Memory Walk for Alzheimer's Society

So, just over 3 weeks ago I did my Memory walk in Heaton Park to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer's Society
As you may or may not know, I lost my Grandad back in March of this year. When he was alive he showed many symptoms of Dementia but, was never officially diagnosed. Not long after the passing of my Grandad I watched a three part programme called Dementia. Whilst I was lying in bed awake that night I thought ' I want to do something to help but, what?' And that's when I discovered the Memory Walk on the Alzheimer's Society website, seconds later I was registered to take part in the Manchester Memory Walk.

After, speaking to my family about taking part, my mum, dad and sister decided they would also take part in the walk. On the run up to the Memory Walk my mum and I had spoken to people that work for the press of Alzheimer's Society, sharing our story with them. Our story about my Grandad's struggle with Dementia was featured in a couple of Newspapers to help raise awareness. My mum was also brave enough to have a short interview on the radio.

Together we raised over £360 for the Alaheimer's Society!

Here's me, my mum and sister at the start line with the lovely Colin who cared for his wife who had Dementia and also cut the ribbon.

It's not the clearest photo but, can you spot me on left wearing the bright pink trainers looking slightly confused?
(photo belongs to itv/granada news)

The day was lovely and it was heart warming seeing so many people up and out on Saturday morning to raise money and awareness. I actually did quite well walking wise managing to stay up with the first 10 (20 at times), although I did manage to trip up and land in a load of mud causing it to swell a little (wow I'm super clumsy).  

Here are a few photos I took on my walk

I can't wait to do it all again next year! Hopefully I will get chance to take more pictures the second way round.

Thanks for reading!

Love from 

Katie

x

My New Obsession-Villoid

Recently, I have been obsessed with an app called Villoid, what is Villoid you ask? Well, it's a fashion app that lets you create mood boards of potential outfits whilst getting inspiration from other lovely Villoid users (this includes some well known fashion lovelies too). You want to buy your outfit? No problem, Villoid has a shopping function so your dream outfit can become a reality. The app has been described as 'your own personal dressing up box'. 


I came across Villoid when I saw Alexa Chung announce on Instagram that she had been one half of the co-founding team with Jeanette Dyhre Kvisvik to create the app. So, of course with Alexa on board I had to try it out. 

I love the social element of the app where you are able to follow other Villoid users and you can comment on the boards that they've created. It's like Instagram with clothes that you can buy but, you can't buy some ones cat on Instagram. You can browse through clothes by various designers such as Mui Mui, ASOS, Alexa Chung for AG, Chloe, Dahlia, just to name a few. If you an item you have used in a board you created goes on sale you will get a cheeky notification letting you know. It's times like that when I wish I wasn't a poor uni student so I could buy everything.

Can some body please create a job where you get paid to make boards on Villoid all day? Please let that be a real thing one day!

Here are a few boards that I have made, the ones I've featured in the post are inspired by the film characters style or the actresses themselves.

                                       

Let me know what you think of my boards and if you have Villoid, I will definitely follow.

Thanks for reading, 

Katie

x

D.I.Y Russian Stacking Dolls

Back in February I got my bedroom decorated kindly by my Dad and recently I finally I got round to thinking about what finishing touches I wanted adding; photographs/prints, ornaments and bit's of storage. The other day I glimpsed at my Russian stacking dolls which got me thinking that that they looked a little worse for wear due to sun fading their colour.

This is what my dolls looked like before I painted them up:

I started off by searching Google images for a photo of Russian stacking dolls, I was lucky enough to find an image that was pretty much identical to the design on mine. I then used paints (I used some ceramic paints that I had, I am aware that my dolls are not ceramic aha) to decorate them. I did have to put a few coats on them as the paints didn't go on perfect because the Russian Dolls were glossy.

And this is what they looked like after:

I don't think I did too bad a job to say I don't have the steadiest of hands.

