Saturday

Saturday mornings around here are usually for catching up on chores, long walks with Betty and a spot of local shopping; which is exactly what I have been doing today so far.  Floyd made banana-bread last night, and I've been to our local independent coffee shop to get some freshly ground Colombian beans - so later, when our friends come over after a long day of moving furniture, we shall all enjoy these simple treats together.  I can't wait!

Giving: wrist warmers

I love making things for my friends.  When I'm making something for someone I know and care about, I'm thinking about them and I believe that makes the gift all the more special.  I made these wrist warmers a little while ago (only just got round to sharing - sorry) and sent them to two of my bestest friends who I don't get to see as often as I would like.  I think they got some use out of them before the weather turned a little too warm for this kind of thing.

Tuesday's Tune: Pete and the Pirates

Today I wanted to share a song I've been enjoying a lot recently. Happy Tuesday!

The Gallery: Miju Lee

Hello again!  Today was a beautiful sunny day, so in keeping with my surroundings I wanted to share some bright sunny pictures with you.  Do they make you want to eat ice-cream?  Thought so ;)

See more here.

wedding weekend

(image found here)

How was your weekend?  I'm feeling a little delicate after dancing the night away at my step-sister's wedding yesterday.  It was such a magical day, and Danielle made the most beautiful bride.  Needless to say I am over the moon for them.  An amazing start to the British Summer time.

Heather Dewick

When I visited a vintage and craft fair back in February I was really excited by the amount of beautiful items that were on display.  One of my favourite stalls of the day was this one from book binder Heather Dewick.

As you can see, her designs are eye-catching and beautifully made.  I felt so inspired by her stall and can't wait to get started on giving book-binding a go myself!  If you would like to buy something of hers yourself, you can find her online shop here.

I've been tagged!

Ok, so I know I only recently did a little "getting to know you" post, but I can't help this one... I've been tagged!  Here are the rules:

1. Post these rules

2. Post 11 random things about yourself

3. Answer the questions provided by the one who tagged you

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag

5. Go to their blog and tell them they’ve been tagged!

11 Random Things About Me:

1. I had a mini 'goth phase' when I was about 10.  Me and my best friend had a major girl crush on Wednesday Addams.

2.  I studied Art for a short phase, and regret not pursuing something creative from time to time.  I think I'm catching up on all that now though!

3. I used to be really good at speaking French, but alas (!) I have forgotten almost all it.  I'm secretly hoping I'll go back there one day and it will all come rushing back to me.

4. I have size 3 feet (European) - yep, small!

5. I love food (don't we all), but the only thing I get fussy about is puddings - which most people find bizarre.

6. My true musical love is torn between indie and electro.

7. I once thought George Michael was my Dad.

8. I can sleep anywhere, and if someone left me to it I could sleep for days at a time.

9. I have a thing for Robots/Cyborgs - they fascinate me!

10. I used to live in a haunted house (ask my mum).

11. I can't drive.

What Bianca asked me:

1. If you were on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be?

Hmm tough one.  I don't think there's any one thing I know tons about, but if I had to say it would probably be Audrey Hepburn - I love her and know quite a bit about her.

2. Name one thing you want to do before you die.
Go to the moon.

3. What is the best gig you've ever been to?
Daft Punk, for sure.

4. What's the weirdest thing someone's asked you?
I get approached by strange folk all the time.  My boyfriend thinks I attract them, and I'm too polite to get rid of them once they've honed in on me.  I wouldn't be able to narrow it down to the strangest thing I've ever been asked - boring answer, sorry.

5. What's your biggest regret?
I regret not going travelling as soon as I left University.  I feel I won't have another real opportunity until I'm much older.  It's something to look forward to though.

6. What is your favourite book from your childhood?
 I read so many Roal Dahl books as a kid, but I think it's got to be "The Twits" that brings back the most memories for me.

7. What's your biggest pet peeve?
Noisy eaters.

8. Name one thing you're terrible at.
Fixing my hair (or anyone else's for that matter).

9. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work as a Zoologist or Archaeologist.  I loved animals and dinosaurs and saw myself trekking through the jungle making friends with all the creatures I met.

10. Do you have any phobias and if so, what are they?
I'm afraid of clowns and I really really really don't like spiders (standard) - although I respect them and would never kill one.

11. Name one guilty pleasure.
I have so many... erm, my electric blanket.



Bloggers I tag:

Shy Scout
Oh, lovely day!
Tongue Tied in Awe
GingiberSnap
Oh Shoot


My Questions:

1.What is your worst habit?
2. Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or fly?
3. Spots or stripes?
4. Do you have any reoccurring dreams?
5. What is your useless superpower?
6. What was your favourite cartoon or kids programme growing up?
7. If you could live in any era for a year, which would you choose?
8. Name the strangest thing you've ever eaten.
9. What's your party trick?
10. Do you have a nickname?  If so, which is your favourite?
11. If you could look like anyone other than yourself, who would you choose?
 

