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Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts

Advice From Two TwentySomethings | NYC - LDN


I first stumbled across Amanda’s blog Advice From A Twenty Something a little over a year ago. I immediately connected with Amanda’s musings on life as a young woman, and the smart guidance Amanda shares on topics ranging from personal style, careers and interiors. We struck up an e-mail friendship and finally met in person in NYC when Ols and I were over a few weeks ago. It was SO nice to get to know each other better over coffee, and I can’t wait till one of us is again in the others’ city. 
Hiding from a rainy day in NYC!

Amanda and I share many similarities - age, blogging, ambitions . . . a love of great knitwear . . . ! But we also have had very different paths en route to getting where we are today. With this in mind, Amanda and I decided to interview one another on the lessons we have learnt so far as a Twenty Somethings. Here you can see Amanda’s answers to my interview with her, and you can head over the Amanda’s blog to see mine!

I hope you enjoy!

Name: Amanda Holstein

Age: 26

Occupation: Freelance Blogger & Content Marketer

City & Country of Residence: New York, NY USA

College/University Degree: Bachelors in Psychology from Emory University

MB: You recently moved to New York from San Francisco, how are you finding NYC compares to SF so far? 
It’s certainly a change of scenery, but I sort of knew what I was getting myself into since I grew up in the suburbs of NYC. I love how there’s always something new going on here and you never go to the same place twice. I do miss the beautiful scenery, better weather, and of course my friends back in San Francisco, but NY is a nice change of pace for now!

MB: How did you build up the momentum and confidence to move cities? New York is a BIG place!
I actually almost made the move about a year ago, but I didn’t feel quite ready for such a big change, so I decided to wait. I always think it’s best to listen to your gut, so that’s what I did. About six months after that I started thinking about making the move again and something felt different. I knew I could come back to SF if I really wanted to, and I truly believed that. I also knew I’d regret never living in NYC and that really motivated me to move forward with the move.

MB: What are your top tips for maximising a move to a new city? Both personally, and professionally? 
I highly recommend getting in contact with people – both friends and work contacts – as soon as you know you’re moving. I actually was in touch with a start-up last year when I was considering making the move and kept in touch with them periodically until I officially moved to NY. I just started working for them part-time so it definitely worked out! In terms of friends, there always seem to be more people you know than you think. Friends I haven’t thought about in years ended up reaching out when they knew I was moving and it’s been great reconnecting!

MB: Would you ever advise moving to a new location whilst looking for a job? Or do you think it is better to have a job secured? 
It can be stressful to move to an entire new city and apply for new jobs. If you have the budget, I would say wait until you get to your new city before you secure a new job. Although it’s good to start looking as soon as you can so you can atleast start making contacts and setting up interviews. But it’s such a stressful time, that if you can focus on one thing at a time – the move, and then the job – I’d recommend going that route! 

MB: What are your top tips for apartment hunting as a Twenty Something? 
Apartment hunting can be tough! I actually wrote a post with my tips on snagging an apartment here, although I realize it’s different for every city. The best thing you can do is be SUPER aggressive and persistent, and to be totally ready with your paperwork before everyone else – even before you see an apartment. For the most part, all apartments need the same paperwork (pay stubs, etc.), so have as much of it ready before you even start looking. 

MB: How do you bring your personality to a rented space? (Amanda has a beautiful apartment!)
I’m a huge fan of little trinkets and knick knacks. I pretty much save everything, but it’s so worth it. Having old books, printed photographs from high school, vintage mason jars from my trip to France, all make my apartment feel like me. Also, don’t be afraid to have fun with color. We’re in our twenties, so you might as well have fun. For instance, I opted for a green couch, a coral chair, and turquoise pillows. When else will I be able to go that crazy? 

MB: You share so much great advice on your blog, what is the one topic you seek the most advise on for yourself? And who, or where, do you get your advice from? 
I definitely ask my mom and dad for most of my own advice. My mom for advice on personal things like conflicts with friends, etc. And my dad is great for career advice. I’m also lucky enough to have an older brother and an older sister who are both extremely wise as well ☺.

MB: You work on Advise From A Twenty Something, whilst additionally freelancing for startups. Do you see a time when you would work 100% of the time on the blog, or do you prefer the split? If so, why does that work for you? 
I go back and forth with this, but I think my ideal situation would be working part-time on my blog and part-time for a startup. I get bored easily and like changing up my schedule every day. I think splitting my time between the two would be a perfect combination. Plus, it’s nice to have some consistent income from a freelance gig since the blog brings in a different amount every month.
MB: How do you make sure you strike a work/life balance? What is your favourite way to relax?
I am big on the work/life balance. I’ve never had a problem turning off the work switch, however the blog does tend to blend in with my relaxing TV time. My favorite way to relax is to snuggle up with my dog, a big blanket, and some candy and watch a movie!

