viva♡s: internet finds and inspiration

Good evening! Here I am with my weekly dose of internet finds. I doubt I'm the only one that'll surf countless sites (hello Etsy and Tumblr) for hours claiming that its in the name of inspiration, right?! Good. I've had a pretty productive day today. I've swapped banks, cleaned the house and done some extensive research into various things that I won't bore you with. I also popped over to my Grandma's for lunch. She lives right across the road from me which is a lifesaver when you run out of ketchup or want someone to watch terrible crime dramas with! She stuffed me with salmon sandwiches before making me help her delete her emails. If any of you have had to deal with a 'silver surfer' I'm sure you'll feel my pain! She's quite possibly the only lady in the world who reads forwarded emails, finds them hilarious and then prints them out! Bless her. All in all, its been a good day. I'm planning on spending this evening sorting out a blog sale, emailling south west blogger ladies, nomming a jacket potato and picking my sister up from the airport. I love going to the airport. I'm a bit of a strange one, right?! Here's a few things I've liked recently:

♡ this typewriter bio and its tumblr ♡

♡ this vintage bottle collection ♡

♡ this handy little tip ♡

♡ this cute little piece of artwork ♡

♡ this idea for another list - she's chosen some pretty awesome women ♡

♡ this loud piece of vintage knitwear ♡

♡ this harry potter scar necklace - i need one! ♡

& i'm also loving:

researching modules  • breton stripes  • compiling even more lists  • chuck marathons

the rioters getting the punishments they deserve • a simple jacket potato • lunch dates • this flickr •

how close the next meet up is!

viva♡s: internet finds and inspiration

I see so many things on the internet; some truly horrendous and some beautiful. I thought I'd show you the latter in the form of my new(ish) feature, Viva♡s. I'm currently deciding what to do this weekend because Luke's away for his brother's stag do. I'm thinking a mix of car booting and drunken fun but, as of yet, I'm Billy no mates cause no one wants to co-operate! Charming. I'm pretty much fit to burst with excitement for the South West blogger meet next week. They come around so bloody quickly and are so much fun! I'm still so incredibly nervous though - last time I exfoliated my legs to buggery for some unbeknownst reason. I think I'll try and be a little less skitz next time! I'm off to go and eat mushroom pizza and blueberry muffins! It's gunna be a good day!

♡ this illustrated feather banner and cute etsy store ♡

♡ this quote print and EVERYTHING from the etsy ♡

♡ this simple nail art tutorial from Kaylah ♡



♡ this! doesn't it sound lovely? ♡

♡ this perfect quote ♡





♡ this song. mega lonely island fan! ♡

♡ these! my new shoesies ♡


& I'm also loving...
this new blogger who sent me the nicest emails! | watching my ebay items | the feeling of having a clear inbox | browsing through things I can't afford | working out what I wanna do with my life | my summer playlist full of arcade fire | food shows - as ever! | spontaneity | 

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration (NEW LOOK!)

I'm a huge fan of these sorts of posts that regularly grace the blogosphere so I thought I'd give new light to an old Viva feature and create my very own! I've had such a lovely, and surprisingly productive, few days. Luke and I have pretty much got 90% of stuff ready for our flat, we've been on beautiful picnics and we've also managed to watch all three Lord of the Rings extended editions. Admittedly, I've fallen asleep whilst watching every single one of them but they're good films nonetheless! I've also been back for my hospital check up. Basically, I'm taking so many pills a day that I wouldn't be surprised if I start rattling when I walk. All the fun of the fair, eh?! I'm off to go chill out with my mancub for a few hours before he buggers off to work for a few days! Hope you're all well. I'm gunna bookmark tonight for a major blog reading sesh! I'll be back on Friday with another of my lists.  P.S Lyzi and I will be discussing the ins and outs of the South West blogger meet ASAP so check your emails for fresh info (:

  ♡ this Portugese cross stitch ♡

♡ this plate (& pretty much everything in the shop) ♡

♡ this pretty little dress that i need would like ♡

♡ this new song from bombay bicycle club - the kings of summer anthems ♡

♡ this yummy tumblr full of breakfast inspo ♡

♡ this idea for a new list ♡

♡ this. gotta love chips! ♡


I tried to find proper sources for each of these images. If you know the true source please feel free to comment and I'll add it in. Have a lovely rest of the week!

