Happy Friday!

Becca:

This weekend is a big one for Leicester - the Diwali lights switch-on! Tens of thousands of people will descend on the Belgrave area of the city on Sunday to see The Golden Mile lit up - if you've never been before, it's well worth a visit!

First let me wish you a belated happy National Poetry Day! Last Thursday was a particularly significant day for me, as I'd been working on a special project with the BBC to commission 41 poets to write 41 new poems, from the POV of a landmark local to them. The result was wonderfully eclectic - in subject and style. I've posted Birmingham's poet Spoz above, but you can hear/see the others HERE!

On Monday, I saw Louis Theroux's new documentary film at the cinema, which was followed by a live streaming of him and the director being interviewed by Adam Buxton. The film is largely a mix of Louis interviewing former top Scientologists, and then him auditioning and rehearsing actors who are recreating reported incidents. I'm a big Louis fan anyway, but I thoroughly recommend this - it's both fascinating and entertaining in equal measure!

Elle:

I am a fan of a sensible winter coat. This year any of these High Street offerings will do nicely Dorothy Perkins, New look, Asos

For Local Leicester readers, Carlton and I will be taking part in the Nine bar bake off competition on Sunday, We are very much hoping to gain local star baker glory, hope to see you there!

I suffer from Sciatica, which is a pain in the bum, quite literally! It's currently the worst it's ever been which causes much hinderance to a busy lifestyle, resulting in sleepless nights and me hobbling around like an elderly lady. I'm not sure if it's the sudden plummet in temperature, constantly being on the go or the fact that I have skipped yoga for the past few days but I can't wait to have a rest and get back to my yoga. If you suffer from the same struggle, I highly recommend Adriene, she's just lovely. Also if you have any tips for dealing with this problem please let me know...

Happy Friday!

Weekend musings and inspirations from the pair of us -  happy Friday!

Elle:

If I had an iPhone 10 I would definitely be downloading these amazing, slightly hipster/foodie emojis via Food 52 - avocado emoji anyone?! 

Shock news this week as the Bake Off moves from the BBC to Channel 4. I've mixed feelings about this as I do think the Bake Off was due a change. However no Mel & Sue and the fact that viewing will now be interrupted by adverts means the future looks bleak. If the opening credits are updated (that goddamn raspberry cake irritates me every time, to the point where C now requests I close my eyes when it comes on - its in the WRONG PLACE) then I'll consider giving it a chance.

I adore everything about this video:

Becca:

Wow. I've never even noticed the cake in the Bake Off credits...!

Meanwhile I've been enjoying another BBC offering - I say enjoying, when I really mean trying-not-to-shout-out-in-public. Even if you're not a Radio 4 listeners, you'll know that major stuff has been going down on The Archers - even if you've never tuned in before, it's so worth listening back to the Rob/Helen court drama in the last couple of weeks...

I've also started following the well-worded tweets of Twitter poet Brian Bilston, after reading this article about his rise to online fame.

Finally... if you're a Leicestershire local, be quick! You only have one weekend left to visit Wistow Maize Maze - which this year is in the shape of the BFG! I went there for the first time over the Bank Holiday weekend and it was such a great afternoon out.

Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you get up to!

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Happy Friday!

Elle:

 I was pretty sceptical  about instagram stories at first, being a fan of a well curated insta feed and all. I've certainly never felt the draw of snap chat and a break away from the delightful square format felt messy and unstructured. Then I stumbled across a few fellow instagramers who were using stories as an opportunity for fresh creativity and ideas, one such lady is 5ft inf and i'm a big fan of her 'Animated stills'. Over on the 5ft inf blog Phillipa has given some insight into the process she uses and I've been inspired to create a few of my own, available for viewing now on the TWC instagram feed plus a few silly ones will be popping up sporadically via my own personal IG in stories.

My current favourite food blog is Lady & Pups 'an angry food blog' combining beautiful photography with great recipes and storytelling. Recipes are also offered in gram measurements which always pleases me. 

TWC friend Kenton Hall's movie 'A dozen summers' was released on DVD this week, you can order your copy here

To mark the launch of the City Festival this weekend there is an outdoor screening of The Jungle Book this evening (Fingers crossed the weather will brighten up!) You can find out more about the city festival and the events over the next week here

Becca:

I'm spending a good portion of my time working in Reading at the moment, which is conveniently located for popping on a train to London for an evening. And I've been lucky enough to see two top class theatre productions as a result, in the past fortnight - one at the Old Vic and the other at the Young! 

Unfortunately I think Yerma, starring Billie Piper, is now sold out - but there's always the chance of returned tickets on the day. It's one of the most powerful productions I've ever seen on stage, and the reviews are spot-on: Billie really is fantastic as the lead character desperately chasing her desire to have a baby.

The good news is, there still seems to be seats available for Tim Minchin's re-imagining of the film Groundhog Day, as a stage musical. Very funny, very clever staging, hugely recommended. I'd happily see it again, and again, and... you get the joke.

Happy Friday!

It's almost the weekend and to get you in the mood here's some things we're looking forward to...

Tonight you can catch a special David Bowie themed Prom, streamed live from the Royal Albert Hall by the BBC - Becca is seriously considering face paint for the occasion.

We're planning to catch some Modern craft next week at LCB Depot in Leicester. Ornamentum are group of Leicestershire based designer makers and their Precious objects exhibition runs from 2nd to 16th August.

Beautiful cook books on Elle's wish list include Ruby Tandoh's Flavour (Love Ruby's mantra, "eat what you love!") and Georgina Hayden's Stirring Slowly

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Happy Friday!

We're nearly there! To ease you into the weekend, here's a few recommendations for your perusal and inspiration...

I've been absolutely gripped by Radio 4's 15 minute drama, Life Lines, which follows the calls of ambulance call handler, Carrie. Written by Al Smith, it's  been fascinating and often emotional to hear the 999 calls - even when I know they aren't real!

Sarah's thoughts on blogging for fun are really interesting. It's something we're often asked as bloggers - "Why do you do it?" - and while there's definitely more than one reason, ultimately it's because we just enjoy doing it (even if we too aren't immune to the occasional moments of doubt).

This week work has brought me to Oxford, where I've been enjoying the mash of traditional and modern architecture  - including the glass building (The Blavatnik School of Government) in the photo at the top of this post, which has just been nominated for a RIBA design award.

We've already blogged about the beautiful styled shoot by the Wedding Collective - which included cakes made by Elle. Now talented florist Louise, from Number 27 Floral Designs,  has posted her reflections on the day.

I 'm currently trying to simultaneously de-clutter and add character to my house. I admire anyone who can make their collecting habits look stylish, rather than messy - e.g. Kaylah's vintage globe collection

What have you discovered this week? Share your suggestions - whatever shape they may take - in the comment box below.

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