tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44147611055263218842024-03-16T23:52:07.438-07:00The Little MagpieThe Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comBlogger737125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-64273043781685484602023-05-10T09:17:00.005-07:002023-05-16T05:47:30.599-07:00The Wedding Guest Edit 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> Well howdy partners! Happy Wednesday to you. I hope you had a lovely long weekend/s (what an absolute treat to have two in a row!). Today we have one absolute whopper of a Wedding Guest Outfit Guide for you - I don't know why but I essentially made it my mission to complete the internet in the making of it and have trawled roughly 582 sites and gained one hunchback and one alarmingly stiff clicking finger in the process. However, she's here! I get a real thrill out of dressing up for a 'do so it was a really fun one to put together, stiff finger and all. I've split it into three sections - dresses, non-dresses and accessories - so I really hope that it's helpful in some way! As always, if you end up getting anything from it please do send me a wee snap so that I can enjoy the wedding fun vicariously through you. Alrighty then... let's go! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">DRESSES</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The good, the bad and - well, actually, they're all just good. Promise.</span></p><div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1206390"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/900b96ff7cab0c1ecc0663691f930691ca88d3cf/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div> <div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">...I told you I tried to complete the internet, didn't I? There are, truly, so many great dresses out there at the moment. Some of my favourites? VERY hard to choose, but I do love this beautiful <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PJwQj9OptmsoR3h07alYuQ"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories number</span></a> (one of my favourite colours and those SLEEVES. Excellent stuff), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+yh3nGq5e5SEXyADtHsfbuA"><span style="color: #999999;">this Mango number</span></a> (the colour, the shape, it's all perfect), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+JRA26p4if0xok9qXDZwL5A"><span style="color: #999999;">this puff sleeve priarie number</span></a> here, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+2dscatkvr5WNM4OigRvWRA"><span style="color: #999999;">this beautiful orange dress</span></a> (currently 20% off!) and Rixo smashing it again with <a href="https://rstyle.me/+7PGquc2eOOj0yE_mEJUXvA"><span style="color: #999999;">this little number</span></a>. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">NON-DRESSES</span></u></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not a fan of a dress? Not a problem! </span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1206391"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/900b96ff7cab0c1ecc0663691f930691ca88d3cf/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div><br /><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Again, lots of lovely options out there at the moment and in so many great colours too! Total joy. I'm in love with <a href="https://rstyle.me/+UE3-7mAoEOH6Gmtg-LmneA"><span style="color: #999999;">this wee two piece</span></a> (lots of options to wear it as separates throughout Summer too), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+_vbBE5hn0_rByXUVRhxYqg"><span style="color: #999999;">this colourful Rixo number</span></a>,<a href="https://rstyle.me/+51ZZG4P2dCg6tu6ywn2AUg"><span style="color: #999999;"> this beautiful skirt</span></a> (very into it with that copper tank) but <a href="https://rstyle.me/+q9mpB9QWmOS_Tn4s4OL48A"><span style="color: #999999;">this</span></a> and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+HGePCqALKpmeRbOuxlEWxg"><span style="color: #999999;">this</span></a> have to be my favourite of the lot. Best. Colour. Ever. Kermit would be so proud.</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>ACCESSORIES</u></span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span>Shoes, bags, earrings and... more shoes</span></div>
<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1206392"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/900b96ff7cab0c1ecc0663691f930691ca88d3cf/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div><div class="rs-adblock" div="" style="text-align: center;">Sweet accessories. Always a fun way to add pizzazz (and also great for changing up an outfit you already own!). It'll be of absolutely no surprise to you that I love <a href="https://rstyle.me/+U-A5u8XQTFt3BFb0OaqY_g"><span style="color: #999999;">these shell earrings</span></a> (I am powerless to the pull of a shell), these <a href="https://rstyle.me/+l9j5OCfyQHdAERCH_A430Q"><span style="color: #999999;">Mach & Mach-esque heels</span></a> and these <a href="https://rstyle.me/+UUaaYhXPkM_wkqUxHKbIkQ"><span style="color: #999999;">sassy-but-still-very-comfortable-looking (a real rarity) platforms</span></a>. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" div="" style="text-align: center;">...And there we have it! I really hope that helps in some way, if not then I had a grand old time eating biscuits and pulling it all together. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy </i></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-19253738007811986662022-09-11T10:27:00.002-07:002022-09-11T10:27:28.692-07:00A Welsh Adventure to The Lavender Escape<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350617150/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (16)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (16)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350617150_da68f46c00_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ad-press stay </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Well howdy there! A very happy Sunday to you. I hope everyone's had a lovely weekend - I was starting to get a little bit anxious about the arrival of Autumn now that's September's upon us (where did that sneak up from?!) but it's actually been such I mild weekend I could even hang a washing up outside. What a rush! Well, now that I've established I'm firmly in my 30s with that sentence, I'd like to take you to a special hide-out in the heart of Wales known as <a href="https://www.kiphideaways.com/hideaways/lavender-escape/"><span style="color: #999999;">The Lavender Escape</span></a>. Wales is somewhere I've always wanted to see more of; Rob has family there, as well as living nearby himself in the past, and has always raved about it, so we decided this was the year we'd see a little more of it. We found the Lavender Escape via Kip Hideways, who I'm sure you'll have heard me mention many a time before. If you're in the market for a quirky wee stay that's a little different to the norm - Kip are your guys. They've got a whole host of special stays across the UK so we knew from the get go we were in good hands.</div><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350510034/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (17)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (17)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350510034_ac50305ab5_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a dateposted-public="" href="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (15)" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (15)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350617200_f29b6080ad_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350617370/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (12)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (12)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350617370_729f105076_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52349240072/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (2)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52349240072_592c9ce4e8_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52349239207/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (18)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (18)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52349239207_421ca62b90_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350436133/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (14)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (14)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350436133_47e714fe65_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350510339/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (11)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (11)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350510339_c69e4ef4c4_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52349239542/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (13)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (13)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52349239542_03cc398b5f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350436223/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (10)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (10)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350436223_1ea167fff1_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived slap bang in the middle of a heatwave so, when we were greeted with the sight of The Lavender Escape's wild swimming pond we almost fell to our knees in gratitude. Surrounded by wild flowers and rolling hills, it is one truly breath-taking spot; I think I took roughly 5000 photos of it during our stay as it changed throughout the day, at sunset and sunrise in particular it's a real sight to behold. We had a little read through the guest book (my favourite thing to do, as well as getting a warm fuzzy feeling you can also pick up some great tips for what to see and do in the surrounding area) and the most notable thing was everyone saying how relaxed they felt, which you really do feel as soon as you step onto the farm. Be it walking through the Lavender fields, bird-watching, swimming in the pond, being a child again on the swings and see-saw, reading or playing cards on the front deck (accompanied by one of the delicious cakes from the on-site shop) you really do feel yourself beginning to unwind from the get-go. There's also a fire pit there for your use - not the most appropriate in the middle of a heatwave (I don't even think Mitchum could help with that one) but in Spring/Autumn/Winter it would be the perfect spot to sit out and cook some dinner or roast some marshmallows. As it's so remote you've also got a clear view of the stars in the eve which makes the stay all the more special.</div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350617735/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (3)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (3)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350617735_9091e69d23_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350436323/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (8)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (8)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350436323_c2a3eec61e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350510964/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (20)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (20)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350510964_04d9bf87cf_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350617555/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (7)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (7)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350617555_712498037b_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350194046/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (19)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (19)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350194046_c1a58abae1_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350477538/in/dateposted-public/" title="Photo 09-08-2022, 23 51 36"><img alt="Photo 09-08-2022, 23 51 36" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350477538_0bab7376dc_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52350436438/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (4)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (4)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350436438_94b6c3badc_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/52349240122/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (1)"><img alt="The Lavender Escape Wales Kip Hideaways (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52349240122_7c136f7a89_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The accommodation itself is in a Pantechnicon (otherwise known as a large van used for transporting furniture) which has been cleverly converted. You've got a king sized bed, small kitchen, bathroom and shower and it's all kitted out with the beautiful Lavender scented products made on site. Worry not, you don't have to be a guest to try them - you can find them all over on the website <a href="https://www.welshlavender.com/product-category/body-care/"><i><span style="color: #666666;">here</span></i></a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there we have it, one very special and very quirky stay where you'll be made to feel very welcome by everyone who works there from the minute you set foot on the farm. One thing to note is that the wild swimming pond is open to the public for a small fee during the day (one to keep in mind if you're driving past and looking for somewhere fun to stop off!) but it does mean that during the day there is the possibility that it can get a little noisy. I imagine it was busier than normal when we were there with families stopping off to cool off during the heatwave, and that many other times you'd have the place entirely to yourself, but just a wee something to note ahead of the stay. In the eves and early morning you'll have absolutely no problem with that, however - it's as quiet as quiet can be and so incredibly peaceful and still. Another thing to note is that it's located only 20 miles West of Hay-On-Wye so, if you're looking to do some exploring during the day, you've got that right on your doorstep! We popped over on the day we left, which just so happened to be market day, and had a great wee coffee and wander in the sun. There are also some pretty epic walks in the area (you bet I read that in the guestbook) so plenty to do if you don't decide just to chill the whole time! You can find the Lavender Escape, as well as Kip's other hideaways across the UK, <a href="https://www.kiphideaways.com/hideaways/lavender-escape/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With that, I shall bid thee good eve - have a very happy Sunday and I'll be back with some more waffle soon. Most likely about my rapidly increasing excitement for Bake Off's arrival.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy</i> </div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-21703050034293122822022-04-13T05:16:00.002-07:002022-04-13T05:16:20.581-07:00A Spring Wishlist <div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1134082"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script></div><div div="">
<div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Well howdy partners! How do? Where on EARTH did April come from? I feel like I was just watching Jools ring the bells in last month. But then, in saying that, Winter also feels like it's lasted about 500 years. Time you are one tricky bastard. When I did a wee Q&A over on Instagram a couple of weeks back, one of the things that was asked for most was Spring recommendations. Rather than spam you with lots of stories on those, I thought a blog post would work best! I've tried to tailor a good chunk of them towards weddings as I know the season is very much sneaking up on us and the organised among us are starting to look for something to wear (a much better way to do it than a panic order three days before the wedding, naming no names. Ok, it was me). </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Some personal favourites on the list of mine are <a href="https://rstyle.me/+f7fIGEXVQHvznYPl4LJewg"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this Reformation-esque corset</span></i></a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+vb2i5AwVdL94qSMfy3I0jA"><i><span style="color: #999999;">these high waisted jeans</span></i></a> (the cost per wear of my Levis is now down to around 0.01p, a better investment you'll never make), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Ql3DvHlcJr7WfOT7lLushA"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this saucy cut-out midi</span></i></a> which is crying out to be taken on holiday, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+FM5ljxIatkBfk940lvRejw"><span style="color: #999999;">this Faithfull two-piece</span></a> keeps winking at me (they do the best holiday wear and the quality's incredible, I've had a couple of their bits for years and they get whapped out holiday and holiday again), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+rgk0C69TUOMOY5mhr_jOxw"><i><span style="color: #999999;">these tailored trousers</span></i></a> (my favourite style for pairing with vest tops, tees and blouses in Summer) and, speaking of items that get abused holiday after holiday, you can't beat <a href="https://rstyle.me/+BMNhgo3h32JrP6d5AmB1Pg"><i><span style="color: #999999;">a good pair of birks</span></i></a>.</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">However, if we're talking wedding favourites, that's a whole other kettle of fish. Step up, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+e8fYqORMO_mkI8_FPUpnkg"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this magnificent Belle-esque dress</span></i></a>. I spotted this in Selfridges last month and was pulled towards it like a magnet to a fridge. Can confirm it'ss just as nice in real life and makes an excellent stroker. It's hard to go wrong with a polka dot number and especially one as great a shape as <a href="https://rstyle.me/+wdrqtIjWXLG1MXcqMVPxDQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this one here</span></i></a>, and <i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+Tt66sjnckeaK6TbEj9HiGA"><span style="color: #999999;">this beauty</span></a></i> (which comes in two colours) looks like it'd be a cracker you could wear again and again. <a href="https://rstyle.me/+knwYw4eST1Y0XK9MU6ZOwQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">This puff sleeve number</span></i></a> would work just as well for a wedding as it would on holiday or on a picnic blanket down at the park (basket of apples optional but greatly enhancing accessory), we've got <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5jO5ybr0B6lSVtSukn-Ftg"><i><span style="color: #999999;">a one shouldered hero</span></i></a> and, if you're fancying something a bit different, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Tk_1IEE_eBqAJWAC5n_ghA"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this wee jumpsuit</i></span></a> looks an absolute treat! </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Before I head off, doing up the house is taking up a lot of our time at the moment - I've discovered it IS possible to take three hours to decide between two almost identical lamps - is an interiors wishlist post something you'd be interested in? If so, I'll happily put one together. It might be a nice way to justify my prolonged lamp staring. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">LMK as the kids say. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Happy Wednesday,</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Amy </div></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-3797901884571382452021-11-26T03:00:00.000-08:002021-11-26T03:00:13.522-08:00November Favourites! <div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1107867"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/9ac77a31248d906f2bf29bc3ded9691d8df76a52/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript></noscript></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well hey there! Happy Friday. I feel like this week has absolutely whizzed by. In fact - this entire year? I absolutely love Christmas and all things Michael Buble but I feel like I haven't quite earned them this year - in my head it's still around October. Anyway, enough about me losing all concept of time, I'm still trying to stick to my two blog posts a week till the end of the year resolution, so here is the first of this week's! Initially it started up as a round up of Winter favourites, as a lot of people had asked for advice on coats/boots, but then I accidentally got sucked into some partywear pieces. So I guess it's maybe turned into more of a November favourites post? There are a few pieces on there that I can personally vouch for; <a href="https://rstyle.me/+VSTvqLL348v19lqx-UfFLw"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this Chanel-esque cardigan</span></i></a> which has just come back into stock (you can see it on me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWJhAZXMruW/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+C1uUOzB_Wf3egJpZhViFug"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this checkerboard fleece</i></span></a> (you can see it in a different colourway on me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU4xI0RInDL/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a> - it is SO cosy to wear), and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+JLVC2bWHh_hbji2XqMmaSQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">these big chunky boots</span></i></a> (spendy boys but very comfortable, go with everything and have worn very, very well). My <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PzNztNbSzsaH5bbYAgNDRQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Levi's jeans</span></i></a> (pretty much any photo on my Instagram where I have jeans on, it's these babies) are also 30% off today which is verrry exciting! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">A couple of other pieces which I love (from afar) are <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5xAMz4zu-KrwfCvo9GyoDQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this purple jumper</span></i></a>, which is such a happy unusual colour, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+7HvAOtJAdHbw0MkSR01G_w"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this chunky collared knit</span></i></a> - which reminds me of a Grandad in the best way - <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5QVZQE_Y7Dux0ZYtpz0iAQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this checkerboard cardi</span></i></a>, because I apparently can't get enough of checkerboard at the moment and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+TMMnCnOvIa8NLizCaLIgpQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this beautiful Rixo coat</span></i></a> which I shall continue to stare at longingly. Oh! And how could I forget these magnificent <a href="https://rstyle.me/+KZQFC3xdU_rp7tG31EDxSw"><i><span style="color: #999999;">gold velvet platforms</span></i></a>? Worra dream.</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">Right, I better go, I need to buy a calendar and work out what day it is.</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy</i> </div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-16222248505515977922021-11-18T07:44:00.000-08:002021-11-18T07:44:34.678-08:00A Kip Hideaway Stay in the heart of Culross
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635831405/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (3)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (3)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635831405_b3dfa93b42_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635625714/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (29)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (29)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635625714_87f1aec38a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635625559/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (1)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635625559_1dc2662d71_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635831550/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635831550_5b885bb4e6_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635832265/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (26)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (26)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635832265_085ea3490c_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635196993/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635196993_9449aba52d_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><i>Red dress is Delfi Collective via Hirestreet / <a href="https://bit.ly/3gIwz34"><span style="color: #999999;">Floral maxi dress is linked here</span></a> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Well hey there! Long time no blog, as they say. I don’t know what’s happened to poor bloggy this year but it’s been sadly very neglected - these parts are almost as sad and dusty as the Duolingo app I downloaded last New Year. However! I’ve set myself the challenge of two blog posts per week till the end of the year so let’s see how it goes... Right now I'm aware that I have about as much conviction as when I tell Rob I won’t buy anymore pairs of black boots, but hopefully I’ll surprise myself (and you). Maybe I'll even be writing posts in Spanish by the end of the year, who knows! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I wanted to start back with a post about a magical little getaway in the heart of the 17th Century coastal village of Culross. It's somewhere I hadn’t visited before but had seen pop up on my feed many a time, particularly across the Visit Scotland-esque instagrams. You might even recognise that colourful street above yourself! </span></div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635623734/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (17)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (17)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635623734_855f634a25_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635198508/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (25)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (25)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635198508_4505ad55e5_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634153222/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (18)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (18)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634153222_e56cc0b1a4_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635832960/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (21)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (21)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635832960_74142e4f99_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635195838/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (14)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (14)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635195838_2bb205ae96_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635236373/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blank 4000 x 3500 (6)"><img alt="Blank 4000 x 3500 (6)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635236373_c04074879a_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634149437/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (12)"><img halt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (12)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149437_ad531c8552_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634982546/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (24)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (24)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634982546_a873520d85_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635830060/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (15)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (15)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635830060_0b103f2e68_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635626769/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (22)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (22)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635626769_c243e8af83_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634983391/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (19)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (19)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634983391_4442e6677e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Checked two piece is Jessie Bush x Kitri</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We stayed for two nights at the beautiful <a href="https://www.kiphideaways.com/hideaways/design-cottage-fife/"><span style="color: #999999;">Design Cottage in Fife</span></a>, which we found via Kip Hideaways - home to some of the best boutique properties in the UK - and had such a lovely time that I could shout about it until I was blue in the face (which, to be fair, I am a lot these days with how cold it is in Glasgow). It's run by the lovely Laura who is a complete and utter interiors whizz. Not only has she cultivated one of the most relaxing spaces I've been in, she's also decorated it in a way that will leave you wanting to overhaul your entire house. