Shabby to chic...

Who doesn't love to save some money?
When we moved into our house there was a chest of drawers left in the garage by the previous owner, I specifically remember her saying as she left "you might want to chuck those", I looked at them and thought yeah your probably right, I wanted my house to be more chic than shabby. Weeks past and as I came to start organising our ever growing mountain of rubbish that was bursting from the garage I uncovered them again. We had a gap in our kitchen that left room for something similar, tucked into the return of the fireplace and it needed to be filled.

I visited a local DIY store and came across some chalk paint, I had seen Kirsty Allsop swooning after this so I decided for the sake of £14 it might be worth a crack.

I chose winter grey... a beautifully neutral colour that worked with the coppers, wooden and earthy tones of our kitchen.

I carefully prepped the drawers, sanding them gently and dusting them down and then one by one I gave each drawer 2 coats and the frame itself. It sat drying in the sun while I thought about the handles. With the kitchen having lots of grey black and copper elements mixed with off white cabinet doors I decided that the wooden handles looked a bit naff. Instead I knew of a beautiful gift shop that sold separate quirky/vintage handles. There were so many to choose from but in the end I went for a stone cream handle with a copper/brass design (pack of 8 - £7.99).

The end result was pretty perfect for £21.99, don't you think?

♥

Life is like a whirlwind...

So after leaving University 2 years ago I took a year out to work in a school and then moved on to completing my PGCE, time passed so quickly and now I'm here.

In the time I have neglected my blog I have moved to a little village in the South of Wales not too far from Cardiff.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!

It still doesn't seem real but we are officially adults, and I am living somewhere I never thought I would ever end up with the man of my dreams (CHEESE!) and it is beautiful.
So while we turn our house slowly into a home this blog is going to become almost a diary. I am so happy with how much we have done already and will begin to document all the crazy and wonderful interior adventures as we go. So if you love a good housey read then be sure to stick around.

♥

A house is not a home without candles

So as my blogs not just focused on beauty I wanted to write about my crazy obsession with candles.

everyone loves a candle.

Every time I walk in someones house and they have candles lit I instantly feel at home. Candles add a cozy sort of light, a light that is inviting and warm and makes you want to snuggle under a blanket with films and tea. Even the coldest most modern concrete block would feel a little better if someone just lit a candle.

So due to my hoarding candle obsession I am wanting to share with you a few of my favorites. 

 1. Yankee Candle - Soft blanket by Yankee Candle is my favorite smell in the world. Its fresh and clean with a hint of something sweet, vanilla maybe. Yet, its not overpowering, vanilla can often be too sweet and cause headaches but this mysterious little scent is delicious. If I could describe the smell as anything it would be soft blanket. 

2. Wonder by Disney - If you could combine the smell when you first cuddle a new baby with the joy and excitement of Disney, this would be the smell. Its perfect for a little ones bedroom but I just love it! Its a soft scent of wonder that is soothing and sweet.

3. Smoothie Candle - This is not a well known candle make, in fact I only came across it when browsing the German Christmas markets in Manchester. They are handmade candles that provide 40 hours of burning. They quite literally burn forever, mines still going strong. My favorite scent is the Strawberry and kiwi, you may screw your nose up but its fresh and light and provides a great summery smell.

4. The White Company Cassis - Finally this is a lovely candle, it is a combination of raspberry and blackberry but there is a real woody undertone too it, It doesn't need to burn long either for it to fill the room. 

Candles are fab. They make any room cozy and warm, even if its just tea lights.

If your a crazy candle fiend like me I'd love to know of new makes and brilliant smells.

xxx