Recently I've been...
Sewing 50 meters of bunting - another wedding DIY to tick off the list! I'm not sure how long it took in total but I finished it one Friday I had off from work after a six hour stint, it did get a bit repetitive but I also loved the quality time in my with the radio and sewing machine. #simplepleasures
Looking after my skin, I've never been one for a particular skincare routine, but seeing as my skin and I haven't been getting along to well recently I figured it was time to do something about it. I headed straight for Caroline Hiron's blog for a good read as I've heard all the beauty bloggers recommending it. My new routine involves exfoliating with Liz Earl (I've used the cleanser for a while but never bothered with the exfoliator, oops), the Origins Clear Improvement charcoal face mask twice a week and moistuirising at night. It hasn't been long but I'm starting to see improvements - if anyone knows the magic secret for getting rid of under eye circles though, I'd be all ears!
Crocheting a corner to corner cushion. You might have seen this one on my instagram as I've been working on it for a little while - crochet time is at a premium at the moment. It's my first corner to corner project and I used this tutorial by the brilliant Bella Coco to learn the stitch. Full details coming soon to a blog near you.
Spending all my free time in the garden, because it's been to beautiful not to! Not much actual gardening has taken place, between avoiding the weeding and waging a war on our ever-hungry slug population, I've mainly just been sitting with my notebook or crochet, bliss.
What have you been up to this month?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Recently I've been...
Crocheting about 90 of these little hearts! They're for our wedding in a few months time (super sneak peek of the colour scheme here), I'm trying not to go overboard with the crochet, but I couldn't resist a few touches ;)
Growing sweet peas, both from seeds and shop brought plants - this is one of the shop brought plants (my seedlings don't look quite as healthy and are too long and spindly to photograph). Again these will hopefully flower in time to be used in the wedding this summer. Cross your fingers for me though, plants are not my strong point!
Learning how to dry rose petals (sorry last wedding related one, I promise) for biodegradable confetti. I've been keeping them in this vase to decorate my craft room while they wait to be used.
Running through all the bluebell woods, although as I don't take my camera out running this picture was taken on a walk a few weeks ago. But every Monday evening for the last month, run club has taken us through some beautiful bluebell woods. It's true what they say, having something pretty to look at really does make the exercise a bit more bearable!
What have you been up to?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Our New York trip itinerary!
Alicia Keys was so right "These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you, hear it for New York..." I mean, I knew I'd love New York, but I LOVED New York. From the mesmerising views to the constant city sounds, not to mention the food, it's the most amazing, inspiring city. My Mum and I were there for just four days in February and knew we wanted to make the most if every minute. We planned out a list of our 'must do's' in advance, and came up with a rough idea of how we could fit these into each day. Obviously we went with the flow and the weather once we got there, but it worked out really well - we ticked off all of our 'must do's' and had a fab time!
There's still so much more to see (clearly, we need to go back asap), but for a couple of New York first-timers the below itinerary was perfect, so I thought I'd share it here, just in case you're planning your own trip soon. We stayed near Time Square and found this a great base for explore from.
Day one
Top of the Rock, Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art
I'd read in advance that the Top of the Rock (Rockerfeller Centre) was cheaper and quieter than going up the Empire State and while I can't compare the two, from the Top of the Rock you also get the magnificent Empire State building in the view, so it seems a winner to me. We got the sunrise and sunset ticket, which means you can go in the day and back again at night to watch the sunset or just see the lights - so worth it!
After our morning trip to the Top of the Rock, we made our way to Central Park, stopped at the boathouse for lunch and then headed to The Met. We didn't have that long inside, so you may want to stay for longer as it's huge. After a walk back through Central Park (and a bit of watching the ice skaters) we headed for our sunset tour of the Top of the Rock.
Day two
The Highline, Chelsea Market, the Flatiron Building and Grand Central Station
After a lot of walking on day one we didn't give ourselves any breaks on day two, although did start the day with breakfast at Westway Diner and the most amazing pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup. And it turns out is the where Jerry Seinfield wrote the sitcom, Seinfield.
The Highline is a really lovely walk with lots of view points and interesting sculpture, it goes right past Chelsea Market so we popped down and had a look around all the amazing food stalls. Sadly we were too full from our pancake breakfast to stop for anything, so in hindsight do the diner on a different day! We then turned the day into our own little walking tour and walked to the Flatiron Building, past the Empire State, popped into the New York public library, then walked down to the Chrystler Building and Grand Central Station. Also there's a Bath & Body works just around the corner from Grand Central, you know, just in case you're in need of some candles.
