Haworth Break #3 (Shop Displays & Doors)

The final installment of this series is here. I have included some of the little details from shops I visited as well as a mini project finding interesting doors. I would love to go back to Haworth to explore more as we only went for a short time, and I got some new ideas from my trip.

One of the most interesting shops was a little fashion accessories shop which had a display of rainbow purses, and a lot of effort had gone into it. There was a gift boutique shop which I recommend to visitors, and their dog themed window display was interesting. 

I hope you have enjoyed this series! :-) Xx

Shop Displays

Door Project

Haworth Break #2 (Monochrome & More)

Today I’m back with photo diary part two of my holiday to Haworth from the beginning of the year. This segment features some more atmospheric shots from the town and church grounds which I thought was appropriate to share for the spooky season.

On another note Haworth is famous for the Bronte sisters, and although we didn’t have to time to visit the museum, I became more interested in their history. The museum is in the former Brontë family home, the parsonage in Haworth, West Yorkshire, England, where the sisters spent most of their lives and wrote their famous novels. Haworth overall is a really interesting place which I hope to revisit someday!

Are you interested in the Bronte sister’s history too?

What was your favourite photo from this post? :-) Xx

Haworth Break #1 (Little Details, Plants, & Dogs)

Way back at the beginning of the year, my parents and I went to Haworth for four days to see family. We stayed in a beautiful B&B with delicious breakfasts and a warm welcome. I think this was my first time visiting Haworth and I very much enjoyed it. My Mum and Dad would go for a cuppa in the many cafes while I had a wander about. There were some interesting sights to see.

It was fairly quiet when we went which was right at the beginning of March. With it being off peak some of the shops were closed which was sad but other things were open. The cafes seemed to be doing very well and some of the shops were open such as a posh chocolate shop, fashion boutique, fashion accessories shop, Sue Ryder charity shop, etc.

We went for some evening meals in Haworth, at The Old White Lion. The food was amazing so I recommend that you try it if you go for a visit. I had a vegan burger the first night and then a mushroom risotto the second (I think!). It was really nice to come back to the B&M at the end of each day. My room was modern, and cosy with complementary herbal teas, extra blankets if I got cold, a TV, and a neat little bathroom. This is part one in a series of three posts about Haworth, so more details and photographs to come.

Have you ever been to Haworth?

Does it sound like somewhere you might like to go in the future? :-) Xx

Little details.

Plants.

Dogs.

Recent Reads Reviewed #29

Paper Girls, Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4/5

If you are new to this series, we follow a group of time-traveling paper girls in a wonderfully, weird dystopian world. The illustrations and colour choices are beautifully done throughout. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they would like to get into graphic novels, as this is where I primarily started. Volume six was wrapped up really nicely. I can’t believe I’ve finally finished the Paper Girls series!

Sunshine and Spaniels (Primrose Terrace Series #2) by Cressida McLaughlin - 4/5

I started and completed the Primrose Terrace series this year and would recommend it to those looking for a quick kindle series. We follow Cat and her move to Primrose Terrace where she sets up a dog walking business. She quickly becomes friends with her neighbours, and romance starts to blossom. Part two was my least favourite, but overall, it’s a beautiful, heart-warming series. Anyone who likes dogs will love this!

The Busy Girl's Guide to Digital Photography by Lorna Yabsley - 4/5

This book is a great starting point to learn more about photography and gain confidence to develop your skills. Important information such as exposure, the big three and other technicalities are included in the first chapter. In the next chapter we move on to portraits, covering different types of people as well as composition. 

Different events are discussed later for example sports, weddings, etc and there’s lots more valuable information as you go through the rest of the book. Topics are explained in an accessible way, and everything is broken down clearly. I found it to be a fun, and interesting read.

Productive Life: Tips for Setting Goals and Being Productive by Scott Thourson - 5/5

This is a concise, profound look at how to be more productive in a work and home environment. It covers types of goals, why goal setting is important, golden rules of goal setting and much more. This was an informative, inspiring read about the psychology of goal setting and how to set goals successfully.

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō - 5/5

This author previously brought out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying in 2014 and it became a big sensation. I was a little late to the party reading it but it became one of my all-time favourites. I love learning about tidying, and when I saw Kondo had brought out a fictional manga book, I knew I wanted to read it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the story of Chiaki, a young woman in Tokyo with a messy apartment and needing a new direction in life; interesting. This graphic novel is fantastic in its own right, with its own share of valuable lessons to be taken from it. 

