Rabbit Crackers

Sewing Project

2012-02-13T17:20:00.000Z

I decided to take a break from my knitting project before I impaled myself on one of the needles (only one sleeve left to go!), and do some sewing. Isn't this stripy fabric amazing? I bought it from

The words are from this pinterest picture on my quotes board.

To start with I wrote the quotes in pencil on to the fabric (it washes out if you make any mistakes or you can use a good old rubber (eraser). My handwriting isn't the best but I think it works well with the lines paper effect fabric.
I then freehanded some flowers and a bird based on ideas in Doodle Stitching & glued the fabric to the frame backing to keep it tight.

The project was really quick and something I'm thinking of doing again with some other quotes.

Feb Photo a Day

2012-02-08T12:31:00.000Z

Here are my first week of photo's from Fat Mum Slim's Feb Photo a Day Instagram challenge. I managed to do all of them except "A Stranger" (Day 4) You can find me over at @caketin85 and I'd love to see your photos if you're doing it too.

Day 1: Your View Today

Day 2: Words

Day 3: Hands

Day 5: 10am

Day 6: Dinner

Day 7: Button

Knitting again

2012-02-07T17:55:00.000Z

Remember me posting about these hand/arm warmers by Amy Butler/Rowan?

Well I got around to making some for myself last month and with the cold weather we've been having I very glad I did!

I really do love this pattern although it's a little fiddly using 2 cable needles. Second time around it was much quicker to make; although that maybe because I didn't sew them up as neatly this time (first pair I made were a gift). The colours in Rowans Amy Butler wool collection are so pretty and very nice to work with it's just a shame how pricey all Rowan's wools are...

"Pain demands to be felt"

2012-02-06T17:38:00.000Z

from here

Ok so I finished The Fault in Our Stars a couple of weeks ago now.

I read it in under 24 hours, I would have read it in a lot less time than I did but I was already too involved with the characters and bawling my eyes out half way through and had to take a break.

It is my favourite John Green book and one that seems to have taken off. As you may have guessed I have a great big crush on this guy (previous post); about half my pinterest quotes board is filled with his quotes. I don't think this has made be bias. I loved Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines but didn't love Looking for Alaska as much as I wanted to (my mind set is much more in line with Paper Towns - a different dealing of a similar situation). I mention this because I hope it makes me encouraging you to read The Fault in Our Stars that much more credible. It's beautifully written, funny and romantic and yes it's sad, but it's never over done and it's not easily forgotten either.

South Parade Pier (Southsea)

2012-02-05T10:45:00.000Z

Is there anything nicer than a crisp afternoon by the sea with friends?

Yeah there is... stopping off on the way home to eat cake at Tenth Hole

More pics on Flickr

Hello February

2012-02-01T17:46:00.000Z

Crisp, cold, clear skies...

Chichester Cathedral

I think I love you already.

P.S. I'm going to try and do Fat Mum Slim's Feb Photo a Day on Instagram. This is my day 1. You can find me over at @caketin85

How musicals have ruined the world for me #6

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000Z

Sadly I very much doubt that prostitution is ever this much fun.

P.S. how awesome is Maclaine?! I adore her.

Yuck

2012-01-10T17:01:00.000Z

So a while back now (all the way back in last year), we went to see Yuck at the Wedgewoodrooms.

First up were Gross Magic they were actually pretty good although the bad hair and grungy hipster/homeless person clothes kinda annoyed me a bit. Oh and the singer seems to be trying to sound as pathetic as he can. That said I couple of their songs were really good, I just think it might have been improved with a female singer maybe (I'm most likely going to be attached by some angry teenagers if they ever read this).

Yuck
Pretty sure these guys were lucky not to pass out drunk on stage but they were still good. Less banter than a lot of the other bands I'd seen this year which was disappointing but hey, they had batter hair than Gross Magic! The singer kept his coat on for a large amount of the set, maybe to try and sweat out some of the alcohol? The band has some great songs though and played well, Georgia being a highlight for me (but then it is for me on the album too) as well as the hair. Just in general this band has some awesome haircuts.

Netley Take Two

2012-01-09T17:29:00.027Z

Since May I've been going around reclaiming things. Post breakup I figured that rather than avoid things (songs, films etc.) that reminded me of my ex I needed to revisit them all and make them my own again. I don't know that it has worked any better or worse than anything else but it's also given me an excuse for another (some what belated) road trip and walk around the beautiful Netley. I went there with the ex and our friend Mark early last year (see here). It was a lot busier than our last trip (we went the bank holiday before the first day back at work in 2012) but this also meant that the cafe was open so we could grab some bacon sandwiches!

BOOks

2012-01-06T17:19:00.003Z

Challenge completed! Is there a better phrase?
In 2011 I set myself the goal to read a book a week and I gave 115% and read 60. 60 BOOKS! How'd that happen! Well in all honesty some of those were graphic novels... but they still count I think. I also have a 30 min each way commute on the train and read pretty much every night.

