WHAT LIZZY LOVES
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
What Lizzy Loves

Life And Style Through The Eyes Of An Optometrist

What Lizzy Loves
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
  • Life, Travel, Food

A White Table Setting And A Life-Changing Decision

  • 30 August 2017
  • 19 comments
  • 2.5K views
  • Elizabeth

I’ll get to the beautiful white table setting mentioned in the title soon, but my goodness, it’s been a busy week. I can’t believe it’s been eight days since my last blog post! There are several reasons for this, the main one being that I simply didn’t have time to write one. It takes upwards of five hours to write, photograph, edit and optimise a blog post, and even longer when the social media sharing is factored in.

On Thursday of last week, Harry made his debut for a new football team, (this is in addition to the one he already plays for), and played in Hull. The journey should have taken two hours, but took way more than three, due to heavy traffic and roadworks. In fact, my left quadriceps muscle went into spasm such was the stop-start action of my leg on the clutch. It’s still twitching intermittently now, six days later!)  They played the 80 minute match and then we made the journey home. All told, it took more than seven hours- a significant part of anyone’s day. Football is a huge part of our lives and takes up two full evenings, some Saturdays and almost every Sunday morning. Luckily, I enjoy it, but even if I didn’t, I’d still take him and watch. Not only is it my role, it’s my privilege and I’ll do anything to support my children, their hobbies and their dreams.

A Big Decision…

Harry had a good game and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. It came at the end of an emotional day, because earlier, Poppy had got her GCSE results. The hard work she put it and her dedication paid off, because she did brilliantly and I’m very, very proud of her. She starts sixth-form next week and in two years, she will fly the nest. I remember her first day at school like it was yesterday and now we’re looking at university open days.

The next two years will be gone in a blink of an eye, so I’ve made a (day-to-day) life-changing decision. I’ve resigned from my position as writer and editor of Aspire Magazine, a role I held and loved for three years. During that time, I learned a lot about the print industry and many different businesses and professions. I met countless inspirational people along the way and regularly undertook restaurant reviews, a brilliant perk of the job. It was a hard decision, but the extra time will enable me to focus on my blog and other freelance writing. I’ll be able to finish work at a decent hour. I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with my children and to relaxing, chilling and just being with them. I’m looking forward to cooking and baking, because I’ve lost my mojo and I’m bored of the same old same old. I want to rekindle my love of cooking and entertaining.

A White Table Setting for Smart Casual Dining

I recently got some gorgeous new crockery and glasswear which also made its debut last week. Making the table look pretty is all part of the occasion and something I enjoy doing. To celebrate Poppy’s GCSE results, I hosted a small dinner party for her on Friday evening. I invited one of my children’s close friends George, who also got great GCSE results, and his family. Ian was here too, taking the total to seven. A white table setting is elegant, chic and versatile. It makes an impact yet is understated. The dinner plates are part of the *James Martin Everyday 12 piece boxed set, by Denby, which contains four 28cm dinner plates, four 22cm salad plates and four 16cm diameter bowls). I added some small succulent plants to the table to compliment the linen napkins I’ve had for as long as I can remember.

what-lizzy-loves-whi

white-table-setting-james-martin-denby-plates-leaf-linen-napkin

Poppy loves olives and dips which and this *Gastro by James Martin 9 piece serving kit, is perfect for presenting them. (The kit comprises a 30cm ceramic platter, four ceramic spoons and four ramekins). I should point out that all are suitable for the oven, microwave and freezer and are dishwasher safe.

white-table-setting-james-martin-denby-dip-dishes-ramekins-ceramic-spoons

white-table-setting-james-martin-denby-dip-dishes-ramekins-olives

white-table-setting-james-martin-denby-dip-dishes-ramekins-dips-olives

For a formal dinner, I have glasses for both wine and water. Often though, lack of space means it is more practical to one glass for both. These beautiful *short dragonfly goblets fit the bill perfectly. They’re ideal for a casual setting.

white-table-setting-dragonfly-wine-water-glasses-india-jane

white-table-setting-dragonfly-goblet-water-wineglass

The *sycamore live edge serving paddle board, is another versatile addition to the table. I use it for cake, bread, tapas and cold meats as well as cheese. It was crafted by Smith Originals, a small artisan brand. It has special meaning because the carpenter is the partner of one of my school friends. Please do take a look to see the rest of his bespoke creations including dining tables and storage tables.

white-table-setting-live-edge-sycamore-paddleboard-cheeseboard

white-table-setting-oak-sycamore-cheeseboard-platter-live-edge

In between the other pieces of the white table setting, I added some little white heart-shaped plates. They are the Porto Stoneware Heart Side Plates from The White Company which I have had for several years. Again, they are dishwasher safe and useful for sweets, biscuits and nuts too.

