MY LEEDS/ LEEDS ART GALLERY.

The Art Gallery is right in the centre of Leeds so pretty hard to miss. It's inside an impressive building that also holds the city library and offers grand staircases and high ceilinged rooms. Mainly consisting of three or four large spaces it's perfect for popping in for an hour or so and somewhere quiet to sit and take time out. I've seen a range of photography, prints, paintings, sculpture, installments and occasionally film pieces tucked inside. I love paying this place a visit, especially for a bit of inspiration.

Seeing as I couldn't take any pictures inside, here are some of outside and of the tiled hall cafe which is worth a visit itself!

DAILY JUNE.

This past month over on Instagram I've been posting a photo everyday. It's something I've done before (about 6months ago) and although I use Instagram anyway, I tend set myself a monthly challenge when my feed is looking a bit empty. I do really love taking photos but sometimes I can feel uninspired, especially when weeks fill up with work. I really appreciate having photos to look back on whether it's of a specific time or just the sky, a building or food (80% of my photos!), and pushing myself to be observant in the everyday can't be a bad thing in my opinion.
I love this little summary of the past month, even if I did miss one day. Here's hoping that July is just as fun
x

THANKFUL THURSDAY/ JUNE.

How is it the end of another month already? A bit of a rambley one this month so I apologise in advance...

one. The SUN! It made a proper appearance this month and I have been so thankful to have a few days of summer and a break from work.
two. The ballet. I managed to squeeze in a trip to see Northern Ballet's mixed programme last week. It was so great and inspired me more to take it up again....
three. ...it also made me equally grateful for parents who valued taking me to see dance, theatre and musicals from a young age.
four. Church. I don't say enough how grateful I am to be part of a group of people who truly love Jesus and try to live out what the Bible says.
five. Music, in particular a few 8tacks playlists from my little sister, she has excellent taste and it saves me having to do it! 
six. Facetime. 
seven. Wild flowers. They are surprisingly everywhere which makes me so happy, especially living in a city.
eight. Getting back into the kitchen.
nine. A God that is constant in all my inconsistency.

...and here is a bonus picture from earlier this month. No reason to share this but I think it's pretty.
Hope you've had a wonderful June
xx

BRUNCH.

During a recent week off I got to spend a few days with Jeni. My brief visit included an incredible brunch at Sunday where I had the most delicious Eggs Benedict (and a bite of blueberry pancakes). This was followed by wandering the streets of Islington in the sunshine and chatting to our hearts content. I am so grateful for friends like this who make me feel so loved and remind me of who I am in God.

GRAPEFRUIT OLIVE OIL POUND CAKE.

I've been wanting to bake again for awhile now but haven't managed to find the time until this week. I made this loaf which is very similar to a lemon drizzle cake but a little bit sweeter and subtler. It's in the smitten kitchen cookbook and the recipe can be found here (but without the icing for some reason). It is delicious and so nice to make something new. 
I don't have a squeezer so squeezed the grapefruits by hand which left tiny pink flecks in the juice and the icing, making it all the prettier in my eyes. 
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
x

CHESTER.

I met Jenna during my first month at University and by the last month (thanks to muesli and coffee breakfasts, French films and a few other friends) we would see each other every week. Since she no longer lives in Leeds and has been in Switzerland for the most part of this year, I made a trip across the country to see her as soon as I could!

Jenna, thank you for giving me an excuse to explore a new city. Thank you for your constant encouragement and honesty and thank you for a weekend full of lots of my favourite things!
 x

 ELEPHANTS! WE MADE A QUICK VISIT TO CHESTER ZOO BUT THE WEATHER WASN'T GREAT SO WE JUST STAYED JUST LONG ENOUGH TO CHECK THESE GUYS OUT...

 ...I HAD TO SHARE ANOTHER ONE. I GOT A BIT CARRIED AWAY, THERE ARE SO MANY MORE ON MY CAMERA.

 WE TOOK THE DOGS OUT INTO THE SUNSHINE THAT APPEARED DURING LUNCHTIME, SO PRETTY.

 EVENING LIGHT.

GORGEOUS JENNA AND DELICIOUS COCKTAILS AT THE BOTANIST.

 LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS SO I WAS HAPPY.

I HAD TO.

 ONE OF MANY.

..AND ANOTHER BUILDING. SORRY FOR THE OVERLOAD!

DAD.

Happy Father's Day!

I was lucky enough to briefly see my Dad yesterday which was so good as it was kind of last minute. Can't wait to spend more time with him (and the rest of the family) soon. On Mother's Day I shared a few things my Mum has taught me and my parents are an amazing team so my Dad should get credit for them too.

I always have a lot of fun with him and learn a lot about being generous and giving amongst so many other things. Thanks for being so amazing Dad, I love you xx