Liv Purvis's Blog, page 11
June 11, 2021
A Very Special Collaboration: Liv Purvis x Oliver Bonas
*Collaboration with Oliver BonasOver two years on from some blue sky dreaming about this collection, initial conversations in coffee shops nestled off of Eastcastle Street and rainy, excitement fuelled train rides to their offices just outside of London- I couldn’t be more excited to be sharing with you my very special jewellery collaboration today with none other than Oliver Bonas…It feels incredibly surreal even typing this now, and despite moments of ‘Will it happen? Won’t it?’ and a rather funny year or so in-between our initial conversation, drawing up designs, chatting over materials, photo shoots and now, I’m so proud to share the collection that we’ve worked so hard on- and feel so proud that alongside a team of the most inspiring, hardworking and knowledgeable women; we’ve created something really, really special.
From initial mood boards and digging into my own collections- I’ve attached a sneak peek into some of the original inspiration images that set the wheels in motion. I’ve done a meaty old interview over on the Oliver Bonas website here, sharing inspiration and everything you might like to know about the collection, but thought I’d add this snippet below of where everything started from too…
The collection is built up of thirteen pieces, each named after a special woman in my life and all centred on the staples in my jewellery box. From chunky hoops to wear everyday, dainty charm necklaces for layering and statement signet rings. Each piece is plated with 10k gold and hand made from wax moulds, and having been wearing them over the last couple of months have fallen in love with how easily they’ve fallen into my daily jewellery collection (including keeping them on for long leisurely bath time soaks, showers and sleeping- which although probably shouldn’t be recommended, proves how brilliant the quality is as everything remains perfect). The team at Oliver Bonas are some of the most kind, talented and knowledgable people I’ve met- and being able to spend so much time with them (even if some of it was over Zoom) has been a total privilege, and I’ve learn so much working alongside them.
Additionally, the pieces are also created by a brilliant family run supplier who Oliver Bonas have been working with for the last fifteen years, who use solar power, harvest rain and renewable energy in their factory, as well as running education schemes too- which to me makes everything feel even more special; because from sketch, round table chatter, tinkering with stones and materials to production- everything is done with such care and attention to detail.
I hope you find something to treasure in this collection as much as I have. I know jewellery is so incredibly personal, and it means the world to be trusted with this opportunity and given the chance to partner with a brand that have so much been a special and supportive part of my career journey so far. From the first time I visited their head office over five years ago; observing everything from prints being painted to designs being hand sketched- to going on my first book tour with them to their beautiful stores across the UK to now, and being part of that team on such a special project- it’s a truly special moment, and I hope you treasure the Flower Moon collection.
x
The post A Very Special Collaboration: Liv Purvis x Oliver Bonas appeared first on What Olivia Did.
January 17, 2021
The Importance of Rest: Taking A Little Break…
Gah! Who’d have thought this blog post would have come around so soon? It feels like yesterday Joe and I were staring at each other, speechless, beaming and a little teary in the bathroom, both in paint-splattered clothes from tackling our hallway DIY- after finding out we’d become parents in early 2021. Which, unbelievably, is just around the corner. It feels surreal, exciting, hugely unknown, completely magical and a tiny bit overwhelming – but in order to set a proper grown up out of office, I wanted to write a little blog post about properly taking a break and stepping away for a short while whilst I settle into motherhood (which nope, I can’t believe I’ve just typed either).
I think if we’ve learnt anything over the last year, it’s that rest doesn’t, and shouldn’t have to be a reward (which I saw on a brilliant Juliet Cobodo quote and swiftly noted down). It’s necessary- both mentally and physically- and I’m trying to lean into this time with full permission, properly unwind and know that you lovely lot will (hopefully) still be waiting right here when I get back. Rest isn’t something you earn. You don’t get it after a week of pre-filming IGTV’s, filing accounts on Xero, completing a full to-do list every day or doing a whole renovation. It’s something you have to give yourself permission to have, as a necessity- and something that is so much more than the several hours we might try and get each evening or a dabble every now and again in material self care.
One message I received on Instagram from a lovely lady said it’s a little like stepping off of the racetrack and onto the grass. Knowing life goes on, and it’s okay to soak it up from a different perspective- because it’ll all still be there afterwards.
Helen, the brilliant brains behind Lionheart Magazine and all round good egg sent me this post she’d written about shutting up shop two weeks before giving birth- and one thing I could resonate endlessly with was how difficult, as a freelancer, sometimes locating the off button really can be. When your job is based online, in a fast paced environment like Instagram- it can sometimes feel like everyone is zooming ahead on the content carousel- when actually the reality is quite different. We’re all muddling along, pregnant or not- and like Helen said- just because you’re not necessarily present online, it so often makes space for being present somewhere else in your life.