Let the sunshine in

Spring is coming and with it bringing longer days, milder weather and lots of pretty blossoms and blooms.  I love this optimistic time of year.  The sunshine gives me energy, so I get lots done.  And of course the Spring-clean!  There's nothing like a good old sort out to make you feel motivated.  Bring it on.

Sass & Bide s/s 2012

 I'm sure many of you have already marvelled over this collection, but I had to share it anyway.  In love.

shy

Although I took a big step when I asked my manfriend to take photos of me whilst I posed in public wearing some of the things I'd made for Cellar Door, I'm still struggling with the idea of getting someone (most likely him again) to take pictures of me for this blog.  It just makes me feel so self-conscious, and I get all silly and awkward.  So for the time being, until I can get over myself, I'll stick to the ol' faithful self portraits.

Edible Coral Garden

Peter Gilmore: Coral Garden on Nowness.com.
I watched in amazement when I first saw this video over on NOWNESS. I hope you think it's just as amazing and beautiful. Enjoy.

Lui

When I visited a craft fair last month I came across so many lovely craft stalls.  One of my absolute favourites of the day was Lui; she makes beautiful jewellery from old stamps and vintage travel keepsakes.  Her stall was totally charming and well styled.  See more of her here.

Layer it

When the weather in England is like it is at the moment - unpredictable - you have to try and be as prepared as you possibly can in these times and wear layers.  I love layering.  I think it's such a great way to add interest to an outfit, and as well as looking great it's practical too (which suits me just fine).

28 before 29

So here it is... just over 1 month since I made it.  My annual list of things to accomplish before my next birthday.  Read more about this thing I do here.

Just in case you can't read it up there:

1. Random acts of kindness.
2. Make cute clothes for Betty.
3. Cocktail party.
4.Take polaroids.
5. Learn ukelele.
6. Decorate.
7. Make a GIF.
8. Write (someone I love) a letter or e-mail a week.
9. Try 15 new recipes.
10. Apply to a craft fair.
11. Find my style.
12. Make weekly/monthly goals.
13. Get business cards.
14. Try making rubber stamps.
15. Visit a new park (there are loads in Sheffield).
16. Make myself something to wear.
17. Do a "photo an hour" one day.
18. Book binding.
19. Work on branding for Cellar Door.
20. Fill my home with photos.
21. Wear heels.
22. Do more entertaining.
23. Learn to knit with circular needles.
24. Use my tagine.
25. Make blogbuttons.
26. Design packaging for Cellar Door.
27. Dance lessons.
28. Bento.

I'm going to try extra-hard this year to cross each and every one of the list.  Wish me luck!  Do you do anything similar?  Leave me a link if you do - I love checking out other people's to-do lists (strange, I know).

Ghost of Christmas Past

The weather has been a bit crap around these parts lately, but I don't mind so much because it means I can stay in and crochet without feeling guilty about missing out on the sunshine.  The other morning when our windows steamed up (which they do all the time because it's such an old, damp building), the shadows of snowflakes from our Christmas window display appeared in the mist.  I quite liked it.

Street View

Have any of you seen this blog yet?  It's full of unusual pictures from Google street view.  I just spent ages scrolling down looking at them.  Here's a few of my favourites...

Cool huh?

Style crush: Lucy Chadwick

 

I have admired Lucy Chadwick's style for a while, but it was only recently that I came across this video that The Selby made for ZARA.  Not only is she a Brit (extra thumbs-up), she has a successful career in art, great taste, an amazing place and cool boyfriend - pure lifestyle porn.  Oh Lucy, if only we could swap places for a day...

Inventory

This week I have been super focused on getting some new projects churned out.  You see, I'm trying to get my inventory extended (to put it properly) because I'm hoping to enter into a craft fair. I'm not sure yet which one, but the plan is there nevertheless.  And to enter into a fair, really you need to show the people running it what it is you make or do - right?

 There's nothing like a big goal to motivate you.  Because of my new plan I have been feeling extra-inspired.  A couple of ideas have escaped me (I forgot to write them down) but this week I've come up with more ideas than I have in ages!  It's also had a knock on effect into other areas in my life... yep, this week I've been really good at saying "no" to biscuits and treats at work, and I've started to seize every opportunity to be active.

I'll share more about my new lease of life soon, and hopefully inspire some of you lovely readers to do similar.  Until then... :)