Pinch, Punch

Good day to you, and welcome to July! 

We're over half way through the year, can you believe it? There's something that I want to be open and honest with you about and it's that I am currently dramatically failing at achieving any of my 'Home Goals' that I shared way back in January. Other things have stepped in and taken priority or we've just not had the time or funds. I'm certainly not going to beat myself up about it because I'm very happy in our home, however it may come, and that's what's important to me. 

Anyway, summer is apparently here and I am definitely a fan of the warmer months and really want to try and make the most of being outside. We've even got a last-minute getaway booked for my husband's 30th birthday to look forward to next week. I'm rather excited! 

I also wanted to let you know that I was back over on the Object blog the other day, if you fancy heading over for a quick read. I'm discussing decluttering techniques for a healthy house and mind. 

Have a happy hump day! :)

Claire x

#WeBlogMCR - The Foundation Coffee House Meet

It took me just over a year to decide that I wanted to write my own blog. I caught blog-fever whilst planning my wedding, as I devoured a wealth of wedding blogs on a daily basis. Eventually I had had enough, I wanted in. My own special little place on the internet where I was free to be creative, share things that I love and build on my passion for interiors. One particular aspect that I wasn't really expecting but has taken me pleasantly by surprise is the blogging community. There are so many lovely people, all kind and willing to help each other out. It really is fab. If you are thinking of starting a blog, my advice is do it! 

One perfect example of the blogging community at its best is #WeBlogMCR. These Manchester-based blogger events are ran by Holly (Holly Goes Lightly and Dribble) who is the loveliest hostess, she makes everybody feel welcome, sets a really relaxed vibe for the event to run by and even brings prizes! I went to the first meet up a whole year ago and attended the third meet up this past week. Last Thursday evening saw me turn up to The Foundation Coffee House on Lever Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. If you're around the area and in need of coffee then you should definitely try it. The staff are delightfully friendly, my first ever matcha latte was scrumptious and the interior is a complimentary mix of industrial-cool and vintage charm. 

Holly said a few welcoming words and we soon got stuck in to the far-reaching realms of blogging and all its wonders. The group comprised of fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle bloggers all happily sharing tips, troubles and goals whilst snapping pics of our location, drinks and nibbles. The Foundation Coffee House was kind enough not only to supply the space (after their usual opening hours) but also provided espresso martinis and a super healthy juice shots. Yum. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and getting to make some new blogging friends, as well as catch up with some old ones too. Make sure you scroll down and take some time to have a look at their links. Once again a massive thanks to Holly who put this all together whilst heavily pregnant! Absolute star :)

Matcha latte // espresso martini // skin juice boost

Great little styling details like the table leg and shelves

Scandi-inspired interiors

Hexagon tiles // subway tiles

Dromomania
Kat Horrocks
Oui Stephanie
Radiance Nutrition
Sarah Jane Jackson
EmmyLou Kelly Photography
SpamellaB
Smile At Style
Greedy Sisters

Claire x

Bloomin' Monday

Hello and a happy welcome to the start of a new week. I hope you had a lovely weekend. We've been looking into some suppliers for our garden, (more on this later in the week!) finally booking a holiday (woop!) and enjoying some time with family. This week is set to be a busy one but a fun one for me. What are your plans?

Beautiful blooming peonies on our kitchen table

I thought I'd help ease into the week with some of my recent favourite blog posts from the wonderful world of the internet. 

This Victorian-inspired HOME on Rock My Style
A delicious looking lentil and sweet potato SALAD from Dania Trapani
All black FASHION inspiration from Lizzy at Shot From The Street
Making the perfect G&T with Miss Pond

Claire x 

Object

There's a new online concept store that requires your full attention. Object is a beautifully curated virtual shop for those on the search for unique and delightful pieces for the home, wardrobe and wedding. I've known Rachael, Object's founder, for a few years now and had the pleasure of working with her on several projects in the past. She's an incredibly dedicated entrepreneur, and has worked hard to hone her eye to create a strong and extremely aesthetically pleasing brand. You must check out the official instagram account, it is a vision of rose gold heaven!

I did a little guest post over on Object's blog where I discuss 'The Rise of the Sharing Traveller'. This involved some research into Behomm, a house swap website for creative professionals. My new aim in life is to get my home listed on their site, there are so many picture-perfect places to stay, in all far flung edges of this earth. Have a little read if you've got a spare moment. I guarantee you'll want a nosey.

