Posted on Monday, February 21st, 2011 by Emma
We’re here again…the awkward shuffle back onto the internet after a prolonged absence. I do feel a bit guilty, but I’ve been up to my eyeballs in the real world. Promise. But I’m here now, and that counts for something right?
So, I’ve lived in my new house for many a month now…but this is the first time I’ve sat at my desk, pressed play on iTunes and actually written something from our office here. Writing from a writing desk formalises everything a little bit. Sort of makes me feel like I better had say something worthwhile…hmmmm. I don’t think I can handle that kind of pressure on a Monday evening. I do have thoughts to share, but they won’t be especially eloquent. Sitting at a writing desk makes me feel like writing. Fairly obvious reaction, oui? It’s an affirming response. You get me? Affirmative is my mot du jour at the moment, and let me try to explain why.
My last post actually neatly brings me on to this one…despite the lengthy silence in between. I previously spoke of being more active, simply doing more of the happy things. Well, I still say that’s true…if not more so than before. But today, I applied it to the way I think about the world (I know that sounds utterly lame). I read in a book last night that we, as 21st century people, are in a bad habit of focusing on what we don’t want in life. This dwelling on the negative sounds harmless enough, perhaps even a logical way to get to a positive conclusion. The book I was reading said that by constantly producing negative thoughts, we’re subjecting ourselves to unnecessary sadness.
‘Sadness,’ thought I. ‘Surely not! For I’m one of the happiest gals around.’ When I thought about it a little more, I realised it was true. Every day I do it. I come to the decision of what I want to wear/eat/drink/say/feel based on what I don’t want to wear/eat/drink/say/feel. I don’t know how I feel about the implications of this, but thought I’d try out a little experiment. For the next few days I shall only be thinking positive, affirming things…just to see if there’s a difference.
Why don’t you try it to? It’s harder than you might think…
I’ve been compiling some more online snippets which have caught my eye, so I plan to share these with you later in the week..if you’re good.
x
Emma x
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Posted on Friday, November 19th, 2010 by Emma
I get a bit lost.
I don’t mean literally (because, literally I get lost all the time…terrible sense of direction to blame), but rather figuratively. Life has forged ahead since I last wrote. Work has got busier, we’ve moved house, the days are shorter and everything seems to take a little more effort. The business of it all has meant that the blog has been neglected…and so, in a way, have I.
The hectic nature of life forces us into patterns and schedules when, after a little while, you find yourself running on autopilot. Not really taking in what’s going on, and not spending time on yourself. This is where the lostness comes in. The other night, I lay in bed and got to thinking about all the wonderful things I want to do, I could list them but I’m not sure they’d all be your cup of tea. But this is when it hits me, when everything is quiet. ‘Shit, I don’t want to be one of those people who thinks about the things they want to do all the time and never actually do them! I’ll turn into a boring robot if I don’t pull my bloody finger out!’ So, this is my fear. That the days and weeks will run into one, and I’ll stop being my usual technicolour self.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my life. O and I are blissfully happy together in our little two-up, two-down love nest. I just don’t want to ever stop really seeing what’s in front of my face because the ‘business’ of life constantly gets in the way. I’m happy being a fully fledged ‘adult’ but, I’m talking about the recreational aspects of life. Going places, seeing people…and generally investing in yourself as a person.
So, instead of thinking about the things I want to do, I have to find a way to incorporate them into everyday…which is where things get tricky. Action is the key, and often getting up off the sofa is the biggest step. No one can be happy all of the time (not even me), but I really believe in trying. Appreciating all the lovely things about the lives we lead make the tricky things much easier to deal with.
On reading this back, I have no idea if it sounds like I’m a complete idiot. It’s not the clearest thing I’ve ever written, but it’s heartfelt. I love life, and basically I don’t want to ever forget that.
On a lighter note, O and I are off to Manchester tomorrow to visit some lovely people. So, not only am I doing one of the wonderful things I’ve been longing to do…but I also get to spend precious time sat next to my darling O, which is exactly where I always want to find myself.
Emma x
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Posted on Monday, July 19th, 2010 by Emma
And that means we’re right in the middle of the busiest time of year for us. It’s birthday season. It kicks off in May and doesn’t really stop until December. I’m now 24. O is 31. And we’re doing just fine.
