Why I love... My Camper Van

*waves* I'm busy revising for my summer exams at the moment. But, in the spirit of the bank holiday weekend here in the UK, here's a post I originally wrote for Campfire Chic last year...

Last July we made a purchase that has completely changed our camping world - our very first camper van. She's called Freda (everyone gives their cars names right?) and I thought I would share with you why we love her so much...

Don't get me wrong, I am no fair weather camper. For a start I'm British, which means staying in a tent normally means getting wet or cold. Ever seen the TV footage of Glastonbury festival in the mud? Been there, got the t shirt.

While I love the sound of rain drops on canvas, staying in camper van is warm, it is snug, you have proper seats and a proper bed under a proper roof. You can't quite beat snuggling up for the night safe and cosy, knowing the weather can do what it likes outside and you'll be just fine.

This is so important to us. Under Freda's rear seats we have a couple of those plastic boxes that fit under beds and in those we have all the camping essentials: Stove, kitchenwear, lights, the awning, ground sheets, blankets...

We also keep a couple of campsite guide books (if you are camping in the UK, I recommend Cool Camping and All the Aires if you are going to continental Europe), the Good Beer Guide (the definitive guide to the best pubs in Britain) and a couple of road atlases. Then if we fancy an adventure, all we need to do is chuck some some bedding and the food hamper in the van and we can be good to go in about 10 minutes. Plus when you get to your destination, we just park up and we're almost all set.

It's pretty amazing when you can be sitting at your desk at 4pm and then sitting in the Black Mountains in Wales by 6.30pm. Having a camper van means you can be very spontaneous. You just get in and go.

The best thing about having Freda is the overwhelming sense of freedom that she gives us. Every time I see her parked outside our house I am reminded of chance of adventure. Be it a 1000 mile road trip to the south of France or just an overnight jaunt to the coast, the opportunity is always there. There is always something to see, somewhere to go, places to be explored and I'm happy that my camper van reminds me of that every day.

34 things to do before 34

 source

Do you remember back in the depths of beyond (well September, it feels like a long time ago), I started to put together a list of things to do before I turn 34 on 29th August 2012? I was firmly stuck on number 22. Well thanks to your help (thank you!) here is the finished list:

1. Stand at the top of a volcano
2. Make chocolate Guinness cake
3. Go wild swimming
4. Knit a jumper
5. Pass my Geosciences diploma
6. Bake a loaf of bread
7. Go to a wildlife park
8. Have a surfing lesson
9. Try another hair colour
10. Have a piece of art published
11. Cycle somewhere impressive
12. Make a patchwork quilt
13. Go to a prom concert
14. Make a film on my vintage Super8 camera
15. Go to John O'Groats
16. Paint a picture on a canvas
17. Play the ukulele with a band
18. Make a dress
19. Make a dance record
20. Start a collection
21. Try a new sport
22. Make a margarita
23. Cycle on a tandem
24. Learn to play a card game
25. Have my fortune told
26. Build a sandcastle
27. Eat in a Michelin star restaurant
28. Go to a beer festival
29. Perform a random act of kindness
30. Visit a new country
31. Visit a falconry centre
32. Make christmas dinner
33. Give up coffee for a month
34. Go barefoot for the day

I better get on with it... x

Time Out

You know blogging is meant to be fun and a little place for self-expression? You need have a certain amount of mojo for it and I'm just not feeling it at the moment. Nothing seems original and it all feels a little monotonous. And if I'm not enjoying it then you are not going to enjoy reading it.

So I've decided to take a little time off, find some new inspiration and think of some new ideas of what direction to take this funny little place in.

Will be back very soon xx

I Can't Speak French // Guest Post by Rena

(Image Source)

There is a very strange phenomenon in the teenage world, one which perplexes and distresses me on a daily basis – the mass hatred for learning another language. Yes, I am a French teacher and therefore must confess an insatiable desire to speak as many languages as possible so I find it very hard to comprehend why my pupils don't appreciate the chance to learn not one, but two languages.

