Frills 'n' Spills

Sanctuary...

After reading Jazz's lovely post about her bedroom, I have been wanting to post about my room... there was only one problem though, it was at uni and I was at home. Luckily I have been back at uni for about a week now and my room has stayed tidy, long enough for me to take some photos ;)

We live in a gorgeous old house which has such high ceilings that the rooms seem really big and airy. I love having my own room, and really miss it when I am back home in the holidays.. one of the perils of a big family I suppose!

The all important wardrobes! Yes, that is wardrobes, plural, the landlord must have known how much stuff I have as there is SO much storage space to keep all of my clothes in/bags on...

... as well as space for my books, DVDs and trinkets! (I also have photos of my family and friends on every available surface but they didn't want to feature on the blog) I really had to limit the books which I brought to uni so the majority of these are books for my course... why else would I have a Latin dictionary and grammar reference book? :P

My favourite part of the room though is my non-functioning fireplace. I think it's absolutely adorable and it currently houses my pint glass vase with some flowers in, which you may remember from last year. I love flowers and as I can't afford real ones, these bright blooms from Wilko will have to do!

I am a bit of a hoarder and keep things that are important to me pinned to one of the 3 (!) pin boards I have around my room. It brightens up the room a bit and it makes me smile when I remember all of the fab things I managed to do last year...

A funny poster!

#TeamBBJ

The desk where all the blogging work happens! Normally I have piles of paper everywhere but as it's only the beginning of term, it's still quite tidy :P You can see Edd the duck, my cuddly toy from when I was a baby on the top of my bed, I am still just a big kid! :)

And last but not least, can you tell I like Wall-E?! I told you I was a big kid! :P My room is a complete mish-mash of stuff that I have accumulated across the years but I think it reflects my love of colour, prints, books and pretty things!

What does your room look like? Are you a hoarder like me?

Brownie Points

'Ello 'ello.

Hope everyone's ready and raring to go with work/college/school/uni, and that those resolutions are propelling you forward rather than holding you back! Before I start a-rambling on, just wanted to send out a huge thanks to everyone out there reading this and especially to those who've stuck with us for a good while now. Writing means the world to me, and I'd be doing this whether people were out there listening or not, but to know that you're choosing to read these posts or follow the blog is pretty awesome. And well, it's nice to have someone to listen once in a while isn't it?

On to my next point, I think I'm addicted to brown. Wait...can you be addicted to colour? I'm pretty sure I am: if colours were brands I'd be an amazing ambassador for this one...it's lush! [lush?!...too much Gavin and Stacy].

Cream cardigan: Peacocks//Brown jumper: New Look//Jeans: Topshop// Belt: Primark

This is what I wore today just to pop out for some supplies for Uni [sob]. It kind of depressed me that everything I was wearing was nearly new....I should not be spending so much money right now. Especially with bills to pay and Glastonbury to start saving for. BUT HEY.

The one thing that made me a little less pained at this recent splurging, was that sometimes you come across gems like this...

Mouse Ring: Accessorize.

...and suddenly the shopping binge doesn't seem so bad!

#Team BBJ

I vowed not to make New Year's resolutions this year because I never manage to keep them, either because they are pointless or unattainable at this point in my life. I mean I'm all for shooting for the stars but you need to know how to get there too! Instead of struggling through on my own, this year I am joining Team BBJ: body, blog and job. The lovely Amy came up with this and I think it is such a good idea! Rather than failing to keep my resolutions, I will have the support of a growing list of lovely ladies who you can follow HERE.

I am proud of what I managed to achieve in 2010. Although my health wasn't very good, I got consistently good grades and my lectures were really positive, which is super encouraging when dissertation deadlines and finals are looming! If I work just a little bit harder, I think I could get a first so that's my aim this academic year! I have challenged myself this year and as a result I think I know what I want to do in my career, which can only be a good thing, right? In myself though, I also feel a lot happier, I am willing to experiment with my style- I never thought I would be wearing a maxi skirt for one!- and I am a lot happier with the way I look. I think this is mainly through this blog so thank you guys <3

BLOG: This year I would love to expand my writing portfolio and also be more organised, especially with scheduling posts! There are obviously going to be times when I can't post as much as I would like so instead of stressing about it, I will have some back up posts for you guys. I also want to expand my writing portfolio and also try my hand at dress-making so if you guys have any tips or suggestions, they will be greatly welcomed!

BODY: I have been watching what I eat recently and going to the gym more so I don't want to lose any weight but just tone up my arms and make sure that I am as active as possible. In addition to this, I am determined to only wear clothes and outfits that make me feel a little 'fizzy'. Now I don't mean ready to pop ;) but rather clothes that make me smile and feel great and this starts with wearing underwear that fits. Now this may sound odd but apparently 465% of women wear the wrong size bra (I may have exaggerated slightly here...) and I'm not going to be one of them... Never have basics been so luxurious...

