So empties posts were a huge craze in blogging way back when, but they seem to have been gathering dust for a while.

After seeing them resurface on a couple of other blogs though, I decided why the hell not? Why not go back to my roots and see what I've been using up lately?

For me, empties really are like buses…nothing… nothing...nothing…boom! Absolutely everything needs replacing all at once.

So, do I love and what can I leave?

Working at a University and parenting two small children doesn't exactly give endless opportunities for glamour, so getting dressed up is a rare occasion for me these days.

The launch of an exciting new cocktail bar, however, is a great reason to get your glam on, so even though there is always a small part of me (the super tired mum part) that would much rather be Netflixing in my pyjamas, I tried to step it up.

Olivia's Townhouse has already taken Birmingham by storm and has now moved East to take up residence in Nottingham's smart Chapel Bar.

With a focus on expert mixology, good times, dirty house music and prosecco brunches, I’ve no doubt it will prove popular here. The ideal venue for a post-work catch up or a girls night, the interior is unashamedly girly and totally designed with one eye on your Instagram grid…

Home renovation is a passion for many. And while it's true that there's not much in property more magical than finding somewhere run down and unloved with serious potential and transforming it into the house of your dreams, there are also plenty of stresses and worries involved in a large scale project.

You may have adored renovating furniture or getting the decor just right in previous situations, but dramatically changing an entire house is another matter entirely.

Luckily, if you plan carefully and approach the work with a clear head then you can mitigate some of the worst anxiety a home renovation can bring.

My husband and I moved in to No.80 in November 2014. The house is a 1900s Victorian five bed semi detached house that had been carved up into three bedsit flats for students, and it’s safe to say it was very unloved and dingy when we got there.

There were three floors of woodchip wallpaper, heavy fire doors and acres of brown nylon carpet everywhere. The place was an eyesore - but there were also so many positives. Tall ceilings, big windows, a long garden leading down to the canal with ducks and swans floating by, and a wonderful, vibrant neighbourhood - on the doorstep of a country park but ten minutes drive from the city, and bursting with independent shops, great schools and cafes.

All it needed was some love. 

Our mission became to turn the house back into a functional family home where we could raise the children we wanted. Change has been slow - that family did happen, and two babies halted progress a lot - but we’re finally making it happen and creating the home we dreamed of when we first moved, right here in West Bridgford, Nottingham.

Reading other home renovation blogs has been key for me in providing inspiration and helping me to explore ideas, as have my home renovation Pinterest boards - so I hope our story also inspires you.

At this time of year, the leaves are falling, the mercury is dropping and the shops are alive with the new season fashions from the autumn/winter runways.

Most of us are considering updating our wardrobes, adding those key pieces and retiring our summer garments in favour of cosy jumpers, leather skirts, ankle boots, scarves and a killer coat or two.

We carefully select the items we want to add to our collections and sometimes we choose to invest a fair amount in that must have, love forever piece.

But whether your new season additions are designer labels or high street, in order to give them the greatest shelf life you need to look after them correctly.

We all acknowledge that we should be looking for pieces which will have longevity - sustainability and budget wise, it's a clever idea - and the key to that is really taking care of the new items you choose to add this season.

So how do you care for all your clothes as if they are priceless couture?

There are so many things to love about it – its beautifully lightweight, soft against the skin, hypoallergenic and it helps to regulate body temperature – meaning it keeps you cool on a hot day, and warm on a chilly one.

Although delicate, silk is surprisingly hardwearing and retains its beauty for years –which is why so many legacy and heirloom pieces are passed down for generations.

There’s something timelessly chic about it too – and it’s a beautiful fabric for the transitions between seasons. Plus, it looks and feels perfectly luxurious.

So silk was high on the agenda for my travels to Italy, and as well as a beautiful patterned sundress from Twenty8Twelve, I had also packed this pale pink number, which was perfect for strolling around San Miniato on market day.