always happy to see him in anything and I think this is a great cast choice as Anne's father.

- I'm really happy to see Henry Golding in this as he suits period dramas so well. BUT I wish he played Captain Wentworth and not Mr. Elliot. But hey I guess you can't have everything.

Ok we've reached the end – *deep breathes in Austen fangirl*. The film drops on July 15th but till then I might have to read Persuasion all over again. See you when it drops, V x

These Jellycat plushies will steal your heart

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:45:00 +0000

Much like the obsession with Djunkelskog (the large brown bear from Ikea that became an internet sensation), Jellycat plushies are really having their moment. I mean, hey, it's not surprising – who wouldn't want to have a plushie croissant?

I actually grew up with Jellycat toys, so they will always have a special place in my heart. The brand has been around since 1999 and they started with the aim of creating soft animals with a difference and I think we can all agree they've definitely achieved that.

Ok enough of the talking, time to finally meet these adorable characters...

Cozy Crew Lobster

Who knew lobsters could be so fashionable? I would like to steal that turtleneck, please.

Ricky Rain Frog

He may be grumpy, but this chap is also utterly loveable, too.

Toothy Rat

This guy definitely has a smile that's set to impress and it wouldn't surprise me if he does mouthwash adverts in his spare time.

Fluffy Starfish

So fluffy. So cute. I would like ten (million) please.

Vivacious Vegetable Pumpkin

This pumpkin has me dreaming about autumn already. I can't wait.

Amuseable Croissant

My favourite breakfast... Though now this is making me feel a bit guilty.

Bailey Sloth

Bailey has big best friend energy and that's the only way I can explain it.

Bo Bigfoot

Believe the myths. Bigfoot is real and Bo is here to prove it.

Fleury Daisy

Daisies are my favourite flower because they are so cheerful – just like this beauty.

To be honest I could have easily included another ten in this post as they have heaps of great designs. Do you have a favourite Jellycat plushie? I'm not sure I can choose...

Till next time, V x

My top nine unusual and quirky wallpaper designs

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 22:48:00 +0000

I may not have anywhere to hang it (or my own place for that matter) but that’s never got in the way of my wallpaper obsession. So I thought I’d share some of my favourites that are particularly unique or unusual — in other words you won’t see any William Morris here. Roll on my top ten...

1. Cosmos by House of Hackney

I could write a whole post about House of Hackney and their iconic designs but if I had to pick a favourite, this Cosmos wallpaper would be right up there. It’s just wonderful.

2. Miami Shells by Eleanor Bowmer

If you don’t follow her on social media already — do it now. Manchester-based designer Eleanor is not only ridiculously funny but creates the most wonderful patterns, too. This shell print is a personal favourite and I’m sure you can see why.

3. Labyrinth with squirrels by Josephine Munsey

Inspired by Escher, this labyrinth design comes in several variations. You can keep it classic or pick a version with some hidden animals. Who doesn’t love a maze?

4. Burges snail by Little Greene

The world is divided into two types of people — those who love snails and those who do not. Personally I think they’re adorable but I know not everyone loves these garden-munching creatures. Either way, I think you’ll agree this paper’s pretty charming.

5. Picture gallery by Sanderson

I once worked in an office in the heart of Soho where they decided to create a big gallery wall. They proudly stuck everything up with tape till one day we were working and... BAM, each fell down one by one. I’m not saying you shouldn’t create your own, but if you’re cautious of a similar disaster, this beautiful paper will be a much safer option.

6. Juicy beetle by Amy Hastings

If you’re looking to make a bold statement, let me introduce you to this beauty. York-based Amy Hastings is known for her bold neon colours and amazing makeovers of ceramic Staffordshire dogs. I love her work because it always packs a punch whether it’s a vinyl sticker or a pair of socks.

7. Foxglove grande by Lucy Tiffney

You might have seen Lucy on the tv a few years ago as appearing on The Great Interior Design Challenge but now she’s known for magnificent murals. A floral wallpaper isn’t exactly the most groundbreaking thing in the world but the scale of this paper makes it truly magical.

8. Doxie day afternoon by Catherine Rowe Design

I looked at literally thousands of wallpaper designs when I was putting this post together and this was probably the one that stuck out the most. So if you happened to be looking for a whimsical, floral, dachshund print — you’re welcome.

9. Garden of Eden by Scion Living

On the surface this seems like your typical floral but look closer and you’ll see Adam and Eve in all their glory. Now that’s a surprise.

So what do you think? Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments...

Til next time, V x

Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sat, 28 May 2022 19:16:00 +0000

Location: 60, Oliva Von Halle, CIB

Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom is a bit of a yearly highlight for me for two reasons – it gets you into the spirit of the RHS flower show and it's completely free. And you don't have to book anything either as the displays are out in public with most being outside stores or cafes. The two events are actually run by different people with Chelsea and Bloom ending today (28th May) and Belgravia in Bloom ending tomorrow (29th) – but I'll leave notes on each picture letting you know their details if you do want to catch some from the latter on Sunday.

