Goodbye July...

I'm not sure how I feel about the past month. It definitely brought some happy times my way, and some achievements, but it has had some difficult times and I'm leaving the month feeling tired and like I need to take a step back and re-prioritise things.

So...that is what August will be for - recharging and refocusing.

I thought it would be nice to note some of the good things July has brought before I flip it the bird and skip into August.

Watching Movies...

...I have watched a lot of movies this month. More than I have in a very long time. Some have been good. Some...not so much.

This is a screenshot from my favourite film of July - Get Out. It stars Daniel Kaluuya who is just an amazing actor. He plays Chris - a man who goes to visits his girlfriends family for the first time. Look at those smiley faces. What could go wrong?

The answer is..a lot..although not necessarily for the reasons you might expect. The film is creepy, sinister, funny, horrific and tense - all at the same time. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil it - but just watch it. It's fantastic.

Crafting...

July is the month I started to get my crafty mojo back. I've finished two little craft projects so far, and am working on project three at the moment. I've loved making things again - and it's definitely something I want to keep focussing on.

Spending quality time with the people I love...

Yep - it should be a given that this is something that it is good to do. In July I've spent some quiet time with some of my most loved people and have really treasured that time. I often but myself under pressure to make everything perfect, but I've tried to shake that off - and just enjoy the moments.

The photos above are from a stay in a lovely country hotel. It was just for one night but it was so relaxing it could have been a week away. I'm definitely going to try to plan more times like that in the month ahead.

Linked to the quality time - I've also really grown to understand just how kind and amazing people can be. Sounds super fluffy I know, but my heart has been warmed by the kindness of others many times over in July, and that's kind of amazing.


...and that's about it for July. I'm going to sleep on my thoughts about July and plan some goals for August.

How was July for you?

Bye for now

xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 2 Update - Foxy Cross Stitch

Hello to all the crafty people in the house! I've achieved week 2 of my challenge to complete a crafty project each week. Hurrah! I've found cross stitch to be really helpful this week. My brain has been so tired each evening (hence the silence on here...so sorry my lovely blog readers) that following a pattern has given me something to do that doesn't involve sitting around and worrying, but hasn't overly taxed my poor confused brain!

So here's the finished item. It was from a kit that came as a free gift with the September 2017 issue of Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine. I have such a stash of free kits to work my way through, but I couldn't resist this design - so pretty.

The kit comes with a pink plastic hoop as well, but I am trying to build a collection of embroidered designs in wooden hoops for a hoopla wall I want to put together,  so I used a small wooden one instead.

Here's a close up to show the detail of the design. I was so impressed with this design coming as a free kit.

If you'd like to stitch your own little fox family the magazine should still be in the shops.

I have a sneaky suspicion next week's project is also going to be cross stitch related - but more on that next weekend!

Have you completed any projects this week? I'd love to hear about them if you have!

Bye for now

xx

Subscription Box Review - The Sugar Box

My love of subscription boxes continues this month with this little box of prettiness. This was my first 'Sugar Box' - the subscription service from one of my new favourite jewellery shops Sugar Oh Honey Honey (previous review here).

Here's a bit more detail regarding the contents of the box (spoiler time...everything is super pretty).

I loved that the contents were all wrapped - the box arrived on a very crappy day, and it was lovely to have some little treats to unwrap. Here are the contents of the box...

The strawberry is a lovely summery brooch, and the bow is a pretty hair clip. 

My favourite is this bracelet. I feel so lucky to have received this one (they all contained quotes or art from British authors) and this quote from CS Lewis is a favourite, and literally perfect at the moment.

Courage dear heart. 

So all in all I'm very happy with this subscription - I'll use/ wear everything and I can see that it would be a perfect way of building up some pretty presents for loved ones as well.

If you're interested in the subscription you can find out more here. There are a few different subscription/ payment options available - I opted for a 6-month subscription which is £12.50 per month. Really good value for the number of items.

I have a sneaky suspicion there will be more subscription box posts to come...(must...stop...addicted to...post-based suprises).

Bye for Now!

xx

Sunday Best - The July Enamel Pins Wishlist

I've been bitten by the enamel pin bug and now there is no turning back. I used to collect badges as a kid and I think this is an extension of that...with the added bonus of the fact the enamel pin market seems to be filled with some truly amazing artists.

Here are a few from UK designers on Etsy which I'd love to buy as I think they represent little parts of my life at the moment...