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are a few brilliant walking trails nearby and the village sits around 45 minutes from Edinburgh, but we ended up spending a large portion of time relaxing in the cottage because we loved it so much. There's an open plan living room and (very well equipped) kitchen, two bedrooms, a mezzanine upstairs with a sofa bed, two bathrooms and an incredible terrace outside. As</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> you can see, we were very lucky with the weather, but I think it would make for the perfect getaway all year round. Me and Rob were actually chatting just the other day about how lovely it would be to visit again in Winter with friends, armed with board games, hot chocolate and food a-plenty. Speaking of food, there are two important food-based points that I need to mention about the cottage. The first is that there is the most fantastically well-stocked tuck shop (that's not the word I'm looking for is it? But I somehow can't seem to find the correct word... Minibar?), which you can see a photo of above. From crisps, to chocolate and biscuits, to nibbles that can be paired with specific drinks, to glass bottles of Irn Bru (the last one particularly excited me) to lots of locally sourced products like coffee, honey and candles, Laura has thought about every single thing you could possibly need during your stay and more. The second, I'm going to capitalise here just to stress how really wonderful it was, THE BREAKFAST. So much care has been put into it. A hamper was delivered each morning, bursting with fresh pastries and bread from a local baker, yoghurt, fresh fruit and juice, muesli, meats, cheese... the list goes on. It was such a special touch and a real highlight of the stay.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634980441/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (9)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (9)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634980441_784cad9e85_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635832775/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (23)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (23)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635832775_61c96562f4_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635624759/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (8)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (8)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635624759_6fee3f01f7_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635624019/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (13)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (13)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635624019_90ae536606_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51635626069/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (27)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (27)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51635626069_f79b3dc8c3_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634980301/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (10)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (10)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634980301_887ec54646_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51634981071/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (4)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Kip Hideaways Culross The Dundonald (4)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634981071_f36344419e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">Now, as I say, we spent a lot of our time relaxing in the cottage, but when we did venture out we made ourselves very comfortable at the hideaway that is Bessie's Cafe. It was 24 degrees - can I get a collective, 'say what!?' - when we were there, so we sat outside in the sun with our iced coffees and homemade cakes, chatting the afternoon away and pretending we were in Italy. To walk around the beautifully preserved cobbled streets of Culross feels like stepping back in time (in fact, if you're an Outlander fan it may excite you to hear that some scenes were shot here) and no more so than at the beautiful Culross Palace. Tickets were sadly sold out when we were there, but even from the outside it's a special sight to behold! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> And that brings to an end a round up of a very lovely stay. I honestly couldn't recommend it more - as you can probably tell - if you'd like to book a stay yourself, or to find out a little more information, you can <a href="https://www.kiphideaways.com/hideaways/design-cottage-fife/"><i><span style="color: #666666;">find the Design Cottage here</span></i></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i>Amy</i> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i>AD-PR Stay / post contains affiliate links</i></p></div></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-58493157746925281212021-10-29T03:17:00.004-07:002021-11-21T04:11:16.594-08:00Winter Wedding Guest Ideas<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1105742"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div noscript=""></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Oh well hey there! A very happy Friday to you. I've had a few people ask for Winter wedding guest outfit ideas this week, so I thought I'd pull together a list of some of my favourites. Winter weddings are hard, aren't they? I'm perpetually cold so kept having to retrain my brain not to look for dresses that could fit a hot water bottle in the waistband. I've pulled together a real mix, both in terms of budget and style, and have also popped a few in there that I think would make lovely bridesmaids dresses, as well as some that would work for galas and balls, if anyone has anything of that ilk coming up. As always, I have many many favourites, but the pieces that particularly tickled my pickle when I stumbled across them were: this <a href="https://rstyle.me/+WGeIc6RF3mcfKKyckxKEqw"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>green puff sleeved dress</i></span></a> (a colour I absolutely love at this time of year), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+bd8SJtq-PIhLjwn8YcHPfQ"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this sequin maxi</i></span></a> (the length looks fantastic and, again, you can't beat sequins in Winter), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+M0lGdNkXGgjL2HUpni9_Xw"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this beautiful puff sleeve dress</span></i></a> (which I've just noticed is now in sale!), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+552yV7sO-iVkZA6fnPK05Q"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this burgundy number</span></i></a> (I actually have it in navy and it's one of the best fitting dresses I own, plus... IT HAS POCKETS!), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+BxuX3emj7ntExjVVqxr-1g"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this lovely blue lace number</i></span></a> (it'd make a fantastic bridesmaids dress and also has to be the best reduction of the day, from £400 to £60) and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+YCLs3Q5KIsHbuKPIGGtXxQ"><i><span style="color: #999999;">these green beauties</span></i></a> (which I think you could build an entire look, be it suit or dress, around). Last but not least,</span><span> a special shout out goes to </span><a href="https://rstyle.me/+OaQA7vqL19w6GQRozZdevw"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>this sage green bardot dress</i></span></a><span>, which just so happens to be the bridesmaid dress I wore for our Meggy's wedding! You can </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSb5Uxaqfjr/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">see what it looks like on here</span></i></a><span> - my only note would be that you'll possibly have to get the hemline stitched up a little like me as it was scandalously high. It's one of the nicest I've ever felt in a dress, a total timeless beauty. The dress that is, not me.</span></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">---</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(I also copied and pasted the below from my Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas post as they all still stand!) </span></p><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also asked on stories for people to send in their favourite smaller/independent brands for wedding guest ideas and there were some grrrreat suggestions:</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://meadows-store.com/collections/clothing"><span style="color: #999999;">Meadows</span></a> (genuinely some of the most beautiful dresses I've ever seen)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.pixieandbobs.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Pixie & Bobs</span></a> (this one came up a lot! Lots of lovely dresses you could wear again and again throughout Summer)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/shop"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Sika</span></a> (SO beautiful and so unique - all handmade in Ghana and each and every piece is incredible. The Billie, Beeko, KC and Justina are all my dream dress come true)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://seraphinalondon.com/collections/women"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Seraphina</span></a> (a treasure chest full of Spring/Summer delights)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://bymegancrosby.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Megan Crosby</span></a> (all made to order - so many joyous prints and pieces)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://kitristudio.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Kitri</span></a> (I bloody love Kitri! I can't believe I forgot to include them originally)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://fanmmon.com/collections/kajou-collection"><span style="color: #999999;">Fanm Mon</span></a> (B-E-A-U-TIFUL dresses)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://thekemist.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Kemist</span></a> (The Santiago stripe two piece - YES!)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.theownstudio.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Own Studio</span></a> (these would be especially beautiful for bridesmaids dresses)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://thepansygarden.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Pansy Garden</span></a> (if you're a vintage fan and love a bit of whimsy, you are going to fall in LOVE with The Pansy Garden. The perfect dresses for prancing and twirling in)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://www.anothermatinee.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Another Matinee</span></a> (run by the wonderful Sarah who has an eye for finding some truly spectacular vintage dresses)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">- <a href="https://lisou.co.uk/collections/all-products"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Lisou</span></a> (makers of some of the best two-pieces and suits in the land)</span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And there's also the wonderful <a href="https://www.vestiairecollective.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Vestiaire</span></a> for second hand clothing (prepare to lose a good few hours on there) and <a href="https://www.byrotation.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">By Rotation</span></a>, <a href="https://www.hurrcollective.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hurr</span></a> and <a href="https://www.endlesswardrobe.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Endless Wardrobe</span></a> where you can rent a huge selection of clothing for a few days/week at a time which is a ruddy great idea. </span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Amy</span></i></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-29061376703584535152021-06-20T03:06:00.001-07:002021-06-20T03:07:50.960-07:00AD Road to the Isles - A Scottish Adventure<p a="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251526739/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig 3"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig 3" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251526739_c2853295a0_k.jpg" width="684" /></p><p a="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251526739/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: center;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig 3">Hello pals! I am DELIGHTED to be back to writing and to be kicking off with a big old travel post. What a joy it is to be able to move more freely around the UK again - I think there was a point last year where we all thought, 'maybe I'll... never see outside of my living room again'; I was one step away from writing a travel post about going to Waitrose. </p><p a="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251526739/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: center;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig 3">We took a trip along the beautiful Road to the Isles (which covers Fort William to Mallaig), a part of Scotland I've never been to before. You might have seen snippets of our travels over on Instagram, but today I thought I'd put together a blog post with more detail on what we got up to, where we stayed and where we ate. As Maria Von Trapp says, let's start from the very beginniiiing...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1</span></u>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The drive to Mallaig from Glasgow isn't too long - roughly 3.5 hours - and is a beautiful one, so I'd recommend taking your time with it. We were lucky enough to be heading North when Scotland was in the midst of a heatwave (that's the first mention of the heatwave out the way, only 100 more to go), so we stopped off at a few different points throughout the journey to take in the view. One of the places we stopped off at was the <a href="https://www.highlandsoaps.com/pages/visitor-centre-and-larder-cafe"><span style="color: #999999;">Highland Soap Company & Larder</span></a> in Fort William, which is the perfect place for some lunch and a cake. All the food is made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and is very, very good - we had a mackerel salad, rosemary & garlic chips and some fantastic coffee cake. There's outdoor as well as indoor seating, we opted for outdoor (because there was a heatwave - did I mention that?) where we could take in the mountain view as we topped up our t-shirt tan. They've also got a fantastic gift shop inside with beautiful soaps and lotions, homewear, books, biscuits... for the first time ever I bought my gifts for everyone at home before the trip had even started. Fed, watered and extremely satisfied, we hit the road again, driving past the Glenfinnan Viaduct - more on that later - and pulling into Mallaig in the late afternoon. The entire Road to the Isles route is breathtaking; think lush green scenery (I'd recommend a dramatic accompanying soundtrack) which then opens up to reveal that first, thrilling sight of blue water. <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">There are lots of little isles you’ll spy all along the way that we’d love to go back and explore more of at a different point in the year - especially after speaking to Gavin and Sine, the amazing owners of the West Highland Hotel, who are so so passionate about the area and everything there is to see.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">A little early for check-in, we decided to pick up an ice-cream and go on the one hour scenic walk, starting at the harbour, where you can see right across to Skye at one point. It's not too intense a walk, I only had sandals on, and is one I'd recommend if you have the time. After a wee seat with our books and the view to keep us company, we headed back to the <a href="https://westhighlandhotel.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">West Highland Hotel</span></a> to get checked in. We were in a superior king room, which made for the perfect base to come home to each night - comfy bed, tv, kettle, robes and two armchairs (complete with one truly magnificent view of the sea) where we sat each night playing cards and watching the sun go down. We had a really lovely dinner at The Terrace Restaurant in the hotel that night; it's recently been done up and is a great place to sit in the evening as it gets the sun right until the very minute it dips into the sea, it truly felt like being away on holiday (which I exclaimed excitedly every five minutes until Rob was ready to shove prawns in his ears). Along with an obligatory first-night-of-the-holiday-G&T, I had the salmon platter followed by baked haddock and Rob had the scallops with black pudding crumb and crispy pancetta followed by the mussels in white wine and garlic sauce. They were brilliant with allergies and had everything marked clearly on the menu so, if you're a fellow allergy kid, you're in safe hands.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2</span></u><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251872770/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251872770_68675cb32d_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
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</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251577004/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251577004_08e1840e09_k.jpg" width="684" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We were up bright and early to get Arisaig Marine for 10am to catch the <a href="https://arisaig.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Sheerwater Ferry to Eigg</span></a>. The ferry takes roughly one hour (there is a wee cafe at the marine if you want to stock up on coffee or tea before you go) and Ronnie, the skipper, has amazing knowledge of the history of the area and is always happy to stop the boat for a better view of the wildlife - we were lucky enough to see minke whales, puffins and seals on our adventure. Or should I say... Eiggventure (a single, reluctant slow clap ensues).</p><p style="text-align: center;"> We started our day on Eigg at the Galmisdale Cafe, which you'll see just as you come onto the island, with a wee hot drink and a breakfast roll for Rob, before heading over to the nearby bike rental hut. The bikes are £15 per person per day including helmet and I'd highly recommend them, it was a great way to see the island! You can also hire kayaks here if you fancy really doubling down on activities. Right next to the bike shed is a wee shop where we stocked up on juice and - more importantly - homemade tablet and set off on our merry way. Just as a little side note, because it really filled me with excitement, the shop is fantastically stocked and has lots of gluten free bits and bobs (bread, cookies etc) as well as TONY'S CHOCOLATE. The chocolatey Romeo to my Juliet. Anyway, let me calm down and get back to the cycle. There's only one road in Eigg, so it's easy to find your way around, and the views all around the island are incredible - especially of An Sgurr (which you can also climb, we definitely would have if we'd had longer). It's worth noting that there are very few cars on the road so if, like me, you're a nervous cyclist you don't need to worry about that. We cycled to Laig Bay, which only took around half an hour, and oh my goodness. It genuinely took my breath away when we were met with turquoise blue water and white powdery sand. It frames Rum perfectly, which is the view you can see above, so we sat ourselves down and, delicious tablet in hand, took it all in. This was followed by a period of cartwheeling and handstands which, I can only assume, was caused by an intense sugar rush.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> For any LOTR fans out there, Tolkien was said to have based the Mountains of Mordor on the fantastically dramatic view of Rum from Eigg, so there's one to keep in your pocket for future pub quizzes. I could easily have stayed here all day - all week, to be honest - but sadly it was time to pack up and head back to the harbour to catch the boat home. We got there a little early thanks to a good downhill boost so we enjoyed a wee pint in the sun at Galmisdale cafe whilst we waited. That night we had dinner at <a href="https://www.arisaighotel.co.uk/en/food-drink/"><span style="color: #999999;">The Crofter's Bar at Arisaig Hotel</span></a> which I would highly, highly recommend - on a Tuesday night there's live Scottish music on the terrace so there's a great atmosphere. Stuffed full of delicious dessert, we enjoyed a post-dinner stroll along Arisaig Harbour to watch the sunset and then headed home for, you guessed it, some more cards in the room.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Day 3</u></span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251102803/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251102803_2c4a80d199_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
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</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251101198/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251101198_d5cf5bb6f1_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251659099/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (3)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (3)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251659099_96ebbb1f0e_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51250179367/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51250179367_1678b6ccc0_k.jpg" width="684" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Forgive me, but I am going to have to mention the weather again. On day 3 we woke up and saw it was to be 26 degrees so there was only one thing for it... beach day, baby! We had breakfast, packed our bags - towels, books, water, fruit, SPF, the usual holiday suspects - and headed to the Silver Sands of Morar. Wowee, is all I can say here. That's all I did say to be honest, repeatedly under my breath like a broken furby. It is so, so beautiful - soft white powdery sand, turquoise waters... you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally wandered into Mexico or Barbados. There were families setting up volleyball nets, people snorkelling and kayaking, people picnic-ing... it was magic. We spent the entire morning in our swimwear, reading our books and living the good life. The clouds started to come in around lunchtime so we set off to explore the surroundings, which in turn became a bit of an impromptu hike. Now, I love an impromptu hike as much as the next person but, when one of you has a bodycon skirt and sandals on and the other one is carrying a Tesco bag for life it's a tragic sight to behold. I think even the sheep were looking on with judgement. Still, despite leaving with less dignity than we arrived with, the great views were worth it. After our escapades we were all knackered (me, Rob and the bag for life, that is) so we finished up the night with a board game and some tablet in the room with one last beautiful sunset seeing us off. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Day 4</span></u><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51250201017/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51250201017_636e8f3282_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251123603/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (4)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (4)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251123603_d8336d95c8_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251678704/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (7)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (7)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251678704_723e50d3df_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251124028/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (9)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (9)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251124028_9d2d47fdc2_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251679674/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (8)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (8)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251679674_a3648efd6b_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251679219/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251679219_517a8d3942_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51250201392/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (3)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (3)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51250201392_3e9e2549e1_k.jpg" width="684" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/51251679309/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Guide Road to the Isles Mallaig (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51251679309_86501e535c_k.jpg" width="684" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And so we reach our last day (let's out a stifled sob). The plan was to head to Loch Morar for an explore so, needing as much energy as possible - read: I wanted some fish and chips - we treated ourselves to one last chippie, which we enjoyed at the harbour to the sound of bagpipes. It doesn't get more Scottish than that, does it? I even had an Irn Bru accompaniment to really set the scene. We ended up only having an hour or so at Loch Morar so I would love to go back a) do the 9 mile walk around it and to learn a bit more about the history and b) to see it in the sunshine, as the clouds were taking centre stage that day. A couple of things I can tell you about it for now, though, is that it's the deepest body of freshwater in Britain and that Lord Lovat, the last man to be publicly beheaded in Britain, was captured here... You're really going to be sorted for your pub quiz now. We popped into the Craft Shed for a browse, where you can find lots of locally made items, paintings, cards and wool - and then, reluctantly, started the drive home. Here's where the Harry Potter music would slowly start creeping in if this were an audio book. That's right, we stopped in at the previously aforementioned Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's somewhere I've always wanted to visit, so I was happy just to see the viaduct in person but, as we got closer, we could see a whole host of people standing around (at which point I said to Rob, 'ah, this must be where the local youths hang out' proving that I am, in fact, 80 years old). Turns out, the train was due to arrive any minute! Where's the calming CBD oil when you need it? Before I had time to even think about passing out with excitement, the Jacobite Steam Train was crossing the bridge before our very eyes and, my goodness, it really is an exciting as you'd imagine. </p><p style="text-align: center;">...As you can probably tell by my 500 photos.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope this was helpful to anyone looking to see more of Scotland and, as always, I'm here if you've any questions! This really only scratches the surface of the area, there is so, so much more to do and see. A few things I'd recommend packing: a rucksack, reusable water bottles, good walking boots, activewear, a raincoat and midge spray. We were lucky as we were there early on but, if you're going in the Summer months, those little guys are killer! Another tip is to make sure to plan ahead: it can get quite busy in the Summer months but, luckily, Scotland is beautiful all year round, and looks totally different each season. We've had just as lovely a trip in Autumn/Winter; you just need a few more layers and a few more hot chocolates. And, it goes without saying but, if you do visit, remember the golden rule: respect, protect, enjoy. Treat it well, be sensible with your parking and make sure to clear up your litter - if you have a barbecue, pop it on a little stand rather than directly on the sand otherwise those lovely silver sands will be silver no more. Oh! And if you have any car trouble whilst you're there - which our little diva of a car did - Morar Motors couldn't be more brilliant. I honestly can't stress how warm and helpful every single person we met on our trip was and it wouldn't have been as special without it. You're in very safe, knowledgeable hands!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Post in partnership with Road To The Isles</i></p>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comMallaig, UK57.003813000000008 -5.82717328.693579163821163 -40.983423 85.314046836178846 29.329076999999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-32362455557182069722021-03-30T04:12:00.007-07:002021-04-21T04:45:36.355-07:00Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas <p style="text-align: center;"> Hello amigos! I hope you're all doing ok - it's a bit of a funny time at the moment having dates for things starting to open up again but, at the same time, not quite feeling like it's real/also being a bit anxious for life returning to normal pace. A time of a million and one emotions! However. one thing that I know is bringing a lot of joy is the return of weddings... Hooray! I pulled together some of my favourite wedding guest looks on Instagram stories over the weekend after a few people had asked for it and then realised - WOAH BETSY - I'd accidentally pulled together over 90 pieces. Far too many for ye olde stories, I think the app might just have completely combusted. So here they are altogether in one big blog post! You might spot a few white/cream dresses in there and think, 'what are you playing at you crazy cat!' but they were too pretty not to include and I thought they might work for events that aren't weddings; say a fancy garden party or... I've forgotten what other events there are it's been so long. To be honest I'll be whapping my fancy dresses out for trips to cafes I'm so excited for normality to resume. It was a total joy to put together so I hope it helps! Stay tuned at the bottom for a list of incredible smaller/independent brands.</p>
