Turkey #2 Turkish Bazaars

I was in Turkey in one of the hottest weeks of the year, with almost every day surpassing the 40 degree mark. Because of this, it was hard to go anywhere away from the coast for much of the day. So last Thursday, Mum and I found myself on a Dolmus, a local minibus service, first thing in the morning, zooming across the rugged countryside to reach Yalikavak Bazaar before it got too hot.

Turkish bazaars are markets that are feasts for the eyes. Yalikavak's bazaar was largely food based, on a huge scale. Each seller filled overflowing basket with an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices. Had we not been staying in a half-board hotel, I would have made some serious foodie purchases, but as it was, I had to steer away from most of the perishable items. Luckily, bazaars don't stop there, and we wended our way around to stalls filled with jewellery, textiles and ceramics. I love how the markets are all organised into clear sections for different products, which made working our way around all the stalls much easier.

 

 

 

This overhead cover was a godsend against the heat of the sun:

I purchased a few bracelets and an anklet, as well as this gorgeous handmade bowl. I probably paid over the odds for all of it... I need to get better at bartering! But despite the tourist-inflated prices, it was hardly expensive, so I wasn't too worried.

Afterwards, my Mother and I walked down to the marina for a drink and some light lunch, cooled by the gentle sea breeze.

 

 

 

The temperature was well up by then, so we walked back through the shopping quarter -filled with independent shops -and hopped onto anther Dolmus and headed back to the hotel.

Currently Lusting: Anthropologie's Homewears

As the world is undeniably a global village, a lot of the blogs that I read and follow are based in America, or are in London and have access to flagship stores and travel the world like the airport is part of their daily commute. Consequently, I hear about a lot of global brands that we don't have the same access to in the UK, including Anthropologie. I hadn't really bothered look at their website until now, figuring that it wouldn't be as good an experience as visiting one of the London shops (WHY are there two or three stores across London, one in Edinburgh and nowhere else? I mean, they could have put one in Cardiff or Birmingham, just to spread things out a little? Gah).

Anyway, eventually, I caved in, looked online, and fell head-over-heels in love with all their home accessories, especially all their patterned bowls. I just wish that they stocked more!

 Large serving bowl, £22

 Small 'inside-out' red bowl, £8

 Small stripe bowl, £8

Small tiled and dotted bowl, £8

While the large bowls create a lot of impact, I love the idea of brightening up my morning yoghurt or porridge with one of their smaller bowls.
Anthropologie has also got lots of sweet little things for around the home. I adore this notebook:

 

And, while I know that loads of people have this little owl pot, I think it would make a lovely gift, or a treat for yourself.

What are you currently lusting after?

Spring Cycling

The sun seems to have finally come out in time to give us a proper, blustery April, albiet a little cooler than desired still. I'm not sure if it is going to last, but I'll be making the most of the weather while I can. Tomorrow, I am meeting one of my oldest friends, Miriam from Coffee Chanel Lipstick, who is staying for a few days, and we'll be marching out to go shopping, regardless of the weather. So excited!

Today however, the sun was reliably present, and I took myself off into town on my bike, and finally bought myself a bike basket. I'm such a sucker for nostalgia, and the fact that I can now ride in style without bags piled onto my back is making me feel pretty pleased with myself. I'd love to have a vintage-style bike too, but since they come with a pretty hefty price tag, I'll definitely be sticking to my trusty little hybrid bike.

I'd had possibly preferred  a larger, slightly more durable model, but hopefully this will be just what I need, especially as I am planning to start cycling as part of my daily commute.

I'm really ready for some warmer weather now -all my winter clothes are wanting a break! Roll on summer! xx

Bedding and Room Haul

I think it is safe to say that I had a pretty busy week off. After a long (nearly eight hours!!) journey back from seeing Paloma Faith at Ali's, I had a fair list of things to do. My Grandmother had come up for the week, so taking her dog for walks around my village gave me a chance to have a nosy around my new community.

The next few days were split between stripping wallpaper in my room with my Grandma and dealing with the pile of work and essays I had to do. I'm pretty pleased now though; the work is done, the steam strippers and scrapers have done their job, and my walls are now ready for painting! We've decided not to remove the carpet; although it is a little scary and violet, it is pretty good quality. Instead, I've ended up going with the colour rather than fight it. I'd spent ages carefully making up Pinterest pinboards with simple grey and green pallets, but by the time we had hit the shops on Saturday, I had changed my mind at least twice...

So, Saturday. We left the dog, and hopped on a train into town. After running a few errands we stopped off for coffee and brunch. While I have been going off coffee a little lately (shocking!), nothing can beat hot filter coffee from a Nick Munro cafetiere, drunk black or with hot milk. With this, I had a toasted English muffin with tomato chutney, bacon, and a side salad. Having refreshed ourselves, a battle plan was laid -objective: decorate my room.

I started at Cath Kidston, and in a blissful haze inspire by the oh-so-pretty bedroom display, I almost came out with armfuls of kitsch prints. I was really taken by the green eiderdown and two-sided antique rose duvets. After some to-ing and frowing between Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley, I settled on heathery-coloured throws and cushions from Laura Ashley. I'm still casting furtive glances over at floral teawear sets, mind.

I can't wait to get my room painted so I can start using these!! We then went to BHS to get some plain white bedding and a light shade. I got a pretty, chandelier-style cover, but I forgot to take a photo, so that will have to wait until my room is finished and I can do a room tour. I also spotted lots of nice throws and sheets in the "Vintage" collection, which would be nice if I ever feel like a summer decor refresh.

We found two pretty  accessories too. In BHS I bought a sugar tin, reduced to £2.20 because of a near-invisible dent. From a really pretty homewear/crafts shop, my Grandma bought me this purple vase, which I love.

I'm looking forward now to getting everything finished and looking pretty.... Who else has been redecorating lately?