I put myself in their shoes to see it from my pupils' perspective – I work in a deprived area and they don't even know there is a world outside of their local bus route, never mind a whole world that really do speak this random thing I am trying to teach them. But I find there is a pattern in all walks of life, even the privately educated darlings groan when they realise they have a language lesson next and make their feelings well known that French is the subject they hate the most.

Obviously I am generalising somewhat, as I have managed to convince some youngsters that learning a language is a passport to freedom, fun and a fulfilled life, but those who go on to enjoy learning a foreign language are few and far between. Universities are struggling to fill language degrees across the country so it is clear it is not just a problem with my teaching (that's a blog for another day!)

So what is it? Where does this dislike of being able to communicate with a whole other nationality come from?

Personally, I blame whoever first said “Everyone speaks English”. It is a phrase which has swept the nation and believes it's own propaganda. Yes, the vast majority of people in tourist areas and large cities do speak English. The bit that is forgotten is that these people have learnt English because it helps their business and earns them money. What good is the cafe owner in Benidorm who has never learnt what a Full English Breakfast means, or the bar owner in Paris who doesn't know what 'wine' means? The vast majority of others haven't bothered to learn English, and those that have will not entertain those who have not put the effort into learning theirs.

English youngsters find it hard to think about their own imminent future, and I think this plays a massive part in the problem. They have no real idea what they want to do in the future, or what they will need in order to succeed, so learning another language is way down the list of possible options compared to exciting things like Travel and Tourism and Business Studies – both of which practically double their value when combined with a language! They fail to see that speaking another language opens up so many possibilities that they never thought of – spending time at a foreign university while studying for any degree, being the one who is chosen to fly with the boss to that all important meeting in Paris to translate the new contract (or being the boss who can have a few drinks with the new clients after signing the new contract), making a fortune as the only one who can sell the product to Moscow and reaping the commission rewards.

Added to this is the inability to convey the pure joy of being able to speak another language to anyone who hasn't done it – it is hard work, it involves using your brain to work things out (a major inconvenience for most young people) and most people give up at the first sign of hard work and go back to the whole “Everyone speaks English” safety net and miss out on the euphoria of being understood in a foreign language.

So I leave you with no answer – if I had one I wouldn't be writing this – but rather a question, how would you convince a 14 year old that learning a language is possibly the best thing they could ever do?

A Muscular Female? (Gasp!) // Guest Post from Anna of This Way Up

 (Image source)

Today’s guest blog is brought to you by This Way Up – a blog which is largely to do with gymnastics but also includes the ups and downs of running a business, a husband and a toddler all at once. had to think for about 20 seconds about how to incorporate something sporty into a fashion blog and then an issue which has always mattered to me came to mind.

I am about as mesomorph as it is possible to be. I am short, athletic and muscular, gain weight easily but can lose it just as quickly. Ideal for gymnastics, and indeed most other sports I try my hand at. If I exercise, I don’t tone like some women, I just build more muscle.

This earned me the nickname “Helga” amongst friends, the implication being that I am built like a Russian shot putter. I can live with that. What I find really disappointing is the British media and fashion industry’s attitude to this body shape. It seems sometimes this is the worst shape to be – big is beautiful nowadays after all, and svelte-like figures such as Cheryl Cole are considered to be more attractive.

This is not the case everywhere – in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia and Canada, the sporty female physique is more desirable. Female athletes from these countries enjoy a higher profile and greater status, whereas our British sportswomen tend to be seen either as a bit butch, or if they try to move away from that, a sex symbol whose looks are worth more than her athleticism.

Levels of sports participation amongst teenage girls in this country are absolutely appalling. In my opinion a big part of that is down to society’s view of females in sport (and in general, but that’s another blog…). If you’re going to spoil your hair and make-up, or get a bit sweaty or muddy then that’s a disaster isn’t it?

Anyway, many thanks to Rachel for letting me borrow her soapbox, and I would love to know your thoughts on this.

