Sundy Best - Cross Stitch Kits - Week 1

Hello beautiful people! Today's Sunday Best is a little run through of some of the amazing cross stitch kits available on Etsy. Life has been busy (same old excuses!) and I'm determined to give myself some crafting time in April.

I love the cute and quirky kits available for stitchers now (although still also have a soft spot for the more kitsch and old school cross stitch designs!).

Here are a few of my favourite 'safe for work' kits - the 'not safe for work' kits are equally awesome though, so be prepared for a run down of some of those bad boys next week!

1. Cute Bee from LittleBeachHut - I've admired the designs from LittleBeachHut for a while and this little bee is hard to resist.

2. Adorable Drama Llama from EllbieCo - nothing is better than a drama llama - and seriously - how cute? Just look at that little face.

3. Gin not Gym from SewCrossHandmade - I'm one day in to April and have already failed with my diet (damn the chocolate!) so this kit is a must-make to legitimise my bad decisions.

4. You're Tea-rific from GeekyStitchingCo - I think this cutie needs to be added to my Geeky Stitching Company collection very soon.

5. Makers gonna Make from Stitchsperation  - I've been a fan of the designs from Stitchsperation for a long time - it's definitely time to try a kit!

I definitely believe that setting some time aside for crafting (or any hobbies) helps us be more productive in the long run...so I'm off to have a cup of tea and get stitching. Looking forward to collating some not so safe for work designs for you next week so stay tuned.

Bye for now!

xxx

Motif Monday - The Porg

Motif Monday returns! Yay!

I'm still processing Star Wars The Last Jedi. It was an emotional rollercoaster I wasn't quite ready for.

One thing I do know is that the Porgs were flipping cute. And yeah...I also love the ewoks. If you're a Star Wars fan who hates the cute little critters of the universe then this isn't the blog you're looking for.

This week's free motif is dedicated to the little Porg dudes. It's a super quick stitch, and would be great for decorating a little one's t-shirt, or for stitching a legion of tiny little Porgs if you feel the need for a Porg army.

Porgs seems to be either brown or grey, depending on what point of reference you use. I've chosen brown for this design, but you can easily substitute for grey.

Here's the pattern:

Or you can download a pattern sheet, including the DMC threads colours I used, and a black and white version of the pattern by following this link:

Porg Pattern Sheet

Please only use this pattern for personal use, and if you share it credit this blog.

Happy porging everyone! I'll be back on Monday with another free pattern for you.

Sunday Best - Valentine's Downloads

Did January disappear in a blur and now Valentine's Day is fast approaching with not a present in sight? Fear not. I've been browsing Etsy for some downloadable Valentine's goodies, and as it turns out there are loads of gorgeous prints instantly at your fingertips.

Here are a few of my favourites (all photos from the seller's listings):

'Love' print - £2.64 from AllAboutHimPrintable

'All of Me' print - £6.59 from chitrap

Anatomically correct heart - £4.21 from PrintablesandDecor

I Love Us - £3.96 from MulberryMarketPrints

Be Mine - £6.16 from PetrichorBluePrints

I hope you've had a lovely weekend. Mine has been lovely - over so quickly (aren't they always?) but full of sunshine and wintery walks - definitely my favourite way to spend a weekend.

All these beautiful prints have reminded me that I still need to sort out a present for Mr Blog Faced - time to do some more browsing!

See you soon (back tomorrow with a free cross stitch pattern - yay!).

xxx

That Friday Feeling...Tom Hanks, Vintage Youtube and almost vintage Friends

Hello ... it's Friday ... I'm so happy with that particular fact right now!

How has the week treated you? Mine has been super busy, and yet I haven't managed to achieve much on my to-do list. Sill...it's the weekend, so who cares, right?

Erm..me..I'll try to cross a few things off the list this weekend (the first of which is the return of motif Monday on the blog...yay)!

Here are a few things I've been enjoying this week...

What I'm listening to...