Location: 85, Jo Malone London, CIB

Location: 91, Rag & Bone, CIB

Location: 5, Jubilee Street Party Main Display, CIB

Location: Bonadea, BIB

Location: The Ivy Chelsea

Location: 70, Beaverbrook Townhouse, CIB

Location: Papoueli, BIB

Location: Floral Mini main display, 04, CIB

Location: 02, Down the rabbit hole main display, CIB

This post is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the displays. I didn't even see them all as there are sooooo many scattered across the place. That said, do you have a favourite from this year? If you can choose, that is. Mine's a throw up between the corgis at Bonadea, picnic display at Olivia von Halle and the animal party at Ivy (which isn't even an official one!).

If you're looking to visit next year it'll be running at the same time as the Royal Chelsea Flower Show which is always in May – with the exception of last year's Autumn show! My best advice is to take a look at the maps online in advance to get a taster of the displays and be warned it does get busy (but it's totally worth it). See you next year...

Hello Kitty and Friends Artbox Cafe, Brighton

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sun, 22 May 2022 21:37:00 +0000

It's no secret I'm a big Hello Kitty fan, so when I heard that the Artbox Cafe in Brighton was changing its theme, I was there at the drop of the hat. And by the drop of a hat, I mean I was there on the first Saturday it was open...

This wasn't actually my first visit to this lovely place. I've been to the cafe before in 2019 when they were celebrating another cat* – Pusheen. Since my visit this character cafe has also celebrated Gudetama and BT21. This theme will carry on until 2023 though, so looks like there's plenty of time to visit.

*Let's not get into the whole Hello Kitty isn't actually a cat argument. Whew.

The decor as you can see is really fun and cute. There's so much attention to detail – like the decals in the bathroom and the Hello Kitty and Friends cartoons that play along in the background. There's also a lovely gift shop downstairs where you can get ice cream and drinks to takeaway if you don't fancy booking a sit down meal.

From mocktails to sundaes, to chai lattes and veggie burgers, there's a lot of great options to choose from all with fun character details. We went for lattes and I got the Hello Kitty chocolate waffles (which was super sweet) and my boyfriend got Pompurin veggie burger which is adorable. You also get a free coaster with every drink you order which is a lovely touch.

If you want to take a look at other options they have, I'd recommend checking their instagram to see some of the other lovely dishes on offer. I'm sure you'll be doing this if you have a favourite character like I do.

All in all, I loved my visit to this place and want to say a thank you for the staff being so lovely. They really make every bit of the experience feel super special for kids (or adults) who were super hyped to be there.

Want to visit? Here's the deets

How to get there

The cafe is a 15 minute walk from Brighton station, and is situated literally seconds away from the beach.

5-6 East St, Brighton BN1 1HP

Prices

They actually have a really clear price guide on their website if you're planning ahead which you can see here but the main food dishes range from £7.00 to £12.00.

Booking

I would really recommend booking ahead as this place gets super busssy so I wouldn't rely on being able to walk in. To book you have to pay a £10 deposit fee that will then be put towards your meal. You can book here.

Opening times

Sunday to Friday: 11am-6pm

Saturday: 11am-7pm

Dietary requirements (Vegan/Gluten free)

According to their website they have lots of vegan and gluten-free options. But if you have an allergy they advise letting them know so they can be extra careful.

Dog friendly?

The cafe is dog-friendly but they only allow small dogs (unless of course it's an assistance dog). There was actually a very lovely pup there on my visit!

Accessibility

Unfortunately the upstairs cafe is only accessible via stairs. However they are able to set up a table downstairs if you select 'Step free accessible table required' when making your booking. Find out more on their FAQ page.

Things to do in London: WWT Wetland Centre, Barnes

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Tue, 17 May 2022 19:09:00 +0000

If I was to sell the London Wetland Centre to you in one word it would be – otters. But hey we'll get to that verrry exciting bit later. First let's start with the need-to-knows. Located in Barnes, the land was once four disused Victorian reservoirs before being turned into a nature reserve. Spanning more than 100 acres, it boasts plenty of attractions including several hides and a whole host of brilliant birdlife, including some rarer American species such as the noisy white-faced whistling ducks.

When you arrive you'll be greeted by this lovely bronze statue of Sir Peter Scott and two swans. He was a conservationist and painter who created the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and even designed their swan logo, too. Though the work he's more famous for is the WWF panda logo which is arguably one of the most recognisable designs across the globe.

My favourite reason to visit will be no surprise to anyone. It's the two Asian small-clawed otters – Tod and Honey. You can see them in action during the feedings (when I visited it was 11am and 1pm) and also hear some interesting facts about them, too. Like how surprisingly these are actually the smallest breed of otters – other types can be as big as 6 foot. Yes, 6 feet of adorableness. You'll also meet a heron who loves to keep an eye out for their lunch and who has become a permanent (albeit unwanted) resident. If you don't catch them outside, they'll probably be chilling in their holt but I've managed to catch them every time I've visited. So you can always pop back later on in the day if you don't catch them the first time.

If you've got little ones, there's plenty of activities to do along the way. One of which is a wobbly bridge that hangs just above the water which kids love to jump up and down on – hours of fun (apparently). There's also an outdoor adventure playground, too. So plenty of things for them to get on with.