<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1056133"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/f3729789595948bfcc2e765aea1164b890486cc2/images/search/350.gif" onerror='this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."' style="width: 15px; height: 15px"><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">I also asked on stories for people to send in their favourite smaller/independent brands for wedding guest ideas and there were some grrrreat suggestions:</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://meadows-store.com/collections/clothing"><span style="color: #999999;">Meadows</span></a> (genuinely some of the most beautiful dresses I've ever seen)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://www.pixieandbobs.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Pixie & Bobs</span></a> (this one came up a lot! Lots of lovely dresses you could wear again and again throughout Summer)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/shop"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Sika</span></a> (SO beautiful and so unique - all handmade in Ghana and each and every piece is incredible. The Billie, Beeko, KC and Justina are all my dream dress come true)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://seraphinalondon.com/collections/women"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Seraphina</span></a> (a treasure chest full of Spring/Summer delights)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://bymegancrosby.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Megan Crosby</span></a> (all made to order - so many joyous prints and pieces)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://kitristudio.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Kitri</span></a> (I bloody love Kitri! I can't believe I forgot to include them originally)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://fanmmon.com/collections/kajou-collection"><span style="color: #999999;">Fanm Mon</span></a> (B-E-A-U-TIFUL dresses)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://thekemist.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Kemist</span></a> (The Santiago stripe two piece - YES!)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://www.theownstudio.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Own Studio</span></a> (these would be especially beautiful for bridesmaids dresses)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://thepansygarden.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Pansy Garden</span></a> (if you're a vintage fan and love a bit of whimsy, you are going to fall in LOVE with The Pansy Garden. The perfect dresses for prancing and twirling in)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://www.anothermatinee.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Another Matinee</span></a> (run by the wonderful Sarah who has an eye for finding some truly spectacular vintage dresses)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://lisou.co.uk/collections/all-products"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Lisou</span></a> (makers of some of the best two-pieces and suits in the land)</div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;">And there's also the wonderful <a href="https://www.vestiairecollective.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Vestiaire</span></a> for second hand clothing (prepare to lose a good few hours on there) and <a href="https://www.byrotation.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">By Rotation</span></a>, <a href="https://www.hurrcollective.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hurr</span></a> and <a href="https://www.endlesswardrobe.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Endless Wardrobe</span></a> where you can rent a huge selection of clothing for a few days/week at a time which is a ruddy great idea. </div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy x</i></div><div class="rs-adblock"><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-72623123532811549842021-02-03T04:20:00.001-08:002021-02-03T04:20:12.392-08:00My favourite homewear pieces online right now<p style="text-align: center;"> Hello pals! Happy hump day (at least I believe it's hump day, it's hard to tell which day's which at the moment). I did a wee poll over on Instagram to see if people were still reading blogs and was delighted to find out that a lot of you still were; I think because people are less inclined to comment nowadays, myself included, there's sometimes the worry that you're writing into the abyss. So I'm over the moon that people still like to come over for a longer read! There were lots and lots of great suggestions for posts and one of the ones that came up the most was homeware. I LOVE browsing homewear - especially trinkets, glasswear and - truly can't get enough of them - novelty matches, so this one was a dream to put together. I'll make these a regular thing if you enjoy them and, for now, here are some of my favourite homewear pieces on the interweb right now:</p>
<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1035155"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/97d333a5533460e95e1450629f19012a6cf92d42/images/search/350.gif" onerror='this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."' style="width: 15px; height: 15px"><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-42384850674358980372021-01-13T05:13:00.004-08:002021-01-13T05:13:42.126-08:00A Photo Diary From Skye<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810294127/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Eilean Donan"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Eilean Donan" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810294127_1aba8e0f1e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Why hello! Happy hump day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Firstly I wanted to say a big thank you for the lovely messages - it feels good to be back at ye olde blogging! I'd missed it so. And secondly I wanted to say... Holy. Heck. I didn't realise I had quite so many photos from Skye - my left hand's actually gone a bit numb from all of the uploading there (I really should have known from the first sign of tingling that this was crying out to be split into two posts) - but here we are, a photo diary from Skye! This was one of my favourite ever trips; I've been grinning like the Cheshire Cat on a sugar high looking back through all the photos whilst I was putting this together. Skye's somewhere I've wanted to visit for YEARS (unnecessarily capitalised to emphasise just how long), I was lucky enough to visit back in January 2019 but it was a very brief visit for a shoot and we didn't have time to do much exploring, so last year was the perfect time to get out and see some more of our b-e-a-utiful homeland. We booked to go for 5 nights in mid August and, in between watching Tiger King, I got cracking on with my massive list of 'Everything I Want To Fit In'. I'll keep the writing in this post to a minimum since the photos are already enough to see you through at least one cup of tea, but if there's anything at all I've missed out please feel free to pop me a wee email or a message on <a href="https://instagram.com/thelittlemagpie" rel="nofollow"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></i></a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809442868/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross (3)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross (3)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809442868_d98b865066_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809440083/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (35)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (35)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809440083_43ec12645e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810299712/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810299712_651921b71f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810185541/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810185541_bd0ad8afae_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809440488/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (33)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (33)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809440488_4e98d3fc80_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810296202/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (27)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (27)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810296202_897bd7e586_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810294772/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810294772_e7c193cea9_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810182976/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810182976_79739e6d05_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We started off our travels in Dornie at <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1806191?source_impression_id=p3_1610540751_gnR%2FtodWSbIsWg8U&guests=1&adults=1"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">this beautiful airbnb</span></i></a>, which is located right next to (and I really do mean right next to) Eilean Donan castle, made famous by movie classic 'Made of Honor'. Ok, maybe not - but that film was the first place I'd ever seen the castle featured so 16 year old Amy was giddy at the thought of seeing it in real life. It's also located right next to Manuela's Wee Bakery, a family run bakery which I'd absolutely recommend stopping in at - it feels like you've stepped straight into a fairytale. We were so incredibly lucky with the weather so spent our time getting to know the area, walking lots and even managing a few swims in the sea. We visited the beautiful Plockton (which is often, and very rightfully, referred to as the 'Jewel of the Highlands') and had a wander and a Harris gin or two in the sun. We made our way up the very famous windy road that leads to Applecross - one of my highlights of a trip that was pretty much packed to the brim with highlights, you're so high up it feels like you could step out onto a cloud - and sat and had monkfish (gluten free, I almost wept with joy) in the sun at the Applecross Inn. We walked along to Eilean Donan and saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen - there's a photo of it above that was snapped very quickly on my iphone and is totally unedited. The one where it looks like the sky's on fire* and, last but not least, shouted 'I don't want to go home' an average of seven times an hour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Will I ever be able to type the word fire without starting to sing 'Ryan started the fiiiiire' in my head?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809439103/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (6)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (6)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809439103_d1f702085c_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810182721/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (4)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (4)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810182721_a5aea61941_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810297582/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810297582_97dd00e26f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810293347/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (31)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (31)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810293347_a5288797a6_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810297512/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (6)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (6)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810297512_3be9c9237c_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809441898/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (7)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (7)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809441898_064cef4243_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50811060362/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (39)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (39)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50811060362_c192eb8c7f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809440818/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (26)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (26)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809440818_1df004d28a_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810300002/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (4)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (4)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810300002_c625aca269_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810293722/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (29)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland (29)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810293722_0f97db769f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810298977/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (9)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (9)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810298977_4e27ebbfbe_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810184166/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (8)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (8)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810184166_4f3c21254a_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810294272/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (7)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (7)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810294272_3fdb149357_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809443033/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (11)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (11)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809443033_a90a08f486_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And from there we headed over to Skye! We stayed at - and had to be dragged from at the end of our visit - the amazing <a href="http://www.sligachan.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Sligachan Hotel</span></a>, which I honestly couldn't recommend more; I'm not exaggerating when I say I loved every single minute of our stay and that I still have dreams about that big beautiful bath. There was an incident which involved me falling into the fairy pools whilst fully dressed (good one, Amy) and that bath was there waiting to greet me when I got home, no questions asked. It was there waiting when we got back from a cold, misty hike and it was there in the morning for a pre-breakfast soak. I'm really not a bath person but I believe I managed to have four in a very short stay. The hotel is perfectly located for exploring Skye and they've done so well with social distancing and making sure everyone feels safe. If you don't manage to book for a stay at the hotel, make sure to visit for a meal as it's worth it for the view alone (you can see it above in the photo of Rob at a table with the mountains behind him and then again in the photo where the mountain has a little Christmas hat on) and the gluten free fish and chips. Right next to the hotel is the Cuillin Brewery, where you can try local beer, and Seumas's Bar, the perfect place to relax after a hike, which stocks a whopping 400+ malts. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810299417/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (6)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (6)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810299417_211f0f7a2c_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810298412/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810298412_198d61012e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809442903/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Applecross (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809442903_235191d8b3_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809442658/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Plockton"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel Plockton" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809442658_26cdab0e56_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809442703/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel fairy pools"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel fairy pools" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809442703_11996be994_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50809438548/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel fairy pools (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel fairy pools (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809438548_afe68b8db1_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810183046/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810183046_d470643b6e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50810184566/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (5)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Skye, Scotland and Sligachan Hotel (5)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50810184566_53d9b49854_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We managed to squeeze in a lot in Skye (although not quite everything we'd hoped - that's for the next trip) including somewhere I've wanted to visit for a long time: the fairy pools! The first time we visited - when I, um, fell in - we went about 3pm and oh my... it was very, very busy. So the next day we came back around 5pm and it was much quieter! Whether this would be the case in non-Covid times, ie when international travel is back up and running however, I'm unsure. It has been 26 degrees that day - I know, I still can't believe it either - so we managed to swim and paddle in our bikinis and trunks which, if you'd told me pre-visit, I'd have laughed at. You guessed it, that's another one of my highlights right there. Whilst we're talking highlights, somewhere else I'd pop on your 'must visit' list (if you're a seafood fan that is) is The Oyster Shed. We sat out in the sun and had the best mussels I've ever had, followed by scallops and chips, and that is genuinely where I've gone to in my head for my happy place in recent months. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another few things we did that I'd recommend are, drum roll, a trip to Portree for a wander and to see the colourful houses - about a 15 minute drive from Sligachan - and, although we didn't manage to try it ourselves, I've heard Sea Breezes is a great place for a delicious seafood meal. We also hiked The Old Man of Storr which I LOVED (I've heard Quiraing is another amazing hike too) and stopped in at Kilt Rock/Mealt Falls. You won't run out if things to do or see, even just driving around the island is magical - those views don't stop giving. Right, I'm going to wrap it up there as that's one almighty post but, like I say, if I've missed anything out please just pop me a wee message! And for everyone who asked about what camera/film I used for these and the last post, 't'was Kodak Portra 400 and the Olympus Mju ii and a wee Pentax Espio point and shoot - I hope that helps! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh my goodness, sorry, one more thing - take midge spray. Vats of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy </i></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-88674328029748200002021-01-11T02:24:00.001-08:002021-01-11T02:24:14.180-08:00Exploring the North of Scotland <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658110152/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 29"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 29" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658110152_19cb7a6166_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+wChq8ZjORa2fUL-WdOk76w"><span style="color: #999999;">Free People button down dress</span></a> (c/o)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh my god, she's back from the dead. Last year I had what I believe was my longest ever break from blogging because my poor potato head had nothing in it. Zero. Zilch. Well, apart from maybe 'how much Modern Family is <i>too</i> much Modern Family in a day?'. Writing and reading are two of my favourite things in the world to do, but for the majority of last year I did terribly at both. I've always enjoyed sitting down and writing (or typing) whatever came into my head but, every time I went to do it, my ideas and my confidence ran away, hand in hand, and hid in the corner of my head as a lone bit of tumbleweed slowly blew across my brain. <a href="https://twitter.com/moniza_hossain/status/1346349127576141826"><i><span style="color: #999999;">This tweet</span></i></a> sums it up perfectly. Along with a whole lot of us, I felt like I really lost myself last year and - like one of my friends said (about themselves that is, not about me. Then my confidence really would have stayed in the corner) 'my funny bone has well and truly shrivelled up and died this year'. Nothing felt right. However, my butterfly thoughts finally managed to settle long enough for me to read my first book in over 7 months at Christmas - The Midnight Library if you're wondering, the perfect book to lose yourself in - and from there it felt like the creaky cogs in my head started turning ever so slightly again. Don't get me wrong, they're far from normal working order and are still in need of several doses of WD40 but, for now, here we are: back at my desk. Well, kitchen worktop - located thrillingly close to the snack cupboard - writing up one of my favourite kind of posts: the mighty travel post. Last year was, of course, not the year of travel, but we did manage to get away twice in those lovely months where restrictions were the lightest they'd been to see some more of Scotland. This is something I've wanted to do for a long, long time so that was a definite positive from one funny ole year. I've done it a little topsy turvy and this was actually the second of the two trips - the first was to Skye and there's a blog post on that coming very shortly - coming to to you from a few different locations around the North of Scotland.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657284878/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 30"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 30" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657284878_8030ae0c88_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658021711/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 44"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 44" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658021711_662909239a_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287153/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 25"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 25" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287153_6be62a9eca_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287288/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 20"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 20" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287288_7e9aa05d82_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658110532/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 17"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 17" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658110532_bb97b86ef6_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658108112/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 16"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 16" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658108112_9e1e0e05d1_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658109952/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 43"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 43" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658109952_4ba1922450_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022396/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 14"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 14" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022396_df480b8c8c_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022426/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 12"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 12" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022426_7067d23589_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022476/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 11"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 11" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022476_dff885c8ef_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+YGWu0bapC9jrmolzGpQSpA"><span style="color: #999999;">Free People oversized coat</span></a> (c/o) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We started our trip in Lochinver at the beautiful <a href="https://lazybedcabin-lochinver.co.uk/new%20build.html"><span style="color: #999999;">Batbox</span></a>. We stayed there once before in Winter and loved it so were eager to go back and see it in the Summertime. The views are truly incredible and, even if the weather's bad, it's the perfect place to cosy up with some DVDs or a book, some good food and a little tipple. There's no wifi in the cabin itself - hence the mention of our old friend, the DVD - so it truly is the perfect place to completely and utterly switch off. We weren't there for long so didn't get to do and see everything we'd hoped (as always, I was far too ambitious with my 'to see' list) but of everything we did do, I'd highly recommend Lochinver Larder for one of their famous pies, Clachtoll Beach and Achmelvich Beach for some of the bluest waters you ever did see. If you fancy spicing up your day at the beach, take a shot for every time you shout, 'I can't believe this is Scotland!'. We didn't manage it this time as the fog was so bad you couldn't even se your own hand if you held it out, but The Old Man of Stoer is also supposed to be a real sight to behold. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287568/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 10"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 10" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287568_e63b01fc31_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658021831/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 42"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 42" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658021831_d58e14d8b2_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022551/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 9"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 9" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022551_cb53acb29e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658110462/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 19"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 19" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658110462_d987d92062_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+_2qazAVHfsj6k4ztmJDjXg"><span style="color: #999999;">Monki mint beret</span></a> </div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658020996/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 49"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 49" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658020996_1494a4d481_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658110187/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 28"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 28" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658110187_17b470efb5_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022181/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 22"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 22" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022181_e12c6a06c0_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658021871/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 41"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 41" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658021871_cb14087cf7_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+RymBwyWN5YBaT4Q7rMq98A"><span style="color: #999999;">Arket bell sleeve jumper</span></a> (very possibly the most worn item in my wardrobe last year) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287203/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 24"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 24" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287203_e6fc49ef59_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658108312/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658108312_0536fea7e6_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658108147/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 8"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 8" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658108147_aa82e0a621_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657284983/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 3 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 3 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657284983_6912ddd4f4_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658110832/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 1"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 1" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658110832_95bdd0fcc1_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658108952/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 51"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 51" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658108952_0d1d138a57_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022811/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 34"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 34" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022811_7553dc91ac_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657286443/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 46"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 46" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657286443_6ed8c8a8ea_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658111072/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 31"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 31" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658111072_e2566ae184_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657285548/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 53 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 53 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657285548_0c4245ac9e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658022631/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 5"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 5" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658022631_75218f7740_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287878/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 36"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 36" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287878_0c57c860b5_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+7Z_s2hIAK53JZGipCjD84A"><span style="color: #999999;">Karen Millen wide leg trousers</span></a> (a very flattering shape on ye olde bum) </div><div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658021946/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 39"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 39" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658021946_59730231cf_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50657287653/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 7"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 7" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50657287653_e71dd342e8_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50658109462/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 47"><img alt="The Little Magpie Scotland Photo Diary North Coast 500 47" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50658109462_68eb21ca05_h.jpg" width="684" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also visited the Falls of Shin to see the salmon leaping (where my enthusiastic woops could be heard for miles around) and Dornoch Beach, which is absolutely beautiful for a walk along or a picnic when the weather is right. And now I feel it's time to approach the most important issue here. The elephant in the room. Or should I say... the pig in the room. That's right - where did those little pigs on Clachtoll Beach come from!? I honestly have no idea. At first I thought it was a mirage (Rob was taking a video of the sea at the time and you can hear me, slightly bewildered, in the background whispering, 'can you... see those piglets too?'. Our theory is that they'd hatched a crafty plan and escaped from a local farm for a day out by the sea but, whatever happened, it was truly one of my favourite moments of 2020. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, we made it! One whole blog post down. Huzzah! I'll be back on Wednesday with another blog post - I'm not sure what at this very moment but I'm thinking maybe... Skye? Before I go, I just wanted to send out one massive hug after the lockdown announcement last week - definitely needed but it doesn't mean it doesn't feel heavy at the same time. We'll get there and one day any talk of Covid will be prefaced with 'remember when...', even if it doesn't feel like it right now. For now, one day at a time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, snack cupboard, I'm coming for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy </i></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-82567110863758307332020-12-04T05:35:00.006-08:002020-12-08T03:39:17.458-08:00Christmas gift Guide 2020 (woop woop!)<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <u style="text-align: center;"><span>GIFTS UNDER £25</span></u></span></p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50678880416/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50678880416_918c261e60_b.jpg" width="680" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Post contains some PR products and previous partners</span></div><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.papercupcoffee.co.uk/collections/all"><span style="color: #999999;">Papercup Coffee</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (£10). Something I buy as a gift without