Since I last logged on I’ve been getting proper stuck in at my new job. It’s wonderful, to have a sense of belonging. I really can’t rave about it enough. Check out the website and see what we’ve been working on. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter the competitions or drool over the beauteous features and galleries! You won’t be disappointed. The next issue goes on sale at the beginning of August, so you couuuuuuld even take a stroll to your local Sainsbury’s or M&S to pick up a copy (go onnnnnnn). If you’re intent on staying indoors, follow us on Twitter.
So, that’s the plug portion of this blog post over.
In other news, my darling friend Sacha is now married. The weekend was absolutely breathtaking. O and I traveled up to York (gorge place) at the crack of dawn. All our journeys around the country have lead to an understanding, which I think we’re both quite happy with. He provides all the driving, and I…provide the chat. Snigger you might, but I don’t think anyone can underestimate the power of chat. Yes, it can be inane. Yes, it can be tedious. But, it’s also a great way to spend 3 hours with a loved one. Just nattering away about random things, or sweet nothings. I’m a good passenger on the whole, I bring snacks, open chocolate bars and hand feed the driver crisps (that’s just for O). However, I do have a tendency to hog the volume button on the radio every now and again. O, if you’re reading this, I’m getting it under control. No more Abba for you my dear.
If life’s a journey, then it makes sense that I just rambled about one. Honestly though, the whole weekend wedding experience made the event itself even more special. We walked, went for coffee, went for lunch, went shopping (had to buy some emergency leggings, my little skirt didn’t appreciate the northerly winds!), did hair test runs, laughed, talked about the prospect of using masking tape to prevent nipple erections, laughed even more, ate risotto, caught up, cuddled and more! The day itself went too quickly. Bastard. They came together, vowed to stay that way for always, hosted a gorgeous reception and then before I knew it…I was sobbing my socks off on the road home. Tears are sometimes apart of my passenger-package, which O totally understands.
The newlyweds are now enjoying their second week as husband and wife, and as far as I know – it’s all going well. When they say it’s okay, I will share the fabby photos from the day (I can’t show them yet as Hello! magazine may be in a position to make an offer!). The speeches went down like a treat by the way. Jones and I rocked the house and got plenty of tears out of our audience. Result.
We’ve also had our birthdays!!! After saying “Boots” in a high pitched voice for three days, I think O got the point and realised I wasn’t expressing an urgent need to go to a highstreet chemists, but was in fact…interested in these! They are rad. When wearing them, I feel like a right cheeky chappy. Best. Boots. Ever. For O’s birthday, we had ourselves a little treasure hunt. Mwah hahaha. I hid his presents around the house and, with the awesome clues, he had to find them. On retrospect, getting someone out of bed on their birthday and making them exercise their brain when still half asleep might not be the most sensitive of wake up routines. But darnit, I just get too excited when birthdays are involved. I think he liked it, I initiated said routine with black coffee.
So, lucky for me, I have another 4 celebrations in the near future to keep me topped up until the wonderment that is Christmas! I hope you’re all having a lovely summer and aren’t getting to annoyed with this late night mugginess. Throw caution to the wind and sleep with the windows open! That’s a free tip from me to you.
Until next time, check out the cake I make with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir. Oh, didn’t I mention I went there to be taught how to cook? I naturally felt right at home and am now an accomplished baker, very practical I’m sure you’ll agree?
Emma x
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Posted on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 by Emma
It’s been a busy old fortnight…I’m four days into a new job and I’m as happy as Larry (who’s Larry?). Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom magazine is the most beauteous interiors title that ever was. I can say that because I’m their humble assistant editor – and because it’s true. I mean, it has a centrefold for goodness sake…perfectly droolworthy. So, I’ve been working away all week and just love it all! My shiny Mac is wicked, my colleagues are wicked and the August issue will be wicked. Wicked.
In other news…I’m going to become a crafter. Shocking, I know. It was a surprise even to me…but O has been a bit of an inspiration lately. He’s taking part in a challenge-of sorts on Flickr and has to take 50 photographs in as many days. He’s not being doing this for all that long, but his shots are just breath-taking. He’s overly critical of himself, but I think everything he’s done is just amazeballs.