One of my personal highlights and my favourites of the hides is The Observatory (pictured above) located at the beginning of the centre. It just has the most amazing panoramic view and is definitely one you won't want to miss. On my last visit there was actually a wedding on, so kudos to that couple for choosing such a unique location.

I hope this review's been helpful and honestly there's no time like the present to visit – it's so beautiful this time of year and there may even be some ducklings pottering about.

Want to visit? Here's the deets

How to get there

If you're driving, there's a large car park with free parking available when you register at the front desk.

The closet station is Barnes. The Wetland centre's about a 15 minute walk away from it.

Queen Elizabeth Walk, London SW13 9WT

Ticket prices

Currently an adult ticket will set you back £14.09 or £15.50 with a donation, while a child's ticket (4-16) costs £8.63/£9.50. There's also some concessions available as well as family group options. Sound like your thing? Book tickets to visit here.

Opening times

9.30am - 5.30am everyday.

Food and drink

They have two cafes on site and plenty of seating all around the place for picnics.

Accessibility

WWT prides itself on being accessible so that everyone can enjoy nature. They have level access around the site, accessible toilets and even provide services like enlarged maps if you ask ahead. Check out their accessibility guide for more info and details on how to contact them if you have any questions.

VV Loves: Narvi Concrete Design

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 15:55:00 +0000

Image credit: Narvi Concrete Design

If you need a serotonin boost, say hello to these lovelies. They’re candle holders from Yorkshire-based Narvi’s new spring collection. When I imagine concrete, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is that very rainy day grey, so I love this trend of injecting it with colours. And pastels? That’s won me over, too.

Image credit: Narvi Concrete Design

It’s not just candle holders in the collection either, there’s some other lovely pieces like this wave mirror with a very jolly squiggly design. And they’ve even got a brilliant collection in aid of Ukraine too which you can discover here. Who knew concrete could be so joyful?

If you want to see a bit more of the behind the scenes of their lovely business, give them a follow on social at @narvidesign to see some videos of these wonderful designs being made.

This post has been short and sweet but hey you can blame the bank holiday for that. If you want me, I’ll be soaking up the sun and eating my weight in mini eggs.

The Book That I Can't Put Down - The Appeal by Janice Hallet

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:30:00 +0000

One murder. Fifteen suspects. Can you uncover the truth?

I don't know about you, but I love books. HOWEVER, the older I get (and the more busy) the harder it is to find books that really grip me. This is especially true when it comes to my favourite genre crime/thriller where it often feels like plot lines are reused, or authors try a little too hard to get that shock factor with a twist ending. But when I stumbled upon The Appeal in the book aisle at Sainsburys I was immediately intrigued. The reader the detective? Sign me up.

Now the way this book is presented is a format I've never actually seen before. Essentially you are given a chain of emails and various other media that is addressed to two legal assistants Olufemi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd with the premise that a fresh pair of eyes is needed on a case that's already had a conviction. The sender believes there's been a miscarriage of justice and they need you to help them reveal the truth.

There are also other things going on between the lines in the small town of Lockwood, which means the plot doesn't totally rely on its whodunnit credentials. There's a fundraiser for the sick girl Poppy that never seems to reach its target no matter how much money comes in. And there are mysterious newcomers in town with a suspicious past.

Whilst there are a lot of characters you need to quickly clue up on, there's something incredibly addictive about playing detective and having to read between the lines. You start to realise that even some of the most banal details could turn out to be significant and that's what made this book for me such a satisfying read.

Really it's hard to believe this is a debut, because it is just that good. I can't wait for her next book in 2022.

Why you shouldn't fear failure (and actually embrace it!)

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 19:19:00 +0000

Failure, the big ugly 'F' word...

The funny thing about failure is that when it happens to you it somehow feels like you are the only ever person in this whole world, if not universe, who has ever failed at anything. Though of course, really when you think about it that's just your brain putting a big old spotlight on you and is not in any way reality.

The thing is as a society we don't really talk about when we fail, or at least we certainly don't go shouting about it on social media (unless it's one of those linkedin posts that's trying to make a point). Usually all we see are those big wins and amazing results.

But the thing is every success is born out of several failures. You don't learn how to walk without stumbling a lot of times, and you certainly can't be good at anything without being bad at it first. So why are we so scared of failure? Why does it make us want to crawl under a rock and never come out? And why does it keep us up all night as we hang on to memories of when things went wrong?

For me it's a fear of being found out. Yes, it's that good old friend of mine, imposter syndrome. When I do something wrong I feel like it's exposing me as I really am, that somehow it's a little chink in my armour for all to see. That's the thing that makes us want to hide our failures, so that people don't call us out but that fear is the same thing that holds us back.

So my resolution, which I will endeavour to stick to is to embrace my failure. I'll try to see it as the steps towards my goals and what I want to achieve. And most importantly there is a lot to be said for not being perfect at everything. I may not be the best at drawing for example, but how sad would it be to let that stop me picking up a pencil.

Elizabeth's podcast How To Fail is great by the way (and the book of the same name). And now her newest book Failosophy will live around my house, close to hand for the next time I'm feeling doubtful. Because after all, we all sometimes need someone to tell us they've been there and it will all be ok.