The Firebird Guide to Popping Your Vintage Cherry

The other day someone asked me what the first vintage item I ever wore or bought was and I honestly can't remember. As a child I always loved dressing up in my Mum's fabulous clothes. Then I started supplementing my wardrobe with items found in charity shops as a teenager, firstly out of desperation for something different – the retail choices were rather limited in North Essex. When I was 13 I found a pair of 1970s flared Levis that had belonged to Dad and wore them in to the ground, beyond the point they got holes. I think the first vintage boutique I ever went to was in Cambridge, aged 16, and I bought a long red crochet cardigan. I later wore it with a floral skirt and stripey tights to watch the Brand New Heavies. I thought I was the bomb...

Luckily, with age and some experimenting, I have settled with a style I am comfortable with – a mixture of vintage, secondhand and high street classic separates. I often think people fear trying vintage because they are intimidated by many vintage shops (come on, we know there are a lot of snotty ones out there) or worried about getting it wrong by mixing eras. In my world this is all daft, vintage is nothing to be afraid of. In fact once you start you'll find the most amazing array of unique, beautiful and fascinating clothing. Sustainable too. And I guarantee you'll find something for you, no matter what your personal style.
So lets throw any preconceived ideas about vintage out the window and get rummaging...

The first lesson I learnt when buying vintage (though I think this should also apply to all clothes shopping) is to ignore that little number on the label. Due to diets and the contraceptive pill, our bodies have changed shape over the last couple of decades, which means a vintage size 12 is now often more akin to a modern day 8-10. But don't be downheartened – ignore that number. Always. 

The best thing to do is to measure your own clothes, lie them flat (this is how a lot of online vintage sellers take their measurements) and measure the shoulders, the bust (about where your nipples would be), the smallest part of the waist and the hips. Use items of clothing that aren't reliant on lycra. Hang these clothes up on the front of your wardrobe and get used to the size and shape of your clothing. Now if you spot a bargain in a charity shop you won't have to rely on the label and will know by sight if it might be for you or not. 

Ignore the number on the label! Really, it is irrelevant. Are you still ignoring it? Then we'll continue...

The second thing that I think will open up a whole new world of vintage to you is if you can fix a few flaws. 

By it's very nature (ie. Being old) most vintage is imperfect. 90% of it has been worn before which means it has been subjected to daily wear and tear. And perfect unworn vintage is expensive. You will save a fortune if you can do some simple clothing maintenance like fixing a hem, darning a hole and replacing buttons. 

Not only will you be able to pick up beautiful preloved items for next to nothing, but you will also be able to give everything in your wardrobe a longer lease of life. A win/ win no?

I'm going to upset my purist friends here but I am a great believer that if you love something then you should wear it how you like. 

Don't be intimidated by anything because it is a certain era. I like to mix maxi dresses with a denim or leather jacket to toughen them up a bit, a funky 70s shirt can look great with a pencil skirt, turn a sun dress in to something for winter by putting a long sleeved top and leggings underneath... 

The point I am trying to make is just because you like the look of that tea dress doesn't mean you need to learn how to do victory rolls. You want to go for the complete land girl look then great. If you want to wear it over a pair of jeans that is absolutely fine too. These are your clothes, not some costume for a period drama.

If you are curvy like me, a lot of vintage can be a little intimidating because the fabrics don't have the same stretch and give we are used to today. You might find a cute dress that is a stunning fabric but because of the way it is cut, if you are heavy on top, it is likely to make you look about seven months pregnant. This is where the belt is your friend. I have a whole collection of them: wide leather ones, elasticated waisted belts, chain belts, though my favourite is just a simple plaited belt that I seem to wear at least three times a week. 

Take that sack-like dress and belt it in the middle. Suddenly it is much cuter, no? You could even try belting with scarves or wide ribbons. Don't dismiss things because they might not instantly look fitted. With belts as your allies your vintage world has opened up even more.