An audio book read by Tom Hanks, consisting of short stories that he wrote? Yes please! I've loved Tom Hanks since the first time I saw Big! I'm only one story in, but it was a joy to listen to, and Tom's voice is really relaxing, so it's a perfect listen for some quiet relaxation time.

What I've been watching on Youtube



Dare I say it...but I've become really bored with a lot of the vloggers I've been watching for a while. I stumbled across Jessica Kellgren-Fozard by accident, but I was instantly interested in her style, take on life and overall positive attitude. I love her vintage style, her cute dogs and her lovely relationship with her wife. Some of her videos about living with disability and sign language are super interesting. I love how Jessica mixes some really serious and eye-opening content (but never in a preachy way) with beauty and fashion posts. I also love that she introduced me to Besame Cosmetics - which was love at first sight.

If you haven't seen any of Jessica's videos I'd honestly recommend them - I found them to be a breath of fresh air...and did I mention her vintage style? Beautiful!

What I've been binge watching on Netflix...

Yeah...so there's this new show on Netflix. It's called Friends. It's about these 20-something New Yorkers...

In all seriousness...I've watched Friends more times than I can count on both hands...(and probably feet) but I was so happy when it appeared on UK Netflix recently. It's my ultimate comfort TV, and I'm enjoying spending some time with these guys again. I think there has been some Friends related backlash since it re-appeared on Netflix, and yeah, sure, a couple of jokes make me cringe now, but it's still a show with a good heart and some truly classic moments. I'm also totally loving the 90's hair and fashion.

This weekend I'll be doing some working...some walking...and some crafting. Nothing majorly exciting, but exactly what I need right now.

Whatever you're up to, have a great weekend, and I'll see you soon.

xx

Collection Crush - Modern Country from George at Asda

George as Asda have got some seriously gorgeous homeware this season. I've been having a browse through a few collections recently, and I think they're my favourite. Completely affordable and so pretty. I'm still definitely a country girl at heart with my style, and this range is perfect for moving into spring (after weeks of almost constant rain and gloomy skies I'm dreaming of Spring right now!).

Here are some of my favourite items, but I have a feeling that they will be featuring fairly regularly on a Wednesday for the next couple of months!

1. This bunny cushion is so cute! I love the fact there is still a bunny trend this year. This piece of cuteness is £6.

2. Mr Blog Faced finds this 'Bloom where you are planted' wall art to have a slightly odd sentiment, but I really like it - it kind of suggests to me that wherever you are you should make the most of that situation. For £5 I'm tempted to buy it and keep it in my office.

3. This floral vase has a spot waiting for it in my bedroom - love this yellow so much. This beauty is £10.

4. And keeping up the bunny theme - could this bunny rug be any cuter? Nope. For £25 it'll help bring some cute country charm to boring floor space.

So two of these items are already in my shopping basket online...with more to be added.

Hope you love them as much as I do.

Be back soon.

xx

Sunday Best - The Yummy Valentine's Edition

It's almost the month of love. I kind of think that every month should be the month of love, but hey, I'll still go along with any excuse for making sure loved ones know how loved they really are.

This week's Sunday Best is dedicated to some tasty treats from UK sellers on Etsy. If you don't have a significant other at the moment..then this is absolutely a list of yumminess to buy for yourself!

Check out the links below to find the items (all photos are from the Etsy listings).

Prices starting at £20 from HoneywellMakes

How gorgeous are these Moon and Back biscuits from HoneyWellMakes? My hubby is eating a gluten free diet at the moment, if he wasn't - these would be bought!

Prices starting at £10 - from TheCakeNest.

...or if cake is a favourite of your loved one then these Red Velvet Cake Balls from TheCakeNest look absolutely gorgeous.

£12.95 from CocoaMallow

Writing a message on a giant slab of delicious marshmallow? Yes please CocoaMallow.