What do you think? Do you have Russian Stacking Dolls?

thanks for reading

love from

Katie

x

For the Love of Zara

As you may have gathered by now I love a good browse through the online shops but, I've never had a good look through Zara. After, browsing I think 'Why have I never bought anything from here before?' (yes, you heard that right), I want EVERYTHING! Home to dreamy patterned clothes the like you would see on Twiggy and Patti Boyd.

Even more surprising than how beautiful the clothes are is the price for most of the items, with some dresses being between £25 - £35 which I think is such a good price for patterned clothing which normally costs more. 

I don't own anything yellow but, this would soon change if I could afford this lovely flared sleeve number! Can we please appreciate the dreaminess of the patterns on 3, 6 and 9? This stripey dress (7) reminds me a lot of a Chanel dress that I've seen before (I can't find the example anywhere though). The grey jumper looks so comfy so that qualified it to be a part of my Zara wishlist.

I really like how (10) reminds of mosaics and modern day versions of Roman baths.  (11) This lovely lace number would be perfect worn with a patterned skirt. I think the cut out piece on the back of this little black dress (12). I'm a big fan of this co-ord set (13) it looks so comfy and I love the colour too. I don't own a play suit (I'm not sure why, really) but, this (14) one is very tempting with it's ditsy floral print and puff-ball sleeves.  I love the colour palette of (15) giving off 60's/70's vibes. The cute pin tuck top (16) would look lovely tucked into denim A-line skirt or even a jazzy patterned skirt. Yes, that is another flare sleeved dress (17) you see but, I like the colour and the Sixties pattern of this one too. What got (18) into my favourites list was the ruffle collar with lace panel down the front & it is also a very flattering shape. This t-shirt (19) is a definite need with the slogan 'Be Nice or go away'. There is just something about this Jacquard dress (20) that I really like, it could be the contrast of the yellow on the black & the neck bow detail.

As you can see Zara has got me hook, line and sinker!

I hope you like my wishlist, is there any pieces you would like from it?

Thank you for reading

Love From

Katie

x

My Stationary Internet Finds

The first day back to school after the summer holidays felt like every Sunday but, times by a thousand however, the one thing that did cheer me up was knowing I had some new stationary fresh in my bag. Not much has changed nearly six years on, I still love stationary and it is one thing that makes me look forward going back to University.

I popped to the Trafford Centre the other day and did a bit of stationary shop for uni. Hopefully in the next few days I will post a 'New Stationary Buys' post for you all. But, until then I will leave you with this post on my favourite stationary bits and bobs that I've found on the internet.

{Note pad set -£9.87- Modcloth // Plant Pen Pot -£9.87- Modcloth // Ceramic Memo Elephant -£14- Urban Outfitters // Retro Pattern Notebook -£8.55- Modcloth // 'Things in my head' Notebook -£4.95- Old English Company // 3 Pen Cups -£2- Ikea // Woodland A4 folder -£2.50- Paperchase}

                             (talking about items starting from top to bottom right)
 I think the set of four note pads are super handy for people who are like me that find remember things very tricky or just busy bees who have a lot to jot down. It also helps that it's easy on the eye! 
This plot plot aka pen pot is fab, it's such a cool idea. I really must buy this one day!
How cute is this little ceramic elephant named Eric for you to write your memos on, because elephants don't forget. My next favourite is the vintage McCalls pattern bound notebooks because I'm a big fan of anything retro fashion.
I love the typography/handwriting on this notebook that would be really handy to put in your bag in case you need to ever quickly write anything down, this happens to me all the time.
Now this is a bit of a cheat because I actually have this item, these jazzy look geometric patterned pen pots which I love as they really brighten up my desk at uni.
My last but not least favourite is this lovely winter woodland patterned elasticated folder, perfect to keep important pieces of paper/lecture notes safe.

I hope you liked this post and enjoy buying your stationary as much as I do.

Thank you for reading!

love from 

Katie

x