fail every Christmas (and usually for more than one person too). It’s known as
one of the best coffees in G-Town, but if you live further afield you can buy it on
<a href="https://www.papercupcoffee.co.uk/collections/all"><span style="color: #666666;">their website</span></a> – huzzah! They have lots of different flavours – with some new Christmas
flavours launching in the next week – but this particular one has notes of red apple,
vanilla and caramel. Delicious.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">Ocelot and Bare Bones chocolate</u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> (£5-7). Made in Edinburgh
and Glasgow respectively, I’ve received and given both as gifts and both
are always oh so very welcome. I bought both in <a href="https://www.hoosglasgow.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;">Hoos</span></a> - one of my go-to gift buying stores in Glasgow - whose website I've also linked as it's filled to the brim with amazing gift ideas.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.beautyworksbyamy.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;">BeautyWorks by Amy press-on nails</span></a> </u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">(£12.99) : Many
of the nail designs I’ve had over the years have been inspired by the amazing
Amy so I’m so incredibly excited that she’s started selling press-ons! At the
moment they come in three beautiful designs (daisy, tortoiseshell and marble)
and I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite, they're all brilliant.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.kloriscbd.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #999999;">Kloris CBD </span></a></u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">(prices start from £12): I’m a big fan
of CBD and Kloris is one of the best brands I’ve come across. They stock a
whole range of products, from oil right through to CBD bath melts.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><a href="https://www.nafstuff.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #666666;">NAF! Stuff cuticle oils</span></a></u> (£8): I’ve been using
these for years and they’re so, so brilliant. They come in a whole
host of delicious smelling flavours from cherry (a personal favourite) to
gingerbread. You can also buy NAF gift vouchers on site which I think would make a really lovely gift for someone who lived locally or was planning to visit Glasgow! </span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://solastaskin.com/collections/best-sellers"><span style="color: #666666;">Solasta Skin Coffee Orange Body Scrub</span></a> </u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">(£16): I’ve
been using this for about a month now and what an absolute treat it is, both for
the body and the nose (to smell that is, please... don’t put it up your nose). All
handmade by the lovely Jess in Aberdeen, each product is vegan and cruelty
free. There’s a whole range of products on her site, including a tasty sounding gingerbread scrub.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+yf3hdkg6sEtGb6s5jte8zA"><span style="color: #666666;">Beck Sondergaard socks</span></a></u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> (£10): One of my top 5
favourite sock brands (don’t ask me to narrow it down to any less than 5 or I’ll
spontaneously combust), I opened up a pair of these on Christmas Day a couple
of years ago and have been a superfan ever since. I picked these up at the lovely
<a href="https://www.biscuit.clothing/"><span style="color: #666666;">Biscuit Clothing</span></a> in Glasgow! There is truly no limit to the amount of joy glitter socks can bring me.</span></div></span></li><li><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="http://gieitlaldy.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Gie It Laldy mug</span></a> (£10): </u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;">Oh my god I think I bought
half of my Christmas presents from here last year, every single thing they stock will bring a huge lol with it. If you’re based outside of Glasgow you can also
buy via their website!</span></div></span></li><li><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><a href="https://www.casetify.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Casetify phone case</span></a></u> (£range): Home to many a great phone case, from pressed flowers so personalised monogrammed ones!</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;"><u style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/the-insecure-girls-handbook-by-olivia-purvis?color=000&type=REGULAR&size=ONE%20SIZE&quantity=1"><span style="color: #666666;">The Insecure Girl’s Club Book</span></a></u><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> (£11.99): </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Mine's currently out on loan to a pal so I apologise for it being invisible up there in ye olde flatlay but, for anyone who hasn't picked one up for themselves, this is a</span><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> warm, thoughtful,
chock-full-of-advice book on insecurity by the wonderful Liv. I sat down and
devoured it in a week (I’m a horribly slow reader these days so that’s impressive
by my snail standards) and loved every word. I saw someone describe
it as a cuddle in a book and couldn’t have put it better myself! </span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: -18pt;"> <a href="https://www.papier.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Papier Notepad</span></a>: Paper is stationary HEAVEN. One of my favourite places to buy greetings cards, they also stock some great journals and diaries for the year ahead. </span></div></li></ul></div></span><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">GIFTS UNDER £50</span><o:p></o:p></u></p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50678880636/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 1"><img alt="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 1" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50678880636_7371c3ebdb_b.jpg" width="680" /></a>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><u> </u></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+BQoVfsk92aNs4dpyakYlWw"><span style="color: #666666;">Aesop soap </span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">(£27): I think I might have bought
this as a gift every year for the last few years now (with a little ‘one for
you, one for me’ slip of the hand) and, if ever there was a year where soap was an appropriate gift, it's this one.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="http://elizabethscarlett.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Elizabeth Scarlett washbag</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (£28): I have a few
of these and they’re brilliant! They wear really well, have no structure so can
always be slotted somewhere into a bulging case and come in the most joyous selection
of prints I ever did see.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><u> </u></span></span></span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+sLicmj49OXY7sTxy5cLFMw"><span style="color: #666666;">Arket Shell Spoon</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+sLicmj49OXY7sTxy5cLFMw"><span style="color: #666666;">s</span></a> (£29): Spoons that you’ll
want to fork (too far?), I love a good spoon (that one wasn’t intended) and
these made me a bit giddy when I first locked eyes with them.</span><br /><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://rstyle.me/+GxzStVjXKPyVp0FU4xRTyw"><span style="color: #666666;">Arket Merino Beanie</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (£35): As you’ll probably
know, this is something that hasn't really left my head this year; they’re super cosy and come
in a whole variety of colours. Rob often pinches mine, so it's one of those presents that could
work for anyone! (Or one you buy for your partner and steal for yourself? Win win). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://saturdaybymeganellaby.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #666666;">A Saturday By Megan Ellaby Piece</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (range of prices):
Home to some of the most colourful prints you’ll find; I have both knits and
polo necks in my collection and love every piece with all me heart, Meggy and Faye
get better every season. They’ve also introduced socks and totes this season
which would make lovely wee gifts!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.laineslondon.com/socks"><span style="color: #666666;">Laines London socks</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.laineslondon.com/socks"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></a>(£35): Of COURSE there had to be more socks in there. Laines do some amazing (and really unusual) socks that come with little brooches - think hearts, lobsters, zebras and more - that are attached with a pin, so you can either keep them on the socks or remove them and pop it onto another piece of clothing!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;">Oceanus Mask (£55): </u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">This is what I call my Liza Minnelli mask as I feel like a very flamboyant diva when I wear it (in the best way), anything with an overload of gems gets a huge yes from me! They've got a huge range of colours and styles over on the website.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">THE BIG BOYS</span><o:p></o:p></u></p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50679087046/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50679087046_f1f0603b1e_b.jpg" width="680" /></a>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Pyjamas are one of my favourite things to open
at Christmas (that sentence is one of the many reasons I know I’m getting on a bit) and two of my
best sleepwear finds of the year are </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.karenmabon.com/collections/all"><span style="color: #666666;">Karen Mabon</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> and </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.yolke.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;">Yolke</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">. Both are
investments but the quality in each is amazing and the designs are guaranteed
to put a huge smile on your face (prices start from £120 for set)</span><br /><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/headphones/headphones/marshall-major-iii-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-black-10179394-pdt.html"><span style="color: #666666;">Marshall Headphones</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> ( Currently on sale at £49): I think I end up
featuring these every year but both the headphones and the Marshall speaker are
up there with the best purchases I’ve ever made, the sound quality’s amazing and
you get up to 30 hours playtime with each charge of the headphones which is
fantastic for a Forgetful Fred like myself (and especially if you're on a long flight). I also wear the headphones running and
they’re super comfy/don’t slip off!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+PY8DSSvboP2MSEBgOeFI7g"><span style="color: #666666;">Diptyque candles</span></a> </u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">(£92 for set of 3): Oh how I
love to open up a candle on Christmas day. Diptyque’s one of my favourite candle
brands, their Christmas releases really do bring me so much joy each year and
this year’s design by Ugo Gattoni is no exception. I’ve had mine sitting unlit
in the living room for about a week now (I didn’t want to burn them before I’d
snapped them for the guide which has been a real exercise in patience) and the smell has STILL
managed to fill the room. Worra joy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Knitwear from </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.biscuit.clothing/"><span style="color: #666666;">Biscuit Clothing</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> and </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.amarylliswestend.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Amaryllis</span></a>: </u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Two of my favourite, favourite shops in Glasgow (I'm sure you'll have seen me speaking about both over on Instagram), Amaryllis and Biscuit stock a huge range of amazing brands - I actually discovered a few I haven't heard of before through them - and two of my most worn knitwear pieces this Winter have been from each of them. If you're Glasgow based, absolutely get yourself in for a wee visit! And, if not, they both have brilliant websites that are filled to the brim with gift ideas </span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.esteelauder.co.uk/esearch?search=advanced%20night%20repair"><span style="color: #666666;">Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: One of my long-term
skincare favourites! I got my Mum one of these for Christmas a couple of years
back and it’s since become one of her favies too; a real all-rounder. You can
use the code ‘<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">AMY15</span></span>’ for 15% off anything on the Estee Lauder website (apart from
gift sets) until the 31</span><sup style="text-indent: -18pt;">st</sup><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> December. Hurrah!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <u>
</u></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://vbylauravann.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">V By Laura Vann Jewellery</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (range of prices): I own
quite a few of Laura’s pieces now and can safely say that her pieces are up there with the jewellery I get
asked about most (especially <a href="https://rstyle.me/+09kPZO9b_YamRfyKToR-Yg"><span style="color: #666666;">this little shell ring</span></a>). They’re beautifully made,
look a lot more expensive than they are - I actually think a lot of them look
like heirloom pieces so a possible fun lockdown activity could be to make up an
entirely fabricated back story to each piece – and wear so, so well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+4TbN2Eeu0JGK9_U47pMUjA"><span style="color: #666666;">Mulberry Personalised Scarf</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> (prices start from
£110): You may have seen me chatting about this over on Instagram but I think
it’s such a lovely present idea! Mulberry are offering complimentary embroidery
of up to three letters on their scarves (and some bags) this year if you want to
add that personal touch to a special present. They're also running complimentary online 1-to-1 virtual appointments with members of staff in the store which is such a great way to shop safely in the current climate! I had one a couple of weeks back with the lovely Ella from the Glasgow store and she was able to chat me through all their gifting options as well as try some bags on for me so I could see what they looked like on and where they sat etc. You can book this through the Mulberry website and, if you choose to buy some of the pieces you're shown and live within 12km of the store, you can have your pieces hand-delivered as quickly as that very same day!</span><br /></p><ul><li style="text-align: center;"><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+g06nEF4ZARugmFzM-kh5-g"><span style="color: #666666;">Fujifilm Instax Camera</span></a></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: I ruddy love my wee Instax camera. I've been using them for a few years now and they're such a great way to capture memories - there's something I really love about only getting one go at a photo as well (not to mention the excitement that comes with waiting for it to develop). We've got lots of the polaroids framed and pinned up around our flat!</span></li><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u>TENS Sunglasses</u>: You'll possibly have noticed me wearing my Tens quite a lot recently over on Instagram as they're one of the pairs I reach for most. Designed in Scotland and beautifully beautifully made! Rob also wears his Tens non-stop so it's a great gift 'for him' as well. </span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/50679171642/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)"><img alt="The Little Magpie Christmas Gift Guide For Him & Her 2020 (2)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50679171642_d20b70b8db_b.jpg" width="680" /></a>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Glasgow Based Businesses:</span></u></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And, if you’re
Glasgow based, here are a few more of my favourite Glasgow stores/brands for
gifts and, um, self-gifting. If you’re not Glasgow based, most of them have
great websites!</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><u><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span><a href="https://cafestrangebrew.bigcartel.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Cafe Strange Brew</span></a></b></u>: As you possibly very well know, this is one of my favourite cafes in Glasgow. As well as gift vouchers you can also buy reusable coffee cups on their website (I have the pink one and can confirm it's great)</p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b><a href="https://www.thetenten.co.uk/products"><span style="color: #666666;">Social Reclus</span></a>e</b>: Such a great shop for any music lovers - they stock prints and t-shirts alike (and have also recently launched mugs with different areas in Glasgow on them) which I think would make brilliant Christmas gifts.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://glaswegin.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2af-BRDzARIsAIVQUOftmMJZkRQOOsHQFZ3wpR9bn8_q40kYei6UUtlztt_02enXh0RcZIwaAuNLEALw_wcB" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Glaswegin</b></span></a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: Worth it for the name alone, right? Bottled and distilled in Glasgow, this was one of my favourite gin discoveries last year. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><u><a href="https://bamglasgow.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></a></u></span></span></span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://bamglasgow.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;"><!--[endif]-->Bam Glasgow</span></a></u></b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: A coffee and vintage shop rolled into one who also stock some really lovely small gift ideas and cards. This was actually where I picked up a good few of my presents last year! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://www.aume.co.uk/" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Aume</b></span></a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: Another of my favourite homewear shops in Glasgow, t'is a Scandi dream! Thankfully for anyone who lives a bit further flung, they've also got a great website.</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="kirstymclachlan.com/prints"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Kirsty McLachlan</b></span></a>: Not Glasgow based BUT the oh so talented Kirsty has recently launched her print shop, where you can buy a selection of her favourite photographs in print form.</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+DqsA0l1r1Zk6BzXcnUBQAw"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Oh Corrin</b></span></a>: Corrin's my go-to for cards and her '<a href="https://rstyle.me/+lccA9m9zjlU0zCwekpKUYg"><span style="color: #666666;">Baby, it's pure baltic outside</span></a>' is a firm favourite this year. There's a wee deal on at the moment where you can buy 4 cards for £10!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.33dowanhill.com/" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>33 Dowanhill / Elevate 46</b></span></a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">: who do the best facials in Glasgow. I think a wee gift voucher for either would make a very welcome present! </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yermawscuppatea/"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Yer Maw's Cuppa Tea</b></span></a>: vintage crockery with a twist (the 'Did Ye, aye' and 'Space Ghetto' plates are a personal favourite)</p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u><b><span style="font-family: Symbol;"> </span><a href="https://www.scottishfinesoaps.com/" style="color: #666666;">Scottish Fine Soap</a>s</b></u>: Not Glasgow based so I've cheated a little here but Scottish Fine Soaps do some of my favourite soaps/hand & body products. My Mum's used the Sea Kelp soap for years (which really does smell like a dream) and last year I converted to Goat Milk and Avocado, which sounds mental doesn't it, but, trust me, smells incredible.</span><br /><u><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u><b>Penny Black</b></u>: You might be thinking, what to heck is a post office doing in here, but Penny Black has one of the best best card selections in Glasgow Town, I don't think I've ever managed to leave without buying one. They've also got a lovely wee gift section now too, stocking a whole host of great local brands. </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://rossmuirart.com/"><span style="color: #666666;">Ross Muir</span></a>: One of my favourite Glasgow artists, Ross has some truly brilliant prints, as well as a limited edition 2020 calendar, that would make an amazing gift. <br /><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.eleanorbowmer.co.uk/"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Eleanor Bowmer</b></span></a>: Now, this isn't a Scottish brand at all so I'm really cheating now BUT Eleanor Bowmer's one of my favourite small businesses for gift buying so I had to include her somewhere. The Christmas range this year is ruddy magical.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">And one last wee idea (as I'm sure we've all missed travelling, city breaks and seeing walls that are different to our own this year), the beautiful <a href="https://charlottesquare.skchase.com/vouchers"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Kimpton Charlotte Hotel</b></span></a> in Edinburgh are giving 20% off of any voucher of £100 of more with the code 'XMAS20'. The vouchers are valid for 18 months to give you plenty of time to book your stay and, as well as giving you something to look forward to, it's a really lovely way to support hospitality after what has been one very tricky year.</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>...And one last wee selection of gift ideas:</u></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">And last but not least (sorry, I think I did take this even more seriously than an elf would), here are a few more gift ideas from around the interweb. I've tried to pick things that would suit both him and her! Off we go... </p></div>
<div class="boutique-widget" data-widget-id="1019142"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"boutique-script",document,"__boutique","/js/boutique.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/97d333a5533460e95e1450629f19012a6cf92d42/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-54435317893100446392020-11-27T04:40:00.003-08:002020-11-27T04:40:53.041-08:00Best of Black Friday Round-Up<p style="text-align: center;"> Hello friends! Wow it's been a while, huh? I'd planned a big dramatic entry back to blogging this Sunday - just kidding, it's actually a very mundane post I'm coming back with - but when I floated the idea of doing a wee Black Friday round up on here over on Instagram it seemed to go down well! So this is a return but not an official return... I'm saving my red carpet for the weekend. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I haven't actually bought too much this year, I've mainly been browsing for Christmas presents, BUT I did purchase a wee top up of my beloved Luminous Silk foundation (too good to miss at 30% off), this hair mask (when I asked for mask recommendations over on stories for straw hair this one was recommended roughly 3793 times so I have a feeling it may be good), a top-up of Olaplex No3 and a unitard for yoga (who saw that one coming? Not me). I'm also very, very tempted to pick up a Glossier hoodie as I've pretty much lived in their grey sweatshirt this year. Anywaaaay, I've been having a browse with a few cups of tea this morning and have found some grrrreat pieces, so here's a wee round-up of my favourites in case I've managed to stumble across something you've been desperately missing in your life, or something that you've been looking for for a gift! Stay tuned for a list of my favourite deals online at the bottom of the post! Ok, without further ado...</p>
