30 SEPTEMBER 2013

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

It's rare that the NHS is out of the headlines these days. Not only is it facing multiple inquiries into its quality, safety and management, but it is tackling the biggest administrative reshuffle that it has arguable ever faced. 

I am very proud to be part of the NHS in this era of great change. I have faith in the work that we do to maintain the smooth running of medical services on a daily basis, and the principles practised and upheld which seem never to get the media attention they deserve.

So, here is a link to a piece I have written about women in the workplace, drawing on my own experience of life working with Birmingham South Central CCG. 

http://www.bhamsouthcentralccg.nhs.uk/2012-02-13-08-29-02/bsc-blogs/510-women-in-the-workplace

Many thanks to Amos Mallard for his contribution to this blog and all his hard work getting it up on the CCG website! You can access the CCG website here: http://www.bhamsouthcentralccg.nhs.uk/, or follow us on twitter @BSC_CCG.    

29 SEPTEMBER 2013

BAKE ME HAPPY

To me, there's not much that's more satisfying than a good baking session, especially if the finished products look and taste amazing. 

So, with the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, earlier this week, I decided to combine my baking obsession with the opportunity to do some good in the world by baking some rose and pistachio cupcakes for my boyfriend's work. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture to show you as all the little beauties were snapped up before Tom could get his camera out! I do, however, have pictures of my other baking conquests from this weekend. Below are photos of an apple, blackberry and ginger pie, and some lemon cupcakes baked in early celebration of my 23rd birthday later this week (hence the candles).

The cupcakes are a Mary Berry recipe (she really is the Queen of cakes!), and the pie recipe is one of Jamie Oliver's. The links to both recipes can be found at the bottom of this post. Enjoy, and please don't forget to let me know what you think by leaving your comments! X

Mary Berry's Lemon Cupcakes - http://www.redonline.co.uk/food/recipes/mary-berrys-lemon-cupcakes

Jamie Oliver's Apple & Balckberry Pie - http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/blackberry-and-apple-pie

22 SEPTEMBER 2013

OAT & RAISIN BISCUITS

Anyone fancy a biscuit? Try out this recipe for oat and raisin biscuits with a nutty twist! Perfect with a cuppa, or another oat and raisin biscuit...Click here to see the recipe. Enjoy! X

18 SEPTEMBER 2013

ABOUT TIME

If you haven't seen this brilliant new film from Richard Curtis yet, you need to. Fabulously funny, this heart-warming film boasts a spectacular cast. It is, quite simply, everything that is good about British film-making.

Click here to read my full review of this must-see romantic comedy. X 

16 SEPTEMBER 2013

INDEPENDENT BIRMINGHAM

I love a bit of creative genius, so when I heard about Independent Birmingham, I felt it definitely deserved a mention on Chantilly Press.

An extension of the original Independent Liverpool, Independent Birmingham seeks out and supports independent businesses in the Birmingham area. The idea is to raise the profile of small, but beautifully formed businesses and give them a share of the limelight which is so often dominated by big chain restaurants and stores. Hopefully these unique and creatively crafted brands can then take a bigger slice of the economic pie.

Independent Birmingham's support of creative entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring, and is set to go from strength to strength as a business in its own right.

You can find out more about Independent Birmingham and the businesses they support on their website http://independent-birmingham.co.uk/ or by following them on twitter: @IndependentBham. I will also be placing their details in my Inspire Me page, here. X

15 SEPTEMBER 2013

FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN

Hi everyone, I felt it was time to start trying to get followers for my blog, so I have signed up to Bloglovin. Bloglovin makes easy work of following the blogs you love by notifying you automatically of new posts.

It also enables you to list your own blog and gain some loyal followers! I have installed a widget at the side of my blog which currently reads an unhappy 0, so please, save me from humiliation and follow me! Thanks in advance guys and gals. X

http://www.bloglovin.com/

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10678017/?claim=vqa9vju5b5k">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

11 SEPTEMBER 2013

MEET YOUR MAKER

I have some exciting news! I recently entered a competition with Stylist magazine to win £10,000 towards your business and a year's business mentoring from the 'Makers Collective': Paloma Faith, Gizzi Erskine, Roksanda Ilinicic & Grace Woodward. 

The competition is hosted by Triumph lingerie in the promotion and support of women who make. The idea is to encourage women to embrace their creative talents and build success from their craft. Offered as part of the prize is also a year's supply of Triumph lingerie.

Today I received an email congratulating me on making it to the second round. To make it into the final 10 I need to get as many votes as possible for my handmade paper flowers. It is my dream to make the crafts I love into my livelihood, so please please please get voting! 

Follow this link http://www.stylist.co.uk/home/microsite2/triumph/?page=competition and click on the picture of my flowers to vote! Thanks everyone. X  

8 SEPTEMBER 2013

POSTER GIRL

It's been a long time coming, but this weekend I finally managed to hang the posters I bought in Singapore and Paris. I say 'I' managed to hang them, what I really mean is my dad managed to hang them whilst I watched...But nonetheless, the posters are up, and they look gorgeous! Thanks Dad. X

6 SEPTEMBER 2013

FRENCH DOORS

Ever since I visited Paris at the beginning of August I have been meaning to post these photos. Whilst I was there I was mesmerised by the quality of the architecture - in particular, the array of beautifully ornate doors that framed the pavements. I took to photographing the ones which really caught my eye. Often crumbling or decaying, each door still oozed exquisite artistry and intricate design. Click here to see the whole collection. X

4 SEPTEMBER 2013

EXPANDING THE BRAND...

A little while ago I came across some vintage jewellery connector settings on eBay which cried out for an up-cycle  I never pass up the opportunity to get creative, so I bought them. I sourced a supplier of vintage rhinestones and got making! Here's an example of the finished product - I have a range of colours available, and each bracelet is made to measure. They will be going on sale on Etsy.com soon, but feel free to email me any time if you're interested. Find my contact details here. X