Autumn Cowls

I've been busy with my crochet hooks recently and have whipped up a pair of Autumnal cowls for my shop.  I chose these colours because I think they represent the season perfectly - I've called them 'mushroom' and 'olive'.  I'm really quite tempted to keep them for myself because they're so warm and comfy!  But that wouldn't be good for business now would it?

Thanks for taking a peek, Lois x

Tuesday's Tune: Bat for Lashes

Today was back to work for me after an extended weekend - boo! So I'm relaxing with some soft, sad music and a cup of tea... ahh. I hope you're having a good Tuesday.

By the way, how cool is her hair cut? Really cool right? Right.

The Gallery: Frances Stark

Hello folks.  Just thought I'd stop by to say good Monday to you and I hope you had a great weekend.  We had our cocktail party on Saturday, which is why I've been a bit quiet around here these past few days.  I've been busy preparing, enjoying and recovering from it all - we had a great time though (I'll share more soon).  In the meantime take a look at these beautiful art works from Frances Stark.  You can see more of her work by clicking on the link here.

Be back soon x

Wearing #1

Okay so this is kind of a big deal for me... my first real 'outfit post'.  You're probably wondering why I'm making such a fuss - people get dressed and step out of their house everyday right?  And I'm not usually overly conscious of what I wear, I just stick on what I find comfortable (which is the problem sometimes - with my 'style' that is).

I don't know if you remember, but earlier on this year I made it one of my goals to 'find my style'.  It has been fun finding outfits and other style blogs that I really like, and have pinned loads of inspiration to my Pinterest Board; but it has been another story altogether trying to make it happen to myself.  I suppose I'm nervous about this post because I'm putting myself out there to be judged - which is what I need if I'm going to take this goal seriously (and I always feel a bit silly posing in front of the camera).

This is very much a learning process for me, and I'm excited to finally get this goal of mine going.

Cocktails

This weekend we're hosting a cocktail party to celebrate our engagement so I've been busy pinning lots of cocktail recipes and party ideas.  I'm really excited but also a bit daunted because I don't know a great deal about cocktails.  I feel this may become something of a passion in the future though!  If anyone knows of a great cocktail website then please leave me a comment below.

If you want to see some of the recipes I've been pinning, check out my cocktail board here.

What I've been up to

Hello and good Monday to you.  I hope you all had a nice weekend - we had beautiful weather here in Sheffield (today is a bit grey and misty though) and I got up to all sorts!  I made some t-shirt yarn, read the first issue of The Simple Things magazine, framed some pictures (one thing from my 4 Simple Goals list) and marvelled at the yellow tree outside our living room - isn't it lovely!?  I also went to see Looper (very good) and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Arena... all in all a very busy weekend.

P.s. There's a shop update coming soon :)

Paper Triangles

As you already know, I love paper.  I also love origami and art, and origami art (you can see more here).  I recently came across this awesome instalment via CRAFT and just had to share - I hope you don't mind ;)

My weekend so far has been great.  We stayed in a hotel last night and ate some really tasty food - breakfast this morning was awesome.  The sun has been out today and I have felt inspired and motivated (yay!).  The flat is clean and tidy, I've finished a couple of projects and tonight we're going to the cinema to see Looper.  My mum and step-dad are coming over tomorrow, so I've lots to look forward to.

I hope you're also enjoying your weekends.  Be back soon.

Corners

I love this room.  I love how big and bright it is.  Even though I made a small craft area in my bedroom, this is where I spend the majority of my crafting time (and leisure time in general).  Unfortunately the nights are closing in and I am mostly sat in dim light these days (as most of the time I'm out at work).  I'm thinking up alternative ways to make my surroundings brighter - they mostly consist of burning candles (not that original).

This also means that I'm having to be really organised at weekends and get most of my photography done in daylight hours (which I can't do in the evening anymore - boo).  If anyone has any good tips on taking pictures in dim light, please let me know.

Thanks guys :)

4 Simple Goals (#4)

Hello folks, I thought I'd give you a quick update on how goal number 4 is going on my 4 simple goals list in the hope that it will keep me motivated and maybe inspre you to get out and see more films...  I've seen the following two films over the past couple of weeks:

 

I enjoyed one a lot more than the other. They were both great in their own right, but I think Woody Allen films are more my thing. Holy Motors was an experience, but maybe a little (ahem) strange for a Friday night. If you've seen either film, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Delboys

Hi peeps, I just thought I'd quickly share these beauts with you as I forgot to show them off when I first got them a few weeks ago.  I'd had my eye on them for a while, and was dithering over whether I should buy them for myself when my amazing sweetheart of a fiance bought them for me as an early Xmas present!  I had to have them right away and have been wearing them to death ever since (as you can see by the scuff marks).

