Flora & Fauna

Flora & Fauna - Cavallini & Co / I'm unsure about the second notebook as it was given to me a few weeks ago (helpful, I know) / Chinese Blossom - V&A 

I'm a sucker for anything with floral, pretty patterns (even bed sheets^) so that includes notebooks too. As I'm doing a degree in Creative Writing and Publishing, I've always got a ton of notebooks on the go to write down my dreams, ideas and the odd doodle. With the start of spring also comes new, fresh stationery. There's something terrifying yet satisfying about marking the first, clean page with ink - don't you think?

Where do you buy your stationery? 

Beyond the Kale

My sunny Sunday just got better. I discovered Beyond the Kale whilst walking through Green Park Station on my way home. It's a vegan/vegetarian paradise that has been open for 6 weeks and sells everything from fruit, pulses and vegan cake, to an amazing selection of yummy freshly made juices and raw spreads. If you're a clean eater or in need of a vitamin boost then look no further. 

The menu has a wonderful selection of juices and blends, which meant that I took a long time to decide which one to pick. They also offer coconut water, wheatgrass shots and almond milk to take-away. Too good!

 A colourful selection of fruit and vegetables that makes me feel good just looking at them.  

They have some pretty cool dispensers filled with trail mixes, oats, flax and quinoa and more. 

A stack of baskets for you to put your shopping in is a nice rustic touch. The freezer contained lost of Booja-Booja vegan, organic, soya-gluten free, refined sugar-free ice-cream. I bought a little tub of Coconut Hullabaloo ice-cream as a treat after doing lots of university work; it is delicious. 

In the fridge there are freshly prepared options to take-away to the park, or wherever you might go on a sunny day in Bath. Two homemade soups are on offer every day, so I must try them out next week. 

What's more is they sell vegan cake too! 

I opted for the Vitamin-C Boost blend which consists of: Kale, pineapple, orange and celery (I also noticed they also have a couple Vitamix blenders - something I really want/need.) All in all, a bright and beautiful shop filled with a vast array of healthy goodies, and not to mention the friendly couple who own it. I will be sure to visit soon... 

Spring Shirt

My idea of spring involves a pastel floral shirt. The new season is on it's way as the nights are getting lighter and the air warmer. I found this shirt last year in my local charity shop for a couple of pounds and have worn it with the sleeves rolled up and buttons undone ever since (with a top underneath of course.) I'm hoping that wearing it will bring on even more sunshine, but for now, I'm tucked up in bed wearing my fluffy dressing gown.

What is your idea of spring?

Purple Smoothie

 

I'm not sure about you, but with university work picking up and the cold weather, I've been stuffing myself with all sorts of toxic food including, pizza, cupcakes and chips. Not good.

So this morning I made a purple smoothie to detox and energise my body. Spinach is a great source of iron and is something I prefer mixing into a smoothie, rather than eat on its own. Chia seeds are full of antioxidants and omega-3's, therefore adding a tbsp. full will boost its nutritional value. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels whilst the banana is a slow releasing energy food. Here is how to make it:

  

 

Ingredients:

1 banana

Handful of spinach

Handful of blackberries (I freeze mine)

1 tbsp. chia seeds

Half tsp. of cinnamon

1 tsp. of vanilla essence

Splash of orange juice

 

Method:

 

Peel and chop the banana, then put into a blender. Add the spinach and blackberries and whizz. Next, add the chia seeds, vanilla essence, cinnamon and lastly, the orange juice. Whizz the ingredients together into a thick smoothie. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Judy's Vintage Fair comes to Bath

(Images courtesy of Judy's Vintage Fair and Raiders Vintage.)

 
Vintage fans stepped back in time as Judy’s Affordable Fashion Fair, returned to Bath. Under the great ceilings and chandeliers of the Guildhall, eager shoppers dressed in fur coats, tea-dresses and brogues, gathered to discover affordable delights.

 

I caught up with Emily who works at Judy’s Vintage Fair, and asked her why Bath is a great venue, she says:  ‘Bath is such a beautiful, historic city and it really lends itself to an event like ours! There are lots of vintage fans, students and families in Bath that enjoy coming to our events and finding pieces of the past to take away with them.’

There was a buzz in the room since stalls boasted vintage dresses, shearling jackets and a favourite of mine – ‘carpet’ handbags. Visitors were lost amongst the rails as they rummaged through and exchanges were made, along with vintage talk and tips. Whether hunting for the perfect silk blouse, hand-made accessories, menswear, shorts or an ideal skirt, it was all there. Emily tells me: ‘Each of our events features 30+ independent vintage traders all bringing an eclectic, handpicked selection of stock from 1920s to 1980s.'

 

 

Appearances included Raider’s Vintage who had a vast selection of sequin goodies, Vintage Paradise, and Vintage Promise – where dainty up-cycled and vintage accessories were on display. Also, Vintage in Print flaunted original iconic prints from the past including Vogue covers.

Next door, tea and cupcakes a la 1940’s were served from floral teacups and ditzy print plates whilst a singer from Bath Spa University filled the hall with retro tunes.

So, how did all this come about? After much pondering and chocolate eating, The Affordable Vintage Fair was born in 2005 in Yorkshire and is now a favourite of Florence Welch, The Pierces & Daisy Lowe (although they were nowhere to be seen when I went.) The ever-expanding Fair now visits over 30 cities and 6 festivals, so the future looks bright over at Judy’s HQ. Emily says they even host special 'large' vintage events such as Vintage Nation. 
At only £2 entry, it doesn’t break the bank, so be sure not to miss Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair when it comes to a city near you...