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<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some of the discounts are applied at check-out so if you click through and it's full price don't be alarmed (I've done that several times this morning already). And if you fancied a more general browse, here's a round up of my favourite deals:</p><p style="text-align: center;">- 30% off sitewide at <a href="https://rstyle.me/+ADExR09-A2fn8gBA9gY1vQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Armani Beauty</span></a>. I'd recommend <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Mb0b8VdRCB6VfUxJ0tV2zw"><span style="color: #999999;">Luminous Silk Foundation</span></a> (I wear shade 6), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+UGerH1Eil1_994kIblwF8A"><span style="color: #999999;">Luminous Silk Primer</span></a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Pio612X2thx02nBbSYm3SA"><span style="color: #999999;">Neo Nude foundation</span></a> if you prefer something a little lighter and the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+96oVxDXZETBxZuPTRoahWg"><span style="color: #999999;">Luminous Silk Concealer</span></a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- 20% off everything at <a href="https://rstyle.me/+R6wNaJd8kVCuJt03YdEkMw"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories</span></a>. Obviously they have many a great thing on site but my top top pick would be <a href="https://rstyle.me/+L6dicHBX3Qw4st4wp-4kSw"><span style="color: #999999;">these ankle boots</span></a> which have hands down been my most worn footwear this year (and, apart from some mud, they literally haven't shown any signs of wear at all)</p><p style="text-align: center;">- 30% off sitewide at <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PU7_PesQKMcHNA86ZunCjw"><span style="color: #999999;">Urban Decay</span></a>. As you may well know from me banging on over on stories, my top pick would be the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+v2CJyflYFfm-PxVW1BBXbg"><span style="color: #999999;">Stoned Vibes palette</span></a>, which has 40% off today, an absolute ruddy beauty. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+_VZi1fK_gu4QWUlb3i-g9Q"><span style="color: #999999;">Free People</span></a> have 50% off a huge selection of items today only! There are so, so many amazing pieces in there, but if I had to pick my favourites, it'd be <a href="https://rstyle.me/+iYULmXXoqxoxN7klrpTa5g"><span style="color: #999999;">this long sleeve top</span></a> (I have it in three colours and it's such a flattering shape. V soft material too), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+TSP0DodNUzLGomEG8n6UoQ"><span style="color: #999999;">this coat</span></a> (which you'll have seen me wear <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7uEdsnFsR/" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a>) and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+vIBh1fJJl5VI0ZMDsf3bUQ"><span style="color: #999999;">this maxi</span></a> (which you'll have seen me wear <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XBhODHeym/" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a> and then the shorter version <a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2020/03/an-italian-adventure-part-iv-ravello.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+bqsy5vZ6Vfe1FDTQBJ_vVw"><span style="color: #999999;">All Saints</span></a> have 30% off everything which is verry exciting. I've never been disappointed with anything I've bought from there but, if I have to pick a stand-out, it'd be <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Ggk6SfYA124G9FM6Ylyrfg"><span style="color: #999999;">this leather jacket</span></a>! I've had mine for about 5 years now and it's aged almost as well as Helen Mirren. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- Another whopper, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+uLvkW9U6ysSxeVoAsN3GkQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Karen Millen</span></a> have up to 70% off everything and you can get a further 10% off of that with the code 'EXTRA'. My top pick? Ooh.. any of the leather jackets above or <a href="https://rstyle.me/+6_xGk648Gyemd58ZXNYr1Q"><span style="color: #999999;">this wee checked two piece</span></a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+XWJ5E7hKHz9h_JBin0sf4Q"><span style="color: #999999;">Topshop</span></a> have up to 50% off everything! My top pick would be this <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PDq5njdzGzoOlgWRoea9IQ"><span style="color: #999999;">checked set</span></a> which I've been eyeing up meself and this lovely <span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+0aSiadaCTGO_7KsU6x2v6w"><span style="color: #999999;">wee stripy hat</span></a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+-MTGa8JM-D6m4WNDyuYtqg"><span style="color: #999999;">John Lewis</span></a>, as expected, have an amazing Black Friday sale across everything from technology to beauty. Lots on the go but my top pick would be <a href="https://rstyle.me/+sAp6EvxiqPs3RdduWS1KrA"><span style="color: #999999;">the Mulberry sale</span></a> which has up to 50% off (hubba hubba)</p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+rd7XQr9gUo7wRUKcnz9YvQ"><span style="color: #999999;">MyTheresa</span></a> have a huuuuge sale on with everyone from Acne to Ganni to Jimmy Choo in there. Well worth a browse! </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+DfF5AFx8PgzGbSxNDgvt2Q"><span style="color: #999999;">Net-A-Porter</span></a> have an incredibly good sale on with up to 50% off brands like Ganni, The Vampire's Wife, Re/Done and Joseph. Pour yourself a cup of tea and grab a biscuit for this one! I do have a real soft spot for <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Z6chgLiV95fxPZyImHpQ6w"><span style="color: #999999;">this stripy jumper</span></a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+4YqNKfNAseag5hwYD1Pnbg"><span style="color: #999999;">these cropped trousers</span></a> and this <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Tno0guMT-tGSLejW7xWrvg"><span style="color: #999999;">wee silky top</span></a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+06FvmJYqWZh0MZD7LhHtGQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Sweaty Betty</span></a> have 25% off everything (discount applied at checkout). Most of my exercise leggings are from Sweaty Betty, I've had them for about 3-4 years and they're still going strong with no sagging or sadness. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+41A4ESxtyyVb1uprxhacHw"><span style="color: #999999;">Glossier</span></a> have 25% off everything woop woop woop. I'd personally recommend <a href="https://rstyle.me/+J25I05eqg-FrKijevF86EA"><span style="color: #999999;">their gloriously soft jumpers</span></a> and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+E4_SlSZ_PTxwWZ31RXZ93w"><span style="color: #999999;">Boy Brow</span></a>! </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+oYn0RNdmZ7bRBEvg5xbLug"><span style="color: #999999;">The Outnet</span></a> have an extra 25% off their already 70% off reduced pieces with the code BLACK FRIDAY. This is another one I could totally lose myself in but I'd recommend <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Y-f3fidiMutgi8DkGuSgZg"><span style="color: #999999;">Ganni</span></a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+4E1Mj1qNsCvq7diRAv9bkg"><span style="color: #999999;">AlexaChung</span></a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lsuDPOjnf3vRASMlZPFcnw"><span style="color: #999999;">Bella Freud</span></a> and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+MM1sZ_-0ix2AuiNm02jDwg"><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">Chinti and Parker</span></a> as a good start point. Ooh, and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+XZORK6aBU4EMMtvaC4DGLg"><span style="color: #999999;">Joseph</span></a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+hbRLTGdMsRLWU1o16HI8dg"><span style="color: #999999;">SpaceNK</span></a> (one of my all time favourite places for Christmas present shopping) has £25 off for every £100 spent. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+RtMs-U8Q_-iz4jI3_cL_vQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Mango</span></a> have up to 50% off everything and boy is it good. I don't think I could actually pick a favourite (you'll notice a hefty amount on the list above is Mango). <a href="https://rstyle.me/+gH10kz4epHt8bJgxy6g5DQ"><span style="color: #999999;">This black faux fur jacket</span></a> does remind me a lot of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaZ8NFniVx/"><span style="color: #999999;">this one</span></a> that I know a lot of people were sad to have missed out on, though! </p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+jWZk6d53KOk9jpGgJZ8odA"><span style="color: #999999;">Kiehl's</span></a> have 25% off site wide. I swear by their <a href="https://rstyle.me/+WZj_1mUU5FxSyeN_lpit1w"><span style="color: #999999;">Midnight Recovery Concentrate</span></a>, I've used it for years now, and Rob's a big fan of the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+xlyAIYlXS026BiZC2gGLiQ"><span style="color: #999999;">best-selling Ultra Facial Cream</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">- There's 20% off absolutely everything at <a href="https://rstyle.me/+giuuj46vEdmSiMMSykP4lQ"><span style="color: #999999;">H&M</span></a>! Again, incredibly difficult to pick favourites as it's one of my favourites to shop, but I do really love this <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+snf1jevwzK2hdX21dUQzmg"><span style="color: #999999;">tartan skirt</span></a> </span>and<span style="color: #999999;"> <a href="https://rstyle.me/+j5o49dTEAD46mRBF7VLtjw"><span style="color: #999999;">this amazing sequin midi</span></a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">- <a href="https://rstyle.me/+NgtDOT_HJ9pdJykf1FHnuw"><span style="color: #999999;">ASOS</span></a> has up to 70% off of absolutely everything today which, as you can imagine, covers a whole lot. I'd recommend <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Sd_phIA2qffyBPeBE-OjTg"><span style="color: #999999;">these ankle boots</span></a> (which I have and ruddy love), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+BPJSJrWO6NyMMNm-JRpjYg"><span style="color: #999999;">this absolute beauty of a midi dress</span></a> and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+PhsnpUnusfg1mXpR6J_m5g"><span style="color: #999999;">this wee cropped glitter cardi</span></a> (which again I have and love).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Right I'm going to stop there before I get carpal tunnel but I'll be sure to add to the deals list throughout the day if I see any more! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">See you on Sunday for that dramatic entrance,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Amy</i> </p>The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-8732779304773499602020-05-11T04:07:00.003-07:002020-05-11T04:37:14.752-07:00A Little Catch-Up <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49866604033/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Arket Grey Cashemere roll neck jumper"><img alt="The Little Magpie Arket Grey Cashemere roll neck jumper" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49866604033_ec3b52e7ab_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+yc2QJv1CMrk8__Nksc2ymA"><span style="color: #999999;">ARKET chunky grey roll neck</span></a> (c/o)</div>
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Hey pals! This post was supposed to go up yesterday but I ended up spending most of the day in bed eating scones and watching films (Stardust, as it turns out, is magical at any time of year) so here we are today. There's no specific theme to this post to be honest, more just a wee chance to catch up on the past few weeks. I thought I'd start by chatting through a few things we've watched recently - we've watched so much tv that my body-shaped indent in the sofa is almost complete - what we've been doing to pass the time, to round up a few things I've worn in isolation (and have been looking online) and I was also going to chat a bit about the books I'd been reading but I ended up putting a separate post together on those as I had quite a bit to say, so you can <a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2020/04/what-ive-been-reading-in-2020-so-far.html" rel="nofollow"><i><span style="color: #999999;">find that here</span></i></a> if you like! And, apart from that, really just have a bit of a chat about how everything was going. I find I go through a whole range of emotions before I've even had lunch, that I cry more often at tv adverts (in fact, I'm crying more at everything, it's like my body's constantly on the lookout for small emotional releases) and that some days I just need a day in my pyjamas watching Mrs Maisel on loop. On the flipside, I've found that I'm a lot more grateful for the smaller things - when we go on our walks I'm so much more aware of what's around us, of the birds chirping and have also taken countless (and I really do mean countless) close up photos of flowers. Every single rainbow and message in each window makes me smile and feel closer to everyone around us. I'm so grateful for calls with friends and family, for the funny videos sent to me by my neighbour, for the small acts of kindness I'm seeing all around me, for Rob's infinite silliness and ability to cheer up down days... the list goes on. When you're forced to slow down you really do start to notice and appreciate countless things that you'd normally be too busy to stop and be grateful for, so I'm trying to focus on that where I can. Taking it day by day, feeling what I need to feel and making sure to step away from my phone when it all gets a bit much.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867449852/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie pink polka dot essentiel antwerp dress (1)"><img alt="The Little Magpie pink polka dot essentiel antwerp dress (1)" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867449852_ba57f8e259_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/vundamental-dress-v3hp/"><span style="color: #999999;">Essentiel Antwerp polka dot dress</span></a> (c/o)</div>
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So, I'll start with what we've been watching!<br />
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<u><b>This Country</b>:</u> A few friends had been telling me to watch this for months and I cannot believe it took me so long. It's a mocumentary style programme surrounding the lives of young people growing up in the Cotswolds and is the most I can remember laughing at a programme in a long, long time. I'm in total and utter awe both of Daisy May and Charlie Cooper's writing, how seamlessly they weave in heartfelt moments, and their ability to stay deadpan throughout (I'd genuinely be in a fit of giggles on the floor 90% of time if I had to act opposite either). I wish so badly that I could go back and watch this with fresh eyes over and over again. Find it <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09twr53/this-country"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>.</div>
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<u><b>Race Across the World</b></u>: Another one recommended to me my pals and boy oh boy is it good. Five teams - each made up of two people - are given the cost of an airfair from London to Singapore (and then Mexico City to Argentina in the second series) and have to make their way from A to B using only land and sea. To make it that little bit harder, no phones are allowed so there's no access to google maps or google translate. It's incredibly entertaining, you learn a lot along the way (if 'what is the Southernmost city in the world?' comes up in a pub quiz I am SORTED), see some beautiful, beautiful scenery - which is especially appreciated at the moment - make bets about how you'd fare if you were on the show and also see how each contestant changes as journey goes on. Another one I was genuinely gutted to finish! Find it <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000hy2d/race-across-the-world-series-2-9-revealed"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">here</span></i></a>. </div>
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<u><b>Normal People</b></u>: The programme I'm sure your feeds and group chats have been consumed by! I absolutely loved it: the acting was incredible and so wonderfully understated (I shouted 'I just can't believe how good they are!' at least twice an episode. A possible mood ruiner, yes, but it was too good not to), the chemistry between Connell and Marianne is off the charts, each individual shot was so beautifully thought out and, since finding out Daisy's actually English, I'm also blown away by her accent too. Just like the book, it's tender and it's real and painful at times to watch. I did feel, also like the book, like it went on ever so slightly long but that's only a tiny complaint and not one that would put me off watching it. If you haven't seen it yet, find it <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p089g8rs/normal-people"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>. </div>
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<u><b> Disney+</b></u>: Our lockdown saviour; it's like a warm cuddle through your tv screen. We've watched everything from The Emperor's New Groove (one of my all time favourites) to The Parent Trap (Rob had never seen it so that had to be immediately rectified) and loved every minute.*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I should probably add in here that I worked with them on a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-IKk4xH-vz/"><span style="color: #999999;">paid partnership on Instagram</span></a> but that changes nuthin' when it comes to my views. It's heaven on there if you're a Disney/Pixar fan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867141816/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Faithfull puff sleevemidi dress"><img alt="The Little Magpie Faithfull puff sleevemidi dress" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867141816_7f978ef422_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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FAITHFULL puff sleeve dress (c/o and sadly old but you can find the new prints - same shape - of this dress <a href="https://rstyle.me/+e51OeyzXdG6d6Nqs3_vmxQ"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">here</span></i></a>)<br />
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In terms of what we've been doing outside of watching tv and films, we've been painting a lot (I'm really not very blessed in that area but I do find it therapeutic and a great distraction from my own mind), playing Monopoly (I threw a fantastic huff because I was losing so badly that involved screeching 'DON'T PATRONISE ME!' which was a real isolation low. In fact, on that note, Ruth has put together<a href="https://www.amodelrecommends.com/life-update-pmt-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/"><span style="color: #999999;"> the most perfect post on PMT in isolation</span></a>), we've been going our daily walks (which, honestly, have been such a saviour when it comes to mental health), doing<i> </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQ34afVgk8cRQBjSJ1xuJQ"><span style="color: #999999;">the 30 minute low impact Madfit classes</span></a> (a good chunk of which I spend staring at her muscles in awe), playing card games, doing IGTV barre classes with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/psyclelondon/?hl=en"><span style="color: #999999;">Psycle London</span></a> (Rod has cheered up many a sad iso afternoon), tidying and needlessly moving things around the flat and reading. Sitting on my to-do list collecting dust, probably from now until the end of time, is 'learn French'. Ahem. I don't mean for that list to overwhelm anyone as there's been a HUGE amount of nothingness in between those activities and some days that have passed in a haze with us asking 'what... did we actually do today?', but more just to inspire anyone who might be looking for some more things to fill the time! The lovely Liv Purvis has also put up a guide on the best Instagram lives each week <a href="https://whatoliviadid.com/2020/04/a-week-in-instagram-lives-planning-your-week-ahead/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></i></a>.<br />
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And here's a wee round up of some of the outfits I've been wearing in lockdown! Chloe Plumstead wrote <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_XM8ugALhZ/"><span style="color: #999999;">a beautiful caption here</span></a> about not saving your best for 'best' which really resonated with me; there are so many dresses in my wardrobe that have only been worn once because I was saving them for some unknown 'special' outing, so I've thrown caution to the wind and started wearing them indoors. Some days I put them on and feel lifted, some days I put them on, feel great, then feel a bit uncomfortable or silly and and change back into my comfies after a few hours, some days the last thing I want to do is even think about wearing a nice outfit and gravitate straight towards my warm, baggy clothes or active-wear. I completely understand that you're not going to want to do this every - or even any days - it's all about doing what's right for you on that day. I've tried to dress up at least one of the weekend days to differentiate from the weekdays, even if it's just to go a walk or to sit on the sofa and eat fajitas in. So, throughout this post are some outfits from days where I was feeling up to wearing something special:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867140831/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magipe H&M lilac midi dress"><img alt="The Little Magipe H&M lilac midi dress" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867140831_d6cd6a0d91_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49870053613/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie H&M lilac dress"><img alt="The Little Magpie H&M lilac dress" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49870053613_4ab57d4160_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+-daiYP-5kTD-tS0yC5pllw"><span style="color: #999999;">H&M lilac dress</span></a> </div>
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Lilac isn't a colour I'd normally wear but this is up there with one of my favourite dresses I've ever worn. The quality's incrrrredible for the price and I absolutely love the loose, flowy fit (especially right now whilst I'm 98% banana bread)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867141236/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie H&M stonewash high waisted jeans"><img alt="The Little Magpie H&M stonewash high waisted jeans" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867141236_952405ff00_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+VZEwPB_6gQuni8WE0KDSTQ"><span style="color: #999999;">H&M high waist jeans</span></a> (c/o) & puff sleeve crop (top is old sadly)</div>
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These jeans are FANTASTIC. I like a really high waisted fit, and these are certainly that, and they also fit my five foot self perfectly as I think they're designed to be ankle grazers on your average sized human. They're a little tighter than I'd like at the moment - see previous banana bread statement - so by mid afternoon I'd admitted defeat and was back in my leggings. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867449932/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Nasty Gal Stripe flare trousers"><img alt="The Little Magpie Nasty Gal Stripe flare trousers" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867449932_31045ed7a9_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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NASTY GAL flared trousers | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+KNdeGZSkN3HtZhTdOTHCIA"><span style="color: #999999;">FREE PEOPLE puff sleeve top</span></a> (c/o) | ROCK N ROSE headband </div>
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...I'm beginning to notice a puff sleevd theme here, I'm getting very predictable in my old age (kidding, I've always been predictable). Free People, as I'm sure you well know by know, is one of my favourite places for clothes and this top's another little slice of heaven. It comes in two colours and both are just as beautiful as the other. </div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49866604118/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie & Other Stories blue puff sleeve dress"><img alt="The Little Magpie & Other Stories blue puff sleeve dress" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49866604118_10266da57a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+hbA0uCsskzlS0F7s9Cpo1g"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories princess dress</span></a> </span>(c/o)</div>
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For days when you want to feel like Cinderella (plus it has pockets which I was incredibly gleeful to discover). Also in the second photo I'm laughing because as I stepped on the floorboard it made an impeccable fart noise and I was genuinely quite shocked to see the photo back and how... expressive my laughing face is. If you're younger and wondering if fart noises get less funny with age, well, my tunnel for a mouth is your answer. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867140321/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Red H&M midi puff sleeve dress"><img alt="The Little Magpie Red H&M midi puff sleeve dress" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867140321_5de5fa1896_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867449352/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_8266"><img alt="IMG_8266" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867449352_b261011d76_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+k0pL4zmsQo87_-B4Hq7v9A"><span style="color: #999999;">H&M puff sleeve dress</span></a> (comes in white and black too)</div>
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...Of course it's a puff sleeve dress. I've found dresses - even if a bit more extravagant - more enjoyable to wear in isolation than trousers. I spend a lot of time sitting down (be it watching tv, typing or because I'm stuck in a yoga pose that was too advanced for me) and, because I generally favour quite a tight trousers, have found dresses to be a lot less restrictive. I ruddy love red so was immediately drawn to this one (and it's also a total bargain too at £24.99!)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49867140581/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie & Other Stories Black coin print trousers"><img alt="The Little Magpie & Other Stories Black coin print trousers" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867140581_33295a9f52_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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& OTHER STORIES coin print trousers (old) and <span style="color: #999999;">F<a href="https://rstyle.me/+viSwqSMiY5JT-0OJ1ZLDRQ"><span style="color: #999999;">REE PEOPLE blouse</span></a> </span>(c/o, also comes in white and green) </div>
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Ah, here's a pair of trousers I will make an exception for. I got these last summer for going to Italy and they're that rare blend of fitted but comfortable. Paired with another wee Free People blouse that, again, has some fantastic sleeves.<br />
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And, last but not least (my god this has turned out to be an unexpected whopper of a post) is a round up of some nice things I've seen online recently. I've been trying not too look as I have no self control but sometimes, mainly in the morning when I'm clutching my first cup of tea, I have a little bleary eyed browse. I know most people are in the same boat and trying not to shop at the moment, but I thought I'd share a couple of my favourites just in case I'd stumbled across something that someone was specifically looking for (or, like me, in case you enjoyed perving on pretty summer dresses and daydreaming about where you'd wear them). My particular favourites are <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5PB6bwBKk1LNwYt2n6vkmA"><span style="color: #999999;">these trousers</span></a> (which I think look SO comfortable and are also a bit of a bargy), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+w4osfgsqH4BOJTxmO07bXg"><span style="color: #999999;">this beautiful wee dress</span></a> (which, again, I think looks so much more expensive than it is), <span style="color: #999999;">t<span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+GQhjy3NSHdz5OKBl7kJ7bg"><span style="color: #999999;">his floral maxi</span></a> </span></span>(puff sleeves. Of course), and, finally <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lZmFGplJnqrALnbY9jpNhQ"><span style="color: #999999;">THIS masterpiece of a dress</span></a> which I spent a long time staring at like someone who needs to get a life*<br />
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*BECAUSE I need to get a life, sorry.</div>
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And that brings to an end this outrageously long post! My thumbs have gone slightly numb from typing so I can only imagine what state your eyes are in. If you've made it to the end, I salute you.</div>
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<i>Amy </i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Post contains affiliate links and fart jokes</span></i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-46675833549712664512020-05-06T05:17:00.002-07:002020-05-11T04:10:48.803-07:00April's beauty empties! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49862071538/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie April Skincare Empties"><img alt="The Little Magpie April Skincare Empties" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49862071538_df6ea24291_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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I'd like to start by saying that, don't worry, you've not missed anything: although the title of the blog post might be worded like this a regular feature, it's the first time I've actually done a post like this. Normally I keep my empty sharing to Instagram stories but I've had a lot more time than normal to finish up various beauty and skincare bits over the last month or so, so thought I'd do a proper round-up here so that I can go into a bit more detail. And if you like the post I'll continue it on and make it a regular feature fo' real! So, without further ago, here are some of my recent favourite beauty empties:</div>
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+yS7HYOznUv5r2sGUkANzAw"><span style="color: #999999;">Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate</span></a>:<br />
I've been using this on and off for the past five years or so and have repurchased countless times. It works by enhancing your skin's natural night-time recovery process and I always feel my skin that bit softer and more hydrated the morning after using it. The formula's 99.8% natural derived and there's lavender essential oil and primrose oil in so it's verrry relaxing to apply - I normally take a big deep breath whilst I'm patting it on, making everyone else in the vicinity instantly uncomfortable. Plus, the bottle looks like it came straight from ye olde apothecary (not an essential when buying skincare but I am particularly drawn to bottles that look like they belong in a potions lab). I warm 3 drops in my hands and apply it after cleansing and toning, pre-moisturiser, by gently pressing it onto my skin. Don't forget that breath.</div>
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+Vput9qNfLsUjrMyv4z9PGw"><span style="color: #999999;">Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream</span></a>:<br />