I work in publishing, but luckily not fiction books. I struggled during (and just after) my degree reading for fun. It started to feel like work rather than the insightful escapism that it had been before. I think if it was part of my job that would still be an issue. Now, however, I'm all about the escapism!

Any of you seen this on Pinterest?

here

Robert Pattinson Quote : "If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads."

Here are my 5* books from 2011 (most recent first):

French Milk; Lucy Knisley
A Storm of Swords; George R. R. Martin
An Abundance of Katherines; John Green
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold; John Le Carre
The Knife of Never Letting Go; Patrick Ness
A Game of Thrones; George R. R. Martin
Paper Towns; John Green
The Help; Kathryn Stockett
The Handmaids Tale; Maragret Atwood
Room; Emma Donoghue
Water for Elephants; Sara Gruen

This year I'm going to try for 65 books ... Challenge Accepted! If you're on Goodreads too you can find me over here.

here

The Drums

2012-01-05T17:39:00.001Z

So when I go to gigs I make notes on my phone between each set and when I get around to it I type them up and put them on here.

I typed up the notes from The Drums gig in December at Portsmouth Pyramids then deleted them. Turns out I also didn't schedule the post properly or something as it seems to have vanished... this is a real shame as it was most likely the best piece of writing I've even done and now it will never see the light of day :P

So a quick recap from my memory...

History of Apple Pie: pretty good, unfortunately had some technical issues

Cloud Control: AMAZING

The Drums: really good, awesome dance moves, rubbish final song, didn't play this*:

*I actually heard some people joking (I think) about asking for their money back because of it...

Some Cloud Control, because they owned it and their set was too short:

Music of 2011

2012-01-04T17:30:00.010Z

I love Music and I love lists. If you do too I think you might like this post...

from here

My favourite albums 2011 (no real order):

The Decemberists
Cloud Control
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Noah and the Whale
Alex Clare
The Head and The Heart
Foster The People
Mister Heavenly
Peter Bjorn and John
Grouplove
Piney Gir
Tom Vek
Metronomy
Laura Marling
Submarines

Favourite Live Bands in 2011 (no particular order):

Noah and The Whale
Grouplove
Metronomy
Maccabees
Chapel Club
Cloud Control
Naked and Famous
Arcade Fire

Bands I wanted to be in 2011 (No Particular order):

Cloud Control
Grouplove
Darwin Deez

If you are a Spotify user you can see my 100 songs of 2011 playlist over here I've left it in the order I added the songs as it runs almost like a music diary. I'm also on Last.fm here

Random song not from 2011 that I have been a little obsessed with throughout 2011...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T17:30:00.006Z

So New Years Eve was pretty much a microcosm of my 2011. It was a great, silly, funny, crazy night spent with awesome friends but it was a little weird and a little sad. It's weird thinking back on over last year and where we all were, where we've been. A little sadness is a good thing sometimes, makes you appreciate some of the better things... So 2011 was the year I got my heartbroken for the first time, I had some fall outs, health & family stuff going on but I also had some of the most peaceful days, romantic moments, crazy nights and a hell of a lot of fun, hell I even made marshmallows!

I'd be happy having a similar year this year; that said I have a few resolutions which I very much doubt I'll stick to...

Blog more
Craft more
Cook/bake more
No boys
Be more organised
Acknowledge when things aren't ok
Be healthier

Crafting Christmas Part 2

2011-12-27T15:03:00.000Z

For my Nan I knitted Ishbel, a shawl from Ravelry by Yosolda Teague Designs.

For Ve, Rowan Amy Butler Mugsnugs

photo from Rowan

And for Sunday Pirate Rowan Amy Butler Sycamore Fingerless Mitts

photo from Rowan

For Roisin, I made some star bunting like the one I have in my living room

The Rowan/Amy Butler Midwest Knits book is doing me well so far! I'm planning on making some of the mitts and mug snugs for myself shortly. I'll try and get some pictures of the ones that I've made for here soon.

I also made Mark a hat beard! Pictures hopefully coming soon...if he'll send me some.

Crafting Christmas Part 1

2011-12-26T14:00:00.001Z

I made a couple of Christmas presents this year for friends and family, next year I hope to do even more but as it is I put together some hot chocolate kits for people with biscuits, marshmallow and hot chocolate stirrers.

For the chocolate stirrers I melted two bars plan chocolate and used a large ice cube tray as a mould making 12 cubes. The lolly sticks I placed in just as the surface was starting to set so that they stayed straight.

The marshallow was my favourite to make, I was very very proud of myself when I'd finished. You can find the recipe on the bbc food website, they're really tasty!