This Avocado on Toast pin  by Octarine Dreams is too cute and represents my addiction to this combination for my breakfast. It symbolises Sunday morning breakfast cooked by my husband, and I'd love to buy this as a little memento of happy mornings.

This pin from Fable and Black pretty much sums up one of my major loves in life...reading...and the fact I absolutely need to do more of it.

I want this pin for no other reason than the fact it is amazing. Frida Kahlo by Prints by Pippa (the whole shop is amazing!).

My love of gin isn't diminishing and I'd like to wear my gin adoration with pride through wearing this gorgeous pin by Kate Pillenger Designs. 

I think this pin from Katie Abey Design speaks for itself. My jar really does feel quite empty at the moment.

I think I'm going to try and ration myself to two pins each month...we'll see how that goes!

I hope your weekends have been the best they could be and that your week brings good things - and if it doesn't then there's always the jar pin to comfort you!

Bye for now

xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 1 Update - The Crochet Cushion

Hello my lovelies. Just a quick update because I'm hoping to track my 24 projects on here. Week 1 has been a success - I've finished a project - hurrah!

A very simple little project this week - a granny square cushion which I've made as a present for my dad. My crochet skills are still at the basic level - but I don't mind as long as I can crochet a granny square any time I please. I didn't use a pattern for this - I just started with a simple granny square pattern and made it up from there.

I bought the cushion pad from a charity shop and it seemed much bigger when I got it home...so I now have a slight cramp in my hand and what shall be known as 'crochet claw'. That said - I find crochet to be the most relaxing craft I do and I really enjoyed making this. I forgot how lovely it feels to make something from scratch and suddenly have a whole finished item.

Time to decide what project two will be...

If you've made anything this week I'd love to hear about it!

Bye for now

xx

Collection Crush - Cath Kidston Pets Party

Some new items and patterns have appeared on Cath Kidston - and some of them are absolutely gorgeous. I have a feeling they will appear in a few 'Collection Crush' posts. For today, however, I had to go straight to the new 'Pets Party' items. I have a niggling voice in my head telling me I'm too old for this range. But then another reminds me that it is a pattern featuring guinea pigs wearing glasses and hats and I realise I just don't care.

Yes, that's right - guinea pigs all dressed up and ready for a party. Amazing.

I love every item in this range - there are things for kids, and big kids and they are just so ridiculously cute. I suddenly realise my drink is worthless if it isn't served in the cup above. If you're interested in any of the above, you can find them here (clockwise from top left):

Open Carryall Bag

Notepad

Cup and Saucer

Cardigan

I have a sneaky suspicion that some items from this range will be finding their way into my life very soon - I just need to wait patiently for pay day (yeah right...patient...its freakin' guinea pigs in clothes).

Bye for now!

xx

Thoughts on...Finding my Craft Mojo Again and Project Goals

'What are your interests?'

Um..well...

'I like lots of different crafts'...

Being crafty is one of my go-to terms when I'm asked to describe myself (which I hate...seriously...is anyone actually any good at describing themselves to an audience?). The problem recently ... or for about two years...is that I've hardly made anything. That does call into question whether I can really define myself as 'crafty'.

I think that one of the problems is that being 'crafty' is another way of saying 'creative'. And creativity requires some headspace, which I'm not very good at giving myself. I've been working on my headspace recently, and that has supported me in feeling a little bit more creative...and I've started making things again. Yay!

I've decided to set myself a little challenge after realising there are 24 weeks left in 2017. Seriously - only 24 - how in the hell did that happen? I'm aiming to complete 24 crafty projects in those 24 weeks - no matter how small. Here are a few things I'm trying to help me get back into 'making' again, in case your crafty mojo is also in need of some life support!

1. Make things you enjoy - I've committed myself to projects in the past which have seemed more like a chore than a pleasure. I'm going to keep my projects for the rest of the year simple and achievable.

2. Browse blogs to find some inspiring projects -  Paper & Stitch is my absolute favourite place for this.

3. Plan out presents for upcoming birthdays/ anniversaries/ births etc - Sometimes it's really motivational to know that you're making something for someone who will love it.

4. Plan some projects that are just for you - A slight contradiction to number three - but with 24 projects I think there is room for both! I usually find I'm only making things when they are for someone else. I'm definitely going to pick some projects that will be for me/ my home.

5. Get organised - I'm about half way through organising my craft stash and I've found that by just going through what I have hidden away in drawers I've found some inspiration and ideas for what to make

So..that's me ready to get crafty. I'll share my projects and progress on here - I'm so interested to see if I make it to the full 24 projects and feel really motivated to try.