I’m looking forward to ringing the changes to the white table setting. I bought some brightly patterened tapas dishes in Nerja, which will be perfect for adding a splash of colour. Most of all though, I’m looking forward this new chapter of my life and the day to day changes it’ll bring. It should be a very happy autumn.

white-table-setting-james-martin-denby-dip-dishes-ramekin-heart-shaped-plates-white-company

Thank you as always for supporting the brands that support my blog and me. Later this week I’ll be linking this post to Brilliant Blog Posts and The Saturday Share.

Disclosure:

Like many bloggers and content creators, I use affiliate links. I identify these with an asterisk. I identify gifted items within the body of the post. I am a paid ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear and for MAC Eyewear. For links to my current clothes, accessories and homeware, click here. Thank you for reading

Please Share...

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Related Topics
  • entertaining
  • food
  • home
Elizabeth

You May Also Like
David Austin Rose Gardens, Shropshire
View Post
  • House Renovation
  • Life, Travel, Food

Visiting: David Austin Roses, Shropshire

  • 14 September 2023
  • Elizabeth
One Hundred stars abbi dress in sweet pea pattern
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food
  • Style

Wearing The Sweet Pea Abbi Dress from One Hundred Stars Clothing

  • 26 May 2023
  • Elizabeth
Behind the scenes charity fashion show in aid of Sue Ruder Manorlands
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food
  • Style

Modelling in a Charity Fashion Show (in Bronte Country, Haworth)

  • 16 May 2023
  • Elizabeth
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food

Coronation Weekend in Pictures.

  • 8 May 2023
  • Elizabeth
Chef Tom Shepherd
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd: Michelin Star Restaurant

  • 21 April 2023
  • Elizabeth
Melbourne
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food

What We Saw, Ate and Tasted: Our Melbourne Highlights

  • 25 March 2023
  • Elizabeth
Yellow Farm Rio embroidered maxi dress with tie back
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food
  • Style

What I Wore In Melbourne (in February).

  • 18 March 2023
  • Elizabeth
What to wear in Australia in March
View Post
  • Life, Travel, Food

Life Lately: The Stresses of Moving and Our Upcoming Antipodean Adventure

  • 12 February 2023
  • Elizabeth
19 comments
  1. Honest Mum says:
    30 August 2017 at 6:42 pm

    Oh darling, congrats to both your amazing children and it sounds like resigning was absolutely the right thing for you. I adore your blog and want to see recipe posts now you’ll have more time to cook and bake! That dinner set is stunning, lots of love and I hope your leg gets better soon x

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      30 August 2017 at 8:35 pm

      Thank you so much Vicki. I’m very proud of them both, though they drive me bonkers at times!! I’m so looking forward to cooking more. I love it- always have- and food is so important to me. I think autumn is food season. I love making soups and casseroles and baking comfort food and cake xxxxx

      Reply
  2. Nico @ yumsome says:
    30 August 2017 at 7:08 pm

    Well done to your talented offspring! And well done to you for making the decision to blog full time. If you discover the secret to working shorter hours as a full-time blogger, please, do let me know! Ha ha!

    Love that tableware. All of it. Particularly the serving set – those spoons are so fab! You really can’t beat white crockery, can you? xx

    #brilblogposts

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      30 August 2017 at 8:37 pm

      Thank you so much Nico! I suspect I’ll end up working just as many hours, given the fact that it’s 9.30pm and I’m still working!! Come next week though when the children are back to school, I’ll be in a better routine. I hope 🙄 xxx

      Reply
  3. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says:
    30 August 2017 at 8:31 pm

    How wonderful that your kids are so talented and well-adjusted. Congratulations on your big decision, and I truly believe that you’ll find it very rewarding. Gorgeous table setting: especially that cheese board! LOVE IT!