Prices starting at £14 from MrsBrownUK

I think all scrabble should now be played with scrabble tile cookies. These cookies from Mrs Brown UK are so incredibly cute.

Prices starting at £10 from LaMienneUK

And lastly...because seriously...how crazy pretty are these?? These chocolates from LaMienneUK are almost too pretty to eat. But with giant praline bonbons included, I think I'd just have to force myself to try!

Bye for now lovely people!

xx

Life Update

Well...I used to think that Australia was my favourite country. It's definitely the home of my favourite wildlife, and every Australian I've met has been super awesome.

But then along came Aussie flu...and it has wiped out my January...grrr!

I have spent a significant amount of the month battling through a changing range of symptoms and feeling so flipping tired. Couple that with life stuff and work and I've been all but crawling through the month. But I've finally started to feel like an actual human being again - yay! For those of you currently battling with the flu - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The good news is that I'm back to doing some stitching designs, and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you in February. I've also been browsing some of the new homeware that has been popping up online - and there are some beautiful items (George at Asda have got some stunning pieces for this season...love at first sight...I have a feeling they'll be featured heavily).

I've also been working through some goal setting - working out what I want my focus to be - for blogging, creative pursuits and life in general (yep...have been doing some deep and slightly fever induced thinking!).

I hope your January has been a good one, and you've started achieving your goal. A lesson I've learnt is that it really doesn't matter if goals aren't achieved in the timeframe I set myself. The important thing is to take a step back, re-plan and start again. Life is far too short for beating ourselves up about things.

Looking forward to being here more!

Collection Crush - Refresh & Reboot at Paperchase

January means new and beautiful collections appearing in every shop I love...which means plenty of happy window shopping opportunities. I already have my eye on some gorgeous homeware, but I'm vowing to get organised before I buy anything else. So what better that Paperchase's new 'Refresh and Reboot' range to help me get myself ready to tackle 2018 head-on?

The range is full of personal organisaton items, notebooks, and storage files, as well as some general stationery - all in some bright and funky colours. If you're in the mood for a refresh/ reboot then you can find the items above at the following links:

1. A5 Weekly Planner

2. A4 Grid Padfolio

3. Brass Scissors

4. Mini Sticky Tabs

Have you got a favourite new collection of items so far this year? I'd love to hear about it if you have!

Bye for now

xx

Hello 2018!

I started writing a review of 2017 post yesterday. I started typing, then deleting, typing, then deleting, until I was feeling frustrated with my lack of words. Then I realised that I just hadn't enjoyed 2017 all that much. I could put a shiny spin on it I'm sure, but it just felt false.

So instead I put my laptop away and decided to wait it out until 2018. And here it is! Hurrah! I have a positive feeling about this year and I've enjoyed day one already. 

I also started to write some new year resolutions, and scrapped them (not doing very well, am I?). Instead I've decided to try and live life with a few goals in mind this year - kind of vague - but very meaningful for me. So here's what I'm aiming for this year:

To...

• Be kind
• Seize more opportunities
• Stop procrastinating (about everything, ever)
• Be creative
• Focus on family, friends and health

So that's the plan, simple huh? I've broken out my lovely new planner today, and have started to sketch out how I'm going to achieve these things. 

The lesson I've taken away from the past few days and the impending pressure of reviewing the last year is that sometimes it's ok not to do that. Sure, we learn from difficult times, but as long as we give ourselves time to reflect on the lessons learnt along the way I think it's absolutely fine to draw a line and move forwards - onwards and upwards! 

I truly hope that 2018 brings happiness to you. If you haven't tried this already, try asking yourself 'What do I want to achieve this year' and just sketching out what those things are, and some goals for how your're going to get there. I found it a lot less intimidating than a long old list of specific resolutions that I was likely to fail at by mid-January.

I have lots of exciting things planned for this little space in the blogverse for 2018 so thank you for reading you awesome person you, and I will see you very soon!