Bye for now!

xx

Sunday Best - Doctor Who Jewellery

I'm currently sat on my sofa, feeling a little bit under the weather and watching the end of Wimbeldon while waiting for the annoncement of the new Doctor  in Doctor Who. I love Doctor Who. It's one of my many geeky fandoms. I've fallen out of love a little bit for the run of the Twelth Doctor - not because Peter Capaldi wasn't fantastic, but I found the stories lacking slightly and quite honestly just didn't enjoy Clara as a companion. Bill Potts, however, was a fabulous companion and I'm so sad to have said goodbye to her.

So I'm sat here wondering what one of my favourite TV shows is going to bring next. It's a weird set-up where the main character - the one you bond with and travel on so many adventures with - is guaranteed to say goodbye at some point. I'm intrigued by the next change - will the Doctor change gender? Or race? Or not really change at all?

So as I'm waiting, and remember some of my favourite moments, I'm also browsing Etsy for some sparkly Doctor Who items. The photo above is a collection of some of my favourites. I'm hoping that the decision on who will be the next Doctor is an exciting one - one that promises something new and different. One that can connect with a whole new generation of young people who can learn the power of companionship and the importance of adventure, through travelling with a Doctor in a blue box.

If you'd like to wear your Doctor Who fandom with pride and buy any of the above loveliness, you can find them all on Etsy at the following links:

1. The Angels Have the Phonebox Necklace by Stella My Star 

2. Gallifrey Symbol Ring by Spooky Island

3. Tardis Watch Pieces Glowing Necklace by Sugar Oh Honey Honey 

4. Eleventh Doctor Necklace by Twuly

5. Tardis Earrings by It's Laura Crow 

6. We're all stories in the end earrings by Boutiqable

Bye for now!

That Friday Feeling...Being Calm, Podcasts and Unicorn Tea

Hello beautiful Friday fans.

This week has involved needing to inject as much calm relaxation into my evenings as possible. I've renewed my efforts to try mindfulness each evening - which I'm still find really challenging when my head is full of thoughts it is trying to organise - although I think that may be the point of mindfulness!

I've found a few other calming things to do this week so thought I'd share...

What I've been reading...

I've been working my way through these lifestyle magazines and have found that reading them is a really relaxing experience. In the Moment and Project Calm are just so pretty to look at, are written in an accessible and warm way and have lots of interesting information and craft projects included - perfect! I've subscribed to 'In the Moment' so will share my thoughts in a more detailed review after a few issues.

What I've been listening to...

My husband has introduced me to the world of Podcasts recently and I've found they are great background noise while I'm doing other things or trying (and failing) to fall asleep. A few favourites so far are:

'Richard Herrings' Leicester Square Theatre Podcast' or RHLSTP as it is otherwise known - lots of Richards special brand of infantile humour and some entertaining celebrity guests - my favourite so far has been David Mitchell

Adam Buxton Podcast - this isn't published as frequently, but has some magic moments and for fans of The Adam and Joe show in the '90's it was particularly lovely to hear him reunited with Joe Cornish

Just Make the Thing - Claire Tonti is the wife of my husband's favourite podcaster Mr Sunday Movies and he suggested that I try her new podcast which focuses on her inability to finish projects which she starts (I can relate!). Some great tips so far.

I'm on the look out for new podcasts to listen to at the moment so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them.

What I've been drinking...

This week I've been in love with Teapigs 'Jelly and IceCream' tea for a lovely sweet fix without lots of calories. Of course...the fact I'm drinking it from one of the most amazing mugs of all time is helping. This mug came from Asda and it's making every cup that little bit more magical!


Life is still a bit difficult at this end, with someone I care about very much going through something very difficult. This weekend is going to be spent with the people who mean the most to me. Whatever you are doing I hope you find some time to be calm and do a little (or a lot) of something that makes you happy.

Bye for now xx

Collection Crush - Satellites by Rosebud Casson

The jewellery designs of Rosebud Casson are a fairly new discovery of mine, but I'm already smitten. When I saw the new 'Satellites' range I knew I had to feature it on here. I've always had a special place in my heart for all things astronomy. When I was growing up at home my dad built himself a giant telescope and could often be found in the garden looking into the sky. As a teenager I'd bring friends/ boyfriends to the house and often find that if I left them alone for a few minutes they would have been gathered up and taken out to look at various wonders in the sky (sun spots anyone?).

