Dreaming in Red

Atop a hill in Cardiff is a red castle.  Yes; a red castle (although to be fair, the high volume of wind and rain we get here has dimmed its bright colour somewhat).  I love it there.  Such a calming area, away from traffic and cityness.  I was hoping for a chance to quietly take photos and take in the scenery, but this was unfortunately ruined by other people.  Yes!  There were other people there, doing the same thing.  It's as if they think this castle isn't MINE.  I kid (sorta!)

Castell Coch has a a really fascinating history, and is a testament to one individual's eccentricity and obsession with the past (in my opinion, anyway.  I did a little research on the person in question during my degree.)

Trying to get some of these shots definitely made me want to get some better lenses for my camera.  I can foresee a lot of obsessively reading reviews online to help me make a decision.  Ah well!

I also have a birthday trip to plan....lots going oooooon!

xoxo

 This is where some 'swishy' hair shots ensued...

Red shoes to match my surroundings (only a little deliberate, I promise!)

You can kinda see a pinkish hue in the brickwork here, no?

I am such a huge fan of red, maybe that's why I love this place so much!xo

Weekend of Colour

I've only just realised that this post didn't actually publish.  Last weekend, I wanted to make buttermilk pancakes.  I usually go for the old favourite, blueberry.  But, I didn't have any blueberries, and had some coconut in my baking sash so I thought I'd give that a go.  Coconut is one of my favourites, I adore it!  As I was feeling experimental, I made the pancakes a pastel lilac colour, just for the hell of it.  To be honest, you can't really see the colour from the photos below, but you can see in the top one that I put a decent amount of colouring in.  Ah well!  They were kinda yummy, not sure I'd use desiccated coconut again, but would maybe try creamed coconut instead for a slightly more intense flavour.

I just love pancakes!  :) 

Add some colour to your day! xoxo

Today's Print

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this is a little cheat, as this is actually Wednesday's print, but hey ho.  Nevermind!

I usually hate floral prints on black backgrounds, and they rarely catch my eye.  But for some reason, I'm perfectly happy with this one.  I tend to wear this dress to work to be honest, and it's a nice change from just block colours.

Hope you had a lovely week.  Mine was exhausting.

xoxo

A Stirring Song

It has been crazy sunny this weekend.  The daylight saving added to this, as we will now have later sunsets.  Isn't it funny how people are so much more cheerful when it's sunny outside?  That's definitely the case in the UK anyway.  The only major downside is how everyone wants to get practically naked, which I think is just bizarre!  It's only British sunshine! Not unbearable desert temperatures.  Crazy folks!

Today's Stirring Song iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis (not sure why I incorporated the build up there)...

...King of the World by First Aid Kit.  I know it's the second First Aid Kit song in only a few weeks, but I guess I'm on a FAK kick or something.  I do really like their new album!

I wrote a post a few weeks back after I went to their gig in Bristol (and got to meet them, and have my photo with them!  See the post linked above to see my silly chops grinning at chillin' with them!) and this song from their new album is a current favourite.  It's my singalong song.  I know I'd TOTALLY fit in with their band if they only gave me a chance!  Tee hee!

I also love the styling and 70s feel to their new album artwork.  It's pretty dreamy!

They're such pretty sisters!

have a lovely sunday xoxo

Today's Print

Here is today's (and yesterday's) print.  To be completely honest, it's a total misrepresentation of the print as I took these photos with an iphone app.  It's a really pretty bright print, with lots of accents of fuchsia and purple.  Ah well!

I just saw The Woman in Black.  Pretty disappointing to be honest.  I've seen it as a play and it was much, much better! 

night lovelies! xo

I totally agree with this..

Hey lovelies.

I saw this on hello giggles, and thought, THAT'S ME!

Link

So true, and funny!

It's ridiculously sunny here, and after a busy and tiring week, the park this afternoon was a nice distraction.  My parking ticket, however, was not a welcome distraction.  Boo!

xoxo

London Wander

Whilst walking around London last week (and travelling by bus) I took a few snaps with some of my favourite iphone photography apps, and thought I'd share.  I love this city so much.  So much inspiration everywhere.

Also pictured is the AMAZING thali I had at my favourite vegetarian restaurant there; it's so yummy.  I'm craving more right now!  I also got a couple of cupcakes at the Hummingbird Bakery.  Even though I kinda prefer some of the stuff I bake myself (ego alert!) going there is kind of a London habit, I guess.  I actually went to grab one of their rocky roads (definitely the best I've ever had!) but they don't sell them anymore apparently.  Boo!

Cherry blossom peeking over this cute creperie.

The monster thali!  Yum!

Red velvet

Obligatory shoe shot!

speak to you soon lovelies, gwynypie xoxo

Tremor

A week ago I travelled to London to see one of my favourite bands play at the Cargo.  It was incredible.  The Olivia Tremor Control haven't played in the UK since 2005, so I HAD to be there to witness what could be my last chance to see them live in a while!

I came away feeling elated and inspired, and they're such cool and friendly guys.  I really liked the venue too.  Such a good atmosphere!

Here are some (ok, a lot) pics.  I wish I could experience the gig aaaaaall over again...!

can't wait to see some other incredible bands this year!!xo