nightclubs and donkeys...

After starting my new job almost a month ago, I've been spending my weekends at work, it's part of the parcel when working in retail and it's made me really appreciate the Saturday's and Sunday's when I do have them off - like the weekend just passed. I came home to celebrate one of my best friends 21st birthdays in a true Hereford fashion aka. cheap wine and a visit to the local nightclub.

Feeling a little delicate the next day, I joined my parents and took a stroll across the village to a neighbours house as they were hosting a "donkey tea"- I bet you're thinking "what the bloody hell...". It was all in aid of getting their pet donkeys socialised and an excuse for a little get together for everyone in the village, as it really doesn't happen very often.

The donkey's themselves are gorgeous, so calm and cuddly - I'd love one myself. Both of the lovely animals were rescued and now live a luxurious life in the countryside, after chatting to a lady at the tea she described their home as the "Rolls Royce of Donkey living", acres of land and a roomy shelter for them to sleep in.

A lovely weekend all in all, I'm now preparing myself ready for 4 days of blood, sweat and tears as I'm heading to Reading Festival on Thursday. Wish me luck!

Harri

xxx

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Making a use for glass yoghurt pots...

I'm the type of person that keeps things around the house with the thought "this might have a use for something, someday, I just don't know what right now". Case in point, empty glass yoghurt pot jars -you know, the luxurious ones that you only ever buy when they're on offer in Sainsbury's. Too good to just discard, but slightly useless. However, I've put mine to good use...

A common scene in the flat, my multiple earrings scattered across the windowsill after a panicky morning trying to get myself together for the day. I find earrings so hard to store, I lose them on a daily basis from them getting swept up never to be found.

Take your clean glass yoghurt jar and pop those earrings in, safe and sound. They also look really pretty, I think if you've got lovely jewellery or a statement pair of shoes, make a feature of them. These yoghurt jars make cute little tea light holders and are perfect to set jelly in if you're having a party.

What do you guys reuse? Have you ever saved the little glass jars?

Harri 

xxx

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Long time no see...

I'm back from my blogging sabbatical - I've felt a little uninspired the past couple of weeks along with the big stressful task of finding me a summer job, which I can proudly say I succeeded. It took a few bouts of unsuccessful interviews, but with a bit of determination anything is possible.  

The weather here in the UK has been unbelievable for the past month or so, of course we've been making the most of every inch of sunshine by sitting out in the garden. I thought I'd show you all, the gorgeous little table display my parents have at home, it's really easy to recreate with things you might have at home. Enjoy...

Doesn't everything looks pretty under that 6pm summer evening light, it's just perfect. I know I'll look back on these photos in mid November and lust for those close July nights. If you have any questions about anything in the photos, feel free to ask. 

What's everyone been up to? I'd love to know...

Harri

xxx

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wishing, wanting #4

1_I have a confession - I Harriet am a penutbutteraholic. On average I'm getting through a jar a week, is that bad? I'm completely addicted, I get excited when I go to bed, that in a few hours I can have my beloved peanuty goodness on toast... This just got weird. I found this delightful recipe on Averie Cooks  where she offers a variety of flavoured peanut butter options with beautiful photography to accompany - chocolate, cinnamon, cookie... it's just all getting too much.

2_Unusal design has always interested me, especially different takes on the classics. I love these interpretations of a old school American lunch bag, so simple yet so cool - Pieces like this always make me think "darn, why didn't I think of that?". These gorgeous bags come from a online shop named ADAISM, they come in lots of neutral, subtle colours and textures for a rather hefty price. A girl can dream.

3_Anyone that follows me on Pinterest will know that I'm always pinning, non stop. I've become a little tiny bit obsessed with my packaging board, which also seems to be my most popular. I adore finding quirky photos to share with my followers, but also love the simplistic designs like this bread/menu combo to inspire me.

What are you guys wanting and wishing for?

Harri

xxx

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Après holiday foot spa...

