Outfit Post // Gingham & Red Toms

Dress // Thrifted

Belt // New Look

Tights // Primark

Cardigan // Marks & Spencers

Shoes // Toms (gift from Jim)

I adore gingham. I can't get enough of it. I really have to stop myself from buying every single item I see in this pattern. Kitchen wear included. This dress is yet another thrifty find, so I allowed myself to have it.

I'm also absolutely crazy about these Toms ballet flats. I have a pair of the regular Toms in plain old black & I lived in them over the summer. They have got to be the most comfortable shoes in existence. These are just as comfy, but a little sturdier and better in the rain.

Are there any patterns you're a sucker for?

Aoife x

How to tuesdays // make your place smell lovely with heat!

Having our own place has been amazing! Mostly because we can do little personal things that would normally go unappreciated or get ruined by housemates. 

Having my home smell welcoming and pretty is a big deal to me. I'm really happy that I get to keep the place smelling lovely and inviting in my own way. I like to 'air out the place' (as my Mother would say) and keep a fresh breeze flowing through the apartment. In winter, though, that's not always possible.

This little trick is actually one my sister showed me years ago. So, I can't take full credit.

It's really simple but really effective.

I use this on every radiator I have in the place. Even the ones in the hallways, bedrooms, studio and bathrooms. 

It can also be used on space heaters.

First, get some fabric softener. Whichever smell you prefer go with that one. Or just grab the one you're using for laundry right now. 

We use Asda brand Orange Flower & Papaya. It smells amazing and the scent lasts for ages!

Pour some fabric softener onto a cloth. Any old thing will do.

Wipe the fabric softener generously all over your radiator. Coat it well for best results. Don't worry about getting it even or anything.

If you're using a space heater or any other kind of heater, only wipe the fabric softener over a closed panel, usually on the back or sides. Try not to get it into holes or grills.

Then, simply turn on your heating! 

The heat will warm up the radiators and fill the air with the smell of fresh linen, jasmine, apple blossom, orange flower, or whatever scent you chose.

Enjoy as your space is filled with gorgeous heat and wonderful smells. 

Depending on the brand you used it should last you a good few weeks.

Enjoy!

Aoife x

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Outfit Post // Floral, Polka Dots & Harness Boots

Cardigan // Thrifted

Boots // Thrifted from Sue Ryder, Leicester

Belt // Thrifted

Dress // Vintage from F as in Frank, Vancouver

Tights // Primark

Hair Clip // Primark

Necklace // Birthday gift from Jim (it never leaves my neck)

I'm insanely in love with these boots! I found them in the Sue Ryder shop (where I find many, many amazing things) and I simply couldn't leave without them. I can't believe how cheap they were! Plus, they're already broken in so they're amazingly comfy.

Also, apologies for the wrinkles. I was sitting down in this dress all day before I got a chance to snap it. I'm rarely ever not in this dress. It's the first one I reach for when I have to go...well, anywhere. I really have to will myself to wear other dresses at times. Anybody else have this problem?

Aoife x

Welcome to my new life // My New City

I'll admit, when I moved from Vancouver to Leicester I was worried I wouldn't like my new city. Vancouver was so beautiful, I loved the tall buildings and I was anxious I'd end up in a place that looked like my home town (which I despise) boring, grey and flat.

Thankfully, it's not. It's a gorgeous city with an enormous amount of history. Most high street shops are in buildings over 100 years old!

There's also a lot of modern things in Leicester too. So, the city has this wonderful mix of new and old living side by side, often one poking out from behind the other. It' a wonderful thing to be surrounded by.

Here's a few quick snap shots from around my beautiful Leicester:

Above, just a typical pub here in Leicester. Hosted in a gorgeous old building.

Above: one of my favourite places to sit and write out to-dos & goals in Leicester. Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms in St Martins Square

My most favourite vintage shop. Two actually. One located on top of the other.

The Sue Ryder shop is my favourite charity shop to thrift in. The shop is immaculate and full of gorgeous displays. The people are so friendly and helpful and remember you! They're hosting a vintage lock in soon and I can't wait to go. Images above are from their Facebook Page.

An Italian & French restaurant located around the corner from us. We're never more than 3 minutes away from wonderful places to go out.

Above is an apartment building. Yep, apartments!

The two images above are the streets right behind our apartment. The building with the grey shops are cafes and wine bars and the more modern looking building is The Curve Theatre. We've been to see Finding Neverland The Musical in there and it's an amazing theatre. The red & white building is The Athena, an old cinema/theatre (I believe?) which is now a music/conference/wedding venue.

This is The Oval, situated on New Walk. It's my favourite place to go and read. New Walk is a gorgeous pedestrian only walkway in the city. It's magical to walk down and has some amazing bars, cafes, parks and the Leicester New Walk Museum & Art Gallery is located here. Not two minutes from my front door! (and it's free!) Even my beautician is located on New Walk.

The images of New Walk below are not mine and are from Flickr. 

Click on the image for source :)

This is another view of The Oval.

The New Walk Museum.

So that's a little peep into my new city. I hope you like it? I certainly do. It's a pretty place to live. I feel very comfortable, happy and settled here (for the moment, myself & Jim do plan to still travel!).

Aoife x