Still not sure about the clothes, why not think about bags, bracelets, brooches, necklaces? So many modern trends are inspired by vintage looks so good vintage accessories never really go out of fashion. 

If you really don't know where to start buy a scarf first, a square silk type one. You can probably get a really pretty one from a local charity shop for under the price of a cup of coffee. Then tie it to the strap of your handbag – it may be from the high street but now it is different to everyone elses. Another day take the same scarf and fold it up and use it as a cute neck scarf. Or as a hair band. 

You're wearing vintage. Now that wasn't so scary after all was it?

This guide is meant to be fun, because that's what clothes should be. 

So take a chance on something vintage and try it out. It doesn't have to break the bank and there are no rules that you need to follow. If you have got this far reading this then I can guarantee that you are going to like it... x

Why I Love Vintage: Sustainability

Wearing vintage is probably the classiest way to recycle. You probably don't even realise you are doing it - wearing vintage is fun, pretty, distinctive, individual and a fascinating way to look at history. There are loads of reasons why I love vintage but, with Earth Day just around the corner, choosing vintage is also really green, almost sickeningly tree-huggingly green, but mind your beautiful dress on that bark.

The fashion industry has changed indescribably over the last 30 years. Prior to the 1980s/ 1990s, clothing wasn't seen as such a disposable commodity, as it is today. There was certainly fashion and high fashion at that, I'm thinking of the boutiques of the Kings Road in the 1960s. But the clothes themselves were different. Vintage clothes were made in smaller numbers, made by hand or certainly made locally. People had less disposable income, so clothing was made to last. 

Today things just aren't the same, the production of modern clothing is often polluting, exploitive or just designed for short-term consumption, made of flimsy fabrics and falling apart after a few washes. In the UK it is estimated that each person throws away about 35kg of textiles a year, most of which is clothes. Some of this is recycled, mainly through charity shops, but a lot can not be resold and most of it ends up in landfill (source). Chosing some vintage items for your wardrobe helps stop this amount of waste.

I know I am biased, I have a little vintage clothing store after all. But vintage is something that appeals to me primarily because of it's green credentials. And it's a lot more stylish than a hemp tunic. But if vintage fashions really are not your thing, the same principles applied to any good quality second hand clothing, it doesn't have to be over 20 years old to deserve to be taken out of landfill. There are also some wonderful ethical clothing brands as well and shopping with them supports good labour and environmental practices right now. Trying to buy the 'vintage of the future' can also be sustainable. Maybe we should buy everything with the hope that it will last 20 years and beyond?

I know I am not perfect at this, my budget sometimes sways me toward budget brands, but if I am high street shopping I try and stop and think and that can really make a difference. Do I really really need it? Try and think about how this item of clothing was made, how long it will last, whether I can fix it in a couple of years time and if it would be something that I will really love forever and hope that someone else might want to wear in twenty years time. 

Just a little less disposable can still be really stylish.

499,800 Not Arrested

This isn't a political blog but I have been so frustrated with the media coverage of the 'March for the Alternative' on Saturday, that I had to share my photographs of it with you. It seems hugely unfair that the actions of under 200 people get more news coverage than nearly half a million firmly, but peacefully making their point. It was completely safe and we had a great time. My friends even bought their baby girl in her pushchair.

I also think I should share these, given recent events in Africa and the Middle East, because we should never take our right to protest for granted. Please excuse the quality, they were taken on my phone, but this is was Saturday's march from my point of view...

Waiting to start on the Embankment

Under Waterloo Bridge

Towards Westminster

A wonderful percussion band - they were seriously magnificent and gave a real carnival atmosphere

Houses of Parliament

That well known dangerous political activist - Postman Pat (no sign of his black and white cat though)

Downing Street

Towards Trafalgar Square

For Japan

We have all been horrified and send our heart out to all the people affected by the ongoing disaster in Japan, caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The true extent of the disaster is sadly yet to be fully realised and the relief effort still needs more funds.

