A dose of Victorian home DIY in London

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Can you tell I like plants?

Wow, time really flies by when you’re having fun. I haven’t blogged since January 2018 – and a lot has happened since then.

I’ve given into the travel bug, exploring places far and wide – to Thailand, Santorini, Rome, Prague, Trier, Barcelona, Amsterdam, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Minnesota and around the UK. Attended my first Glastonbury (!!). Started a new role at work. Became a cat mom.

Last but not least… we became homeowners! Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would own a flat in London. I’ve always been one for interiors and DIY projects, but now the decor and furniture fanatic in me is jumping for joy.

We’ve moved into a 1890 ground-floor Victorian flat. With its beautiful character and history comes decades-old quirks that need some love. From restoring original floorboards, maximising storage and finding affordable antiques, there’s always a little (or big!) job to add to the list.

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Hello, home!

That’s what I want to share.

As a first-time buyer, this was my introduction into the big world of home improvement and the problem solving that goes with it. I’m not going to lie, it was a little intimidating to begin with.

My first thought was ‘oh my god, what if something goes wrong and I ruin beautiful original features that have been here for 130 years?!’. Well, there’s always that chance… but that’s where a little bit of research, advice and YouTube comes in.

We’ve done quite a bit so far – so stay tuned.

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Grab me the drill, give me the gardening gloves. Let’s turn this house into a home!

More to come.

McK

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Aloe there! Succulents have become my go-to obsession

A little bit of greenery can make all the difference, am I right?

Perusing my local garden centre and nearby florists has become somewhat of my weekly routine.

Photo by McKenna

From cacti to succulents, ferns to flowers, I cannot have enough plants. They have truly changed the vibe in our flat for the better.

Photo by McKenna

I mean, how could a handmade pot with an aloe mohawk NOT make anyone happy? 🙂

Photo by McKenna

In addition to adopting lonely plants in need of a home, maintaining my herb garden has become somewhat of a hobby. There’s just something so satisfying about topping a caprese salad with home-grown basil. I also love making Spanish or Thai inspired dishes, so coriander is obligated to make a hefty appearance.

Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna

Home is where the heart is. Or in my case, home is where my plants thrive.

Which plants are a must in your home decor scheme?

McK xxx

Comfort guide for the sick girl

Good evening my loves –

So I know it’s been FAR TOO LONG since I’ve blogged – and I really have no real unique excuse. Just excessive amounts of work, bopping around Europe (which I can’t wait to sprinkle all over my blog posts in the next few weeks so stay tuned 😀 ), and day-to-day obligations.

But all that business came to a standstill last Friday — when I had to get my dreaded tonsils out. Let me tell you, this recovery process has been the most PAINFUL, HORRENDOUS experience of my life. You think, “oh, three year olds get this procedure done, no big deal.” Well, FALSE. It’s been a nightmare. You can’t even sip on a glass on ice water.

So I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of getting comfy – or at least the most you can get in this situation. These have been my essentials the last few days and should be for every sick girl (knock on wood!)

Sick girl's guide
I’m not so sure what I do without every single one of these gems during my recovery.

 

Hope you are all having a healthy, happy day!

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Skip spooky! Chic pumpkin decor

It’s almost Halloween! This year, my roommates and I have decided to make a night of it while waiting for Georgetown’s little trick-or-treaters to knock on our door looking for sweet treats.

We were thinking pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, chilled Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc and butternut squash ravioli while watching Hocus Pocus (it better be on TV!)

My best girl friend Natalie spotted this amazing white, studded pumpkin online last week – a perfect way to add a little Halloween spirit without the ghouls and goblins. When did pumpkin decorating become such an exquisite art form? I cannot decide which one to make first. They’re all the die for.
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Photos via Pinterest

The chic way to decorate this Halloween. Trick-or-treat!

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