‘Leaving one part of your world for a bit and throwing yourself into another, can lead to and create the greatest ideas and moments of our lives.’ – Helen Martin
Anyway- I’m seeing this period as a little bit of hibernation over these last few winter months. To nest, be slow, be gentle and soak everything up before our tiny addition arrives. Be it the grey misty mornings, washing of little clothes, cleaning of the fridge (just because we’ve realised it’s been a while), catching up on things I want to watch and things I already have- and preparing for this special new arrival and this precious time.
I hope that spring will bring a new chapter, some sunshine, and hopefully a lot more positivity and light. Thank you for all of your absolute loveliness, messages and support over the last few months- I am so grateful and so happy and excited to be able to share this chapter with you all too. This will be my last ‘proper’ blog post until the spring- but I’ll be pottering around over on Instagram– and if you happen to be a newsletter subscriber (or even if you aren’t), you can catch up with a few from the archives here too. I know nobody needed or asked for a dramatic ‘I’m taking a break announcement’- but I know selfishly this is definitely more for me to hold myself a little bit accountable for, and something I need to do (like a responsible adult)!
Take care of each other, and I’ll see you very, very soon.
Liv x
The post The Importance of Rest: Taking A Little Break… appeared first on What Olivia Did.
January 12, 2021
The Bébé Beauty Picks: Pregnancy Friendly Skincare & Body Care I’ve Loved
*post contains press samples and affiliate linksIf I’m being honest, when I became pregnant, I didn’t expect to be changing a huge amount in my skincare routine- but actually, looking at things now- it’s seemingly done a bit of a 180 on itself…Although there have been ingredients I’ve been a little more wary of (I’m certainly no expert and definitely encourage you to do your own research product by product)- initially things didn’t look all too different on my bathroom cabinet- and saying that, throughout the last 8 months my skin has stayed relatively similar- with seemingly monthly breakouts and combination oiliness (masked as a glorious glow) being continuous frontrunners pre and during pregnancy.
But! Admittedly, I have definitely seen the last 8 months as an opportunity to embrace some new products, pay a little more attention to more gentle ingredients, and above and beyond- look after my changing and growing body a bit more- because, crikey, it’s working hard (and before now I was award-winningly lazy with anything from the neck down- glamorous, I know). Now, despite what some of these products suggest they help with (and from experience, do help with)- this post isn’t about removing stretch marks or ‘fixing’ anything. I am nothing short of proud of the work my body is doing, and if that comes with a few ripples and lines than so be it.
This is about giving your body some well-deserved TLC- whether you’re battling itchiness (which heavens above, is a bloody thing), general discomfort or wanting to help feel like the goddess you really are. So, I thought I’d share a handful of brands and products that have played a pretty integral role in my skin and body care wardrobe over the last few months, all of which have been on constant and consistent rotation and have this lady’s firmly stamped seal of approval.
Typology – Custom Prescription (cyclic pimples and dehydration)*Typology is a bit of a new discovery to me, but after being contacted by the brand and being offered to try their personalised prescription service, I was very interested. Initially, they looked a little bit too cool for school (anything with packaging this lovely means I’m probably going to wonder whether it’s all style over substance)- but having used near enough a whole routine for the last two months, can indeed vouch for how brilliant each item is. The magic of Typology, is that the products are fuss free.
They don’t contain tonnes of unknown ingredients and you’re also able to take a questionnaire (or prescription) online to gauge the kind of things you need in your routine- if like me you find knowing which serums and oils to incorporate into your life a little overwhelming too. Thankfully, after taking their online skin-quiz (for want of a better phrase), I was given both an AM and PM routine, an order of use and what everything did and contained- which meant I knew exactly what was going where and how to expect things to help. Skincare shouldn’t be overwhelming, and stripping it back to basics over the last couple of months has been really rewarding (and I have also very much loved using a cleansing bar every morning too)!
I feel like Pai are just one of those brands that I turn to again and again whenever I’m unsure where to step with my skin. The Light Work Cleanser has been a consistent favourite from day dot (whether you choose to use it day or night, it always makes removing everything from heavy cat eyes to a gentle morning wash very easy)- but The Gemini Set was a new addition for pregnancy, and something I’m so glad I discovered. Built of both a cream for day time and oil for evening (which very much reminds me of the cleanser), they’re both perfect for accommodating growing and stretching skin- making the process comfortable, gentle and soothing (and free from fragrance, essential oils and anything that could add to any irritation too).
Mamma Mio – Tummy Rub Butter & Pregnancy Boob Tube*
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, a friend said the absolute number one thing I had to buy to help care for skin was the Mamma Mio Tummy Rub Butter– and I can confirm, she wasn’t wrong in how brilliant it is. Just the most super-absorbent, gentle and creamy moisturiser, that is brilliantly hydrating and soothing for growing tummies. I have also loved their Pregnancy Boob Tube for helping soothing sensitive and growing boobs, it’s also said to help improve elasticity which is definitely only ever a good thing right now- and any comfort I can get my mitts on I’ll take with two hands!