VV Loves: Paloma Faith's Opulent Home Collection

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 23:21:00 +0000

Pictures: Paloma Home

When you think of opulent maximalist design, a hefty price point is usually synonymous. But with Paloma Faith's new home collection, she's challenging this perception and bringing a surprisingly affordable price range. Think House of Hackney, with a good helping of animal print thrown in (which is something I will never complain about...).

A real favourite of the collection is this elegantly on trend crane design which comes pretty in pink or in luxe navy. Both are available as cushions (£30 or £5 more for feather pad) and bedding (starting at £85). In general though the bedding range is a dream if you aren't afraid of something a bit more on the bold side.

What really attracted me to this collection is how it feels contemporary but also rooted in classic design. I love this Tibetan Tiger cushion and it really looks beyond its £43.00 price tag. Even better there is a delightful range of ruffle cushions in red, emerald and blossom which at £21.00 can really help add a bit of luxury if you want a break from pattern overload.

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a homeware collection but it's easy to get lost in the beautiful bedding, cushions and even fabrics and wallpaper! Paloma has brought bags of personality to her home brand, and I love her for it.

Why you should go see this year's Tate Britain Winter Commission, Remembering A Brave New World

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 21:18:00 +0000

Hey lovelies!

There aren't many things that compel me to write a blog post these days - evidently as it's been a while! But seeing this year's Tate Britain Winter commission Remembering A Brave New World by Chila Kumari Singh Burman, inspired me to put pen to paper, or rather fingers to a keyboard.

Art galleries are closed at the moment here in England, meaning there aren't too many opportunities to get your well-needed art fix. So you can see how I ended up walking for an hour and twenty minutes, past major roads and over the Thames, just to get a glimpse at this eye-catching piece.

The first thing that catches your eye are the bold neon lights - my immediate favourites being the tiger and ice cream truck, the latter a real favourite with little kids getting their photo taken. But as you look closer you start to notice more and more details such as the Bollywood stars adorning Tate Britain's doors.

Indeed this piece is a bit of a cultural collage combining Hindu mythology, Bollywood, colonial history and her own personal memories of Blackpool lights and her father's ice cream truck. The installation was launched to coincide with Diwali, the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and new beginnings which seems very fitting as a message for this year where we've all been searching for the positives.

There is so much to pick out from in this piece, including the words 'I'm a mess!' adorned on the top of the building which sums up a real sentiment of this year, and Britain. The statue of Britannia that sits at the top of the building is replaced by Kali the goddess of creation and destruction. Burman's aim was to takeover the space of Tate Britain, to shake things up and challenge the Neo-classical facade steeped in Britain's colonial past.

Hope can be found in in the neon lights and vinyl, and a welcome escape from reality. Remembering A Brave New World will be around until 31st January, and I encourage you to take a look if you get the chance.

On the pressure to be it all

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:31:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

I have a friend who is one of the most beautiful people I have ever meet, on the outside and in, and to top it all off is very intelligent too. She's the sort of person you would meet and think that she has it all. But she's also the friend I have that seeks to improve herself the most.

She's always talking to me about her goals, and how she wants to be 'x' by a certain time so doesn't really have time to socialise or procrastinate. But I don't think she takes enough time to realise she's already enough as she is.

I can relate to that feeling. I always want to be more. I'm always thinking about what I should create or achieve next. So after turning 23 on Thursday, I wanted to write a post that is very much about being an adult and the pressure that comes with that. And I'm hoping that someone reads it and thinks *phew* at least I'm not the only one, because honestly the pressure we put on ourselves can be ridiculous, and we all owe it to ourselves to have a break from that.

And maybe this post will make you feel better about it all, which is really my aim.

'There's never enough time'

If there's one thing that's true about me, it's that I live my life as if there's a ticking clock constantly telling me I'm running out of time. I'm obsessed with counting hours, minutes and sometimes even seconds and translating that into goals and tasks that should be completed in that time. Recently I realised that if I wrote 1,000 words a day, I could write a 365,000 word book and realising that fact really made me feel like I was using my time ineffectively.

Adding to that I live with a very unrealistic idea of where I should be by a certain time. Kind of like when you're 10 and you think by the age of 20 you'll be married, have your own home and be living the dream. Life always has other plans...

I often get frustrated that I haven't done something by a certain point in my life, and that's probably due to not setting realistic goals.

Really the key is discovering the thing that matters to you the most, and focusing on that as your main goal. Because if you spend all your time trying to do everything, there will never be enough time.

Someone remind me about the point above in the future, because I should really take my own advice.

'Burnout'

There's a saying that I heard from Sara Tasker @meandorla that productivity is really a case of 'ebb and flow.' If you're constantly going at 100, then you're eventually going to end up burning out. Basically you shouldn't beat yourself up about not always being productive, or having a bad day because guess what that is really damn human. And actually it's a big part of being productive.

Isn't it true that often the best ideas come often when you least expect such as when you're in the shower or about to sleep? Taking a break does us all good, and can sometimes be the best trigger for creativity.

Burnout on the other hand always makes me think of that extreme campaign by Fiverr with the quote:

"You eat a coffee for lunch. You follow through on your follow through. Sleep deprivation is your drug of choice. You might be a doer."

