I GAVE UP SUGAR FOR 8 WEEKS AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED.

Until February 28th, I had, rather unwillingly, been 'sugar-free', for just about 9 weeks.

A few things were hardly a surprise, but I learnt quite a bit along the way and I'm sharing that all with you today.

FIVE LITTLE THINGS.

Haaappy midweek friends! I'm on post-surgery meds and have hayfever at the moment that are making me a bit loopy jolly at present. I hope you all devoured great stacks of pancakes yesterday - luckily they're soft so I was able to have mine, doused in maple syrup a plenty. Just had a bowl of very ripe mango too. And some citrus-spiked cake from Konditor & Cook, which I'm certainly going to recreate for my own tastes very soon I'm sure.

For today anyway, I just wanted to publish an ever so casual post sharing five little things I'm loving at the moment - I hope you enjoy!

one. // You

F and I have watched a couple of episodes so far and whilst I didn't think I'd like it, I do. If you've ever watched It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the main character completely reminds us of Dennis Reynolds (The D.E.N.N.I.S system anyone?) and I like that they've painted so many good attributes into Joe's character, you almost start excusing his psychopathic behaviour and nodding along to his internal monologue..

two. // Dr. Roebuck's Healing Mask (UK | US)

It's a very idyllic picture they paint for this mask. The colour of Tamara beach, feeling like you've spent weeks on an Oz beach etc. This is the first product I've tried from the clean-Aussie-skincare brand and I really like - so a big thank you to Dr. Roebucks for sending it my way! Avocado, manuka honey, vitamin E, lots of great ingredients. A scary colour out of the tube, I thought it might stain but of course it doesn't. I checked my hand intently after this swatch!

three. // Kristin Ess Leave In Conditioner

My hair is just.. terrible for tangling itself up, and having ordered the Extra Gentle shampoo and conditioner, I found myself picking up the leave in spray too. Very light in texture, doesn't weigh my hair down at all, makes it feel softer and a bit more manageable. It only seemed very recently that Kristin Ess was just available in the US but it's now stocked at Feelunique (yippee) so I shall be buying more from the range I'm sure.

four. // Caudalie Divine Oil

I don't know what it is lately but I'm rather addicted to Caudalie scents. That sort of sweet, ancient-apothecary sort of smell. Which this and the Beauty Elixir have in abundance, and is probably why I keep repurchasing them. Caudalie sent me over this oil the first time around, but I like it so much, this is my new, second bottle. The spray is what does it for me I think too - I like to spray this onto my decolletage area and arms mainly, or down the shins (not that anyones going to be seeing the skin there in this weather! Besides, no-one needs to know that my legs go unshaven a lot more during the colder months ;).

five. // Eat Beautiful (UK | US)

Strangely enough, as I've not been able to eat a varied diet lately, I've been even more keen on flicking through recipe books. And the sort of beginnings of Spring make me far more inclined to thumb through something that's considered a little healthier. This book is gorgeous, and contains, if you don't already own it, a selection of recipes and tips to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and radiant.

Bonne semaine a tous!

xx

TRANSITION TO SPRING WISHLIST 2019.

1. Cream boucle jacket // 2. Cornflower blue cable knit sweater // 3. Blush scallop-edge tote

4. Navy breton // 5. Sky blue coat // 6. Creamy dreamy loafers //7. Blush leather crossbody

8. Dainty earrings // 9. Red breton // 10. Pink-tinged sunglasses for <£10

11. Split-back, scallop-edge breton // 12. Ruffle sleeve blouse // 13. Broderie shirt

14. Striped headband // 15. Gingham shirt // 16. Half moon bag // 17. Beaded ruffle earrings

18. Finally the perfect pair of light wash jeans?! // 19. Blue and white tote // 20. Nude scallop block heels

The weather as I write this (subject to change..) is glorious.

I think it's going to reach 18 degrees today!

People were walking along the river yesterday in shorts and sandals. In February. All alien terms for us Britons at the moment.

And I've found myself completely eschewing winterwear as a result, and wanting to deck my wardrobe out with pastels and broderie again.

I said a lot about fast fashion in a recent post, all of which I'm going to try and stand by, but the 'transition to S/S revamp' is one of my favourite moments in my own (incredibly boring ;) fashion calendar so..

I couldn't help but to put together a little selection (didn't intend it on being a nice round 20 but there we go) of things on my wishlist. Hope you spot something you love!

xx

A FRENCH-INSPIRED, 'NATURAL-BUT-POLISHED' MAKEUP.

Floral blouse, pearl headband, gold leaf earrings (similar)

I recently posted a couple of photos of my 'everyday face' to Instagram, and had a few requests to share how I get the look, here on the blog.

It's a delightfully radiant, very simple makeup. All the glow comes from a quick trio of skincare products before any makeup goes on, and then some special and very underrated illuminisers at the end.

My skin is leaning normal to slightly dry at the minute, hence the lack of powdering, and the use of more dewy, creamy products. I'm considering the skincare the 'prep step' to this look but I think you could follow from step 2 onwards and add a touch of powder at the end if you're oilier than I.

So let's jump right in.

6 HEALTHY HABITS TO EASILY INCORPORATE INTO YOUR LIFE.

Today we're talking wellness again.

Because it's fast becoming a favourite topic of mine.

