Hygge Nook

Shoeper challenge

I mentioned the Shoeperwoman challenge recently - a fun way to get those shoes out of their storage boxes and on to your feet. I photographed my footwear and was actually a bit suprised that it came to 17 pairs (not included trainers).

Here's a peek:

 

Well, I suppose 17 pairs is still quite a few, though not quite as many as I thought were knocking about. I usually wear the same few pairs in rotation; the flat winter boots are my go-tos at the moment (it's been a very cold winter) and I haven't been going out much at all. I've also come to realise the ballet flats are incredibly uncomfortable, I'd rather wear heels or sneakers. I also apparently like sandals more than anything else, which is surprising given that a British summer lasts about two and a half minutes.

What I hope to gain from this exercise is to put some shoes back into rotation that I don't wear - the red Poste Mistress mules are a good example of a shoe I love but don't wear, ditto the comfy leopard heels. Perhaps it's time to do the switcheroo in the office from sneakers to smart heels? I wonder how that will affect my dressing?

And those that don't get worn will have to move out and free up some storage space.

Actually starting the challenge though has been a bit problematic for me, not least because I have a sad ankle (I'm getting a tattoo lased off, it hurts) and have had a horrible allergic reaction to something so I'm not feeling so great. I'll post pics when I get started. In the mean time go to Shoeperwoman to see lots of lovely shoes and the challengees.

OohMoon downloadable art prints

There are some blogs that are just so genius, you'd be kerrrazee not to add them to your RSS feed. Right. Now.

Katie Moon, creator of OohMoon, has come up with a fab idea. Once a day, every day, for the coming year, she's going to post a new illustration on her blog which will be free for that one day only. After that there will be a small purchasing charge of $4.99.

The past week has featured winter animals - a snowy owl in a scarf (my favourite), a skating polar bear wearing boots, a moose in legwarmers and a red fox.

 


This week Katie is illustrating children. Download and purchase OohMoon illustrations from here.

VoucherCodes Autumn Home Style Challenge

When VoucherCodes got in touch to ask me to take part in their Autumn Home Style Challenge, I was happy to put my thinking (or should that be 'shopping') hat on and scour the web for some bargains. Their catch? Everything I found had to be under £50 and be able to help spruce up a room without having to re-decorate from scratch.

Here's what I came up with (I think I must have had tea parties on my mind):

 
1. Tu Teal ZigZag Cushion, £8 Sainsbury's 2. Vintage butterfly cake stands, £35 for two Bombay Duck 3.  Jonathan Adler Salt & Peppar Shakers, £42 Heal's 4.Varme teapot, £6.99 Ikea 5. Butterfly table runner, £6.99 H&M 6. Set of 4 espresso cups, £24 Cath Kidston 7. Cubic vase, £22 Graham&Green 8. Vintage chandelier print, £8.01 Ish & Chi at Etsy 9. White tray on stand, £30 Velvet

I'll be keeping an eye on the Most Wanted blog to see what the other challengers selected.

*This post was sponsored by VoucherCodes but all opinions and choices are my own*

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

 

Being the eternally optimistic type of gal that I am, I'm keeping a beady eye on the outcome of the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2010. Nominations have just ended so here's hoping Hygge Nook has made the shortlist for the lifestyle category.

Asides from that, isn't it great how Big Names in the UK are really getting on board with blogging? Blogging, and its value, is something that I've written about for various publications, given talks on for numerous bodies and generally just enthused about to all and sundry. So it really is fabulous to see said Big Names taking notice of such a vibrant community of UK bloggers and giving nods to their work. 

Do vote on us for the Design Democracy Awards 2010 too!

Do leave me a comment letting me know which blogs are your favourite too, or a link back to your own.

Famous film and celeb homes at Hooked on Houses

I've only just discovered this website thanks to Keris and I think I'm hooked. If you've ever wondered about the gorgeous homes in films you'll see why.

