Last weekend my housemate brought the last of Summer indoors, when she spotted some lonely blooms at our local grocery. Quite ironically, as she walked through the door, I was preparing to shoot my 'Intro to Autumn' post. I was trying out the latest smart designs by Finnish brand, Magisso; the chalkboard cooling tumbler and clever tea-cup are my new A/W necessities. Aiding early mornings and dark, cosy evenings, these accessories are ideal for the Summer to Autumn crossover.

Trend: Framed Botanica

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Forget displaying your flowers in a vase. Instead pull apart, press and transform them into a two dimensional wall feature. I've seen this trend emerge this Summer with beautiful wild flowers and botanical leaves being encased within glass clasped frames. Set to flourish into Autumn Winter, this trend will encapsulate Summer as we (I hate to say) enter those colder months. A lamination of arranged petals and leaves - basically your very own 2D bouquet.

I'm so glad this trend is making a comeback. Pressing flowers is a pastime I used to love with my Grandma, and she had such a knack at turning her flowers into a hillside scene or some sort of floral print (so retro). This once upon a time traditional decorative style is now entering the Scandi-thrifter's home and is less 'seventies brown', but rather, 'wild meadow'.

Trend: The Minimal Kitchen

Prepare 

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The kitchen is an indoor shed of cooking tools, and the industrialised look has definitely made a comeback, seeing appliances and accessories become stripped back to their basic form. Just as aesthetically pleasing (if not more beautiful), it's time to go back to basics with a more utilitarian approach. I've collated my favourite kitchen products that all have that easy living vibe. 

Brand Watch: Feeling Green with Yard Etc

In the past few years there's been a gradual increase of wholesome and organic beauty brands gracing the market. More and more experimental scents and flavours continue to emerge, consisting of completely natural extracts and ingredients. The ever growing conscious consumer seeks household products that not only naturally enrich us cosmetically, but also give back to the land.

YARD ETC exaggerates this connection to nature by directing its products to the guerrilla gardener. For someone who doesn't mind getting their hands a little dirty, YARD ETC nurtures your skin just as you nurtured your greenery. Nourishing your skin with natural ingredients, that originated from a lovingly cared for garden  -

'your love for nature coming right back to you'.

- Monica Kylen, YARD ETC.

Back to School: Stationery Top 5

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I’ve got a confession to make - since the age of two, I’ve been obsessed with scissors. I was either born a Creative or I’m just really weird (probs both). But since I was reminded of my scissor-mania in the office the other day, I’ve rekindled my love for scissors and all things stationery. I’ve been on a bit of a buying spree recently, so I thought I’d share my back to school must haves (for those who aren’t going back to school at all, but just love stationery).

Trend: 20 Essentials by Simon Freund

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.

Travel: 10 day guide for Lisbon to Lagos

Earlier this Summer I visited Lisbon & Lagos and it's taken a loooonng time, but finally I've managed to narrow down my detailed guide for a 10 day city to beach break. It's hard to think back to a favourite past trip and re-place the exact feelings of contentment that made that holiday your best. I say this because I've been to some of the most iconic cities and beaches of Europe but I stand firm by my decision that Lisbon has to be my favourite place ever. One of the most cultural destinations I've ever had the pleasure of visiting, and I hope that I can continue to remember these feelings of sheer fulfilment. Hopefully this post will take me back, whenever, wherever.