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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Travel: A day at Sandringham

We're big fans of Norfolk and have reported back from holidays there - including one weekend together - a number of times (see here, here, here and here for examples!)

So it's no real surprise that I found myself back in the eastern county just a few weeks ago, when Paul and myself gatecrashed my parents' summer holiday.

Most of our break was spent in and around our beach-side cottage and nearby Hunstanton - playing the 2p machines, eating our weight in fish and chips, taking short walks with the dog, playing board games and watching Wimbledon on the telly.

However, within this busy schedule, we (that is me, mum and Paul - dad took the opportunity to enjoy some time without us!) did find time for a day trip to the Queen's Norfolk retreat.

I'd visited Sandringham once before as a child, but only had a hazy recollection of standing by neatly trimmed hedges with my Granny, on a hot summer day. I'll definitely remember it clearly the second time round.

First stop was the museum, which contained a number of interesting displays on the history of the house and the Royals' relationship with it since 1862, plus a selection of vintage vehicles and gifted objects from all around the world. I was particularly amazed by a mini replica of a James Bond car, made for one of the princes, which took three months to make - who knows how much that's worth!

After refuelling at the stable cafe (one of the best cheese scones I've ever had) we headed into the house itself. Only a section of the downstairs is open, but as someone who can quickly develop "museum lethargy" I actually preferred this  - not to say I wouldn't have jumped at the opportunity to peek inside the Queen's bedroom given half the chance!

“Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere in the world.””

— King George V

The thing that really made the house visit special was the attitude and the knowledge of the museum guides, who were dotted around each room. Not only did they know their stuff, but they delivered interesting nuggets of information with humour and energy which really got across the history of the house, but how the rooms are still used today. I'm not sure I entirely believe that Prince Philip himself uses a ride on mower to trim the grass, as one guide suggested...!

However the star attraction, particularly on a sunny day, has to be the 24 hectares of gardens. They're a mixture of highly manicured and more natural landscaping, dotted with sculptures, and overall stunningly beautiful. We took in the beautiful view looking back at the house, as we strolled over to the estate church, and wished we were floating in a boat on the lake.

Altogether we spent around four hours exploring the house and grounds, which felt a good length of time, before making our way back to our home-away-from-home on the coast. A fully recommended trip out.

Have you visited Sandringham - what were your impressions? What's your tip for a sunny day trip out in your neck of the woods?

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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A Week Of... No Social Media

I like to think I’m not addicted to social media – and if you compare my use of Facebook now to when I was a student, avoiding writing a 3,000 word essay on Middle English literature by desperately hitting refresh every five seconds.

However recently I’ve become aware that I'm spending too many evenings doing little more than sitting on my phone, consuming images and thoughts shared by friends, celebrities and complete strangers on various websites and apps.

This awareness coincided with me reading a couple of interesting and slightly worrying articles (including this Guardian piece) about the amount of time teenagers are now spending on social media - and the impact its having on their interaction with the wider world.

So for the second installment of my 'A Week Of...' series, I thought I'd try giving up Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, Bloglovin', LinkedIn and Timehop . Due to work and holiday, this write-up of my experience is a little late - as will become clear.

I start my social media drought on a Sunday evening, setting myself a challenge by posting one photo on Facebook and another on Instagram - which is the seemingly random image at the top of this blog post.

Usually, within minutes of posting a pic, I’m hitting refresh to see if anyone has liked it or added a comment. This time I’ll have to accept delayed gratification… of seven days.

I worry  the crumbling city made of couscous - part of the new Tate Modern exhibitions - is a visual metaphor for my plan....

Day 1

It’s amazing what form a challenge will appear. On Monday I popped into a well-known supermarket chain to buy a packet of mints, to find one packet would cost me 65p – or for 20p, I could have three packets of the same mints. Crazy pricing!

Immediate reaction? I-must-photograph-this-and-put-it-on-Twitter. Oh wait. I can’t.

Instead I went back to the office and told my colleagues the good news. One of them set out to buy his own mints, another questioned whether I’d be making these kind of fascinating announcements all week.

After work I drive a colleague to the train station to try and locate her lost cycling helmet - for the 10 minutes I wait in the car for her, I'm at a loss of what to do. It's times like this I usually scroll through Instagram, instead I catch up on the news.

