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Weekend wishlist: the best slogan t-shirts

Weekend wishlist: the best slogan t-shirts

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As an early adopter of the slogan tee (yes, I had an original ‘FRANKIE SAYS RELAX’ as well as an oversized ‘CHOOSE LIFE’ which I wore tucked into my rara skirt with my jelly shoes) I feel that I’m highly qualified to choose the best slogan t-shirts. The trend shows no sign of slowing down, and if you’re a late adopter (perhaps the horrors of ‘my <insert relative> went to <insert place> and all I got was this crummy t-shirt’ memories are still too raw for you), I promise it’s totally fine to wear one now, evidenced by the fact that they’ve popped up everywhere from Primark to Prada. And while I don’t really want to walk about with ‘u okay hun?’ or ‘BABE’ emblazoned upon my chest, there are some really nice slogan t-shirts about. I promise. Here’s a little roundup of the best slogan t-shirts about at the moment, from high end to bargainous.

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Gorgeous holiday clothes new in at Boden

Weekend wishlist: gorgeous holiday clothes new in at Boden

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I do realise, as I’m perched here on the breakfast bar right next to the snowy scene of devastation that is currently our garden, that talking about holiday dressing might be a bit of a stretch, but honestly, I’m all about the escapism. Right now, if I can imagine myself on a sunkissed beach somewhere, I’m a very happy bunny. So even if your current surroundings might not scream (or even whisper) new bikini, I feel that we could all do with a bit of beach dreaming to warm us up. And with so many gorgeous holiday clothes new in at Boden, it would be rude not to have a quick look, no?

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M&S activewear for my couch to 5k journey

Weekday wishlist: M&S activewear for my couch to 5k journey

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Yes, I know I usually do a weekend wishlist, but I’ve got a lovely bit of baking for you this weekend, so I thought I’d mix things up a bit and bring you a weekday wishlist instead. If you’ve read my last couple of posts about my plans for 2018, you’ll know that I’m trying hard to look after and nourish my body, cut down on alcohol, eat healthily and get back into my running. On Monday, I deleted my Couch to 5k app details and then started it again from the beginning. I quickly realised, though, that I had actually made some progress and didn’t need to stop and walk. I ended up running the whole week 1 run 1 and although I ached the next day, I felt a huge sense of achievement. I’m going to carry it on, but one thing I really need is some decent new running gear. Happily, there’s a great selection of gorgeous M&S activewear, so I’m going to treat myself to some lovely new stuff. Here are a few bits that caught my eye:

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Winter florals at John Lewis

Weekend wishlist: winter florals at John Lewis

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I would probably be what you would call a ‘conservative dresser’. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I favour classic wardrobe staples: simple shift dresses, dark denim, a crisp white shirt and black knitwear. But it’s Christmas! This season, even if you’re not a party animal, everyone needs a little laid back luxe in their life, and I’m loving the stylish winter florals at John Lewis. There’s a touch of the Bohemian about it: rich, jewel tones, soft velvet, a little sparkle, a hint of embroidery, dark toned florals… all things that tempt me to step out of my comfort zone. Here are my top picks:

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Christmas gifting for her

Weekend wishlist: Christmas gifting for her

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So here’s the first of a little series of gift guides. This one is Christmas gifting for her and, ok, I’ll admit it. I do kind of use these gift guides as a little Christmas wishlist for Mr E and the boys. Let’s face it, if they can open the blog and see something beautiful here to buy me, plus I get to share my ideas with you as shopping inspiration, it’s a win/win. Talking of gifts, I was recently asked by the lovely Sam over at I’m Sam Squire to contribute an idea for his Hopeless Man’s Gift Guide (his words not mine), and, as always, I shared my favourite gifting advice: if you haven’t been asked for something specific, it’s best to choose something that’s beautiful and useable (or indeed edible). So if you’re not exactly certain about the taste of the lady in question, it’s a good tip to stick to something like deliciously scented candles (see my guide to festive candles here), or bath and body products (and definitely not lingerie if you even remotely have to guess the size).

