Fashion Dress in The Present: Thoughts
News Update
Loading...
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts

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

6 Superstar Bloggers Share Their 'Work From Home' Tips

I am SO excited today to share with you tips from some of my top blogger pals on working from home. Without further ado, I'm turning today's post over to them: 
Wendy & Mr K  

Wendy Gilmore, Thankfifi, Glasgow: 

"Take fresh air and people breaks! Before I had my dog, Mr K, I sometimes found I hadn't left the house for days.  Taking regular lunch breaks to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and talk to real people (not just via email!) is healthy, keeps your brain on track and helps you use your time more productively.

And on the home office...

Surround yourself with things which inspire you - new shoes, postcards, colours - anything which keeps your mind happy should be on display on shelves or stuck on the wall.  Think of yourself as a 1 woman design studio!"
Wendy's Shoe & Magazine Wall (!) 
Ella Gregory, Cocos Tea Party, London: 

"To make my desk space more personal I save the jars from nice candles - Jo Malone, Diptyque etc - and use them as pen pots and storage space."

Amanda Holstein, Advice From A Twenty Something, New York: 

"Creating an inspiring, well-organized, and inviting work space is essential when working from home. Have fun decorating your desk - add color and any bits and pieces that spark your creativity. You want your space to get you excited about working, so make it as warm and inviting as you can."

Reem Kanj, Five Five Fabulous, London & Dubai:

"In my experience one of the most important things to do when working from home is separating the two. I used to find it so hard being at home working and resisting tidying up a little, or going to the supermarket to get things for dinner. I realised that I was eating into my work hours and ended up working all night to make up for it, resulting in late rises the next day! It's a vicious cycle and you won't even realise that it's a problem until you establish that when you're at home working, that's all you should focus on, save the chores for later! 

I also invested in a desktop computer and set up an office area (you can also do this by simply getting a desk and setting up your laptop to be there and not working from your sofa), because one of my other problems was working too much. So now, I make sure that when it's time to shut down, I'm not tempted to open up my laptop on the sofa and start working again when I should really be getting some down time with the future hubby!"

Anna Hart, South Molton St Style, London: 

"Get up early, dressed and get yourself out of the house for 15 minutes before you start your day. As great as the dream of working on the sofa in pyjamas is, you're efficiency is terrible.  I try and get out and go for run, or at least walk the dog, before 8.30 every day - at my desk for 9 just like anyone in an office!"

Alex Stedman, The Frugality, London: 

"I think my biggest tip is just getting used to the different balance. And appreciate a day off. Now I'm back in full-time work (Alex is at Red Magazine) I am seriously missing my nephew, as I would pop round and see him twice a week . . . it's easy to keep drumming up work and keep yourself on the go - but actually, the biggest thing I realised was what my body needed. A day off here and there and a chance to catch up with family, admin, my nan, was what my body needed for the right balance. 

Also, I do have a study. I work from a desktop surrounded by inspirational pictures and lots of Muji clear storage. It's good to associate this room with work. I know when I go in there, that is my office and I can get things done. So when I sit on my ipad in front of the tv, that's my relax time. There has to be a cut-off time and a different space for me to work in."

Thank you my gorgeous blogger girls for the fantastic tips! Let me know if you too found the girls' insight super helpful; and what your own experience of working from home or constructing a home office has been. 

Today I am back to back with meetings, but looking forward to seeing my cousin this evening who is over from America. Follow my Wednesday adventures on Instagram. 

Have a great day all!

Love, 

MB x

5 Rabbit Warren Sites To Get Lost In This Weekend

image via 

OK we ALL do it. 

Please say we all do it?!

Clicking on one link, which leads to 'suggested reads', which leads to another article, which leads to . . .

Yep,  I am totally guilty of losing myself in certain sites. Fact is, these sites are the ones which provide me with content which I engage with, am inspired and informed by. So technically it is a PURPOSEFUL use of time. Read on for my top 5 Rabbit Warren sites to get lost in this weekend:

1: The Everygirl. MAN I love The Everygirl. From Career & Finance, through to Wellness, Living and Travel, The Everygirl covers all bases which a young 20-30 something girl would want to know about. The articles are always helpful and the photography is super pin-able.

Favourite article to date: Road Warriors: The Ups and Downs of Jet-Setting for a Job - a great insight into those who travel a lot for work/ inspiration for those who want to.

2: The Coveteur. Danger. Zone. The Coveteur is my number one 'guilty multiple clicker site'. Hmm catchy name. The subjects of The Coveteur's wardrobe tours, interviews, and articles are so intoxicatingly stylish it's like being dragged through a couture week party and having Edward Cullen life-reading skills on everyone. That's a LOT of fashion noise to take in.

Favourite article to date: Nicole Richie - I actually got re-lost in this article and ended up pinning almost every image. GAH it's good.

