Contemplation...

I'm going to have a break from blogging. I need to contemplate why I'm blogging? for whom I'm blogging? what I really want to blog about?

I'm restless. I can't decide on my blog design and always change it. Is that normal or does it tell me I am dissatisfied with it?

So here's where I'm at...I'll have a break, read some other blogs and make some decisions. TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

Having worked in an IT environment for many years, it surprised me when I saw what great things can be made from old circuit boards. There must be so many of these across the world sitting inside computers rusting away on the dump pile, why not put them to use!

The shoe sculpture was created by Gabriel Dishaw, they are made from upcycled computer parts/hardware such as circuit boards, computer chips, ram, data cables, aluminum, copper and rubber. You have to check out his website, he has so great sculptures.

David Cassella made this pretty floral-esque brooch from recycled circuit boards, anodized aluminum, and brass.

These boxer shorts have been dubbed Population Control 2.0, this anatomically correct pair of boxer briefs are manties with a message: They remark on medical studies that link long-term laptop use with male infertility, while wryly suggesting that computers may offer the ultimate birth control…and humanity’s undoing. They have been created by Emiko Oye, as were the delicate drop earrings made from circuit board and embellished with synthetic alpinite set in silver.

These fab bookends would looks great in a geeky kids bedroom or and office environment. They were created by Debby Arem Designs who can be found on Etsy. They create jewellrey and office products from recycled circuit board. Check out their other items...cool!

The 'notebook' is a really cool idea for a school kid, although I would like to think that the circuit board has been covered in a protective covering, those circuit boards have sharp points all over it!!

From Christoph Koch comes this unusual circuit board necklace of recycled circuit boards, sterling silver, magnets.

And last but not least, this funky circuit board covered car. The only thing I can say about this is lets hope it deters thieves...not that I think anyone would want to steal it!! TTFN ~x~

Polyvore party...

Just wanted to share with you one of my new sets from Polyvore, if you're not familiar with Polyvore this is what they say about themselves:

'Polyvore is the web's largest fashion community site, where users are empowered to discover their style and set trends around the world. With over 15 million monthly unique visitors, Polyvore's global community has created over 44 million sets that are shared across the web. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Polyvore is funded by Benchmark Capital, Matrix Partners, DAG Ventures, Goldman Sachs, and Vivi Nevo (NV Investments).'

I don't visit it as much as as I would like, I don't really have that much time what with Pinterest and Blogging, but today I went and created two new sets.

Emerald and Gold Wedding Guest

Spring Grey and Turquoise Weekender

I couldn't believe it either, I have only 16 sets but I have 400 followers already and I've only been a member for six months...crazy isn't it. Why not check it out yourself?? TTFN ~x~

Day 5 of Diet Coke Free Me...

Yep day 5, I can't believe it myself...5 days of no coke or any other fizzy drinks....whoop whoop!

I have to say that I was tempted this morning, yes I was a breakfast time coke drinker, as I was putting the packs of coke away in the cupboard but I stopped myself and had a glass of water instead.

I have had a wicked headache for a few days and I can't tell if its the start of a cold, I've been snuffly, or the fact that I haven't been having as much caffeine.

I'm really quite proud of myself and when I feel okay with the coke thing and not have cravings I will start on giving something else up...start small and get big! However, I would like to get small, well smaller!

Anyhoo, have a fab weekend. We're just chillin' this weekend. And to all the Irish people, Happy St Patrick's Day!! TTFN ~x~

Today he is 9...

Wow, that makes me feel old, it only seems like last year I had him.

Let me tell you something about this boy, he is one of the most gentle, kind, considerate boys I know. He has his moments, but lots of children do.  He puts up with a lot from his younger brother and often they fight, but they are always loving each other too.

So I just want to say  I hope you have a fabulous day darling and you love your presents.

Happy birthday my sweet boy, I love you. TTFN~x~

Folksy finds on Friday...

Last year I did a 'Folksy finds on Friday' for both St Patrick's day and Mothers' day, which both fall this weekend.

