Super Bowl Cupcakes

We're having a belated superbowl party this evening. Go Saints!

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My lovely sister Sarah is back from London this weekend to visit. She stopped by for a few glasses of Vino, and while Anthony has been dropping her back to our parent’s house, I’ve been (sneakily) browsing for a piece for art for the mantle piece (never mind the washing-up).  In the glorious Etsy way this lead me to these lovely birds!

 

Bird Paper Sparrow by raewelch

Isn’t he lovely?  Clickety to see the other birds this Cheshire based artist makes.

Bird – Paper Dove

Snowflakes and Schnapps

I just treated myself to this magnificent cook book – Snowflakes and Schnapps by Jane Lawson.  It was an impulse purchase, but I’m so glad I gave in. 

Next time you’re in a book shop I recommend searching for this one, you won’t be disappointed.  From the embossed dots on the cover, to the snowflakes glinting as you turn the pages - it’s an experience!  The photography and styling is glorious, and enough to make you want to pack up and move into a desolate chalet somewhere in Northern Europe.

The focus is on winter themed recipes from the colder regions of Europe.  Having grown up at the foot of the alps, a lot of these recipes make me feel nostalgic.  However the recipes are far from ordinary.  Top of my list to make is  Cherry Mint Warmer – a kind of warm alcoholic cherry punch.

 

If you have a penchant for mulled wine and antlers, then this is the perfect cook book for you!

NB:  It’s about 40% cheaper on Amazon than in the high street book shops, but this is such a tactile and visually impressive book, you need to see it in the flesh to appreciate it.

PPS: If you are fond of calorie counting and salads without dressing, then I would probably not recommend this one.

Tidy Desk – Tidy Mind (or just another excuse to shop)

Last week I talked a little about getting organised.  Well I’m still in the Zone.  My magnets arrived, as did the box of Sukie Labels (above).  Now I’m weighing up the merits of Muji’s Desk and Drawer organising systems.

 

I’m sure these would improve my life exponentially. 

The Sale to End all Sales

Trust me when I say you must visit this sale.  I've got my eyes on the Andalucian Hunting Boots, reduced from £195 to £49.

YoYo Garland

I blogged about this before, but today I took some better pictures.  I’m actually really pleased with this garland, and it didn’t take that much time to make.  One of the most fun parts was chosing the fabrics.  I still have a huge stash of remnants waiting to be yoyo-fied.  These little yoyos are pretty versatile.  They can be made into ornaments, present toppers, hair clips, brooches…..

The best tutorial I found online is here, by Heather Bailey.

If you have some fabric remnants lying around why not have a go.  I would advise a mix of patternered and plain fabrics, and I would try to stick to one colour scheme (something I intially found very difficult!).  Also worth noting, the yoyos look very different once they are in shape, you won’t recognise the pattern on the fabric.  This means it’s a great way to use up the boring floral patterned fabric sitting in your draw.  Have fun!

Thought of the day – Be Brave

 Flickr

iPhone Wallpaper

If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch – visit this site  ->  Poolga Hundreds of funny / cute / pretty / subversive / understated / interesting wallpapers to chose from.  There’s something for everyone. 

Screenie:

You can also visit the site from your phone, for an extra quick dose of designery goodness.

These wallpapers are free for personal use – if you see some that you particularly like, you can click through to the designer’s website, and investigate their work.  I find it’s a glorious way to spend half an hour on the sofa when Anthony insists on watching football.  Here’s the link again:  Poolga – clicky clicky!

Collecting Letters

On ebay right now:  Collection of antique Wooden blocks.  (US)

Wouldn’t these look incredible arranged like a higgledy piggledy wall on a long picture ledge (for example Ikea’s Ribba Picture Ledge), high up on a wall.

What would you do with these?

 

Images via ebay listing here.

Organise!

Mushroom Wooden Button Magnet set by undefinedvillage

One of the best things about a new year is that it’s an excuse to try to get organised. When things get confusing or messy I find it disheartening, and sometimes the last thing I feel like doing is getting organised. However, when the only reason you are organising is because you want to, it’s suddenly an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Just like that!

Maybe you feel like getting organised? If so, I’m sure a set of these magnets will help. Only $5 for a set of four with free domestic and international shipping! Bargain.

Brown and Blue Magnets by undefinedvillage