I'm sure you'll have seen me bang on about this countless times because it's a firm favourite in my beauty bag. The first time I ever used it was when I was a child and burnt my face on holiday* and it was the only lotion my Mum could find to soothe it without stinging. Since then it's become a staple and I use it for everything from smoothing flyaways to highlighting my cheeks in summer to smothering myself with on planes, but it's been especially useful the past few weeks for wee patches of dry skin that have popped up in isolation (anyone else's skin going a bit nuts?). If you haven't used the Eight Hour range before, I'd also highly recommend <a href="https://rstyle.me/+M7AQ-r7wIG-oBv6k3ttaDw"><span style="color: #999999;">the hand cream</span></a> for dry paws, the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+rxpGcyG9MKKtoUMT0QGrfQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Great 8 daily defence moisturiser</span></a>, and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+8Vi7b0QcCdZCDQs24ZUPKA"><span style="color: #999999;">the lip balm</span></a> (the tinted ones are especially nice) as well! Ooh, and the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+-2ZPBsIVoq26nXaNh1Xe4g"><span style="color: #999999;">Miracle oil</span></a> for evening time on holiday. Heaven.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*As I typed that I could hear my Mum wailing, 'you make me sound negligent, Amy!' so I hold my hands up and say that I would use the slipperiness of sun tan lotion to my advantage, break free and run straight back into the pool the second she'd finished applying it and, thanks to this joie de vivre, my under-eye skin took a real hit</span></div>
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<u><a href="https://rstyle.me/+o_FV0dXRoGo6n7iGbNlc3w"><span style="color: #999999;">Ouai super dry shampoo</span></a></u>:<br />
Because who needs dry shampoo when you have SUPER DRY SHAMPOO. I use dry shampoo all the time - be it on my fringe to give it a bit of volume, on my crown to give it texture for a beehive and on those 'in between wash' days, which are becoming more and more present in iso, may I add (I'm trying to train my hair to go longer between washes and am determined to beat it). It is pricey, sadly, but if you ARE looking to splurge, I would say it lives up to the price tag and a little goes a long way; I had mine for around 4 months before it ran out. Plus, two big bonuses: it smells absolutely amazing and it doesn't leave any telltale chalky spots on your hair or scalp. However, if you're still looking at this and thinking 'are you nuts, woman?' then you can't go wrong with good old Batiste.</div>
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<u><a href="https://utan.co.uk/products/utan-x-jamie-tanning-water?keyword=&matchtype=b&network=g&adposition=&device=c&utm_source=google_display&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy6T1BRDXARIsAIqCTXqWNfSNzD2hoB02i2nB6pJVqDXVzPReTuHdqHS8MmXhtX6QMn1F-MkaAnqMEALw_wcB"><span style="color: #999999;">Utan x Jamie Genevieve CBD tanning water</span></a></u>:<br />
I LOVE this. There are only two fake tans I use on my face and this is one of them. It's perfect for sensitive skin - it's one of the few that hasn't caused my face to have any sort of reaction - gives a really lovely glow that you can build on each night and is infused with lavender so smells amazing which, I think we can all agree, is a true rarity for fake tan. One of my favourite things about it is that it sprays directly onto your face and there's no need to rub it in, so no worrying about it getting all over your hands either, huzzah! I use 3-4 spritzes as the final step in my evening skincare routine. </div>
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<u><a href="https://rstyle.me/+SLXprcgueYyMmczid3sHFw"><span style="color: #999999;">Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede candle</span></a></u>:<br />
It's a bold claim to make but I think this is my favourite Jo Malone scent, every time I get a whiff of it on someone I can't help but spontaneously shout out 'PEONY AND BLUSH SUEDE!'. The candle version is just as delicious and the smell fills the entire room (the candle's been finished for about three weeks now and the jar still smells like peony heaven). Peony, red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower all come together to make for a really beautiful, calming scent... get a room, I know. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/36794716015/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Pamper Routine"><img alt="The Little Magpie Pamper Routine" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4437/36794716015_2608e29054_b.jpg" width="784" /></a>
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+BMSk6NLyzSama3_d6SGiSQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Darphin De-Puffing Antioxidant eye cream</span></a>:<br />
My skin can be quite sensitive and Darphin's a brand I've always found my skin really gets on with. I've yet to be disappointed with their products - if you haven't tried their <a href="https://rstyle.me/+-kpS8yUpT1T4iUjw2eP_vw"><span style="color: #999999;">rose oil cream</span></a> yet it's a b-e-a-u-tiful night cream, especially on dry skin - and this eye cream is another winner. It's a gel-like formula so applies nice and lightly on the skin and is also very fast absorbing so a great one to use under make-up. I've found it to be both hydrating and smoothing, especially on dehydration lines, and a little goes a long way. </div>
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<u><a href="https://rstyle.me/+d5COZJJigH6bn-U_bW_XOQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Crabtree & Evelyn fruit smoothie face cream</span></a></u>:<br />
This recommendation actually comes to you from Rob! We both use their exfoliating body bar daily (a great product if you're a bar user, we've been using it for almost two months and still have about a third left) so when he spotted this he claimed it for his own. It's honestly one of the nicest smelling moisturisers I've come across - it's listed as being sweet coconut and cactus leaf but to me it smells like holidays and the ocean. I pinched some for myself one night and it's really lovely and hydrating but very light at the same time. So there's one you know will be a hit with the men in your life too! </div>
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<a href="https://www.kloriscbd.com/pages/testimonials"><span style="color: #999999;">Kloris CBD oil</span></a>:<br />
Another one from both me and Roberto - we've been using a few drops of this in a herbal tea in the evening to help with sleep or, on days when I feel especially anxious, I'll pop a few drops under my tongue and keep them there for 30 seconds. I know there's still a bit of doubt surrounding CBD oil but we both really enjoyed using it!<br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+OEQpRHH3RHn9vHLjUN1vfQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Fresh Soy Face Cleanser</span></a>:<br />
I tried this for the first time last summer on Liv Purvis's recommendation and have been hooked ever since. It's beautiful to use, very kind to sensitive skin and also removes eye make-up - that's right, EVEN MASCARA - without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. I currently use it for my first cleanse in the evening: splash some warm water on your face, apply and massage the cleanser in and watch your make up roll on off.<br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+yf-hvRmgeRzYILj1iOfOng"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Frank Body Scrub</span></a>:<br />
Boy does this take a long time to fully vacate your shower but it really is one of my favourite body scrubs. I fake tan and need a good ole exfoliate every few days so I don't go full on patch adams and this is one I come back to time and time again - it's a blend of coffee granules, oils and vitamin E so leaves your skin so, so soft to touch after you've used it. Plus the smell of coffee is always a welcome addition to a shower. I find one handful enough to do my whole body!<br />
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Mitchum Deoderant:<br />
This is another one that comes to you from both me and Roberto as he's been using the men's one. I normally use a Mitchum roll on but have switched to this new one which is powered by bamboo powder, is 96% natural ingredients and it smells like HEAVEN. It's eucalyptus so a really soft, natural scent. A definitely re-purchase in my books!<br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+BWRQk0QpB7KlhXu5CZtT7A"><span style="color: #999999;">La Mer The Concentrate</span></a>:<br />
I've done a huuuge blog post on this product <i><a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2019/04/ad-travel-skincare-essentials.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #999999;">right here</span></a></i> so I won't go into it in too much detail again but everything I've said there stands true - it goes on like velvet, soothes red and irritated skin and it just a joy to use. A total investment but one of my favourite La Mer products and one I'm v sad to finish!<br />
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<i>Amy x</i><br />
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-59943538064528882562020-04-30T07:06:00.000-07:002020-05-11T04:11:57.338-07:00What I've been reading in 2020 so far...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49834334127/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Favourite Books April 2020"><img alt="The Little Magpie Favourite Books April 2020" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49834334127_ee78dcf6a0_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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Hey pals! I hope everyone's doing ok? Today's post is all about one of my favourite things: books, books and more books. Losing myself in a good read is one of the few forms of escapism that works for me and, as I've had the chance to do a bit more reading than normal in the last month or so, I thought I'd round up all of the books I'd read recently with a little bit about what I thought on each. Starting with...<br />
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+hUUKPcZC9ZZ4TbmoOuiD8w"><span style="color: #999999;">The Book Thief</span></a></span></u><br />
Oh my god did I love this. Rob's sister recommended it and, as soon as I started, I went into full blown antisocial mode - curled up on the sofa, totally lost in it, eager to finish it whilst simultaneously knowing I'd feel lost and listless when I did. It's set in Nazi Germany, 1939, and follows the lives of a German family, the Hubermann's, who adopt Liesel - our protagonist - and are also hiding Jewish Max Vandenburg in their basement. It's written from the perspective of death and beautifully so, allowing the author to ponder upon humanity whilst giving a real insight into the heartbreaking and devastating effects of war as the story unfolds. Despite this, the book is still filled with uplifting and heartwarming moments - I cried and smiled in equal measures - and the characters are written so vividly that you'll fall in love with them from the opening chapters: Hans felt so real that I was desperate to reach into the book and cuddle him. I put a lot of the books I'm reading on my stories and was totally blown away by how many people replied to say this was their all time favourite book, so I like to think this is, hopefully, one for everyone (and I can guarantee it'll stay with you for a good while afterwards).</div>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+yeMGXe8DA5NiXLPcpK-QVw"><span style="color: #999999;">Calypso</span></a></span></u><br />
Oh my good god. I don't think I can actually put into words how much I loved this - before I'd even finished it I'd already decided it was one of my favourite books and that I'd do anything in my power to become best friends with David Sedaris. It's a collection of essays that are written to perfection: he's incredibly sharp, honest, observant, open about his failings and so frank that he had me turning towards the window of the train I was on so people wouldn't see me hysterically laughing. I read and re-read lines and marvelled at his word choice and how well they were put together. He moves seamlessly from laugh out loud moments to more intimate, personal and heartbreaking admissions and back again in a way that few people can master, covering everything from suicide, alcoholism, politics and family relationships to shopping in Japan and an un-flushed toilet at a garden party and everything in between. His writing immediately put me at ease; it was like reading the diary of a (very, very funny) close friend; one who is weird, wonderful and comes away with the kind of acerbic admissions that'll have you coughing into your tea. Honestly I'd love so badly to be inside of his head for a day so I could view life the way he does. One of my favourite reads in a long time.</div>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+BmvIsvBZvGLpsVzvE_CwPw"><span style="color: #999999;">Daisy and the Six</span></a></span></u><br />
<a href="http://www.meganellaby.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Megan</span></a> bought me this for Christmas as it's one of her favourite books and, as always with books that come with a recommendation from family or friends, I so was excited to get stuck in. Holy mojito is it enthralling; I started it on my birthday with the aim of reading 10 minutes before breakfast and ended up losing a good few hours to it. At the very, very beginning I wasn't sure on the interview style format, but very quickly got used to it and began to enjoy how it allowed for a deep exploration of each character. It follows the story of a fictional 70s rock band who we know from the beginning have had a premature and messy break-up... we just don't know why. It's very, very readable and the characters, again, come to life very quickly, to the point where I actually had to look up if they were a real band. Me and my Mum had such vivid mental images of each of the characters that we had an in-depth discussion about what the Billy of our imaginations looked like (surprisingly: very, very different) and I particularly loved the character of Camilla and badass Karen.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://rstyle.me/+yuTwXQMGswVToLGjADXbNw"><span style="color: #999999;">The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</span></a></u> </span><br />
...was a birthday present from Rob which I'd been banging on about every since <a href="https://www.theslowtraveler.net/five-books-to-read-this-autumn/"><span style="color: #999999;">Carolyn</span></a> (who always has the best book recommendations) had mentioned it to me the previous year. The story tells the tale of Evelyn Hugo - another very strong female character - her seven husbands, one forbidden love and a life in Hollywood as Cuban actress. Evelyn, a retired Hollywood star, has been notoriously quiet about her private life but is finally ready to give her version of events, hiring little known journalist Monique who - over the course of the story - comes to realise Evelyn's choosing her wasn't quite as random as it had initially seemed. Dun dun duuuuun. I really enjoyed this and am so in awe of Taylor Jenkins Reid's ability to write characters that feel so real and complex in all their flaws. She explores sexuality, race, misogyny and more through the characters in the novel in a beautifully evocative and compelling way.</div>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+0GdrqRQr2piy1jv571-aww"><span style="color: #999999;">The Insecure Girl's Handbook</span></a></span></u><br />
The debut novel (what an exciting thing to write) of the ever-wonderful <a href="https://whatoliviadid.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Olivia Purvis</span></a>. Liv's put together a beautifully honest book, inspired by <a href="https://www.theinsecuregirlsclub.com/about"><span style="color: #999999;">The Insecure Girl's Club</span></a>, that will have you shouting 'I thought I was the only one who felt like that!' in your head several times throughout. It's like being given a warm cuddle as you read and Liv is truly wonderful at offering kind, heartfelt advice and coping mechanisms for a whole range of insecurities, with her voice shining clearly throughout. The book's also punctuated with interviews with women from all walks of life who offer their insights on self doubt, insecurity and more, each one making you feel that bit less alone. It also marks the first time I've ever written on a book - I know, it goes against everything I stand for too - making little notes in the margins and folding over pages I wanted to come back to. I'm so incredibly proud of Liv and think this is a book that'll truly help so many people feel less alone in their insecurities.</div>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+A0Hjmm7KHiCTh3FDLsSUxA"><span style="color: #999999;">Grown-Ups</span></a></span></u><br />
I so badly wanted to love it, as I'm a huge Marian Keyes fan, but I struggled to get into this one. There are so many characters that you're often trying to figure out who's who instead of focusing on the plot or on connecting with the individuals, and I didn't get as many chuckles from it as a MK novel would normally bring. Like I say, I do absolutely love her writing and feel like she's another author who's fantastic at writing very flawed and human characters as well as being able to touch on serious issues whilst still weaving in lightness and humour, but sadly I didn't enjoy this one as much as usual.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+v5DBdLcDrBH3Bk9MpaFR9w"><span style="color: #999999;">I Feel Bad About My Neck</span></a></span></u><br />
I'd heard so much about this book that I was nervous it wouldn't live up to the hype and, if I'm honest, I'm still not 100% sure how I feel about it. One thing I do love, that's true of every novel of hers I've read so far, is that there is so much of Nora Ephron present in her writing that it's almost as if she's sitting there reading the lines out loud to you. Her tone is notoriously self-deprecating, dry, observant and honest; she'll have you giggling and nodding along in agreement, feeling like the two of you are in cahoots together. Whilst I enjoyed some of the essays and observations in this book, there were quite a few that I didn't agree with or relate to, and I did feel it lagged a little in parts. However, I can see that one of the joys of the book may be that you could come back to it at various times in your live and take different things from it. It's not one I was desperate to pick up and I found myself dipping in and out of it over a few weeks but it did bring some smiles and nods along the way and I really do think that she she writes very beautifully and very effortlessly. </div>
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And there we have it! If you'd like to check any of them out I've popped a wee link in each title that'll take you straight to the book. I'm just starting on '<a href="https://rstyle.me/+3UJpIW3AAekfGv0izRX03A"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Me Talk Pretty One Day</span></i></a>' by David Sedaris (next step: restraining order) now and would ruddy love to know what you're reading at the moment/what's on your 'to read' list? In fact, I'd also love to know what you thought of these books if you've read 'um too!</div>
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<i>Amy </i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-24525637603927001852020-04-17T09:08:00.000-07:002020-04-17T09:08:23.820-07:00How to Spend 48 Hours in Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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MAJE cropped leather jacket (old) | ZARA burgundy cardigan | KATE SPADE clutch (c/o) | ASOS midi skirt (old but <a href="https://rstyle.me/+xMRYgGuBHd-rlPVn_BJJ_g"><i><span style="color: #999999;">very very similar here</span></i></a>) | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Bp_odD9R4GE-rhznMeoggw"><span style="color: #999999;">RAG & BONE knee high boots</span></a> via The Outnet (c/o)<br />
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Well hey there! Today's post is another travel one, but this time we're slightly closer to home in Edinburgh. I'm often through for work but very rarely for pleasure (as anyone who's ever asked me for a bar recommendation will know) so me and Rob decided to have a wee weekend there just for ourselves a couple of months ago. We stayed at <a href="https://edinburgh.intercontinental.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">InterContinental Edinburgh the George</span></a>, which is one of my all time favourite hotels in Edinburgh; it's perfectly located on <u>George Street</u> (a great street for shops and bars and also a two minute walk from Princes Street/St Andrew's Square), the rooms are lovely and the staff are always oh so very welcoming. Plus their cafe - Burr and Co - is one of my Edinburgh go-to's, it's got a really lovely European feel to it and they do a grrrreat cake. The hotel has a really interesting history too: it's made up of five Georgian townhouses, dating all the way back to the 18th century, in an area that was frequented by famous Scottish faces like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. We stayed in one of their suites which was such a lovely treat - there's a living room area, which you can chill in after a hard day's touristing, a big beautiful bed that feels like it's made of clouds, as well as a free standing bath that looks increasingly welcoming every single time you visit the bathroom. There were some lovely Scottish treats waiting in the room for us in the form of an incredibly cosy jumper from <a href="https://pringlescotland.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Pringle</span></a> (which you might have spotted on my Instagram stories, I'll show you on here very soon if not) and, continuing on with the cosy Scottish theme, a throw from <a href="https://www.kwc.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Knockando</span></a> - a woolmill that dates all the way back to 1784 and one of the last of it's kind (which you can also now visit in person for a tour) - who are now stocked in Pad Lifestyle and Harvey Nichols, so there's two lovely Scottish brands for you to check out whilst you're in Edinburgh!</div>
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We checked in late on the Thursday afternoon, dropped our bags in the room and, with a few hours to spare before dinner, headed down to <u>Armstrongs</u> and <u>Carnivale</u> for some vintage shopping, followed by a much needed cup of tea at <u>Lovecrumbs</u>. Normally we would always head out for dinner when we're visiting somewhere, but on the Thursday evening we had dinner at the <u>Printing Press bar and Kitchen</u> in the hotel and I'm SO glad we did. I'd been to the bar in December for some festive drinks with friends (it's so lovely and atmospheric at that time of year) and loved it, so we started with a wee cocktail in the bar - which I've since learned won Scottish Hotel Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2019 - and then went on to have an amazing meal in the restaurant, tucked in the romantic wee window seat above. I'll let you have a wee look at the <a href="http://www.printingpressedinburgh.co.uk/menu/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">full menu here</span></i></a>, but my particular favourite was the scallops with pea and parsley puree, whereas Rob said the smoked haggis, pureed neeps and crispy potato starter was up there with the best haggis he's ever tasted (a truly big claim). They were also fantastic with allergies for anyone who, too, suffers with a sad digestive system. Bellies full, we headed up to bed ready for the jam packed Saturday ahead.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49780572006/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Victoria Street Edinburgh"><img alt="The Little Magpie Victoria Street Edinburgh" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49780572006_7c115ff058_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49784537798/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie & other strories checked blue trousers 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49784537798_72127cbe7f_b.jpg" width="684" alt="The Little Magpie & other strories checked blue trousers 1"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49780036298/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Vintage suede coat with fur cuffs 1"><img alt="The Little Magpie Vintage suede coat with fur cuffs 1" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49780036298_900d47e201_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49780036898/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Edinburgh Fhior tasting menu review"><img alt="The Little Magpie Edinburgh Fhior tasting menu review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49780036898_14bb5b3d94_b.jpg" width="684" /></a> <a href="https://www.waiste.co.uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">WAISTE VINTAGE faux fur cuff coat</span></a> | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+pICm-CzZtWMPRZr3b2K4oA"><span style="color: #999999;">& OTHER STORIES black scoop neck top</span></a> and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+LvDxKevSIXTN-8Jo1H0cxw"><span style="color: #999999;">blue check trousers</span></a> (c/o - both now in sale) | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+6xstvJTq_wXSyWoaS2tdnA"><span style="color: #999999;">ASPINAL OF LONDON brown crossbody bag</span></a> (c/o)<br />
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Friday: Valentine's Day! The morning started off with a visit to the Strathberry shop, it was my first ever time there and it's such a beautiful shop (plus I could easily have spent the whole morning chatting with Ruthie and Vanessa who work there) where I picked up a lovely bag that I'll show you as soon as we're out and about and bags become a necessity again. We finished up, armed with a full day of plans and... cue dramatic entrance from Storm Dennis, who put a bit of a dampener, literally, on those carefully crafted plans. We ran to <u>127</u> - one of my favourite cafes in Edinburgh - for cake and a matcha (I'm rapidly realising how hard it is to say you drink matcha without sounding like an arsehole) and a bit of respite. It didn't seem to be letting off any so we scrapped our plans for the day ahead and headed back to watch movies in the room - also my idea of a dream day - but what I'll do is talk you through our original plans so that, if you happen to be there on a more fortunate day, you can hopefully take a few ideas from it! So, originally the day was to start with brunch at <u>Urban Angel</u> (who do 'mmm' worthy gluten free bread) followed by a trip to <u>Anthropologie</u> (we don't have one in Glasgow so I always make a beeline for it when I'm in Edinburgh), followed by a walk up the <u>Royal Mile</u> and down to the <u>Grassmarket</u> - stopping in at <u>Mysa</u> (a lovely homeware store), <u>Pie in the sky</u> (some of the best greeting cards you'll see), <u>The Milkman</u> (another great coffee shop), <u>Camera Obscura</u> (home to many an optical illusion and a really fun way to spend a few hours in Edinburgh) and <u>Victoria Street</u> (the famous colourful street I'm sure you'll have seen many a time on Instagram) with a wee stop off at <u>Museum Context</u> (Harry Potter gift shop heaven) along the way. You can also carry on to the castle from here if you fancy! And then we'd planned to finish up the afternoon at <u>Panda and Sons</u>, a speakeasy bar who do fantastic cocktails (and who I loved even more when I saw they had a cocktail called the 'Paolo Appletini'). Our evening plans went ahead, thankfully, as we'd planned, so we got ourselves into some Valentine's glad rags that Cupid would have been proud of and spent the evening at <u><a href="https://fhior.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Fhior</span></a></u>. I'd read about it online before we visited, as you do, and was nervous I'd set my expectations too high but, whatever I'd imagined, the meal exceeded it ten times over. We opted for the 7 course tasting menu - Rob with the added wine pairing - which included:<br />
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<li>Gently baked North Sea sole in butter sauce with fermented swede and pepper dulse</li>
<li>Roasted East Lothian carrots in a parsley emulsion with whipped crowdie and and chestnuts fried in brown butter</li>
<li>Roasted duck breast with sage marinated beetroot, fermented pear puree in a gastrique sauce made with beetroot, duck stock and pear vinegar. </li>
<li>Pumpkin tart with birch sap ice cream </li>
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...pretty special, isn't it? At the end of the meal we sat and tried to choose our favourite course and genuinely couldn't, every single one was just as good as the one that came before. The staff were all so incredibly lovely (and knowledgeable too), they were brilliant with allergies and the food was, of course, amazing, but another of my favourite things was the atmosphere. Often there can be a bit of a stuffy air when you're in a restaurant that offers that level of quality of food, but there was none of that at all, it just felt really nice and relaxed. Their website states that they believe serious food and wine should be accessible, playful and light-hearted and that they strive to ensure their dining experience is delivered with skill and passion but no pretension, and they really have found the perfect harmony between the two. You can choose either 4 or 7 courses for the dinner menu, priced at £40 and £65, or head there during the day to enjoy the lunch menu - it's honestly a restaurant I couldn't recommend more if you're looking for somewhere special to eat once we're able to start dining out again. We're already daydreaming about a return visit! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49780573196/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Edinburgh Guide"><img alt="The Little Magpie Edinburgh Guide" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49780573196_23e3ee052c_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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The next morning we were up bright and early to enjoy one last breakfast - and a whisky sour at the 'make your own cocktail' stand at the breakfast buffet table - before check out. Storm Dennis was in full swing at this point but we decided to brave him a little while longer to head down to <u>Stockbridge</u> for a last Edinburgh lunch before we went home (it was a truly fantastic weekend for our bellies). We were torn between <u>The Pantry</u> and <u>Cowan and Sons</u> - both Stockbridge favourites - but settled on the latter as it was a little closer and the winds were starting to reach hat blowing-off levels. I had gluten free granola, because I'd really hit the breakfast table hard, whereas Rob opted for the veggie breakfast. If you do go there, make sure not to miss the cakes - their gluten free white chocolate and raspberry brownie's heaven. And that brings our 48 hours in Edinburgh to a close! I hope that gives you some inspiration for if you happen to venture to Edinburgh in the future. We're through often, like I say, so I'll keep gathering recommendations as I go! </div>