Bye for now xx

Collection Crush - Christmas at Thornback and Peel

We will be away from home for Christmas this year, but I'm still looking for an excuse to buy some of the truly beautiful Christmas tableware from Thornback and Peel. I thought I'd live vicariously by sharing their 2017 Christmas prints. It may be a good thing that we don't need anything this year - I'd be hard pushed to choose between these prints.

If you'd like to treat yourself (because it is the season and all that jazz...) you can find them here:

Christmas Tree Tableware Set

Robin and Holly Napkins

Stag and Mistletoe Placemats 

Turkey and Sprout Napkins

The ranges include napkins, placemats, crackers and trays. Basically everything you need for a gorgeous table this season (I love the designs of Thornback and Peel...can you tell?).

Tomorrow I'm going to try to get all my Christmas shopping done - wish me luck!

Bye for now
xx

Mr Blog Face - Grooming Gifts for Him (Me)

Hi everyone, it's Mr Blog Face here with what is hopefully the first of many guest appearances.

This week, I'll be looking at some of my favourite grooming items, some of which may make excellent stocking fillers, cough cough. So without further ado, let's take a look at some things.

Mancave

I love Mancave products, they're made from natural ingredients and they're all cruelty-free and vegan, so you can feel good about using them. They offer a wide variety, ranging from shower gels, to deodorant, to shampoo, and no matter what the label says I will always believe that they smell of rich mahogany.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Their caffeine shampoo smells great, and the unproven pseudo-science of caffeine shampoo suggests it may possibly stop your hair falling out!

I have to admit, the thought of trying a deodorant that didn't include a reassuring amount of chemicals had me worried, and while I've had the odd day where I might have felt that was true, overall I've been really impressed by this. It's a little more expensive than a can of Lynx, but it also lasts a really long time. I've also tried some of Marks and Spencer's own brand deodorants recently (they are also cruelty-free), and this definitely works better than them.

Another thing I've been trying to get back into recently is wet shaving, and thanks to my favourite podcast, The Weekly Planet, I found out about Harry's Shavers. There seem to be a lot of these razor blade subscription services around at the moment, but I've been really impressed by Harry's. They're very flexible about how many blades you're subscribed to (because there are thirteen year olds with more consistent beard growth than me), and they do a free starter set where you just pay for postage.

They have a couple of special gift sets available for the holidays, including this incredibly handsome set for £28:

My set came with their shave gel, which through what I can only imagine is some kind of witchcraft, expands from a tiny blob into a giant foamy covering. I accidentally ate some after it got in my mouth, and can report that it is definitely better used externally.

It may or may not work in the UK, but Weekly Planet listeners get $5 off, so why not give their link a go at www.harrys.com/weeklyplanet

Anyway, hopefully that's been helpful, and you can join me again this time next week for more barely coherent ramblings!

Sunday Best - The Christmas Card Edition

I know it's a cliche to say this in December - but how has another year gone by? I can't believe it's time to write Christmas cards, wrap presents and eat my weight in Christmas spiced nuts (oh yeah, can't wait!).

I have performed my usual trick of losing last year's unused Christmas cards, and so I'm shopping around for some and thought it would make a perfect Sunday Best. I don't send many cards any more (I know, what a Grinch) so I can shop around, spend a bit more and buy some more individual cards. Etsy is perfect for that, and I could probably write 10 posts from the amazing designs I've found on there!

So here are some of my favourites...

These Starry Night Christmas cards from StudioFactotumUK are just so pretty. I've only just stumbled on this Etsy shop but I think I  may have found a new favourite - gorgeous art work.

These animal illustration cards from RAillustrates are beautifully designed and perfect for animal lovers - I think I'd find it hard not to keep the llama card for myself.

..and don't even get me started on the cute Christmas Furry from BlankInsideDesign. I used to have a Himalayan Cat and they always have a special place in my heart - I know some family members who would love this cute card.

A felt sloth, and a pun? I'm sold on this adorable sloth card from Mombi and Ted. 