These lovelies are chocolate chip cupcakes from Harry Eastwood's Red Velvet and Chocolate Heartache; a firm favourite of mine. The ones with the cherries on top have some cherry jam added, all of them I finished with some edible silver spray :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T15:32:00.000Z

I hope you all have a fantastic day. x

mum let me decorate the family tree this year; apparently I'm old enough now!

Christmas in the office

2011-12-24T14:50:00.000Z

Argh I've been pretty bad at the whole blogging thing again lately - no fear I have plenty lined up for the next few weeks!

I'm very lucky in my work colleagues, we all get along really well even though we've all got quite different interests outside of the office. This year we appointed a Christmas Committee Leader in the form of Vikki she then arranged a baking rota and a trip to buy Christmas decorations to festivize our office (yes I'm making that a word now).

I made cinnamon butter biscuits and pesto cheese straws. The biscuits were based on Nigella's recipe from Domestic Goddess but I substituted half the sugar for cinnamon sugar and added a tablespoon of mixed spice.

For the cheese straws I rolled out some ready made puff pastry and spread half with red pest and the other half with green pesto. I then added a lot of grated greier cheese, sliced into stripes, twisted then and placed on a greased baking tray. I then coated parmasan and sprinkled with and a bit of sea salt. Cook in a preheated medium heat oven for 10 mins or until golden brown.

Happy Birthday Mum!

2011-11-21T12:47:00.001Z

It's my Mums birthday this week and I'm giving her a scarf.

I haven't ever knitted her anything before... I am a bad daughter. So I'm hoping she likes it! Feeling confidant after the cushion cover I knitted I thought another colour piece would be fun to try and I know she likes the Fair Isle look. I ended up using the star pattern from Rowan Studio 21 (Elizabeth in the bottom left corner) converting it to a scarf.

image

Unfortunately I forgot to add some ribbing at the sides to stop it curling but surely that just adds to the home-made charm of it! I used Pantons Valiani Yarn in Taupe and Dark Green about two balls of each continuing the pattern until the length I wanted.

Here's the finished product:

Scroobius Pip

2011-11-16T17:05:00.000Z

Last week I went with a couple of friends to see Scroobius Pip. I really like his stuff with Dan le Sac and while I enjoyed the solo album I'd only really listened to it twice...

The set was made up of the new album plus some pre le Sac songs and some of the songs I'd been unsure of on the album really came into their own performed live (something to be expected from a performance poet!). Pip told us all he was feeling a little tired and so would only be at 100% rather than his 120%. I'm not sure if this was true as even the banter was cranked up to 11. He chatted to the audience between numbers about x factor, hats, previous visits to Portsmouth and the origins of songs, swigging from a bottle of wine.

With Dan le Sac (not played at the gig I was at):

btw - is that Example in the video at 1.11?

How musicals have ruined the world for me #5

2011-11-14T16:59:00.001Z

I have never been this chipper after a night of no sleep... I rarely am after a full nights sleep...

Autumn Playlist

2011-10-25T17:25:00.001+01:00

Not posted a playlist in a while, here's my Autumn one now though.

Bones; Ben Howard
Days; The Kinks
England; The National
Heartbeat in 5/4; The Dawn Chorus
I Feel It All; Feist
I Will Remain; Matthew & The Atlas
If I Had a Boat; James Vincent McMorrow
Janie I Will Only Let You Down; Twin Falls
Monkey; The Miserable Rich
Noah's Days; Stealing Sheep
October; Jonas Alaska
Oh Girl; Boots Electric
Shuffle; Bombay Bicycle Club
Sophia; Laura Marling
The Funeral; Band of Horses
The Witness' Dull Surprise; Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!
True Love Ways; My Morning Jacket
Turnaroundturnmeon; Sean Hayes
Walk on The Wild Side; Lou Reed

My Autumn playlist on spotify, just hit shuffle. I hope you like it.

Autumn Walks part 1

2011-10-24T20:15:00.000+01:00

Titchfield to Meon Shore

Supposedly a 5 mile walk, we found this trail in Mark's Water Walks in Hampshire book. Starting and ending in Titchfield the walk runs along an old canal to the Meon Shore, along the coast and back through woods and fields to the village.

We were really lucky with the weather, it was a great sunny day, if more than a little windy on the coast! We passed a pumpkin patch and happily the village fair was also on. I had some toasted marshmallows and the village was decorated with handmade flags and bunting.

I had a great day hanging out with my friends in a beautiful part of the countryside - looking forward to our next walk!

I have more photos on flickr

Farlington Marshes

2011-10-21T14:44:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago we had a late burst of summer heat (rather the opposite of the chilly frost bitten mornings of this past week) and Sunday Pirate, Disastrophe and I went for a wonder around Farlington Marshes. The views are great and it was handy having Mark around to fill us in on some of the local history (some of the mini lakes were formed by bombs); he makes an awesome guide.