He’s not just a pretty face, seriously good snapper as well. Sometimes he goes out on lengthy shoots (like now), so I’ve often been left feeling a bit like a ’photography-widow’. I can hardly complain, the boy doesn’t really like football. But, the other day he included me and it was so much fun. I got all spruced up and pulled on a pretty dress. Britain’s Next Top Model I most certainly am not…but I think this is a sweet picture none the less.
So this is where the inspiration has come from. He’s out there, night after night, doing something creative for himself. Making a beautiful thing out of what’s in front of you isn’t easy…especially when you’re tired and things are getting you down. I admire his confidence to put himself out there, so I will attempt to do the same. I’ve signed up to a monthly scrapbooking kit by Midnight Rooster. I believe it’s been shipped from America today, so it’s moving across the globe as I type. Oh yes. It’s just so gorgeous, I couldn’t resist. At probably a snail’s pace, I’ll be making a few layouts that reflect the prettiness of things. Tool purchases are still to be made, but I’m so excited about it I can’t even tell you.
The speech is coming together as well. Although there’s still a lot of work to be done on it…the skeleton is there. My darling bride-to-be informed me that it has to be finished by next Wednesday. Journalists bloody love deadlines.
Emma x
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Posted on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 by Emma
My dear friend Sach is getting married to a wonderful man. She is the first of my buddies to take the monumental stroll down the aisle. I’m sure others will follow, but she will always be the first. Her wedding is in six weeks and I’m preparing myself for one of the most special days, no doubt filled with tears, hugs, love, laughter and excellent food. O and I will be traveling up to York for the weekend, which makes the whole shabang (sp?) even more brilliant! Nothing like an extended weekend with O to add extra joviality to proceedings. I’ve never been to a wedding as an adult without this man, he is the ultimate guest. O graciously twirls me around the dance floor without complaining. I adore him for that.
So, naturally this week…I’ve been feeling very loved up. When you hear some truly wonderful news from a great friend, your world changes. This week, the sun has been brighter, the colours more vibrant, my dreams more fantastical and music sounds even better. Not even a horrendous work schedule could get me down at the moment. I’m sitting in our office (with a new bookcase and cushion behind me), drinking my cranberry and raspberry juice, listening to the happiest of mushy songs with the goofiest smile on my face.
And it’s not just the idea of celebration that’s gotten me so high…it’s the knowledge that these two people truly deserve one another and that they are happy. No matter how much I try and avoid it, the world is a nasty place sometimes – where even I struggle to see the good. Unbridled happiness isn’t that common any more. So, when you do see it in the form of an effervescent canadian and a kindhearted yorkshireman…faith is renewed.
I better get to the point of this post (“What!” I hear you shout “Isn’t she done yet?”). I have been asked to do a reading at the ceremony. Honoured doesn’t even start to cover this. I mean, come on. Moi, a public speaker? Yeah loads. The last speech I made was at school and involved the last supper. Despite my gut wrenching fear of messing this up, I couldn’t be more excited. But…how do you find the words or the courage to know which words are the best ones, for the most important day in your friend’s life?
Nothing like a bit of fear to get the cogs turning.
In the mean time, if anyone has any tips on speaking at a wedding without crying…answers on a postcard.
Emma x
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Posted on Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 by Emma
Today, I honestly thought I won the lottery.
Obviously that statement explains that I didn’t become incredibly wealthy today, but it doesn’t suggest why I thought I did. I bought a scratch card and failed to read the terms and conditions. You need to get matching symbols to win. I ignored this and focussed only on the prize column. I thought I might have won around £70,000. Luckily, O set me straight before I ran back to the shop demanding my winnings.
It’s days before payday, and…I have the shopping itch. Not necessarily for myself (well it is…but indirectly), but for our flat. Interiors have been catching my eye lately, I’ll explain why soon, but I can’t help but want to fill our home with beauteous things.
Ektorp Ikea Armchair in Svanberg Grey
This chair might seem innocent enough, but it’s something I’ve wanted for AGES. It’s high up on the wish list because I’d love a little corner of the world where I can sit and re-read my favourite books and better myself with new ones. We’ve got a long wall in our office that is screaming for a giant bookcase (yes, the bookcase I mentioned ages ago). And, next to this book case, I will snuggle in my little chair-shaped nook.