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration

Would it be worrying to admit to the fact that I was completely unaware it was Wednesday today? My mind seems to be running in hours/events rather than days at the moment so I was alarmed when I realised I'd got nothing ready to post! I'd love to say that my jetsetting lifestyle meant that I was cruising around some hot country today so I lost track of time but that wasn't the case. I've spent the day with my Grandma watching Flog It, playing Boggle, eating delicious smoked salmon and drinking lots of good tea. To be honest, I'd take that offer over a hot climate right now. It's been a lovely day! Admittedly, I'm not the happiest of ladies at the moment because my illness is going through a flare up. I've got stabbing pains in my inflammation so I'm currently walking around clutching my side and jauntily walking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame! I'm too sexy for this blog. Anyway, I'm rambling on now. I hope your week is going swimmingly and I'll be back soon with another post. Here's a few things I've come across of late that I've rather liked:

moustache clips | moustache set | moustache flask | moustache wallet

Moustache inspired gifts; 
I moustache you a question....(yes, I went there!) Are you a closet facial hair appreciator like myself? I'm not entirely sure what it is but I sure love a little bit of 'tache lovin'! Myself and my fellow team members often adorn faux moustaches and wander around the town scaring tourists and amusing our friends. In fact, it's one of the team's birthday this week and we've actually bought her that gorgeous moustache flask! I'm insanely jealous. Who wouldn't want to be seen sipping their beverage of choice from a 'tache shaped flask? You can get a plethora of facial fuzz related gifts on the net and I think they can make a pretty unique gift for a fuzzy friend. I'm laughing as I type all this for some reason. Anyway, I'll leave you before you realise the extent of my love for a good handlebar. Any other 'tache fans out there?

@oldmansearch

I'm all for novelty/fun twitter accounts - the queen's account never fails to put a smile on my face! I was pleasantly tickled (LOLZ) when I came across @oldmansearch. It's basically the work of a mischievous son/daughter who has told their 81 year old father that Twitter is how you search for things in Google. I bloody hope this account is true because it's just such loveable cruelty, haha. Searches include: 'remote control leash yellow', 'waist and ankle tension' and 'soft boiled grapes'. It's light humour like that that just gets you through the day, haha. What's your opinion on this? Is it cruel? Do you love novelty accounts?

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River Island Palazzos; 

For me, there will always be those pieces that I see on the hanger and think, 'I could never pull those off' - see paperbag waists, halternecks and peter pan collars. I was so right about the paperbags. I've seen a trend emerge lately that has struck me as something that is, yet again, unwearable on my figure but I've fallen in love with it. 'It' is the palazzo pant. I'm not sure why I'm so dubious; I've got long legs so surely that should mean this is a full blown yes? However, I'm 'blessed' with those so-called child bearing hips that make me look like I've been run over so I'm a bit nervous they will only draw more attention to that fact. After seeing the beautiful Zoe's new palazzos in her video I did a little searching and came across some beautiful ones that I'd love to wear. River Island have really stepped up this summer! Obviously, you don't have to go for a printed palazzo - those of you who are a little more conservative can opt for a block colour and hit the S/S trend on the head. That said, I'm a sucker for a print so I'm all for the crazy. I'm definitely going to give these a try for my holiday. All I need now is a bank account that won't let me take £ out that I don't have....

FASHIONLITTER. / Ruby Slipper Journeys / Only Half Dressed / Hello, I'm Jamie

A foursome to follow;

Here's a few ladies and a gent for you to spruce up your dashboard with! Check out the killer style on offer at Fasionlitter, the beautiful locations/clothes/culture at Ruby Slipper Journeys, the awesome travel posts at Only Half Dressed and one of my twitter faves, who has only just started a blog, Jamie! Go crazy and add them all!

