MY COFFEE RITUAL WITH THE DOLCE GUSTO MOVENZA

I think it's an understatement to say I like coffee, in reality it's become a necessity of my waking routine, and without one I am no fun to be around at all. With our rushed school run and frantic mornings full of me chasing a six year old boy around the house, any attempts to use the machine I bought Paul a few years back is a distant memory. Leisurely frothing milk to the perfect temperature has been duly left to slow weekends – oh the days of no school – and instead grabbing a takeaway for the walk home is the first caffeine hit I can get.

STYLEMYCOFFEE X TODAY MY COFFEE // INSTAGRAM WINNERS

Hey there, remember me? *This is where I insert the gritted teeth emoji followed by a pucker up kiss* it certainly has been a little quiet over here – yep sorry about that – and you could say I've been AWOL but I couldn't wait to pop back to share all the coffee joy and announce the winner of our first #StyleMyCoffee X #TodayMyCoffee Instagram giveaway with the lovely Stylonylon.

I've definitely been keeping the coffee industry afloat over the last months and after taking a peek at all the beautiful snaps you've been sharing from around the world, it seems you guys have too! We decided to narrow it down to four pics from each hashtag and then we could pick the winning two.

So after scrolling through over 1200 coffee pics on the #stylemycoffee hashtag these four definitely caught my eye!

Top left: I love this snippet from everyday life, a perfectly captured moment from @helloquietx //       Top right: How soothing are these pale pastel colours from @ruthlgarner // Bottom left: Love the colours in this pic and a good topknot from @sheisfaith // Bottom Right: Loving this little coffee heart from @katgotthecream

Julia narrowed down her beautiful #todaymycoffee selection to these beauties:

Top Left: I love the simplicity and contrast in this image from @designhunter_uk // Top Right: This cafe is so dreamy from @thesefourwalls // Bottom Left: This flatlay scene is so tempting from @catesthill  // I'm still yet to try one of these coffee drip mugs and this one from @melwiggins is a treat.

It was so hard choosing only eight from so many beautiful images and we are thrilled at having people as far as Chicago to Berlin to Australia join in on with our coffee hashtags. To make it fair we each chose from the others shortlist to get the two final winners for our first giveaway and I'm excited announce... *drum roll please*... that @sheisfaith and @catesthill are our #stylemycoffee X #Todaymycoffee 01 winners! Congratulations :)

Winners

Do you love coffee?  This month we're teaming up with two great brands to give you another chance to win some lovely artisan products. All you need to do is share your coffee inspired snaps on Instagram using the hashtags below. 

The Giveaway

(with prizes from Three Sixty˚Coffee and Mon Pote)

Joining forces with the fab @todaymycoffee run by @stylonylon (to celebrate our shared caffeine in photos passion!) we will be running a competition on Instagram under our two hashtags #todaymycoffee and#stylemycoffee.

At the end of July we will each feature our top four favourite pictures and choose a winner each. The prizes will be a beautiful ceramic mug from Mon Pote and a bag of artisan roasted coffee from the lovely peeps at Three Sixty˚ Coffee. So get tagging your best caffeine shots and come along for the ride!

To take part: Follow @stylemycoffee and @todaymycoffee and hashtag your coffee pics #stylemycoffee and #todaymycoffee – have fun!

We'd love you to join us and spread the coffee love. Good luck! x

#STYLEMYCOFFEE X #TODAYMYCOFFEE GIVEAWAY 01

I’ve been sitting on this little project for a while now and squirrelling away behind the scenes, adding to it slowly bit by bit, but I thought it was about time I announced it officially and shared my new project, which like me, is all about the coffee.

If you follow me on Instagram, or are a regular reader of the blog, then you’ll know how much I get a kick out of caffeine and although it’s not ideal to be on a constant coffee high, I just can’t help but enjoy this long standing fix of mine. So I thought it was time to start celebrating the coffee in my life and create a new Instagram account dedicated to combining my love of style, travel and my morning caffeine fix, and so @stylemycoffee was born.

One of the first things I do when visiting a new city or travelling, is make a note of where I can get the best flat white or coconut milk latte, and I will go out of my way to find a space that is well designed and aesthetically pleasing to enjoy the moment in. There’s nothing better than seeing a beautifully presented cuppa and I'm so excited to be starting a coffee lovers community with my new hashtag #stylemycoffee. Yep I want to see all your ace coffee photos, whether at home, on the go or in your local coffee house, and so far I’m thrilled that there is already nearly 800 images tagged by you lovely lot and if you want some inspiration take a peek at my dedicated coffee pinterest account. 