I fell in love with the white Victorian-style house from Practical Magic with its tower...

Just how amazing is this house. I would LOVE to live here.

 
Imagine having breakfast on a verandah like this, with a view over the azure waters.

Or maybe, the charming house with trailing ivy from Father of the Bride...

 

or the beach house from Something's Gotta Give, whose interior I thought was divine.

 

The delightful book nook

Yes, if you want to know more about houses like these and see lots of interior shots coupled with information about the homes (the Practical Magic home, was, alas, a shell that was torn down), then you can find it all there. This is certainly one for the subscribe list and has, of course, made its way into the blogroll.

And just writing this has reminded me how much I yearn to live in a white clapboard house with a garden full of tumbling, fragrant flowers.

To see more amazing houses and homes go to Hooked on Houses.

 

Lonny magazine

Apologies for lack of posting this week, work has been a bit crazy. Anyway, have you seen the new online magazine Lonny* yet? It's been brought out by the people behind Domino magazine, the terrific US mag that closed earlier this year. The name gives pause, it looks a heck of a lot better when written on two lines but that would look silly in this post...

You can read the whole mag online here for free and first impressions are very good. What do you think?

*Does anyone remember the TV show LonNY about couples trying to have a relationship whilst living in London and New York? No, me neither.

National Cupcake Week: Hummingbird Bakery book

Did you know it was National Cupcake Week this week? Who thinks of these things? I know I'd be happy to shake the hand of whoever thought this one up. Anyway, it happily coincides with the other half telling me he's bought The Hummingbird Bakery book and it'll arrive later this week. We've had cupcakes from this bakery before and they are amazing. Ah-ma-zing! So, I hope to finish this week off with a tremendous baking session, hopefully followed by a very self-indulgent tasting session.

Meanwhile, our blogging chums Domestic Sluttery are giving away cupcakes every day this week so do pay them a visit.

On the Lovely Blogs this week

Bridal Express wants your captions for their Lacroix frocktastrophe find.

Hygge Nook puts a Componibili cabinet on their wishlist.

Five Minutes Peace has a guide to Reading The Mitfords.

Have A Lovely Time reviews Harry Potter and the Half Blood Price.

Pretty Vintage takes a look at the 1950s for some vintage inspiration.

On our blogs this week

Bridal Express thinks Candy Cakes' cupcake selection is nearly too pretty to eat.

Technoglam reveals the latest on the new iPhone.

Hygge Nook checks out MadebyGirl's beautiful home.

Have A Lovely Time opts for a city apartment over a hotel.

And on our other lovely blogs...

Pretty Vintage wants to know how you'd wear the high waisted skirt look.

Bloom talks losing weight after pregnancy.

Five Minutes Peace reviews Tory Spelling's Mommywood.

Teen It! rounds up the latest on the teen TV scene.

Made by Girl's beautiful home

I've just added Made by Girl's blog to my RSS reader and I'm sure you will do too once you've taken a mini tour of Jennifer's fabulously stylish home. As an aside, she is so beautiful too and after seeing her beautiful dogs, nothing has made me want a Boxer more. Not only is Jennifer super talented in her home decor but she also makes beautiful printed posters and cards, many with a love theme, and I have several - including the i love you blogs & tea print - on my wishlist. Find all her products at her Etsy shop here - her international shipping rates are very reasonable.

Now for her home:

 

Dining room: I love the Union Jack painting, the rustic-chic table and chairs and the wall of frames.

 

Living room: Pretty cushions contrast with the antler's head in this light-filled room.

Bedroom: The dark walls make all the colours seem to burst out.

Bedroom: This Love print is from Jennifer's collection.

Close up of that wall.

Home office: Fun, decorative and functional.

Patio: I think this space is so pretty from the blue stripe-effect aluminium walls to the white drapes and bistro set.

There are lots more pictures on Jennifer's Made by Girl blog and I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.