•••

 I've also been loving; 

my bed. oh god i love my bed • embracing all the time i have with luke • having an empty inbox • receiving lovely emails from people with regards to this blog • catching up with grandma • copious mugs of sugary tea • pombears • small portions • my lovely nurse • helping others • odd bursts of sunshine through the rain clouds • when the pain stops

•••

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration

Hello everyone! May the fourth be....hahahaha. I'll stop there ;) I feel like absolute hell right now. I have no idea why I feel so bleugh?! Maybe it's because I just wolfed down a plate of sausage and mash that could've probably fed two. My diary has actually got bored of my lifestyle and I at the moment. Every entry seems to start off with 'I didn't really do much today'. I actually sometimes want to fabricate it all and make up some elaborate tale just so when I read it back in the future I'll think more highly of myself. HA! Anyone else think that? No?! Just me?! I've promised myself to start the 30 Day Shred soon so I'm sure that'll keep me occupied. I've already watched it start to finish whilst sat on my fat arse. WHAT?! Don't judge. I wanted to know what I was letting myself in for ;) I hope you've all been well. I've got a driving lesson tomorrow which means I'll get stressed, stall and then start shouting at myself in third person. I'm surprised I'm not one of those people who've been divorced by their instructor 'cause they're that bad. Anyway, enough of my moaning. Here's this weeks picks. Let me know what you think ;) What are you coveting this week?

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yayer;

Yayer has well and truly blossomed since its humble beginnings back in 2009. This covetable brand stocks both one-off vintage pieces, for those that need an air of individuality about their outfit, and on-trend modern pieces, for those that would kill to swan around in the latest get up. I have so many things bookmarked that I'd love to get my hands on before they disappear but I've just checked my bank account and it had a little grumble at me. There's everything you could want from flirty vintage playsuits to tougher distressed styles - time to build yourself a schizophrenic wardrobe! Their website is also perfect for styling ideas!

website | twitter | blog | fb

daughter;

Music is my life, or so it used to be when that quote graced my angsty teen Bebo profile, so it comes as a surprise to me on the blogosphere that not many people want to post about it let alone discuss it. I have, and forever will, pride(d) myself on the eclecticism of my music taste (or lack thereof). My Itunes flits from System of a Down to Bon Iver to Slow Club to Stevie Wonder. That being said, these days you can pretty much call me mellow yellow. That's where the beautiful Elena Tonra's new project, 'Daughter', comes in. I'll let her bio describe her as it does it so perfectly:

'Wearing clothes that old people may well have died in, and a bowl-cut the Beatles would be proud of, Elena tells tales of ghosts, drowning lovers and setting fire to her insides for fun. Elena’s haunting voice and delicate guitar playing make her live performances spell-binding and often difficult to breathe'

 I was a huge fan of Elena back in the good old days of Myspace and her songs have frequented my 'lets weep into our hands' playlist more times than I care to imagine. The skeletons of each beautifully composed song contain tales of loss and tiresome love but in, what I believe is, the most pure and most beautiful way. Tonra's soft whispers accompanied by the delicate strokes of the acoustic guitar demand you to escape to the nicest place in your head and forget about to-do lists and mundane weekday life. The above song, Landfill, contains lyrics that will probably capture the emotions and mind sets of many love-torn ladies alike; 'I want you so much but I hate your guts' thus inspiring a strong emotive connection between herself and the listener. 'Daughter' understands, cares and attempts to fix your head within just a few minutes and I'll tell you what - she does a pretty good job of it!

