A Week in Beantown

My week in Boston coincided with Boston Pride, the Star Trek Convention and a visit from Barack Obama. I did all the touristy stuff - including the famous Boston Duck Tour. And I indulged in all the things I love - walking, vintage shopping, hot chocolate drinking, cupcake eating and people watching. I have to say nothing beats eating alfresco on Newbury as the world goes by.









































A few recommendations.. the breakfast sandwich at Flour | the red velvet cupcake at Isabelle's Curly Cakes | vintage shopping at Artifaktori | mac and cheese at Stephanie's on Newbury | cinnamon pretzels at Qunicy Market | Boston Duck Tours | the luxurious and historic Back Bay Hotel (former HQ of the Boston Police Department)

Friendship and Inspiration

Cybher illustration by Lizzie Owen

'Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.' C.S. Lewis

Cybher was once again a truly magical day. However, unlike last year, 2013 carried the added excitement of being a speaker. An honour / terror rolled into one!

On arrival I met with my Living The Lifestyle Dream workshop buddies - Caroline of Patchwork Harmony and Rachelle of Ted and Agnes. After months of discussion via email it was like reconnecting with a couple of old friends and it very much set the tone for the day.

Over 100 people wandered into The Ballroom to catch our talk and I have to say it went swimmingly. Thank you to all those who came, listened, asked questions and tweeted. Other highlights included trying to crochet a granny square with Mollie Makes, drinking tea and eating carrot cake in the Home Barn pop-up shop and sipping cocktails and discussing vintage Playmobil at the after party.

The most stressful part of the day was selecting my Cybher satchel - once again lovingly produced by The Leather Satchel Company. In the end I went for a limited edition one designed by the extremely talented Lizzie Owen. Isn't it gorgeous?

The post Cybher comedown hasn't been too bad. That is the beauty of Cybher, as it ends it opens many new doors to friendships and possibilities. Thank you Sian and the team for an inspirational day.

My Cybher bag 

The coveted Cybher bags | Rachelle of Ted and Agnes 

Sian To opening Cybher | My moment on stage (photo credit: Molly Sleigh)

Until next year..

Blossom, Bambi & Blythe

'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans'. John Lennon

It seems like only yesterday I was saying yes to speaking at Cybher and making plans for the summer. And now here we are, approaching June at high speed.

When I haven't been stalking blossom trees, accumulating vintage deer and purchasing a Blythe doll - my first since 2010 - I have been seeing Muse in concert for the 8th time, persevering with my yoga classes and going out to dinner. I made the mistake of uploading the iPhone spending app. It seems all I ever do is eat out. I've since deleted the app.

I am really looking forward to attending and speaking at Cybher tomorrow. I went along last year and found the whole day utterly inspiring - I absolutely love meeting the people behind the blogs I read. I will be speaking with Rachelle of Ted and Agnes and Caroline of Patchwork Harmony. And I hope to also learn how to crochet granny squares with Mollie Makes. Maybe I will see you there.