The sale is to DIE FOR

I also got this dress with some of my Christmas money and it fits the above criteria perfectly. It fits like a glove, has a swooshy skirt, nipped in waist and a fab print in gorgeous colours. What more can a girl ask for? They also have this print on a gorgeous jumpsuit which I would LOVE to see Danni or Lil rocking... if only my legs went up to my armpits!

I wore it with my nude shoes which I have had for years and can't bear to replace as they are the perfect nude colour for my pale [and interesting] skin and a bag I bought at the Clothes Show. This bag is surprisingly roomy and I manage to cart around all of my junk in it too- WIN!

Catalogue pose FTW!

I really don't know what was happening with my hair, it just WOULD NOT behave and looked like a bad wig in the majority of the photos we took...

I was really disappointed as how I felt in this dress just didn't come across in the photos. I don't know why it didn't photograph well but I'm sure I'll be wearing it again soon as it's my favourite dress at the moment! This is no mean feat as I have LOTS of dresses to choose from in my ever expanding wardrobe. Speaking of which, I am having a clear out and have started to list some of the pieces here, so if you're looking for a bargain then why not have a rummage and help a fellow blogger?!

The perfume Danni mentioned in her vlog is this one; Chloe by Chloe and it is gorgeous!

JOB: I have been applying to graduate schemes but trying to focus my search to ones I really want, rather than just applying to them willy nilly... hopefully this tactic will pay off! Many thanks to everyone for their suggestions too :) I have also been prepping for a couple of tests and interviews I have in the next month or so, so please keep your fingers crossed for me! :) For the time being though, it's straight back to revision before my test tomorrow...

Have you made any resolutions this year? What's your favourite outfit?

Cheeky little vlog.

LOL, YO' FACE.

Don't you hate it when you watch yourself back on screen? It's like having to sit through those old family recordings of yourself at birthday parties, and realising what a horrible child you were. This has happened to me. More than once.

Don't you also hate it when you over use a word? Like nice. It's a nice word, don't get me wrong. But it's just....nice. Still, apparently I like it.

And finally, don't you hate it when you realise how miserable you look, and how you always put on that telephone voice when there's a potential that you'll be talking to someone who's never met you?

Yeah, me too. But I've decided to show you this anyway, cos there's some real nice things that you should go out and get! The satchel is my new baby, and a BIG plus is it doesn't answer back. Or need feeding. The website it was from is here [and here is Afeitar's blog, though if you haven't read it, get out from under that rock!].

Also, that book is a definite must for all you typographists. Or those who are as nosey as me and just want the chance to snoop into someone elses life for a little while.

So there you go, my first vlog.

And if you can't face listening to me ramble as well as reading this, maybe just play it on mute for a good laugh? Slapstick right there.

2011

As you have seen, 2010 was a big year for Danni, me and our blog. We met some amazing people and got to do a lot of fun things thanks to this little blog :)

My question now is; what do you want to see more of on Frills 'n' Spills? What do you want to change? Whether it is more recipes or less outfit posts, 2011 is the year where we can (hopefully) make it happen!

Let us know in the comments and we can see if we can make Frills 'n' Spills even better! ;)

I got no money but I want you so.

Listening to: Kings Of Leon [what else] - No Money

Having read lots of you lovelies' Christmas posts, I can't help but notice that quite a few of you have had some snazzy new SLRs this year, and I'm now planning to get one after my 21st [when I can ask for a bit of money towards it!].

I've always loved photography, and have wanted a 'big camera' for years. I managed to save up for a compromise when I was about 14 and bought a Kodak camera which is midway between an SLR and a compact.

It's taken some lovely photos in the past...

...but I'm definitely ready for an upgrade. Only thing is, I don't know where on earth to begin.

First there's the whole Canon Vs Nikon debate which, well, let's not even start on that.

Then there's whether to splash out on a super-expensive, up-to-date version or just go for an older model and save some dollar.

And of course there's the lenses. Choices, choices. My knowledge at the moment spans to the limit of knowing that buying a very expensive lens basically means forking ££££'s for a blurrier background. But oh how wonderful that blurry background can be.

So my lovelies, this post is a bit of a plea. A plea for help, tips and any guidance on what to consider when buying your first SLR. Maybe you've bought one recently yourself, or had one for Christmas? Maybe you've used one that wasn't that great, and [god forbid] didn't produce a blurry background anywhere near beautiful enough. Whatever the advice, I'm all ears!

Cheers M'dears

REPOST: The day of the black dog...

After our round-up of 2010, I wanted to repost this post which I wrote about this time last year. Depression isn't the easiest of subjects to talk about and this is only my personal take on it. I know that this time of year can be particularly difficult for people but I hope that people read this and take something away from it. If you ever want to chat (about this or anything else) you can always find me on Twitter or via email.

(♥)

I think it is fair to say that everyone has days where everything seems to go wrong, but sometimes you experience something that can't just be attributed to a 'bad day'. Winston Churchill described this as his 'black dog'. Many other famous faces have struggled with depression and it is an illness that can affect anyone and everyone.It can be triggered by the smallest (or largest) things but there are often triggers that you experience throughout your life, and if you can spot these, then you can often stop the depression before it has a chance to get a hold on you and spiral out of control.