Spoiler: That isn't a healthy lifestyle*.

*Can we stop glamourising it?

'What do I have to show?'

I went to an exhibition recently at the Tate Modern of Dorothea Tanning's work. She's basically this surrealist artist, who in her 70 year career created an amazing body of art. She literally was doing it all - from sculpture, to grand canvas. I had never seen a single piece of her work before going to that exhibition, so to see someone so brilliantly accomplished really took me off guard. This lady, really was amazing.

Seeing an exhibition of an artist's work, as a reflection of their life is an interesting experience. You are very much seeing their destination, and not so much their journey.

We don't see the steps of how they get there, but rather like Instagram, the highlights. Social media is always making us feel like we have to show something, whether that's our lives going well or our latest success.

My point is that we can't all expect to paint like a genius, without creating a few awful drawings. You wouldn't tell a toddler that his crayon drawings meant they could never be a great artist.

Within us all is a kid who had dreams. So be kinder to yourself. You owe your kid self that.

'Maybe they're not all that'

'Comparison is the thief of joy.' To be honest I have heard that quote so many times in the blogging and creative world that it's become a cliche. But that doesn't make it any less true.

Comparison is definitely my biggest demon when it comes to blogging and social media. I spend far too long thinking about how 'x' person has such perfect photos, or 'y' person writes like a dream to the extent that I will openly admit it has stunted my blog progress.

For blogging it's kind of made me feel like everything I write is a bit irrelevant. I think that's actually what makes it hard to blog so much nowadays. I've become so caught up in feeling like no one cares about my perspective, that I write posts I never publish.

On Instagram, I play the comparison game with me about a year or so ago. My account used to get about 4 times the amount of likes, and actually grew! Whilst now my follower account has been stagnant for about a year, and the blow to my confidence has been pretty big (which it needn't be!). If I didn't compare so much, I would enjoy the experience so so much more.

Self Improvement Books

I have a theory that sometimes self improvement books don't really work, but it's actually the process of reading them and feeling like you're in control that is the beneficial part. That's not to say that some don't have good advice, they do, but I have read a lot of them that I haven't taken anything from.

That said, sharing books that have helped me find direction and feel like I CAN DO THIS, felt like a good way to end this post. So here we are:

1) The Skills by Mishal Hussain - Mishal created this book to share the skills she has learned as a successful woman. Not only does she share a lot of interesting statistics and studies about being a woman, but there's a lot of good advice and pointers in there too.

2) Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker - Oh I adored this book so much. It is very much specific to photography and Instagram, talking about how to really flourish with creativity but in the most human way. It also has some great little tasks in the book that you can put into practice and try out yourself.

3) How to get from where you are to where you want to be by Jack Canfield - File this book under American style self-help, with lots of big promises on how YOU CAN BE A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE, AND PERFECT HUMAN. But funnily enough I have found the first half of this book super useful so far. It gave me a lot of confidence when I was looking for my current job, and I feel like it actually has some quite good advice. The main reason why I liked this book is that it has a lot of stories of people and their own success, which have really stuck with me. Just take this book with a pinch of salt.

4) The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising by Marie Kondo - Mess stresses me out, and yet, my room is an actual tip. Honestly I don't know why I do it to myself. But then it's a problem that a lot of us face. I loved Marie Kondo's book because it gave me easy to follow steps and didn't make me feel like an awful human for being messy. She has a lovely, forgiving voice that is what a lot of us need to push ourselves to a less cluttered and over-whelming life.

5) The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters - I love this book because it's a really simple and accessible, complete with illustrations and easy to read chapters. At the heart of it is a very simple concept, but since reading this book a few years ago, I think about it a lot. In fact I've recommended it to a lot of people who have said the same. It won't blow your mind, but it helps to really put your thoughts and decisions in to perspective.

Love Vicky x

The Joy of a Good Cup of Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 21:59:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

If there is one thing that really sparks joy for me, then it's definitely a good cup of coffee. When answering where I'd be in five years, in my secondary school yearbook, I said that you'd find me somewhere in London with a Starbucks in my hand. Looking back this was probably the most uninspiring thing I could have said, but then again it's sadly very accurate! Oh all the things I thought I would have achieved by 22...

I can remember my first cup of coffee because I remember thinking OH MY GOD CAFFEINE. I was pretty young, maybe just in my teens and I remember being a big old jittery mess. Nowadays I can drink about three cups of coffee and I don't notice the difference. Is this the point where I should admit to myself I need a caffeine intervention?! Maybe.

Addict or not, I've always appreciated a good cup of coffee and not just because of the rather satisfying #latteart. I just love the feeling of sitting down in the morning, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in my hand, taking that first sip and knowing I can face the day. So when my old work colleague reached out about writing a blog post about her new coffee subscription in exchange for one of One Click Coffee's boxes*, I knew I'd love to try it.

One Click Coffee's subscription box* is a £25.00 a month box, where every month you'll receive 2 bags of coffee (either ground or wholebean), their own newspaper (telling you all about the coffee), and something to keep or eat. I love the little touch of having a newspaper, and the coaster and coffee carry case that came with this month's box were super cute too.