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Weekend wishlist: scented Christmas candles

Weekend wishlist: scented Christmas candles

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I adore candles. When I’m writing, I’ll often have a scented candle lit next to me while I type. I find it quite soothing and I love filling the room with delicious scent, although I’ve had to stop leaving them lit around the house (let’s not mention that time I turned the entire downstairs loo black by leaving a Halloween Yankee Candle burning all night - yes, it had to be redecorated). You know I love everything about the autumn, and I always get excited to see beautiful new scented Christmas candles appearing online and in the shops. Here are a few of my favourites:

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Weekend wishlist the new hush winter 17 collection

Weekend wishlist: the new hush winter 17 collection

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I adore winter dressing! No worries about whether you’re showing knobbly knees or less-than-perfect upper arms: it’s all about snuggly jumpers, soft textures, boots and tights. Hurrah! Some of my favourite outfits recently have been deliciously easy and wintery: a soft, bronze pleated skirt with a black roll neck jumper and boots, and leather leggings teamed with a crisp, white shirt and a slouchy grey jumper (and topped off with a gorgeous black teddy bear coat). For me, it seems so much less complicated to put together a great outfit at this time of year. I love hush for good quality, wearable style, and the new hush winter 17 collection has some delicious pieces. Here are some of my favourites:

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Weekend wishlist: snuggly autumn knitwear

Weekend wishlist: snuggly autumn knitwear

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I think we’ve already established that I rather like everything (wait, did I mention crunchy, flame-coloured leaves, blackberry picking, cosy evenings in front of the fire, red wine, blankets, flickering candles, pumpkin spice, bobble hats, Halloween, shiny conkers… yes? Okay, I’ll stop now) about autumn. I do feel, though, that we haven’t really touched on one of the best things: snuggly autumn knitwear. Along with not having to fake tan and leaving my legs to be unnaturally unkempt, I think a soft, chunky jumper is one of the loveliest things about the turn in the weather. There are some great sales on at the moment, so it’s a great time to shop. Grab your pumpkin spiced latte, snuggle up and browse through my top picks:

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Spiced chocolate skeleton gingerbread men

Spiced chocolate skeleton gingerbread men - Halloween baking with John Lewis

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You know that I’m a complete Halloween addict. I love all the little bits and bobs that come out around this time of year, and yesterday I was nosing around John Lewis, intending to buy a few baking bits to make my spiced chocolate skeleton gingerbread men (more of these in a second). They have some absolutely gorgeous gifts, decorations and treats for Halloween this year and I ended up buying rather a lot of that stuff too (I mean, mini pumpkin fairy lights, come on!).

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Autumnal interiors

Weekend wishlist: autumnal interiors

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Since arriving back from Orlando on Thursday, we’ve really noticed how autumnal it seems to have become in just that short period. Our gorgeous parrotia tree, experiencing its first autumn in the garden, is now aflame with orange, coral and red, showing off its glorious, glowing colours every time I’m at the kitchen sink, and there’s a new nip in the air that I’m certain wasn’t there when we left. Still, I’m happy to be spending a few days snuggling at home before I jet off on my next adventure, and top of my weekend wishlist are some delicious, autumnal interiors: scented candles, soft throws, plump cushions and more (I need all the comfort after the trauma of waving Charlie off to university). Here are a few bits I’m loving right now:

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Weekend wishlist: new season beauty recommendations

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I’m obsessed with make up. I love watching beauty tutorials, and I’ll often be found happily attacking a pile of ironing while watching my favourite YouTubers, the lovely Pixiwoos, gorgeous Victoria, superstar Tanya Burr, skincare guru, Nadine Baggott and fabulously funny and honest Ruth Crilly. One problem this does present is that they’re always discovering fab new makeup and skincare and making me want to buy it. Obviously nobody has unlimited funds for that sort of thing, but I do keep a little list on my phone of items that the experts have recommended, so that next time I’m really, honestly in the market for that specific product, I can check it out. Here are a few of the new season beauty recommendations that have caught my eye:

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Weekend wishlist: the new M&S autumn winter 2017

