Wednesday 27 January 2010

Blossoms & Angels

Ha! I wanted to post another update on my lovely amaryllis - the middle bulb has blossomed, yay! - and then I figured that I could play with my blog title a little bit! In order to do that, I had to find an angel...


Big deal, finding an angel in my home... It's much more difficult to single one out! There's an eight-and-a-half-year-old angel sitting on the sofa, his left leg in plaster cast up to his behind, after a skiing accident last week... There's a five-year-old angel practising her ballet steps in the middle of the living room...

There's at least one painting of an angel hanging on the wall of every room in my home (skip the bathroom - for now)... And then, there's a large collection of angel accessories in my jewellery box (I'm just saying this because it sounds lovely; to tell you the truth, my angels don't live in a jewellery box. They live on my clothes, on my desk, on my bedside table, in my bag, on my phone cosy... they're always somewhere near!).


In the end, I decided to post this angel pin. I haven't done a close-up of it yet, and I should've done, because it's gorgeous. It used to be a pendant, obviously, but I stuck it on a kilt pin, added some ribbon and the obligatory tassels and totally loved the result. Excuse the poor quality of the photo, I'm still learning.

There's nothing to add about the 'pin tray' - favourite accessory, favourite book!

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Ruffle Cardi

Unusual cardies era at Angels & Blossoms? Apparently. Sunday's outfit, worn to church. Another knit I've owned for some time and it doesn't get a lot of wear. I do like it, it's quite romantic, but most days it feels over the top. I really need 'a day' for it.

It looks rather good with 'equestrian styling' - jodhpurs, leather boots, roll-neck - I've tried it and I like the result. That was b.b. time, though (before blogging, that is) and I don't have a photo of it. I'll have to repeat it one of these days (come spring, as I don't want to freeze in my jodhpurs).

The rest of Sunday's outfit is this season's staple - short skirt, roll-neck, leather boots, beret, belt. What can I say? It's what I feel comfortable in, so why not make it a signature look?

Do you have a signature look this winter?

boots - Humanic
tights - Mum's hand-me-down
knee-high socks (in boots) - Burlington
skirt - S.Oliver
roll-neck - unknown origin / bought at local store
skinny belt (under cardi) - H&M
cardi - unknown origin / local clothes shop
beret - Seeberger
corsage (on beret) - TopShop
angel earrings, pin, bracelets
outdoors: coat - Benetton
belt - Jack Jones
scarf - H&M
gloves - Benetton (a gift)
leather bag - Laura Ashley (old!!! my favourite!!! a gift!!!)

Monday 25 January 2010

Lovely Amaryllis

Update on my birthday presie from Brother & Family. This is what it looked like a fortnight ago when I got it.


It looks a bit different now!


And it's absolutely refreshing to have a piece of spring indoors in this harsh winter.


Enjoy the colours!

Friday 22 January 2010

Tablecloth Cardi

It's not really. But it looks like one, doesn't it?

Yesterday's outfit. All items well worn-in. I've had this cardi for a few years now and I love it. I don't wear it nearly as often as I appreciate having bought it but hey - you can't have it all. I got it on sale at Benetton a few years ago - I was going to buy another cardi, which was lovely as well, with a check pattern and embroidered flowers (exactly my kind of thing) but when I put it on it just didn't feel right (it was a hoodie, and I'm not a big hoodie fan).

Then I spotted this pretty thing on a stand. I immediately loved the colours. I wasn't sure what it was at first, I just noticed a huge knitted circle with a gorgeous pattern. I took a closer look, found the sleeves, put it on and fell in love.

boots - Humanic
tights - hand-me-down from Mum
knee-high socks - Burlington
skirt - made by my Mum's seamstress
roll-neck - Get
cardigan - Benetton
angel earings, bracelet, pin

As soon as I saw the pics I realised I should have worn tights of a different colour. Orange, perhaps? I do own a pair. Maybe next time...

Thursday 21 January 2010

Pride & Prejudice

My current obsession. I'm re-reading and re-watching my absolutely and utterly favourite book/series of all times for the umpteenth time. Seriously. I'm one of those people who can quote several passages from the book - starting with the introductory sentence - and I can't get fed up with the characters no matter what.

I'm pretty boring, really, so conventional. My favourites are - you'll never guess - Lizzie & Mr Darcy, and to tell you the truth, I would gladly live their story, not only read about it. It would help if it was based on real-life characters, right...?

I believe that Ehle & Firth are still the best on-screen Austen couple. What do you think? Can you at all bear to open one of Jane's books?

P.S.: Pics courtesy of the BBC website.

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Perfect Combination

I love Harris Tweed. I'm extremely fond of tartan. My favourite colour combination is pink & green. I simply adore clasp purses...

Imagine my joy when I came across this beauty on Etsy!!! It's from a lovely shop called janecoe1 and it is absolutely stunning. Even more so in real life!

