I’ve grown to love Instagram stories. It’s a great way to keep things real and share spontaneous moments throughout the day. I often post some of my favourite moments which aren’t always interiors related, like food, fashion, days out etc… and I get lots of messages asking where we are or where something is from. So I thought I would start a new feature to share some lifestyle, decor and other inspiring finds.

{INTERIORS}

First up in interiors is this giant cactus which was a steal at £15 from Asda. These are available in store in the seasonal section but I can’t find them online. See here for similar. I’m thinking that I might spray it as I don’t usually go for such bright colours but I have to admit, I’m loving how it pops with the tulips against my off black walls so I think I’ll leave it as it is for Spring.

Asda cactus vase in my dining room

 

Next is this beautiful gold and white wire notice board which just happened to leap into my trolly when I was doing the weekly grocery shop in Sainsburys! Terrible behaviour….has this ever happened to you? Candles and magazines seem to be repeat offenders!! I’ve been contemplating a wire notice board for a while now but most I’ve seen are quite pricey so when I saw this was only £14 I couldn’t refuse. It fits perfectly on my desk and comes with these gold clips. So useful for memos and reminders but would also make a great mood or vision board.

Sainsburys wire notice board, home office

 

I was recently asked to choose a few things from Dunelm’s spring/summer range to promote on Instagram. Having had a good look around I found the most amazing cutlery which is matt black and gold, it really is beautiful. Although this was gifted to me I love it so much I am going to purchase another set for when I have dinner guests over. It comes as a 16 piece set for £28 which I think is a great price for the quality. I also got some pasta bowls and 2 gorgeous tapas bowls which are perfect for snacks or dips.

Dunelm opulence black gold cutlery

 

{LIFESTYLE}

I first saw this beautiful Jo and Judy diary on Instagram and I really don’t know how I have even survived without it! Not only is it the prettiest diary I have ever seen, it is also the most functional. I now have one place to keep all my appointments, dates, to-dos, projects, important contacts and finances in one place. There’s also lots of thought out extras, like at the very front is how to stay productive… No1, put your phone on silent.(tick) No2, buy flowers! (big tick) ….You get the drift but you can see the rest below! At the start of each month is a section for Birthdays, need to buy and like to meet! Then there’s a page per week with a project/to do list and another To buy section (They know me well!!) The book has a stitched binding so stays open when lying on your desk. Can you tell how much I love it?!

Ps. This is not a sponsored post but sharing is caring right?

Jo and Judy diary

Jo & Judy diary

Jo & Judy diary, planner, cover

Jo & Judy diary, how to stay productive

 

Jo and Judy diary inside

 

{FITNESS}

One of my New Year goals was to do regular exercise which for once has been going really well. I don’t get much time to fit exercise in and over the years I’ve tried most options, paying for a gym membership, yoga classes, Pilates, spinning, kettle bells etc… The problem I find with the classes is that you’re tied to someone else’s timetable and with 2 kids, a dog and a Husband who often works unsociable hours it always manages to be the wrong day/time making it far too easy to skip them. So once I’d realised this I decided to start working out at home then I had no excuse. Once I’m up, showered, make up done and dressed for the day the last thing I want to do is get sweaty so considering all these factors (excuses!!) the only way for me was to set my alarm and get my ass out of bed before the kids are up, before I’ve showered and with no one else to fit around. Ideally I need to exercise 3 times per week to feel the benefit and although at first I really struggled to get up early and even think about breaking into a sweat before I’ve had at least 2 cups of tea I’ve now discovered that’s what works for me. So when I heard about the Kayla Itsines BBG workout it ticked all those boxes, 30 mins of exercise, 3 times per week, at home, with some Low intensity exercise in between (walking the dog) and an optional HIIT. This might not work for everyone but it’s perfect for me, I’m on week 9 now and getting up earlier 3 times per week has become the norm. By 7 am I’m done and I feel so much better and energised ready to start my day. I guess the key is working out what’s best for you, there’s always an option, it’s just finding the right one.

Kayla BBG workout

{FASHION}

I’m totally loving the frills and flounce trend for Sping/Summer.  This H&M pale pink, knitted jumper with frills ticks all the boxes for me, the colour, the ribbed cuffs and hem and the fluted sleeves. It will take me through to summer nicely teamed with faded straight leg jeans.

H&M frill jumper pink

 

{READING}

Another Goal this year was to read more, I do love a good book but again it’s something that I always make excuses for by saying I don’t have the time! When I do get time to sit down and relax I tend to pick up my phone and start scrolling Instagram or Pinterest which is fine in moderation but I’m now making sure that I read at least one chapter of my book per day. We are creatures of habit and they say after 21 days of doing something it becomes a habit! This is so true, I now look forward each evening to having 30 mins to an hour engrossed in my book, reading before bed is also a great way to wind down. I’ve just finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a very inspiring read about hope and dreams which I guess can be interpreted in different ways. The message I got was listen to your heart and follow your path, if you really want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. Which I am a big believer in anyway. I would definitely recommend it plus it would also make a lovely gift. Would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it and also if you have any other book recommendations.

I have been eagerly awaiting the latest issue of Country Living’s, Modern Rustic “Bookazine”, it is a cross between a coffee table book and a magazine. This is the first one of 2017 and there’s only usually around 3 issues per year. I always look forward to the latest release and Issue 7 didn’t disappoint, it’s full of inspiring ideas to refresh your home for spring. Also take a look at my previous post here to see which Interior and Home decor books I’ve been finding inspiration in lately.

Modern Rustic magazine

That’s it for my February round up, I really hope you enjoyed reading this. Please subscribe to my blog to get posts straight into your inbox.

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