So I thought lets combine the both this year, this weeks theme....Green Mothers' Day gifts

1. Emerald green Chalcedony Pendant  ~ £28.00  @  Abyjem handcrafted jewellery
2. Olive Orla purse~ £16.00 @ Thirtyfive Flowers
3. I'm a little teapot brooch ~£6.00 @  nelli D
4. 'Going Green' Framed Glass Art ~ £95.00 @ 2KilnDesign
5. Emerald & Blue Platter ~ £25.00  @ Melting Point
6. Green apple stud earrings  ~ £3.00  @ Kezenza 

I think my mum would probably like the the purse from Thirtyfive Flowers as she always buys new purses when we go shopping and I would be more than happy to receive the emerald green Chalcedony Pendant from Abyjem handcrafted jewellery from my boys! TTFN ~x~

I'm giving it up!

'It' being Coke and fizzy drinks! It's day one and so far I haven't had the urge to pop open a can.

I know Coke is bad for me, I have made this decision because yesterday I went to the Coke box to get a can and realised that I had consumed approximately 9 of the box of 12 we had urchased on Sunday...that's two days!!! I was like, 'Whooaahhh that's bad, really bad!' So I'm off it, on the wagon as they say.

I am what Urban Dictionary call a 'Diet Coke Head',  Someone who cant go one day (or one hour) without drinking a diet coke. 

Reasons for giving up fizzy drinks

They are the most acidic drinks you can purchase, acid oxidizes anything it comes into contact with. It dissolves tooth enamel. (I worry about my teeth)

If you drink fizzy drinks, which also contains high levels of phosphorous, you will leach calcium from your bones. (Loss of teeth, possible osteoporosis?)

The relationship between soft drink consumption and body weight is so strong that researchers calculate that for each additional soda consumed, the risk of obesity increases 1.6 times. (and there I was thinking it was helping my weight loss!)

Diet fizzy drinks are associated with an increased risk of strokes , heart attacks, and heart and blood vessel diseases.

Contains high amounts of caffeine which can lead to the following health effects;

1. Cardiovascular Problems
2. Stress
3. Emotional Disturbances
4. Blood Sugar Swings
5. Gastrointestinal Problems
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
7. Male Health Problems
8. Female Health Problems
9. Adrenal Exhaustion
10. Aging

Contains Aspartame which had over 90 different health side effects, some of which are depression, irritability and migraines.  

This is only a few of the reasons why I'm giving up Diet Coke and fizzy drinks, but I think the ones listed are a good reasons why anyone should give up...so wish me luck! TTFN ~x~

Information taken from here, here and  here 

Pinterest passion...

Good afternoon, the sun is shining outside and all is well!

St Patrick's day is this Saturday and although my Mum is half Irish we don't really celebrate St Pat's day. On Wednesday at cubs this week we will be playing games related to St Patrick's day and tasting Irish food, but that's all the celebrating I'll be doing.

History.com say the following about St Patrick;

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling. 

I started my board on Pinterest in honour of St Patrick's day and all things Irish a year ago....Top of the morning to ya

I love these magnets, such a lovely gift to give someone on St Patrick's day...you could use this idea for so many other celebrations too! TTFN ~x~

Pinterest passion...

Last year I was really into my Pinterest boards, really into building new boards on what seemed like a daily basis. I was browsing various blogs and came across a blog called Just little things and I was pretty much blown away with the simplicity of the blog theme and how many and I mean many of the posts hit home for me.

In the words of Nancy, the blogger:

This is a blog listing little things we should appreciate. These are life's simple pleasures that are commonly overlooked. And possibly daily sources of happiness that are right under your nose.

I thought this was a great idea and decided to set up a Pinterest board solely for this blog's posts...Appreciate the little things

I have to say I've been a bit naughty and not pinned much to this board for some time, but that's okay because there is a superb archive available for me to find the most appealing 'little things' to me.