Pre holiday pampering before jetting of on holiday is always a must - whether it's painting your toes or waxing your legs, it's all in aid to feel ultra special and beach ready on your trip. Although, I always find I need the pampering after the holiday - sore feet from too much walking (dancing) and dry skin from basking in the sunshine, here's how to have a luxurious at home après holiday foot spa...

You'll need a towel, a big bowl full of hot water (it's best to go hotter and let it cool) and some sort of foot soak. The one used in the pictures is a foot fizz, but obviously substitute it for something you have, maybe a bubble bath, an essential oil, it doesn't matter as long it's soothing and smells nice!

You can add lavender and petals to get some natural ingredients in the mix or too make it look super pretty. Me and my mum both had one sat out in our back garden in the sunshine at the weekend, so soothing and luxurious for something so simple.

What do you guys do to pamper yourselves? I'd love to know...

Harri 

xxx

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Barcelona

I've been back from my Spanish trip for almost a week now, sadly sporting a rotten cold and ears that don't want to unblock from the plane landing. Get the moaning out the way - I had a fabulous time. Barcelona was everything I thought it was going to be, a city full of rich orange toned streets, full of character and charm, table tops spread with tapas and huge bowls of fresh seafood paella.
At the top of my Barcelona to-do-list was to visit the Gaudi Cathedral and park, as an art student he's always cropped up in my studies so to actually see his designs there right in front of me was mind blowing. The Cathedral was like nothing I have seen before, fascinating, etherial, it didn't almost look real. I still can't get my head around the fact that it's not going to be finished for another 30 years, this just gives credit to it's intricacy and stature.

A little snippet of our trip. I found it so hard narrowing down photos to show you all, without it getting a bit over kill, yes we know you've been on holiday kinda' thing. We did just cram so much into the short time we had there, with a visit to the cities humongous zoo (where I fell in love with a baby chimp) and took a cable care up to a mountain where the view of Barcelona was incredible. Like I said in my previous post, we spent four nights in Barcelona, then went on to Ibiza for another four nights. I haven't even started on the Ibiza photos, but I'll be sure to share some with you, as I was so pleasantly surprised by the notorious reputation of the island. 

Hope you guys have all had a lovely week, let me know your thoughts on Barcelona and trips you've been on this summer... I'd love to know. 

Harri

xxx

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barcelona > ibiza

Images via Pinterest/Edited by myself

Hola, Amigos. Tomorrow I'm flying to the wonderful Spanish city of Barcelona, then ending the week in the Balearic Islands, relaxing (yeah?) in Ibiza. As my usual self, I have absolutely nothing packed, nothing more than a creased pile of holiday clobber on my bedroom floor - I'm not much of an ironer anyways, it is a holiday after all.

I thought I'd sign on to see if any of you have any recommendations/tips/stories of past trips you've been on to Barcelona or Ibiza. Would love to know of any restaurants, bars, shops, markets, touristy things or anything you'd recommend?

Catch up with you in a week or so - Happy holidays!

Harri 

xxx

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wishing, wanting #3

1_How simply beautiful is this laptop case? I spotted it on a Pinterest style board - sadly the link lead me to the extortionate price, a whopping one hundred and fifty dollars. The case is hand cut and sewn using a traditional saddle stitch method. I adore the simplicity, so elegant and no-fuss. Everything I'd ever want from a laptop case. A girl can dream.

2_One of my dearest hobbies is make-up. I'm a compete cosmetic/product junkie - beauty counters and isles draw me in like a moth to a flame. Day-to-day I go for a natural, uncomplicated look: a medium coverage foundation, mascara, lip balm and those added extras like concealers, blushers and bronzers. I love the subtlety of this make-up look on Kate Bosworth, with the bold orange lip. I bought Topshops Infrared lipstick a while back, but have never known what to pair it with. I'm definitely going to try and replicate this look on holiday when I'm a little more tanned. What do you think?

3_After being introduced to little Hambone (FYI he's a puppy) I've been wanting a weeny fury friend of my own. As of late, I've wanted a grey/silver dog. Scruffy, silky, wiry, tall or short I just think they're adorably stylish. The photo above melts my heart, I'd call him Nacho and cuddle him all day!