If you’re after something more ‘balm’ like for your body, this is an absolute treat. The most soothing, deliciously gentle balm (that you can store somewhere chilled for ultimate cooling kudos), Babymoon contains a mix of natural oils and vitamin E- making it beautifully soft and gentle on the skin and the perfect product to pull out during the day for a little self loving and calming any aggravating itchiness, which is something I’ve been turning to again and again.
x
The post The Bébé Beauty Picks: Pregnancy Friendly Skincare & Body Care I’ve Loved appeared first on What Olivia Did.
January 10, 2021
My Lockdown Reading List (Which May Take A Year)…
When it comes to reading- seemingly unlike the majority of the Internet, I take things s l o w. I am a painfully slow reader, have a terrible habit of starting several books at once (I think I once saw someone say they had a book for the bath, bed and bus and naively said ‘GREAT IDEA!’) and often feel a little in over my head with even knowing where to start.Even as someone who has written a bloody book, I sometimes worry I shouldn’t count as qualified because I’m just really really slow at reading (and don’t posses the impressive Good Reads ticked list at the end of every year).
Honestly- I wish I was a quicker reader (even when studying English Literature, I was someone who would savour lines and reread and underline- which doesn’t seem to have dissipated over the years), but I just can’t seem to do it. Over the last twelve months or so it feels like reading has become a little more of a sport, and unfortunately for me- my fitness levels have depleted even further. It’s an amazing thing to see so many shared suggestions for brilliant books, cult favourites, new authors and voices getting shared wider and wider- and I know, with a little break coming up, it’s a good time to try and start making a little dent in the overflowing pile that winks at me every time I walk past, and actually practise picking up pace and truly getting lost in another’s story.
Now, I’m under no illusion my mini maternity break will leave me with hours of leisurely reading time, sprawled on the sofa with a Zadie Smith in one hand and a new born in the next- but it’s nice to have a couple of suggestions to see me through- maybe I’ll even start sharing reviews and my Good Reads account if things get impressive (I’ll hold fire for a while though)… Anyway- here’s a few I’m excited to get cracking with (the list goes on. And on. And on) and I’d love to know the one book you’d recommend again and again too (just as long as you don’t expect me to get through it in less than a month)…
A Half Baked Idea – Olivia Potts
I have been so excited to inhale this since I picked this up in the summer. A book about grief, love, loss and cake- it marries rediscovering life from a new angle with some beautiful recipes peppering it’s pages too and I for one cannot wait to hole up on the sofa on a grey afternoon with this (providing we have egg whites to spare for any impulsive pavlova making cravings).
Intimations: Six Essays – Zadie Smith
After receiving this for Christmas (from brilliant pen friend and avid reader Sophie), and also seeing my trusted reading extraordinaire friend Lizzy wax lyrical about it (and include it as part of her beautiful book box set)- I knew this would be a brilliant, easy-to-digest read. Touching and built from last years lockdown, I know there will be many elements that are still so sadly current, but am so excited to gobble this up in a morning.
A Lady In Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown – Anne Tennant
A book I strangely remember flicking through whilst in New York last year in a bookshop (and vowing I’d eventually pick up), this again was a gorgeous Christmas gift from Sophie and one that sounds every bit as sparkly and dramatic as you’d hope. Despite being painfully behind on The Crown and a little out of touch with my royal history- I am so excited to tuck into this memoir by lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, Anne Glenconner (I’ve also heard this described as both ‘a romp’ and a ‘total hoot’ so will feed back very soon).
Your Baby Week By Week – Caroline Fertleman and Simone Cave
I mean, this isn’t your average recommendation (stay tuned for Pandora and Dolly below)- but having really enjoyed reading about all things pregnancy and birth (I feel like an ORACLE, truly)- I’ve been told this is truly excellent for the months that follow, and knowing what to expect in what can be quite an overwhelming, magical and surreal time. I’m not sure if people would be interested to know about the pregnancy reads I’d recommend, but if so let me know as there’s definitely been a few I’ll be passing down one day!
Ghosts – Dolly Alderton
Because- DUH. I love Dolly. I love her writing- she’s bloody cool and this is meant to be an absolute feast too. Listing a Dolly Alderton book as top of your ‘to read’ list feels a bit like saying Abbey Road is your favourite ever album, but sometimes things are gorgeous clichés for a reason- and if anything, I’m definitely a bit late to the party here.
How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? – Pandora Sykes
Pandora Sykes is bloody wise- and whether I’m listening to her on the High Low or sleuth-like saving Instagram posts for their sage captions and takeaways, I always feel she has some knowledge to share, or an otherwise unconsidered take on something that makes me feel incredibly wise and more well rounded afterwards (*inserts sunglasses emoji*). Anyway, this has been waiting to be read since it’s release, and I know will be the perfect partner to dip in and out of, fold pages and come back to again and again.