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell - 4/5

In this graphic novel we follow Deja and Josiah who work together at their local pumpkin patch, and are seasonal best friends. Finally, seniors, this will be there last season, so they want to make the most of it. The illustrations are wonderful, and the story is well-paced with lots of autumnal vibes. I liked all the autumn snack references throughout for example toffee apples, s’mores, kettle corn, apple cider slushees, and more. 

Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life by Jen Chillingsworth - 5/5

This is a dinky little coffee table book, with a generous amount of knowledge about how to live a greener lifestyle. Everything is covered from home and garden, eating green, slow fashion, natural beauty, a simple Christmas and so on. The book is beautifully presented, and I learnt a great deal from the authors extensive tips. It was a charming, and insightful read overall.

Have you added any of these to your reading list?

Do you have any autumn reading recommendations for me? :-) Xx

Autumnal Baking: Cocoa & Coconut Cupcakes

It’s been a while since I’ve put a baking post up so I’m pleased to be back with one. I was baking quite a bit over the summer and then other things got in the way a little bit. I’ve made cocoa cupcakes a number of times now, and one of my go-to recipes is from my Fast Cakes book by Mary Berry. Cupcakes are easy to whip up in no time at all.

Desiccated coconut is one of my favourite baking ingredients, I just love the taste and texture as well as adding a bit of natural sweetener. I added a small amount of the desiccated coconut to the mixture as well as some on the top of the cakes just before going into the oven. They turned out pretty well, the rich cocoa and sweetness of the coconut came through.

Have you been baking recently?

What is your favourite thing to bake? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #28

 

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Alison Ritchie - 4/5

This picture book caught my eye because it featured Christmas and dogs. It’s a remake of the twelve days of Christmas poem, with a twist. I can see this book appealing to all ages, and enjoyed being read aloud. The illustrations are adorable, and I found it very festive.

The Library by Sarah Stewart - 3/5

In this children’s picture book, we follow Elizabeth Brown who entered the world short-sighted, shy and ready to fit into the role of a stereotypical book worm. While the book gives a cosy, warm-hearted impression of bibliophiles; I found the story quite dated and cliché. The illustrations were lovely, and I can see most book lovers taking something from the story.

Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen - 5/5

Hygge was a big deal a few years back now. I’ve read a few related non-fiction books and I found it refreshing to read some fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and having known a bit about hygge previously, the author really pulled off that warm, cosy feeling. It was lovely, escapist, filled with friendship and fresh starts.

The basic premise is set around Bo, who wanting to forget her worries for a while takes a trip to Denmark. She finds herself sharing a holiday cottage with a group of people and due to the bad weather, they get to know each other through the joy of hygge.

Claude The Magnificent by Chris Capstick - 4/5

Firstly, this is a beautifully presented book and the illustrations are lovely. Claude the Magnificent is an artiste in search of success in Paris. When his hat creations grow bigger, so does his ego and an important lesson is discovered. The moral of the story seemed quite mature for a picture book but I would imagine children warming to Claude the cat.

Coleen's Real Style by Coleen Rooney - 4/5

Without making assumptions about the author’s controversy in the public eye at the time, I think this is lovely book about fashion, beauty and having the confidence to feel good.

Coleen has an eye for what looks good, and I enjoyed her outlook on styling. Most of her ideas are classic and timeless so this book still feels worthy of a read now. There were a few references to fashion at the time though, and sometimes stock images were used, which was a little disappointing.

Overall, if you want something fun, and girly to read about fashion, and much more, I would recommend you give this one a try.

Slow: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Hectic World by Jo Peters - 4/5

This was a wonderful book, filled with interesting quotes, pictures and tips to help you live a slower lifestyle. It covers well-being, relationships, food, nature, etc. I could see it appealing to anybody interested in the topic. It might be a good one to read before bed as I found it relaxing and easy to finish.

A New York Christmas by Anne Perry - 5/5

Anne Perry, is a prolific, Victorian crime writer I didn’t previously know a lot about. This was my first read by her which I picked up from the library. I was interested to read about what it was like living in New York in the Victorian era and dip my toes into a light crime genre.

I like anything set around Christmas, and although it didn’t feel overly festive, the atmospheric account of New York in winter was beautifully written. The crime aspect was just right for my taste, as I don’t like anything too heavy, but it kept me engaged and on my toes. One of my favourites from the month!

Are you currently reading anything?

Do any of these books sound appealing to you? :-) Xx