Hello, 2023.

I wasn't sure whether or not I would return to this blog. After the first covid-19 lockdown I felt completely lost and as hard as it is to admit, I'm not sure I ever really found myself again (at least not the version of myself that I was before!) The past twenty four months have been a whirlwind to say the least- I took a brave step to end what was a very toxic relationship, moved house more times than I can count and found myself living back with my parents while I pieced things back together again. I find great joy in saying that I am feeling more "me" than I have felt in a very long time, so am now ready to see whether or not I am still capable of forming a semi-coherent sentence.

Renting a Home: Things I've Learnt

I know I know, it's not exactly what you'd call a catchy title, but what the heck! I have been desperate to write this post ever since I moved out in October, because in the space of a few short weeks I had realised that adulting is hard. Very hard.

(Side note: this is most definitely not the view from my rented apartment, it is actually the view from somewhere near the top of the Eiffel Tower- but a girl can dream! I will live my Emily in Paris dream one day...) 

My Favourite Binge-Worthy TV Shows

Hello, my name is Martha and I am a shameless telly bug. Over the years I have become the unofficial source of reviews and recommendations for friends, family and work colleagues (although very few appreciate my enthusiasm towards all things zombies) and that is something that I am absolutely fine with. There's nothing that I love more than tucking up with a cuppa and a packet of chocolate fingers, so it's safe to say that I have watched my fair share of binge-worthy shows...

House Pinning #1

There is nothing that I love more than lusting over dreamy interiors, which is why it feels as though I have talking about getting my own place for a lifetime. Over the past year I have spent far too much time scrolling and planning every inch of my dream home (I'm a Pinterest addict, what can I say?) and although it saddens me to say dream now, I hope this time next year I'll be in a position where I can put down a deposit and start bringing my dream to life...

Embracing Simplicity With Abelini

I'm gonna put my hands up and say that I'm not typically a jewellery wearer. Granted I've had my moments, flitting between gold and silver jewellery, from chunky bangles to chokers and chains- I've even committed the cardinal sin and mixed my metals, but these days you will rarely find me sporting anything but a watch and a pair of earrings (or two).

What's On My Reading List

I love books. I always have and wouldn’t hesitate in saying that I always will, although coming from a family of bookworms it seems like an unavoidable passion to have- my mum sends me weekly book recommendations, and my dad frequents the library more than anybody I know! If you ask me there's nothing quite like getting yourself lost in a good book, and that is what I intend to do with this rather substantial list...

A Mini Market Photo Diary

Until last year I had never attended a Christmas market (I know!) but since then I have made it my mission to attend as many markets as I can over the festive period, no matter how big or small. Being a lover of all things festive it wasn't until I visited Exeter that I realised just how much I had been missing out on; not only are there gifts galore, but the  range of food on offer is incredible... from hog roasts to Thai cuisine, there's something for everyone! If you know me either online or in person, no doubt you will know just how much I love to eat so believe me when I say that I was in food heaven.

Exploring Normandy

I have just arrived home from a blissful, very much needed week away. After much deliberation it was decided that a ‘big holiday’ would have to be sacrificed this year if we really wanted to make a dent in the house saving (boo) however my parents invited us to come away with them, exploring northern France and consuming copious amounts of food in the process...

A Stay at The Artist Residence: Penzance

Tucked away in a side street, just a short walk from the sea front, the Artist Residence was undoubtedly my first choice when booking a weekend away in Penzance. From its eclectic décor to the charismatic staff that greet you at the door, there’s no denying that this renovated house is full of Cornish-charm.

Attempting to Save as a Twenty-Something

Honestly, I have always been pretty good with money. I know when I should and shouldn't be saving and if I want something I'll work my arse off until I get it, but as I entered the new year (accompanied by a disgusting amount of chinese food) I was hit by the sudden realisation that my efforts just aren't cutting it.

My Travel Plans For 2018

I contemplated writing a travel wishlist at the start of Summer, but due to the knowledge that a trip was very unlikely, I was worried that it would lead to an onset of travel blues. As a result I decided to hold out til December and create something I could use for inspiration when booking some much needed time off in 2018...

Christmas Is Coming: A Gift Guide For Her

HELLO AND HAPPY DECEMBER! I know it's been a long time coming, but better late than never right? In classic gift guide spirit, this year I have put together a collection of things that I would love to receive, in hope that it will give some of you a bit of inspo if you're struggling for some snazzy gift ideas... Whether you're shopping for your sister, your momma or your (not so) secret santa there is something for everyone!

My Glasses Of The Moment (Soon To Be Yours Too!)

I don't think I have ever mentioned the fact that I am a glasses wearer in a blog post before, mostly because up until recently I have found them to be more of a hinderance than anything else. However over time I have made peace with the fact that if I want to read anything further than a few feet away, then I'm gonna have to wipe away the chocolatey finger prints and put on my glasses... but HEY it's not all bad, because right now wearing glasses is considered to be v on trend. This month I have teamed up with Glasses Direct to show you that you don't have to pay a fortune for a stylish pair of frames- check it out below!

October, You Have Been Glorious

Now I hate to be one of those people, but the month of October quite literally flown by. I have been caught up in a whirlwind of blogging, emails and back to back shifts at work (oh and did I mention the copious amounts of impulse purchases?) but busyness aside, overall this month has been a good-en. I thought that I would end October with a chatty round up of some of my favourite moments from the past four weeks, so keep reading! 

3 Trends That I Wanted To Love (But Couldn't)

Having spent the past year absorbing content dismissing the concept of 'fast fashion' I have tried my hardest to spend on things that suit my personal style, rather than what is deemed to be on trend. But as is life, working in a job centred around fashion and the latest trends means that it is sometimes a little too hard to resist.

The Generation Of Over-Sharing

There's no denying the fact that we love to share, it's what we do. However with this in mind, there is still one topic that is deemed too 'dirty' to discuss..

3 Podcasts To Listen To Right Now

Perhaps one of my favourite ways to fill the countless hours of free time that I have had thrust upon me (more on that another time) is grabbing a cuppa, putting my feet up and listening to a podcast...

My Thoughts On Moving Out

“You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you, and decide where they grow.” – Henning Mankell

Embracing Minimalism

Clothes, accessories, homeware, you name it; these days when it comes to pretty much anything I like to keep it minimal. No fuss. Back in the day I was a snazzy jumper enthusiast, and you would seldom find me without an oversized bag (filled to the brim) attached to my arm, however I can't get enough of clean cuts and simple detailing right now. There's something about simplicity that makes me feel a little more 'together'.. it's just so RIGHT.

Hello, Spring!

HAPPY SPRING TIME HUNNIES! Of all the seasons Spring is by far my favourite. There's something about the way the sun starts to break through and everything just seems a little better.. plus every year on the second day of Spring I welcome my Birthday with open arms. Another year older, another year wiser and another step closer to achieving my goals.