Alonement – Francesca Specter
Okay, so this isn’t technically out yet (which might mean I’ll have a review by the time it is in March), but I was sent a proof copy of this and fell in love with the premise immediately. A book about enjoying spending time solo, enjoying your own company and thriving during time to yourself- it’s something I need to learn how to get better at (needy Purvis over here), and know this will be packed full of useful tips and takeaways. Watch this space!
Let me know anything marvellous you’ve picked up over the last year that I shouldn’t miss either- I know there’s a tonne, so absolute must reads to begin with (if you can! Thank you)!
x
The post My Lockdown Reading List (Which May Take A Year)… appeared first on What Olivia Did.
December 31, 2020
20 Lessons I Learnt in 2020
Because if we’ve learnt anything this year, sometimes getting through hardships, challenges and meteor-sized curveballs (which can all be classed as understatements of the year) is more than enough. More than ever, this year I think has proved that we are not the product of our achievements, our careers, or the things we have or haven’t yet ticked off. We’re made up of so much more. Big and small acts and gestures, intimate acts of kindness, mistakes, learnings- and honestly, we’re all muddling through in some way or another. Whether or not we realise it, next year we’d have learnt something from this one gone. We’re so much more resilient and adaptable than we realise, and honestly- that’s pretty huge.
Saying that, because I’m a daft cow (which even when typed sounds better in Hugh Grant’s voice)- I thought I’d write down a few little takeaways and lessons from this year. They’re not groundbreaking, and I’m sure you would have seen similar in a lovely Instagram graphic (except maybe the one about heartburn), but I thought I’d share them nonetheless, as there was a nice bit of comfort in writing it all out before the year is out. But- whatever happens, go easy on yourself. I hope you can ease yourself gently into the new year- no pressure, no expectation and just a soppy (but invaluable and reliable) bit of kindness. You’re doing brilliantly- and happy new year!
x
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December 18, 2020
A Festive London Stay at The Mitre, Hampton Court
(press stay)Earlier this week, Joe and I managed to get away for the night, for a very special hotel stay at The Mitre, in Hampton Court. On the eve of Tier 3 restrictions coming in, it couldn’t have felt like more fortunate timing. There definitely wasn’t a moment we took for granted how fortunate we were to have been able to escape our daily scenery for the evening and truly indulge in somewhere as special as here.
I’d seen a few pictures of this beautiful spot popping up on Instagram (thanks to Claire and Lucy for being the excellent #influencers that they are), and although it can sometimes be easy to be swept up in the excitement of pretty wallpaper (ours was by Ottoline de Vries who I am in love with), wriggly mirrors and in-bedroom baths (this was before I’d even seen the restaurants and PAINTED CEILING AND PINK BOOTHS- I know, hold me)- every part of our stay from check in to check out felt truly like being spoilt and at home, confirming that both style and substance can definitely coexist in a hotel as lovely as this.
And that’s without mentioning the food too. Or the staff. Or how safe it felt in a time where leaving home is always peppered with a little bit of anxiety and nervousness too- especially when it’s going elsewhere for the evening. Fortunately every detail was taken care of; whether that be the mini hand sanitizers on the dinner table (the perfect partner to the ‘Bombolini’ which are their hot Italian Nutella filled donuts) or the homemade biscuits left on each room door upon check-in, everything was covered and nothing was too much trouble. The dinner and breakfast were also delicious- and with two dining options; 1665 for something a little more formal and The Coppernose for views and relaxed breakfast and brunch- it felt like looking out onto a little bit of otherworldly paradise- with the river in full view and little twinkling houses lining the banks come dinner time, and a little slice of Paris at breakfast.
Plus, if you’re after a little bit of impressive culture-vulturing, or playing tourist in your own city (or pretending you’re in The Favourite)- did I mention that The Mitre is situated quite literally opposite Hampton Court Palace too? Being a stone’s throw away from Bushey Park and an antique-fuelled high street, it’s the perfect place to really escape- whether you fancy dipping your nose into some royal history for the day, or just having endless day baths (guilty).
Although sadly they are now temporarily closed, I truly cannot recommend both The Mitre and restaurants enough. It’s always funny writing up press trip reviews, because I know how biased they can sometimes appear and perhaps a little over fond, but being somewhere on my radar, I can honestly say I was nothing but impressed by this beautiful spot- and they’re definitely one to bookmark for any little black books, home-from-home hotel stays or just incredible interiors inspiration too…
The Mitre, Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN
x
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December 10, 2020
Ten Years of What Olivia Did (A Little Thank You & What I’ve Learnt)…
(the question I’ve perhaps been asked the most, ‘is this what Olivia does?’)
