A day in the city of Amsterdam

So i was lucky enough to be able to visit the wonderful city of Amsterdam for a shopping trip, and after scouring many of the high street stores which are fabulous for fashion, ventured a little bit further out of the high street to find what truly makes this city a wonderful place. From georgous architecture to quirky shops this place is full of surprises!

Wander along the canals of Amsterdam for fantastic views and a chance to explore the many coffee shops and bars and watch the world go by, a perfect way to spend a day!

If you are after some home ware inspiration or to pick up a unique gift then you must visit Fair & Fair shop on Herengracht 211, 1016 BE, Amsterdam. This shop is 100% fair trade, mostly handmade items which help to create a better world. You can visit the shops website at: http://www.fairandfair.nl/.

If you enjoy a colourful atmosphere whilst you are shopping this place is definitely for you! It has a fantastic range of gift ware and home ware ranging from quirky to vintage, and will have you shopping in here for hours! To visit the shops website go to :http://www.kitschkitchen.nl or to take a look inside the store if you are in Amsterdam visit: Rozengracht 8-12, Amsterdam.

And finally...You can't visit Amsterdam without taking a look at the Tulip row next to the canal, if you love flowers then you will love it here! It has everything from Tulips to flower arrangements, and even wooden tulips so that they will still be as beautiful when they have travelled home in your suitcase! I hope that you have enjoyed my photographs from my brief trip around Amsterdam! xx

Laura Ashley Press Preview day for SS13

London the capital, is full of quirky finds and side streets brimming with character and charm, so whilst on a recent shopping trip to London's famous Carnaby street I decided to take a detour when the shops started to close, and see what other lovelies I could find lurking around the streets of London. It didn't take long until I stumbled across something very interesting, a beautiful building oozing character, a closer look revealed a Laura Ashley press preview day for their SS13 home and fashion ranges, so i wandered in and it looked amazing, below you can see a selection of images I took. I hope that you get as inspired by these as I did! Enjoy x

The very teapot to inspire the 'Ashley' Design, still as beautiful today as the day it was bought!

A 1970's Patchwork quilt made with Laura Ashley fabrics and created by the Marshwood Vale patchwork group in Dorset.

A beautiful chic bedroom display fit for a Princess, I love these natural and neutral gold tones.

How about a beautiful dressing table to go with your bedroom? Getting ready each morning would be a dream if you had this in your room!

A beautiful patchwork cushion inspired by the quilted throw above, this would brighten up any bedroom.

Another beautiful cushion, seaside theme for the coming SS13 season.

A beautiful floral tea set, when the sun is shining invite your friends round and sit in the garden, the perfect place to enjoy a high tea in the Summer!

Bring to life those old prints by framing them in some contemporary frames, to brighten up your walls.

Nothing like these beautiful butterfly mirrors to start a trend for an entire mirror wall! Guaranteed conversation piece! Well that's it for now, I hope you have enjoyed a taster of Laura Ashley's home range for next SS13 season, and next time I stumble across something as equally as amazing I will be sure to keep you updated! Vicky xxx

A hidden antique gem

So after living in Manchester for over 7 years i cannot believe that i have only just discovered the antique village in the heart of Levenshulme! It is a hidden gem and a collectors paradise! Is is set in a large building over 2 floors and even the interior fits in with the antique theme! From mirrors to old adverts and signs to dining tables and kitchen dressers, if you visit you are guaranteed to come out with at least one purchase, as everything is so well priced you are sure of a bargain! If you live in the area or even if you don't it is well worth the visit! Most of the sellers inside deliver too so no need to worry about how you are going to get your new purchase home! For more information on this amazing place take a look at their website: http://theantiquesvillage.com/ To get a taster of what you can expect i have featured some of the photographs from some of the products that were for sale on the day i visited i hope you enjoy them!

Some of the fabulous furniture on offer at the village

Some of the other treasures instore! So if you have an afternoon free and fancy doing a bit of bargain hunting then this is the place for it! Vicky xxx