Here's some of my favourites:

Seriously, this is a great blog and could potentially be a "daily sources of happiness that are right under your nose."  Go check it out TTFN ~x~ 

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

I love how lighting can change the mood of a room, in my house we use a lot of side lamps, candles and down lighters to create a different mood in each room. So it got me thinking, there are so many everyday items that could be upcycled into fabulous light fixtures and fittings...here's what I found.

I love the coffee pot, it was created by French designer Gilles Eichenbaum, his website Garbage is great and he uses 'garbage' to create beautiful items.

The chandelier was made from unwanted books by British designer Lucy Norman, she has a website called Lula Dot which sells lighting, jewellery and furniture made from waste items. If you like it it will set you back a whopping £340.00!!!

Now who'd have thought the common garden PVC pipe could make a beautiful lamp, but the designers at Materious obviously thought so and have come up with these gorgeous lamps.

The chandelier made from paper clips is fantastic and I found this on Upcycle Us, a great blog for all upcycling projects and it even has a link to a tutorial.

What do you think about upcycling? TTFN~x~

Sorry I missed it...

Yep this blimming bug got me big time, so I missed Folksy finds on Friday...still I'm back to my semi healthy state, so watch this space! TTFN~x~

Down with a bug...

Urrghhh, yep I caught my little one's bug and I thought he was still getting over his.

Yesterday, both of us were vomitting, there is only so much you can do without your sides hurting. We slept most of the day.

Both lounge rugs have been in the washer this week, along with duvets and bed linen.

Still, we'll get over it...we always do! TTFN ~x~

Pinterest passion...

I just love a comfy chair, don't you? There are so many variations out there from the sublime to the ridiculous...and there are some truly ridiculous chairs. That being said I prefer the more inviting ones, the colourful ones, the classic ones...I could go on!

This weeks Pinterest passion is devoted to my love of chairs...An armchair calls to you

I picked this one out of the many I have pinned for two reasons. Number one is the colour, that gorgeous duck egg blue calls to me (I have a thing for all things duck egg blue!) and number two is the fact that this chair can be shared, I could see myself cuddled up on this with the hubby watching a movie...sounds dreamy! TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

Ever wondered what you can do with those old t'shirts? Rather than running them down to the charity shop or using them as old rags, how about trying out some of these ideas...

Images via here, here, here, here, here and here

I love the pom poms, they look so cute! My favourite is the cushion that was created by The Sweet Life and there is a great tutorial on how to make your very own. I have to say what a cool idea for the shorts, not sure eldest would wear them but the little one might? hmmm...TTFN ~x~

Folksy finds on Friday...

I have always  loved looking at globes and atlases.

When I was younger I used to be the navigator on trips to the beach or visiting my parents friends, what you might call a back seat navigator that is, not to mention the fact Mum and Dad always knew where they were going!

To celebrate my love of navigation, this weeks theme is.....Maps.

1. Rosy Ring Map  ~ £9.00  @  Happy Day Designs
2. World Map Passport Holder ~ £15.00 @ Sew Smitten
3. Wallpaper World Map ~£385.00 @  Mapping your way...
4. Box Frame Map Page Butterfly Art ~ £20.00 @ Twiggstudios
5. Personalised Map Pendant ~ £18.50  @ Bookity
6. Origin of the Unit, Vintage Map Family  ~ £57.00  @ TerrorDome 

My favourite has to be the vintage map family from TerrorDome because the idea is so brilliant, TerrorDome say the following about the piece:

'In the example above, each figure, mom, dad, son and daughter are hand cut from beautiful cartography - the maps show the place in the world where each person spent their childhood.' 

I think it's such a lovely thing to do, I may even have a go myself! TTFN ~x~

Impromptu sweet treat...

Hmmm, I'm into the salty, sweet taste at the moment. I absolutely love the salted caramel popcorn that's all the rage but one of my all time favourites has to be chocolate covered pretzels. I don't know what it is but they are super delicious and I can't get enough of them.

Image via here

But, here's the big but! At £5.99 a pop on Amazon it's not the sort of sweet treat I can afford to eat on a regular basis.  So I decided to have a go at making my own, now not wanting to eat too much chocolate I thought I would just drizzle these with chocolate.