This year marks ten years of first starting my blog.
Each month I’ve been putting off sitting down and writing this post, because like most things- I’ve built it up too much, made such a task of it and believed it had to be all singing, all dancing, full on glitter suited cabaret to commemorate something, that actually can be as little or large as I want it to (one thing I clearly haven’t learnt in the last decade).
But as this year comes to a close, I decided it was now or never to write a little commemorative post over here. I had dreams of a fancy icing laden heart shaped birthday cake with an italic ‘10’ written on it like the gorgeous ones you see on Instagram, or even me awkwardly standing somewhere with some balloons in a party dress- but like the whole tone and tempo for my blogging outlook over the last ten years, I’ve settled on something a little less planned, and something a little more higgledy piggeldy and pulled together using what I have around me (which is code for unorganised, but let’s pretend it’s something deeper)…
Anyway- ten years in any career will teach you something. Whether that’s patience, a new skill, communication, perspective, life lessons, working with others or something else- and I can’t believe that over the last ten years, I’m pretty sure I’ve taken away all of the above in some capacity- which is something I never would have believed when I first registered at blogger.com way back when. Little did I know shooting things from a birds eye view could lead to half of the things it did and has.
I have vivid memories of coming home from my Sunday 12-4 Topshop shift to write up about my outfit. Quickly get some photos stood often awkwardly against my parents garden wall, roping in whoever could spare a few minutes of their time so I could document this very important sartorial moment. Changing the name of my blog numerous times from ‘Liv is Listening’ (my musical foray) to ‘Olivia Grace and the bobby pin shortage’ (a brief and not so brief name which is quite self explanatory in it’s demise). It feels like forever ago and not long at all- and strangely, although so much has changed- it still doesn’t feel that different.
So often I’m tempted to delete old posts, the big hair, bad hair, ill-coordinated outfits and broken paragraphs of jumbles and thoughts, but I don’t. I don’t feel ashamed of those posts and that girl, but actually I feel proud. Proud that she stuck at posting when she wasn’t sure what else she was doing. Proud for putting herself in situations where she felt out of her depth, anxious and overwhelmed and not worthy- and proud that she kept it up when sometimes the internet became a difficult place to be. Christ, writing a blog isn’t the most important, dramatic or wild job in the world- far from it. But to carve out a career and a life from a page that has connected so many dots in my life is- and for that I am so grateful. To feel embarrassed of any of the small steps that led that way would seem a little redundant (even if I could have gone easier on the Silverkrin at times).
I recently found a box tucked in the loft filled with mementos from the last decade of this funny little job. From faded train tickets, photo booth photographs, trip invites and receipts from meetings I couldn’t believe I was having. In many respects, and all the more in 2020, I still can’t believe it. There are so many things I look back on which shaped where I am now, and actually looking back- if anything, I’m surprised at my consistency. My style has evolved in many ways, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s changed. I still love the same things- albeit in smaller doses (I’m not sure I’m quite as committed to sixties dressing as I was here, but kudos small Liv for going there). I still have many of the same viewpoints, terrible musical tastes and interests as I did then- arguably with a bit more of a rounded perspective and hopefully some added wisdom to take forward. I’ve grown up from a teenager to a woman on this space- publicly making mistakes, documenting successes, ‘failures and blips’ (if we’re being positive and Elizabeth Day about it) to milestones and everything in between. And in a way, it feels significant documenting this in 2020. In a year where perhaps my photography went fully full circle on itself (except garden walls became ill placed bed sheets and table cloths)- I learnt a lot about who I am, who I want to be and the kind of world I want to live in, and it’s the start of a new chapter too- this time with another little member of our family and a lot of important lessons to be taken forward, in both life, business and working online. I don’t think my 16-year-old self would have believed she’d be sticking around here long enough to document this, but I think she’d be proud- and I’m definitely proud of her too.
I know this sounds gushy, and it is. I’ve never had an appraisal in a job so I suppose this is my little personal ten-year review, with a little thank you thrown in too. Thank you to everyone that’s stuck around in some capacity over that period. Extreme kudos to anyone that has been here the duration of that time (willingly or not) and thank you even if you’ve just dipped in and out over the years too (because ten years is a long old time). Working online is a funny, challenging (at times) and hugely rewarding thing- but mostly because of the people and community that come from it. The messages of connection, relation and reassurance are priceless, as are the familiar handles, faces and screen names that appear time and time again too (even if I’m terrible at replying, which I vow to get better at in the next 10). Being online and working solo can be lonely and overwhelming, but also the most fulfilling, privileged and satisfying thing in the world- and it wouldn’t have happened without you. I’m so excited for the next ten years, but just wanted to document this little chapter with a trip down memory lane, a small thank you and a rummage in the ol’ memory box.