The idea of getting to try two new types of coffee a month is also pretty exciting. Let me tell you right now, I spend a lot of money on shop bought coffee a month, so having an at home alternative is very welcome. I also love brewing my own in this little cafetiere I have. When I was tiny my dad would always let me plunge the top down when it was ready, so they always make me feel a little nostalgic.

Both of the bags of coffee I tried this month I really liked, but the 200° coffee was definitely my favourite. As I recall it had notes of raspberry and peanut, but I've already finished the coffee - I liked it that much! It's not exactly like I'm by any means a coffee connoisseur but I like to think to think I've drunk enough cups to know when I'm drinking a good one.

All in all I really love the idea of One Click Coffee's subscription box. They also have sharing options on their website too which you could either get for your office or to share with your flat which is such a good idea! Price wise it's not even that expensive if you drink a lot of takeaway coffee like me. I mean to be honest I could spend £25.00 on takeaway coffee in a week if I was really being indulgent!

That's it from me now. I hope you're all doing well. It seems rare that I write blog posts these days, but it's nice to know that someone somewhere is reading the words I write. So if that's you, and you've reached this far, thanks.

Love Vicky x

On Falling Back In Love With Reading Again

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:05:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

When I think about reading, I imagine a young Victoria late at night stuck with her head inside a book, bathed in the light of my bedside table lamp, unable to sleep because I was so engrossed. What a rebel I was. I would get lost in so many books. Spending nights in anticipation of when Mr Darcy would confess his love again to Elizabeth, rooting for Matilda and imagining myself with my very own acceptance letter on my way to Hogwarts. But like most young book worms, especially those living through the mobile phone generation of the never ending scroll, this did not last very long.

I don't remember when, what, why or how but somewhere along the line books became a chore. It wasn't that I wasn't willing to give the time to them, in fact I still kept buying books, falling in love with the idea of them but ending up leaving them on the book shelf untouched. In all honesty a large part of what stopped me reading was feeling like I couldn't get lost in books anymore. Somewhere along the line I had pretty much convinced myself that I was not a book person - a funny thing for a person with shelves stacked full with books.

In all honesty, a massive part of why I wasn't reading anymore was that I love to multi-task. When I blog for example, I'm often doing two things at once but reading demands your full attention. You can't exactly read and do anything else. Ideally I'd be reading books on my commute but anyone who lives in London will know that attempting to read during rush hour whilst you're squished like a sardine is not exactly an easy feat.

But towards the end of last year I decided to try listening to audiobooks as I often enjoyed listening to the odd podcast every now and then, and I had such fond memories of Harry Potter read by Stephen Fry. This was a total game-changer. I suddenly found myself chewing through books, looking forward to my commute and my lunch break so I could get back to whatever book I was listening to. The world of books had suddenly flung back open like an old friend, and I was absolutely hooked. It was just so easy and effortless.

I'd forgotten how much I loved getting lost in reading, and now it seems so clear to me what I had missed so much without realising it. The only annoying thing is that people can be really elitist about reading, seeing audiobooks as completely different to physical books. But I honestly think that is so stupid. Anything that makes books more accessible can only be a good thing. After all some people really struggle with reading, and some of us are just too busy sometimes to sit down with a book. So why shouldn't it be treated the same? But perhaps that is a whole other topic for another day...

Anyways, if you want to try audiobooks yourself, I would really recommend Audible. You can try it out for free for a month, and then if you like it, it costs £7.99 month which gives you a credit to buy a book each month. The only downside is that Audiobooks can be ridiculously expensive (like seriously way more than your average paper book) so I recommend signing up to their daily deal where you get email updates telling you which book is under £2.99 that day as this really helps if you find yourself listening to more than one book a month.

If you're interested in what I've been reading, feel free to add me on GoodReads. I love to review virtually everything I read, and am currently trying to challenge myself to 52 books this year. Wish me luck!

Love Vicky x

A Very Starry Homeware Haul

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:21:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

It's been a while hasn't it? But it feels good to be talking to you all again.

If there's two things I love in homeware, it's anything star inspired or personalised. So when you put the two together, it's always going to be a winner. Luckily for me, the lovely people from GreaterSkies got in touch to send me this beautiful personalised Night Sky Star map and tea towels to review, but I thought I'd also include a few other starry suggestions at the end of this post too so look out for that!

Let's start with the personalised Night Sky Star Map.* Now if you know me well, then you will know that I am hopelessly sentimental. Hence why when it comes to gift giving I always try and find the perfect thing for that person. It's a bit of an obsession really. That's why I really love the Greater Skies Night Sky Star Map, because it's beautiful but it also means something. Basically you choose a special date whether that's a birthday, first date or wedding and they will show you what the stars looked like over the sky that day, at that exact time. Pretty magical right? The star map also comes in different colours, and sizes but personally I love it best with in all black as it looks super chic.

As well as the print, I was also sent these beautiful Harry & Megan Royal Wedding tea towel souvenirs that show the stars in the sky on the day of their wedding. I'm not a royalist, but I did cry a lot at their wedding so it's nice to have a little memory of it. I mean they are so pretty in their own right, don't you think?