A walk around the main section doesn't take long and is easily accessible. As the area attracts lots of rare birds dogs aren't allowed off the lead but we did bump into a stray horse that must have escaped from a near by field!

Now Autumn is here in full I'm looking forward to lots of crisp country walks wrapped up in hats and scarfs :)

A-Z of me

2011-10-20T12:45:00.000+01:00

Lunch at my desk and I'm a little bored so I thought I'd fill in the A-Z questions that have been doing the rounds in the blog world lately; looks like fun!

A. Age: 26
B. Bed size: double
C. Chore that you hate: general tidying. I'm appalling at putting things back where they belong
D. Dogs: LOVE THEM!
E. Essential start to your day: just getting out of bed takes me a while. Especially when it's cold and dark
F. Favorite colour: blue - never seen a shade of blue I didn't like
G. Gold or Silver: silver
H. Height: 5'3''
I. Instruments you play: none...but in my head I can play them all and sing beautifully.
J. Job title: Sr. Marking Exec. Not as fancy as it might sound...
K. Kids: not yet thank you.
L. Live: live music is one of my favourite things; I live on my own in a nice flat in an awesome town
M. Mother’s name: Siobhan
N. Nicknames: currently: caketin, katie-lynn, flintos, flintus, flintoes, flinty, catlin
old ones: fairy cake, pebbles, catwoman, cat, kate... I think that's it.
O. Overnight hospital stays: when I was born maybe?
P. Pet peeves: stupidity, rudeness & childishness
Q. Quote from a movie: I'm rubbish at remembering them
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: yep one brother. I would have liked more.
T. Time you wake up: wake up, 6.30 get out of bed... 7.30
U. Underwear: yes
V. Vegetable you hate: cooked carrots, why ruin a good thing
W. What makes you run late: I presume others will be late :P disorganisation/getting distracted
X. X-Rays you’ve had: my teeth
Y. Yummy food that you make: I can follow most recipes, experimenting hasn't always gone as well for me though...
Z. Zoo animal: as long as they have lots of room and are happy then I'm ok with that.

All Sewn Up

2011-10-19T21:23:00.000+01:00

I'm pretty rubbish at finishing my knitting and crochet projects. The main reason for that is that I really hate sewing them up! Embroidery or cross stitch - hell yeah - but I find sewing up /sewing in ends etc. all a bit dull.

Anyway if you have any tips for motivation please let me know! I've finally finished the Amy Butler cushion I was making...but I still haven't sewn the sides together.

The pattern has the back as plain and matching colour two (the flower colour; white in my case) but I felt like stripes that day. I did 6 rows white then 2 rows green.

Chapel Club at The Wedge

2011-10-18T12:34:00.000+01:00

by Rich from here

On Saturday I went to see Chapel Club play at The Wedgewood Rooms (if you were there I was the loser sat on the floor on her own at the back between bands). Apparently 45mins after doors open is still a little too early for the first support, but one day I'll get my timing right!

Bear Calvary were first up. An amazing, catchy, lively band from Gosport that I would defiantly recommend and will be seeing again soon I hope. You can listen to some of their songs over on facebook . I really think that you should.

I wasn't that keen on the second support so I'm not going to talk about them in case it sounds mean...I don't like being mean about people I don't know :P

Chapel Club split their set into two which sounds weird but worked really well. The first section was all new music, the second from the last album and ep. The new songs are a little more electro and less guitary but I still really liked them. The stage was all dolled up with fairy lights too! I got into Chapel Club through last.fm not long after a break up and love these two songs in particular; both of which they played.

Crush of The Week – Bryan Greenberg

2011-10-03T16:34:00.000+01:00

Another Hello Giggles Post that I like and whole heartily agree with!

Crush of The Week – Bryan Greenberg

Dear Ryan Gosling

2011-09-27T15:28:00.001+01:00

You all should read this post from HelloGiggles. It's too, too true (and funny to boot).

Dear Ryan Gosling

Ryan, don't go changing.

Rose and Violette

2011-09-26T19:51:00.000+01:00

Quick post to share the baby blankets which I made for my cousin's twins: Rose and Violette.

I use Sirdar Snuggly 3761 pattern 2, 3ply blanket with a couple of changes... I used Debbie Bliss wool instead of sidar snuggly starting with 136ch instead of 171 and for the border foundation row I used single rather than double.

Weirdly the colours I choose matched their names!

My aunt took them over at the weekend and they loved them :) Now I just have to get over to Brussels at some point to see them all!

To Dry For

2011-09-21T12:09:00.000+01:00

You might have heard of this site before, http://www.todryfor.com has been featured in lot's of interiors magazines and it's easy to see why! The site features loads of great designs on tea towels for great prices. Some of the designs I've seen as art prints for £30 else where and are under a tenner as a tea towel! What's not to like!

screen shot of new towels from todryfor

So far I've bought one tea towel from them and had it framed (these designs are just too nice). I'm planning on getting a couple more to make into cushions, cover old tote bags etc. Endless possibilities. After that I might even buy one to dry the dishes with...

