Things of beauty...

A week of playing catch-up. The weather has turned to Spring, which I love, but am not exactly ready  in the wardrobe department! I found myself searching out my trusty ballet flats (and scouring the web for the perfect new pair); ditching the winter boots. I have my fingers crossed Spring will stay and as the clocks change this weekend, everything is ostensibly drawing towards the lighter months. But this being England, I am reserving judgement.

As usual a time of thoughts for me; some of which I have shared here on friendship and cooking and life lessons. Some of our decisions from recent months have come home to roost, career choices and lifestyle choices. Isn't it funny that just when you think you have it all sorted something blindsides you? Nothing major or serious but more to add to the melting pot of musing that I walk around with.

Thank you for stopping by - always a pleasure...never a chore!

Welcome to my 'things of beauty'! Mr J Gyllenhaal starts the proceedings (deep breath) oh those blue eyes...!

'OHHH MY'....photograph by Henry Leutwyler in Esquire

photograph by Katie Quinn Davies on her blog what katie ate

photograph by Joshua Jordon

I adore these milk glasses on the mantel...

photograph by Edina Van Der Wyck in 'At Home with Country'

via plumo

via emerson made

Kate Winslet looking fabulous in this month's Vogue; the hair and the ring catch my eye...

photograph by Mario Testino in UK Vogue

from Country Living

I am tempted...a little Royal Wedding memento...the world will be watching Will and Kate...

Cath Kidston

the ethereal Ms Monroe

Christina Hendricks photographed by Joshua Jordon for LA Times

via le petit happy from etsy

Freja for Georg Jensen...love the styling in this ad. Especially the iconic jug and candle sticks. I wore the necklace like hers on my wedding day.

photograph by Amelia Lyon

Have a delightful weekend - waste some time, why don't you? And remember...breathe!

Things of beauty...

I started to write about my week but then as I typed, I have turned on the news and am listening to reports of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan...the reports have left me speechless, everything here seems rather insignificant by comparison...all our thoughts are of course with those affected.

In my little life, it's my birthday tomorrow so I shall spend the weekend celebrating with family and friends. I have decided it is Spring; my house is full of tulips and daffodils. You have left me some lovely comments this week...so thank you, thank you for coming back for more :-)

the strong beautfiul face of Kate Winslet

The perfection of this speaks to me...makes me wanna - mess up the sofa... ;-)

via Little Emma English Home

I am completely haunted by the song 'Someone Like You' by Adele...

via The Littlest Things

Emma Watson in Burberry...

Why  I blog...in a nutshell...

via The Sartorialist

photograph by Elizabeth Messina

'Portrait of a Girl' by Edgar Degas.

Dreaming of summer days now...

from Cabbages and Roses

Have a restful weekend...

Things of beauty...

I am generally wanting to give a cheery round-up of the week on Fridays and to dwell, just for a few moments, on some pretty pictures. This week, something has happened professionally that has left me so cross and disillusioned that I can barely stop the grrrrrr from leaping out of my keyboard! I will endeavour to get over it, but for the first time I am starting to honestly wonder if my relationship with my work has become unhelpful, unhealthy, un-me? I am compelled to consider whether I am doing the right thing in working; a point constantly revisited by working mothers who wonder 'is it worth it?' and has been the source of many a blogpost before this one.

Time to make a plan?

Meanwhile the weekend sees some much-needed family time. Returning to school has thrown the Boos into a spin as homework, routine and discipline become the order of the day following four weeks of sloth-like behaviour. It's been a tough week for all of us! Time to relax and try to think of sunnier days, easier times...

via a lady's findings

...pretty Kate Winslet.

Ooops, there it is...

by Braedon Photography

'Portrait of a Girl in a Pink Apron' by Edwin Harris.

I have always been very attached to the past and its defining characteristics...is it time to apply this logic?

Quiet reflection in a favourite chair...

My new fave person, Keri Russell; I saw 'Waitress' this week and thought she was charming.

...Keri Russell...

How cute is this pup?

...gorgeousness in fabric by Vanessa Arbuthnott...

...a New York minute...

via little teaspoon

via flickr

Have a happy weekend...

Things of beauty...

On more or less the first day of my University life I met a group of girls and an enduring set of friendships emerged. Now, some 18 years later, we try to meet up when life allows a gap of time, once a year to catch up. This weekend is that gap. We are down on our number by one; E who has had a baby in recent weeks and so is in the bubble of new motherhood. She will be sorely missed! The rest of us make the pilgrimage tomorrow to our University town of Bristol. The agenda: lunch, chat, walk, chat, shop, chat, dinner chat. I am limbering up for a marathon chat! Nothing like old friends. When I started University my Dad had bought me a new coat with a fur collar and so even in those student days of sparse living; I still loved my luxe look! My girls will remember will fondness my 'beaver coat' (faux of course) so this post features some fur loving, in memorium of that!

I did an experiment this week of working from home all week, I did not leave my house except to do the school run. My conclusion: rather odd. I am solitary soul much of the time, happy with my own thoughts, but going into the office is some human contact that I like and need. The weather has turned seriously cold so as I sat ay my desk at home, I was accompanied by a hot water bottle - OK so there are some advantages of home-working!

Had a parent's evening with Boo's teachers; turns out the girl is abit of a star! I always secretly knew (hoped) for this but to have it confirmed in droves is nothing short of wonderful. Seems her future is brighter than even we imagined. And guess what? The girl is a writer...

Kate, Cate and Uma in Vanity Fair

Despite its connotations I love fur; just looks so stylish to me. I love her whole outfit.

via pretty girl tumblr

Our wedding anniversary is coming up - I love a winter wedding. I knew beyond all doubt that I wanted to get married in the winter...love the chestnuts on the table here...

via 100 Layer Cake

Whilst on the winter wedding topic - love this ice queen look. I was only 25 when I married so was not quite brave enough to sport this. If it were now I would so go to town on the whole thing, as if I was in Narnia...

via Dust Jacket Attic

An iconic Tiffanys ad...and some more here at Haute Design...

Alexa Chung - too cool for school.

The Maxmara cube - my obsession continues...

Beautiful roses and a fur stole...

Have a lovely, happy weekend...