Later in the pub, watching the Wales (and England) game, I remember a funny and relevant photo my friend had stuck on Facebook a few days beforehand - I go to take my phone out my bag, then realise my mistake. Instead I describe the photo, badly.

Day 2

I spend five minutes rearranging all of my social media apps into a folder on my phone, to stop me absent-mindedly opening SnapChat. Putting in a second level of screen tapping actually seems to help break the habit.

A colleague suggests replacing mindless scrolling through Instagram with mindless strolling through the BBC News app is cheating. I vaguely agree.

Day 3

Facebook is pretty much the only way I communicate with my running club, when I'm not physically with them. They have a great page which keeps members up to date with all kinds of happenings - including what time the Wednesday track session is happening each week.

To find this out I have to text my running friend Charlotte and ask her to check the page for me. In the end I decide to spend my evening elsewhere, but it's a good job she texts back or I could've had an hour long wait on the track.

Day 4

Having worked away in Oxford all week with the distraction of other people, Thursday sees me working alone at home. It's now I realise how social media has been fuelling my procrastination - without it I have a super productive day, with no online diversions.

Thursday is also referendum voting day. Which becomes much more interesting...

Day 5

... on Friday, when I wake up to the news that Britain had voted to leave the EU. 

I could only imagine how social media had exploded. Instead I was glued to Radio 4 and the BBC News website.

The news is a lot to take in, and weirdly I feel quite relieved to not have an overwhelming avalanche of opinions (in 40 characters or less) to absorb too. Instead I talk in more detail to friends and family through texts, phone and in person.

Day 6

It's the weekend and time for the beautiful wedding of my friends Naomi and Isaac (see photos by Matt above - including a shot of the cake Elle made!)

The reception venue had no phone signal at all - which would be fine if my boyfriend, Paul was not joining the wedding late due to competing at the British Championships (good excuse).

However in order to check the results and arrange picking him up later, I need to get onto the wifi - which required liking the pub's Facebook page! Luckily the barman was happy to bypass this step by tapping in the password for me, thus avoiding social media.

Day 7

The final day. Nothing much to report - the day is spent having a lie-in, walking my parents dog (and swapping wedding stories with my parents), eating massive chicken sandwiches and listening to The Smiths on repeat.

In the evening I end the social media fast, and realise I've actually missed very little in terms of notifications. I only feel a bit bad that I've seemingly ignored a comment under one of the photos I posted this time last week.

Week conclusion

It's been a couple of weeks since my "no social media diet" - and I genuinely think I'm using Facebook and Instagram (my big two) a lot less than before and it took me a good few days to even think about opening Twitter, SnapChat or Time Hop.

I found the week itself a lot easier than I thought, but it did highlight to me how much I'd been using the apps on my phone to procrastinate - a bad habit I'm keen to break.

Having said that, I'm not it up for good. Firstly, it's pretty important to stay connected for my work, but secondly, I think there's people I would genuinely lose contact with - which would be sad.

So I'm planning to focus my social media usage on enhancing my "real" life, while doing less of the procrastinating.

Are you a little bit obsessed with your social media accounts or have you no interest? Let me know in the box below.... (you might need to click right into the post to see it!)

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Weekend Review: Yvonne Ellen

Our weekend review this week comes from homeware designer Yvonne Ellen, Yvonne is a girl after our own hearts with a passion for macarons! We talk about how it feels to win the Etsy Retail Star award and the best places to eat out in London and Paris...

What do you do for work?

I design and make a unique range of tableware designed to add charm and intrigue to your home. I have a strong passion for beautiful fine bone china alongside a love of quirky, decorative illustration which I combine to create one of a kind ranges with Yvonne Ellen homeware

What inspired you to start your own range?

It all started with a cake plate that I made as a wedding gift for a friend of mine. After some great feedback, I decided to take the leap into selling online. The thought that my pieces are adorning homes all over the world is a fantastic feeling.

What's been your proudest Career moment so far?

Since launching Yvonne Ellen in 2012 I have been lucky enough to take part in a variety of different and exciting projects. These included live illustration in the shop window of London department store Liberty, running upcycling workshops and even posing in my underwear for a "Women in Making' photoshoot!

And your biggest achievement outside of work?

My biggest achievement outside of work would probably be making my slightly dishevelled little flat into a beautiful home. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears but it is now the place I like to spend most of my time.