My framed tea towel

"The Rules"

2011-09-08T17:10:00.001+01:00

At the weekend a couple of us got some rather sage dating advice from Nic, a 21 year old male. He’s the younger brother of one of best friends and I’ve been friends with him for a couple of years now. I thought that some of you might be interested to know what the boys have to say if like me you’re new to the whole dating thing. Even if you don’t, it’s kinda funny.

“You see men like breasts. That’s pretty much it. But then women build this whole load of other stuff up around it”

On texting:

If you want to text text; if they like you then they’ll text back
Keep it short, if it’s long and rambley you’ll sound nervous and desperate
You have breasts they won’t care if you were the last person to text a couple of days ago

from here

I’d like to finish this post with a quote from Nic (from when I told him I was blogging about his rules):

“haha your clearly not getting the point here miss.....

THERE ARE NO RULES!!!

Just be yourself and keep it simple J”

Empire Big Screen

2011-09-03T19:47:00.000+01:00

Alexa and I went up to the big smoke for Empire Big Screen at the O2 a few weeks ago and had an awesome time geeking out over all the film stuff we saw like:

Warrick Davis getting into the delorian

new Men in Black bike

bounty hunters

The Dark Knight Rises trailer

New Sherlock Holmes area

Cowboys vs Aliens bar

Priates set

photo by the animal trainers

Meeting Harry Potter animals!!

photo by the promo people

playing jedi

photo by Alexa

The Muppets!!

photo by Alexa

Photo by Alexa

We're already planning next years visit!

Photos are mine except where stated

Winchester

2011-09-01T15:35:00.001+01:00

Another road trip! My we have been busy.

Winchester is a rather historic small city near where we live and on a rather dull Saturday two cars of us drove over for an impromptu walk around the cathedral...

look at old time graffiti...

cute cottages...

The house Jane Austin died in...

the river

Southsea

2011-08-29T16:50:00.000+01:00

I love where I live. I'm lucky enough to live close to some of my best friends and to the sea. Southsea/Portsmouth might not have the best beaches but the south coast of England can get some pretty good weather some times. When it does we'll often meet up and go for a walk along the seafront...

Walk along the promenade

Stop at the bandstand

Pass the castle

Skim some stones

walk around canoe lake

Catch some rays

chill out in the rose garden

Watch some sport

play monsters

or just hang around.

I just hope we get some more sunny days.

Maccabees!

2011-08-28T15:07:00.000+01:00

Alexa and I went to see The Maccabees a couple of weeks ago one the first night of their new tour. They played a lot of their new songs (which luckily I really enjoyed) and also some of the hits.

Toothpaste Kisses didn't make the set list unfortunately but these did...

(yep it's Gavin from Gavin and Stacey)

SUCH a good cover. I love Orlando Weeks' voice (and his name - awesome, no?).

Arundel Road Trip

2011-08-26T18:50:00.000+01:00

Eepp! I've been rather busy and rubbish lately and not blogging... a few weeks back we had a road trip to Arundel. It's a beautiful place with lots of cute tea shops, junk shops, book shops and craft shops (there are lot's of shops). There's also a river, lake, pretty fields and .... a castle!

P.S. I'm on instagram now; can you tell?

Unfinished business...

2011-07-11T20:07:00.000+01:00

Just because I haven't posted any projects lately doesn't mean I haven't been busy knitting (and crocheting) away; I just haven't finished anything yet!

Baby blanket - underestimated the amount of wool needed (whoops!)

Amy Butler cushion cover

I'm hoping to have one of these finished this week... we'll see!

Thoughts on Zombies

2011-07-10T20:11:00.000+01:00

I think that zombies are people that over think things to the point that they cannot function properly. Their heads explode from it. After that they walk around looking for brains because the last thing they remember is being stuck inside their own and they want a new one.

P.S. Post for Miss

Zombie Identification Chart t-shirt by ThinkGeek.

Arcade Fire

2011-07-02T12:31:00.000+01:00

Thursday I went to see Arcade Fire in Hyde Park with Alexa and she who shall not be named. It rained a little but for most of the day the sun was out and we managed to stay dry! They had a cinema tent showing a film based on latest album The Suburbs, a free photo booth and arcade complete with table tennis, table football and air hockey!

The Vaccines were great but I can't help but feel their music is best suited to a smaller grungy venue in the evening than a large field in the sun. Beiruit were great and we even spotted a couple salsa dancing along to the music. Mumford and Son's were also great fun and their new songs sound awesome - looking forward to the new album.