Other Tonra songs that demand your attention;

twat | all the lights are on | took your breath away

 Go check her out; 

 facebook |  myspace | twitter | youtube

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anthropologie; 

If I was rich, I'd go bat shit crazy and buy so any things from Anthropologie. I have blogged of my love for them previously and I will continue to do so until my heart stops! I just think they've always got some genuinely beautiful things stocked that could turn a simple semi into something to shout about. A semi as in the house you dirty beggars. I love sifting through homeware sites in order to gather some inspiration for my flat so please send your recommendations my way! Are you an anthropologie fan?

website | fb | twitter

Here Comes the Sun / sock monkey and gee / Rachel Phipps

a few to follow;

Here's a few lovely ladies for you to freshen up your dashboards with! Each of these blogs has their fair share of beautiful photos as well as stylish hosts! The majority of blogs I find these days come from comments so don't be shy - I love a good nose around. I'm rather glad I found these 3 :) Go have a peek!

•••

 I've also been loving; 

 fresh duvet covers • royal weddings! • catching up with old friends • red lips • new beginnings • how 1 week and ____ days sounds better than two weeks • pimms o'clock • early hour heart to hearts • window shopping • having sky+ HD • bubble baths • getting ahead of myself • m & s cookies • lovingly made cups of tea • how the janitor in scrubs rightly guessed the location of bin laden

•••

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration

Bonsoir everyone. I hope you're all well. I've spent the day sifting through quotes and reading my book. That's about it. I feel a bit lost! Anyway, enough of my emotional baggage. Today's post is going to be a short one for a very good reason. My younger sister is rather ill at the moment and I'm not sure if she'll be hospitalised or what because the doctor's are doing fuck all to help. Surprise surprise! They only give a shit when you're dying/dead. Here's a few things I've found over the past week that I wish to share with you all :) Enjoy!

guilt free fashion

Always want to freshen up your wardrobe on a low budget but not exactly sure how? It's your lucky day. I've followed the lovely Katie Styles for a while now and I've always admired her customisation skills so I thought I'd pay tribute to them by featuring them over at vivahearts! 'Guilt Free Fashion' is a site that was created as a way to 'promote recycling and to encourage the use of eco/sustainable and second-hand clothing.' You can find simple step by step guides on a range of things from how to create collars to how to create scalloped shorts to altering the length of garments. It really is an inspirational site that can essentially freshen up your wardrobe as well as your outlook. I'll definitely be attempting some of the things down the line! Go check it our for yourself! Coincidentally, Katie actually spoke to BBC Solent about her project today!

Guilt Free Fashion blog / Katie Styles blog

cellardoor magazine;

Forget all your trashy gossip mags because the only glossy you should be reading is Cellardoor Magazine. Cellardoor was started way back in 2009 by the lovely Jade Cooper-Collins and Amy Power and has since become a religious read for most. This online mag offers something for everyone from culture to travel, to music to fashion thus cementing it on the 'to read' list of many a blogger. I am absolutely in love with the current 'Spring Fling' issue. The layout and design are just perfect. This issue features a heart warming article on mother daughter relationships, an obligatory royal wedding feature and a food section that is simply mouth watering just to look at! The only bad thing about Cellardoor? it's quarterly, ha! Grab yourself a sweet cuppa tea and a cheeky slice of cake because this magazine is something you're sure to want to sit back and enjoy :) 

cellardoor magazine / cellardoor blog

 [Little Fawn, Athene Noctua, Wise Rabbit Says]

a few blogs to follow;

Here's a few blogs for you to check out! I'm loving all the Easter fun that Rebecca over at Athene Noctua is getting up to so be sure to check out her blog. She's also got an awesome name ;) The lovely Ellie has recently set up her new blog, Little Fawn, and I rather like it. She seems like such a sweet lady. Finally, I'm a massive fan of Ashley's blog. She's got amazing style and she left me one of the sweetest comments in the world the other day. She's awesome! Have fun checking them all out!