What are you guys wishing or wanting? I'd love to know...

Harri

xxx

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Tag | 6 things in my home

1_I put together this make shift magazine table for our lamp when we first moved in, I never intended for it to stay like this no longer than a week or so, but I started to love the way it looked and never changed it. So, if you're a serial magazine hoarder like me it's a great way to use those magazines you know you'll never read again, but can't bear to throw away.

2_This is our living room windowsill, here sits my new typography book, a ship in a bottle and a photo of a Boxer dog that neither of us know. I'll care to explain - Matt has always said to me that he'd love a Boxer dog. I was rummaging around a charity shop one after and found this rather strange portrait of a very large and proud Boxer, I couldn't help but buy it for him. I think it was 50p, a definite "buy your boyfriend a shit present day".

3_A peak into my odds and sods basket, I keep a lot of the things I use daily, but don't want lying around the house. So, brown paper for wrapping ebay sales, pens, bits of Uni work and magazines.

4_Food of the Gods - Marmite! This is an absolute diet staple in our household, we couldn't go without it. This gold fancy bottle is a limited edition, the actual Marmite has gold glitter in, perfection.

5_When we have people over I pull out this vintage coffee bean bag cushion, when it's not being used it looks just as lovely pushed up against the wall. It's a great accessory for the flat, but also really practical, I think this is the key to decorating a small flat, buy things that have multiple uses.

6_I've been told many times that this little boat/guy is the star of an old kids t.v show, I personally can't remember, so I'm thinking it must have belonged to my older brother. It was hidden away in the car boot stash, I'm obsessed with anything nautical so naturally I snook him out and kept him on the kitchen windowsill.

I'd love to know if you've done this tag, leave the link to your post bellow if so!

Harri

xxx

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wishing, wanting #2

1_I've been wanting to update mine and Matts bedroom for a while now, it seems like since we've moved into the new flat it's the only room that hasn't had much attention - It just feels like a room. Naturally, I go to my good friend pinterest to seek some inspiration. I found this beautifully simple bedroom, I adore the mix of all white and wooden floors. Most of all, I love the prints, they don't look over styled or contrived, just perfect. Have a nosey around the rest of the house here.

2_MGMT have been one of my favourite bands for years, I think I first heard them on Gossip Girl or something. They never fail to get me ready for summer, I love their fluro native American hippie vibe. I've had them on repeat all week, wishing and hoping I get to see them live.

3_This wouldn't be a lusty post without some sort of sweet treat. S'mores aren't really a "thing" here in the UK (don't ask me why, they are incredible) but I've been craving their deliciousness. For all you S'more virgins out there, they're a mixture of biscuit, marshmallow and chocolate melted over a camp fire. Take a look at the recipe for these here and go wow yourselves!

What are you guys wishing and wanting for this week?

Harri

xxx

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A little catch up & introduction...

1_I can't deny you guys the cuteness anymore - meet Hambone, Matt's families new labrador puppy. We spent last weekend chasing, playing and best of all cuddling the new scrumptious addition, I could just squeeze him all day.

2_Ebay has become my official office, I've spent hours wrapping and posting old clothes to make some extra money for my holiday, but I've also been buying too. Finding individual sellers has become my addiction, I've bought lovely dresses and skirts that are super affordable and easy for my holiday.

3_Like everyone else in blog land I'm going to give a little bloglovin plug. As you all know our dear friend GFC will be no longer very soon, if you'd like to keep up to date with AtRubik follow my blog here to get updates.

What have you guys been up to? Have you got anything planned for the summer?

Harri

xxx

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I've been shopping #10

1_I spotted this oversized hockey shirt on ASOS... and would you guess, it's only a little Primark number. I know there's been a lot of hoo ha around the Primark/ASOS mashup - I personally think it's a bloody great idea. For one, I would have never have eyed up this top having seen it slumped on the racks on a messy shop floor, but seeing it paired with distressed denim cut offs and boots, I couldn't resist. Kudos to you Primarni! 