MB: Working for yourself, who do you seek business mentorship from? Who is your best sounding board for ideas? 
When it comes to my blog, I often speak to other blogger or freelance friends for advice on financing or for bouncing ideas off of. 

MB: How do you differentiate your ‘writing voice’ from your natural thought pattern?
It definitely took some time to find my writing voice, and I’m certainly still nailing it down. At first, I found myself writing too formally or not sounding like myself. Sometimes I’ll stop and think how I’d say it to a friend and then go from there. It helps me keep my writing honest!

MB: Do you differentiate the life you share on social media, the blog etc with one which you keep private? How would you advise young girls growing up in this technological era, to maximise the media, whilst staying grounded? 
I would say I definitely keep my worlds separate. While I definitely share a lot of my personal life with my readers, I like to keep my work separate from my life. For instance, I never use my blog photos on my personal Facebook page. I like to keep that page more representative of my daily life with my friends, etc. And vice versa. 

MB: Which sites do you check in to daily? 
Treasures & Travels is a big one right now! I also always check on Sincerely, Jules. I love her style. I probably read a Refinery29 article (or two) everyday as well. 

MB: What are you most proud of achieving up till this point in your twenties? 
I’m proud that I’ve created my own business (my blog) from scratch and have actually been able to rely on it for income. That’s something I never thought I would have done at this point and barely even realize I’ve done it until I stop and look back at what I’ve accomplished.

MB: What is on your bucket list before you are thirty?!
Oh boy, that’s a big one! Moving to NYC was definitely on that list, so I’m glad I can check that off. Hopefully I’ll meet an amazing California guy out here and we’ll move back to SF together by the time I’m 30! ;)

Quick Fire Questions: 
  • Favourite drink (non-alcoholic)? Chocolate milk
  • Favourite drink (alcoholic)? Cabernet (preferably from Napa/Sonoma!)
  • Best brunch in NYC? A classic bacon-egg-and-cheese from my local deli.
  • Last three things you bought? Frye boots, shearling vest, softest scarf ever
  • Best thing you’ve ever bought? The softest scarf ever.
  • Style icon? Alexa Chung. I love her tomboy yet feminine style.
  • Words to live by? Be happy.
  • Next dream travel destination? Greece!

MB: Final words of advice from your Twenties so far . . . Learn to truly listen to your gut – what you want – and try your best to put others opinions of you aside. All you really have is yourself, so learn to love yourself, accept yourself, and do what truly makes you happy.

I hope you’ve loved meeting Amanda as much as I did!

What advice do you live by? Do you have any further questions for Amanda or me?

Drop us a line on Twitter - Amanda here and me here - or on email

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 


MB x 

Coming Home

Oli and I at our friend's wedding earlier this year

Ols and I returned from NYC on Monday morning, and have been basking in two days of extra holiday since.

Extra holiday?! Say what?!

Let me explain . . .  prior to this year, when we both began to work full time for ourselves, we used to return from a trip away, and head straight back to work. We would often choose the latest possible flight - theoretically, prolonging our holiday - and then spend the remainder of the week in a jet-lagged, post-holiday-zombie-like haze. Not good for us. Not great for work either.

I know it seems counter intuitive, and even indulgent, to tag on an extra day (or two!) of rest following a break away, especially as holiday time is so precious when you have an allocated amount per year, but we've found that having a lie-in and re-setting your body clock allows you to work better once you do head into the office, and it helps with the shock/commiseration of coming home.

One day would be enough I imagine, however Ols and I took an extra one yesterday as we celebrated our six year anniversary!

*Pause for big goofy grin*

Given that we had such an incredible - busy - time in NYC, we were both chuffed as chips to curl up in bed for a jet-lag-induced lie in, head to breakfast in our favourite local haunt, and lounge the day away.

I have SO much more to fill you guys in on from New York, but for the moment I'll just say this: we have had the most incredible time away, completely re-inspired our thought patterns, and seen so many great friends and places, but coming back to our little apartment and celebrating six years together, has reconfirmed how wonderful being home is too.

Hope you guys have all had a great start to your weeks! Can't wait to share more from NYC!

Love, 

MB xx

NYC | See You Soon


Hello there you gorgeous lot! As I type Ols and I are in the final stages of packing for NYC! 

We have been so lucky with recommendations from friends and readers so far, but if you have ANY further tips - we are all ears!

Whilst away I'll be putting a pause on posts; taking some time to rest, and recharge. I am crazy excited to spend time with Ols, and visit some of our NYC pals. 

Keep up to date with our adventures on Instagram and Twitter; and I shall see you back here on the 12th!

