Just a few random pictures from my Instagram collection!
Friday, 30 March 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Recent purchases: Aztec gold
Gold or silver?
Rarely in my life have I worn yellow gold. I've always favoured silver and white gold, believing that I simply didn't suit the warmer, coloured metal against my fair skin. I've often felt I'm missing out on some of the jewellery items I find in the shops thinking, I love it, but if only it was in silver!
Case in point was this weekend when mooching through New Look. I saw a necklace I really, really liked .... in gold. I hunted around the display stand searching for a glint of that precious silver metal to no avail. But, rather than put it back as I would normally do, I bought it regardless! Another dilemma occurred in my mind, as I continued to wander the shops that Saturday afternoon, what the hell, other jewellery was I going to wear with my new gold necklace!? All my jewellery, rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets are all silver!
Rarely in my life have I worn yellow gold. I've always favoured silver and white gold, believing that I simply didn't suit the warmer, coloured metal against my fair skin. I've often felt I'm missing out on some of the jewellery items I find in the shops thinking, I love it, but if only it was in silver!
Case in point was this weekend when mooching through New Look. I saw a necklace I really, really liked .... in gold. I hunted around the display stand searching for a glint of that precious silver metal to no avail. But, rather than put it back as I would normally do, I bought it regardless! Another dilemma occurred in my mind, as I continued to wander the shops that Saturday afternoon, what the hell, other jewellery was I going to wear with my new gold necklace!? All my jewellery, rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets are all silver!
Long chain necklace with metal fringe (couldn't find it on the website, but they had lot's in store)
£4.99
When I spotted these bracelets in H&M I wondered if my problem was solved. Could I? Should I? Was it really possible I could wear gold and silver? At the same time? Together??!
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| Gold and silver metal bracelets H&M £6.99 |
I decided it was quite acceptable and bought the bracelets! With my newfound enthusiasm for all things shiny and golden I also picked up a long, arrowhead necklace, which I love for it's simple elegance. (It also comes with a cute shorter version in the same pack)
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| Long arrowhead necklace H&M £4.99 |
Now I feel as though the (jewellery) world is my oyster and I no longer have to edit the jewellery stands when I'm shopping for accessories!
Do you do gold and silver together or are you a strictly a silver or gold girl?!
Friday, 23 March 2012
SMASH IT IN!!
Smashing!
I was on Twitter recently and one of my lovely twitter friends @jokiely posted that she'd got a "smash book!" I'd never heard of this before and asked her what it was. She posted some pictures along with the link of where she'd purchased it. Suitably intrigued, I looked on the internet for information.
This video I found told me everything I needed to know!
I got so ridiculously excited about this, it's silly! I've always kept journals and scrapbooks and notebooks and I have drawers and little boxes full of ephemera and "stuff" I don't want to throw away. In the past I've made scrapbooks for interiors and a separate one for fashion, etc etc, but the thing I love about the smash book is the concept of "smashing" it all in one place without a theme. Somehow that just appeals to my nature of tidying up but not too neatly. It needs to be a little lived in!
Blank page
Another fantastic thing I love about the Smash book is that things are already happening on the page. Some are plain but most have something on them already, a pattern or some text. This means there's no blank white page and the fear of "spoiling" it or making a mess, you can just go for it!
My stash
I ordered my smash book from the link above and also found another great seller here. Both offer free delivery. There are new products within the Smash range coming out soon and a lot of stock is out of order at the moment. It seems it's very popular right now.
I was on Twitter recently and one of my lovely twitter friends @jokiely posted that she'd got a "smash book!" I'd never heard of this before and asked her what it was. She posted some pictures along with the link of where she'd purchased it. Suitably intrigued, I looked on the internet for information.
This video I found told me everything I needed to know!
I got so ridiculously excited about this, it's silly! I've always kept journals and scrapbooks and notebooks and I have drawers and little boxes full of ephemera and "stuff" I don't want to throw away. In the past I've made scrapbooks for interiors and a separate one for fashion, etc etc, but the thing I love about the smash book is the concept of "smashing" it all in one place without a theme. Somehow that just appeals to my nature of tidying up but not too neatly. It needs to be a little lived in!
Blank page
Another fantastic thing I love about the Smash book is that things are already happening on the page. Some are plain but most have something on them already, a pattern or some text. This means there's no blank white page and the fear of "spoiling" it or making a mess, you can just go for it!
My stash
I ordered my smash book from the link above and also found another great seller here. Both offer free delivery. There are new products within the Smash range coming out soon and a lot of stock is out of order at the moment. It seems it's very popular right now.
The little Smash pads above are for carrying around with you. They have prompts on the page such as "your playlist" or "books to read." Handy for when you're sat in a cafe with a spare 10 minutes. You can then stick it in your Smash book when you get home. Cute!