We finished the day with a trip to Ellen's Stardust Diner, where Broadway hopeful waiters take turns to preform as you eat - they're all incredibly talented singers, the decor and food is a bit tacky, but it's still great fun.
Day three
The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Macy's
By this point our feet were starting to complain after all the walking so we braved the subway down to Whitehall for the Staten Island Ferry. It was a bit trickier to figure out than the tube is, using a system of letters and numbers as well as colours, but the kind man in the ticket booth helped us figure it out. We caught the free Staten Island ferry for a view of the Statue of Liberty, rather than paying to go to Liberty Island itself, which suited us fine.
Back on dry land we walked along the river up to Brooklyn Bridge, stopping at South Street Seaport for some lunch. We walked about halfway across the bridge, amongst the impressive supports and those iconic arches. When we go back I'd definitely walk across the whole bridge and explore some of Brooklyn. Just before our feet gave up, we headed to Macy's for a bit of window shopping.
Dinner on day three was amazing, totally by chance we walked past and decided to stop at John's Pizzeria on West 44th Street, we'd seen a queue outside the night before so figured it must be good. The pizza was delicious and as an unexpected delight the restaurant turned out to be in a beautiful old church that has been enclosed and hidden by the buildings around it, but still had a mezzanine and gorgeous circular stained glass ceiling, that looks just like a pizza!
Day four
Bloomingdale's and MoMA
Luckily our flight wasn't until in the evening so we had time fit in some more sightseeing on our final day. First up we headed to Bloomingdale's (via H&M, because heads up, Bloomingdale's doesn't open until 10am) for a good swoon at all the designer dresses and shoes. On the way out we stopped at the Magnolia Bakery for two of their famous cupcakes. There's not much seating in the shop so we walked our sweet treats down to Central Park and enjoyed them overlooking the beautiful Plaza hotel.
Our last stop was the Museum of Modern Art, to see Monet's Water Lillies and Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night, both were so impressive when viewed up close and personal, a perfect end to the trip.
That's it! Our jam-packed four days in New York City, I hope you find it useful. Have you been to New York? What should we do on our next visit?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Firstly, Happy New Year!... I think I can just about get away with still saying that.
Well, I don’t know about you but I’m still really struggling to get out of holiday mode (despite being back at work for a week). I had grand plans of being super organised by January 1st, armed with a list of resolutions, actions and a tidy desk. The reality though was that I had a good long break and completely switched off, and forgot to even buy a 2017 diary. Oops. I have now rectified that last situation, but I still can’t settle on goals or a plan.
So for now I’m just going to look at the big picture of 2017 and let the detail come when I have the headspace for it. As long as you’re moving forward and not standing still, it’s all progress in my book.
Follow your dreams motivational print available from my Etsy shop
Here are the three things I’ll be working towards:
Plan a wedding – if you didn’t see on my Instagram we got engaged on Christmas Eve! Naturally I can’t help starting to plan and pin ALL the wedding things, so a fair bit of my time is being taken up with this. It’s a once in a lifetime thing though, so I don’t want to feel guilty about time spent gathering inspiration.
Make more things – specifically for my Etsy shop. I really enjoyed creating products and patterns for the floral and feather shop last year and when wedding excitement has died down a bit, I do want to get back to this and have my shop looking great before next Christmas.
Create blog content in advance – and generally be more organised about blogging. In my 5 years of blogging I’ve never been particularly organised with it. I’d love to plan in advance and make sure I come up with some really creative and original posts.
Now I’ve written it down it really doesn’t look that scary and I’m feeling more motivated already (or that could just be the sugar rush from the three Quality Street I’ve just eaten).
What are your plans for 2017?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Top 5 posts of 2016
This is one of my favourite posts to write because it gives me a chance to look back over the year and rediscover all of my favourite DIYs, makes and bakes - although these are your favourites (according to google analytics) I’m super pleased that lots of them are my favourites too!
The quilted patchwork cushion cover makes me smile whenever I sit on it (I’m pleased to report it’s very comfy) and we still practically live off Gary’s oat bars - we’re going to need a lot to make up for all the Christmas chocolate too. I’m also happy to see that ‘Four simple ways I’m going to make my life better’ has made the top 5; I was unsure about hitting publish on that one as it was a bit different to my usual style and while I admit I have kind of gone back to eating lunch at my desk, I’ve definitely stuck to the others and feel a lot better for it.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and crafty 2017!