Arcade Fire were better than I hoped. So enthusiastic, a great set and great use of the screens. They had clips from The Suburbs companion film and archive film clips. Pretty much everyone was jumping around and dancing as the sun went down. Perfect.

Review in Telegraph
Pictures on Flickr

Netley

2011-06-20T18:20:00.000+01:00

A while back now Disastrophe, the ex and I went to Netley on the train for a walk around the Abbey and Royal Victoria Country Park. We were very lucky and had great weather however didn't have long to look Abbey before they closed the grounds. Victoria Park is the site of the old military hospital (Netley Hospital) and we walked along the seafront from the Abbey. Disastrophe has some pictures and I have some more here too.

New Crush

2011-06-19T19:30:00.000+01:00

From here found on pinterest

Weird one this (most likely less weird than my long term obsession with Sir Ranulph Fiennes) but yeah, slight new crush on John Green. I read Paper Towns not long ago and really enjoyed it. Then saw this quote which I love. Lastly I discovered the Nerdfighters and vlogbrothers... I'm rather late to the party on this I think but if you are too check some of the videos out. Basically it started because John and brother Hank decided to not commutate textually for a year and instead started sending each other videos on youtube which then became really popular. The videos are still going years later and the Green's enthusiasm is infectious!

p.s. so true about nerd guys being hard work!

Procrastinating

2011-06-17T17:30:00.003+01:00

I never really thought I was one of those girls that copes badly with a badly with a break up but I'm still a bit crazy and it's been more than a month. oh dear. Nothing too crazy I'd like to add. Just a lot of dwelling and general teenage emo-ness whenever I have 5 minutes to myself. I have however found that I can while away most of that time on pinterest, blogs and other internet webby goodness. I am also a tetris fiend. I need to keep this in check though as it has been know to get to the stage that I see shapes when I try to sleep. Anyway I have just combined the two and searched tetris on pinterest! There are some crazy creative geeky people out there and that makes me feel happy :)

How do you while away the hours?

pots by Stephanie Choplin photo from here

Work Trips

2011-06-15T18:00:00.003+01:00

from here found on pinterest

Had a couple of work trips lately one to Boston and one to Spain (Marbella).

The Boston trip was a global team meeting and was great to catch up with people I email regularly but haven't seen in a few years now! Unfortunately I didn't get to see much of Boston however what I did see made me want to go back for another visit :) I lie - we did eat at the oldest restaurant in America

Two weeks after that it was off to sunny Spain (well slightly overcast and very windy Spain) for the books sales meeting! Que many meetings in the day and much food and drinking in the evenings. I returned swimsuit unused, presentations completed with lots of action points, a bruised toe, a cold, hungover and very sleepy. It wasn't quite Made is Essex but was close enough for me!

Flickr

2011-06-14T18:54:00.000+01:00

I have a few new photos up from my trip to Kidderminster over the May Bank holiday to see my Nan. We went to David Austin Rose Garden. He's kinda the rose daddy; creating new types of rose for sale and stuff.

not just roses there though...

Also went to National Trust property Wightwick Manor. Amazing place, the family paid the NT to take it as they felt it was too new to be an NT property, that's before they saw all the goodies inside...which due to copyright reasons I wasn't allowed to photograph. The gardens were nice too though.

Sets: Wightwick Manor David Austin

Two weeks

2011-05-22T16:13:00.000+01:00

image from here

So much has happened in the last two weeks and I'm still not really dealing with it. Last week I had some job interviews and I've got more coming. Looks like I'm going to have some big choices to make soon enough. It's exciting that all this is happening and it's also helped to take my mind off other things but it's all a bit overwhelming at times. Next few days I've a work trip so hopefully that will give me a chance to sort myself out before some more interviews at the end of the week. For now I'm going to sit, watch The Office, knit and eat strawberry laces.

Maybe I should pack though...

Current Project

2011-05-16T19:53:00.000+01:00

At the moment I'm knitting this gorgeous cushion cover from the Amy Butler Rowan book (which has some great patterns in). It's my first go with colour work and it's going ok so far although it's getting kinda messy with all the ends. Have you got any tips for knitting intarsia?

The Relationship Playlist

2011-05-15T20:40:00.001+01:00

Not much more to say about this one! Spotify link

if you know the original source please let me know otherwise

Track list

If Loneliness Was Art, Allo, Darlin'
I Wish That I Could See You Soon, Herman Dune
Absolutely Cuckoo, The Magnetic Fields
Sky Holds The Sun, The Bees
Fairytale Lullaby, Bombay Bicycle Club
When I'm With You, Best Coast
I'll Be Yours, Those Dancing Days
Knock Out, Air Waves
Undeclared, The Dodos
How My Heart Behaves, Feist
Of Angels and Angles, The Decemberists
I Didn't Understand, Elliot Smith
Everything Goes My Way, Metronomy
Good Feeling, Violent Femmes
Melt Your Heart, Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins
Ghosts, Laura Marling
Easy Way Out, Elliott Smith
Squealing Pigs, Admiral Fallow
Distance, Beach Fossils
My Heart Is A Drummer, Allo, Darlin'
I Don't Want To Get Over You, The Magnetic Fields
The First Days Of Spring, Noah and The Whale

