Classic Car Boot Sale!

Much loved by the British, car boot sales are a great way to buy and sell some goodies! But how about the idea of the finest vintage fashion, homeware traders operating from the boot of their lovely classic vehicles?

That's right, the Classic Car Boot Sale is back in London! After huge success over the past couple of years, this weekend it's setting up at Lewis Cubbit Square in Kings Cross, where the collection of vintage cars, walkabout entertainment and selection of yummy food on offer is expected to be its most impressive yet! Tomorrow and Sunday. over 100 exhibitors are expected to park up their classic cars.

Expect to hear a fabulous selection of vinyl-only music, played on an open-air routemaster!
From Classic car enthusiasts to those with an eye for retro furnishings and fashion, or anyone who just enjoys a fantastic, friendly atmosphere to have a browse around, there's something for everyone!

Head over to their website for more exciting details.

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Exhibition alert: Su Blackwell

At Ellie Ellie, we pride ourselves on our sustainability. So we were utterly fascinated when we discovered paper artist and book sculptor Su Blackwell. Taking this idea to a whole new level, Sheffield-born Blackwell creates mesmerizing, intricately detailed, three-dimensional artwork from antique books and paper.

Her new exhibition, Dwelling, is currently at the Long and Ryle Gallery in London until 9th October. You you can expect to see three-dimensional sculptures of tree houses, cottages, and lighthouses hat tell their own story, all cut and glued from pre-loved novels and storybooks.

While some are made simply the black and white pages of text from fictional storybooks such as Blackwell's favourite Alice in Wonderland, others have a burst of colour, like this flower arrangement cut from A Field Guide to Wild Flowers in Britain.

Blackwell has also been involved with several commercial projects, using her steady hand to create exquisite work for set designs, book covers, editorials and turning to art-direction for advertisements.

Head over to her website for her full portfolio, and we'd really recommend going to see her work in person to be fully transported into a fantastical paper world!

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Family Fun Month - Museum of Childhood

August is known as Family Fun Month, so lets celebrate it! We'll supply some ideas of things to do that the whole family can get involved in, so no-one gets left behind or bored during the summer!

At the Museum of Childhood in London, there's endless drop-in activities, arts and crafts and tours every day of the week, but they're also holding Fun Fridays, where on each Friday during the holidays there are workshops, story-telling sessions for all ages, the opportunity to play some traditional board games and a range of toys for the little ones. 

So why not spend the day at the museum for some quality family time - the fun will never stop!

What fun activities are you going to be getting up to this month?

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Cereal Killer café!

Have you ever imagined heading into a café and instead of grabbing a full English breakfast, having a choice of over 100 different types of cereal from around the world? Well, you can at the UK's first speciality café in London, aptly named Cereal Killer. After huge success at their first branch in Brick lane, twin brothers and brains behind the business Alan & Gary Keery have just opened a second in Camden Stables. You can expect a feeling of nostalgia as the cafe offers all the cereals we loved as kids! We took a trip up there to take a look (and have some breakfast!)

If you fancy trying something new, you'll be spoilt for choice - they have some that are from as far as the USA and South Korea, and we certainly enjoyed our choice on our visit! 

With so much to choose from, along with 12 different types of milk and its kitsch decor, its a must-visit for cereal enthusiasts and an unforgettable alternative experience!

What's your favourite cereal?

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Traditional Family Fun!

Throughout this month, Brighton Beach welcomes guests to celebrate one of the greatest old-fashioned puppet shows loved by all ages - Punch and Judy! Brighton is know to have helped this world famous show become as popular as it is, and it's back once again!

The ever growing puppet show dates back to as far as the 16th century, and has survived the centuries! It got us thinking about timeless family games and entertainment.

Many of us will remember playing certain games such as Snap or Dominoes with our parents or siblings when we were young, but are they something you never really grow out of? Perhaps it is the feeling of nostalgia and happy memories that make us go back to these family favourites!