I’m not too sure about the colour scheme for this room yet, but I’m sure that this cushion will really blend in! It’s from the Dotcomgiftshop.com and I think it’ll look super sweet against the slatey chair. Next up on the list is light…where would we be without it? “In the dark” is the answer to that. But, if I’m going to be reading I’ll need to see what’s in front of me. The clever thing about this particular lampshade is that it’s got that little extra something…check it out!
Handmade Lampshade With Hidden Personal Message
Notonthehighstreet is an absolute treasure trove full of domesticated goodies. There’s everything from furniture to jewellery, what’s not to love? Speaking of love…if you know me, you’ll know that I adore wall hangings. Not the cutesy ones, I tend to prefer something a little rougher around the edges. Now, the price tag on this is pretty hefty…but it really is one of my favourites around. It’s also from Notonthehighstreet.com and can be drooled over right here.
We’ve already got one massive picture in the office, which can be seen in post numero uno. So I think this would be a welcome second addition. Since I seem to be going a little home decor crazy at the moment, I’m planning on taking things one room at a time. The office is my first port of call, and I will try to work my way through the list…starting with the long overdue bookcase.
While I kit out this room, I will also be praying that the Orla Kierly gods deem it necessary to deliver this to my door.
Emma x
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Posted on Thursday, May 20th, 2010 by Emma
Be nice
Think happy thoughts
Be the champion of silver linings
Love all things (not just cute things like babies and kittens)
and
When you do love – love like they do in power balads (you know like on a cliff with the wind blowing in your hair and eyes closed, knowing you’ll never know another love like this)
Watch out for dog poo
Smile at people – even the grumpy ones
Be nice (wait, I already said that)
Remember – that anything is possible and
Whatever you do, always try to look on the bright side of
Life.
Emma x
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Posted on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 by Emma
What a stella couple of weeks I’ve had. Apologies for being slightly awol, but there’s been so much going on in the real world. Ooooh I must say, I’m typing today on a MacBook Pro, courtesy of O. He’s out for the night with the lads, so naturally I’ve been doing what a girlfriend does best…borrowing her darling’s stuff while he’s not in.
I must say, I feel slightly more professional already.
So…what’ve I been up to? O’s maman has been with us for the last two weeks from France. Needless to say, it’s been a culture-tastic fortnight…with much nodding and smiling coming from me. We also had our second wedding of the year – and it was marriage-tastic (what’s with the -tastic?). We taxied it up to the Barn Brasserie in Great Tey and boogied the night away with friends. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous night. I also had the biggest treat afternoon with the ultimate cool kid, Jones. She was in town visiting her fella’s nana and found time to sneak a couple of cheeky beers in town with yours truly. Rock star that I am, I got home…feel asleep on the sofa and woke up feeling a little delicate (weak).
The real world has been tugging at me over the last month – naturally, the virtual world has been on hold and the blog has gathered a few cobwebs. But today, my relationship with the internet was re-cemented. It began with a trip into town to update the wardrobe earlier today. This clothing revival needs my attention every month – so, today I allotted myself the task of purchasing a few staple items to base my ‘look’ around. Now…this sounds like a wonderful way to spend a few hours, but I was struck down by a curse. I have found that, whenever I have a bit of money set aside, and an idea as to what I want – I come home with nothing. That is pretty much what occurred today. Well, I did buy a brown box – but that’s not exactly wearable.
I trotted home, feeling slightly dejected. Colchester is well known for being utterly shite for shopping, I mean come on – it’s not like I have an overly complex style to cater for. I comes in and O says “You’re back early, what’s wrong my love?” I collapse in a heap next to him and say “There’s NOTHING in that town which will suit me.” It’s at this point where he shoots me a look that tells me…”Oh come on Emma…”And that’s when the light bulb came on…the internet, there’s loads more stuff on there! Ah ha, it serves it’s purpose once again. I’ve just spent a good couple of hours (after O went out of course) perusing the sales without being elbowed by orange-faced teenagers. I filled my virtual basket higher than I’ve ever done on a trip to Primark, and didn’t have to negotiate through heaving rails. In a word, it was lush. By Wednesday next week I will be the happy recipient of a Songbird Filofax, this coat, 3 summer dresses, a vest, a body thing, a tshirt and a pair of tights. Reeeeesult.