The moon designs in this collection are particularly reminiscent of the photos of the moon my dad would take through the telescope...and I have a feeling that at least one of the necklaces will make its way into my collection soon.

If you're interested in any of the above items you can find them here (clockwise from top left):

Moon Necklace

Galilean Moons Statement Necklace

Ganymede Moon Necklace

Saturn Earrings

Bye for now!

New Shop Find - Sugar Oh Honey Honey

I found Sugar Oh Honey Honey last week when a friend gave me a heads up that there was a limited edition Labyrinth Jewellery selection on its way. I love jewellery with a subtle geeky theme so thought I'd check it out - and I'm so happy I did.

I opted for 'The Goblin King' limited edition ring and love it even more in person than I did online.

Unfortunately my photos don't do the colours in the ring any justice. It's a gorgeous green with specs of different colours running through it. I've seen resin jewellery before that looks a bit cheap, but this is the exact opposite. It's waterproof, gorgeous quality and so pretty I keep staring at it when I'm wearing it (a lovely distraction from my computer screen at work!). So here's the ring..

...and as a lovely surprise I received a bonus item of a really sweet castle necklace...

...and lastly...here's the ring again, after I was a total geek and painted my nails to match (a different light and it still doesn't do the colours justice) ...

There are lots of other beautiful items on the site - so watch this space as it's probably going to feature again (and they do a subscription box. Yay!).

If you're looking for a gift for a friends with a geeky edge, or some very pretty jewellery or hair accessories in general I'd definitely recommend Sugar Oh Honey Honey - lovely items, beautifully wrapped and posted quickly.

I realise that this post is so gushing that it sounds sponsored - it's not - I'm genuinely just in love with my new ring!

Bye for now xx

Thoughts on...Bees

10th July 2017 brings a very important message - it's 'Don't Step on a Bee' day. As a child I was slightly terrified of bees, but as I grew up I started to realise that bees were a little bit amazing and so important for our environment. The world would be a difficult place without these little guys buzzing around and spreading (literally) some pollen based joy.

Unfortunately changes in the environment (yep...contrary to the beliefs of some political leaders in the world - i do believe we're screwing with our environment) have meant that there are fewer and fewer bees. 

I love the fact that a day has been dedicated to raising awareness of our stripey little buddies so I thought I would feature them as my Monday 'thoughts on' post.

So...here are some thoughts on how we can all take some simple steps to support the bee population and in turn support our eco-system. Because every tiny change can help.

1. Don't step on a bee. I mean...it's right there in the name of the day. If you do see a bee on the ground looking a bit worse for wear then...

2. Try feeding bees some sugar water - some guidance about this can be found here  - I also love the idea of leaving small egg cups of sugar water around for any passing bees

Watching a fuzzy bumblebee drinking sugar water is also pretty much the cutest..



3. Plant a bee friendly garden - no matter how small. The Royal Horticultural Society have lots of information on bee friendly flowers. And your garden will look beautiful - it's a win win! For a simple solution you can buy bee friendly seed mixes, like this seedball here.

4. Buy a bee house to provide a safe place to live. There are lots to choose from. The house above is from bakker.com.

5. There are lots of ways to support the work of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Including buying adorable little bee pins, like the pin above.

I'm definitely going to start walking with an eye on the ground just in case there are any bees in need of a hand. Quite the change from the teenager who would run screaming if a bee came within 5 metres of her!

Bye for now

xxx

Sunday Best...The Pineapple Collection

You know it's officially summer when the shops suddenly become filled with pineapple themed items. This year is no exception. Which is amazing, obviously.

I've decided I can't fill my home with pineapples this year...as the items normally end up being donated during the cold winter months when pineapple shaped lamps and cushions just seem very out of place (I need more storage...seriously).

That doesn't stop me from browsing pineapple based goodies though, and imagine admiring them while sipping a pina colada. No sir. So here are some of my favourite items from Etsy at the moment...

If you'd like to see any more about these pieces of pineapple tastiness you can follow the links below to the Etsy listings (clockwise, from top left)...

Be a Pineapple Print by BeauTypographie 

Necklace by TheBonnyBoutique 

Earrings by FinestImaginary 

Pineapple Patch by BelsArt 

Pineapple Scissors from CloudCraftShop 

Beautiful (I'm in awe of the embroidery skills here) pineapple hoop art by YellowTulipCrafts

I'm off to the shops...I have a sudden urge to eat some pineapple...

Bye for now!