Showing posts with label future plans. Show all posts

A fresh start...

2017 highlights ❤
2017 was another strange year for me, it was busy but a lot of fun too. The biggest thing I did was starting my new job back in April and as a result, the rest of the year just flew by. I have missed blogging but every year I seem to end up writing less and less blog posts. Katy has written much more eloquently about this but I guess life just gets in the way sometimes! I'm really looking forward to 2018 (we finally booked our big trip to New York City and Washington DC, eek!) and although I can't promise to be back blogging regularly, I will share snippets here and over on Instagram as and when I feel the urge.

What are you most looking forward to in 2018?

Out of my comfort zone...

Blogging is a funny old game, and one I didn't do much of in 2016. It was a very strange year for me and mine, we had some lovely highs (including celebrating a decade with Mark, being bridesmaid for my little sister, spending V-day with some of the best people I know, being made permanent at workvisiting Barcelona and even managing to feel more at ease with myself and my body thanks to semi-regular exercise) but I also had some really tough times, especially with my dad's accident. Luckily he is much much better now and will continue to improve but there's nothing like a big shock to push you out of your comfort zone! I'm not very good at asking for help but so many people stepped up to the plate this year so thank you, you don't realise how much it helped! Slightly maudlin but I'm hoping that 2017 will be calmer, there's plenty to look forward to but slightly less drama excitement would be nice! I have always been a great believer in the transformative power of clothes and this top was both a fun purchase and another step out of my shell. I tend to avoid drop waisted clothes but I loved the fun print and shape and couldn't bear to leave it on the shelf.

Top: Warehouse, jeans: River Island, shoes: Clarks
It was the perfect choice for a lunch date with Mark as it looks fancy but is actually mega comfy and easy to wear. It makes enough of a statement that I didn't have to hunt down any extra accessories which is always a win in my book!


I have worn much less foundation this year,  it's amazing how distracting a swipe of bright lipstick can be! This is my failsafe summery shade: Max Factor  in Bewitching Coral, it is one of those colours that looks good on everyone...


You can't beat a swooshy hem! 😍

Bag: vintage
I have had this bag for donkey's years but apparently I have never posted about it on the blog which is a surprise! I think I picked up on one of my charity shop trips at uni but can't be 100% sure without my handy wardrobe referencer (a.k.a my archive of outfit posts). I love the super soft suede and snazzy tassel and it is surprisingly roomy for such a small bag, I managed to fit my purse, massive keyring and all of my diabetes stuff in, not bad going at all!


A better look at that hemline and a repeat of the bottom half of this outfit... oops! I have missed sharing my outfit pictures over on the blog and whilst I'd love to promise that this is all going to change with the dawn of a new year,  realistically, I don't think I will ever get back to my old schedule of posting every other day like in the good old days! I'm hoping to spend more time reading (and commenting) on my favourite blogs this year so please do hit me up with your favourites!

Travel plans...

This year, I am trying to make good on my resolution to visit more places in the UK and I already have some exciting trips planned! I will be staying at the gorgeous Norbury Manor with some blogging pals, I have a spa and shopping weekend in Bath to look forward to, with my two best girlfriends, and I'll be flying up to Edinburgh to spend a few days with another two best friends. And just when I've got my breath back from all that excitement, Mark and I are road-tripping down to Cornwall for your summer holiday. Phew, it sounds like a lot when it is written down like that!

Norbury Manor in Derbyshire. Image from here
Now obviously I am so organised that every day is planned out to the minute... Yeah, that's a lie. I have never been to any of these places and I'm going to need some help with day trip suggestions. So, in an attempt to be more organised - another resolution for this year - I am asking you, nice and early on,  for suggestions of places to go, books to read, music to listen to on my hols.

What are your suggestions? Where are you visiting this year?

Happy birthday Frills 'n' Spills!



Who would have thunk it?! I cannot believe that Frills 'n' Spills is 3 years old today- this little corner of the internet has gone through many changes and has provided me with so much fun and inspiration over the past 3 years. It has given me so many opportunities (which I am so grateful for) and I have met some really amazing people. Thank you for all your views, comments and tweets, here's to many more years! 


P.S. Apologies for the gushiness ;)


Date night...

When you are busy working, it can be difficult to find time to spend together so Mark and I always try to make sure that we do something at least once a month, usually on 30th (which is our anniversary!). Last night we went to Theoc House, a local restaurant and the food was LOVELY. There's nothing I like more than a good burger!


It was a lot cooler last night but still really muggy so I wore one of my infamous Primark dresses with my 80s-tastic ASOS blazer...

Dress: Primark, blazer: ASOS, bag: c/o Accessories Direct, shoes: ASDA
This blazer is truly fantastic, the boxy shape makes it perfect for work although I have to push the sleeves up to make it less overpowering on me...


A close up of that fantastic tweed, I love it so much, I even have the matching skirt!


I told you I would buy the nude version of these shoes! For £12 they are ridiculously comfy and perfect for adding a bit of  height when I have to spend a day at work. 


It was so nice to spend some time together and it is definitely a tradition I look forward to continuing!

Do you do 'date nights'? What items do you buy in multiples?

Food, glorious food...

The Cosy Club in Bath wins the award for the most eclectic mix of decor I have ever seen...
Fringed lampshades...
Antler chandeliers...


Old portraits... 
Monogrammed napkins...

  



Checking out Chiquitos...


  
Why did the Mexican push his wife off a cliff?


Sombreros a go-go!
Margarita sorbet...
CHURROS!
My first ever praline mocha... I know Claire and Jazmine are very proud! ;) 
Starting the year as I mean to go on, good food, fab company and plenty of coffee... The Cosy Club in Bath, Chiquitos, Starbucks and Caffe Nero played host for ringing in 2012. For me, January is not about slimming down or starting a diet but making exciting plans to fill up your diary. I plan on meeting up with many more amazing bloggers and spending time with old friends...

What are your plans for the new year? Have you eaten anywhere new recently?

Happy New Year!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope you ring in 2012 in style. I will be raising a glass of bubbly to making more exciting plans...
 See you next year! 

Frankie diary 2012...

  The Frankie Diary: blogger's favourite and possibly the most beautiful diary I have ever owned. Every year I vow to be more organised and this year I think it may have actually paid off! I cannot believe that I have managed to hold down 2 jobs and blog nearly every other day and I plan to carry this momentum well into next year. 2012 will be the year where all my plans finally come to fruition and I intend to work even harder to get there... This beautiful diary will be a joy to use and the beautiful details will ensure that I want to be organised [an unusual feeling for me!] 



Month planners...




Cakes for my birthday! ;) 


Week per page view...








It even has a useful little pocket to keep all of those receipts and' important bits of paper' in! I haven't got pictures of all the fabulous pages inside but with a  budget guide and plenty of pages for for making notes meaning that I have no excuse for forgetting anything ever again! Now I just need to find a pretty pen to write everything in with...

How do you keep organised? What are your New Year's resolutions?