My day at the Country Living Christmas Fair

Hello glittery gum drops, how are you all this Monday?? Monday's are always super busy for me, and I'm always pleased when the day is over, the week just seems so much more bearable on a Tuesday!! As promised yesterday, I am going to blog about my day at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Islington today, that I attended on Saturday with my mum, my best friend and her mum also. 

The day started pretty early, we caught the fast train to St Pancras, which got us there in just over 20 mins, before walking the short distance to the Business Design Centre in Islington. I was soooo excited about this Christmas fair and had so many pre-conceived ideas... I am happy to report it did not let me down! It was literally like Christmas had exploded in there, everywhere you turned there was glitter, sparkle and shine! There were two floors, the ground floor housed the predominantly Christmas items, and the mezzanine level the more 'general' homewares and gifts. There was also a food section snuck in somewhere, although I can't think for the life of me whereabouts it was now (it was pretty big!!) We spent a good few hours wandering round, purchasing some fab items, enjoying lunch and then catching up over a tea towards the end. All in all a perfect day, and if I wasn't feeling festive already (yeah right!) I sure do now!! : )

Me and my mum upon first arrival : )

A view from above of some of the stalls

Me on the mezzanine level

What I wore: My new dress from Urban Outfitters, a brown studded belt from River Island, a grey blazer from River Island, my Mulberry bag and cute cosy boots from Red or Dead at Schuh.

What's in my bags?? I was particularly pleased to receive a goodie bag upon arrival, complete with sample including my favourite, Ecover washing up liquid!

My first purchase: I just had to buy these cute rabbit door stop as it reminded me of my gorgeous little Woody! It even has a fluffy little tail! : )

I bought a gorgeous vintage print apron as I have been wanting one for a while for when I'm baking. This enamel soap dish caught my eye also, it's quite big so I am going to stack our flannels and a couple of soaps in it (and it fits perfectly in our black and white bathroom!)

Bouncing Rabbit cotton tea towel by HAM: I first heard about this brand in one of my home magazines and love the cute prints. I made it my mission to find the stall at the Country Living Fair and had a lovely chat with the creator of the brand who let me know that she named the brand after her own maiden name which I thought was quite nice : )  I plan to iron this tea towel and then frame it as a quirky print for our stair-way.

I really wanted a nice wreath for our door this Christmas time, I thought this one was traditional and gorgeous, I like the cute little cupcake and gingerbread man as an extra touch.

Last but not least, I can never resist pickles and chutney's from food stalls, especially when they offer up free samples so willingly! I picked a sweet garlic pickle, a spiced tomato chutney and a caramelised onion confit, yum yum. 

As you can see dolls, I did not do much in the way of present buying for other people, although I pretty much have Christmas covered now, so I don't feel too bad! I had a truly fantastic day, and thoroughly recommend this fair to anyway looking for an amazing Christmas fair in the future! XOXO

October round up

Hello twinkly icicles, how are you all? I am enjoying my first day of half term, it's always so lovely to hit the snooze button and wake up refreshed and relaxed at 10 0' clock! I took Woody to the vet today for his myximatosis jab and a general check up, he was so scared bless him, he shook the whole time and kept trying to jump into my arms. I think it really is true that animals just know when they are at the vets. I felt so bad afterwards I dropped him home and then went to Pets at Home and spent a small fortune on treats for him, as well as some Christmas presents for his stocking!!

I thought it would be fun to do a round up blog post today, as I haven't done one for a while now, here goes...

My favourite TV show of the moment: This is a tough one as there is so much on I am enjoying at the moment! I would have to say 'Educating Essex' though. If you haven't seen any of this documentary you can catch up on 4OD, I really do think its worth a watch if you are interested about life in a typical Comprehensive secondary school in the UK. Some people have slated the attitude of some of the staff but I think they are great, they relate to the pupils well and reflect modern day teenagers, their likes and dislikes. I think the school and staff are providing a bloody good example for the pupils in the school (which is Ofsted rated Outstanding).

Best buy: Easy, my Mulberry! The pleasure/buzz hasn't worn off from this, especially when you go out and about and actually hear women whispering 'OMG look at her Mulberry!' Hahaha love it, see, instantly recognisable!! Rather randomly I would also say that another of my best buys recently has been my Glade Christmas scented candles... they are making me feel even more Christmassy and Festive!

Most looking forward to: Halloween! I love anything that fills the shop with seasonal products! I have already purchased a large tub of sweets for trick or treaters, last year we had some adorable local children knocking with their parents, dressed up to the nines in their Halloween finery. I also went to a halloween party last year dressed like this:

I went dressed as a sailor, however most people were in 'typical' halloween outfits such as witches, dracula, zombies etc... I think I misunderstood the brief! Haha loved the outfit though and looking at this picture makes me want to dye my hair red again!!

Listening to: Rihanna, Kanye West (not much new there!) and Beyonce's new stuff.

Best film: The best film I have seen recently is 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy'. I loved the dark, gritty tale and cold war setting, I want to read the book now.

Best book: I am currently reading and enjoying 'Difficult daughters' by Manju Kapur which is set during the Partition. It explores the topics of education, love and parental relationships, I particularly like the way the book is written and the fast pace throughout.

On my wishlist: Hehe see previous posts on my Christmas wishlists! There are lots of things I want at the moment, however, one thing does spring to mind. I really want to try the new Vivo make up that is sold exclusively in Tesco as I have heard so many good things about it from other bloggers. I have visited the 2 Tesco stores where I live and neither have had it : ( The search continues!

I want this!!

October/November brings: Halloween and Fireworks excitement, lots of cosy nights in with hubby and Woody, more Christmas organisation and planning, and a trip to the Country Living Christmas show in Islington with my best friend and our mums! So excited for that!

The Country Living Christmas Fair in Islington, London.

Aim for the week: Relax, relax and relax some more! I am also going to shop a bit, watch some films and practice making some Christmas biscuits! In case I didn't say it before, I LOVE half term!! : )

Well that's just about everything, more soon strawberry bon bons xoxo