1. How to sew a quilted patchwork cushion cover
2. Crochet iPad case – free pattern
3. Gary’s healthy honey oat bars
4. Four simple ways I’m going to make my life better
5. Crochet tissue box cover
What's your favourite thing you've made, done or baked in 2016? Let me know in the comments.
Hope you have a happy New Year!
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
15 ideas to make the most of the festive season
So these last few months have really flown by, haven't they? It'll be Christmas before we know it and I'm starting to worry the festive season will pass in a busy blur, just like autumn did! In an attempt to avoid feeling like 'blink and you missed it', I've been inspired by the autumn manifesto written by the lovely Lou of Little Green Shed, to create a winter manifesto full of meaningful ways to slow down and enjoy this festive time of year.
I suppose it’s a little hygge inspired too...
Bake lebkuchen (German gingerbread)
Visit a Christmas market
Make a handmade decoration
Knit a super warm snood
Forage for evergreen
Bake Christmas biscuits
Crochet a blanket to cosy up under
Have friends over for dinner
Light candles
Crunch through grass on frosty mornings
Have a movie night
Drink mulled wine
Look up at the stars
Go for a long walk
Warm up with hot chocolate
What would be on your list? Let me know in the comments.
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Autumn might possibly be my favourite season. I say 'might' because I know that come spring and summer I'll also be proclaiming my affection for the them too! But I do love the crisp light, colourful leaves and refreshing air that autumn brings. There are few things better than a long walk through crunchy leaves before returning for a warming drink, good food and an evening bathed in candle light. I always enjoy seeing how others celebrate autumn and luckily my Instagram has been filled with gorgeous photographs this month, so I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite accounts for autumn inspiration.
One pleasant day
Cups of tea, autumn colours and all the autumn blankets fill Carrie's stunning gallery. You can't help but get that cosy autumn feeling with each photo she shares.
The dahlia girl
Vicki has a beautiful house and equally beautiful cat, Tabitha. But it's her morning shots of Tabitha in the garden with Vicki's glorious dahlias that I adore the most.
Silver pebble
A nature lovers dream, Emma's collections of berries and leaves gathered from the hedgerows around her house are simply stunning.
Bella whispers
You'll find autumn scenery galore on Katie's Instagram. I love her autumn mantelpiece brimming with leaves, feathers and pumpkins.
I’d love to know what your favourite insta accounts are this autumn, let me know in the comments.
p.s. Check out my summer favourites here.
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Recently I've been...
Finding treasure in antique shops - I originally saw this book on pinterest and fell in love with the little owl, but was disappointed to find the link went to a sold Etsy listing. That must have been sometime last winter, so when browsing a few books in antique shops at the weekend I couldn't believe my luck when I pulled this one off the shelf and saw the cover! I'm super excited to start stitching it soon.
Reading The Lake House by Kate Morton. I'm halfway through and I'm hooked. It follows Kate's usual style, skipping between several eras as present day police officer on leave, Sadie, attempts to unravel the mysterious disappearance of a baby boy from a Midsummer's Eve party in 1933. I'm
really struggling to put it down each evening - if only we didn't need sleep.
Planting daffodil bulbs... 45 of them to be exact. Aside from a gorgeous peach climbing rose and summer tomato plants our small garden has been pretty neglected since we moved in almost two years ago. This month, however, we've been making some big changes - re-cutting borders, pulling out overgrown bushes and creating more usable space. The current side effect of this though is that we have almost no plants left and won't do over the winter, so I want to make sure that by spring we'll at least have some cheery yellow daffodils to enjoy.
Publishing my first crochet pattern on Etsy! You may have noticed that I've been working on the floral & feather Etsy shop this year, it's been a slow process as I work out what feels right. Increasingly I've been keen to sell the patterns for my makes as well as the finished projects, as I've loved the design process. Last week I launched my first pattern - the dip-dye crochet phone case - see it here! I'm so excited and am already working on the next one, plus have lots of ideas in my head for the future.
What have you been up to recently?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Life lessons for any creative person
The book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert was a pretty big deal... last summer. But of course I didn't read it at the same time as everyone else, I read it at the beginning of this year and loved it. You may wonder why I'm only just blogging about it now though and the reason is that recently I've found myself flicking back through its pages to re-absorb the encouragement and inspiration found within. It may sound a bit daft but it really does help with the inevitable self-doubt that comes with creativity especially when, like me, you're starting out in the scary world of selling the things you make.