(♥)

Due to my overly emotional personality,and my tendency to worry about EVERYTHING, I have been prone to bouts of the 'blues' throughout my teens and now in my twenties. I can often be quite paranoid, something that isn't helped by my insecurity and complete lack of confidence. Some days I can be happy and relatively carefree but some days I just want everything to STOP.Brooke Shields described being depressed as "I just felt as though I would never be happy again, and as if I had fallen into a big black hole." If even famous faces who have the world at their feet feel down, then how can normal people expect to escape the clutches of the 'black dog'? I think there is a tendency with depression to keep it hidden away, perhaps with the hope that out of sight will mean out of mind, especially as a teenager. People can be very quick to dismiss it as a "phase" when you are brave enough to reach out and this causes you to keep it hidden even deeper. So what can you do?

(♥)

First of all, try and remember that it is NOT YOUR FAULT.Take a step back from the situation (I know this is often easier said than done) and try to calm yourself down. What has triggered your sadness? I find that when I get stressed about work or if I am ill, I am MUCH more irritable and prone to feeling down. It is SO tempting to just stay in bed or on the sofa all day but if you are doing something, you often don't have time to fret about what is worrying you. Obviously, if your essay or assignment is what is stressing you out, then it is a good idea to do this! Just not straight away. Have a bath or shower first. Wash your face. Weirdly enough, brushing my teethalways helps me to feel a bit more positive. Do whatever it takes to get you out of bed and up to face the world.

(♥)

Once you have identified your triggers you can work out ways to circumvent or completely avoid them. For example, if you are having trouble with an assignment, go to your lecturer. If it's boyfriend trouble, talk to your friends. If your friends are the problem either try talking things over with them or just try and find some new people to befriend. Sometimes it can be easier to talk to someone who is removed from the situation as they can give you a more balanced opinion on the situation you find yourself in.

(♥)

Surround yourself with people that you love and trust. If you trust them you can tell them what you are thinking or feeling without worrying that they are judging you or going to think you are being stupid. Your friends are there for you when you need them...so take full advantage of their love and support. I am lucky enough to have my lovely boyfriend Mark and Danni to listen to me and to make me literally laugh myself silly. However silly my problem they are there for me and that is something I can't thank them enough for. My family are also there for me when I need someone just to talk things over with and nothing can beat a hug from your mum or dad!

(♥)

The internet is your friend in this situation. Whether it is joining groups on Facebook or browsing pictures on We Heart It, there is bound to be something to cheer you up. I have literally HUNDREDS of bookmarks but these are the ones that I go to when I need cheering up. In addition to this, I read the blogs of all the lovely ladies on our blogroll- I can guarantee that they will always cheer me up!

♥ We Heart It

♥ Looklet

♥ Colour me Katie

♥ Fashion Gone Rogue

♥ Who What Where

♥ College Candy

♥ Sorry I missed your party

(♥)

I love these sites for different reasons but for the most part I visit them to cheer me up and inspire me.

Who doesn't love a cute baby photo?!

(♥)

What are your tips for when you are feeling down? Do you have certain people who you confide in or turn to for help?

Out With A Pop

Happy New Year!

Hopefully 2011 has gotten off to a great start for you, and you've got some wonderful things planned.

My year began wonderfully with friends, cocktails, and a good few tunes blasting from the ol' I-pod.

Sadly today couldn't be more different. I've spent most of the day planning an essay, which I'd already planned and written but which turned out to go against all the guidelines on the module handout.

Resolution 1 : READ THE QUESTION.

But hey ho, it's planned [again] now so all I need to do is type it up. And that 'starting as you mean to go on' thang is overrated right? Go on, humour me.

And anyway, if I do happen to make the same mistake again, I've got the perfect solution.

It's cake.

Covered-in-chocolate-coated-in-sprinkles-and-attached-to-a-stick-kinda-cake to be precise.

Say hello to the cake-pop. If you haven't come across these babies yet you need to get yourself over to Bakerella's site. She's a culinary genius. She can make the most adorable cakes, biscuits, and all things sweet and I've even spotted her book in a few shops here in the UK.

I won't pretend my attempt comes anywhere close to Bakerella's standard. She can make cake look so cute you don't want to eat it for goodness sake. I'm yet to experience such a feat.

What I will say is that this recipe was easy and delicious. Simple sponge cake mixed with and covered in melted chocolate. Did I mention these were delicious?

They definitely weren't perfect. Some were drippy....

Some were splodgy [technical term]...

But they certainly went down well with the family.

With that I'll wish you all a very happy 2011, hopefully it will be filled with health, happiness and achievement.

Or at the very least a good measure of cake.

Taraa!

Frills 'n' Spills

Sanctuary...

Brownie Points

#Team BBJ

Cheeky little vlog.

2011

I got no money but I want you so.

REPOST: The day of the black dog...

Out With A Pop

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