And as promised, here are a few more homeware bits you can add to your home to really achieve that magical starry look:

1. Phases of the moon headboard £149.00 [x]: Ah the headboard of dreams. This is the sort of statement piece that will make a room look a million dollars.

2. Emma Bridgewater Blue Star Large Teapot £59.95 [x]: Do the stars trend the kitsch way with this lovely Emma Bridgewater teapot. Psst! I've heard there are matching mugs too!

3. Constellation Velvet Cushion £30.00 [x] : Can I have ten of these cushions please? They are so gorgeous, especially with their luxurious velvet texture.

4. Velvet Stars Pink Makeup Bag large £20.00 [x]: I love the tiny detail of the stars on this lush velvet makeup bag, but the star print on the inside is probably my favourite part! It also comes in two other colours.

5. Nkuku Star Brass Hooks £7.95 [x] : Keep it on the subtle side with these cute star brass hooks. Perfect for adding a bit of fun to a hallway space.

6. Stars Doormat £18.00 [x] : Honestly who knew a doormat could be this pretty? I am completely obsessed!

7. Graham and Brown Yellow lit star metal art £56.00 (was £70.00) [x]: If you're not afraid to make a statement, go for this wonderfully in your face star light!

And that's it for today. I know it's been pretty quiet around these parts, but that's simply because I only want to write when I feel properly inspired. It's weird doing this after years of posting every week, but it's exciting to start tapping away at the keyboard when I really feel like it, not when I feel like I have to.

Love Vicky x

Falling in love with cross-stitch

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sun, 20 May 2018 18:36:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

Now I don't know about you, but when I hear the word cross-stitch the first thing that pops to mind is grandmas and old fashioned patterns. It's not really something I could picture myself doing any time soon at all. But after seeing @jasxcharlotte doing all sorts of beautiful embroidery on her Instagram, I knew I wanted to try it too. Originally I bought a very beautiful embroidery kit from ohsewbootiful but this was way too complicated for a beginner like me, especially one who has never been particularly good at practical tasks.

After attempting to do some of the stitches, I thought, right this is not for you Vicky. I didn't have the patience to teach myself how to do all of these beautiful, but very intricate stitches. But then I discovered Floss and Mischief, a modern cross-stitch brand and thought, ok, maybe I could give this a go...

The beauty of cross-stitch is that it's a one stitch game, and even better it's a very easy stitch at that. Just one cross and you're done, and all you need is to do it over and over again. Personally I love these sort of repetitive tasks, especially when I'm feeling stressed and want to unwind. The only difficult aspect of it really is making sure you get the stitches all in the right place, but the evenweave fabric makes this super easy to do. That said if you look closely you can see I have made a couple of mistakes, but hey I'm a beginner...

The Floss and Mischief kits are brilliant for first time cross-stitchers as they have everything except scissors included. You get the hoop, lots of thread, two needles, the cross-stitch pattern and some very helpful tips for newbies all for £15 which feels like really good value. Of course once you're done, you also get a very beautiful cross-stitch which you can either display at your home or give as a thoughtful gift to a friend.

You can tell how addicted I am to cross-stitch already, as I've now purchased their toucan pattern to try out once I've finished my macaw. Honestly I never really expected to love cross-stitch this much, so it's a testament to trying new things because you never really know how much you might like them.

P.S. If you're looking for some embroidery inspiration, take a look at my Pinterest board!

Love Vicky x

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Lifestyle | A New Chapter of Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 20:45:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

Oh it's been quiet around here, hasn't it? To be honest I've been feeling pretty burnt out with blogging BUT I know that it's not something I want to give up. I love blogging, I always have. I love writing, taking photos and of course all the people I've met through it. Honestly I owe a lot to blogging. If I'd never started it, I wouldn't even have the job I have today.

So what's changed? Well the first thing, which I've come to terms with recently is that I'm not the person I was when I started this blog. I have grown a lot as a person. When I started to get really into blogging, I was someone who honestly felt very lost. I'd just had a terrible breakup and was in my first year at uni. I was heartbroken, stressed and needed some sort of outlet.

Blogging was the perfect escape. I remember being so utterly excited to write, and the thrill as my blog posts went from 0 views to people actually reading them! I was hurting a lot as a person but I was making friends all over the globe, and finding confidence and creativity through blogging. It's a story I think that a lot of people can related to. Often the most beautiful things are born from a very dark place.

Now I have really just grown as a person. My confidence has grown and grown, I have a job I love and I have found happiness. Not that I don't have my bad days, or my anxious days, or my crying days but I can say whole heartedly that I feel really content in myself.

This year, I have also found someone who makes me want to go out and live my life. Every moment with him just feels precious, and so I have found it hard to spend time blogging when I could go out and spend time with him instead.

I am also really tired guys. I work 9 - 6, in social media, and honestly it really takes it out of me. Is adulthood just constantly being tired because you know what it feels like it!

Ok so that all aside, it feels fitting to try and make some changes with the way I approach blogging. The first thing is that I'm throwing away any sense of goals. The whole thing with buying followers, bots and the rest has turned me away from it. Numbers mean something, but nowadays to me they really don't mean much at all.