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      30 August 2017 at 8:42 pm

      Thank you so much. They’ve been through some very tough times so it makes me so proud that they are doing well. They are typical teenagers for sure but they’re (usually) well-behaved 😉 The cheeseboard is fabulous isn’t it. Such a good price point too for something original xxx

      Reply
  4. Josep-Maria says:
    31 August 2017 at 7:04 am

    An absolutely wonderful table. I love the white monocoromo and all the delicate and beautiful complements. The decor is great. Elegance and modernity.

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      31 August 2017 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you Josep-Maria. I agree that all white looks elegant and modern. Have a lovely day xxx

      Reply
  5. Victoria - Lylia Rose says:
    31 August 2017 at 2:00 pm

    The table looks wonderful, I love the pretty heart shaped dishes and succulents – I’m a sucker for succulents! Congrats to your daughter for amazing results 🙂

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      31 August 2017 at 2:38 pm

      Thank you Victoria. I agree about the succulents! So easy to care for too! And thank you for the lovely compliment about Poppy. I’m very proud of her xxx

      Reply
  6. Susanna says:
    31 August 2017 at 8:20 pm

    Love the table setting. It’s so elegant and classic. My daughter bought me a cute succulent recently and I’m going to buy some more as they really are attractive and luckily for me quite easy to look after ! I wish you all the best for this new phase in your life. xx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      1 September 2017 at 8:05 am

      Thank you Susanna. It is s elegant isn’t it and so easy to mix and match other styles. Succulents are fab aren’t they and so fashionable right now. Thank you for the good wishes. I’m looking forward to the change xxx

      Reply
  7. Petite Teacher says:
    1 September 2017 at 6:54 am

    Dear Elizabeth. Congratulations on making such an important decision with your own wellbeing in mind. It’s amazing what kind of coincidence yesterday brought. You resigned and so did one of my dear friends. You have written a blogpost with lots of beautiful white photos and so have I. Like they say: great minds think alike 🙂 I love your table setting and wish you many evenings with a table full of good food and good company. Love, Lieske

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      1 September 2017 at 8:08 am

      Thank you Lieske. Oh, I hope your good friend has lots of exciting plans following her resignation. It was a hard decision for me to make but one that I know is right for my family and my wellbeing too. I was often working until 10pm and spending too little time with the children. White always looks so pretty doesn’t it and it photographs beautifully, compared to black. I’ll take a look at your post now. Have a lovely weekend xxx

      Reply
  8. MT says:
    1 September 2017 at 11:16 am

    Even though you’d already told me about your big life changing decision, reading this brought tears to my eyes. I know how much you’ve sacrificed for your children & admire you immensely. Leaving a job to spend precious time with the kids may not seem sensible to some people but I am most certainly not one of them! There is a fine balancing act to this that takes enormous courage & faith in ones self to pull off. I know for sure YOU WILL DO IT WELL.
    I’m super proud of you Liz xxx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      1 September 2017 at 12:38 pm

      Oh Michelle, thank you so much. That in turn brought tears to my eyes. I know you also sacrificed your career to spend time with your children and I know that you don’t regret it. Of course, you and I are in daily contact and you know the day to day comings and goings and the juggling involved and even though Poppy and Harry are very independent in some ways, they need me just as much as they did when they were juniors. It’s just different now. The football miles I do are increasing by the week, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so looking forward to this next chapter. I’ve missed cooking and baking immensely and I rarely watch tv or stop working so I’m looking forward to switching off for a wee while too. The time with our loved ones I so precious isn’t it? Have a beautiful weekend with your gorgeous brood and thank you for your support every single day xxxx

      Reply
  9. No Fear of Fashion says:
    1 September 2017 at 6:53 pm

    Dear Lizzy, it must have been difficult to make this decision as your job was such a nice one. But if there is no balance between spending time with your loved ones (+ some rest) and work, then you should restore that balance. And in favour of people you love. They are the most important in your life. And yourself of course. You need rest too. I take it you can afford quiting your job and I am happy you can. So often people cannot and wind up with a burn-out. Which is not funny at all.
    And your table setting is chic.
    Greetje

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      2 September 2017 at 7:10 pm