2_After falling head over heals in love with a beautiful neon pouch from whistles, I headed straight on to my love, ebay to find a dupe. It's not an exact replica, but we're on the same lines. This oversized pouch style clutch will be perfect for my holiday, it's super relaxed and chic, better then, it's only £5.50. 

3_I've pretty much warn these Primark sandals non-stop since I bought them last week - I'm in love. I adore the plated gold front, I think it adds such a glamorous touch to a really simple outfit. They definitely look a lot more expensive than the £8 I paid for them.

4_Whenever I head to Sainsbury's, I always have a look around the clothing, you really can find little gems - like these leopard espadrilles. I know they won't be to everyones taste, but I thought they'd be fun for the summer. They go with so many outfits, you can just throw them on and they add a little bit of playfulness to an outfit.

What have you guys been buying recently? I'd love to know...

Harri 

xxx

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wishing, wanting #1

1_I'm not normally an ice-cream kinda' gal, I'll take it or leave it. Alas, with the heavenly ice-cream friendly weather we've been having here in the UK recently (praise the Lord) I've been craving a big bowl of Pistachio flavour. I found this recipe on my virtual recipe book, pinterest - looks what dreams are made of.

2_With my holiday slowly creeping up on me, I'm steadily compiling a little capsule wardrobe to take away with me. I vow to pack lightly this year, it will help that me and Matt are sharing a suitcase (God help him). With that said, I'm after a pair of cowboy boots. Not so weather appropriate as we're headed to Barcelona and Ibiza, but hey! I think they'll look cute. These are old season free people - woe is me. If anyone knows where I can get a dupe for these, please enlighten me?

3_This Swedish cabin represents my romantic idea of camping, this might now make the fact that I have never actually camped properly quite apparent. I'd love to escape here for a long weekend. It's even decorated beautifully inside, take a look.

What are you guys wishing and wanting? I'd love to know...

Harri

xxx

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Cheese and broccoli bites | How to...

I mentioned a while back that I've been trying to get a little more healthy ready for my summer holiday, which has been going OK until I was tempted into buying a bar of the new Cadbury's marvellous creations chocolate - I've been craving it ever since. So to kick my sweet cravings I had a browse on pinterest to find a simple healthy recipes to fill in for my chocolate snacking habit. Take a look at what I made...

What you'll need:

3 large eggs

2 handfuls of grated cheese 

Bread crumbs, I used 3 slices of bread

1 cup of broccoli 

Herbs/Spice of your choice (optional)

There really isn't much technique to this recipe - just throw all the ingredients into a bowl and make sure it's mixed up evenly. Next, separate the mixture into little balls and place onto a greased tray. I sprinkled a little bit of hot spice on the top of each ball to finish off as my boyfriends a spice merchant, but this is completely optional. All you need to do now is place them into a preheated oven at around 190c for 15 minutes, then flip each little ball over and cook for another 10 minutes. 

... And voila! I love finding recipes that I don't have to run out to the shops to pick up ingredients for, I generally have frozen broccoli in my fridge and the rest are staples in my kitchen. This one's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your Sunday lunch or dinner in the week and remember you don't just have to use broccoli, the kitchen is your oyster!

What have you guys been cooking recently? Let me know if you try this out too...

Harri

xxx

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Saturday morning at the reclamation yard...

My mum and dad have been raving about Wye Valley Reclamation for a couple of weeks, they'd bought a few bought a few bits for the house and had been wanting to take me the next time I was home. We took a trip across yesterday morning for a mooch around, I thought you guys might be interested in some of the pieces they had there. Take a look...

The actual site is huge, you can meander through little sheds filled with homey trinkets like home made soaps and hand printed tea towels. My favourite part is the big yard filled with all the reclaimed goods, from the coolest enamel signs to old school lockers and desks. You really could spend hours in here, especially if you're after something unique or a quirky item to fix up into something else. 

Hope you're all having a brilliant bank holiday weekend... The sun is shining. Hallelujah!

Harri 

xxx