Tonight we are off on our summer adventure (it also coincides with the Jubilee weekend) - we will be travelling around Cornwall and visiting Newquay, St Ives, Land’s End, Penzance, Falmouth, Mevagissey, Polperro, Plymouth and Padstow along the way- I simply can't wait!
We’ve hired a VW campervan and will be sleeping, eating, and travelling around in glorious retro style. It’s a shared dream of ours to own our very own Volkswagen one day, so this should be a taster of things to come.
Although our method of transport might be vintage, it’s hard to fully go back in time, but I sure have tried my best. How cool is this Jubilee special edition Colgate toothpaste paying homage to their old packaging. I got mine from Sainsbury’s for £1.
See you soon!
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I’ve been on a bit of a craft kick lately, mainly due to the fact my Mr’s Mum gave me a bunch of old craft materials she no longer had a use for. It means I’m pretty well stocked up on PVA, card making materials and glitter!
My favourite gift by far was the stash of ribbons she gave me, which actually belonged to her Mum. Now a girl can never have too much ribbon and this lot will certainly come in handy in future craft projects.
I’ve always admired the art of mosaic, but I’ve never given it a go myself, so when I was lucky enough to win a kit in Victoria’s giveaway, this was my opportunity to try it out.
When the kit arrived, I was like a child on Christmas morning, I just couldn’t wait to open it up and get all the pieces out. I’m a little like a bull in a china shop when it comes to delicate craftwork, I have far too little patience and am useless when it comes to the fine details, but I’m pretty pleased with the finished result- albeit a little messy.
Some of the tiles are a little out of line, and I may have gone a little crazy with the grout, but part of me craves imperfection, where is the beauty in perfection? It sure has given me a bit of an incline to make my own mosaic, using old broken bits of pottery. I’ve already gathered a few bits together found at the allotment, and I think this could quite possibly be my next big project!
What have you been making lately?
p.s I’m linking up to TAH-DAH! Tuesday
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I got a little carried away at this weekend’s car boot sale. It may be down to the fact I was selling as well as buying, which is always guaranteed to end in disaster. But that said I made near on £100 towards our holiday in June, so it sure was worthwhile.
I would know this box a mile away, so was thrilled to snag a pair of Irregular Choices for £3! The shoes in question are now sadly on eBay and have cheekily multiplied in value, they were a little on the small side for me, but I guess you can't win them all. I do however get to keep the box, is it just me who hoards pretty shoe boxes?
I got a little attached to this Garfield wallpaper, whilst I’m not quite sure how I’m going to put it to use, I sure do love the comic strip print.
When H&M first came to a store near me, I was so besotted by the brand and I remember the early days when their clothes were a little more indie and not in their masses. This t-shirt is most certainly an oldie, with the tag very much faded, but still intact.
My love for Paddington Bear has got a little out of hand, and when a stallholder caught me eyeing up a miniature version, she said I could have both of her bears for 50p, how could I say no?
This small coin purse charmed me, and I thought it would come in useful.
The neighbouring stall had a mad price crash mid-morning, and of course I couldn’t help but wander across. My Mum has collected the red Flora heart plates for years, and I’ve always admired their gimmicky appeal, they always seem to be knocking about in charity shops and car boots. But I’ve never seen one priced at just 20p before. So saw it as my opportunity to invest.
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I had a lovely birthday weekend, which was full of lots of wonderful surprises. I received some truly thoughtful gifts, I always appreciate the fact my friends and family know my tastes so well.
My beautiful and best friend Georgina sent me a handmade treat in the form of Peter Rabbit. I instantly fell head over heels for this delicate cross stitch design.
I’m finally nearly there with my Harajuku Lovers collection, and the fact they’ve now stopped making these, means I’m keen to make my collection complete.
I was also totally spoilt with a Cath Kidston gift card to spend on whatever I may desire, this means I’ll be able to save this for my next trip.
My wonderful pen friend Sophie sent me a gorgeous package with contents completely after my own heart, including this beautiful scarf.
My Mum spoiled me with this truly delicious Alice in Wonderland teacup and saucer! Of course I'll be having it on display, I can’t stop admiring the quirky detailing.
My gorgeous blogging buddy Kat sent me the most amazing tin; containing the sweetest correspondence set, she knows me far too well.
A belated birthday treat came in the form of a very large and ambiguous parcel from Alex. I don’t think I have ever received a parcel quite so intriguing before. The moment I spied Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, I knew this was going to be something special...
A handmade creation, a cushion that has already found a place in my home.
Thank You for all the wonderful birthday wishes.
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It’s my birthday today, I’m celebrating with the Mr tonight, we always visit our favourite restaurant on birthdays, which means we get to drink our favourite cocktails and eat some lovely food. I can't wait!
I’ll see you all soon.
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Almost exactly a year ago I decided I wanted to learn to drive and it has taken me the best part of twelve months to reach and fulfil that goal. I want to share my experience and help encourage anyone who may be learning or thinking about learning…
When I turned seventeen I didn’t get into a car and learn to drive. This is a decision I have questioned a lot over the years and it’s easy to say I wish I could go back and change things. I was far too shy and lacked incredible confidence in myself.
As I got older I did feel a little out of touch with things, especially when people my age could drive, however I never saw it as an obstacle. It was when I started working full-time last year, my work place was over an hours bus ride away, and this meant countless of wasted hours spent on public transport and relying on lifts. I loathed all of the travelling and the one thing I wish I could do was be able to drive.