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Okay, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s definitely autumn now. Regular readers will know I’m an absolute autumn obsessive. I always think of it as a time of new beginnings. It’s a ‘new notebook month’, not just because of the new term connotations, but because it’s maybe a time when we retreat indoors a bit more, giving us time to reflect, take stock (see my positive life plan if you’re interested in exploring this a bit more) and to welcome a bit of softness and comfort, even - dare I say it, more joy - into our lives. Autumn is snuggly jumpers, soft throws, cushions and flickering candles (and let’s not even get started on comfort food, shall we?). The change to cooler weather also brings the opportunity for a bit of a wardrobe refresh - retiring our summer pieces and exploring new collections from lots of our favourite brands, and - wow - the M&S autumn winter 2017 collection has so many nice things - I’ve taken you through a few of my favourites.

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Weekend wishlist: Liberty for Anthropologie

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You all know I love Anthropologie: I love the quirky collections of kitchenware (I have far too many Anthro mugs), and the ranges of clothes that will almost guarantee you’ve got something great quality and original in your wardrobe. As far as I know, apart from the lovely kitchen things, bed linen, and towels, etc, Anthro has never really ventured into the realms of furniture, but oh, they’ve done it now and it is spectacular, with the introduction of their brand new partnership with none other than Liberty: they of the fabulous floral print and the beautiful, must-visit mock-Tudor store on Great Marlborough Street (built from the wreckage of HMS Hindustan and HMS Impregnable - I don’t know why I retain useless information - I just do). Anyhoo, Liberty’s iconic prints have now found a new home in this wonderful collaboration with Anthropologie. And oh, it’s breathtaking. Dive in to Liberty for Anthropologie:

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hush autumn 17 big love jumper

Weekend wishlist: oh, hush autumn 17, you’re looking lovely!

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This week saw the announcement of the new hush autumn 17 collection and it really is a gorgeous one. I’ve seen them go from quite a niche online company to wandering the racks of their clothes in John Lewis like a proud mama, and I continue to love everything about their relaxed, grown up style. I absolutely love it when a new season collection lands and it’s no secret that autumn’s my favourite: all those snuggly jumpers, muted colours and soft fabrics make me so happy. Let’s face it, our summer’s been pretty nonexistent, hasn’t it? During our dog walks recently (yup, in wellies and rainwear), we’ve picked handfuls of blackberries for crumble, and the crabapples and sloes are dotting the hedgerows already… It’s like mother nature wants us all to forget it ever happened and move straight on to autumn. And honestly? At this stage, I’m pretty happy with that.

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Weekend wishlist: investment handbags: Ralph Lauren large saddle bag

Weekend wishlist: investment handbags

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Fashion seasons are so fickle aren’t they? I always think it’s weird how in the middle of August, when we should all be enjoying the sun (okay, I appreciate this really hasn’t happened), all everyone is talking about is school uniform, and things that are ‘new in for Autumn’, ‘new season’, etc. Still, I get it. If you’ve got kids going back to school (I haven’t - for the first time ever - sniff), you need to get uniforms and school kit organised, and if not, if you’re anything like me, those little glimpses of deliciously soft knitwear, leather boots and coats still make my heart do a little skip - autumn is by far my favourite season! Recently I’ve been considering investment handbags. I tend to buy a handbag - generally leather but not hugely expensive - and use it until I get sick of it, or ruin it. I’ve currently got a cavernous, ‘chuck it all in’ soft leather bag that I bought in John Lewis. But September, with all its back to school newness, does seem the season to maybe invest in something new and beautiful - a kind of new school bag for grown ups, if you will.

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The weekend wishlist: workout gear for all sizes and budgets

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So following on from my positive life plan post about fitness, I mentioned that one of the joys of keeping fit is buying all the workout gear. I love it: you really wouldn’t think it, but running leggings are actually quite flattering (why is that? I guess because they smooth everything out and suck everything in) and it’s all so comfy and colourful. I feel much more confident, somehow, if I’m in some nice sportwear. Here are a few of my top picks of the latest workout gear for all sizes and budgets.

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