And for today's post, I'm sharing 6 simple habits to seamlessly integrate into your daily routine. Habits that have worked for me, and will hopefully add a little wellness and happiness to your life.

ON WEARING THE SAME CLOTHES MORE THAN ONCE.

I don't really know how I've found myself here.

Because I think the sad inevitability is that I've been swayed and influenced since producing fashion content into consciously thinking whether I've worn this before.. before shooting an outfit.

(Supremely illustrated by the above photo btw.. I think it's pretty much my recent outfits all in order. All wearing different clothes I'm sorry to say. Although if you would like to see any of them in more detail then do feel free to check out my style diaries here ;)

A LIFE UPDATE + WHY I'M TAKING A BACK SEAT WITH BLOGGING.

You may have noticed the slight slump in the number of posts on BTB this year thus far (and if you have then well spotted, and points for observation!).

10 THINGS THAT'VE MADE ME HAPPY LATELY #19

It seems like yonks since I last posted a 10 Things.

But that's maybe because January and February have been the busiest of months.

In all honesty, I'm rather feeling like the things that have made me happy have been a bit few and far between at the moment. Because the things that have been keeping me so busy, aren't really full of joy.. In fact, some of them have been (and are) entirely crap. And maybe I'll share a little more of that on BTB because not being OK all the time is OK too.

Anyway, there were some things among the rest of the.. hogwash, that did make me happy lately so let's share those.


one. // the Food Wishes YouTube channel and Chef John. Found him whilst looking for a demi glace video and the rest is history! I love that his videos (I've gone back a couple of years worth now) haven't seemed to have changed, F hates his 'rollercoaster inflection' (which btw doesn't bother me in the slightest).

two. // my Etienne bedspread from The White Company, some of the H&M home range and essentially anything from Zara Home. Frilly cushion covers, silver photo frames, this pretty floral candle, this pink blanket. I've had a little revamp of the bedside situation in the guest room and had so many compliments on it, so thank you!

three. // FOOD. I think I'll start giving food it's own permanent spot here on 10 Things because there's never a time it won't be making me happy in some capacity. This time, it's demi glace (I've been having roasted parsnips and cavolo nero swimming in the stuff), homemade beurre blanc, my loose version of fresh pistou, wild salmon, and chestnut smoked salmon and wasabi.

four. // cosy jumpers because it's still cold. Although I didn't have to wear a scarf today so that's something! A few jumper styles I'm loving at the moment:

five. // concerning Netflix: Old episodes of Death in Paradise (Ben Miller  only please), Bob Ross and his happy little paintings, and Salt Fat Acid Heat.

six. // This Valentine's Day shoot. The weather was delightful and F and I had such a nice time of it.

seven. // losing a few lbs. Or more, losing some of the weight I've put on! No need to unbutton my jeans after dinner now ;)

eight. // I'll explain in an upcoming post but I've been in the wars a bit lately and F bought me a lovely bunch of roses to cheer me up. (It worked :)

nine. // breakfasts in bed. No more need be said I feel. Especially when it's waffles. Or crumpets.

ten. // having hugs on tap when I feel needy of them.

xx

THE LOOK OF LOVE - VALENTINE'S OOTD.

F and I will likely be having an incredibly relaxed and low-key Valentine's day this year. As we did last year, and as we do most years. We tend not to really celebrate it on the day (who wants crowded restaurants and hiked up hotel prices?), but more maybe organise a digital-detox-filled couple of nights away loosely around the 14th.

I don't usually dress up for it either. But....

Outfit details

Red dress (currently on sale), the lacy-Self-Portrait-version here

Trench coat

Nude heels

Pearl box clutch

I saw this dress, and I knew it must come home with me, Valentine's or not.

So if you're in need of a dress, Valentine's or otherwise, I'm sharing some of my favourite picks with you that I hope you'll love.

Happy Valentine's all!

xx

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS.

I   L O V E   Y O U / M E.

Valentine's has never been my favourite holiday. A consumerist excuse to hike up hotel/flower/restaurant prices to the cynic ;)

But.

Having said that, it becomes a far more amiable occasion when you just use it as a reason to spoil all those you love (your significant other, friends, family, yourself).

With thought, with affection, with love.

And with gifts if need be! So here are 27 ideas for you and yours. I hope you find something you love!

1. Pink printed scarf // 2. Bow gloves // 3. Floral statement earrings // 4. Pink bauble earrings

5. Heart print lipstick // 6. Polka dot pj set // 7. Chloe Roses perfume // 8. Love tokens

9. Velvet hair bow // 10. Heart print kitten heels // 11. Heart wristlet // 12. Bow crossbody bag

13. Bisou stationery set // 14. Silk pillowcase set // 15. Red circle skirt // 16. The best red lipstick

17. Pink beaded earrings // 18. Pink box clutch // 19. Sleeve detail sweater // 20. Ballet flats

21. Love letter perfume // 22. Pink sunglasses // 23. The most beautiful bunch of red roses

24. Heart measuring spoons // 25. Pink champagne truffles // 26. Personalised heart map print

27. Valentines biscuits to personalise yourself!

And in case you prefer the little widgets to shop - look no further ;)

Whatever you're up to (or not - because plans are overrated right? ;) I wish you a Happy Valentines!

xx