Thank you again for being brilliant, as always- you’re the cats pyjamas, bee’s knees and everything in-between.
x
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December 7, 2020
My Favourite Recipe Books For Wintry Cosiness
*post contains affiliate links
I’ll be honest and say that when it comes to this time of year, typically if it’s covered in gravy, paired with mash potatoes or ordered fresh from… Deliveroo then normally I’m pretty set.
However, when Joe and I are having a good, adult and organised week (which are fewer and further between of late), we’ll take to the sofa- armed with some trust-worthy recipe books and actually plan meals- which is a sure fire way of feeling both a) accomplished and b) like you’re being ‘healthy’ even if you’re home cooking mac ‘n’ cheese (anything home cooked is healthy, FYI- that’s the rule).
Getting an Oddbox massively helped with this (being governed by a rescued vegetable’s life span is enough to encourage anyone to squish in their five a day)- so today I thought I’d share a few of our favourite cookbooks, a couple on my wish list (which I know will be incredible festive cooking inspiration) and a couple of ideas- in case like us, you’ve been a little more prone to the ol’ ‘Did somebody say Just Eat?’ theme tune than normal…
For failsafe seasonal books…
It’s everyone’s favourite for a reason, but there is rarely a week that goes by that we don’t pull out Rukmini Iyer’s The Roasting Tin (OG style). Although now there’s a quick, green and around the world version, we always love coming back to the original. Packed with amazing dishes that a) not only gave us confidence to cook things we weren’t particularly well versed in (which was fish for a loooong time), but b) allowed us to create hugely flavourful meals that are affordable, and help to use up anything we have lurking in our fridge drawer.
Another favourite Joe and I dig into every single week is Eat Happy: 30-Minute Feelgood Food, by Melissa Hemsley. I don’t think there’s a season this book isn’t good for, and whether you’re after delicious broths, hearty daal’s or beautiful ways to add flavour to simple ingredients, Melissa is a total diamond with getting things just right. It’s arguably our most used cookbook and always, always delivers inspiration.
One of the more recent additions to our pantry shelf (listen to me) is the beautiful A Table for Friends: The Art of Cooking for Two Or Twenty by Skye McAlpine. I know I’m fickle for a beautiful cover, and although a good handful of the recipes are geared to warmer months, there are some beautiful wintry recipes to create if you’re hosting or just dining for two. I also love this book because the side dish inspiration is amazing, and has so many brilliant ideas for spicing up your side carrots or side plates too.
Our go-to recipe guru’s…
When it comes to seasonal fodder, there are few people that make my mouth water like Anna Jones and her delicious, hearty seasonal recipes. As well as her beautiful books- she has a brilliant website (and endless column inches) dedicated to beautiful timely ideas- so that whether you’re looking to use up some potato’s or softening onions, she’ll be the one to inspire.
Could I talk about recipe inspiration without including Nigella? After falling in love with Cook, Eat, Repeat– I’m so excited to get my mitts on the book- but in the interim have been eyeing up her deliciously cosy pasta recipes (we’ve already tried the bhorta) and the chocolate peanut butter cake too…
Finally, another queen of complete seasonal goodness has to be Gem- the brains behind The Mother Cooker. Having released her first seasonal cookbook in October centered around autumn fare, seasonal ingredients and achievable and delicious recipes- I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to try something new without the stress of not knowing where to start.
When it comes to sweet bakes and cake ideas- Benjamina Ebuehi comes up trumps for us. Whether that’s her Christmas cinnamon buns or cinnamon and cranberry donuts- I know I’ll find something original and completely delicious in her gorgeous index.
and next on our list…
If you’re thinking ahead to Christmas cooking, I can’t recommend checking out beautiful Bre’s new book ‘Cooking for Christmas’ and her website, Dishes to Delight. With recipes including the only stuffing you’ll ever need, baked brie and hot ham and peaches- it’s a complete treat (and also has all profits going to Refuge too, as if it couldn’t get any better).
some other books we’ll be adding to our shelf one day…
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December 2, 2020
My Maternity Wardrobe Staples So Far…
*post contains affiliate links
Now, I can confidently say I am no expert in maternity dressing. I’ve had countless number of days where in the last seven months I have stood in front of my wardrobe, gormless and overwhelmed by the fastenings, buttons and zips that won’t so much as catch sight of one another for a long while and wondered what to put on that isn’t another pair of 90% stretch trousers…
…but I’m getting there. I’ve started to work out the things that are near-enough failsafe for a growing bump, and if anything, surprisingly- it’s arguably made me think a little more about my own personal style. Because long gone are the days of turning to jeans and a jumper when I’ve not known what to put on in the morning- everything feels like it has to be a little more conscious if it’s not simply leggings- and strangely, getting dressed feels more like an occasion than a simple part of my routine.