I wouldn't be me, of course, if I didn't add some accessories of my choice - a pair of self-made leather tassels and a vintage brooch. The brooch is a gift from a good friend and former colleague. Our five-year-old daughters are best friends and they often visit each other for play dates. The brooch is my friend's family heirloom but it just isn't her style. It's definitely my style, though, and I was pleasantly surprised and honoured to be given such a precious gift. I've had it for a couple of years now and I know I'll cherish it forever.

Tuesday 19 January 2010

Pink Chocolate Birds

What are you on about with the title, I hear you say. Well, it sort of dawned on me when I saw the pic - the theme of today's outfit. It's mostly brown - hence the chocolate - spiced up with touches of pink and adorned with birds. And I totally love it, it feels so me.

I realize how monochromatic outfits can get a bit boring sometimes and I don't wear them very often. But this one, hey, it doesn't really count as monochromatic, does it? I really like this chocolatey shade of brown (I also like chocolate, surprise, surprise...) and this winter, I'm very much into birds - as accessories, of course. And, finally, I've come to like my red hair!

boots - Alpina (local brand)
knee-high socks (in boots) - Burlington
tights - Polzela (local brand)
skirt - Boden
pink top - TwoWay
roll-neck - from local shop
bird brooch - Etsy (lovely aileen clarke); I added the dangly doodads
angel bracelets & earrings

Until tomorrow, then!

Monday 18 January 2010

Sunday Crafting

Yesterday afternoon was extraordinary. I was alone in my home! Believe me, it doesn't happen very often on a Sunday afternoon... Not that I want it to happen. But every now and then it feels good. My daughter had a play date with her best friend at her place. My two men went out skiing & sleighing. I don't like snow, so I stayed put. And had the whole afternoon to myself. To do some crafting, yay! This is what I made:

Corsage necklace for a friend - she had been waiting for it for over a year so I can't really be too proud of myself... She wanted something black and I came up with this. I think a touch of gold adds the corsage a bit of elegance.

Phone cosy for my boy - he'd asked me some time ago to make one for him - in Spiderman colours with his initial!

And my favourite, a phone cosy for myself! I had a Harris Tweed cuff I hardly ever wore so I cut it in half, added some red ribbon and the obligatory angel and - voila! - I love the result! I made the tassels on the phone myself as well. I've been obsessed with tassels lately. I must have made about a dozen, they dangle from anywhere you can possibly imagine - my phone, my keys, my bags, my brooches... I cut up an old Laura Ashley leather bag to make them; the bag was destined for the bin anyway so what better use than recycle! I love my tassels. Fancy a pair?

Thursday 14 January 2010

Winter Faves

I wore this outfit on Tuesday. And something very close to it on Monday. And probably a couple of times last week... I do change what I wear under the down jacket, mind you, but other than that, what can I say? This is my favourite combo. I love the skirt, I love the jacket, and this winter, I'm particularly fond of berets. In different colours. Possibly with a corsage. And an angel brooch somewhere. And I like my boots. And anything belted... Colourful patterned scarves...

boots - Humanic
tights - Polzela (local brand)
woollen knee-high socks - Burlington
applique skirt - Kesidov
pink top (under jacket) - TwoWay
down jacket - don't know
belt - Jack Jones
scarf - Tait&Style, Scotland
gloves - Benetton (gift)
beret - Seeberger
corsage (on beret) - gift with a Kesidov order
bag - my Mum's (vintage!)


How do you wrap up in this cold winter?
Do bright colours cheer you up?

Wednesday 13 January 2010

More Birthday Presents

As promised, some more pics of my absolutely gorgeous birthday presents - I'm one lucky birthday girl, aren't I?

From my parents-in-law, I got a beautiful pair of angel pendants, which I immediately transformed into a pair of earrings (my husband chose the pendants; he knew I'd been craving a pair of angel earrings...). How precious are they?

This gift was an absolute surprise. My friends - my daughter's godmother & her husband - travelled to Russia last autumn and they brought back these gorgeous hand-painted goodies - a beautiful flower brooch and a precious little wooden box with the painting of St Basil's Cathedral.

Apart from the precious Russian gifts, I got this lovely pair of slippers from the same couple! These applique slippers have my name written all over them... Another wonderful present was this white pashmina - one of my favourite accessories, as you might have noticed... And, if we stick to my favourites, a beautiful pink floral flask with a strap which will serve as a water bottle on my walks and runs!

Last but not least, a magnificent plant from my brother's familly - it's supposed to bloom in a while, and you can see the future results on the little tags in front of each stem. I'll keep you posted!

I also got a considerable amount of birthday money - I've already 'invested' some of it and I'll soon let you know about my latest acqusitions. It's a never-ending story, isn't it?

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Giveaway Goodies Safely Home

Alison, Franca and Jane, I'm glad you like your giveaway goodies - I'm afraid the Christmas season is over but I hope they will come in handy anyway.

I'm really happy to have 'met' so many wonderful blogging friends in the last three and a half months - thank you again for following 'Angels & Blossoms'!