Love, 

MB x

Reading Nook



Ciao bellissimas! I hope you all had an ace weekend, and are looking forward to kicking ass this week! I am totally starting this one with that kind of attitude! The past few weeks I have found it tricky to lock in desk time - time for posting and e-mails, in amongst face to face commitments. It's been kinda stressful. How to manage time, delegate tasks, maximise every hour . . . ! Phew, I feel like I'm figuring things out daily - if not hourly - and time management is one of my greatest challenges. To try and help me along I've been flicking back over my work from home posts! If you have any tips on staying on track at work, with productiveness, time divisions, scheduling . . . I am all ears! And I'll let you guys know how I get on too. 

OK back to nooks . . . 
As you may recall, Habitat recently came to shoot mine and Oli's new apartment. It was so lovely getting a different perspective on a space we are still getting to know ourselves. We have been quite hesitant in filling our rooms up with furniture, as 1) We have a major fear of cluttering, and 2) we are trying to invest in pieces we will love for a long time. What we've come to realise though is that some spaces do need more. I've harboured a fantasy of creating a little reading nook since we moved in, and now it looks like that fantasy may be becoming a reality! We have our eyes on one of those swoopy floor lamps, and I can't wait to select the perfect chair to curl up in. Naturally Pinterest has been a GREAT aid. 

Read on for more inspirational pics . . . 

What are your thoughts on a reading nook? Do you like the idea of curling up with a book - in a space just for that. Let me know your feelings below . . . !

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB  x

5 Ways To Start Your Day Well

Pic from my Instagram

The other day I got to thinking about what made my mornings tick. The routine that can get me out of bed and onto a 7.30am train (mostly) with a bounce in my step. Or make me feel inspired before sitting down for hours of desk time. Here are five, tried and tested, ways to begin your day with a smile. As the saying goes, start as you mean to continue . . . !

Go for a walk. Even if it's for ten minutes around the block, getting out into the fresh  air before heading to the office is a brilliant way of stimulating your body and mind. Recently, Oli and I have taken 15minutes or more outside every morning. It's amazing how much more HUMAN you feel for having some you time before work. 

Wait on the login. I try not to log into any technology for the first couple of hours of my day; that way when I start at my desk at 9 I feel fresh. If I have to check urgent e-mails, I flick over them and flag them for work time. And . . . 

Logout before bed. I read an article a while ago which said that looking at a computer or phone screen before bed stimulated your mind into thinking it way daytime - hence making it difficult to fall asleep. I always have a magazine or paper book beside the bed to read until my eyes get tired. At the moment I'm reading the third Bridget Jones - Mad About the Boy - ugh addictive! OH and I always write down a to-do list before sleep, that way I feel unburdened of any pressing issues as I know I can deal with them tomorrow

Have a hot towel waiting. This is such an old-lady tip, but I've found as the days are getting chilly that a warm towel makes getting in and out of the shower DREAMY. We don't have a radiator in our bathroom so I pop my towel in the drier for a few minutes, and love the feeling of it as I step out. I also got a beautiful new towel from Roos Beach Shop which makes me smile.  

Listen to your body. I used to get anxious if I left the house in a rush, grabbing a coffee and croissant on my journey to work and generally feeling sluggish, and well, crap. Now I make time for a balanced breakfast, a flick through the news, and a comfortable time frame to get ready in. If I have a particularly early morning I'll pack my bag, laptop case, and iron my clothes before bed too. 

I hope these tips help you kick start your days too lovely ones! Do you have any tips on how to get going with a smile? 

Here's to a great week!

Love, 

MB x

A Few Fall Favourites

Fedora: Accessorize c/o | Blanket Scarf: Accessorize c/o | Necklace: Boden c/o

Hello my loves! How was your weekend? I spent Saturday having girl time with my sister in London, and then Sunday catching up on some relaxation. I got my hands on Bridget Jones 3 and so pretty much sat on the sofa, pastry and coffee on rotation, until Oli cooked brunch. Totally. Spoilt. Do you find when you come back from holiday, or a trip away, that you are out of sync for a while? I think that having been to Menorca earlier in the month, followed by Fashion Week, has left me a little out of whack. Today was the first in a long time when I sat down at my desk thinking - "yep, I got this. Let's work!". My posting's been more sporadic than normal too - so apologies friends - I think we all like to keep these things more predictable. As of this week, business resumes as normal. 

With that in mind, here are a few Fall favourites which I've recently added to my wardrobe. YAY for Autumn! 