I wouldn't be a very good 'interiors blogger' if I didn't show you a few of my favourite pieces from Object's 'Home' section. So, here you go:

Biscuit Thief Bone China Mug by Ink Inc

Lucky Wheel Print by Kristina Krogh

Trio of Grey Felt Storage Baskets

Medium Textured Weave by Maryanne Moodie

Silver and Black Glass Circular Wall Hanging

I bet you've already mentally loaded your shopping basket. You're welcome ;)

Claire x

Mayday

I know that we're already a whole week into May but my laptop has recently been throwing a wobbler, making it nigh on impossible to blog. Apologies! May is currently choc-full of things to do and people to see. I do hope I get chance to get back on the blogging wagon because I really am missing it.

Sunday was my birthday and I had a wonderful time celebrating throughout the whole of the bank holiday weekend. I ate, I drank and I ate and I drank. A lot. It was a great weekend all round. 

I managed to snap this photo of some glorious blossom before the weather in Manchester turned nasty. I know it's a total blogger cliché but I LOVE blossom. It makes me so happy to see it in full bloom. So much so, that I made my husband stop the car so that I could take this picture. 

Claire x

PS. Happy voting!

Onwards and Upwards

Hello and happy Monday to you! 

Gosh, I've not written a blog post for about three weeks. There's no real reason. As much as I would love to have a fixed schedule and post several times a week, it's not always a viable option. So I do apologise for it being a bit quiet on these pages recently. I'm unsure how the majority of you 'follow' my blog but just to let you know that you can use Bloglovin' to keep up with my sporadic posts ;)

The biggest change around here is that I've started a new job. Last week was my first week and it went really well. I'd been at my previous job for four and a half years, so it really is quite a big change for me. I'm feeling very positive about it and hope that this feeling continues. 

I was very touched by the lovely cards and gifts that I received - how gorgeous are those roses?!

How did you feel when you started a new job? Do you have any tips on how to make the transition into a new office?

Claire x

March Is Here

Yesterday we said a big 'Hello!' to March. I welcomed the start of the new month with pancakes for brunch and an hour or so tidying up the garden. It's so pleasing to see the little daffodil bulbs poking their way through the soil and discarded leaves. Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait. 

I've collected several of my favourite blog posts from the past month. If you're in need of an inspiration boost then why not have a peruse:

Maps for ART on Chapter Friday
Comfort FOOD with Cupcakes and Cashmere 
A DIY pom pom wall hanging with A Beautiful Mess
Inspiration to ESCAPE the daily grid for Småland from Yvestown 

Claire x

Hello, 2015

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Happy New Year!
How exciting to have a whole new year ahead of us?! I still can't quite believe that 2014 is a thing of the past but that doesn't mean I'm not ready for the future challenges, directions and joys of 2015. I say, bring it on!

I'll see you soon with some more interiors and lifestyle-type posts, once the champagne bubbles have left my system ;-)

Claire x

Christmas Markets and More

I'm lucky to live a 20 minute train ride from the centre of Manchester and so I can easily enjoy the best of both city and suburban living. One reason I love Manchester at Christmas time is the annual Christmas markets which completely take over the city's streets and squares. (Though I'm not sure whether I'm a fan of the markets dominating the main shopping thoroughfare  - bah humbug ;-)  The markets are in full swing at the moment and I've already made them a post-work destination twice. They're a quick fix to get you in the festive mood but can get extremely busy. If you go with the understanding that you might have to queue for your mulled wine, then you'll be fine. Also, if you don't fancy a Bratwurst then I recommend the chorizo sausage or the Lancashire hot pot, both located in Albert Square. 

Albert Square, Manchester

I've handpicked several blog posts from across the web that you might like to read:

A male GIFT guide over at Cup Of Jo.
This NYC APARTMENT before and after on A Perfect Gray. The kitchen!
Sound JOB advice from Hello Terri Lowe.
Cosy and neutral FASHION with Somewhere, Lately.

Don't forget to send me your blog links. I love reading new content. 