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<i>Amy </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were guests of the hotel and Fhior whilst we were there but that hath not swayed my opinion one bit. Thank you to the amazing Jigsaw PR for being so wonderful and arranging such a great trip for us! </span></i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-52488688436437956092020-04-10T05:26:00.001-07:002020-04-10T05:26:39.084-07:00Tips on Working from home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49730217118/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Tips on Working from home"><img alt="The Little Magpie Tips on Working from home" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49730217118_ede7cf5e1c_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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Hey fellas! I was trying to think of things that people might like to see at the moment (other than <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/sweetpeafriends/sweet-pea/"><span style="color: #999999;">Sweet Pea the sheep</span></a>, who I look at at least twice a day) and thought a post on working from home could be quite helpful? I've far from mastered the art but I've been fortunate enough to be able to do it for the last six years or so, so I thought I'd share some tips that have helped me along the way. One thing I would like to say before I get into the nitty gritty is that, although these tips are intended to help you whilst you're in the zone, please don't put too much pressure on yourself. We're currently in the midst of a very strange and surreal situation, so lean into how you're feeling each day - if you're not feeling it, then listen to your mind and body and don't force it. Yesterday I felt like a human bag of sand so I took the day off, put my phone in another room and spent it reading Marian Keyes and feel so, so much better for it. Both <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattzhaig/?hl=en"><span style="color: #999999;">Matt Haig</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gzDa1nnzL/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Marian Keyes</span></a> herself have summed it up perfectly on their Instagrams (the magical wordsmiths they are) but, the bottom line is, just do what feels right that day and, as easy as social media makes it for us, try not to compare yourself with what anyone else is doing or with anyone else's productivity levels.<br />
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So, without further ado, here are a few things that help me when I'm working from home: </div>
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<li><u>Shower and get dressed</u>! The temptation to stay in jammies is strong, I know, but it'll work wonders for your mindset if you shower and get your little butt in some clothes. It doesn't have to be smart clothes - just something that's different to what you sleep/relax in. I tend to wear minimal to no make up if I'm working from home, but I do know that some people feel a lot more productive when they wear their usual day to day make-up and hair, so have a bit of an experiment and see what works best for you!</li>
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<li><u>Don't force it</u>. Look for patterns forming in when you're most productive (for me that tends to be in the evening) and schedule your bigger tasks in for then. Then schedule less demanding tasks - emails, inputting expenses, googling photos of Harry Styles - for the rest of the day. One of the biggest perks of being able to work from home is that, generally speaking, you can decide your own schedule so, if you'd rather exercise or do errands in the morning and finish work a little later, or on the flipside start at 6am and finish earlier in the day, the choice is yours! It's all about finding what works for you.</li>
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<li> However: <u>set rough working hours and stick to them</u>. In my first few years of blogging I had a terrible habit of starting work at 7am and working right through until 1am which, who'd-a thunk it, does not do wonders for your mental health, your social life. your sleep quality or your relationship. Or your posture, for that matter: I am now a human banana. When there's no set 'hometime' it's very, very easy to keep working through and think 'I'll just finish one more task' and, before you know it, it's 9pm and you still haven't had dinner. Set working hours - whatever times work best for you - work efficiently within those hours and make sure you finish with a good chunk of time left to unwind. Close your laptop and cook, watch tv, listen to a podcast, do a yoga class... free your evening (and hopefully your mind) from work.</li>
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<li><u> To do list</u>. I honestly couldn't live without mine. Decide whether a daily or weekly one works best and group the most important, pressing tasks together at the top and then list the smaller, less urgent tasks after that. You'll find once you've ticked off a bigger task you'll feel a lot more productive and your 'I got this!' levels will spike; I'm terrible for putting tasks off until they become big looming monsters in the corner and then, when I finally have to tackle them, realise they weren't so bad at all and I'd just given myself a whole lot of mental grief for nothing. Make sure to keep domestic chores - buy washing up liquid, hoover under the bed, do the dishes - on a separate list so that you don't overwhelm yourself. I also used to write every single thing I had to do on my to do list - the special wave of joy you get from crossing something off got a bit addictive - but I found it actually had a negative effect on my productivity if there were so many things on there that it looked unmanageable, so the things I know I need to do day in day out (ie emails) I no longer put on the list and I group formerly separate tasks like 'shoot blog photos, edit photos, write text' into the simple 'write blog post'. It can be hard working from home with no appraisals, no performance reviews, no one saying 'well done' so make sure to take the time to say it to yourself when you finish a deadline or tick off a particularly large task.</li>
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<li> <u>Get up and have a little stretch or walk around every 15 minutes.</u> This is something I'm very, very bad at (you know when you lose yourself in a task and two hours later you've somehow assumed Golum stance over your laptop and haven't moved?) so it's worth setting an alarm to go off on your phone until you get into the habit.</li>
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<li><u>Keep moving</u>! Normally I like to break my day up with a walk, some PT or a pilates class. Obviously this isn't feasible at the moment but there are lots of ways around it! There are some really great Youtube channels where you can do yoga/pilates/HIIT etc at home (ie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1"><span style="color: #999999;">The Body Coach</span></a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=boho+beautiful"><span style="color: #999999;">Boho Beautiful</span>)</a> and I've also seen some people, like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/psyclelondon/?hl=en"><span style="color: #999999;">Psycle London</span></a>, now taking classes from home via Instagram live so that you can still feel like a part of a community. It's very easy (and inviting) to fall into the trap of sitting at a laptop all day before shimmying straight over to the couch for an evening of Netflix but try to get active at least once a day, even if just for a short 20 minute period.</li>
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<li> <u>Put your phone in another room</u>. Boy oh boy have I learned this the hard way - it was only once it was there I realised how often my hand subconsciously reached for it. If you can't have your phone in a separate room (say you need to have it on you for work calls or texts) then at least put it over on a worktop where you can't easily reach for it. You'll realise in no time how much more productive you are without the temptation to scroll right beside you!</li>
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<li><u>Make sure to keep contact with the outside world</u>. There'd be times I'd go to PT at 8pm in the evening after a day of working from home, talk at a million miles an hour to Andy for him to slowly go 'have you...spoken to anyone today?' and I realised I literally hadn't said another word out-loud to someone since the previous day. So schedule in a wee call/facetime/skype with a friend, family member or colleague, choose a voice note over a text where you can, and also keep an eye on online support groups for people working at home who're going through the same thing.</li>
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<li><u>Try not to be tempted to do chores during your working day that you wouldn't be able to do if you were out at an office</u>. I'm really bad for thinking 'I'll just put on a wee washing, I'll just clean the bathroom..,' but it eats into your working day and will also break your concentration and make your day feel a bit in-limbo. I've found the most productive way to take advantage of working from home when it comes to housework is, if workload allows, take a half day on a Friday for an afternoon of cleaning and tidying so that you're done and ready for the weekend arriving. </li>
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<li><u>Try keep your workspace separate from the rest of the flat</u>. If you're fortunate enough to have a spare room or an office that you can work in and then close the door on at the end of the day then fantastico! But I know a lot of people aren't that fortunate - I used to work wherever I felt like on the day (from bed in the morning, from the sofa in the afternoon) but found that the whole flat started to remind me of work and that stress was bleeding into places it shouldn't, so now I use the kitchen table as my 'office'. Then in the evenings we'll cook, light some candles in the living room and head though to there to eat. Everyone's different and some people find a change of scenery motivates them but I personally found our flat to be that little bit more harmonious and peaceful once I'd separated it into different areas.</li>
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<li>This one you're welcome to groan at how cringey it sounds but, if you're in in a bit of a groove and struggling to motivate yourself, blast some tunes and have a dance or a sing in the kitchen (Johnny Cash and Kiss have been my go-to's this week); 9 times out of 10 it'll do the trick. </li>
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<li>My achilles heel... <u>DON'T CHECK THE FRIDGE EVERY 10 MINUTES</u>. I can promise you there's nothing new in there since the last time you checked. But, then again...</li>
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And that's everything I can think of at the moment! If you have any more of your own please do leave them in the comment box below for other people to read (and for me to learn from too) as I'm sure there's a lot of people in the same boat at the moment!</div>
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Take care fellas x</div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-57919452156828862652020-04-05T09:58:00.001-07:002020-04-05T10:01:05.698-07:00An Italian Adventure: Part VI, Capri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697854842/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697854842_7c5459e8f5_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697546976/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697546976_9424129882_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697547086/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697547086_7540667ddb_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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All Saints bandana (c/o) | Free People top (sold out but <a href="https://rstyle.me/+1vcBrGfeV8LstwTqgH31GA"><i><span style="color: #999999;">long sleeve version here</span></i></a>) | Levi's shorts (c/o)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697014518/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697014518_69117f2d06_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49698190766/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698190766_954cea2cd8_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697014603/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697014603_e849d44fbd_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://lilyandlionel.com/uk/"><span style="color: #999999;">Lily and Lionel dress</span></a> (c/o) | Mulberry bag (c/o) </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697855712/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697855712_5c3eb51a00_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697547391/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697547391_c8168e4648_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+kO0mK3It4pdjpjD5YqyggA"><span style="color: #cccccc;">De La Vali dress c/o The Outnet</span></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697660058/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697660058_e3644daa48_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697658958/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697658958_43f9b4985a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697854187/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697854187_1a0f1ecb8e_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697548871/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697548871_649196a6e7_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697854157/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697854157_3f2442dd7d_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697854042/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697854042_e1d95e24b4_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+AqK_uVVCSKOQnfUSF3-fLg"><span style="color: #999999;">Tommy Sport workout set</span></a> (c/o - now on sale)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697013798/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697013798_e1465a5444_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49698497452/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img halt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698497452_bfc3e2eaa9_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49698190166/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698190166_07bd7ccd50_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697019398/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697019398_a530bc956c_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49698189711/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698189711_dea7190d91_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697853687/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697853687_cbfa2a49c5_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697018543/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697018543_d8ef32814d_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697546601/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697546601_7d6cf10f96_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697014338/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697014338_cd50410b68_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697855972/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697855972_5b599e0f19_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697656293/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel"><img alt="The Little Magpie Capri Punta Tragara Hotel" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697656293_3263ebf999_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697546166/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697546166_a8c37ce1b9_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+JF1b1wlSE3Gsx46XIMuEeA"><span style="color: #999999;">Warehouse daisy print bikini and matching skirt</span></a> (c/o)</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697014958/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Punta Traggara Tasting Menu Capri"><img alt="The Little Magpie Punta Traggara Tasting Menu Capri" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697014958_9593595cae_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697549676/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697549676_016462b574_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697014698/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697014698_39dc2f00e7_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697546416/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697546416_53758479d1_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697853802/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697853802_3b1609fa90_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697547211/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697547211_8804341e4f_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+e51OeyzXdG6d6Nqs3_vmxQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Faithfull swimsuit and straw bag</span></a> (c/o)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697545861/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697545861_de3a10cca3_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697545691/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697545691_6a11c2d585_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49697016043/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Capri Punta Tragara" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697016043_47d848defc_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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And so we come to the last of my Italy posts (just as you thought this day would never come) and the place we finished our road trip: Capri. Sadly we were only there for a very short time and had a few bad experiences so I don't have too much in the way of recommendations BUT I would absolutely recommend Ristorante Terrazza Brunella for lunch or dinner. They served up one of the best gluten free pastas I’ve eaten, accompanied with some very lovely margaritas, with the most
beautiful backdrop to accompany you as you eat. We also had a really lovely tasting menu one evening at Punta Traggara, who were great with allergies. Visually, Capri is stunning, so I’ll leave
you with some photos from our time there!</div>
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Well, I'm terribly sorry these stretched over a whopping six blog posts but I hope they've provided a wee bit of welcome escapism in the midst of this very surreal time and that you're all doing ok. We've had a very, very quiet one today watching films in bed and then I did a bit of pilates in the afternoon because my spine is slowly turning into the letter C. </div>
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I'll be back with some more posts this week - as always, if there's anything in particular you'd like to see then let me know! Stay safe,</div>
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<i>Amy</i> </div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-73405046571796245262020-03-25T08:44:00.001-07:002020-03-25T11:27:56.872-07:00An Italian Adventure: Part V, Praiano<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49690777791/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49690777791_83b466d6f0_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49691089257/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691089257_b82514f3fd_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49690777696/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49690777696_1c33ce25e7_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49696671743/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Casa Angleina"><img alt="The Little Magpie Casa Angleina" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49696671743_e6c6fe2ae7_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49691090012/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Praiano, a review of Casa Angelina" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49691090012_df10ea4c81_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Oh, <a href="https://www.slh.com/hotels/casa-angelina/"><span style="color: #999999;">Casa Angelina</span></a>. I visited with Kirsty back in 2018 (you can <a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2018/09/a-guide-to-praiano.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><i>find the post here</i></span></a> if you’d like a read) and it was that special kind of visit where you're already excited to return before you've even left. We had two lovely nights there this time and it really was just as
magical as I’d remembered. It's a part of the Small Luxury Hotels Group, which - as I'm sure you know by now - I absolutely love, you always know you've got a lovely stay ahead when a hotel comes under the SLH umbrella. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The hotel feels like it was purpose built for escaping the
stress of every day life and switching off completely, so who am I not to abide. We spent our
first afternoon with a couple of beers (they have gluten free beer so I was in total heaven by this point), getting lost in our books by the pool, only interrupting ourselves with a trip to the railings to stare at the view. As well as being able to see
right across to Positano, the sea in front of the hotel always seems very calm
so, whichever way you look, your eyes get a treat. Rob went to the gym (weirdo)
whilst I got ready and then we headed back down to the pool restaurant for dinner
where you can watch the sunset whilst enjoying some truly delicious food (the
cocktails there are also great – I made it my brave mission to try a few
different ones and can guarantee they were all great) and ended up staying there for hours chatting and playing cards. Now, whilst we’re on the
subject of food… breakfast. I’d been dreaming about this breakfast for over a year and
almost couldn’t sleep I was so excited for it (tragically, this is not an
exaggeration). A bigger spread you’ve never seen - </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I won’t go ahead and list everything there is
as that’ll push this blog post into novella territory but I will say that the
particular highlights for me were the fresh juices and fruit, the cheeses, the mini smoothies, gluten free
pancakes (!) and gluten free cake. Why cake for breakfast isn’t more of a thing
here I’ll never know. The hotel’s based in Praiano so we went for a really nice
wee wander around the town the next day – it’s small so doesn’t take long but
is definitely, definitely worth doing – and then came back for an afternoon on the beach. The
beach was closed last time we were there so this was my first time experiencing
and it was the total opposite of what I’d imagined. The hotel’s a real oasis of calm whereas the beach (the hotel don’t own it but guests get free access) is
small but was pumping out club music with lots of drinking competitions on the
go. It’s a good party atmosphere and everyone seemed like they were having a
ball but I, alas, am 80 inside so put my headphones on and listened to some
nice Michael Buble and read my book with a Wethers Original. There is also a quieter little spot just around the corner, where the diving photos were taken, so we ended up spending a lot of time there.</span></div>
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The hotel was just as I’d remembered it; calm, peaceful and
the perfect place to completely unwind. It does have a real romantic feel – so would
be perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend away – but would be equally as
lovely for a special trip away with your mum or a gal pal. The staff there are all absolutely lovely and are always there if you need any help, would like to arrange transfers to any of the other towns (there is, I should mention, a free hourly shuttle to and from Positano) or if you need any recommendations. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Something else we did when we were out there was go on a sunset boat trip with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/positanoboats_tour/"><span style="color: #999999;">Positano Boats Tour</span></a>. They offer private trips of different lengths, ours was about an hour, and we were picked up from the wee jetty at the hotel and taken across to Positano to watch the sunset with a wee bottle of fizz. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful from every angle, but especially from the sea so it really did make for one of the most memorable nights of the trip.</div>
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And that brings to an end my penultimate post from Italy (sidenote: I learned the world penultimate thanks to the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' books when I was younger and its been one of my favourites ever since), the last part will be coming your way very shortly. For now, stay inside and stay safe fellas! Sending lots of love,</div>
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<i>Amy </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were very kindly hosted by Casa Angelina during our time there</span></i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-11440969527699365012020-03-18T12:38:00.000-07:002020-03-24T11:05:55.013-07:00An Italian Adventure: Part IV, Ravello<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+xCSWJBMa0svr980RhPDlTg"><span style="color: #999999;">Free People dress</span></a><br />
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Hello pals! I wasn't quite sure whether to continue with travel posts at the moment, but I realised that I've personally enjoyed reading and seeing other people's for a wee bit of escapism over the last few days. I love the 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' account on Instagram and their take on it: '(travel posts) not only provide us with a little glimpse outside of our current situation but will also be here when this is over and we are ready for some much needed respite' really resonated so, with that in mind, I thought I'd continue to post in the hope that it serves as a welcome distraction and as somewhere you can lose yourself in with a cup of tea and a biscuit or three. </div>
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+4DAoLPFEdX79gnu96VBMTQ"><span style="color: #999999;">Free People bralet</span></a> (also <a href="https://rstyle.me/+xXzmDpHbidJs2tdKsTKBEw"><span style="color: #999999;">available in dress form</span></a>) | H&M skirt </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49618205108/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49618205108_3c55d70f84_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49618725466/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49618725466_880cb4de10_h.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+en-vHwkibXUK6Dz-reyu7g"><span style="color: #999999;">Warehouse daisy jumpsuit</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://saturdaybymeganellaby.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">Saturday by Megan Ellaby t shirt</span></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49618723081/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49618723081_17008f23b2_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49618216763/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review"><img alt="The Little Magpie Guide to Ravello and Amalfi Villa Rufolo Hotel Review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49618216763_62b2fff7e6_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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Arket checked trousers | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+-jxehTZbYm__IbfgICWpTQ"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories bikini</span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So, after we’d left Ischia and sad our sad
goodbyes to Alberto – catch the post <a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2020/03/an-italian-road-trip-part-iii-ischia.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>here if you missed it</i></span></a> – we took the ferry
to Amalfi (via Capri) followed by a short bus to Villa San Michele. It’s another family
run hotel and is built into the cliffside so one of the first things you notice is the very, very
special view of the sea you're treated to during your time there. It's only a fifteen minute walk into Amalfi but we decided to go half board for the two nights
we were there and were so glad we did! The food was incredible, it's made by Nicola's wife Rosa each night and gluten free wasn't a problem. For breakfast each table is treated to a huge spread of fresh fruit,
yoghurt, fresh pastries and bread (sadly not gluten free but they did have
gluten free melba toast), freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee and tea, meats and cheeses and, best of all, you get to enjoy it with
that incredible, bougainvillea framed view of the sea. My favourite part of the hotel – as you can
probably guess by the five million photos – was the private area down by the sea, where I could quite easily have spent the entire two days.