Jewel tones are so DELICIOUS don't you think?! I actually FEEL the cosiness of plum tones, deep sapphires and emeralds when the seasons turn. There must be a day of the year when all of a sudden it feels OK to swap out Summer clothes for Autumn. For me, that day came this weekend. I haven't done any major Fall shopping yet, but accessories are a great place to start. I recently added this Accessorize blanket scarf, and burgundy fedora to my Autumn armoury and I LOVE them both. Ditto this Boden necklace. It reminds me of Anna Wintour's collarbone-length necklaces, which she wears almost exclusively. Sold. Sold and SOLD.



Are you guys shopping for Autumn yet? If so, what's on YOUR wish list? As always, leave me a comment so we can talk shop!

Have an awesome evening all!

Love, 

MB x

My Guilty Baking Pleasure



Hey lovelies! As I write from the safety of my sofa, at 3pm, I'm reminiscing on one helluva bank holiday weekend. A rotation of celebrations - from our close friends' wedding on Saturday, to a surprise appearance from one of my best girlfriends on Sunday - it's rendered us all bad-TV-and-food-coma limited. Safe to say we are all very grateful for an extra day of weekend. I rarely ever bake, but when I do I LOVE it. And to my shame, I cheat. Yes Betty Crocker's Devil's Food Cake Mix is my ULTIMATE guilty baking pleasure. It's easy. It's crazy delicious. I'm sold. 

Betty Crocker's Devil's Food Cake is pretty darn perfect, and I love it simply unadorned with a steaming hot herbal tea; but equally the five-year old decorator in me adores a good colour-pop topping. Smarties and raspberries being our decorations of choice as we watched TV under duvets today.

As the weather outside is currently looking throughly British (rain. rain. rain.) I may just have to stay indoors and devour the cake. Miranda Hobbes Sex And The City style. Remember the episode where she just can't help herself?! 
How are you guys spending the last day of August bank holiday? Do you love a baking cheat too? OR do you have a fantastic chocolate cake recipe to share? 

Back to Crocker we go . . . 

Love, 

MB x

Busted Knees + Mega Heels


Hey lovelies! Apologies for the intermittent posting this week - it's been a 'behind the scenes' kinda situation, sorting projects and getting in face time with my favourite people! As such I've been running from home to appointments daily and have had to sass up my normal denim quick sharp! I've been LIVING in my soft ripped jeans of late, and pairing them with fancy footwork to lend a smart edge. It's one of my favourite looks ever, and total street style catnip. So much so my Pinterest just got a healthy does of 'busted knees + mega heels' love too. 

Do you rate the pairing also? 

Right, I'm running (in heels) to my next meeting . . . !

Hope you're all having an awesome week!

Love, 

MB x

Monica Beatrice Welburn x Grazia

Pic via and here 

Hey guys! How're you all doing? I am SUPER excited to share some news with you today; recently I've been contributing to Grazia Daily - one of my favourite websites, of one of my all time favourite magazines. YAY. YAY and YAY. We're three article in now, and I'll be contributing monthly for the time being. 

You can read my articles so far, here: 




Thank you so much for all of YOUR awesome support; when I started The Elgin Avenue a little over three years ago I never thought I'd be getting the opportunity to write for sites and publications I've admired and been a fangirl fan of for so long. It is in no small part down to your daily brilliance that this blog, and me personally, have been working away for all this time, and hopefully this is the beginning of another great chapter. So yep, you guys rock!

I hope you've all had a great start to your weeks too! I'd love to hear your thoughts on my Grazia articles so far . . . 

Love, 

MB x

The Room Divide

Image Via

Since moving into our new apartment this year, Ols and I have been tackling tasks for which we feel huge 'first time co-habiting' gratification; including: buying our first sofa, organising my home office and having enough pots and pans to have friends over all day, every day. However, there are still a number of home areas which are just killing me; two in particular . . .

1. Our bedroom is crazy cluttered - we have boxes of miscellaneous everything which need to be sorted or scrapped; and our clothes are taking over every spare surface and floor space known to man. 

2. Our entranceway - which we love (because seriously which small apartment has an entranceway?!) - plays host to our tumble drier and odd and sods which really look terrible. So much so that I've started putting THE biggest bunch of flowers directly to the right so that guests are (hopefully!) distracted enough to not look to the messy-left. 

We've finally reached our threshold and this weekend Ols and I are setting aside time to  sort through everything; and yes this means another IKEA trip (yay for me, hell for him. Ha!) I'll be on the hunt for organisation for our bedroom, and we are planning on installing a room dividing curtain to section off the 'utility' area in our entrance way. Of course Pinterest has served up inspiration aplenty; what did we even do before we could pin our home decor ideas?!

Have any of you guys used a room dividing curtain before? Do you have any tips for our crazy loft-bedroom? Specifically storage? Let me know in the comments below . . . .

Hope you're all having a great day!

Love, 

MB x

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