Something in my mind clicked, I knew from that day on I wanted to learn to drive. I began having lessons, but immediately struggled and lacked confidence in my ability. My confidence has always been a problem and I felt incredibly challenged just sitting in a car with a complete stranger.
I set aside most weekends for driving lessons, and it was slow progress at first. I found myself getting even more stressed as each lesson would come around. I even got upset on a number of occasions.
The theory side of things was a little bit of a shock for me too, all of the questions were like a foreign language to me. I had no gut instinct or knowledge of the road, so this meant I had to start from scratch and teach myself. I set aside plenty of time for revision and I was fully prepared for my test and I went onto pass it first time. The relief I felt once passing this part was a huge motivator for the practical side.
I spent the remainder of last year having more driving lessons, and all this time I felt completely frustrated at how long it was taking for me to learn, but I know now this was crucial to me getting the confidence and ability I needed. Perseverance is by far the key to success.
It was then in January of this year, I took the plunge and booked a test. It was ambitious of me to think I would pass first time, but I can’t even begin to describe how disappointed I felt when I failed. I cried and cried, and had never felt so disappointed in my life before.
The only thing I could do was pick myself up and try all over again. The day of my second test arrived, and something had changed. The nerves had gone, and for the first time I felt like I had the confidence to do it. It was then at the end of the test I was told I had failed again. This time I was disappointed, but I knew how close I had been to passing. I was determined to carry on.
It was the day of my third attempt, I was sick with worry; I had convinced myself I would fail yet again. I got in the car, took a deep breath and drove. When I heard the words you’ve passed, I was left completely speechless, I had done what I had thought was impossible.
For me, this is huge achievement. This wasn’t something that came naturally to me and certainly wasn’t without its struggle, but I refused to give up. And I truly believe that has what has got me to where I am today. I may not have got my driving licence until I was twenty-two years old, but now that I have got it, it is something I will put to good use.
The financial side to it can also seem daunting, I funded my lessons by myself and the cost of it overall- lessons, Theory test and books/dvd, Practical test, re-tests and Pass Plus was in the region of a couple of thousand pounds. If someone had told me it was going to cost this much, then I may have been a little discouraged to begin with. I could have easily put that money towards something else or even spent it on clothes, shoes or even a holiday, but sometimes you have to make a decision and I knew at the end of the day I wanted to be able to drive.
I did find the more I stressed and worried about the cost of each lesson or each time I logged on and booked a test, the more it distracted me from learning. With rising fuel costs and insurance, it certainly isn’t the most friendly sum of money. For some people it may cost a lot less, for some more, you simply can’t predict how many lessons it’s going to take you and you can’t count how much money it will take you to get there.
This makes me realise that if you are prepared to work hard for something, the sky is the limit and most importantly you will reach your goal in the end. If a shy and quiet girl like me can overcome something as big as this, anything is possible.
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I took a little trip to my old flea market the other day, I often wonder if I had not stumbled upon this very market seven years ago, whether I would be the keen collector that I am now and whether my tastes would be quite the same.
This cutesy deer was all alone on a stall, waiting to be rescued. At 20p I just couldn’t leave him behind and knew he would make for a great companion.
These wooden stampers immediately caught my eye, I have been tempted by similar things in craft shops but have never been able to justify the price before. On closer inspection they don’t even looked to have been used.
This was rather frivolous, but I couldn’t help but fall for this Chad Valley toy iron. I instantly recognised my girl Holly Hobbie on the design and was instantly smitten. Its sweet nature and vintage appeal screamed out at me, I was quite simply besotted. To say I hate ironing is an understatement, but this cute toy version sure is making me smile.
I often find beauty in imperfection; this lost and broken compact was lurking at the bottom of a 50p box. It’s a little tatty and hard to see past the broken mirror and missing powder compact, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Stratton.
Our vinyl collection at home began a few years ago and has grown each summer, as we’ve picked up our very favourites at car boot sales. It’s only now I have really started to contribute my tastes to it. I sure found myself overjoyed to discover this Up Up and Away 7"- can’t you tell I’m obsessed with hot air balloons ever since watching UP! Whilst my love of all things 80s came in the form of Cyndi Lauper.
As always a bit of an eclectic mix, but that’s the beauty of second-hand shopping you never quite know what you are going to find.
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There’s no denying I love receiving parcels in the post and I always appreciate the thought that has gone into them.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a warm thank you to all of the people who have sent me a little something lately. It really has made me realise how lucky I am to have met so many wonderful and kind hearted people.
I was lucky enough to win Lakota’s fab giveaway a few months back, does this girl know how to charm!
I love the little brooch and the instant connection to Lego brought out the child in me, and of course the nail varnish and personalised ring were such welcome treats too. I’ve already added the quirky cross stitch to my craft room wall.
My longest penpal to date Danielle, popped in a facemask alongside my latest instalment, and I instantly was transported back to my teenage years. I had this whole phase of going through facemasks on a somewhat weekly basis, so this brought back some very fond memories indeed.
I won Emma’s giveaway a little while ago and received these sweet treats in the post, I must admit I’ve always been a Love Hearts kinda girl, so this quirky collaboration sure was meant to be.
Last but most certainly not least, a true Cath Kidston girl at heart, Jazmine sent me the most gorgeous package recently. The contents were truly spellbinding, I just love this cute little mirror and tissues to match! This girl has the biggest heart and her lovely Mum also sent me a little handmade treat, which of course I absolutely adore.
Thank you
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