Ingredients

1 bag of original pretzels (I used Penn State pretzels because they taste great on their own!)
1 bar of milk chocolate (can't beat my favourite Galaxy choc)

Here's how

Break the chocolate into pieces.
Put one or two squares in your mouth (cooks treat).
Put in the microwave for 1 to 2 mins, depending on your microwave.
Lay the uncoated pretzels on foil
Stir the melted chocolate and spoon over the pretzels. I like to drizzle over the pretzels it sounds more decadent.
Refridgerate for 1 hour or until the chocolate hardens.
Eat them!!

They were super tasty and even my eldest loved them. Have a go yourself! TTFN ~x~

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself...

Yep, changed it again but I was browsing around today and saw this fabulous colour palette and thought 'I just gotta do it!'....so I did.

Sorry.TTFN ~x~

Pinterest passion...

Did you know that I'm quite partial to a bit of denim? Actually I think denim is cool and I love upcycling it.

My kids live in denim jeans and when my youngest grows out of them I don't throw them away or donate them to charity, they go in a sack ready to make cushions or use for other bits of craft.

So that being said, this weeks board pays homage to my passion for denim......And in your denim eyes

This image came from a Norwegian interior design blog called Nib, I just love how every part of the jeans have been used to cover this chair and footstool. 

I'm not so sure this would fit in with my decor but would be great in a kids room! My denim board has loads of other denim ideas, check it out! TTFN ~x~

I must be mad...

I spent most of Saturday night reorganising my Pinterest boards into alphabetical order...and this is probably the third or fourth time I've done this, I must be mad. That or hooked completely on Pinterest! and yes I know I could be doing more with my Saturday nights, I have children people!!!

Image via here

I also removed some boards that I had yet to fill. Of course it would be silly of me to say I won't be creating any new ones.....I just can't help myself.....maybe I need therapy? TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

Here are some great ideas for upcycling  an everyday item, tin cans! I mean most households use some kind of tinned food on occasions and granted the local government has made it a lot easier to recycle tin cans with our recycling wheelie bins, but upcycling them looks much more fun.

Images via here, here, here, here, here and here

I am definitely going to have a go at punching holes in the tins for fabulous lanterns, these would look great in the garden at a hot summer evening BBQ. I'm also loving the planters with buttons adorning them, but overall my fave has to be the 'organisation station' from Shabby Chic Inspired although I love the shabby chic look I would probably go for a white and duck egg coloured theme. Which one do you like? TTFN ~x~

Brighton in February...

We went to Brighton this past Friday and guess what we did? I'll give you a clue...

Yep, we went on the Brighton Wheel. We all thought it was great, the weather in Brighton was overcast and the wind was sharp but it was a great day out.  We wrapped up warm and walked from one end of the seafront (where we parked the car!) all the way up to the pier and wheel.

The wheel was better than I expected, I haven't been on the London Eye yet, but this has inspired me to take the plunge and go asap.  The boys loved it, well Harry was a little nervous at first but by the third rotation he was just peachy. I would recommend it to anyone, you get a good view of Brighton up there and it's reasonable at £25 for a family of four.

Now in my family you cannot go to the seaside without going on the beach, so wrapped in jackets we trudged down to the surf. Thank goodness the kids didn't end up in the drink but they could have done without the stern warnings from Mum!!

Don't you just love the sound of the waves hitting the shore? Anyhoo, for some unknown reason I always take the wrong turning coming back from Brighton and end up going towards Eastbourne! I know, crazy aren't I? But we did eventually get home, albeit one hour later than we should, hey ho! TTFN ~x~

Folksy finds on Friday...

Hickory dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock... I've always loved that nursery rhyme and it's one of the first I taught my boys. 

This weeks theme.....Clocks.