What do you think of Smash books? Do you keep a journal or scrapbook? Do you get ridiculously excited over silly things? Just me?!!
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Easter cupcakes*
Family
I love Easter. There is the promise of Spring in the air. It marks warmer days and lighter evenings to come. Lovely food and .... Chocolate!!
On Easter Sunday I always cook a full roast dinner with all the trimmings, for family and friends. This year will be no different. It's the first celebration since Christmas and a great excuse to get around the table and eat good food and spend time together.
Baking
Baking is a must for the Easter weekend, with people visiting it's nice to have something tasty to offer them. So, I've been enjoying looking for recipes on Baking Mad there are so many to choose from, it's easy to find inspiration, and there are lots of tips throughout the recipes which I found useful. There are also great competitions and a community forum for those burning, baking questions!
After much deliberation I decided to bake some lemon Easter cupcakes. I know Easter is not for a couple of weeks yet, but I like to be prepared and of course, I had to test out the recipe before I inflicted it on my family and friends! It did involve eating rather a lot of the cupcakes, just to be absolutely certain you understand, but I can now report they are absolutely divine. Just the right amount of lemon, and delicious and fresh tasting. A good antidote to all the chocolate that will no doubt be consumed!
I love Easter. There is the promise of Spring in the air. It marks warmer days and lighter evenings to come. Lovely food and .... Chocolate!!
On Easter Sunday I always cook a full roast dinner with all the trimmings, for family and friends. This year will be no different. It's the first celebration since Christmas and a great excuse to get around the table and eat good food and spend time together.
Baking
Baking is a must for the Easter weekend, with people visiting it's nice to have something tasty to offer them. So, I've been enjoying looking for recipes on Baking Mad there are so many to choose from, it's easy to find inspiration, and there are lots of tips throughout the recipes which I found useful. There are also great competitions and a community forum for those burning, baking questions!
After much deliberation I decided to bake some lemon Easter cupcakes. I know Easter is not for a couple of weeks yet, but I like to be prepared and of course, I had to test out the recipe before I inflicted it on my family and friends! It did involve eating rather a lot of the cupcakes, just to be absolutely certain you understand, but I can now report they are absolutely divine. Just the right amount of lemon, and delicious and fresh tasting. A good antidote to all the chocolate that will no doubt be consumed!
I enjoyed a fun afternoon baking these cupcakes. I used lemon extract as the recipe suggested, but you could also use fresh lemon zest.
Don't you just love the smell of baking when it fills the kitchen!
I used my old faithful 1M piping nozzle for the lemon buttercream.
And finally, the best bit .... decorating! I went a bit mad with the sprinkles, flowers and mini eggs! NOM!
Do you bake at Easter and have you ever baked a recipe from Baking Mad?!
Friday, 16 March 2012
Glossy Box
This is getting old!
I know, I know! Glossy box, blah, blah! Late arrival to the party, but here it is anyway.
I know, I know! Glossy box, blah, blah! Late arrival to the party, but here it is anyway.
This is my first Glossy box. I admit I was pulled in by the fact it's the Harrods edition. I'm very happy with the items I received:
• Fendi Fan di Fendi eau de toilette. A fresh scent, not too floral, which suits me. I don't like overly flowery perfume!
• Burberry Beauty Lipcover in No4 Rosewood. Beautiful packaging form the box to the case itself. Neutral brown.
• Clarins Extra firming body butter. Very nice to use. Always been a great brand.
• Ojon Damage repair instant restorative hair serum. I've used this twice up to now and it makes my hair really soft and shiny.
• Erno Laszlo The Hollywood Collection 5 sachets of skin/eye cream. Not tried this yet. Have heard good things though.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Recent purchases: Coral jeans
Do my legs look bright in these?!
Colour is what makes me tick. In my work, my home. I love playing around with colour combinations and trying out new shades. When it comes to my wardrobe however, I'm a bit ... well ... shy! I tend to stick to neutrals like camel, beige, navy and lots of shades of grey, honestly my wardrobe has so much grey.
Recently, I've felt like I might be missing out. There are so many lovely colours in fashion at the moment.
I got a little brave a couple of weeks ago and bought green shoes! Feeling quite smug at my colourful shoe purchase I went one step further and ordered these coral jeans from George at Asda. They were on offer for £10 (they have since gone back to their original price of £14).
I didn't bank on them being quite so bright in "real life" and it came as a bit of a shock! But ... I kind of like them. I tried them on with some very old ankle boots (in grey!)
I'll probably wear them with a slouchy grey(!) tee-shirt and converse style pumps, just to tone things down a little. Oh, and for the record, they are really nice quality, the denim is so soft and comfortable.