Monday 11 January 2010

Birthday Party

One of several, of course. I celebrated with both family and friends. I was really touched by all the good wishes I received - in person, by phone, by mail, on Facebook, on the blog (thank you all!)... and I really really love the presents I got! I've shown you some already, there's more to follow...

On Saturday evening I hosted my traditional 'Birthday Dinner for Girls' at my parents' house (we live in a flat nearby but it is so much more comfortable to have a party in a large dining & living room, isn't it...? So I rent every year...). Seven out of ten attended; three sadly had to cancel due to horrible weather conditions which really prevented a safe journey.


This year I chose not to prepare a gourmet dinner but opted for canapes - it let me more time to actually sit with the girls and chat (I say girls - and I'm the youngest in the company...). It was a wonderful evening, we really enjoyed it, and for you, dear bloggers, some photo highlights of the evening!

P.S.: I've only just realised I'm in the 'wrong club' - I should either have put my cream beret on or run to the other side before the timer went off!

Thursday 7 January 2010

Frosty The Snowman

My daughter and I walked to my parents' house today and on our way we met... Mr. Frosty! The children from the street where my Mum and Dad live must have built it in the afternoon.


He looked absolutely too sweet to be ignored and with my new pink camera at hand - voila! Quite dashing, isn't he?

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Birthday Presents

I can already show you some presents I got from my husband and children! I got them last night, on the eve of my birthday (I was born very early in the morning, and we won't see each other much today...). I absolutely adore all of them!


I got the pink Sony camera from my husband. I really wanted to have a new, pocket-size one, and the only technical data in my requirements was... the colour! I'm not much of a photographer, so a compact camera like this one is just about everything (a bit more, even) I can handle... I do hope it will serve me well for my blog pics!

From my son, I got the CD I'd been craving - I like Susan Boyle, I've been following her story and I think she has amazing voice! The selection of songs on her CD is wonderful and she definitely doesn't disappoint.

And, from my little girl, I got another angel pendant! I told you I was a collector, I get an angel every year for my birthday. This time it's an image I already own as a painting and now I have it as an accessory as well! You might remember one of my early posts where you can see the angel on the wall.

From my Mum and Dad I got the present early - remember the brown hat? And this green coat was a birthday present from myself... I'm a bit sad that the weather isn't quite appropriate for it now...

Anyway, I'm so happy with everything I got, plus I've already received many birthday wishes today (and it's only noon...) so thanks everyone! Will keep you posted!

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Red Head!

There you go, a pic of my 'new hair'. It's quite darker than I've been used to in the past few years - I used to dye my hair red when I was at the university. But for the last ten years or so I've been more or less fair-haired. I still haven't got used to the new image in the mirror...


boots - Humanic
tights - hand-me-down from Mum
knee-high socks - Burlington
Lindsay tartan skirt - made by my Mum's seamstress
short-sleeve roll-neck - don't know
pink top - TwoWay
belt - H&M
angel pendant & bracelets!

Please excuse the slightly shaken pics - they were taken by my eight-year old. He got his very own camera for Christmas! And the hair is messy - I've just taken the hat off!

Here, I've just come in from the cold, snowy winter... My boots are soaked and I can't wait to get in and take my coat off... I'm introducing my angel bag, I haven't posted about it yet! I got it from my parents-in-law for my birthday two years ago. I love it!

Outside I wore:
coat - Benetton
belt - Jack Jones
hat & mittens - Kokoska (local brand)
scarf - Robert Mackie of Scotland
bag - Blue Angel by Ella Svilan Svalina
corsage (on bag) - Kesidov

Have a lovely evening!

P.S.: It's my birthday tomorrow!


Monday 4 January 2010

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

...or maybe not. We've been snowed in again (almost, we have to get out of the house, unfortunately, but if it were for me, I would hibernate until the first snowdrops show their shy little heads from down under...)...

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely start into the New Year; ours was very enjoyable and we didn't go to bed until 5am on January 1st - the children still claimed they weren't tired at all... But today, on the first Monday of 2010, everything is back to normal - apart from the weather, of course. I haven't posted an outfit pic for a while so here goes:

The low temperatures call for layering and it is one of my favourite looks, too. I'm wearing a woolly roll-neck plus a really warm down jacket. And I'm not listing everything that's underneath. And I'm not remotely warm...

boots - Alpina (local brand)
tights - Polzela (local brand)
brown knee-high woollen socks (in the boots) - Burlington
corduroy skirt - eK jeans
down jacket - don't know
belt - local shop
ribbed roll-neck - Benetton
polo (under the roll-neck) - Barbour
silk scarf - Barbour
bag - Barbour
beret - Seeberger
corsage (on beret) - TopShop
brooch (on beret) - self-made; spare button from Boden coat plus a thingamajig
handwarmers - Etsy (Crafts2Cherish)
angel brooch!

P.S.: My hair is red now. A pic with no hat to follow...