•••

 I've also been loving; 

 the thought that there's no more long goodbyes • copious episodes of QI, as ever •  finishing another book • compiling an extensive list for H is for Happy • tumblr inspiration • beauty products • beautiful comments from my amazing followers • the fact that my boyfriend read my blog out of the blue! hey luke ;) 

•••

I hope you've all appreciated this weeks vivahearts! I'm open to ideas for things to feature here so feel free to get in contact if you find something particularly interesting. I'll see you on Friday for a post. I need to actually work out a new Friday feature because I always feel a bit AGHHH when Friday comes around and I don't have a brief to stick to! Haha.

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration

Hello everyone! Welcome to the second installment of 'vivahearts' - the post that unearths new things I've stumbled upon that are just too good to not share. I'm currently heavily anticipating a nice Thursday jaunt with Luke and the family to Bath! I'm rather looking forward to it as the last time I was there I didn't get to appreciate the city because I had to spend my time evaluating the customer service at the Roman Baths. DAMN YOU A LEVELS! It promises to be quite a lovely day. I pray that this week is treating you well so far. If not, I hope it picks up for you! I'm off to do my best Charlie Dimmock impression, minus the in-your-face-nipple-exposure and wild ginger mane, and give the garden a spring makeover. God, help me! I just wanna say thanks to you all for sticking around here at little Viva. I rather love every single one of you tramps <3 Ugh, maybe that's the wrong term to call my followers?! Hmmm....If you have any better ideas please comment! Anyway, enough babbling...onto the good stuff!

creme egg cupcakes;

I was browsing the 'food and drink' section of bloglovin' the other night, like the dirty food pervert that I am, and I came across these amazing Creme Egg Cupcakes. There is a God and he appreciates fondant gooeyness!! The lady behind them is Susie from Sticky Pinny. Her blog even gives you the recipe so now we can all make our very own cupcakes to gorge on. Don't they just look like they taste absolutely amazing? I haven't baked cupcakes in so long. Do any of you girls follow any good food blogs? If so, send them my way. 

one line a day;

I think I spend far too much time looking at journals. However, when I stumbled across this little gem I knew I had to share it with you all. A lot of my readers have said in the past that they find it so difficult to keep up with writing a journal when they have such hectic schedules that don't allow for relaxation time. This journal is the cure for such problems! 'One line a day' literally only wants you to capture just one memorable moment from your day. One tiny memory! I'm sure it'll make journals a lot more do-able for some of you. The diary also contains enough space for five years worth so you can be a nostalgic Nigel and look back through your previous memories :)  How's that sound?! You can find it HERE.

 (All above images courtesy of Handwritten)

handwritten; 

Are you a fan of the handwriting memes that grace the blogosphere from time to time? If so, you'll love Handwritten. Handwritten is a blog that encourages bloggers to come out from behind their default font and explore the use of their own handwriting in a post! I think it's a really interesting concept because I believe you can read a lot about a person from their style of handwriting. Maybe that's just me?! Lots of top bloggers have given it a go including the lovely Gem from Gem Fatale, Hollie from Lipstick and Balloons and Winnie from Diamond Canopy. 

Want to get involved? Just drop an email over to: showmeyourhandwriting@gmail.com 

[1,2,3,4]

summer pastel coloured fashion; 

For whatever reason, in previous years, I've always made a miscommunicated link between pastel colours and the over-40s. I think it might be due to years of torment from my Grandma's blue-rinsed pastel-cashmere-adorned old friends leering up at me whilst telling me how much I've grown since the last time they'd seen me. However, this year has made me realised just how painfully silly that link is. I've actually grown to like a pastel or two. I'm not saying for one minute that you'll see me running around in head-to-toe mints, soft pinks and refreshing violets but then again I'm not saying it's a crime to be seen with a pastel accent to accompany a S/S outfit. I think 2011 may be the year I invest in a pastel. Watch this space! What do you think of the pastel trend? Are you embracing it or are you fearing the worst?    

