How was it for me?
I had been debating whether to write an end of year blog post, as you'll know I have only been blogging for half of the year, but obviously as you are reading this I have decided too!
The idea for Glamour in the County came to fruition during the summer. Until I watched the film Julie and Julia in the Spring I'd never thought of writing a blog, but something from the film stayed with me and over the following months the idea of my own lifestyle blog started to develop. If I was going to do this I needed to sure that A) I could write regularly and B) write content that would be interesting enough for people to read. So after a few 'thinking showers' Glamour in the County was born.
At this point I do have to say a thank you to Emily, SBA, Sarah, David and Jerry for being so supportive of my ideas and putting up with my enthusiasm, I'm afraid there is much more to come in 2012!
I have been really pleased with the response that my posts have received. To date I have had over 2,350 page views with my visit to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Urban Coffee Company review being the most viewed, closely followed by celebrating Hatton and Harding's 1st birthday, my visit to Highclere Castle and the cupcake revolution.
I have some ambitious plans for Glamour in the County. All of the above have helped to shape my ideas for 2012. I've already got a list of ideas for posts, which will include more of what you like to read and what I love to do plus new section which I hope you will enjoy. I am still developing this idea but I hope it will bring a new dimension to my blog. I will also be developing the look and feel of the blog so look out for some bespoke changes in the new year.
Through the last six months I have had some lovely experiences and met some great people, I hope to continue to do this next year.
Happy New Year and thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
Roll on 2012......it's going to be a big year!
Lula Belle x
31 December 2011
Paper or electronic diary
In a world full of technology does paper still have a place?
I have to admit, even though I am becoming a bit of a tech geek, I still have to have a paper diary. There I've said it! I have always loved stationery and that includes everything from notebooks, matching paper and envelopes to notelets, folders and diaries. Even with all my tech gadgets I can't bring myself to move away from a paper diary. There's something about flicking through the pages to find a date or to see at a glance what the week holds or whose birthday it is, that you just can't do with an electronic diary.
Over the years I've had all sizes of diary from A4 and A5 to A6. I went through a stage of wanting a diary large enough to keep notes as I was fed up of having post-it notes stuck everywhere to wanting a smaller one as the larger ones were too heavy to carry around. I've even had a filo fax, but that used to end up being confined to the desk. I use my diary for every day activities such as appointments, social events, meetings, birthdays etc. Of course I realise that I could just as easily use an electronic diary to capture these activities, but it really wouldn't be as quick to check or to look ahead.
About 15 years ago I started to keep my diaries. I'd been working abroad and wanted a reminder of that time. I have kept my diaries ever since and it's interesting how my choice of diary has changed. I've had stylish slim black ones, Paperchase New York and Paris scenes, vintage inspired Cath Kidston and yes I've even been brought one with flowers on. Generally I buy my own as I know what I like and because I am a paper snob. Whatever the brand of diary the paper has to be of a good quality, thick enough not to show through and matte enough to be able to write on smoothly with a pen or a pencil.
Really what I am coveting is a Smythson diary with my initials on it and one day I am sure I will purchase one - I'm quite liking these from the 2012 collection*:
If like me you just can't live without your paper diary, then as well as the brands above you might also want to have a look at Aspinal of London for leather diaries starting from £22 or Moleskin for a choice of diary views starting from £9.99.
Will I convert to an electronic diary.......No my love for paper is too strong!
Lula Belle x
*Photographs taken from the Smythson website
I have to admit, even though I am becoming a bit of a tech geek, I still have to have a paper diary. There I've said it! I have always loved stationery and that includes everything from notebooks, matching paper and envelopes to notelets, folders and diaries. Even with all my tech gadgets I can't bring myself to move away from a paper diary. There's something about flicking through the pages to find a date or to see at a glance what the week holds or whose birthday it is, that you just can't do with an electronic diary.
Over the years I've had all sizes of diary from A4 and A5 to A6. I went through a stage of wanting a diary large enough to keep notes as I was fed up of having post-it notes stuck everywhere to wanting a smaller one as the larger ones were too heavy to carry around. I've even had a filo fax, but that used to end up being confined to the desk. I use my diary for every day activities such as appointments, social events, meetings, birthdays etc. Of course I realise that I could just as easily use an electronic diary to capture these activities, but it really wouldn't be as quick to check or to look ahead.
About 15 years ago I started to keep my diaries. I'd been working abroad and wanted a reminder of that time. I have kept my diaries ever since and it's interesting how my choice of diary has changed. I've had stylish slim black ones, Paperchase New York and Paris scenes, vintage inspired Cath Kidston and yes I've even been brought one with flowers on. Generally I buy my own as I know what I like and because I am a paper snob. Whatever the brand of diary the paper has to be of a good quality, thick enough not to show through and matte enough to be able to write on smoothly with a pen or a pencil.
Really what I am coveting is a Smythson diary with my initials on it and one day I am sure I will purchase one - I'm quite liking these from the 2012 collection*:
 |
| Smythson Soho Diary in Navy - £150 |
 |
| Smythson Panama Diary, Lapis Collection - £70 |
If like me you just can't live without your paper diary, then as well as the brands above you might also want to have a look at Aspinal of London for leather diaries starting from £22 or Moleskin for a choice of diary views starting from £9.99.