The Giveaway

(with prizes from Plum & Ashby and Drip app)

Joining forces with the fab @todaymycoffee run by @stylonylon (to celebrate our shared caffeine in photos passion!) we will be running a competition on Instagram under our two hashtags #todaymycoffee and#stylemycoffee.

At the end of May we will each feature our top four favourite pictures and choose a winner each. The prizes will be a beautiful ceramic mug from Plum & Ashby and 5 coffees worth of credit with Drip app. So get tagging your best caffeine shots and come along for the ride!

To take part: Follow @stylemycoffee and @todaymycoffee and hashtag your coffee pics #stylemycoffee and #todaymycoffee – have fun!

I can't wait to showcase some amazing artisans and makers to give you lovelies a chance to grab yourself some interior goodness, and Julia and I have some fab plans to grow our lovely new community.

MOODBOARDS AND MUSES 03

Oh hey! Sorry I know it's been a while but the boy is back to school and without the constant monologue of Paw Patrol, there seems to be enough head space to put words to screen and get some inspiration flowing. I seemed to have missed out on my March Moodboards and Muses, but I'm back with April and it's the perfect way to reboot the old grey matter, especially after dealing with cabin fever and a poorly boy.

Things I'm loving:

// Coffee. OK this is not really a surprise to anyone who follows my Instagram feed as I don't function with out  three  one to start the day! In fact I've started a #stylemycoffee hashtag and a @stylemycoffee Instagram account, so I can see all you lovely lot enjoying a brew and share it with a coffee loving community. I'll be doing a whole post on this new project, which I hope you'll join in with.

// Embroidered Patches. Yep you know the ones that you used to collect as a kid and patch up your denim with? Well these are coming back with a bang – or it might just be me? – either way I'm loving it! Whether you're buying a pre-designed jacket from the high street or collecting your own to customise your fave, it's definitely on my cool list, especially when it looks like this.

// Snapchat! Yep I'm getting down with the kids and having so much fun with this little app. You can take video snippets, pics and private messages with filters/stickers and generally have a giggle. I'm pretty much on there everyday giving a sneak peek into our general day to day living –as in real life *shock horror* and blogging events. Come say hey, you can find me as @wildandgrizzly over on there.

Things I'm Not:

// Seaworld. Not sure if this one needs to be spelt out, as the bad press on this awful company is everywhere, but I recently saw a flux of bloggers promoting this place and it made me feel really sad that we would use our influence in this way. Seaworld is appalling, their treatment of the Orcas is appalling – so much so that it's recently ceased it's breeding programme due to public backlash and loss of profits since the airing of Blackfish. Really It needs to be shut down, and if you want to know more about their bad practises then please watch Blackfish Documentary or have a read of Jess's post. Enough said. 

Other Things:

// I'm back with some Instagram love and who's been inspiring me recently, and they are a fab bunch if I do say so myself! This month I've been drawn to those rather gritty grainy accounts with girl attitude and rebel vibes *swoon* and I'm loving Design Love Fest's new hashtag #sweetdreamsDLF for all things creative.

Top left: Carrie Anne over at Mere Seour has it going on, what with her awesome store and raising the future. If you love her tee's you better grab one fast as they are selling like hot cakes. // Top right: Neram over at the real little birds mama is one hot mama, hanging out with her little bird and one in the belly, I'm loving this lady's style and adventures // Bottom left: Bing Bang NYC is one of my fave inspiration account, this jewellery store is about feminism, bling, hustlin' and generally being a Bad Bitch. You can find the store here. // Bottom right: Sharmadean Reid founder of Wah Nails is an all round amazing business woman, idea generator and barometer for all things cool, you can find snaps of her son, nails, snazzy VIP events and her love for Dalston and Jamaica. Check out her interview here!

Also let's take a sec to swoon over these pins! I love this reconditioned sideboard which has been transformed into a sink, this is so one of my bathroom goals now. Also I'm trying to get some travel inspiration and planning a little getaway in the sun. Swooning over this poolside image!

What's April got instore for you?

WINTER BOOTS AND COFFEE // MAMA STYLE

How have you been enjoying January so far? I'm slowly emerging from this sleepy cocoon I've wrapped myself in and as this wishy washy weather continues to surprise me like a bad lucky dip, I've found myself sticking to a daily uniform of cosy wraps, winter boots and coffee on tap. How else is a girl to survive ay?

