Caroline Burke | Burkatron

nothing excites me more than the arrival of a new batch of STATIONERY!! 

I won't lie a slight squeal accompanied the sight of the new kirstie allsopp stationery range from ryman.. it's an absolute beauty.

vintage inspired floral motifs reminiscent of old patchwork quilts and pastel hues had me itching to put pen to paper.

there is quite a selection from vintage ball point pens to little notebooks the perfect size to slip in your handbag.

the box file is seriously pretty with it's pink ribbon and clashing ditsy print patterns, I've thrown in all my loose paperwork to keep my desk tidy! 

I think my favourite piece is this notebook, the cover is just so gorgeous.. I'll be writing many a list in this puppy (if I ever get around to flexing some culinary muscle I'd be tempted to use this to write down some recipes)

a magazine file for all my fashion mags (also rather handy for hiding *ahem* storing those pesky household bills)

this 7 day planner is a blogging godsend! I know the other members of the 'to do list' fan club will enjoy this little rascal.. 

kirstie allsopp vintage collection*

the whole collection is so darn pretty. as a lover of ditsy florals, shabby chic and all things vintage I think my little brain just imploded with excitement 

I'm not sure I'll ever shake my nerdy obsession with notebooks and this collection hasn't helped; if you want a closer look I'd recommend popping over to ryman to snap up something here as availability in store is limited... consider yourself warned!

do you like the look of this collection too?

caroline x

hey guys! here's the latest installment of currently lovin' (with it's usual collection of completely random things!)

I've been buying little bits and bobs lately in the misguided attempt to not overspend this month. yep this backfired as I just ended up spending a small fortune in paperchase instead! (note to self I do NOT need any more notebooks) I shall attempt to reign in my growing stationary addiction but in the meantime here's some of my most loved things this week:

1. palmers cocoa butter body scrub: my mum purchased this little beauty and I 'borrowed' it a few days ago... holy lord this is the best smelling creation ever! close your eyes, it's like scrubbing with chocolate mousse (weird but good!) it's not the grainiest scrub but it smells so damn good I don't care!

2. enamel floral mug, urban outfitters sale: I tend to top up on accessories and cute little trinkets when the UO sale lands. this little mug caught my eye a few months ago so it was swiftly added to my shopping basket! (facial hair lovers there's a moustache version that might tickle your fancy..)

3. paperchase helen dardik week planner: oh yes yet another list/to do/notebook for the collection! my inner geek/OCD sufferer rejoiced when I saw this planner, it's really easy to use with days spilt into am and pm so I can write in upcoming blog ideas and plan what days I'll write my posts! 

4. charm bracelet c/o little pretties: jade creates really dinky custom and personalised jewellery; I told her I loved anything nautical and this little beauty arrived full of anchors and seaside themed charms! if you follow her on instagram (littleprettiesuk) you can check out her whole range and email her any requests!

5. topshop lemon print bikini: I caved and finally bought this bikini after many a loving glance, unfortunately the high waisted version had sold out (pause to wipe away tears) but I loved this print so much I was happy to get the regular one (when life gives you lemons wear them!) 

back soon!

caroline x

I've rounded up a some bits and bobs I've been a fan of this week! as you can see it's a rather random assortment (forgive me!) but I don't have time to post about them all and I think they're worthy of a thumbs up!

1. primark socks: I've been buying topshop frilly socks for a few months now (too cute to resist) I just discovered that primark are selling pairs for £1.50! I'm so fickle I switched my frilly sock allegiance immediately, sorry topshop!

2. barry m gelly polishes and confetti nail effects: I've purchased a few gelly polishes over the last two months and I'm really impressed with them. I find them a little slow to dry but the opacity is really good and some only need one generous coat for good coverage! the confetti effects in dolly mixture are adorable I LOVE it! it isn't like a glitter polish it's more like having tiny feathers on your fingertips, big fan!

3. paperchase stickers: I added another batch to my collection this week! these are brit themed with cute london cartoon characters that will be making an appearance in my sketchbook soon!