Secondly I'm just going to blog whenever I want to because what is the point of just pumping out posts if it's making me stressed? I did that for so long and I'm just sick of it to be quite honest. If there's anything I've learnt it's that I need to cut myself slack and actually have some breaks!

The final thing, which is the most important is going on a discovery to find what I'm passionate writing about. I've really lost this recently. I keep coming up with blog post ideas but none of them have had me rush to my keyboard as I used to do when I started. Really, I miss that feeling so here's hoping I discover it again.

Oh and one final thing, I've had a bit of a rebrand so let me know what you think in the comments below.

Love Vicky x

Home | The Monday Home Edit (19th May - 25th May)

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:19:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

This week I am just in love with everything in the edit. It's mostly new stuff from Oliver Bonas because I swear every time we hit a new season they bring out the best things. Picks are from Oliver Bonas, Asos and OhhDeer.

1. Nappa Fringed Table Lamp £130.00 [x] : Fringe, fringe, fringe. I will always be obsessed with anything fringe. This lamp is just goals.

2. Bombay Duck Pineapple Mirror £35.00 [x] : Ok so I thought I was done with the whole pineapple trend but how gorgeous is this mirror?

3. Calm Pup Cushion £29.95 [x] : So this cushion is one of my favourite pieces I have seen all year. I am very very tempted to get one for myself.

4. White Agate Tea Light Holder £26.00 [x] : The agate trend is one that I am definitely behind even if it is on the pricey side. But hey if you want to be extravagant get one of these.

5. See You Later Alligator Blue Ceramic Mug £12.00 [x] : One to look out for is Oliver Bonas's amazing mug collection because I want them all.

6. Sunny Cat Ring Holder £10.00 [x] : Why does Sunny look like such a sad cat, and why is she so cute? Also can Oliver Bonas stop bringing out amazing ring holders because I already have too many!

Love Vicky x

Home | The Monday Home Edit (5th March - 11th March)

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 23:14:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

Wow it feels like it's been a long time. To be honest I have just been so exhausted! Somehow I have managed to get two really awful colds this year that have completely knocked the life out of me. 2018, can you please be kind to me for the rest of the year? Thanks...

This week's picks are basically animal themed, because well I just really love anything animal in homeware (well except dead animals...). Picks are from Anthropologie, West Elm and H&M Home!

1. Tea for Me Set £26.00 [x] : Over the weekend I was in Anthropologie and just fell in love with this rather quirky looking teapot. It's part of a whole animal alphabet collection - including mugs that I would definitely recommend you taking a look at. Mine has a snake on it, which I assume stands for viper!

2. Cheetah Salt and Pepper Shakers £9.99 [x] : You know I adore an animal print, so these cheetah salt and pepper shakers are right up my street. Honestly H&M have the most beautiful jungle themed stuff at the moment that I keep falling in love with.

3. Slub-weave cushion cover £8.99 [x] : Gosh how pretty is this cushion cover? I can't get over the beautiful hummingbird design - plus it's pretty affordable too!

4. Snake-shaped metal candlestick £12.99 [x] : If you don't like snakes, you should probably look away now... But personally I am in love with this candlestick holder. It's just so ornate and cool.

5. Cat Vase £23.20 (was £29.00) [x] : Oh I do love a vase, even the ones like this you can't really fit anything into! Isn't it just the cutest though?

6. Flamingo Snow Globe £24.00 [x] : West Elm do the most amazing snow globes ever, that is simply a fact. I actually own a armadillo snow globe from them and it is my most favourite thing ever. They have such an amazing and fun collection that you need to check out - including this fab flamingo one!

Love Vicky x

Home | The Monday Home Edit (12th February - 18th February)

noreply@blogger.com (vvnightingale) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:35:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

You're probably sick to death of hearing about millennial pink by now but I am definitely in love with it. I mean I'm in love with pink in general anyway so that won't come as a surprise. This week's picks are from House of Fraser, Oliver Bonas, Cath Kidston and H&M!

1. Cotton Dog Feather Filled Cushion £40.00 [x] : Recently I've started to see more and more Ted Baker Home products pop up and I honestly can't complain. They are definitely very very girly, but I do think this Frenchie cushion is adorable!

2. Frankie Dog White Speckle Ring Holder £10.00 [x] : What is it with Oliver Bonas and the amazing ring holders and trinket trays? Yet another adorable one I want.

3. Crazy Cat Lady Mug £7.50 [x] : I love dogs, and of course have my own beautiful Flossie but I am also one of those people who will stop and stroke every cat I see. And let's not even start on my Hello Kitty obsession... Basically I need this mug in my life.

4. Vico Table Lamp £36.00 [x] : For the longest time I've wanted one of these Oliver Bonas lights with the big light bulb because they are just so pretty. Now they have one in this gorgeous pink shade, I don't know how I'll resist!

5. Small Painted Cats Double Oven Glove £15.00 [x] : How sweet are these cat oven gloves? I need a pair for my kitchen right now.

6. Scented Calendar in a holder £12.99 [x] : As I keep saying, H&M are just really killing it at the moment with homeware. Isn't this just the cutest candle?

Love Vicky x