Next on my horizon is a watch, a pair of shoes and a faux fur coat.
What’s on your wish list?
Emma x
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Posted on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 by Emma
The last few days have been busy, but great. I’ve got waaaaaaaaay too much work to do, even so – I can’t not be happy about life. I’ve seen so much stuff that has rocked my world this week that I couldn’t not share a few bits with you. The first thing happened on Saturday – O and I ventured out to Chelmsford for a wedding, perfect excuse to get dressed up. Man oh man, does my man clean up good. The weather always looks like that to me when he’s around.
I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for inspirational interior design sites and people lately. I urge anyone who enjoys a little bit of decorating (imaginary or real) to rush over to mydeco.com pretty sharpish. Oh my god it’s just so damn clever. I’m setting aside a few hours this weekend to come up with my very own mood board – it’s the perfect way to play around and find out what works for you. Follow that link and check out the more popular examples for a bit of inspiration.
I received an exciting parcel from Amazon this week as well. I can’t remember how I even came across this lady all those months ago – but I did find her, and I think she’s quite affected me. I find Alright Tit hard to summarise or explain, because it’s something very personal to me (despite the fact I don’t personally know the author). Lisa Lynch is a seriously-skilled journalist who discovered she had breast cancer at the tender age of 28. Fucking heavy shit right? (Yes this is the introduction of swearing…once you read her blog, you’ll understand). She has been documenting her experiences online and has become a sensation. I can’t describe how much you will love her after reading one post. Her blog has been turned into a book and I for one have never felt better buying something in my life. I’m reading it, and it’s tough going – there’s some raw emotion there…but it’s the sort of book that you know will make you a better person. Buy The C-Word now if you’re not a knob, you will not regret it.
The only other thing I was going to say was…if you enjoy spelling mistakes on shop-bought occasion cakes…visit the cake wrecks website. I think it’s best looked at when you’re in the middle of a quiet office…stifling the laughter is all apart of the experience.
Emma x
Tags: blogs, cake wreckage, design, interiors, O
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Posted on Thursday, April 15th, 2010 by Emma
I’ve found an awesome spot to write my blog. I would illustrate with a picture, but I fear a little bit of tidying needs to be done first. A few months ago Oli and I made a trip to Ikea in search of a new book shelf, but we got distracted and bought a kitchen island and two bar stools instead! This means that I can sit with my laptop by the window and look out at LA Fitness…and beyond.
If I turn to my left, I will see some even more exciting things – starting with the long-awaited issue 10 of Lula magazine. I found out about this mag almost by accident about a year ago and have been trying to get my hands on it ever since. Just looking at the website made me want to find out what it was all about it (now that’s good design work for you). I didn’t want to subscribe without reading it first but I could never find it in the shops. Then, as if by magic, I found it – in Paris of all places. For the second time in as many posts, I have to tell you that I physically gasped. It is just as beauteous as I imagined…but here’s the head scratcher…I’ve not read it yet.
I had to call in the other book as soon as I saw the cover. I’ve started to get really interested in cooking good food and find books to be an excellent point of inspiration. Sunny Days & Easy Living by CICO books, is just mouth-wateringly well thought out. It is filled with fantastic recipes that I cannot wait to try out. I keep leafing through the book getting all excited about summer and BBQ’s…but here’s the head scratcher…I’ve not cooked anything from it yet.
That seems to be the theme of this post…there are lots of things that I want to do but I need to work a bit harder at finding time to actually do them. I’ve wanted to start this blog for the longest time, so I’ll give myself a little pat on the back for finally getting here – but I’m sure there’s more to come. Whenever I do need a bit of a kick up the bum, I tend to ‘stroll’ over to a blog called Casey’s Elegant Musings. This lady has serious sewing (and thrifting!) skills that are out of this world. If you’re an admirer of vintage style – this blog is a must-visit!
About a month ago I found out that Anthropologie was launching in Europe, oh happy day! I visited their US store for the first time in New York two years ago…so I’ve been admiring their fashion and home wares from afar…but they’re finally here. And what better way to celebrate, than by drooling over this dress. It might just be one of the best dresses in the world…I’d just add some cute sleeves.
Yum.
Emma x
Tags: Anthropologie, Books, Cooking, Dresses, Magazines, Sewing
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