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

2011-05-12T14:20:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to bag a ticket to see Noah and the Whale at our local little gig venue The Wedgewood Rooms this week before they sold out. I saw them just after their first album came out a few years ago. The boys are so sweet and all came out in their suits. The old songs have been rearranged since I last saw them as they no longer have a female singer touring with them (Laura Marling used to be in the band) but I felt it worked well and the set flowed better than I expected it to. If you get a chance to see them do try and go.

Summer Playlist

2011-05-09T17:00:00.019+01:00

The sun has been shinning here a lot lately so I put together a summer playlist on Spotify. It's likely to evolve over the course of the next few months as these things do! If you're on Spotify check it out here other wise the track listing is below...

For Alexa
Found on Pinterest - let me know if you know the original source

Breaker, Breaker, Peter Bjorn & John
The Bike Song, Mark Ronson & The Business International
Don't Say Oh Well, Grouplove
Run Run, Those Dancing Days
The Polaroid Song, Allo, Darlin'
Lets Go Surfing, The Drums
Radar Detector, Darwin Deez
Blue Skies, Noah and The Whale
Do As I Say Not As I Do, Ed Harcourt
Zorbing, Stornoway
Moth's Wings, Passion Pit
Everything Goes My Way, Metronomy
Summer Hits or J+J Don't Like, Mazes
Marathon, Tennis
Eyes, Peter Bjorn & John
Big Wave, Jenny and Johnny
I Really Need Love, The Bees
In The Sun, She & Him
Relator, Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
Slaveship, Josh Rouse
Cover Rights, Eux Autres
La La La, The Bird and The Bee
The Summer, Coconut Records
Electric Twist, A Fine Frenzy
East Van Girls, Shimmering Stars
Dig A Little Deeper, Peter Bjorn & John
Toothpaste Kisses, The Maccabees

What have you been listening to lately?

Buster Keaton

2011-05-07T11:00:00.019+01:00

from here found on Pinterest

For months my brother has been on at me to watch Sherlock Jr. I love old black and white movies but have had a problems getting into silent films in the same way. Of course I found The Kid moving but it was devastating and the comic side of it didn't sit right with me. However Sherlock Jr. has changed that (though maybe I should give Chaplin another shot). The film is beautifully shot, moving and also very funny. Some of the techniques must have been quite advanced for the period. It's also short and out of copyright so you can watch it on YouTube. I really think you should. This weekend I think I'm going to hunt out some of his others.

Maybe after that I'll watch Benny and Joon again too..

Update

2011-05-06T22:05:00.001+01:00

Truth time!

I haven't updated in a while because I've been scared what might start pouring out when I start typing. Life (well relationships) have been rather up and down since my last post. There are plenty of other things they don't tell you in the movies it would seem!

Anyway in other news I'm now on Pinterest and slightly addicted to it! You can find me at http://pinterest.com/caketin85/ I'd love to know if you're using it and how you're using it. At the moment I'm using it as a mood board / wishlist and love that the pictures link back to their original webpage; great for recipes and how to's.

[picture from here found on pinterest :) ]

How musicals have ruined the world for me #4

2011-01-26T12:45:00.000Z

It doesn't matter how subtley you try to dance down the street, your friends will notice and laugh at you. Trust me on this one.

Lundi Loves

2011-01-24T17:31:00.002Z

There's so much I want to make right now and not enough time! Here are a few of them:

Wiksten made Had a great post on knitting socks earlier this month that has me itching to give it a try. If you know any good patterns please share :)

Photo

Art as Life have these lovely flowers in their etsy shop. They are so pretty I am going to have to make something similar or buy some!

photo

How cute is this cushion cover?! Rowan have the pattern for free on there website at the moment

Photo

It's still cold here at the moment so I think I might just need to knit me one of Hey! Jen Renee's GAP tastic cowls...

Photo

Lastly I can not wait for the new album from these guys...

How musicals have ruined the world for me #3

2011-01-19T12:45:00.000Z

In real life you will get noticed singing on public transport (and not in a good way)...

Arrrrrg!

2011-01-18T12:26:00.002Z

image

Today is my favourite pirates birthday! Happy Birthday Miss hope you have an awesome day :)

London

2011-01-17T12:47:00.003Z

I live around an hour and a half from London but there are still lot's of parts of it I've never been. I've been going there a lot more lately (boy lives there) and this weekend we went to Portobello market. It was my first time there and it was VERY busy but well worth a visit. It's got me thinking about other things I've never seen there like the cathedrals or the tower...