Whether you love an evening in with a board game or enjoy outdoor activities in the garden, you can guarantee hours of fun with our selection of Traditional family games, not forgetting our lovely Traditional Bingo Game and Five Game Compendium for a few different choices!

For more information on the Punch & Judy Show in Brighton, head over to their website!

www.ellieellie.co.uk

The outdoor cinema experience!

If you're wondering how to make the most of the warm weather this summer, look no further than the increasingly popular open-air cinemas all around the UK. Developed from the drive-in experience, now anyone grab a deck chair, get some friends & family together and enjoy a classic film in the great outdoors!

There's lots to choose from, so we've put together a little list of the biggest & best outdoor cinemas this year:

The Luna Cinema - The UK's leading producer of open-air cinema events. From Breakfast at Tiffany's, to a Frozen Sing-along, there's something for everyone at number venues around the country. And with then highest quality equipment, you're guaranteed a brilliant experience!

Rooftop film club - The outdoor cinema with a twist! If you fancy something a bit more luxurious, London can offer just that in four different locations on the finest rooftops. As well as the film, enjoy the amazing views of the city while sitting back with a film themed cocktail!

Brighton's Big Screen - Thousands of people have flocked to Brighton Seafront over the past four years to watch the biggest blockbusters and live sporting events, with pop up restaurants and a beach themed bar to give visitors the best experience of an open air cinema! What better way to spend a summer evening than watching the best films on a gigantic 40sqm screen by the sea? Keep a lookout on their website for upcoming dates & times.

Which open-air cinema will you be heading to?

www.ellieellie.co.uk

Visiting the 'Big Smoke'

We are off to London in a couple of weekends time to visit the branding museum and all the glorious Christmas shops the city has to offer! Although London is right on our doorstep we very rarely get to go up there and we love any excuse to act as a tourist and soak in the sights. We found some great facts about the best tourist attractions, with random facts that might come in useful... one day!

Did you know that a penny is used to adjust Big Ben every year, and that 55% of the underground isn't actually underground!

Where's your favourite place to visit in London?

Help our High Street Hero!

Hubbub is a brilliant initiative to save the high street, a home delivery service on a mission to bring back your local high street.

It was started in 2008 by a brilliant woman called Marisa Leaf, who decided being a human rights barrister wasn't for her. Tired of living off takeaways and supermarket food, she realised lots of people who didn't have the time to shop locally would benefit from a delivery service which used local butchers, fish mongers and vegetable shops on the high street. Somewhere people could order conveniently online but from local stores to support their local highstreet, with fresh ingredients and better value for money.

Currently operating in 200 postcodes across London, Hubbub is a growing business that is going from strength to strength. You can pop onto the website and see whether the Hubbub van will deliver to your home.

All you have to do is follow these simple steps on Hubbub to get your local food delivery! Simple!

Support local! 

My Visit to Borough Market!

Last weekend i went up to visit a friend in London and discovered a oasis of delicious food, drink and culture at Borough Market. Borough Market is just by London Bridge train station, and is thriving with food stalls and people milling around deciding which food to delve into next!

Deciding what i wanted to eat was a challenge, we walked around the market taking in all the lovely smells and the choice of food was amazing. There was everything from burgers, falafels, gluten free food, wheat free food to cheese, bread, pad thai, paella and much more (i could go on and on).

I finally decided on paella, one of my favourite dishes (i did spy some calamari being made on the same stall but had to resist) and it did not disappoint! I got a great portion filled with prawns, chorizo, squid and peas and it was delicious! I accompanied my paella with some homemade lemonade, which had just the right amount of zesty lemon flavour.

After filling my bag with tasty treats to save for later we sat down and took in the sunshine and atmosphere of the market, which is brimming with chatter and overall happiness. I didn't want to leave and wanted to try out more of the delicious food.

For a cheese lover this market is heaven too, with an array of stalls showcasing the best !

Find out more about the market and how to get there on their website! 