3: Advice From A Twenty Something. I love getting to know blogs which aren't so well known -  or rather, so well known YET because I am sure Amanda's will continue to bloom/boom. Amanda's blog is, as the name suggests, all encompassing advice from a twenty-something girl. I find her articles so easy to relate to, stylish and non-dictatorial.

Favourite article to date: I Heart New York - one for anyone thinking of making a big change. Go Amanda!

4. Domaine Home. I actually found Domain Home via their equally addictive Pinterest. Seriously, I swear you're never more than 5 pins away from a Domaine Home image when looking at interiors. Domaine Home showcases celebrity homes, how-tos, makeovers . . . anything and everything stylish and interiors focused. You MAY as well grab a glass of wine and settle in to it - you'll be here for a long time.

Favourite article to date: Styling Ideas For An Effortlessly Chic Coffee Table - OK I admit that it was nigh on impossible to pin down ONE article I love on Domaine, but I feel like this one is a good start and accessible for everyone.

5. Cupcakes & Cashmere. One of the first ever blogs I read, and still one which I get lost in daily. Style, DIYs, recipes, advice, beauty . . . Emily covers it all. I'm certain her site is designed so as to make it impossible not to click on EVERYTHING.

Favourite article to date: Weekday Wardrobe series - it is SO nice to see what a blogger wears day to day. I find Emily's weekday wardrobe series inspiring, and given that she always looks office-appropriate I think most other girls will too no matter what your occupation is.

OK so YOUR turn! Which web sites do you get lost in? There's always room for more . . . 

This weekend I am visiting my family who live quite far away, I can't wait to see them!

I hope you guys have lovely plans too. 

Love, 

MB x

Tie Waisted Shirts - Style Chat


Shorts: Zara (Old), Shirt: Vintage but Similar, Tank: Vintage, Bag: Alice & Olivia

When tie waisted shirts started doing the street style rounds, I felt it was a trend which would pass me by. HOWEVER after a couple of seasons of look-but-not-touch-ing, I fell for it. I fell hard. Born of necessity of not wanting to carry a big handbag/do the awkward jumper juggle, but knowing I needed an extra layer, I ended up tie waisting with the best of them and never looking back.
The tie waisted shirt predicates a nonchalant style, best worn in denim, checks or khaki. See girl crush Julie Sarinana for evidence. 

I for one have been rotating a checked shirt and a pale chambray. For the ultimate tie waist, do a couple of buttons up on your shirt before placing around your  waist and tie once. Placement is personal but I like the hips when wearing jeans, and a higher tie if wearing shorts. BONUS - the tie waisted shirt can demure-ify short shorts.

Have you fallen yet?! As always, leave me a comment below! 

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

A Weekend In Brighton

23 girls + Brighton = F.U.N!

Last Friday I packed my bags for an amazing, hilarious, wild 48hrs with 23 gorgeous girls in celebration of my beautiful friend Pandora's hen party in Brighton. A large percentage of what went down over the weekend is not appropriate for blog consumption, however the calmer moments spent exploring the beautiful bohemian town of Brighton make for some seriously pretty memories. 

Read on for a TONNE of sweet pics from our weekend, and my favourite things to do and shop . . . 


I love being by the sea. There is something so magical about it - I am mesmerised by the feeling of infinity. That and the yummy treats which come with the seaside. "Hell-ohhh ice-cream flakes!" I’ve always thought that arranging a hen do would be a serious organisational feat, and I take my hat off a hundred times over to the three gorgeous girls who organised our weekend - it could not have been more charming, more well planned, or more FUN! Yep, I’ll just keep reiterating it. Because it was. So. Fun.  

The first three quarters of our adventures I’ll save for the hen party’s memories only, but on our last morning we went for a very welcome, very large, brunch. Oh boy do I love brunch. Although Brighton has lots of independent coffee shops and eateries (like the Corner Cafe where we grabbed THE tastiest takeaway cappuccinos), given the size of our 20+ party we thought best to stick with a classic and headed to the local branch of Giraffe for brunch. What followed was plates and plates of delicious, hangover-curing food, including the best avocado laden full English breakfast and THIS stack of pancakes *points frantically below*. Surely the best thing about a bachelorette party - apart from celebrating the AWESOMENESS of your closest friends getting married - is getting to know fellow guests before the ceremony, and even making new dancing/drinking/hilarity partners ahead of time. I for one went into last weekend knowing only a handful of people and came out having got cosy with all 23! Knowing that you’ll be reuniting for the wedding is great -  we can’t wait to get back together to celebrate the bride and groom! 

Here are a few of my favourite memories from Brighton:
  • the dreamy turquoise hue of the Brighton pier lampposts and fencing. 
  • the colourful doorways and personalised homes. I loved all of the bright pops!
  • the many independent stores and cafes
Following our brunch on the last morning we made our way through Brighton’s famous lanes for a little shop. I would encourage any one visiting Brighton to spend their time meandering these little side streets, the independent stores are so darn pretty, we all left laden with bags - perfect for gifts and trinkets. 