1. Camera clock, Soho Myna   ~ £35.00  @  Mists of Time
2. Driftwood clock ~ £39.99.00 @ Reclaimed Time
3. Cuckoo-less clock ~£25.00 @  The Odds and Sods Shop
4. Handmade Conan the Barbarian Comic Book Wall Clock ~ £16.95 @ Kapow Krafts
5. Birds Custard Clock ~ £4.75  @ Creative Corner Cafe
6. Hickory Dickory Dock Clock ~ £40.00  @ 'Bread & Butter' by Bev Jennings 

All of the clocks I have chosen are pretty cool, I love the idea of using a comic book, similar to the Upcycle heaven post back at the beginning of February, but my favourite one has to be the camera clock from Mists of Time. I think its fabulous and not a bad price either, maybe I'll put one on my birthday list? TTFN ~x~

I bought me a pressie...

I bought myself a little gift, it sounds exciting doesn't it? Well it is to me!

I bought myself some Mod Podge and CitraSolv cleaner and degreaser.

Now you may think 'what a strange gift to get oneself?' but no it's not, it's exciting, fabulous and I can't wait to use them.

I have been a huge fan of The Graphics Fairy for quite sometime and found some fab images that I want to incorporate in some crafts, well cushions and lavender bags to be exact.

I'll be showing some of the transfers I have done next week and a little project I've been wanting to do for some time with Mod Podge. Go get yourself a pressie! TTFN ~x~

Pinterest passion...

Happy Valentines to you all! I hope you are all being spoilt rotten by your loved ones?

In the spirit of Valentines, this weeks board is....Love is in the air

This pin is a recent one, it combines all the things I love including buttons, the colours red and pink, and vintage images.

I think this would be pretty simple to replicate and I would probably try to as I think £50 is a bit too much for me to pay but maybe you would?? If so you can purchase it from Cowboys and Custard who have a shop on Not on the high street.com.

Don't you just love that name? Cowboys and Custard....they have some lovely handmade cards with badges on, so go check it out. TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

I found this fantastic tutorial on using old CDs to make jewellery. It's a guest post by Becky Haas, who is an amateur crafter/environmentalist who also tries to make a living as a professional musician. You can also find her at the craft blog Sew and So.

Image via www.craftingagreenworld.com

I love the simplicity of these pieces and lefts face it we can all get hold of the odd old CD can't we?
So I got to thinking, I could probably have a go at doing something like this myself, watch this space as I'm off next week and will be definitely trying this one...TTFN ~x~

Folksy finds on Friday...

Happy Valentines....well for next Tuesday anyway. This Friday we're celebrating all things 'love' from Folksy.

This weeks theme.....Valentines.

1. Valentine tea light shade with heart decorations  ~ £7.50  @  Peppered Moth
2. Marmite plate for Valentines Day ~ £18.00 @ Purple Glaze Pottery
3. Valentine puppy 'Please be mine' ~£28.00 @  Northfield Primitives
4. You caught my heart moleskin notebook ~ £7.50 @ Champignons
5. Valentines Greetings, stacking shelf blocks ~ £13.50  @ Little Chalk House
6. Large pewter daisy heart ~ £9.50  @ Bird in a Barn

I'm having a hard time deciding which of these I like the most, in fact I'd like them all!!! But if I had to choose I would probably pick the pewter daisy heart from Bird in a Barn, just because I'm quite partial to a heart and I love daisies...hmm but then again....TTFN ~x~

I made me a button...

Yes indeed, I made me a button!

I'm not gonna lie and say I did it all by myself, no I used good old Google and found a good 'how to', thank you eHow . Here's my button, you can grab it on my sidebar.

I'm really loving my new colour scheme and theme.....you know I think this might be it for me, wow! TTFN ~x~

Pinterest passion...

I am a self confessed Pin-a-holic, I could pin all day and all night and unlike my friend Sarah over at Stuffed Duck, I can't think of it as a waste of time, sorry Sarah you know what I'm like.

I thought it might be nice to share some of my favourite pins from the many Pinterest boards I have. Now this is how my thought process works, 'why don't I do a weekly post for each board'.  Now bear with me because this could be a regular thing for the next 5 years!!

Anyhoo, here goes the first board, in no particular order........The rise of the robots

I just love this screen print and it's so reasonable at £35. Unfortunately, it is no longer available but the shop Mengsel on Folksy sells other fabulous screen print items, go check them out! TTFN ~x~

Whoop whoop it's back...