Colour is what makes me tick. In my work, my home. I love playing around with colour combinations and trying out new shades. When it comes to my wardrobe however, I'm a bit ... well ... shy! I tend to stick to neutrals like camel, beige, navy and lots of shades of grey, honestly my wardrobe has so much grey.
Recently, I've felt like I might be missing out. There are so many lovely colours in fashion at the moment.
I got a little brave a couple of weeks ago and bought green shoes! Feeling quite smug at my colourful shoe purchase I went one step further and ordered these coral jeans from George at Asda. They were on offer for £10 (they have since gone back to their original price of £14).
I didn't bank on them being quite so bright in "real life" and it came as a bit of a shock! But ... I kind of like them. I tried them on with some very old ankle boots (in grey!)
I'll probably wear them with a slouchy grey(!) tee-shirt and converse style pumps, just to tone things down a little. Oh, and for the record, they are really nice quality, the denim is so soft and comfortable.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Monday, 12 March 2012
Twinings tea*
"In a time when coffee was king, one man, Thomas Twining, went against the tide to share his love of tea. His passion turned a little-known drink into the nation’s favourite hot beverage."
Tea
It's my morning, afternoon and evening ritual. It's my "full stop" after completing a chore. It's my favourite way to procrastinate for just a little bit longer .... you know how it goes ...."I'll just have a cup of tea and then I'll do the ironing/complete this essay/hoover up!" *delete as appropriate
Recently, I've been drinking Twinings green tea. The one I especially like is the green tea with orange and lotus flower. I like this flavour because it's more refreshing than plain green tea with a lovely zesty flavour. I also like the idea that lotus flowers are associated with purity(!) It makes me feel like I'm doing myself some good too, because green tea is a natural source of antioxidants.
The brand
The website for Twinings is a really great way to discover some new tea flavours and if you're interested, some history about our culture of tea drinking. I found it really interesting.
I also love that you can watch the latest television advert on the site, not least because it features a track from Lissie, one of my favourite singers!! You can also go and like the Twinings Facebook where there are competitions and money off coupons to be had!
Well, I guess I'll be off to put the kettle on then ......
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Don't put me in a box!
Identity crisis!?
On Hello Cotton I was browsing through some of my favourite blogs when it struck me that I wasn't sure what category my blog and I belong in!
I'm no beauty guru, although I might feature a lipstick I love, or my current skin care purchase, I don't post make up tutorials or review the latest wonder products.
Baking is one of my interests. I love finding recipes from other blogs or elsewhere online and if I remember I sometimes take a picture of the process or the results (if they've not already been eaten. Oops!) but I'm not a baking blog.
Just like the next woman, I love a bit of retail therapy! Clothes/bag/shoe shopping is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in my opinion, especially if followed by tea and cake in a lovely cafe. However, I'm not a fashion blog. (Are you seeing a pattern here?!) I like to share my recent purchases with my readers, but I can't see myself ever doing "outfit of the day."
I considered putting myself up as a lifestyle blog, I often post about inspiring interiors I've found on Pinterest that I like to share, but to be honest I'm not like some of the other fabulous lifestyle bloggers out there who do marvellous things with a jam jar, a button and some household bleach or something (!) I can't be bothered to make my own household cleaner from lemons and bicarbonate of soda (I need it for my baking) so that's that genre out of the window (along with hand made flannels from alpaca wool)
Now, crafts is my kind of thing. I make jewellery, I've been known to make soap, I sew a bit but ..... I like writing about beauty, baking, fashion and interiors .....
So here was my dilemma, and I was left wondering, who am I? (not in a profound way, obviously)!
Am I just indecisive? Am I a personal blogger?! What does that even mean? Where do me and my blog fit into this wonderful world of blogging?!
My conclusion: Nowhere and everywhere. Like a lot of my favourite blogs/bloggers, I can't be categorised or put into a box or filed under any specific title. I am just "me."
On Hello Cotton I was browsing through some of my favourite blogs when it struck me that I wasn't sure what category my blog and I belong in!
I'm no beauty guru, although I might feature a lipstick I love, or my current skin care purchase, I don't post make up tutorials or review the latest wonder products.
Baking is one of my interests. I love finding recipes from other blogs or elsewhere online and if I remember I sometimes take a picture of the process or the results (if they've not already been eaten. Oops!) but I'm not a baking blog.
Just like the next woman, I love a bit of retail therapy! Clothes/bag/shoe shopping is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in my opinion, especially if followed by tea and cake in a lovely cafe. However, I'm not a fashion blog. (Are you seeing a pattern here?!) I like to share my recent purchases with my readers, but I can't see myself ever doing "outfit of the day."