Thank you Floyd - you're the bestest!

The weekend is over...

(image source)

Yes it's almost over, but I feel good because I got plenty done.  I forwent a night out for a productive night in - it's just got to be done sometimes.  I don't mind at all because I have plenty of social excursions lined up for the rest of the month... we're hosting a cocktail party in a couple of weeks to celebrate our engagement (about time too I think).  But this weekend was all about finishing projects, taking photographs and finding a home for new members of my green family (I'll share more about that soon).

I hope you've had a good weekend too.

Sharrowvale Market

Last weekend was Sharrowvale Market.  It comes along once in a while (I think monthly, but I'm not entirely sure) and I try to catch it when it's here because it's full of great stalls featuring local artists, crafts, vintage and antique items, yummy food and great music too!  I bought myself a few treasures this time around, and we also managed to bag a few great presents for friends (I'll share more later).

I feel so lucky to live in an area that offers such great opportunities to discover new local talent.  I just love markets full stop, but this one is a particular gem!

Tuesday's Tune: Trails and Ways

I don't know what it is about all this summery music at the moment, but I can't stop listening to it. Maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic. I need to find some new tunes with plenty of jingle-bell sounds to get me feeling more wintery - any suggestions?
Although I'm kind of getting into wrapping up in plenty of layers, and sticking my electric blanket on, I'm getting a bit bummed out by the darkening nights. It's making it pretty tricky to get any photos taken (unless I use my flash which I hate to do). I think I need a camera upgrade - yeah dark nights are the perfect excuse right? Haha, not like I need one (an excuse that is). I think I'll go do some research on photographing in poor light conditions... yes Lois, be productive.
Happy Tuesday.

Family

This last weekend was a busy one for me.  Saturday was spent with my Nana and Bampie taking them around Sheffield, going for lunch and then seeing a play - how civilised.  Me and Floyd had such a lovely day with them - they really are my favourite couple!

Sunday was spent with my little niece who turned 1!  She got lots of lovely presents, ate some pink cake, tried to climb into the washing machine and picked her nose quite a bit (as you can see).  All in all I've had a well needed weekend full of quality family time.  It's just got to be done sometimes hasn't it?

Lately

Autumn is most definitely upon us here in Sheffield and I quite like it.  The air is crisp and the leaves are turning - Autumn is a pretty time of year.  Lately I've been walking through the parks, taking in the changing scenery and wrapping up in some of my many scarves (as well as making some).  I've also been adding to my doily collection (yey!) which is inspiring me to make more giant ones.  I've tried a couple of prototypes, but I think I need to find a more suitable yarn before I'd be happy to list them in the shop.

With Autumn though comes longer nights, which is a bit rubbish when you have a long list of photography tasks to complete - not good.  I'm having to try and be really organised and take most of my photos at the weekend (which doesn't always work out if I've had friends over or a bit of a heavy night - I'll say no more).  This weekend I have my Nana and Bampie coming to see us... it's also my niece's 1st Birthday!  So plenty to be keeping busy with.  Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze some photos in here and there so I can share more with you than just Instagram pics.

Until then... x

Waffles

Continuing with the food theme... I don't have a waffle maker, but after watching this video I'm seriously considering buying one. A little less healthy than beans though I think. Oh well, everything in moderation right?

On a side note: check out 'Lovelier Words' - she has very kindly nominated me for the Leibster award! I'm so chuffed. I was nominated a little while back so won't be participating this time, but it still means so much to me that people enjoy what I put out here on my little corner of the internet *big smiles*.

Beans

I recently mentioned that I have been told I have a wheat intolerance.  Since I discovered this I have been cutting down on the amount of bread and pasta that I eat (which was really hard!) and eating other alternatives such as quinoa, chickpeas and beans.  Although it was difficult cutting down on the carbs, I'm quite glad that I was given a reason to do it because I have been feeling so much better since.  I still treat myself to the odd crumpet or bowl of pasta, but to be honest I'm not missing carbs as much as I thought I would - and beans are so versatile, cheap, tasty and let's be honest quite pretty too.

Do you have any good bean recipes?