And last (for now) is this card from InkIncIllustration. Any card that combines gin, tortoises and a play on words is worthy of my loved ones - amazing.

Searching for some cards has opened my eyes to some of the amazing artists still selling through Etsy. I haven't browsed Etsy for presents for a long time, but I'm going to do some shopping now - it's such a perfect way of finding unusual gifts for Christmas, and supporting some truly awesome creative businesses.

Bye for now...I'll be back with some more Christmas loveliness very soon.

xx

Getting Organised with Planners

While waiting for my train yesterday I popped into Paperchase (any excuse). After cooing over their Christmas goodies I found a display of lots of different planners and journals, and two caught my eye.

The first planner I found in my basket quicker than I could blink was the 'Bossing it' planner - which is apparently for 'Goal Diggin' Girls (honestly - if I'd read that tag line first I probably wouldn't have bought it - I'm way out of the 'girl' age group, and also - I have no idea why it needs to be gender specific). However - there are some useful parts to this planner, which is aimed at people trying to start their own business - space to write out ideas, pages to support in finding clarity regarding the key focus of the business (I've found these particularly useful), and weekly planning pages to track goals.

I started using this planner today and found it really effective in helping me to focus on what I want to achieve from my business ideas, and what I need to do, to make it a reality. I've had lots of creative business ideas floating around for so long and I think this planner will help me focus them and move forward.

The second item I picked up is The Blogger's Journal. In the past I've tried to use online calendars and tools to manage my blog posts but there is something about having a pen and paper planner which I can pick up any time and sketch out ideas in, that really appeals to me. The journal has lots of blank pages for writing out ideas, pages to track followers, and goal setting pages. I used this journal straight away - sat on a train writing out some ideas. I've loved using it so far, and it's helping me focus more than an online calendar or a blank notebook can.

Paperchase have lots of different journals in stock at the moment - they're all super affordable and would be lovely Christmas presents for anyone in your life who likes to write out ideas. When so much of life is now sent looking at a screen I still really enjoy being able to write things out, so I'm sold on them so far - let's see if my blog and business ideas evidence that they are working!

Sorry for the lack of photos - I definitely need to sort out a lighting set-up for taking blog photos during dark evenings, but you can find The Blogger's Journal here and the Bossing it Journal here.

That Friday Feeling - The Return!

I think I'll avoid the embarrassed apologies for the length of time since my last blog post.

Suffice to say there's been some things happening out there in that lil ol' place we call 'life' which have been filling up my days...and mind. I learnt a while ago to just give into times like that. Fighting them generally leads to internal combustion.

However - today is the 1st December which is a good fresh start day for me (way better than the overrated 1st January) and I'm writing this from a train travelling home from a meeting in London. The journey takes over 3 hours which is providing me with more than enough time to reflect in how much I miss this little blog.

So for my Friday feeling this week I thought I'd share what I've been missing in recent weeks, as a way to refocus on doing the things I enjoy...

 So the things I've been missing recently and commit to getting back to this month are...

1. Crafting - I haven't made anything in sooo long - and have committed to making Christmas presents this year - so I think it's time to get started!

2. Long walks - chilly but sunny winter days are my absolute favourite - time to get back out there!

3. Goal planning - I find it really easy to lose sight of my goals and ambitions so want to get back to making some exciting plans

4. Clear out more 'stuff' from home - aka my permanent and ongoing mission to de-clutter my world!

5. Blogging - I think that's a given!

So that's my plan for December (in addition to having a rather lovely time in the holidays of course!).

If you have a moment to yourself, be it on a train, before bed or in the loo (a legitimate place for doing some thinking) use it to make a list of the things you love to do but haven't engaged with in a while...then try to find the space - even if it's just one little thing (on reflection I think enjoying a G&T - that should be on my list!).

Have fun and let me know how you get on!

Bye for now

Xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 6 Update - Unicorns Don't Care

Here's my project for last week - a day late! Oops!