Bands from all over the world have contributed to 'Punk 4 Japan'. For a mere £6 you will get over 80 fantastic tracks and 100% of the money raised will go to the Red Cross's Disaster Relief Fund and will help provide first aid and shelter for those affected.

(There is even a third volume coming out soon that will feature my good friends Emergency Bitter)

You find the Punk 4 Japan site HERE. Please have a look, you might find your new favourite band. And it really is for an excellent cause.

Music not really your thing? Well, no problem. Loads of independent creative people have been joining in raising money for the relief effort. Here's a selection from UK sellers on Etsy...

Notecards by Numbers 14

Cloche Hat by 365hats

Stag Beetle Card by IllustratedCards

Stained glass by Junkitlove

Marbled Album or Notebook by LizzieMade

Necklace by ErikaPrice

Still see nothing that takes your fancy? Well HERE is a list of countless organisations that are taking part in the relief effort and need your help.

Thank you xxx

In the clouds

(Sweden from the air- taken on my mobile (airplane safe mode on!))

I'm not sure where this week has gone.

We have been frantically trying to get the house a bit more habitable for the arrival of the Aussie's parents tomorrow and, on top of college work and being shopkeeper, there seems to have been time for little else.

But I promise my Sweden story will be posted soon. I also have a little giveaway to say thank you to you all for supporting me and I have my first range of necklaces to share with you too (I sold the first one within twelve hours of listing them - absolutely over the moon!)

I need to get back to painting, but I do hope you are all well and normal service will resume very soon x

Desconocida Unknown Ukjent

Almost exactly six months ago I blogged about an art project I had taken part in called Desconocida Unknown Ukjent, which I had discovered through the fabulous Craftivist Collective. Pallant Gallery were also kind enough to send me two labels to embroider at home.

Desconocida Unknown Ukjent is an international art project by the Norwegian artist Lise Bjorne Linnert to raise awareness of the murder, trafficking and abuse of women in Ciudad Juarez, on the Mexican/ US border. Since 1993, between 500 to possibly over 1000 women are believed to have been murdered in the city or have disappeared.

In this art project, each participant embroiders the name of one of the dead or missing women of Ciudad Juarez and also embroiders the word 'unknown' to remember all the unidentified victims of similar crimes worldwide, taking the time used to embroider the name or words to remember these people.

The Aussie and I were on the South Coast this week and were able to go to Chichester to visit the Pallant Gallery and see Lise's complete work.

When embroidering the individual labels it was difficult to even imagine how they would all look all together. The labels have been displayed to spell out the lyrics of the Mexican and the USA national anthems in Morse Code, which is why there are gaps between some of them.


It is difficult to describe the emotions of what it was like to see them all together. Embroidering the single label was very moving because you knew that person had faced hardships we don't even have to consider in the UK. But when I saw the whole wall of the labels, remembering that every single one of them represents someone that is dead or missing and that the authorities have so far done nothing to investigate a single one.

I find it very difficult to put in to words the combined feeling of utter sadness and anger at the injustice.

Please have a look at Lise Bjorne Linnert's blog to find out more about the project.

30 in 30 days

Massive apologies for the complete disregard I have had for the upkeep of my blog recently, I handed in my notice at the day job last week (see the 'about me' box to see why) and so much needs finishing before I leave. Plus I have a basic oceanography module to finish this month and the flat is really getting in pre-move mode and I need to sew some curtains for our new bedroom etc etc.... *stresses*

However, to stop me abandoning my lovely blog in the interim and to give me some structure, I have blatantly pinched this idea of the shabby chic-tastic BibbityBob:

30 in 30 Days
Day 1-your favourite song
Day 2-your favourite movie
Day 3-your favourite television program
Day 4- your favourite book
Day 5-your favourite quote
Day 6- 20 of my favourite things
Day 7-a photo that makes you happy
Day 8-a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9-a photo you took
Day 10-a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11-a photo of you recently
Day 12-something you are OCD about
Day 13-a fictional book
Day 14-a non-fictional book
Day 15-your dream house
Day 16-a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17-an art piece (drawing,sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18-my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19-a talent of yours
Day 20-a hobby of yours
Day 21-a recipe
Day 22-a website
Day 23-a youtube video
Day 24-where I live
Day 25-your day, in great detail
Day 26-your week in great detail
Day 27-my worst habit
Day 28-whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29-hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30-a dream for the future

First one will be up tonight (I say one, I will never be able to get it down to one song..) Please feel free to join in.