• ••

I've also been loving; 

luke and I's LOVEFiLM subscription • woodland walks with the fam • the return of BGT • summer prints • splurging a little on cute pieces • catching up on blogs • organisation • dinner outdoors • positive thinking • blossom • trips • spending more quality time with him • snacking like a maniac • making extensive wishlists

• ••

Are you liking this weeks selections? I'm trying to feature a good cross-section of things in hope of everyone finding something they like. I hope that comes across slightly! Let me know what you've been coveting this week! I'm off to be green fingered and do some gardening, yay. I'll see you on Friday for another post.  Until then, keep smiling!

viva♡'s: internet finds and inspiration

I've decided to shake up my blog features a little. It's not a drastic change but I think it's one that suits me best. Wednesday's will now be the home of 'vivahearts' - a series of posts dedicated to the things I've stumbled across/been loving lately. It's pretty much a better/simpler version of my old 'Friday Favourites' posts - corr wack out the vintage Viva! I hope you all find some new things through these little posts. I'll probably still be serving up 'What Ifs' and 'Quick Thoughts' every now and again but, for now, I want to stick to this format :) If you've found something interesting lately that you think my readers will like or if you yourself would like to be featured in this post please email me! My email can be found in the 'about' tab. Anyway, on with the post....

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Ruby Rae Love;
If you haven't heard of beautiful Ella's new jewellery line, Ruby Rae Love, you've either been living under a rock or you're seriously behind with the times. Ella is an inspirational beauty sourcing the prettiest of items before turning them into sentimental gems. The electic designs offer something to suit everyone's tastes and the little histories behind each item tug at the heart strings of even the most cold hearted of people. Ella is so extremely passionate about what she makes and I think that's perhaps what sets her apart from so many independent jewellery lines these days. Why not take a look and have a sneaky little purchase?!

blog / ruby rae love store

goodreads.com;

Goodreads.com is pretty much the bookworms idea of a little slice of internet heaven. Everything revolves around your bookshelf - the books you've read, your 'to-reads', your reviewed and the book that you're currently reading. Pass the time helping others with their book choices by reviewing books you've already read and giving them star ratings. You can also scour through thousands upon thousands of inspirational quotes from a plethora of writers, novelists and poets leaving little chance for you to sign out feeling uninspired. Goodreads has hundreds of quizzes and bits of trivia on offer for those readers that like a challenge and a chance to show off their extensive knowledge. If you just want to be able to find new books to read, don't you worry, there's a recommendations section that heads you in the right direction. I really do believe that this site is underrated - go join up now!

go to goodreads.com

 a few to follow;

popsy / Scrapbook de la Emma / Influence

Here's a few blogs for you guys to check out. I love how summery everyone's posts are getting now! It certainly puts a huuuuge smile on my face. If you think I should check out your blog please feel free to comment! I love finding newbies to place alongside my go-to reads in my dashboard!

 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

summer florals;

Before my weight loss, it was difficult to not find me in a floral pattern and floaty fabric. I was extremely head over heels with anything with a dainty floral print and I wasn't ashamed of it. My style changed when my weight dropped. It lost its femininity and confidence. I hid myself under things. However, now that I'm putting on weight I'm starting to get that need for florals back in my life. As soon as my account allows, I'm going to be purchasing some floral beauties. Here are just a few picks from the high street. I absolutely adore the oriental-esque beauty of the second item - the Jade Floral Tee. I just can't justify the price for such a flimsy fabric :/ What floral gorgeousness have you found on the high street lately? Any items you think I should check out? 

• •• 

I've also been loving; 

the bright sunshine • the blossom on the tree • chilled out times with the boy • summer wardrobes • bright ideas • the first bbq of the year • countryside walks • catching up on blogs • african savannah shower gel • a good old cuddle • getting a bit snap happy • new horizons • the birds singing

• ••

I hope you've liked this new post. I'm sure the feature will develop and get a little better as time goes on! I'm off to go and enjoy the rest of my day with the boy. I hope you're all having good weeks so far and I'll be back in a couple of days for another new addition to the vivatramp family.