My style, and clothes are something I enjoy so much, and I’ve been trying (when I feel I can) to make sure that during such a special time, they’re still something to be celebrated too.
Anyway- I’m sure there’s more to be said on the above, but today I thought I’d share the handful of staples that have proved so, so useful in the last few months in my wardrobe. I’ve tried to limit buying new if I can, and if I have invested in anything- have tried to work out the practicalities- how useful it’ll be in a few months, a year and so on- and the likelihood I’ll keep wearing it again and again. Obviously not every dress will be breastfeeding appropriate, but that’s not to say it won’t last long beyond that time too. I hope these prove a little useful for anyone feeling overwhelmed, a little bit lost or not knowing where to start with maternity basics. You don’t have to change the way you dress- you might have to adapt a little, but as I’ve discovered (and am discovering), style goes on through pregnancy (it just might be a little stretch-ier, that’s all)…
On Denim…
I think when I became pregnant; one of the first big shifts in my wardrobe was jeans. I’m a religious high-waisted denim wearer, and if there’s one thing that a bump doesn’t accommodate- it’s that. I wore unbuttoned ‘hairband’ trick pairs until I couldn’t, but honestly wasn’t sure if I’d veer down the maternity jeans route- but here we are! I think the trick to maternity jeans is not buying too early. I ordered a few pairs at sixteen weeks and they comfortably, did not look right. Obviously every bump is different (I didn’t realise they weren’t even ‘perfectly round’ until now) and one person’s sixteen week denim dream just isn’t someone else’s. But, after doing a bit more digging, trying out some ‘over’ and ‘under’ the bump styles- realised there are in fact some quite nice pairs out there, with this and this pair being favourites (as an FYI, I did size up in both pairs as found waists a little tricky). Although it’s taken a bit of getting used to not ‘tucking in’, I’m glad that I can still lean on some good denim when I’m feeling a bit uninspired, and they tick the comfy boxes too, which is absolutely the main thing.
The Underwear…
At the beginning of my pregnancy, I turned a lot to soft jersey and cotton bras- anything that felt relatively supportive, without the restrictions of wiring or sturdy cups (things a little like this and this). This was a glorious novelty which didn’t last quite as long as I’d anticipated, and soon I was on the hunt for maternity and nursing bras that felt relatively pretty, whilst still being practical, comfortable and accommodating for an ever-changing bra size. Thankfully I spotted a post Florrie did, and ended up picking up one of Six’s gorgeous numbers, as well as a more ‘ballet style’ pink one from Boob too. They’ve both served me so well so far, and although are a little of an investment, know I’ll definitely be picking a couple more up in the next few months.
And Tights…
The one thing about being pregnant in summer, is that most dresses do all of the leg work without the need for warmth- but come October- or any day with a temperature below 10 degrees and a spiky wind chill, you know tights will be your best friend. Now, at the best of times I struggle with a good pair of tights- ones that don’t fall down, hole or require me to hoist them up every few minutes. Thankfully after a bit of searching- this dotted pair are doing a great job at a) livening up any simple outfits, and b) hiding under dresses without causing any Dick Van Dyke penguin style scenarios. I’ve also heard very generous things about New Look and Hedoine’s tights selection, so they both might be worth adding to the list too.
A Good Vintage Dress…
For me, a good vintage dress has been my sartorial saving grace over the last few months. It’s the one item that’s helped me feel like myself on days where I haven’t- and thankfully, a lot of the shapes I go for- be that empire waisted, smocks or prairie- seem to accommodate a bump really well (which means that shopping second hand and Depop trawls during pregnancy feel relatively easy too)! Occasionally I’ve had a bit of a ‘fabric is stuck to hidden leggings underneath moment’- but thankfully that can be remedied by petticoat or slip skirts underneath, or even a nice woolly pair of long johns (just to remind you this is Liv typing, and not Jo March)…
And Finally- Leggings…
If there’s one pair of leggings that deserve an award, and have lasted me so bloody well from pre-pregnancy, until now (and I imagine beyond)- it’s the Lulu Lemon Align pants. They’re not cheap, but when it comes to a pair of leggings that will see you through everything (they’re literally all I used to wear to the gym), these are your guys. They’re buttery soft, stretchy, high waisted, come in every colour under the sun- and truly are the perfect partner to a chunky jumper (or yoga top, depending on which way inclined you are). They’ve seen everything from the gym, sofa days, loft sort outs and even bed naps and I don’t think my maternity wardrobe, or even general wardrobe would be complete without them.
If you’re pregnant, or have had a tiny one- I’d love to know about your maternity staples too!
x
The post My Maternity Wardrobe Staples So Far… appeared first on What Olivia Did.
