For those who know me, you'll know that I love a real photograph, a tangible memory that I can hold and keep in a safe place. But we now live in an age where sentiment is becoming less of a commodity. Our homes are becoming smaller, yet our phones are getting bigger. We live in clouds and photo-streams and never get to hold a real photograph anymore. Even objects in the home, other than hand me downs, is there anything we actually feel emotionally attached to anymore? I'm a big believer that we shouldn't lose touch with what's real, which is why I love the work of independent designer, Simon Freund. He has carefully designed and crafted the ultimate twenty essential items; the basic (and beautiful) necessities for German living that will last a lifetime.

Rainy Day Ted

All photography by Emily Nicholson, (Dursk) 

I thought it was about time to formally introduce my little dog, Ted. Myself and Nik have been staying in Berwick upon Tweed with my parents for the past week, so what better time . . .

Since moving up north 2 years ago, coming to visit my mum and dad consists of Bamburgh beach days, coffee dates and my favourite - slobbing out with Ted. As I have decided to remain in Manchester, the decision for Ted to live in Berwick was a no-brainer, he has the countryside on his doorstep, he's never shut up alone and he's got the run of a big house.

Today has been one of my favourite kind of Ted days. The weather has been typical of Northumberland; grey, drizzly and ladened with white mist. So as I've been full of a cold, being snugged up indoors with a sleepy Ted, a roaring fire and a frothy coffee has been my perfect rainy day.

Ted is a five year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but to look at him you would think he was a puppy, and a female one at that. His dwarfed features, and pretty puppy like face make Ted that extra bit special, and my very own Mini-Cav.

Sometimes I catch him sat on the landing window sill, just watching his garden, and most probably on the look out for any trespassing rabbits. It's the only time he'll bark or get territorial, but there's no stopping him once he's seen one. But on a day like today Ted won't even flinch, he'd much rather be curled up on the couch, cosy and dry, so I think I can speak on behalf of Ted when I say, rainy days are his favourite too.

New Pastures Grey

Photography, Emily Nicholson [Dursk] 

My grandmother's ditsy duvet is grey, the Beetham Tower is a reflective ornament of grey, and of course, my favourite mug is matte grey. BUT, dare I say it, there's too much grey. I have recently finished uni, and I think I'm suffering from what can only be described as, 'Graduate Grey'. I suppose it doesn't help living in Manchester where it rains literally every second of the day, but all of a sudden life is drab. There's only so many emails you can send talking about yourself when applying for jobs, and with little reply. SO, what better way to start injecting a bit of colour than with a new, bright and beautiful blog?! 

For those who don't know me I'm a pretty creative cat (if I do say so myself) and although I now have a degree in Fashion Communication & Promotion, it is actually a world of interiors that most takes my fancy. I'll be sharing styling tips, current trends, news from my favourite brands/designers and just what I get up to in general as I limbo into the next part of my life. I have to admit, I'm more of a scrapbook kinda gal, so do bare with, BUT without further ado, I bring to you, DURSK.