I considered putting myself up as a lifestyle blog, I often post about inspiring interiors I've found on Pinterest that I like to share, but to be honest I'm not like some of the other fabulous lifestyle bloggers out there who do marvellous things with a jam jar, a button and some household bleach or something (!) I can't be bothered to make my own household cleaner from lemons and bicarbonate of soda (I need it for my baking) so that's that genre out of the window (along with hand made flannels from alpaca wool)
Now, crafts is my kind of thing. I make jewellery, I've been known to make soap, I sew a bit but ..... I like writing about beauty, baking, fashion and interiors .....
So here was my dilemma, and I was left wondering, who am I? (not in a profound way, obviously)!
Am I just indecisive? Am I a personal blogger?! What does that even mean? Where do me and my blog fit into this wonderful world of blogging?!
My conclusion: Nowhere and everywhere. Like a lot of my favourite blogs/bloggers, I can't be categorised or put into a box or filed under any specific title. I am just "me."
I am Miscellaneous and proud!
Friday, 9 March 2012
Recent purchases: Shoes and a bag
Green!
I'm finding myself drawn to green recently! Maybe it's the promise of Spring and freshly cut grass?!
I'm finding myself drawn to green recently! Maybe it's the promise of Spring and freshly cut grass?!
Large green and cream bag// H&M £12.99
Green imitation suede ballerina pumps// H&M £7.99
Dress (bought in February) // Peacocks £20 (now sadly gone into administration)
Beaded cocktail ring// Made by The Pampered Sparrow (me!)
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
"Alphabetiquotes"
I love words!
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| source If you are a regular reader, you'll know about my "Words on Wednesday" feature. I by no means invented the idea and can't take credit for most of the quotes and wise words I use, but I love searching for new ones each week and can spend hours sourcing something new and inspiring. Imagine then, when I realised I had a plethora of stock for WoW, right under my nose, by way of my husbands very own blog Paper Acrobat!  So, here for your delectation are some of my favourite wordy/typography designs from the Paper Acrobats Alphabetiquotes series. (All I need to do now is get him to print some out to frame for our walls!) "Alphabetiquotes are words that can only be made from letters in alphabetical order" Paper Acrobat     *You can see more in the series here  |
Friday, 2 March 2012
In conclusion: February
Creative pursuits
February saw me reluctantly emerging from my hibernation to indulge in creative pursuits once more.
I spent lots of time baking (and eating said baking!) My favourites were carrot cake to which I added lots of fresh nutmeg, chopped walnuts and mixed spice and chocolate brownies to which I added, white and milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, which gave a lovely extra chewiness. *drool*
I found a cute little hand sewing project on thesplitstich.com to ease me in gently. Perfect for Easter gifts, I think! You can see the full tutorial here.
Watching and listening
We always used to have popcorn but Flossie goes mad for it and we get no peace because she sits staring at you, crying for a taste and if she doesn't get any she'll start jumping around! Crazy dog.
Nailing it!
Staying with the theme of creativity, February was the month I painted my nails. A lot. Much more than usual in fact. I dabbled with some nail art and was quite smug with my results. I even did a tutorial!
Go me!!
February saw me reluctantly emerging from my hibernation to indulge in creative pursuits once more.
I spent lots of time baking (and eating said baking!) My favourites were carrot cake to which I added lots of fresh nutmeg, chopped walnuts and mixed spice and chocolate brownies to which I added, white and milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, which gave a lovely extra chewiness. *drool*
Making plans
When I wasn't baking, my hands got busy making some new jewellery designs for a couple of customers (one day, I will eventually get around to featuring some of my jewellery on this blog!) I also got my sketchbook out and started doodling some ideas for sewing projects. I'm not great at sewing, but I do enjoy it.I found a cute little hand sewing project on thesplitstich.com to ease me in gently. Perfect for Easter gifts, I think! You can see the full tutorial here.
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| via The slip stitch |
My husband and I have been watching lot's of films at the weekends. I enjoyed all the films below, except Apollo 18! It was just a bit dull.
I don't know about you, but I just can't watch a film without a snack!
We always used to have popcorn but Flossie goes mad for it and we get no peace because she sits staring at you, crying for a taste and if she doesn't get any she'll start jumping around! Crazy dog.
On the music front, it's been Emeli Sande, Birdy and some old Paul Weller I dug out and blew the dust off! I love how music can change the atmosphere and your mood.
Nailing it!
Staying with the theme of creativity, February was the month I painted my nails. A lot. Much more than usual in fact. I dabbled with some nail art and was quite smug with my results. I even did a tutorial!
Go me!!
Almost finally..
I just wanted to share two more things with you, that made me happy in February.
1. My first bunch of daffodils this year, which always make it feel that Spring can't be far away and
2. Rediscovering my 5 year old, tiger print shoes during a clear out!
Honestly I'm wrapping it up now.....
I know this has been a long post. I seem to either do very short blog posts or ridiculously long ones. Must get more balance!
I have lots of new post ideas coming up, a few are "tag" posts which I've never done before, so watch out, I may just tag you!
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