Hope you are all well and had a fabulous weekend xx

License to Ill

(Image source)
(image source)

Anyone fancy a lemsip? My little world has temporarily stopped spinning at its usual speed due to a rather nasty cold. Snuffling and aching aside, it does have its advantages - curled up on the sofa, listening to Radio 4, in pyjamas, under a pile of blankets, crumpets for lunch, lemon and ginger tea and the Aussie has promised to stop by Lush on the way home for a medicinal bath bomb.

Hope your day is better x

The other side of LFW?

(image - Craftivist Collective)

A really inspirational evening spent in a vintage shop with the Craftivist Collective, which coincided with the start of London Fashion Week, has left me thinking long and hard about about ethical fashion. The Craftivists have been displaying (beautifully made) mini protest banners at LFW trying to expose, in a non-confrontational way, the true cost of many of the clothes we wear.

I love vintage clothes and I also love a charity shop bargain, I try and buy separates from more ethical clothing companies like People Tree and American Apparrel. But the High Street is so instant and accessible and often meets that 'need' feeling at a low impact on my wallet. However, I have resolved to try to stop and think hard about the wider impacts of my purchases.

An excellent article by Ruth Rosselson on the Ethics Girls website suggests the following principles of being fashionable 'ethically':

Putting ethics into practice – the future for ethical fashion

• Wash all your clothes at as low a temperature as possible. This will not only mean that they’ll last longer, but will also reduce the amount of energy that you use.
• Develop your own style, rather than following the fashion crowd.
• Dress for your shape and ignore impractical and unflattering trends.
• Choose timeless stylish garments that you’ll be able to wear (and look good in) whatever the current ‘fashion’.
• If you’ve got an occasion coming up and want to wear something special, instead of buying something that you’ll only wear once, consider renting or borrowing instead.
• Develop some basic sewing and mending skills to customise your clothes or make them last longer.
• Try vintage fashion stalls, second-hand shops and Ebay for good quality second-hand clothes.
• Use tailors and stylists to help you create stylish, timeless, personal garments. Search out ethical clothing companies that eschew virgin resources and instead customise clothes, remake or recycle fabrics.

There are also countless inspirational blogs out there, that I hope to provide me with the motivation to avoid the instant high street fix:

• The incredible Natalie made all her own clothes she wore for a year as part of her Makeshift project.
• The hilarious Marisa is making a new dress a day for a year out of 365 dresses bought with a budget of $365.
• Countless revamping inspiration on Wardrobe Refashion.
  
• Plus I will also be looking to vintage, carbooting and thrifting queens like Vix and Jem to learn to stop following the high street crowd.
  

More from Krakow...

Krakow is an astonishing city. Unlike many cities in Poland, its historic centre survived the second world war relatively intact and it is now listed as one of UNESCO's world heritage sites. But it is so much more than beautiful buildings, the cultural aspects of the city are everywhere - be it music or street art. There are streets packed with beautiful galleries and cafes, it sounds like a cliché but there is a real vibrancy to the city's atmosphere.

There are many reminders of the tragedies that have happened to the city's residents, especially the murder of most of the city's Jewish population during the second world war (Kazimirez was where Schindler's List was filmed) and the restrictions placed on the population during Communist times, but you leave with huge admiration for the resilience of the Polish people and their determination to preserve their culture and heritage.

My photos really don't do it justice...
(town houses in Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter)

(the market square)

(Catholicism plays a huge part in the culture of Poland)

('Solidarity' plaque in the market square)

(the Wisla river)

(the Barbican)



(our train to Warsaw)