I've had a summer cold this past week, which means that life has been spent either at work feeling sorry for myself, or at home curled up with tea and cross stitch.

The style of this kit was a little different for me - but I loved the retro font - and the Unicorn attitude of course! It's another one from The Geeky Stitching Company. I'm finding them to be the most relaxing projects ever. I've got another three kits stored up to complete, and about another 10 designs on my wish list!

I've been doing lots of thinking whilst stitching this week - about priorities, goals, what I want to do next with life - you know - the little things.

I do love crafting for providing some decent thinking time. I find that I never worry while I craft - instead I tend to quite calmly work through things in my head.

I haven't decided what project to complete for this week. I'm working through the rooms in my house at the moment and doing little bits of DIY and tidying/ turning out as I go. I'm hoping that will give me some inspiration on what to make next.

A friend has also lent me her sewing machine - so I'm going to be brave and try to use it. For all the crafts I've tried, sewing machines still terrify me!

Whatever your week brings, I hope it's a happy one. And remember - if you feel stressed - be like a unicorn.

Bye for now.

Sunday Best - The Black Cat Edition

Thursday 17th August was Black Cat Appreciation Day. I definitely appreciate my little black cat, Bob, who loves sitting in cardboard boxes. He hasn't been very well for the past week (which involved a visit to the emergency vet last Sunday (ouch...expensive but worth every penny!). He's much better now though, and is getting lots of love and adoration.

Apparently animal rescue centres struggle to home black cats which is such a shame. Bob is my third black cat and I absolutely adore them. They all have amazing characters and life is a much better place with a little black moggy wandering around the home.

In honour of these amazing felines here are five of the best black cat items on Etsy at the moment...

Kate Broughton is always a favourite for me - and these black cat nail transfers are no exception.

This absolutely adorable pin from GlitterPunkJewellery  is on my list of pins to buy (I'm rationing myself to two per month - it's a killer).

The ilikeCATSshop is another regular favourite of mine on Etsy. I love the style of this print...and the combination of flowers and vegetables is just extra amazing.

Black cats are definitely lucky - and this hoop by CrimsonPins is a gorgeous way of celebrating that fact.

And lastly, this print by PrintsofHeart is so cute...and so right...I've had kitties of all different colours in my life...and the black cats have definitely always had the most chilled and cool little personalities.

I hope your Sunday has brought with it some loveliness. I'm full of a cold so I've used it as an excuse to hide under a blanket and craft while watching my way through the Star Wars movies in order (still not finished...I have a feeling it may carry over to next weekend!).

Bye for now

xx

24 Projects in 24 Weeks - Week 5 Update - The Cactus Cushion

Soooo...I'm not so sure about how I feel about my project for this week. I've felt a bit like giving up on it a few times, which probably isn't a good sign. My project for this week was an embroidered cactus cushion, which I made using a kit from Flying Tiger Copenhagen (I bought this kit a while ago so I don't think it's in store anymore...sorry!).

The kit itself was easy enough. The instruction were some super-vague pictures, but with a tiny bit of embroidery experience I could work my way through what I needed to do.

My biggest gripe was that I ran out of both of the green threads so had to raid my stash for something similar. I found an okish match, but it's always going to bug me that some of the cactus spines are a different colour to the rest!

My hand-sewing skills to sew the two sides together were also slightly lacking so it's ended up a weird shape at the top! I'm always really really critical of my own work but for this challenge I'm trying to silence my inner critic and post the projects anyway!

Still...it's not keeping my parrot cushion company in my snug. Although my dog has taken a bit of an interest in it...so it may end up being a dog toy!

Anyway...back to cross stitch this week I think...or maybe an embroidery hoop project. Decisions, decisions!

What are you making at the moment? Is it too earlier for Christmas crafts? I'm seeing them pop up everywhere and am so tempted to start because...you know...Christmas.

Bye for now!

xx