Claire x

Round Up

If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen I was at the Courteeners gig over in Leeds on Tuesday. I'd never seen them live before and they pretty much blew my socks off. They've mentioned a few times that they'll be returning to Manchester in the summer and so tickets for their highly anticipated home-coming are definitely recommended by this fan.  

Here's a little round-up of blog posts that have tickled my fancy recently:

Recommended READING by Erin at Elements of Style
Get your festive BAKE on with Design Love Fest
Handbag FASHION heaven over at Franki Durbin
A beaut of a kitchen INTERIORS inspiration from Style Files

Please comment if you've got any blog posts you think I should take a peek at :)

Claire x

Off I Pop

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I am a super lucky girl and actually get to go on holiday again on Sunday. My husband and I are extremely excited about our week-long break to Greece. We want to catch that last bit of sun before the pre-Christmas slog. 

This week has been quite a busy one and I've not had chance to sit down and blog. I want to fix a better routine upon my return. 

Here are a few blog links that I've enjoyed reading recently, maybe pop on over?

Everyday BEAUTY with In The Frow
Sardinian WANDERLUST with Arianna's Daily
Autumn FASHION with Rock My Style
Perfect INTERIORS palette with Dear Designer

Do you have any saved blog posts that you just want to share? 

Claire x

Oops

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Well, it looks as though I've taken an impromptu two week break from blogging.  Not quite sure what happened there, sorry!  

I've been feeling a little uninspired so I am back on the search for my mojo and hopefully some beautiful interiors whilst I'm at it.  Thanks for sticking with me.

Claire x

One Whole Year

Today I am patting myself on the back...I've completed one whole year of blogging here at Happy Little Places.  Yay!

I am pretty proud of this milestone because it really does take a lot of dedication to keep up with a blog. (This is something I didn't quite realise whilst sitting on the other side of a laptop screen.)  I have thoroughly enjoyed coming up with content for these pages and I hope you've enjoyed reading them.  Whether you're a new reader or someone who may have followed from the first post, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  

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I am really pleased with the opportunities blogging has presented to me.  I hope that this momentum continues.  Onwards and upwards, as they say :-)

Cheers, everyone!

Claire x

Official

I decided the other day to make Happy Little Places a tad more official.  Allow me to introduce my shiny new business cards.  I created my own design using Easy Print and all for free. Thankfully they lived up to their name, as it really was super easy.  I uploaded my logo, input the text I wanted, as well as the cute little house image and voilà!  I'll be cracking out these beauties at any future networking events.

What do you think of the design?  Do you have your own business cards for your blog?  

Claire x

Infectious Colour

I've shared in the past my admiration for top UK interior blogger Will Taylor, aka Mr Bright Bazaar. And I thought it was about time I gushed some more.  

I was lucky enough to receive the Bright Bazaar book for my birthday (yes, that was in May so this post is waaay overdue, feel free to judge away).  I love it and I think you will too.  

Will's old flat adorning the front cover of his very own book

The book's tagline is 'Embracing colour for make-you-smile style' and this could not ring more true.  I pick up this book and a smile instantly lands on my face.  The interiors selected for the book are beautiful and even though I'm not a confessed 'colour addict' like Will, the images manage to set little interiors-obsessed alarm bells off in my head. 

Page 18

As you know from my recent front door post, we maintained a classic style with a monochrome look. And yet the above image with the pops of colour from the in-your-face sky blue to the clashing sunshine yellow, it really does speak to me.  How could it not?  It looks like such a darling and welcoming entrance that I'm without doubt that the rest of the house is just as colourful and inviting.  

Pages 76 and 77

Will's book is full of practical hints and tips. As you know we've been working on our master bedroom for quite some time and the above page helped me to pull together a scheme which I am really proud of.  (More on this soon, I promise!) 

Page 76

The book is perfectly pulled together, with gorgeous imagery and an approachable writing style. Mr Bazaar can do no wrong. 

Gushing over.  

Claire x

Elsewhere

My writing was recently featured over on The Social Butterfly blog.  Head over to read all about Blackbird Vintage - Leeds newest vintage-inspired homewares and interiors store (lucky Yorkshire folk).  It's already been added to my must-visit list!

Do let me know if you make the trip. As I'd love to hear what you think.

Claire x

#WeBlogMCR

Twitter is blummin' amazing.  (You can follow me here.)