London Fashion Week Round Up

As the fashion elite, brands and designers descended on London this week,  we pick out the best trends of London Fashion Week AW14 as it draws to a close. With bold colours, statement prints as well as interesting shapes and textures, autumn winter will definitely not be boring! 

An Ellie Ellie favourite was Anya Hindmarch, who wowed with her energetic and bold handbags and clutch bags, featuring your normal household items and everyday breakfast cereal. 

To find out more about London Fashion Week and Anya Hindmarch's collection visit the website! 

Celebrate Chinese New Year!

The 31st of January is the start of Chinese New Year, which is a 15 day celebration including feasts and decorations and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th Day!

London's celebrations for the Chinese New Year are one of the biggest outside of Asia, and every year thousands of people visit the West End to wish each other Happy New Year or "Kung Hei Fat Choi'

In 2014 the celebrations are taking place on Sunday the 2nd of February, in Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Shaftsbury Avenue. If you fancy a fun day out go and get involved in the celebrations, which include a parade and performances from visiting artists from China in Trafalgar Square. As always and the part Ellie Ellie always loves exploring, there will be traditional food and craft stalls, perfect if you want to find hidden gems or something a bit unusual.

Visit the website for more information about London's Celebrations!

Ellie Ellie Wears - Day to Night Outfit

London Fashion Week is kicking off today and Ellie Ellie is honouring the huge fashion event in the capital this week with an outfit that can easily be transformed from a day to evening look.

A simple cream long sleeved blouse can go with any outfit, whether day time or evening and teaming it with these monochrome trousers from People Tree makes a great statement and insures the trousers stand out! Simple loafers such as these Rebel Vegan Tassel Loafers will work really well in the day time, and you can easily add a heel to transform this outfit for an evening event!

Finish off the look with our Ellie Ellie Artist Pencil Silver Stud Earrings for a pop of colour and an unusual touch!

 

Loafers - Rebel Vegan Tassel Loafers

Long Sleeved Blouse - Oasis

Pencil Stud Earrings - Ellie Ellie

Trousers - People Tree 

Suport the London Duathlon Athletes

If you want to give yourself a challenge this year, or if you just want to support others, the London Duathlon is a great event which sees athletes of all abilities race through Richmond Park in South-West London on closed roads.

A duathlon is similar to a triathlon but without the swimming element. It just involves two disciplines, running and cycling in three stages. Run-bike-run.

The London duathlon is the world's largest duathlon, and attracts thousands of competitors and supporters each year and takes place a week today, on the 15th of September.

If you fancy going along to give your support for those taking part, the Event Village in Richmond Park provides a great day for friends and family. There is spectator access to see most of the event so you can cheer on the athletes, alternatively join in the fun with a family picnic while watching the event!

For more information see the website here!

The Museum of Brands - A Must Visit!

Ellie Ellie has stumbled upon a gem of an attraction in the Capital that is definitely one to be enjoyed and put on the to do list!

Located near the world-famous Portobello Road Market is the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, a treasure trove of retro designs and memories, two of Ellie Ellie's favourite things!

Walking through galleries full with oddities and wonders, every decade is documented at every turn and you can see brands from the 1890s, such as Rimmel or Mars Bars, Rolos and KitKats from the 1930s. Items displayed in this museum are bound to get you thinking and imagining how people lived and shopped back in the day!

The museum moved to London in 2005 after previously being situated in Gloucester and continues to attract visitors and expand year on year!

 Opening times are:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10am-6pm

Sunday: 11am-5pm

Monday: Closed (except bank holidays)

Learn more about the museum and plan your visit here

RHS Flower Show - Hot Spot to Visit!

If you're looking for something to entertain yourselves with next week, we strongly advise you give the Royal Horticulture Society Flower Show a go! Packed with the most gorgeous creations within a combination of both art and nature.

It's great to visit and learn about how gardening can affect us, wildlife and our environment positively. Whether you have rolling lawns or a window box, there's tips and tricks for just about everyone! Maybe you just need some inspiration? The RHS Flower Show is the place to go!

 

For more information check it out here.