#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 

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

Beat The Blues

This week has been my first full week back at work since before Christmas and it has not been easy. January can be a tough one to get right so I think it's important to try and plan various fun things to do to help us glide through the month instead of struggle. 

Luna graduated from puppy class last year and we've got her first dog training class in the 'Novice' group on Wednesday. I'm a very proud Mum. Then at the weekend we're going to a restaurant we haven't been to before with friends. Simple pleasures!

A recent January sunset at Happy Little Places HQ

One of my favourite things to do with spare time is catch up on my favourite blogs. Here's a selection of inspiring blog links to get you going this January:

Natural light PHOTOGRAPHY tips from A Beautiful Mess.
An annual DECORATING report from Simply The Nest.
A delicious looking and healthy Shepherd's Pie RECIPE over at Stefanie Grace.
A beautifully calming BEDROOM before and after from Stylizimo. 

What plans have you made to beat the January blues? 

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

Source

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

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.
  

Source

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

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 

Sunday Sharing 4

One blog that guarantees to make me smile is Decor8 by Holly Becker.  Especially at the minute as she has just had a little baby boy.  Too cute!!  

If my memory serves me correctly, this was one of the first blogs I started to follow.  I remember thinking 'WOW. Me and this blog are going to get along just fine' when I clicked onto it's page.  It is a blog that I have stuck with for several years and I still tend to jump to it more frequently for a catch up than some other blogs I follow.  

Holly has impeccable taste and yet the blog is not just about interiors.  She branches out into food, fashion and personal posts.  Plus, you can tell that she writes from the heart and is being truly honest.  It's a bit like having a chat with a good friend over a brew.  

I own her first book Decorate and love browsing it for inspiration.  She's even had a second and now a third on the way.  (Already added to my wish list) 

One of her more recent posts that actually made my interiors-loving heart melt was that about her baby boy's nursery.  LOOK at that room!  B.e.a.utiful. 

I think the wooden boxes with faces are my favourite - adorable

Happy Sunday!

CB x

Photo - Thorsten Becker

#JanuaryJoy

Hello, 

I just wanted to point you in the direction of a blog's feature that I am currently enjoying and trying to participate in.  Florence Finds has embarked on spreading some 'January Joy'.  Basically, a selection of hints and suggestions to make January less, well, blah.  

Take a look and perhaps give some of them a go...

Here's what I've been up to...

• I have already made one pretty specific resolution which isn't something I fancy sharing as yet but I hope to as the year goes on.  
• I'm already pretty serious about my skin but I guess I could do the usual of drinking more water etc and I hope to do a post about products that I like.  If there's one thing you do this year, I suggest you throw out ANY facial wipes.  They are bad news, trust me.  
• I've emailed some of my uni girl friends who I've not seen in a while and we're hoping to meet up soon for a much needed catch up.  
• I have already made a calendar using Snapfish and it hangs proudly in my kitchen :-).
• I LOVE the feature about clean eats on Florence Finds by Michelle from Pocketful of Dreams and I will be putting some of her recipes into practice.  

Now, the post that I have felt inspired by the most was 'Manage your time'.  I think most of us would agree that things can get a little hectic when we're trying to do what seems to be a thousand things, all at once.  I need to take heed of some of Rebecca's advice PLUS I've been trying to get my husband to agree to a cleaner for some time.  I think I'm just going to book one.  Eek!  

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the rest of the month and generally sorting myself out.  

Good luck!

CB

Image taken from Florence Finds

Sunday Sharing 2

Sunday is a day for families, for laziness, good food and blog reading.  (Ok, the last one may be something I just do).  

Today I am sharing a blog that I really admire.  Bright Bazaar is a wonderfully colourful blog which shows that going for it with colour really can pay off.  Will Taylor writes in a witty and approachable way about all things Interiors, to the point where I actually wish he was my real life friend (cringe?!)  When it comes to my own interiors you will never find me busting out the bright, in-your-face colours (it just isn't me) but that does not mean that I don't enjoy this blog.  

Bright Bazaar has long been directing my attention to the latest online homeware boutiques and I love it for that (my bank account - not so much).  Basically, you can count on Will to cheer you up.  

I am super excited that his first book will be published next year.  It has already made it on to my wishlist.  And just look at the front cover - love. it.  

Wow, this post was not meant to be a gush-fest.  Sorry about that.  

Check Bright Bazaar out!

Sunday Sharing

I love all things bloggy (new word for a Sunday afternoon?), especially when it comes to interiors.  I thought I'd quickly share one of my fave interiors blogs.  Now, my taste does not always run in line with that of this lady's but her blog is just super cool and I love reading every single post.  

Elements of Style is one of the first blogs I check up on when I settle down with my feedly ap.  Erin Gates tells it how it is and is not shy about her style.  She's an interior designer based in Boston, USA and quite often I find myself wanting a piece of her life.  She doesn't just share interiors inspiration but is a dab hand at highlighting fashion trends.  Her writing style is on point and I often have a giggle along to her posts.  

This office space is everything

Basically I <3 her. Go check her out!