So while I've been nursing these January blues, I've been hunting for inspiration here and abroad, and surrounding myself with colours I love, heading out to the newest pop up cafes and hitting the sales. I keep promising myself that I'm going to get back on the health wagon and start up my exercise routine again , you know... eat all the good stuff, but these grey days makes me crave all the croissants and duvet days instead.

I'm happy that I'm making an effort to go out for long walks each day as I think it can really clear the head and I always love wandering round Bristol, it's full of beautiful architecture and I'm swooning over these pale pastel colours! They're totally channeling my inner calm at the moment.

I'm really lucky that we have so many good cafe's in our neighbourhood, or only a short walk away, and when I spend a good 20 minutes each morning persuading a certain small boy out the door, I want something quick to throw on, stylish and comfortable so I can get my caffeine fix straight after drop off!  

I've been practically living in these black boots from Clarks this winter, I was initially inspired to try the whole sock over jean approach after seeing so many stylish snaps from the lovely Stylonylon's Instagram account, if you don't follow Julia then what are you waiting for?!

I didn't think I could pull off the classic Chelsea boot style but it turns out that a pair of skinny jeans and chunky socks is all you need for these bad boys to look good, plus I've had soooo many compliments and they're super comfy so it's a win all round!

I've been using this gorgeous metallic bag to carry around my macbook and DSLR camera during the day, as well as F's toys and colouring books. I think metallic is great way to brighten up a dull day and this is also a good option for a fun bag from the same label.

I recently treated myself to an lunch at Anna, a new cake couture cafe in Clifton village, and when I say lunch I mean coffee, cake and macaroons...that's lunch right? The interior design here is right up my street: pale colours, wooden floors, simple scandi style and beautifully accented with copper fixtures and fittings and oh those hanging greens *heart eyes* and did I mention they do great cakes?

Have you got a winter uniform that you reach for when getting out the house quick? What's been keeping your January blues away?

CLEANSING GINGER AND LEMONGRASS TEA RECIPE

If I had shares in coffee companies I would be laughing all the way to the bank –  no joke – with my current caffeine consumption at an all time high, I swear I'm single-handedly keeping the industry afloat. Every now and again it's good to curb my intake and take stock of my habit, making room for cleansing teas and detoxifying drinks to help boost my immune system and keep me from the jitters. So I thought it would be good to post about my current health kick in an attempt to get back on track, with this cleansing Ginger and Lemongrass Tea.

I've noticed that my taste for good old English Breakfast tea has totally left me and I only seem to manage a cup of builders tea when in the throws of a hangover *shhhh*, instead opting for a cup of boiled water if I fancy a hot drink. Now although this is good for you it can get a little boring, you can imagine the conversation at friends houses over a good gossip:

 them: "ooh do you fancy a cuppa?' 

me: "mmm yes please can I have a cup of *ahem* boiled water"

 them: ".....erm yeah...sure...do you want a tea bag with that?'

So why Ginger and  Lemongrass tea? Well it packs a punch with anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, disinfectant and diuretic properties that allow you to detoxify the pancreas, kidneys, bladder and the digestive tract, while helping you eliminate excess fat much faster and reduce water retention in the body amongst other amazing health benefits. Plus when made with filtered water you know you're getting the healthiest version of this hot beverage.

It's easy to make, all you need is:

• 4-6 thin slices raw ginger

• 250-375ml water

• 1-2 tbsp honey or agave nectar

• 2 lemon slices

• 1 stick lemongrass, outer leaves removed

To make, simply peel the ginger and add to a pot of water, allowing it to boil for around 10 minutes to release the flavour and goodness. Pour into your cup or glass and add a couple of slices of lemon and sweeten with a little algarve honey. Serve with a stick of lemongrass. Alternatively to create an intense flavour crush the lemongrass with the flat side of a knife and boil alongside the ginger to create your tea. 

Now I'm not crazy enough to give up coffee completely, but I am trying to alternate my drinks in the hopes of helping kick start my health routine after a stressful few months. Kinetico have released a simple water recipe book which is free to download and is packed with refreshing summer drinks that give water a fun twist.  

*This is a collaborative post.

STYLE IN YOUR CITY // A GOOD CUPPA

It's been two weeks since we launched our new series Style In Your City, which showcases your life. That's right we want to create a community celebrating all the things you love about where you live. I really enjoyed reading your posts and seeing all your stylish photos over on Instagram. My favourite post from the last fortnight was by These Four Walls, I loved how Abi takes you for a stroll up her neighbourhood street.

This week we're focusing on a good cuppa. As you know I am a bit addicted to caffeine and I really look forward to my first sip of the day. It seems that I couldn't have chosen a better city to live in with such a vibrant cafe culture, full of exciting pop up restaurants and quirky spaces.