November 21, 2020
Giftmas Gift Guides 2020: Day 7, For The Interiors Obsessive…
(Palais de Tokyo incense sticks, Polkra candle, Sugar & Cement candles and coaster, Eleanor Bowmer print, Liv Purvis x Papier diary (I know), Summer Morning Studios shell candle, Sculpd home pottery kit)
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For our final day of Giftmas, we end with all things interiors!
I mean, maybe this could have just been an ultimate candle guide? Because honestly what says a cosy, homely interior like a deliciously scented lit candle- be it in the bath, beside your bed or next to you whilst you’re watching I’m A Celeb on a Tuesday night. Anyway- I digress, it was just hard to not just have candles ok. Anyway! For the last day of Giftmas, it’s all about the home- be it small touches that work in a variety of spaces, personalised prints or something you can get a little crafty with (because we haven’t done enough crafting this year)!
Now I’ve waffled on about candles, I might as well tell you about the above, right? Starting with the most gorgeous jarred number from Polkra– not only do these smell sensational, but the ceramic holders are so romantic and beautiful- and will last forever too (my make up brushes have never been so excited for a new home). I’ve also included a couple more playful options- from the iconic twists from Sugar and Cement (who also make the sweetest scalloped coasters and placemats too) to these fragranced shells from Summer Morning Studios, who also do very fun squiggle and bubble candle options too. Continuing on with all things that smell delicious- something a little fancier includes these incense sticks from Astier de Villatte, who do the most beautiful French homewares- I mean, even the box is beautiful, so you can only imagine how gorgeous these are. There’s also a personalised print from Eleanor Bowmer, who truly does some of the loveliest prints out there- whether you want something personalised or not. Think gorgeous illustrations and patterns galore- plus plenty of gift ideas too. I also feel like I couldn’t end Giftmas without another bit of shameless self promotion, so included one of my favourite diaries from my collaboration with Papier last year (there’s also this gift set too). Although this gingham one didn’t *quite* get the outing it was hoping for this year, I like to think there’s always room for a good paper diary (or address book), and Papier forever have the best options. Last but not least comes this at home pottery kit from Sculpd. For kiln-free pottery in the comfort of your own home this is the dreamiest kit to get started with making your own crafty creations- who needs fancy pots and vases when you can be making them yourself?! That’s a post Christmas activity I will absolutely be getting involved with!
Some other beautiful spots to help warm their home…
For perfect prints: A few of my favourite people to go to for prints include Hand & Palm (‘the dunker’ is a favourite), Telegramme for something personal and timeless, Ciao Chiara for beautiful inky line work and the brilliant Tatiana Alida for fashion-inspired illustrations and beautiful quotes.
Projektityyny: Although a quilt would make a seriously top-tier Christmas gift, I’ll happily settle for anything smaller, be it napkins or a cushion from this beautiful interiors brand.
Oh Squirrel: For beautiful wall hangings and embroidery hoops which would add something special to any home.
G L Ø D Candles: These are some of my favourite candles going- not only are they fragranced beautifully, celebrate brilliant women and include a charity donation- but for £35 you can buy a gift set of three of their most gorgeous scents, which IMO is the perfect gift.
Kindred Fires: Okay one more candle brand! I love the fact with Kindred Fires you can personalise the packaging and make it as sentimental and personal as you like (as well as the scents including things like ‘This candle smells like watching Christmas movies and snuggling on the sofa’).
Chloe Hall Ceramics: For hand-painted water colour floral ceramic pieces and paintings, Chloe’s pieces are a dream.
In Casa by Paboy: The cushion covers your soft furnishings have been waiting for. The end.
TFL Cushion Covers: Maybe I’m missing the tube, maybe it’s just 2020- but there’s something very very cool about these retro-tube-print cushion covers and blankets. TFL, you’ve pulled a corker. Just unsure whether I’d feel relaxed enough to put my face on them…
Petri Prints: For something unique and inspired by science, history, food and nature- Petri Prints have some of the most gorgeous framing and print reproductions I’ve seen.
For Vintage Interiors: My go to’s are The Antik Store , BAM Glasgow and Ceraudo for something special.
Vaisselle Boutique: Sustainable handmade and hand painted table wear in beautiful pastels and ginghams.
Aff and Jam: For simple, stylish and beautifully elegant line work prints (and one-of-a-kind clothing too).
C Ceramics: For all things scalloped, pastel and shelled, Charlotte’s beautiful ceramics shop is a must visit.
I’ve also added previous links to guides covering home and interiors, if you need further reading too (as well as some extra picks below)!
2019/2018/2017
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Thank you so much for staying tuned this week with Giftmas, I truly hope these guides have offered some inspiration, introduced you to some brilliant new brands or even sparked some little ‘to me, love me’ ideas for yourself too! Stay safe and happy shopping!
x
The post Giftmas Gift Guides 2020: Day 7, For The Interiors Obsessive… appeared first on What Olivia Did.
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