LIFESTYLE: ADDING A TOUCH OF NATURE TO YOUR HOME

Who doesn’t love to take a trip into the great outdoors? There’s nothing better than being surrounded by trees, beautiful views, fresh air, and, essentially, life. Yet while most of us enjoy being in the great outdoors, we don’t always get as much of it as we’d like -- instead, we spend the bulk of our time away not only from nature, but the outdoors. From our works to our cars to our homes, we’re nearly always inside. However, just because we like or need to be inside, that doesn’t mean that we can’t get a dose of nature, especially in our homes. Below, we take a look at a few ways you can bring some of the outdoors into your property.




Source: Pexels.com


Let There Be Light


The reason we feel so disconnected from the natural world is because we’re always facing inward. In our home, we’re penned in four walls, and sit facing away from the windows, which, in any case, are often small. During certain months of the year, or if we live in a built-up area, the only light we receive is artificial. But it doesn’t it have to be this way. One of the best ways to make your home feel more natural is to open the space up, and let in as much light as possible.


Into the Outdoors


Another useful way to add a touch of nature to your home is to make less of a distinction between where home ends and nature begins. Incorporate French doors into your property, and you’ll have created a funnel that draws you into your back garden. It might seem like a small thing, but you’ll find that you’re more likely to spend time in your yard area if there’s only a pane of glass keeping it at bay.


Natural Features


Who says that natural features only belong in the great outdoors? You can bring them into your home, in various ways. For example, you can get a fire that burns real wood from https://ultimatefires.com.au; it’ll invoke those lovely evenings spent around the campfire when you take a trip into the great outdoors. Elsewhere, you can make the most of natural textures such as wood and stone. A distressed wood table, for instance, will give off that outdoor country vibe, while a stone kitchen countertop will give your home that elemental feel.


Plants and Veg


One of the best, most effective, most sweet smelling ways to bring nature into your home is to add things that grow freely in nature, such as flowers, plants, and vegetables, which you can keep on display in your kitchen. The flowers and plants are particularly recommended -- studies have shown that they’re able to boost our mood.


Decorations


Finally, take a look at incorporating nature into the decorations that you have around your home. Pinecones, jars of pebbles and sand, and other items you can find on your country walks will all work well, as will adding works of art that have a nature theme.

*collaborative post 

OUTFIT POST: LEOPARD PRINT MIDI SKIRT

SKIRT: BOOHOO // JACKET: NEW LOOK // TOP: NEW LOOK // BOOTS: 


We headed into Birmingham today for lunch at Bodega, see my full review here...  Afterwards we went to Cannon Hill Park and took Amelia to the Wildlife Center and then visited my nan's grave before heading over to see my Grandad so busy day!

I thought i'd wear my new leopard print skirt from Boohoo! I've been loving my polka dot midi skirt from Primark and really wanted to get another one that was similar. I spotted this one on Boohoo and thought it would be perfect as it's petite and i'm quite short and sometimes find midi length things a little too long. It was an absolute bargain too, only £13.50 so I just had to get it!

It was a little nippy so I popped my leather jacket on and kept it simple with a little Black top and my Black boots. I think the skirt would look so good with a cute slogan tee or even with a jumper tucked in.

Clint and I are both off for the rest of the week so I'm hoping to have another outfit post up later in the week!






FOOD: BODEGA CANTINA BIRMINGHAM REVIEW

  
[ *GIFTED- this meal was complementary] 

Today we headed into Birmingham for lunch at Bodega Cantina to check out their menu refresh! Bodega is South American inspired cuisine. 

'The menus are created using original ideas, authentic recipes and inspiration from the team’s vast South American travels (feel free to ask us about them!)'- from Bodega website 

Bodega have a great menu with loads of choice, they offer a street menu, small plates and large plates so there is something for everyone no matter how hungry you are! The menu is really clear and they are great when it comes to allergies, they actually ask you when they seat you if you have any allergies which is amazing! 

I ordered the Dr. Pepper marinated pork Quesadillas, they were soo tasty! We also ordered a side of Nachos- They are the best Nachos i've ever had! They come with loads of salsa, guacamole and sour cream and are topped with Jalapenos. Clint went for the Chipotle beef brisket chilli burrito, it looked really good, it was filled to the brim. He had it hot! and said it was delicious! 

You can actually order from the street menu like us or the small plate section during the week and get your main and a drink for just £7! It's such a great deal if you out in Birmingham during the weekdays. 

The new menu is amazing and full of loads of really tasty sounding food, I think we will be heading back really soon to try a few more dishes. I love the sound of Bodega’s Burger a la Parilla and Peruvian Seco de Pollo, so need to check them out. 

I think their prices are really reasonable and the food is sooo tasty and great quality. If your looking for somewhere new in Birmingham to eat and you haven't tried Bodega before i'd really recommend checking it out. 

They also have a great kids menu with loads of choice and it includes a side, drink and desert for £5.95 and sometimes they do offers during the kids holidays so check that out too!

Bodega also have a really impressive drinks menu full of beers, cocktails and spirits. I had the Hummingbird mocktail, it's amazing! I'd love to go along on an evening and give some of their alcoholic cocktails a try too!

The atmosphere was lovely and all of the staff were really friendly. We had such a lovely time and would really recommend it to everyone, people with or without kids. It's the perfect place for lunch with the family, a few drinks after work or even dinner and drinks on date night!