Ballet Pumps and Roses

Nice Things Friday

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Joanne

An lovely rustic hall table at Barnsley House where we stayed last weekend

As well as trying to get some work done, this week was well balanced with lunch with an old work colleague, dinner at a friend’s house and tomorrow we have visitors coming to stay until Monday.
Weather permitting we will probably take them for a day time drive somewhere outside of London as they have been here many times before.

A lemon and blueberry sponge for after dinner at a friend's house

Finding the right things this week to put on our fridge - what's on yours ?

Longing to use this for summer picnics

A healthy breakfast always makes me work better

Posted in Fashion, Food | 5 Comments

Summer Staples

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Joanne

Create a free picture collage

I thought I’d show you some of my go to summer staples for my wardrobe and for use at home. I’m using a collage method – a trick that was recommended at the Cybher conference I went to last weekend.
I love these elegant black strappy sandals from Zara which are perfect to dress up jeans and this minimalist bag from Cos.
This shot of me taken on a nearby running track is a reminder of the forthcoming Olympics here this summer – it’s going to be chaos, and I’m going to invest in one of these magazine holders for the bath
If you look closely you can also see my new business cards that I had to get printed up before the conference.

Posted in Fashion | 9 Comments

The Sky Is The Limit

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Joanne

We are always told to take time out from our busy schedules to stop and smell the roses or to contemplate the sky.
If you find you are not doing it as regularly as you would like – why not try this smart idea and take some pictures of nature’s blue canvas throughout the year.
Using a neat grid which was featured in this month’s Elle Decoration magazine, arrange them side by side to make an eye catching display.
To take it a step further you could paint the grid whatever colour you fancy.
I think this would look especially sweet in a child’s bedroom, hallway or bathroom.

However, I will have to wait as this is the current London sky and it hasn't changed for a while !

Posted in Interiors | Tagged Ballet Pumps And Roses, sky | 8 Comments

Ballet Pumps And Roses Hooks Up With New York Magazine Twelv

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Joanne

A few weeks ago I told you that Ballet Pumps And Roses was working on a New York based project. Well – I can finally reveal what my exciting news is.
Every month I will be contributing to this new magazine which asked BPR to get involved. It’s based in the heart of the American fashion capital and covers topics from film, fashion, culture and people.
Here is my first introductory contribution – 'Nautical But Nice'
Hope you enjoy my post and what the rest of the publication has to offer.

Posted in Fashion | Tagged Ballet Pumps And Roses, DVF, New York, Twelv magazine | 16 Comments

Barnsley House

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Joanne

We did an impromptu trip yesterday to Barnsley House in the Cotswolds for a change of pace from city life. To prove that we can still be spontaneous (very occasionally) we decided to spend the night and enjoy what the very charming Barnsley House had to offer.
Everywhere you look gorgeous stone cottages dot the countryside and it was lovely to go for walks in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air.
The actress Liz Hurley lives in the neighboring hamlet but unfortunately we didn’t bump into her and her pet pig.

I love the wooden beamed rooms and mix of modern and old country style furniture

Long wool cardigan – The White Company, Trousers – Zara, Ballet Pumps – French Sole

Posted in Fashion, Interesting places | Tagged Barnsley House, The White Company, Zara | 6 Comments

Nice Things Friday

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Joanne

Creeping Morning Sunshine - please stay for the weekend !

Tomorrow I’m heading to this blogging conference called Cybher which promises to be really interesting with a variety of talks and workshops.
Hopefully I’ll pick up some new wise tips to share with you all.
I booked my tickets months ago and I can’t believe how fast it has crept up.
The remainder of the time will be spent doing nice things like having a long breakfast, a swim, and some nice walks in the promised sunshine that is forecast to brighten up our weekend.
Whatever your plans, I hope you enjoy them.

Some individual storage jars for tea, coffee, and ginger biscuits

Some delicate summer necklaces

My favourite belts

Posted in Fashion | 9 Comments

Time For A Lunch Date In Bibendum

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Joanne

The unsuspecting waiter caught fixing his hair.

Bibendum on the Fulham Road is a lovely spot for a lunch time date, it specializes in fish dishes, nice wines and tempting desserts.
Yesterday, was a particularly rainy day here (yes still – unbelievable) so this old former grand headquarters of the Michelin tyre company really cheered the day up.
The old building is described as ‘the most French of any of the old Edwardian buildings in London’ and it’s a fabulous spot for people watching.