      Aw Greetje, thank you. I loved my job so it was a very hard decision, yes. I did feel the need to restore the balance and as for finances…that remains to be seen! xxx

      Reply
  10. Jaclyn Bree says:
    4 September 2017 at 7:00 am

    I really like the dragonfly cups!!! (If you listen close enough you can probably hear an entire chorus of girls saying the exact same thing).
    Thankfully we don’t have that kind of traffic where I live but I have experienced the 405 in California and it truly was a nightmare. And that wasn’t even in a stick-shift.
    #brillblogposts

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

See more of What Lizzy Loves on Instagram

whatlizzyloves

Outfits | Eyewear | Lifestyle
House Renovation: @built_in_1873
📧whatlizzyloves1@gmail.com

Elizabeth
~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~ Yesterday, @benjaminoptici ~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~
Yesterday, @benjaminopticians, we had an open day to celebrate the practice’s 70th birthday. I was delighted to be sharijg the full collection of @specs_by_prue courtesy of @mac_eyewear_uk_ireland. It is a stunning, vibrant collection which is very wearable, very comfortable and beautifully fabricated. I always encourage patients to try something out of their comfort zone and it’s amazing how many will fall in love with a style they wouldn’t have gravitated to. 
I’m wearing model 22012 in colourway 3, tortoiseshell and aqua (with my prescription lenses in). Swipe to see it in detail and in other colourways. 
#teammaceye #specsbyprue #benjaminopticians #skiptonopticians #skipton #optometrist #eyewearblogger #eyewearstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Jumpsuit~ I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wor ~Jumpsuit~
I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wore it a few weeks ago for our friends’ Silver Wedding party and I’ll be wearing it again in Sicily next week. I cannot wait for some sunshine and a bit of relaxation with Ian 💚☀️🇮🇹
~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~ Today we met up with I ~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~
Today we met up with Ian’s brother and sister-in-law at @yspsculpture. It was my first visit and I thought it was brilliant with sculptures by @damienhirst, @erwinwurm and more, (swipe through). The lunch was rather nice too (artichoke bruschetta if you’re interested)💚. 
#yorkshiresculpturepark #yorkshireblogger #visityorkshire #damienhirst #whatlizzyloves
~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~ I’ll be thinking about y ~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~
I’ll be thinking about you all day today as you start you grad job in London. So excited for you and proud of you 🩷🩷🩷xxxx 
@p0ppyisabella #whatlizzyloves
~Flowers~ Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica fro ~Flowers~
Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica from the garden @built_in_1873. As Poppy and her boyfriend leave for London, Ian’s son and his girlfriend arrive. I love having the young ones here 💕
#builtin1873 #familylife #loveroses #whatlizzyloves @ian.monty70
~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~ Last night- dinner and dri ~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~
Last night- dinner and drinks in Leeds to wish @p0ppyisabella good luck as she heads to London to start her grad job. Also wishing her boyfriend @olivertonkinson all the very best as he embarks on the next step of his legal career tomorrow. We’re so proud of you both and excited for you xxx
@bibis_kitchenleeds #leeds #family #whatlizzyloves
~Inaya Sandals 🤍~ Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). T ~Inaya Sandals 🤍~
Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). The beautiful @lotusshoes1759 Inaya sandals I wore to my cousin’s wedding a few weeks ago. I wore them from midday to midnight and danced for several hours in them- they are supremely comfortable and absolutely beautiful. 
#shoeaddict #lotusshoes #weddingguestoutfit #whatlizzyloves
~Silver Wedding~ The loveliest afternoon yesterda ~Silver Wedding~
The loveliest afternoon yesterday celebrating our wonderful friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary. Congratulations Liz and Paul- thank you for a fabulous afternoon and evening xxx
#friends #friendship #sezanne #meandem #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trouser Suit~ We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of ~Trouser Suit~
We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of our friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary celebrations tomorrow. I really enjoyed wearing my trouser suit- a rare departure from wearing a dress 🩷
