Inspiration - La Petite Magazine

I have recently discovered online magazines & they have revolutionised my research process when starting new ranges. I find the format a lot more intimate than some of the more mass produced paperback versions available & find the photography & content often a lot more interesting & inspirational!

One of my favourite discoveries so far is La Petite Magazine, a fascinating mix of quirky illustrations, beautiful photography, home inspiration, DIY Projects & Fashion.

Website : www.lapetitemag.com

Shopping - Womens Skis

Skiing is a big passion of mine but I always find it really hard to find cool ski gear, it seems as though all the cool gear is reserved strictly for snowboarders! I haven't yet invested in a pair of skis but have scoured the net looking for a nice pair for when finances allow!

My favourite pair are the Line skis, I have a bit of a thing for hand painted prints at the moment so the gorgeous painted explosion of birds, flowers & rainbows is just my cup of tea!

From left to right -

1. Line Shadow : lineskis
2. Atomic Century : atomicsnow
3. K2 MissDemeanor : k2skis
4. Volkl Kiku : voekl

Shopping - Columbia Road Flower Market, E2

If you are in East London on a Sunday morning then head over to Columbia Road Flower Market for beautiful flowers, antiques, art & food. It is open from 8am-2pm, but I would recommend making an early start & heading down there early as it gets incredibly busy!

Website : www.columbiaroad.info

Travel - Plum'Arbres, France

I love to travel & try out new experiences when travelling so was delighted to stumble upon this new take on camping called Plum'Arbres where you sleep in a tent suspended from a tree up to 12m off the ground!

Plum'Arbres was designed by a company in France called A-un-Fil and is a new phenomenon spreading its way through campsites across France. The floor of the tent is made of catamaran netting with a custom made mattress, apparently providing a very comfortable nights sleep! I think this new concept in camping looks so much fun & will definitely have to try it.

There are 6 sites across France & 1 in Belgium offering this unique experience, starting at 25 euros pppn I think its an absolute bargain for such an unforgettable experience!

Website : www.a-un-fil.com

Yum - Belle Epoque Patisserie, N16

Today is a rather drizzly, miserable day so my boyfriend & I decided it would be a good day to stay close to home & sample a couple of local establishments that we haven't yet visited, so at lunch time we headed down to Newington Green.

Belle Epoque Patisserie is an exceptional french run patisserie on the north side of Newington Green in North London serving mouth-watering french fare, specialities include an incredible variety of pastries, beautiful cakes, tarts, freshly baked baguettes & chocolates as well as stocking a wide range of french groceries.

I couldn't resist the 'Rabbot JoJo', a rabbit shaped cake with chocolate brownie base, a layer of chocolate mouse then covered in a patent effect glace icing with popping candy sprinkles & white chocolate ears!

Well worth a visit if you long for an authentic Parisian cafe experience without having to leave North London!

Website : www.belleepoque.co.uk

Shopping - My favourite boutiques in Paris

Antoine et Lili is a french independent retailer with three specialist areas - Ladieswear, Kidswear & Home decor. I visited the three Canal Saint-Martin stores & was absolutely blown away by the gorgeous & unique products they had on offer - It is definitely worth a visit if you love colourful, ethnic & retro inspired clothes & home decor.

Website : www.antoineetlili.com

Merci is located on Boulevard Beaumarchais and is a hip, warehouse space style concept store with a vast array of quality products ranging from stationary to clothing & furniture. I love the fact that this store encompasses the current trend of shopping with a conscience as all profits are donated to a childrens charity in Madagascar - finally someone has invented guilt free shopping!
 
Website : www.merci-merci.com

Travel - Les Toits de Paris, Paris

Last summer I was treated to a fantastic weekend away by my boyfriend & he found us the most wonderful little B&B to stay in.

Les Toits de Paris is an intimate B&B with one lovely room located a short walk from the Eiffel tower in the XVth arrondisement of the city. It is owned by an extremely friendly french couple who decided to split their apartment in to two - living in one half & using the other half as a B&B room. The room is beautifully decorated to a very high standard & stocked full of local guide books, the bathroom has a gorgeous roll top bath & power shower as well as exquisite patchwork tiled flooring just outside that I am definitely going to try & replicate at home!

One of the best features of the B&B has to be Mattheu & his wife Sophie who provide you with an incredibly personal & welcoming stay in their home. Breakfast is served in their kitchen where Mattheu cooks you a fresh french breakfast as well as sitting down with you & a map creating personalised itineraries for the day.

Website : www.chambrehotesparis.fr
Email : lestoitsdeparis@chambrehotesparis.fr
Phone :  +33 (0)6 60 57 92 05

Shopping - Northcote Road, SW11

I LOVE Northcote Road! I am very fortunate to work just off this lovely, bustling road 'in between the commons' in South West London. It is full to bursting with a delightful mix of independent & high street retailers, cafes, restaurants, delis and even has a daily market which really springs to life on a Saturday.

I have only been working here for a couple of weeks so still have lots to explore but I am certainly going to dedicate a good amount of posts to my SW11 discoveries to celebrate this thriving area.

 Breadstall is my favourite culinary discovery so far - It's no secret that my 3 favourite foods are bread, cupcakes & sausage rolls so it is of no surprise then that I was very excited to stumble upon this daily market stall on Northcote road!
The cupcakes are labelled as 'award winning' and they certainly live up to that description, in particular the frosting on the chocolate variety was possibly the best I have ever tasted!
Hot, freshly baked sausage rolls - need I say anymore?! Again these surpassed all my expectations & have now become my regular friday treat...

Living Vintage is located just off Northcote road towards the southern end & is bursting with gorgeous Children's & Ladies clothing as well as a huge selection of patchwork quilts, vintage inspired cushions, jewellery, antique furniture & gifts.

Northcote Road Antiques Market is a true treasure trove of antique & collectible items spread over two floors & spilling on to the street outside. Anglepoise lights, rustic coat racks & retro tea sets particularly took my fancy!

More to follow over the next few months!...

Inspiration : Olaf Hajek

 Berlin- based Olaf Hajek is my favourite illustrator of the moment, I absolutely adore his beautiful designs which are a delicate & fanciful mix of striking colour palettes, world culture & intricate botanics.

For more fabulous creations by Olaf Hajek visit www.olafhajek.com

There's a first for everything!

Welcome to my 1st blog - I am completly new to the blogging world so wish me luck!