Click to read more

PLANTS + COFFEE // URBAN JUNGLE BLOGGERS

I've been trying to keep the winter blues away, so when I read this month's Urban Jungle Bloggers theme I knew I wanted to join in. Created by Igor and Judith, Urban Jungle Bloggers is a collaborative monthly series which aims to inspire and create a community of green in the home and beyond.

I'm a bit rubbish when it comes to greens, the leafy foliage doesn't stand a chance once it passes the threshold, until that is, I discovered succulents and cacti. These hardy little plants look beautiful with their pale blue-green hues and architectural shapes and seem to thrive in our flat.

As a huge coffee lover I was excited to combine the two and take time to relax at home. I find that having plants around me quite calming despite the caffeine effect, they also add a special touch to white interiors and look great in ceramic planters.

I own five or six little succulents – which I must find out their names – and a sprawling Aloe Vera which I've been caring for over the last 12 months and I'm always on the look out for beautiful planters. Do you love plants in the home? Do you have green fingers? I'd love to hear any tips on keeping the greens going.

You can join in with Igor and Judith using the hashtag #urbanjunglebloggers

WHY I HEART COPENHAGEN // THE TALE OF THREE CITIES

Travel to Copenhagen
As much as I love Bristol – and I do – there are other places that hold my heart and make me weak at the knees. You know, the ones that make you swoon. Well I thought it would be fun to share one of my favourite travel destinations with you, have you guessed it? Yes that's right, Copenhagen and yes I am wearing double denim *shhhh*.

When I was studying my design degree at university, it made sense that I hopped over to visit our Scandinavian friends and use Copenhagen as place to inspire my dissertation. That seems a lifetime ago now, but I still have fond memories of exploring the different neighbourhoods with their beautifully coloured buildings and houseboats along the canals. Obviously back then I was (very) young and pre-child so the adventures are laced with hazy memories of late nights out and long lie ins. 

I've always wanted a reason to go back and visit the city with fresh eyes, so when we took F on his first holiday abroad I knew it had to be Copenhagen. 

So if I had to share three things I love about about Copenhagen, what would they be?

Yep that's right! Pastries as big as your head. If you're a fan of food (like me) and love eating out then Copenhagen is the place to be. What better way to start your day than with some freshly brewed coffee and a warm pastry, and not just any old flaky pastry, but a Danish pasty made with all the tasty goodness that makes you go mmmmmmm for all to hear. We stayed in a small well designed apartment right in the heart of Nørrebro and our street was eclectic by day and bustling by night, with people eating al fresco or drinking a glass of wine tucked under a blanket.

Every morning we would walk over the river to the most amazing farmers food market – a must if visiting the city – which houses over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh coffees to olive oil, sweets and even organic skin care products. We'd sit on the stools with our pasties and coffees in hand, and watch the locals drop in on their way to work.

We found some great bars and eclectic cafes, like the Laundromat where you can watch people doing their washing while enjoying some tasty food, or Granola situated in the coolest street and Halifax where the burgers are delicious!

The second reason I love this city is the design. The architecture, the products, the graphics, the art all just oozes cool. I am a huge fan of Scandinavian design and what better place to see it than the capital which houses some fab finds of the home. We loved checking out the Dora design store, not to mention Hay which sell these cool colourful trays.

There are two museums that should be on everyones to do list, especially if you have kids. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and SMK are both architecturally wonderful, house beautiful art and even the lunch is served on brilliantly designed plates Now let's just take a minute to coo and ahh over little F....

Bikes. Bikes. Bikes. Yep the whole city is full of them and it's great. In fact it makes getting round the city a breeze and there are so many cool designs to look out for. If you have a little one you can get around with them tucked up in a cargo bike and if bikes don't take your fancy then the city is super easy to explore on foot. 

So yep that us, we love Copenhagen! There's probably so much more that I could share about this wonderful city: the beaches, the parks, the flowers, the friendly people, meeting Father Christmas... the list goes on. I hope I've inspired you to visit and if you're looking for a fun scandi adventure then this is the city for you.

This post is my entry in the 'tale of three cities' competition ran by Accor hotels. You can see some of the other entires by checking out the #3cities hashtag on twitter. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get to see my 35th Birthday abroad rather than at home on solo parenting duty.