There’s steps down to the sea so you can dip in and out as you please, there were always loungers available as well as snorkelling gear and floats so we had a
couple of lovely morning swims followed by crisps, coke and card games (the ultimate holiday
combination of c's) on the loungers. Like I mentioned, the hotel’s within walking distance of Amalfi - although
you are walking down the roadside so just make sure you’re comfortable with
this and, if not, there are regular buses that stop right outside the hotel - and there
are also regular buses in the opposite direction up to Ravello (about a twenty minute journey) so we decided to spend an afternoon in each! I don’t really
have many recommendations for either, sadly, as we only had a few hours in each
but – as with most towns along the Amalfi Coast – they’re quite small, so my
main recommendation would be to wander round at your own pace, stopping for a
drink here and a gelato there and taking it all in. My only diary for Ravello reads ‘lots of cats’
so there’s that.</span></div>
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And there we have it! Part four of our adventure. Parts five and six (honestly I don't know how this happened - originally I said I'd take it as a holiday, then I said I'd do one blog post and now... this) will be coming your way very soon. I hope you enjoyed this post and that it provided a welcome distraction, if there's anything else you'd like to see at the moment please let me know! Our plan this evening is to make some macaroni cheese and finally watch Captain Fantastic but I'll keep sharing what we get up to each day to hopefully provide some at-home inspiration. </div>
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<i>Amy</i> </div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-64268184477652717382020-03-10T10:31:00.001-07:002020-03-10T12:10:25.382-07:00One Week, Four Outfits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623599472/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623599472_608f3341d0_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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Photos by <a href="https://www.kirstymclachlan.com/"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">Kirsty McLachlan</span></i></a><br />
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Max Mara leather trench (c/o) | Mulberry Leighton (c/o) | Topshop khaki beret | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+BVpLeKBT5PqXqAeo6SSEyA"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories leather trousers</span></a> (c/o) | Finery shoes </div>
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Hiya pals! That's been a good few travel posts in a row now so I thought it was about time we had a fashion one in there. And what a whopper it is: four looks all wrapped up in one! Each outfit features something (if not a few things) that has been part of my 'most worn' army this Autumn/Winter - first up being this b-e-a-utiful Max Mara leather trench which, handily, can also be worn as a dress (as you may have spotted in <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B313y33n3KK/"><span style="color: #999999;">this post here</span></a></i>!). It's so lovely to wear and very, very versatile too (thank lordy, because a coat's about the only thing you get to show off in Scottish Winter). The leather trousers are another firm favourite from & Other Stories who, FYI, do some really great pairs of leather trousers if that's something you're in the market for.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623331036/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623331036_6b6803657f_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623603382/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623603382_b202e2fafe_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49622814518/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49622814518_1061447e8e_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623598742/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623598742_45d5efd62a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49622811168/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49622811168_ae9ed03109_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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Topshop checked jacket | Sezane cardigan (c/o) | Fred Perry beret | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+MjMRlzvOy18RluPKZEc7sA"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories leather shoulder bag</span></a> (c/o - comes in a few different colours) | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+y4jXvp5c8xlCI0-QSKv22Q"><span style="color: #999999;">Proenza Schouler lace trimmer trousers via The Outnet</span></a> (c/o) | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+vXwrW-B08MFjvfngXHun2g"><span style="color: #999999;">& Other Stories chunky black ankle boots</span></a> (c/o)<br />
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Outfit number 2 was inspired by an amalgamation of cool girls I follow on Instagram who all have that effortless style I can only dream of pulling off. The boots are without a doubt my most worn pair of the year so far - Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis coming right on the back of one another meant that big chunky boots were the way forward, so these have been a puddle-besting dream to wear. The trousers - which have some truly fantastic hemming - are from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Hjev9ukTw3wdyu7pJXRyiQ"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>The Outnet</i></span></a>, which has fast become one of my favourite sites to lose myself in with a cup of tea. If you're into your designer gear but maybe couldn't justify the cost per wear of an item, or maybe swayed over something and then missed it, then The Outnet is where it's at! There's over 350 designer brands on there with discounts of up to 70% (I know, music to the ears) so it's a great one to have a wee browse of for some treasures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623328991/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623328991_ae050166d9_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49622814628/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49622814628_4ccff47f6a_h.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623600872/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623600872_25c3fc0c95_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49623600172/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style"><img alt="The Little Magpie Four Petite Outfits Edinburgh Street Style" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49623600172_dd48cebdfa_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<span style="text-align: left;">H&M navy coat (c/o) | Next red & black check bag (c/o) | H&M white jeans | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+opKC_RANR_F5ch0kjIN3yg"><span style="color: #999999;">Arket navy beanie</span></a> & <a href="https://rstyle.me/+2hCJbFcTE2Xgst5omdnqKg"><span style="color: #999999;">black roll neck</span></a> (c/o) | Jeffrey Campbell star print boots</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">Introducing the outfit I'm guilty of wearing on loop throughout January and February (as the famous phrase goes: if it ain't broke, pick it up off your floordrobe and wear it again). The coat's from H&M and is ruddy fantastic. It's</span> so incredibly warm and, because it's quite a classic style and shape, can be thrown over many an outfit. It handily also goes very well wi<span style="text-align: left;">th this cosy beanie from Arket: if you're in the market for a beanie then this is the one for you, they come in lots of colours, are so warm, brrrrilliant quality and also sit really nicely too. </span></div>
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H&M navy coat (c/o) | COS ruffled shirt collar | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+wVIJvh1vhUeGHkZ5utlepg"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Proenza Schouler via The Outnet tweed top</span></a> (c/o) | Topshop cropped mustard trousers | Mulberry Leighton (c/o) | Asos leopard print pumps</div>
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That's right, the H&M coat that keeps on giving! This time paired with a slightly more dressed up outfit. I've always really enjoyed a tank or cropped jumper over a shirt (which I have a sneaking suspicion might very well be thanks to Clueless) but on this particular occasion I eschewed sleeves in favour of a simple standalone collar. Not the wisest move in the midst of Winter but... it felt right at the time. Another outing for the Mulberry Leighton too! A firm favourite in the wardrobe of Amy. Well, I think me speaking about myself in third person is my queue to wrap this up, I'll leave you with some outtakes and shall be back on Sunday with another travel post!<br />
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<i>Amy</i> </div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-6677567112793878892020-03-04T06:17:00.001-08:002020-03-04T06:17:08.373-08:00An Italian Road Trip: Part iii, Ischia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well hey there! So, when I last left you (catch<a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2020/01/an-italian-road-trip-part-ii.html" rel="nofollow"> <span style="color: #999999;"><i>the last post here</i></span></a> if you missed it) we were in Rome
for a very short but sweet 10 hours. We woke up bright and early and got the
train down to Naples (again, very, very stressful – there was no luggage space
at all so there were people having to stand in the aisle with their cases the whole way)
and from there across to the equally stressful Naples ferry port. As you might have heard/read, it’s very badly organised so
is filled with tourists wandering around going ‘is this… my gate?’ with a panicked look on their face and not
very many people available to help. So make sure to give yourself plenty of
time if you’re getting a ferry from Naples! We made it
onto our ferry just in time – murmuring a silent thank you for maximum strength
deodorant – and one short hour later we were in Ischia! Also, I apologise, that a very Negative Nancy start to the post but I promise that's the last you'll hear of any downsides. </div>
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We’d booked to stay at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g580212-d1049014-Reviews-Hotel_Villa_Sirena-Casamicciola_Terme_Isola_d_Ischia_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Villa Sirena</span></i></a> (which I was so, so excited about after reading all the lovely things people had to say) and realised only two days before – when we were stranded in Pitigliano already having a mild meltdown – that there are in fact two Villa Sirena's on the island and I’d managed to book the wrong one. However, the Incredible Alberto (who you’ll be hearing a lot about in this post) let us know that Lady Luck was shining down on us and he’d had a cancellation across our dates so we managed to stay after all! He met us off of the ferry and, on the drive up, told us all about the history of the hotel, how it had always been in his family, as well as a bit about the island. When we arrived at the hotel he sat with us and, over a very welcome aperol spritz and some crostinis, talked us through what we could do on the island and the daily trips the hotel run. Both Alberto and his brother, Arnaldo, are so wonderfully passionate about the island and that really shines through in everything they do – they go out of their way to plan trips each day, driving guests all around the island so that they can get the most out of their stay and see as much as possible of Ischia. We decided to go half board during our stay, which we don’t often do, but I’m so, so glad we did. The guests are mainly Italian holiday-makers and 70% are repeat customers (you’ll see why if you visit for yourself), so at dinner we got to know two lovely Italian ladies over course of the week; you'll find yourself really looking forward to seeing and saying hello to each familiar, friendly face at breakfast and dinner. I’d told Super Alberto - which I'm going to insist should be his official name - all about my allergies and every single meal he was there making sure that I was totally happy and that everything was ok (this was done for every single guest there and often after him already having worked a 13 hour day!). The kitchen has a completely separate area for coeliac customers and the chefs have a great understanding of allergies so it was the safest I felt the entire trip. Breakfast was a true FEAST – I started every day with lots of buffet bits, three slices of cake and zero regrets. Alberto remembers everything about everyone – which is eternally impressive to me and my sieve brain – and never once failed to make each guest feel special.</div>
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There’s so much to do on the island (so much more than we’d initially realised!) but the hotel itself also has a lot to offer. There’s the roof terrace - with it’s beautiful views across to Naples on a clear day - where we spent a couple of afternoons in the jacuzzi, playing cards with an aperol spritz, reading on the loungers or watching the sunset. There’s the spa, where we both had mud treatments and massages on our last day, and the relaxing thermal pool, hammam and Japanese Labyrinth bath which is where we started every morning and often visited every night before bed too. As for what to do on the island there is A LOT and, as I’m aware I’ve already typed 772 words and am nowhere close to finishing (why didn't I do my dissertation on Ischia?), I’m going to bullet point to make life a bit easier! I’ll share a wee nugget of pub trivia for you first though: Ischia is actually where they filmed a lot of The Talented Mr Ripley (except it goes under the fictional name of Mongibello in the film) so you’ll probably have seen it before without even realising! Right, now onto the ‘what to do’:</div>
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<li> <u>Giardini la Mortella</u>: A beautiful garden that was created all the way back in the 50s by Lady Susana Walton and was only opened to the public in 1991. I think this was maybe Rob’s favourite stop of the trip; the gardens are so peaceful and unique and, as well as walking around and taking it all in, we saw a lot of people sitting on benches reading, writing and simply taking some time to themselves. Make sure not to miss the cafe, where you can get a proper English tea (which I know will make many a happy Brit) as well as some fresh bruschetta. There was even gluten free cake, rejoice!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><u>Castello Aragonese</u>: A medieval castle built all the way back in 474BC (!). If you're visiting the castle, make sure – and this is a strongly advised recommendation – to stop at the café for one of their freshly made orange, lemon and crushed ice concoctions. Good god. I think I actually shouted 'MMM!' at full volume on first taste I was so shocked. I normally get a bit bored about 15 minutes into a castle visit (that's terrible, I know, I really do have the attention span of an 8 year old) but there’s also pop-up exhibitions, a beautiful bookshop and gallery with handmade pottery and gifts as well, of course, as the lovely cafe, so I think we ended up spending a good couple of hours here. The view from the top of the castle across the village is the cherry on top and the walk down to the castle through Ischia Porto is also very lovely.</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> Visit '<u>Torre Michaelangelo</u>', where it is said that Michaelangelo lived for a while and had an affair with Vittoria Colonna</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Boat ride around the island with <u>Ischia Sea Dreams</u> (see snaps below!). We were accidentally put on the Italian tour rather than the English speaking one so we missed out on the history of the island as we went along, but this is a definite must do as you get to see the island from every angle across the course of the day! There’s really lovely food , as well as drinks, included throughout and several of the spots you stop at will make you almost certain there’s some clever green screen work at hand it’s so beautiful.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u>Negombo Thermal Park</u>: this was my favourite stop of the trip as all it involved was total and utter relaxation (as well as some ice lollies along the way). There are 12 thermal pools and baths, all at different temperatures, a huge sea water pool with lots of loungers (that's the bright blue pool you can see above surrounded by cliffside) as well as access to San Montano beach. The restaurant, Casa Colonica, is also supposed to be very good! </span></li>
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</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49484433012/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="The Little Magpie Italy Road Trip Guide to Ischia"><img alt="The Little Magpie Italy Road Trip Guide to Ischia" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49484433012_d4e6be3957_c.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">And that brings to a close our stay in Ischia! I </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">honestly wish so much that I could put into words how wonderful Alberto is and how special he made our (and every single other guest there's) stay; we said from our first day that we'd love to revisit and, despite it being the longest stop of our trip, didn’t want to leave at the end of it, which I think is when you know you’ve found somewhere special. One wee tip: book early on! The rooms fill up very, very far in advance with people even booking their next stay on checking out so it's best to get in there early if you fancy a wee trip to Villa Sirena.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Be back very soon with the next leg of the trip: Ravello!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><i>Amy </i></span></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-366510912291300942020-02-14T01:13:00.001-08:002020-02-14T01:13:43.281-08:00Exploring the Scottish Highlands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525236186/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525236186_0ce9c3d08c_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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Giambattista Valli x H&M coat (c/o - <a href="https://rstyle.me/+h7aBu0tdej8EG9To0KP97g"><i><span style="color: #999999;">similar here</span></i></a>) | Reformation <a href="https://rstyle.me/+BCqYxXOfBArQq07AK367_Q"><span style="color: #999999;">high waist trousers</span></a> | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5KOb3IH6QPh25NPa17ihqg"><span style="color: #999999;">Gucci Disco bag</span></a> | Arket wool bucket hat (c/o - sold out but <i><a href="https://rstyle.me/+Fm6me0yFwhsji5b4PFlaag"><span style="color: #999999;">similar here</span></a></i>)<br />
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Why hello there! I hope everyone's week's going well and that you're over the shock of it starting with snow (as you know, the laws of being British state that I have to mention this within the first three sentences). Today's post is equally snowy and takes us back to January when me and Rob headed up North...</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525445237/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525445237_be2dcc4678_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525227036/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525227036_9dc127bb79_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524717538/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524717538_69e59920b7_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525226231/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525226231_5991939514_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525225376/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525225376_b88a6d5c0b_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525440342/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525440342_dc9bb290f3_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524706808/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524706808_691168f21a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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This post starts with a mildly embarrassing story that I wasn't going to share, but then I realised that would be cruel because you, too, might have committed the same foolish act and may feel comforted by my story. So, I'd taken many a beautiful film photo on this trip - on the drive up, during the three days we were there and on the drive home - accompanied by over-confident exclamations like 'these are the best film photos I've ever taken!' and 'these are going to be marvellous! I can feel it in my bones' and so on and so forth. I got home and - being so eager to develop them - was disappointed to find there were still photos left on the film. In an act of sheer desperation, I started snapping photos of mugs and myself in the mirror wearing a dressing gown just to use up the rest of the roll. After my fifth photo of crockery I realised... something's not right. But what could it be? That's right, I'd forgotten to put film in the camera in the first place and had in fact taken NO PHOTOS AT ALL. Oh, the shame. Thankfully I'd taken some on my digital camera so, once the embarrassment had faded, I got to editing them and here we are today. This does mean that sadly there are almost no photos of Dornoch beach, The Falls of Shin, the outside of the airbnb or Elsie the pig who we waved to every morning (I need to go and take a breathe to calm myself down) but hopefully the below will be enough to give you an idea of the magic of HMS Owl. I would like to finish this story by asking 'who designs a camera that makes the sound of taking photos without warning you there's no film in it!?'. Sorry, I need another breath.</div>
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So, to start from the beginning, this year me and Roberto decided not to buy one another Christmas presents and instead put our money together to book a wee trip. We both want to see more of Scotland this year - for living here most of our lives we've seen a shockingly small amount of it - and I'd spotted an airbnb last year in Fearn that I was desperate to visit. Known as the 'Black Nissan at HMS Owl', it was built in 1940 as a WWII base for the RAF and was recently renovated (along with the main house) over 5 years to become the interiors feast you see before you now. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525457522/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525457522_fa773e0b63_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524706583/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524706583_4aec4ea141_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525455492/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525455492_743bc2631b_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524708958/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524708958_45847c3382_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525219316/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525219316_ec0674f163_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524705758/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524705758_cf998b264e_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525440197/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525440197_2f9f02db99_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525440702/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525440702_ae67a07ede_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525443607/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525443607_f94e73879a_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525441157/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525441157_a36615ab85_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525228236/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525228236_7e536fba1c_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525456562/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525456562_929c43c7a9_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We were hoping to visit on a weekend but it was already fully booked through to March so we opted for a wee two night stay mid week in January. After a long but beautiful drive, we arrived; the </span>exterior of the house is completely black so it looks like something out of Harry Potter when you're driving up to it, and the magic doesn't stop there. We opened the door to<span style="text-align: left;"> the warmest welcome from Charlotte, who's one of the loveliest Airbnb hosts I've ever met. The fire was already roaring - quite literally a warm welcome - and there were some delicious homemade muffins waiting for us too. I think almost as soon as Charlotte shut the door we turned around and said, 'I wish we'd booked for longer' in perfect, sorrowful unison. For being relatively compact it's got everything you'd ever need - not one, but two log burning stoves, a big kingsize bed (as well as bunk beds in the same room), a great shower, board games, a well equipped kitchen, a hot tub and a never-ending selection of trinkets to look at. We'd already done a food shop on the way up - there's an Asda about a fifteen minute drive away if you need anything though, fear not - so we settled in for an evening of board games, colouring-in (tell you what, if there's one thing that's fantastic for forcing your brain to switch off for a bit, it's colouring-in) and food by the fire. The hot tub's run by a log burning stove so Charlotte very, very kindly set it up for us both evenings and oh my god... It's one of the most beautiful night skies I've seen. We were lucky enough to catch it on a clear evening and you can see countless stars and constellations - I'm not hugely talented when it comes to night time photos but I managed to snap the above to give you an idea of what it was like. Thank god I had the excuse of saying the water in my eyes was from the hot tub.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525446062/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525446062_a2afe3e252_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524712253/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524712253_b483c7b812_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525235436/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525235436_da5f1d8299_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525440947/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" height="766" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525440947_0b8e202429_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525230386/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525230386_2942d07d81_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49524706343/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49524706343_d00fd2378a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525218246/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525218246_0e1893fb14_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525441352/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525441352_32574cf4d2_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49525221301/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn"><img alt="The Little Magpie Glencoe Airbnb Where to Stay Fearn" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49525221301_63ae3851bb_b.jpg" width="684" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://rstyle.me/+e1DpiYvwsx8BW3T6H1lM2A"><span style="color: #999999;">Long faux fur coat Acne via The Outnet</span></a> (c/o - only one left on site!) | Tan ankle boots via Free People (c/o) | Black jacket via Fenwick (c/o)<br />
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The next day we got up, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and then went on a drive over to Dornoch Beach. We were SO lucky with the weather and - apart from one other family - had the beach completely to ourselves for a morning stroll (it would be lovely to have pictures to accompany this but, aside from that one lonely photo above, you'll have to use your imagination). From there we drove over to the Falls of Shin (where you can see the salmon leaping a little later on in the year) for a really lovely lunch at Mac n Wild. Suitably stuffed, we headed home via the supermarket and had another evening of exactly the same as the eve before - with the addition of some homemade brownies that were very kindly brought over by Charlotte's daughter that morning. It's honestly the best airbnb I've ever stayed at - and a favourite trip overall for both me and Rob - so I hope I've managed to capture even a tiny bit of how special it is in these photos. It sits right on the North Coast 500 route and would be perfect for a romantic getaway, a trip with your mum or a wee cosy stay with pals (as long as you don't mind all sharing a bedroom) - I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with it. You can find the listing for <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/27772162?source_impression_id=p3_1581439809_Gb04shv4tO1Ob6i%2B"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Black Nissan at HMS Owl</i></span></a> just there if you'd like to book a trip for yourself, as well as their <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/21020046?source_impression_id=p3_1581439812_wK91pC4iE0Ao8F1t"><span style="color: #999999;">second listing</span></a>, </span>which is the top floor of their house and right next door to the hut. I promise you you'll have a truly magical time (and won't want to leave).<br />
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On a separate airbnb note, a few people have asked about <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ZNxCjn0_9/"><i><span style="color: #999999;">this one</span></i></a> that we stayed in over the weekend! I'm not going to do a blog post about that one so I'll pop the link <i><a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/29008358"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a></i> for you if you'd like to check it out!<br />
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<i>Amy</i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414761105526321884.post-78650038210728169802020-02-02T08:09:00.001-08:002020-02-02T08:13:33.468-08:00A Paris Photo Diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49463957766/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Paris Free People star print dress beret sezane"><img alt="The Little Magpie Paris Free People star print dress beret sezane" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49463957766_c22ef46de6_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93423165@N07/49463468153/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Little Magpie Paris Free People star print dress beret sezane"><img alt="The Little Magpie Paris Free People star print dress beret sezane" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49463468153_1ab33a6f10_b.jpg" width="684" /></a>
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My god that's a lot of photos, isn't it.<br />
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Happy Sunday errbody! Today I thought I'd share some (/five thousand) photos from a trip to Paris we had at the end of last year. We were there to shoot a few different campaigns so, alas, I wasn't able to do a guide this time, but I thought you might like to see some of the snaps! If you'd like to see more about Paris itself then I'll link some posts for you now that have some recommendations on what to see and what to eat and all that glorious jazz:</div>
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<a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2017/12/postcards-from-paris.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #999999;">Postcards from Paris</span></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/2015/07/a-gluten-free-guide-to-paris.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #999999;">A Gluten Free Guide to Paris</span></a></div>
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...They are, alas, quite old now so I've made it my mission to go back soon and do an updated guide. It feels very odd to write such a short post after my whopping 1500 word Italy ones (I'm not even exaggerating there, I think there was steam coming off my fingers at one point) but as the post is so image-heavy I don't want to ramble on. I have tried to find everything I'm wearing that's still in stock online and I've linked them all before if you see anything that tickles your fancy! The lipstick I'm wearing through the post is 'Rouge Delicieux' by Chanel and the gold eyeshadow is Chanel creamy powder eyeshadow in '56 Grandeur'. Both were lovely gifts from the Christmas collection and I just wanted to note them quickly as they're two truly lovely products! </div>
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<i>Amy </i></div>
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The Little Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546154399859420331noreply@blogger.com