When is your weekend?

I try to keep Saturday and Sunday free as this is when my partner's time off work is, but inevitably I often end up packing orders or answering customer emails during the weekend! I try to delegate as much as possible on weekends so I have a chance to gather my thoughts and clear my head, something I feel is extremely important when running your own business.

How did you spend this weekend?

This weekend I actually had my Hen Do as i'm getting married in a couple of weeks! Very exciting times indeed but I must say that planning a wedding alongside running a business has been rather 'challenging'! Many, many lists have been made along the way and I have relied quite a bit on my lovely bridesmaids.

How typical was it for you?

Typically my weekends are spent seeing friends or visiting local shops and markets. I live in London so there is always something amazing to go and see or do. My current favourite market is Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey, the food stalls there are incredible and there is so much variety.

What was your highlight of last week?

My highlight was winning the 2016 Etsy Retail Star award! It is always great to be recognised for my work and makes it all worthwhile.

Tell us about your ideal Sunday Menu...

Breakfast: Brunch (Not breakfast on a Sunday as a Lie in is required!) at Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell, London with my partner. They do the best food ever and the decor is seriously gorgeous.

Lunch: I would hop on the Eurostar to Paris and go to my favourite restaurant Hotel Costes with all of my girlfriends. Followed my a trip to Laduree for some macarons

Dinner: Jerk Chicken, rice n peas at my local restaurant Banners in Crouch end, London. Literally the best food in the world!

What's in your Fridge?

Not very much! I have so many fab restaurants and takeaways near me I tend to dine out a little too much!

Quick fire- Name your absolute favourite...

Book: Me before you, JoJo Moyes

Film: Stand By Me

Album: TLC, Creep

Holiday Destination: Thailand

Museum: V&A

Designer: Givenchy

How can people follow what you do and get in contact?

www.yvonneellen.com
info@yvonneellen.com
https://www.facebook.com/yvonneellenhomeware
https://www.instagram.com/yvonneellen

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Recipe: Speedy Miso, ginger & lime noodle bowls

Inspired by Becca's recent week of vegan I decided to have a go at a recipe of my own. Summer months are made for quick fresh and easy meals. Now I know it doesn't feel much like Summer here in the UK at the moment but trust me this one really is worth a try if you fancy something fresh and healthy of an evening but are short on time. This one takes around 10 minutes to prep, ok, maybe 15 but this is fast, fresh and completely doable midweek after a long day at work. It makes an awesome make ahead pack lunch too, make this on a Sunday eve and you've got lunch sorted for a couple of days .

It's designed to be versatile, feel free to swap ingredients in/out (Shake it all about) depending on what you have to hand in the fridge. Convenience is the aim of the game here, see some ideas for variations below. This recipe serves 2 as a light lunch or 1 as an evening meal - add an extra nest of vermicelli  and an extra handful of sugar snap peas to bulk out to two servings.

You will need....

• 1 nest of vermicelli rice noodles
• 1 courgette - spiralized or coarse grated lengthways
• 2 spring onions
• a handful of sugar snap peas
• The zest and juice of 1 lime
• 2tsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• A thumb sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 red chilli, diced with seeds removed
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Place the noodles into a large mixing bowl and cover with boiling water, leave to heat through for 5 minutes. While the noodles are cooking prepare the dressing - whisk together the lime, maple syrup, miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and chopped chilli. Finely dice the spring onions and chop the sugar snap peas into diamonds. Once the noodles are ready drain off the water and toss together with the courgette and the dressing. Divide between two bowls and sprinkle over the spring onions, sugar snaps and toasted sesame seeds.

Dinner is served.

Variations...

• Add a few finely sliced radish or a peeled and finely sliced bell pepper for extra crunch,
• Steamed aubergine makes an amazing addition, its also one of my favourite ways to prepare aubergine, ever. If you've not tried it before give this recipe a bash.
• If you don't have a lime to hand any citrus fruit will work well here.
• Nuts and seeds add crunch, texture and protein so toast and sprinkle liberally with whatever takes your fancy. For a pack lunch I recommend packing these separately then sprinkling over  just before serving to maintain the crunch. 

If you have any speedy recipes for fast fresh food we'd love to hear from you, give us a shout in the comments...