My three favourite stores we visited were: 
  • Bert's Home Store. For the best home bits and pieces, and sweetest vintage-esque cards. 
  • Jaba Yard. I bought my new turquoise necklace here, and their shop fit is the prettiest. See below! 
  • The Lavender Room. Sells the kind of trinkets we all long for to make our homes Pin-able!
On a final note I couldn't go this whole post without  mentioning my latest obsession - these INSANELY beautiful overnight bags by Hard Graft. One of the girls in the hen party is the proud owner of this one, and it took every ounce of will power in me not to just sit there staring at its perfection for the entire weekend. The brand is new to me, but a quick look into their products tells me this is a long term relationship, I mean just LOOK at this beautiful rucksack!!
Thank you so much to all of the wonderful girls who made the weekend so awesome. A HUGE congratulations to our wonderful friends Pandora and Dave on your impending nuptials - we cannot WAIT!!

Have you guys ever been to Brighton? Leave me a comment with any tips, memories or favourites you have!!

Love, 

MB x

Mini Grooming


This week I got to thinking about mini-grooming - the term I am coining to describe the little top ups which make us feel put together; minus hours of effort. Here are a few things which make me feel more groomed, which can all be achieved in minutes. YAY to that. 

- polished nails; I'm loving a sky blue right now. 

- lip balm; Burts Bees. Always. 

- a light tan; I cannot better St. Tropez bronzing mousse - it takes seconds! Bonus: no drying time.

- neat eyebrows; I have mine threaded every couple of months; and follow the shape with tweezers in between.

- clean hair; I am loving the Redken All Soft range + L'oréal Tecni Art = air drying - frizz. 

I figure if all of the above boxes are ticked, I'm pretty put together. Let's just ignore the patchy shaved legs tactically executed so as to match my ASOS Ridleys . . . 

What are your mini grooming fail safes? As always, leave me a comment and share below!

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x 

Little Black Tunic & Family


Tunic: Diesel Old But Similar And Cheap!, Trainers: Nike Old But Similar, Clutch: Monsoon Artisan, Watch: Casio Sheen c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio

I spent all of last week helping at my parents' Bed & Breakfast whilst my Mum was travelling and visiting relatives in Italy. Whilst I was stepping into my Mum's shoes, it hit me how immensely proud I am of the 'home away from home' my parents have built over the last 10 years. So many of their guests return each week/month/year proclaiming their love for my Mum, and Dad's, hospitality. Although I've done it before, every time I take on my Mum's role I am hyper aware of just how much HARD work running a Bed & Breakfast is; respect Mama. 

For me, my favourite moments at the B&B were setting up and serving breakfast - YUM - and seeing the bedrooms made up. Beds tucked in, towels on top, tea and biscuits ready for the guests' arrival; there is such a pleasure in (hopefully!) ensuring a guest's comfortable and pleasurable stay. When I finished my stint as head 'B&B-ress' on Monday, I took the whole day off for some serious pampering  - mani, pedi, shopping - the lot! - and allowed myself a full 'me' day. It is SO important to take rest, something I am especially aware of when owning your own business - it is easy to fall into work even on notional days off. 

Coming back yesterday to a backlog of emails was OK in the knowledge that I had recharged my batteries; and my pretty blue mani tapping away on the keyboard helped! In the evening my sister and her boyfriend visited and we spent a beautiful dinner with this view. 

Right now I feel as if I have two uniforms - writing 'home' wear, and my meetings 'work' wear. I am living in T-shirts, frayed denim shorts, comfortable dresses, trainers and sandals at home; and when it comes to meetings I am making more effort to dress up. This black tunic dress is one which I got before my trip to Calvi On The Rocks festival last year. The shape is divinely loose, allowing for me to work, and potter about feeling totally at ease. I have my eye on this oversized T-shirt dress too.  I massively under packed footwear for my stint at the B&B and was so grateful to slip my feet into my favourite pair of Nikes when I got home. When I'm staying local I tend to carry a clutch rather than a bag as I need so little with me. My Monsoon Artisan embellished number has become a perennial favourite, and I love that it dressed up my 'home wear' a little for dinner. I am getting my hair re-dyed this evening, but I've been playing with loose curls which show off the balayage - a ponytail or 'concentration bun' are my secret weapons for staying focused at my desk!

SHOP


It is good to be back into a normal routine, but I am so grateful to have a family where we can step in and help each other out when we need it. I think that growing up with self-employed parents made me hungry to start my own venture, and I will forever be thankful for their encouragement in the start up stages, through to current developments, with The Elgin Avenue and my ventures. SAME to you guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, and being an awesome support - TEA's extended family rocks too!

Who or what inspires you guys? What is your everyday uniform looking like right now? As always, leave a comment and let me know . . . !

Love, 

MB x

Hair Trends 2023

[Hair Trends][recentbylabel2]

Haircuts Kids 2023

[haircuts kids][recentbylabel2]
Notification
welcome to my blog hopefully my content can be useful for you.
Done
Education, loan Education, loan