All thanks to this wonderful social media tool I ended up at The Whim Wham Cafe last Wednesday evening for the first #WeBlogMCR meet up with a bunch of other brilliant, North West-based bloggers.  And what a lovely evening it was too.  

The extremely lovely Holly Wood of Holly Goes Lightly set out with the objective of creating a new, casual and fun event for bloggers of all persuasions to come together and have a good old time, whist sharing tips and maybe making a friend or two.  

This was my first blogger meet up and I'm really glad that I took the time to go and do it.  Everyone was super friendly.  There was a really good mix of fashion, beauty, food, health and lifestyle bloggers.  It was inspiring to share a drink or two with such a blog-savvy group of ladies.  (Check out their blog links below!)

The Whamble.  Probably the most popular cocktail of the night.  It was rather yummy.
Haymans Gin, Raspberry Puree and Lemon Juice over ice and drizzled with Apricot Liqueur

If you're thinking about attending an event similar to this one then I would definitely recommend it. 

Claire x

www.spamellab.com

www.thewolfinthecity.com

www.catgirlblogs.wordpress.com

www.seeingspots.co.uk

www.andreasmake-upartistry.blogspot.co.uk

www.fashiondough.com

www.glutenfreestudentcookbook.co.uk

www.missdanielle.com

@amyconlock

www.greedysisters.com

www.thequickredfox.co.uk

www.misspond.com

www.smileatstyle.blogspot.co.uk

@FashionMusicAB

www.lilacghosts.com

Sunday Sharing 7

Not every blog I read makes me laugh out loud.  This is probably because I don't choose to follow blogs for their ability to make me laugh but for the content that they share.  Anyway, A Cup Of Jo by Joanna Goddard manages to tickle me nearly every time I pop by.  Case and point --> this disturbing yet hilarious post.  

Joanna with her adorable family - photo by Julia Robbs

A Cup Of Jo is a hugely popular blog which has a ginormous worldwide readership.  Just look how many comments each post gets.  (I am not at all jealous - hello, anyone out there? ;-)  

Joanna and her husband, Alex - photo by Julia Robbs

The blog shares a wide variety of posts from fashion and beauty, to food and drink, to motherhood.  As 'motherhood' is not really something that interests me just yet, I tend to skip those posts.  But there's still plenty of content to keep me intrigued and entertained. I particularly love the 'Have a lovely weekend' posts which occur every Friday afternoon. Where Joanna shares some of the most interesting links into the world wide web.  

The reoccurring theme with the blogs I love is that their authors are all honest and open in their writing.  I hope that I'm achieving a similar feeling here at Happy Little Places.

Love CB x

Sunday Sharing 6

The blog that I'm sharing today regularly melts my heart when it pops up on my reader. Junkaholique is the blog written by Artemis Russell a jewellery designer and maker who has recently moved to live on the Isle of Wight.  

The beach near their house on the Isle Of Wight - photo by Artemis Russell

She runs their jewellery shop RUST along with her husband Nao.  Their pieces are perfect so do go and take a look.  The blog documents their life and work through beautiful photography coupled with lovely, honest anecdotes.  The FAQ page is a pleasant introduction if you want to become acquainted.  

I've really enjoyed following their recent transition into parenthood.  It certainly helps that the photos they publish of their little cherub, Pehr, are simply stunning.  

Cutie - photo by Artemis Russell

Reading Junkaholique is inspiring and calming.  The blog inspires me to become a little more creative and to also appreciate the small things in life by slowing down to a less hectic pace.  

I highly recommend that you pop over for a snoop around.  It's just lovely!

CB x

Sunday Sharing 5

Another fabulously inspiring blog that I check out on a daily basis is Design Love Fest by the beautiful and talented Bri Emery.  She seems like a very cool person and is another blogger who is happy to get personal with her posts.  

Photo by anja verdugo

The blog's aesthetic is pleasing to the eye, as it's paired back and simple.  Plus, every photograph featured is knock-your-socks-off stunning.  

The blog is an insight into Bri's life and the DLF studio with posts on DIYs, fashion, interiors, styling shoots, travel tips and the list goes on.  

Photo by brittany wood

If you want a smile on your face when having a blog catch up then you need to add Design Love Fest to your reader.  Do it. 

CB x