#meandem #trousersuit #checkedtrousersuit #femininetrousersuit #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Roses~ Ian and I have just spent a lovely few ho ~Roses~
Ian and I have just spent a lovely few hours @david_austin_roses in Shropshire. So much inspo for our garden @built_in_1873, and I had a rather fabulous rose Battenberg cake after a very nice quiche (swipe through to see) 🌹 
#davidaustinroses #davidaustin #roselover #whatlizzyloves
~Today~ For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 ~Today~ 
For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 
#reddress #bodenbyme #over40 #agelessstyle #dresslover #cultgaia #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding Guest~ My cousin got married at the week ~Wedding Guest~
My cousin got married at the weekend and it was the most wonderful day. So lovely to catch up with family 🩵
#weddingguest #weddingguestoutfit #weddingguestdress #dresslover #dressupwithcoast #over40 #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trend Watch~ The August/September issue of @opto ~Trend Watch~
The August/September issue of @optometry_today has just landed and it’s got a fab new look. I now have a full page which is rather exciting! 
I featured @eoeeyewear, @etniabarcelona, @theoeyewear @fitzframes @monoqool @wiresglasses. 
#optometrist #optometrytoday #theaop #associationofoptometrists #eyewearblogger #eyewearjournalist #womeninoptometry #whatlizzyloves @benjaminopticians
~Stalking paid off~ I mentioned on my blog that I ~Stalking paid off~
I mentioned on my blog that I was stalking the matching trousers to this fabulous @me_andem jacket. My tenacity paid off and they came back into stock in my size so I duly snapped them up. And..they’re fab. I can’t wait to wear them both as a suit and as separates. 
#meandem #intelligentstyle #timelessstyle #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding anniversary~ Two years of being Mrs Y-M ~Wedding anniversary~ 
Two years of being Mrs Y-M. 
Thank you Ian for being the most wonderful husband @ian.monty70 ❤️❤️❤️
#weddinganniversary #bestdayever#whatlizzyloves
(Photos: the amazing @jenna_meeking_photography)
~Dinner date~ Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner ~Dinner date~
Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner last night to a fab restaurant (I’ll share photos later because the food was excellent). It’s our wedding anniversary on Monday so this was our celebration. I only got the jacket a few days ago and I absolutely love it. I’m going to wear it again later for a lunch date with Poppy. I’ll put all outfit details on my blog later on if I get the chance 🩷. 
#datenight #notwatchingbarbie #meandem #over40 #slowfashion #whatlizzyloves
~Highlights~ The last time I had highlights was in ~Highlights~
The last time I had highlights was in November. I only have the T-section done, but it makes such a difference. 
Lovely to see you as always @gemma.chichairstudio 💇🏼‍♀️ 
#chichairstudio #skipton #redhead #strawberryblonde #whatlizzyloves
~Rediscovered~ I “rediscovered” this @boden_cl ~Rediscovered~
I “rediscovered” this @boden_clothing citrus-yellow necklace a few weeks ago when I was sorting through my boxes of costume jewellery. It reminds me of my early blogging days when a Breton top with a statement necklace were my school-run staples. Hard to believe that was a decade ago. 
Anyway, I’m glad I found it because I still love it 🍋. 
#nofastfashionhere #statementnecklace #yellownecklace #bodennecklace #bodenbyme #whatlizzyloves
~Ad~paid partnership~ ~Wedding dress-up~ I loved p ~Ad~paid partnership~
~Wedding dress-up~
I loved playing wedding dress-up for @stepper.eyewear. Not every bride wants to wear contact lenses so we chose some beautiful styles that would make the perfect wedding eyewear. Remember that there is a choice of European, Asian and African fits too to suit different facial characteristics for #theperfectfit. All details on the STEPPER Eyewear website and on my blog. Links to both are 👆🏻.
This is model SI-30192👰🏼 
(The stained glass is in our hall @built_in_1873 by the way. This was one of the original features that stole our hearts when we viewed the house). 
#bridaleyewear #weddingeyewear #bridalideas #eyewear #eyewearstyle #eyeweartrends #eyewearblogger #optometrist #steppereyewear #whatlizzyloves #builtin1873
~New bag~ @cultgaia is one of my favourite brands ~New bag~
@cultgaia is one of my favourite brands for unusual bags and shoes- I love the bold details and unusual, often quite sculptural shapes. A treat for sure, but one I’ll enjoy for years 🍋💚
#cultgaia #cultgaiabag #limebag #statementbag #whatlizzyloves
Load More Follow on Instagram
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,164 other subscribers.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.