**I'm so excited to find that we are a finalist in the #3cities competition. If you are able to RT this link it counts as a vote for us to win and we'd be super grateful!!**

WHEN BAD HABITS GO BAD

Image via Coffee Moments

Its time for me to face up to the fact that I'm addicted. Yes, caffeine is my drug of choice. Initially, I used that one aromatic cup a day as something to look forward to, a treat half way through my waking hours. A well done to me for surviving the daily challenge of keeping my kid alive.

In those early weeks of motherhood I hardly got to sip this golden nectar without it being reheated in the microwave at least seven times, before accepting defeat to the small purple screaming face watching on. Then I discovered the cafe culture that's quickly adopted by new mamas. A break away from the four walls of home, the sympathetic ear of another mum looking just as bad as you. I found it easier to enjoy my coffee – although still speedily drank – at least there were other people to hold your kid or entertain him. Damn, if I was lucky then the walk over would send him into a deep slumber.

Then F grew older and new challenges arrived, between the age of 11 months and 30 months old we had sleep issues, or the lack of sleep to be exact. This wasn't constant, but it was enough to keep you on edge and so I turned to coffee for a different reason, in the hopes it would give me a boost. Those afternoon coffee breaks with friends turned into 9am pick me ups, a double shot single latte downed in one.

I hadn't realised exactly how much coffee I had been drinking until the weekend. It was a glorious sun filled winters day and we had decided to take F out on his bike at Ashton Court. Imagine my relief to discover the little coffee hut beside the car park, it was my first port of call. So while F patiently circled me I waited in the longest queue ever for that quick cup of joe. Feeling happier, we walked in the sun as I quickly finished my coffee and immediately I felt like I needed more. Then I remembered that this had happened during the week and I had ended up ordering two, both drank one after the other. Alarm bells should have ringing right there.

Today I woke up with a headache. I didn't feel particularly tired but still it was there. We headed out and I had my first coffee of the day. I felt myself relax, my shoulders drop and my headache lift, but a few hours later I became irritable, my headache had returned and I felt a strange tiredness set in. It seems that these short years of motherhood have created a caffeine monster and now the withdrawal symptoms are kicking in hard and fast. I am facing the reality that I need to cut back, right back.

I can start tomorrow right?

TAKING SOME TIME

You may have noticed a few weeks ago this post which spoke of hardships endured. Once again I have been silent on the blog as my small family has struggled through the last few weeks with heavy hearts and a fighting spirit. After loosing Alex mid-pregnancy last year it left me shellshocked and heartbroken. I struggled for what felt like an age to grasp a sense of myself again as life carried on around me. F was my driving force, if I couldn't be OK for me then I would do it for him. Pulling myself together with the help of friends, family and counselling, I faked a smile until it came back naturally with time and carried on. I never quit my dream of a large family, house bursting with energy and noise and the idea of those cosy winter nights all together. So we tried again.

For fourteen months nothing happened – maybe this was how long my body needed to heal – until last month. I pee'd on a stick and saw those two beautiful lines. I was pregnant. Finally. Our little flat once again filled with excitement and optimism. I was so confident that this time would see me with a babe in arms and I happily gave up on my love affair with coffee and focused on my belly. But for some that is not the way life unfolds and nature can be cruel.

After a week of pain, I was admitted to hospital for a potential ectopic pregnancy which after three days was ruled out. But something was amiss. The doctors told me to hang in there and be positive but it was clear within a few weeks that I had suffered a silent miscarriage. A silent heartbreak.

With no sign of my body doing its job, I underwent surgery to have everything removed and sent home empty. As I sat sipping my beloved coffee once more, people chatting around me, I wonder if they can feel this weight upon me. I lift my cup and take a sip. Autopilot engaged once more.

I will pick myself up, dust myself off and be OK. These things just take time.

THE HUNT FOR GOOD CUPPA

I might be crazy but for the last few weeks I have been trying to wean myself off coffee. As my caffeine addiction reached new heights with headaches, shakes and not to mention the lack of money in my pocket, I've been trying out new brews. 

Imagine my joy and delight when I stumbled across the the renovated 1974 Citroen-H van parked up at end of the Road, offering Good & Proper Tea with a smile. Every morning, noon and night I skipped my way over to the little van and tried an array of teas from builders to breakfast, green to assam – sneaking in a crumpet smothered with chocolate. Yum. 

Image via Good & Proper Tea

Founded by Emilie Holmes in 2012  – after reaching her goal through a crowd funding platform, kickstarter – Good & Proper Tea's mission is to bring better cups of tea to London, custom-brewed and loose leaf served from a revamped Citroen-H van, amongst the skinny latte/frappucino culture. It's not quite the liquid gold of coffee I crave, but it's a bloody good cuppa.