Will I convert to an electronic diary.......No my love for paper is too strong!
Lula Belle x
*Photographs taken from the Smythson website
23 December 2011
Christmas Memories
What encapsulates the festive season for you?
I'm sure we've all got things that remind us of Christmas whether that be noises, smells, sounds or places. These may be new or old but they never fail to make us smile and feel warm inside.
I thought I'd share with you what encapsulates the festive season for me:
I'm sure we've all got things that remind us of Christmas whether that be noises, smells, sounds or places. These may be new or old but they never fail to make us smile and feel warm inside.
I thought I'd share with you what encapsulates the festive season for me:
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| Buying chestnuts on visits to London at Christmas as a child |
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| The smell of scented oranges reminds me of Fortnum and Mason |
14 December 2011
Glamourous evening wear
Are you looking for something different to wear this festive season?
A few weeks ago I had to find an evening outfit for an awards event. With five days in which to do this I thought this was achievable especially as there was a weekend included. So I started looking on line to see what inspired me. You will know from my previous post 'why is finding the one so difficult?' that I have been trying to find the perfect red dress, I still haven't found one so what a perfect opportunity to see if I could now. I also had to think about my new 'city chic' style (see have you defined your personal style?) to ensure I took into account what suited my shape as well as my style.
A few weeks ago I had to find an evening outfit for an awards event. With five days in which to do this I thought this was achievable especially as there was a weekend included. So I started looking on line to see what inspired me. You will know from my previous post 'why is finding the one so difficult?' that I have been trying to find the perfect red dress, I still haven't found one so what a perfect opportunity to see if I could now. I also had to think about my new 'city chic' style (see have you defined your personal style?) to ensure I took into account what suited my shape as well as my style.
10 December 2011
Victoria and Albert Museum
Is all that glitters gold?
As you'll know from my previous posts about days out in London (Can you have a village feel in the heart of London? and Is there anything better than spending time in a City you love?) I love exploring the capital and all that it is has to offer. However, in all this time, I've not managed to visit the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A). That was until my most recent visit at the end of November.
As you'll remember I was in London for afternoon tea at The Dorchester (Would afternoon tea everyday be too indulgent?) but before this I had the chance to make my first visit to the V&A. It was quite a trek to get there through the underground, but once we were inside it was very much worth it. Picking up a map at the entrance we used it to decide what to see. We had about three hours and we certainly weren't going to be able to look at everything. The silver, metals and jewellery floor was the one that seemed to offer something for everyone. We certainly weren't disappointed with our choice, there were so many fabulous pieces.
Here are my favourites from the silver and metal objects.
As you'll know from my previous posts about days out in London (Can you have a village feel in the heart of London? and Is there anything better than spending time in a City you love?) I love exploring the capital and all that it is has to offer. However, in all this time, I've not managed to visit the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A). That was until my most recent visit at the end of November.
As you'll remember I was in London for afternoon tea at The Dorchester (Would afternoon tea everyday be too indulgent?) but before this I had the chance to make my first visit to the V&A. It was quite a trek to get there through the underground, but once we were inside it was very much worth it. Picking up a map at the entrance we used it to decide what to see. We had about three hours and we certainly weren't going to be able to look at everything. The silver, metals and jewellery floor was the one that seemed to offer something for everyone. We certainly weren't disappointed with our choice, there were so many fabulous pieces.
Here are my favourites from the silver and metal objects.
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| gates from Kiev Monastery - 1784 |
7 December 2011
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
What signals the start of the festive season?
I first started visiting the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market about six years ago. The market for me evokes a sense that the festive season is nearly upon us. This year the market is the largest is has ever been.
I first started visiting the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market about six years ago. The market for me evokes a sense that the festive season is nearly upon us. This year the market is the largest is has ever been.
4 December 2011
Queans Restaurant
Do you have a favourite restaurant?
I do feel fortunate to have so many quality restaurants quite literally on my door step. Over the years I have tried quite a few and especially like those offering fine dining, you may remember my post 'can you fall in love with food?' about Opus Restaurant in Birmingham. So when I find one that I love I do make repeat visits.
Which brings me to Queans Restaurant in Royal Leamington Spa. Our first visit was about three years ago and since then we make two to three visits per year. Situated in the basement of a Georgian terrace, at the bottom of the Parade, it is the perfect location for this independent restaurant.
I do feel fortunate to have so many quality restaurants quite literally on my door step. Over the years I have tried quite a few and especially like those offering fine dining, you may remember my post 'can you fall in love with food?' about Opus Restaurant in Birmingham. So when I find one that I love I do make repeat visits.
Which brings me to Queans Restaurant in Royal Leamington Spa. Our first visit was about three years ago and since then we make two to three visits per year. Situated in the basement of a Georgian terrace, at the bottom of the Parade, it is the perfect location for this independent restaurant.
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