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Something For the Weekend: Tropical Butterfly House

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Last weekend I stumbled upon this place, completely by accident. I was supposed to be meeting up with family for a celebratory birthday meal for my sister, but I spotted signs for this place en-route and at the last minute we changed our plans. I’m so glad we did. Whether you have children, or you’re just a big kid at heart like me, The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry centre is a wonderful day out. It is a little off the beaten track, but if you ever find yourself in the north of England I would recommend a visit.

We didn’t have long enough on our visit to explore everything but I will definitely be going back. Here are some of the highlights from our visit:

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The important bit: I’m an animal lover and always nervous about visiting these kinds of places but I found all the staff to be knowledgeable and devoted to the animals’ well being. The enclosures were beautifully kept with lots of enrichment for the animals. In an ideal world all animals would have the same freedom and respect we afford ourselves as humans… but in the meantime it’s important for places like this to exist, so that they can educate children and adults alike, on the wonders of the natural world and the need to care for and treasure it.

Pretty Prints

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I’ve been re-discovering my love of Pinterest recently and it led me to thinking about mixing and matching my prints more. I bought this skirt last summer and I love how the lace border works in conjunction with the busy print on the skirt.

There’s something about lace that just makes me think of summer events and this would be the perfect outfit for a garden party. There are lots of gorgeous little details that just make it feel so feminine and fun.

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Top: F&F (similar here)
Skirt: Darling
Clutch bag: Yumi
Shoes: Primark
Sunglasses: F&F

Photos by: Rachel Orritt

 

Cinderella

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One of my earliest memories is of Cinderella. When I was little my Grandma would often mind me while my Mum and Dad were at work, and sometimes – if I was lucky – I’d get to spend the weekend there too. It was the weekends I looked forward to the most. My grandma knew my favourite movie was Walt Disney’s Cinderella, but she’d only rent it from the VHS shop as a special treat for the weekend. My love for the film has stayed with me (and yes I’ve seen the live action remake and it’s wonderful).

When I pulled this outfit together I couldn’t help feeling it was pulling more from the ‘Drizella’ colour palette than Cinderella’s. Then when we were shooting this post the BEST thing happened.

This path is one of my favourite routes to walk and it’s usually fairly deserted. However, I’d forgotten about the Easter Hols. We were soon passed by a family of 8 (including a muddy and excitable dog). There were two little girls (about the age I was when I discovered Cinderella) with their Dad at the back of the procession…

“Go on just ask her.”
“No don’t Dad”
“Just ask, she won’t mind.”
“Don’t it’s embarrassing.“
“Excuse me, the girls would like to know if you’re Cinderella?”

I should have been cooler about it. I really should have been. But that family totally made my week.

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T-Shirt: Mango (Similar here and here)
Skirt: Vintage (via The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill)
Clutch: ASOS (Similar here)
Sunglasses: F&F

Photos by @RachelOrritt (see www.rachelorritt.com)

My Very Own Valentine

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If you’re single, chances are you’re not looking forward to this weekend as much as you’d like to. I use to hate this holiday for it’s commercialism and focus on couples (I mean, why can’t I buy a valentine for my best mate? Why do they only come in ‘boyfriend’ variety?) but 3 years ago I changed the way I thought about it. I started treating myself. I went out on Valentines day and bought myself an oven. Ok so I was in the middle of fitting out the kitchen at the time but still… I loved that oven, it was exactly what I wanted. And no one else could have got me a valentines present to match it.

Because here’s the thing, if you’re going to spend an obscene amount of money for one particular day of the year, you may as well spend it on yourself. That way you benefit from you.

My presents to myself in recent years haven’t quite lived up to the oven but then what could?

So, in summary: Treat Yourself.

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Top Row: Kelloggs Bath Milk, Cookie Cutters, Mini Nail Files
Middle Row: Oasis Clutch, LED Rose Lights, Pieces Necklace
Bottom Row: Paul & Joe Tote, Turtle Necklace, Cath Kidston Make Up Brush Set

A Green Thing

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Dress: ASOS | Belt: Oliver Bonas
Tights: tightsplease.co.uk | Boots: Faith

The fashion world goes crazy for fall, but I’ve always been more of a spring/summer girl. I’m learning to love it this year though – and it doesn’t hurt that the sun has stuck around, so I can actually get out and enjoy the scenery as the colours change.

I’ve been spending lots of time with the two critters below – but unlike me they don’t appreciate hot weather. They’re both mountain dogs and they’re much more at home in the cold.

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Swift

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It’s no secret that I am a bit of a swiftie. A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to see her live in London. I’d been mooching round the city in the daytime, and had worn the dress below. It being the ‘Red’ tour though, everyone else at the concert was dressed to match the description (and accessorising with fairy lights!) … Anyways I was bemoaning my lack of Taylor-appropriate attire to my sister, when she quite rightly pointed out that I hadn’t missed the boat at all – I was wearing swifts.

So now I love this dress even more. Here’s how I dressed it up recently for a family meal out.

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Dress: Warehouse (Via ASOS) similar here
Tights: tightsplease.co.uk
Shoes: Next
Clutch: Textile Federation via ASOS

And the concert? It was pretty incredible.
Here’s short clip I filmed of Emeli Sande performing ‘Next to Me’ with Taylor Swift.