True Blood that is!

Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a tad keen on vampires. Back in the day Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel were a must for me. I have read all the True Blood books, thank you Charlaine Harris. I have read all the Twilight books, thanks Stephenie Meyer. And I love watching The Vampire Diaries (and believe me when I've finished the book I'm reading at the moment I'll be reading all the Vampire Diaries book, so pre-thanks to L J Smith).

Images via here, here and here

Well let's just say it's been a long time coming as far as I was concerned and I wasn't disappointed! Having read all the books it can be sometimes pretty tough keeping up with the story line, well to be honest  the series doesn't follow the books to the tee, but elements crop up and you think, 'Yep I remember reading this'.

So I am happy, now just waiting for the Vampire Diaries to start again, and the last installment of Twilight - Breaking Dawn Part 2.....ooh I can't wait, bring it on!!!! TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

What a cool idea, old books can easily be picked up in charity shops and what do you do with all the books you have read anyway, they sit on a shelf gathering dust. What better was to reuse them than upcycling into a fabulous clock

Image via www.factorydirectcraft.com

Factory Direct Craft have a great tutorial on how to make your own, I'm thinking of using old children's books with the option of hanging them on a wall...what do you think???? TTFN ~x~

Folksy finds on Friday...

Wow, this has been a long time coming! The last Folksy finds on Friday was back in May 2011, naughty me but I'm starting them again as there are some fantastic items on Folksy I just can't resist sharing.

This weeks theme.....Birds.

1. Two birds ~ £7.00  @  Fancy EM
2. Love birds ~ £70.00 @ Kirsty Elson Designs
3. Birds on a branch copper necklace ~£42.00 @  Ali Bali Jewellery
4. Silver birds earrings ~ £12.00 @ Wonderland by Alice
5. The birds and the bee applique cushion ~ £45.00  @ ClothKat
6. Special white wedding birds ~ £30.00  @ London Clay Birds

I'm loving the birds on a branch copper necklace from Ali Bali Jewellery , it's so unusual and I can safely say I don't own any jewellery made from copper. I'm thinking a big hint to the hubby, after all Valentines is rapidly approaching!! TTFN ~x~

The purpose of art is...

.....washing the dust of daily life off our souls ~ Pablo Picasso.


I have loads of interests, one of which is art, I love paintings in particular and I found this one from Mark Ryden whilst browsing. It's called The Tree of Life and its oil on canvas.

Image via www.markryden.com

Mark Ryden's paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, including a retrospective “Wondertoonel” at the Frye Museum of Art in Seattle and Pasadena Museum of California Art, and in the exhibition "The Artist's Museum" at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

His paintings aren't for everyone, but then art can be objective, so take a look and make up your own mind.

I would love one of his paintings but I think I could probably manage just a postcard of the above painting at $5.00, available at Porterhouse Fine Arts Editions. TTFN ~x~

Upcycle heaven...

Don't throw it away, upcycle it!

I just found some fab ideas for reusing old light bulbs on Pinterest.

Images via www.duitang.com

I am loving the goldfish but I'm not sure it's the most practical idea with two young boys around!! The terrarium ideal is cool. Do you upcycle? Let me know....TTFN ~x~

I've had a good day...

Yes I have! Dad and I spent most of the day revamping the glass to the garage workshop.

A while back we made the decision that we would recycle the door from our old conservatory onto our garage and remove the garage door.  Fast forward about a year and here we were revamping the glass from the doors.  The seals on the double glazing had gone but instead of buying new glass which would have proved far to expensive (people this is only the garage!) we decided to use a decorative film between the glass.

Dad pulled the windows out and separated the glass, I cleaned. Then we got to work with our decorative film.

We bought this online from Window-Tint.co.uk and it costs only £3.99 per metre. They provide you with instructions and it was quite straightforward to do.  I will show you a picture of the finished article shortly, tomorrow we are putting the glass back into the doors.

Hope you're having a good weekend? TTFN ~x~