So rather than a book review, which would just be me saying how much I enjoyed it, I thought instead I'd pick out three phrases that stood out to me and could help any creative person through life:
"Cooperate fully, humbly and joyfully with inspiration" (page 40)
Why it's important: You can't force inspiration. If you sit around waiting for it, it won't strike. So when you do get that exciting idea don't rush it, work with it.
"You do not need anybody's permission to live a creative life" (page 86)
And
"Or if you do worry that you need a permission slip - THERE, I just gave it to you. [...] Now go make something." (page 90)
Why it's important: I had a cliched 'lightbulb moment' when I read that sentence. Subconsciously I'd been waiting for the 'permission' to give things a go. I don't know whose permission I was waiting for. But at that second I realised I was waiting for it. The lesson here is to stop waiting and simply start, because waiting rooms are pretty boring places.
"Don't rush through the experiences and circumstances that have the most capacity to transform you." (page 247)
Why it's important: I'm SO impatient. Always trying to skip the journey and rush to the destination. But it turns out that's pretty stressful and tiring and, you know, impossible. A good approach instead is to go through the obstacles in your way, rather than try to rush around them.
Those are the three things I'm reminding myself of often at the moment. I've applied them to my creative business, but the book itself is about a creative life, therefore use them as affirmations in whatever way you need - to take that new class, to tackle that big idea or simply in your everyday decisions. And of course, it's a brilliant book so you really should read the whole thing if you haven't already!
If you've read it, I'd love to know what you thought in the comments.
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
Baking a citrus Maderia cake because I've scummed to the rule that you can't watch Bake Off without cake! It was also an excuse to try a recipe from last year's recipe book Bake Off Celebrations. I went with a summery citrus cake this time, but can't wait to try some of the autumnal and (dare I say it...) festive recipes, they look SO GOOD.
Exploring the gorgeous Charleston Farm House in East Sussex, the home of Bloomsbury Group members Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. It became the Bloomsbury Group's country meeting place in the 1920s and beyond and every inch is covered with their decorative paintings and quirky furniture. The effect is stunning and you feel as though you are walking inside a painting yourself. Sadly, you can't take photographs inside the house, but here's one from the equally glorious and colourful garden.
Reading War and Peace; I didn't know the story before watching the BBC adaptation earlier this year and happened to mention to my Mum that although I enjoyed it I felt like the story line moved quite fast, well now I've seen the size of the book I can see why - there's a lot to get through! I'm not very far in yet, the font is tiny and there's so many Russian names to keep track of... have you read it? I'd love to know if you think it's worth persevering with?
Waiting not very patiently for the last of my tomatoes to ripen. Last year they got this big and then died, so I'm thrilled to have made it this far this year! We've already had lots but there are still some green ones waiting to turn red, which I'm hoping they'll do before it gets too cold for them...
What have you been up to?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
It's time for something a little different today, I learnt a lesson this week and want to share the below as a promise to look after myself and make a few changes. Perhaps it will inspire you too.
Last week I was ill, so ill I missed a whole week of work (a first ever for me) and ended up in A&E. The doctors didn't know what was wrong and I had to wait another four days for test results. Luckily it was just a bad, rather rare virus, but whilst trying to diagnose they asked lots of questions about my diet and stress levels. I realised how run down I've been. A busy time at work, fitting blogging around a full time job and setting up an Etsy shop had me exhausted and surprisingly unhappy. I had the balance wrong. I'd been trying to fit my life around these things, rather than fitting these things around my life.
So I promise to do these four things about it, starting right now:
1. Make more plans for the weekend. Whether it's seeing friends, getting on with the DIY project I'd been looking forward to or a film night with the boyfriend. No more all work and no play.
2. Bake more cakes (and therefore eat more cakes). I used to really enjoy baking but now only do it when I have someone’s birthday to bake for and end up stressing as it'll be during a busy week. So every few weekends I'm going to pick a recipe and bake something yummy, just because.
3. Eat a proper lunch and take a proper lunch break. I've got into the habit of eating lunch at my desk, while this is sometimes useful to get a bit of blogging or shop planning done, more often than not I don't really get much done and I don't really eat much lunch. Not exactly a healthy set up.
4. Give myself a break and treat myself. I am my own worst critic, always feel I could have done better and consequently never treat myself to anything, not even a chocolate bar! But enough! Buy the treat. Eat the cake. Take a night off. Life is too short.
And do you know what? I'm feeling better already.
What do you do to keep your balance?
TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | RSS
