Whirlwind

It's been such a whirlwind moving from Oxfordshire to Bournemouth, I'm only just starting to feel like i can catch up with myself!

The job at HOF is going well and the flat is coming together (photos to be posted when it's all finished). I even think I'm even cured of my shopping addiction! There's something about dressing other people that makes you less inclined to make purchases yourself. I'm not complaining.

So in the last 7 weeks or so I've been battling with the local housing benefit system (it's still not worked itself out but that's a whole stress you don't need me to bore you with), and getting stuck into my new job.

Getting to know the local area has been great. I've sampled some local Turkish food (totally scrummy)

Dipped my toes in the sea and been amused by the different characters that come out, human and animal alike.

Enjoyed wonderful visitors (friends and family).

Re-visited Fired Earth for a spot more painting

Explored Christchurch

Been amused by local window displays

Enjoyed too many coffees

and enjoyed the local art

Moving here was definitely the right thing to do, just having the sea so close works wonders for the soul and the hustle and bustle of the town is great for a bit of inspiration.

Now.... time to go and catch up on all your blog posts!

Sorry it's been a while

I'm finally moved (how much do i love the sea!) and back on line. Hooray!

Having no Internet connection for the last month has been like some form of torture. I did a little skip when my new connection went live.

Before the end of the coming week I'll do a post to up-date you all on the relocation, new job, etc, etc

Thanks for sticking with me whilst I've been away xxx

The 'You look lovely' Dress

As i walked to get the bus this morning a lady smiled at me, wished me good morning then told me i looked lovely.

When i was waiting for my bus, a middle aged gentleman told me i was a very attractive young lady.

When i got off the bus and started walking through Oxford, a young man declared my dress to be wonderful.

Seriously, i've never had a day so full of compliments. This little number will have to come out more often!

Dress: Whistles

Shoes: Zara

Belt: Jigsaw

Green Tie Top: Kew

Empty Rooms

I don't know what it is about empty rooms, but i kinda like them. I like them a lot in fact.

Maybe it's the blank canvas that appeals to me, the opportunity to impose what ever I like on the space. Endless possibilities waiting to be plucked from the imagination.

Maybe it's the slight echo off the bare walls, a kind of whisper.

Whatever it is my resolution is to live with less clutter. Plain, simple, functional, comfortable will be my new mantra. Lets see how long it lasts!

It took a lot of clearing to get this room emptied!

A Guide to Packing (for that break away)

Having spent the last week debating what clothes to take with me ready for my move to Bournemouth, i started to think about how we pack for our holidays. I need to take just enough to keep me going in my new job for two weeks whilst i wait for the rest of my belongings and clothes to join me.

My new job is in retail so i need to make sure i pack clothes that are versatile and on-trend.

I still haven't decided on what I'm taking but i did check out some packing guides on the net, this one from http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm caught my attention - see what you think!

Packing Essentials

• If you won't wear it more than three times, don't bring it!
• Pack light, wash frequently, buy it if you need it
• Your pack should weigh about 20 percent of your body weight, preferably no more than 20 pounds
• Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13"
• A week before your trip, pack your bag with everything you think you want to take, and carry it around for a day. Is it comfortable? Too heavy? Better to know now than later!

I thought the third line was so funny, it would give me the equivalent of a hanky!

So my ideal suitcase - well it would contain some of the following

Vanessa Bruno Jacket

with a cute silk top and

Phillip Lim Trousers

Alexander McQueen Dress

Alexander McQueen

Diane Von Furstenburg Dress

See By Chloe Dress (for the beach!)

Bottega Veneta Wedge

Diane Von Furstenburg Dress

with these Lanvin Boots - divine!

 

Yves Saint Laurent

http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/categorylist/justin/womens?resetFilters=true&productsPerPage=380

Part Three - Getting Inspired

Cycling along the sea front, watching these kite boarders gave me pause for thought. I don't know if I'll ever be brave enough to try this as a water sport (knowing my luck i would be blown out to sea) but i fully intend to get a few sessions booked on a jet ski

and if you're not the energetic type you can always hope on the train that takes you from one end of the coast line to the other.

Wearing my By Malene Birger dress that got a stare factor of 6 (i now rate clothes by stare factor)

One of the main reasons I'm so excited about the move down to Bournemouth is to do with my art. I can't wait to start creating pieces inspired by all the natural beauty and vibrant youth of the City.

As a thank you to Claire for having me stay i decided to gift a hand painted bowl, it was such fun. I managed to spend a good couple of hours in 'All fired Up'

As well as all the walking, cycling, pub quizzing, eating out, job hunting, flat hunting and coffee drinking we also had some time to walk around great shops like these. 

and i thought this was just the cutest terracotta pot man I've seen in a long time

My beloved Danni Beck shoes that prompted a 'great shoes' comment from a local resident of Winton.

As well as painting, we got crafty with the sewing machine, all in aid of a fancy dress birthday celebration.

Say hello to the faux bride and the tutu bootastic ballerina! Stare Factor 10!

Hilarious evening had by all!

The next night was slightly more civilised with a dinner in Charminster. Check out my profiteroles :-)

And finally, here's what my hand painted bowl effort looked like after is got back from being glazed.