4. nailtopia nail art stickers* I was sent these to review and I've been meaning to squeeze them in as I have so many nail art items! they're super easy to work with; literally peel them off and apply to your nail for instant decor! (see picture below for example, there are lots of variations online) my favourite are their las vegas stickers with playing cards and dice (hell yeah I love a theme) seal them with a top coat and you're good to go. 

5. garnier ambre solaire no streaks bronzer spray: further to my fake tan post I wanted to tell you that this is my go-to mist for tanning my face! this version is actually for the body (there is a face version I'm just too lazy to get it) I don't like to use my fake tan mitts on my face as I'm sure they're a breeding ground for bacteria! I always opt for a spray as it's less likely to give me any breakouts and looks a bit more natural.

6. cadburys marvellous creations and teasers bars: yes I really have included chocolate in this post aha! I blame the sugar high or impending diabetes but I'm addicted to these bars this week!! send help... 

my geeky little habit and I are coming out of the closet.

I am OBSESSED with writing lists, I can't sleep until I've written down everything thats bobbing about in my little brain.

I'm also rather OCD about keeping all of my ideas and blog related scribbles organised so I've been keeping blog books since I started burkatron.  

if I'm stressed the only things that straighten me out are a cup of tea and half an hour writing an action plan! I decided to make writing my endless 'to do' lists a little more fun and this strange scrap booking/crafting habit developed about 6 months ago. 

I love buying notebooks; my favourite ones for blog books are the plain kraft books from paperchase, a mix of blank and brown craft paper they're perfect for writing lists and come in lots of different sizes. 

I stick in postcards, scrap paper or sketches. I store secret lists in envelopes stuck inside my books and generally collect lots of little memories and ideas which just breed inside the pages of my book!

I have a little craft kit specifically for decorating my blog book (hello nerd!) 

here's some of my favourite items to use:

washi tape is decorative japanese masking tape and great fun to use; I get mine from etsy! I also collect vintage stamps and little craft items in second hand shops when I see them.

stickers are another thing I'm obsessive about snapping up! paperchase is my go-to place for these!

I'm a massive fan of stationary; especially writing paper and cath kidston sell some of my favourite papers, stickers and notebooks. I don't think I'll ever own too much floral paper!

I've also recently discovered smash which sell the most amazing books & accessories for scrap booking! a little expensive for some of the items but a good place to look if you want to get a ready made set to play with!

after a long day I grab my washi tape, paper & pritt stick and get gluing! once my trusty pen and I get scribbling down those ideas I'm a happy bunny.

I love making my book a little more pretty and it helps me to plan my week; it's a little geeky but it's so therapeutic! 

I hope some of you try it for yourselves...

any other compulsive list writers out there? come say hi!!

caroline x

ok, not the most winter-esque ensemble but I haven't gone completely bonkers I spent most of the day indoors with the heating on full blast (that's my official excuse for dressing like a crazed cheerleader)

I've been keeping an eye out for one of these geek tee's for ages and finally tracked one down in the topshop store in bath when I went to visit. I hear there's a jumper version too but I'm afraid my shopping budget has already reached it's maxium so I'll just have to admire it from afar.. wah wah wah.

I'm also wearing my new wedge trainers from new look, I so pleased I got these; I'd been looking at a pair in river island but these were much cheaper and they are soooo comfy. I'm so used to wearing flats I feel about 6ft when I pop them on!

I went to primark yesterday and invested in a few bargain knits which I intend to layer up over my favourite summer dresses over the next few weeks (posts to follow) I also bought a few cute woolly hats which are my favourite part of winter dressing! perfect for days when you don't have the time or effort to spend half an hour doing you hair... thumbs up for lazy autumnal hat days!

hat: h&m

tee: ashish for topshop

skirt: primark

belt: vintage at urban outfitters

handmade button ring: claireabellemakes

bag: vintage

wedge trainers: new look (now in sale)

nails: topshop green room polish

back soon 

caroline x