The Kitchenaid Mixer

Growing up in a household with a baking fanatic Nan who was also a trained Domestic Science teacher (a big deal for a woman of her generation) we always had a Kenwood mixer. My Nan was an impromptu baker who could and often would, rustle up a cake at the drop of a hat for no reason in particular.  Out of nowhere you would hear the whirring of the mixer from the other end of the house and know she had taken one of her baking notions.  When you're wee, you just accept that these things are part of every day life and I always thought a mixer was something every household needed to have.  

Despite the iconic Kitchenaid mixer being developed in the 1930's, I didn't become aware of them until several years ago when I saw Nigella using one on her TV series.  At first I didn't know anything about them but a bit of internet digging soon sorted that and I was desperate to own one.  When I finally got my first home six years ago, a Kitchenaid mixer was on the list of essentials but I really had to save for one.  It took me two years to finally get one, partly because I had to save and partly because I couldn't decide which colour to buy.  I wanted a classic colour that I wouldn't get tired of so I eventually went for Majestic Yellow which a more of a mustard, retro yellow.  I absolutely love my Kitchenaid mixer and wouldn't be without it now.  I think the fact that I saved so hard for it made it all the better.  

My beloved Kitchenaid the week it arrived

When I was in New York recently, I chanced upon the Kitchenaid display in Macy's.  They looked beautiful all lined up on the shelves in different colours. I looked at them longingly for a few minutes but wouldn't cheat on my Majestic Yellow for anything.

Kitchenaid porn in Macy's

The Runaways

After watching The Runaways this evening, I felt inspired to put together a couple of looks based on Joan & Cherie:

The Runaways - Joan by beautyschooldropout

The Runaways - Cherie by beautyschooldropout

Antique Shopping in Doune

I decided to make the most of my Monday off work by visiting The Scottish Antique & Arts Centre in Doune near Stirling.
The centre is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest in Scotland with lots of different rooms filled to the brim with antiques, vintage and handmade goods. 

Today's haul was a retro magazine rack, a set of beautiful flower handled cake forks and a cute little Midwinter Swan dish for my rings/earrings:



Unfortunately I don't have a good photo of the magazine rack to post.  Anyway, it was a successful day despite the rain and I have my eye on a lovely chest of drawers for the hall.

Etsy Sunday

Today's Etsy Sunday spot goes to Janine Basil. Janine is based in London and makes the most wonderful headpieces and hats I have ever seen. Her colourful, fun and retro designs will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.  I have selected a couple of my favourites below:

Ruby Red Glitter Mini Burlesque Crown by Janine Basil



Feathered Yellow Fascinator by Janine Basil

There are many other wonderful designs which can be found here at Janine's Etsy Shop. Go buy something!

Boden - Limited Edition

I adore Boden for their colourful and quirky clothes which are often a bit different to those available on the high street.  I was delighted to hear that they have introduced a new Limited Edition range to their collection. 

Here are three pieces of the current collection which really stood out for me:



1. Showstopping Knitted Jacket £250



2.  Retro Shift £135



3.  Nubuck Heel £125

The knitted jacket and retro shift are available in sizes 6-20 and would be pretty additions to any spring/summer wardrobe.