Were do you recommend for the next time I visit?

Update

2011-01-06T13:15:00.003Z

So I've yet again been negleting my blog over what's been a pretty awesome Christmas. I got to spend some time with some very lovely people and have been rather spoilt with food and gifts.

My friends band played their last gig together which was rather sad but it was a great night. A few of us also went to see one of my favourite local bands The Dawn Chorus in a fairy light and candle filled Wedgewood Rooms.

I'm back at work now (literally right now as this is my lunch break) however I will try and update more later this week. Maybe with a picture!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Drums

2011-01-05T14:38:00.001Z

Back at the beginning of December I went to see The Drums play Portsmouth Pyramids.

First up were History of Apple Pie. They played some of this summers NME tour but not the Portsmouth leg. Unfortunately the set was marred by some technical sound issues. However they seemed pretty good and a band I'll keep a look out for.

Next; Cloud Control. This band blew my mind. I'd listened to the album before but it hadn't grabbed me (I must have been having a off day). Since seeing them I've re listened many, many times. Anyway, the band seem lovely, History of Apple Pie gave them a shout out. The set was far too short and ended with the bassist drumming on his amp whilst splinters of drum stick flew off everywhere.

After Cloud Control I wasn't that fussed about seeing The Drums and while they didn't match the former they were still great to watch. The lead singer has some awesome dance moves after all! That said a lot of people were pretty pissed that they didn't play the song below. Personally I think it's a pretty brave move but one that would have paid off ok, letting the newer songs get some more attention, except that the last song of the encore was awful.

How musicals have ruined the world for me #2

2010-11-18T19:14:00.000Z

Cults are not this fun. If they were I'd be in one.

How musicals have ruined the world for me #1

2010-11-10T21:52:00.005Z

I want to go to a barn raising or barn dance but I know if I do I'll be disappointed because it won't be like this:

i.e. a full blown dance off featuring men in very brightly coloured shirts...

Belgium

2010-11-09T21:51:00.008Z

So last month I went on a trip with my Mum and one of my Aunts to Belgium to visit my cousin and his lovely family :) I don't get to see them enough which is a shame because my cousin is the biggest film and music geek I know. He lent me Q magazine and Empire, numerous CDs and films and even took me to my first concert (the bootleg beatles - amazing). Anyway Belgium has lots of other awesome things too like...

Tintin, Captain Haddock and Snowy

Lace shops (maybe a few too many for my liking but my mum and aunt loved them)

Chocolates

pretty buildings and rivers (we went to Bruges for the day. It rained. A lot.)

Waffles

Pretty parks with duck ponds

That's my last trip this year so you get a break from holiday photos!

The cool down

2010-11-06T12:28:00.005Z

So it's rather rainy and cold here now and my life's starting to calm down along with it too. I've a couple of updates coming soon but here are some pics from a daytrip with my parents last month (remember when there was a visible sun in the sky?). We went to Hinton Ampner not far from where they live.

There are a few more photos on flickr here it's a beautiful place.

Paris

2010-10-11T21:17:00.009+01:00

I got back from Paris just over a week ago and so many things have happened since then it seems longer. I had a great weekend sightseeing after a week of work (even though it rained). Photo's will be on my flickr soon (a few are but not all). In the meantime here's a taster...

Don't hate me but...

2010-09-27T21:11:00.003+01:00

I'm in Paris...

Back soon :) x

photo credit

Valencia

2010-09-13T21:43:00.007+01:00

Last week work sent me to Valencia and Sunday to Thursday I was hard at work (as you can see)

Photo taken by Jan de Landtsheer

But on Friday I got to wonder around the city before my flight back...

The weather was beautiful and sunny

The buildings are beautiful...

The parks are peaceful...
and if you still aren't convinced this is a place you'd want to go this is the post office ceiling!
I've more pictures on Flickr if you'd like to see more. It's a small city well worth a weekend getaway I think :)

August

2010-09-01T18:03:00.007+01:00

Been a bit ill this months so sorry it's been rather quiet again here. Anyway I'm all good now and had a great bank holiday weekend.

I went to the kite festival on Southsea common:

Hung out with Alexa

and also went to the bandstand for a bit.

We also had our annual family picnic. It's pretty much all my mums side of the family however my parents were on holiday so it was just my brother and I representing The Flints. Doesn't Tom look happy? I think he may have just done badly in the cricket match...

He loves me really...

All My Friends are Superheroes

2010-08-10T22:47:00.004+01:00

Well in their own ways they are...

amazon

Have you read this book? It's not just got an awesome title it's beautifully written, funny and romantic without being soppy or twee. I'm rubbish at reviews and can never do the things I love enough justice so here's some of what it says on amazon:

'This is an adorable book: neat, sweet, petite. Your loved one will love you even more for buying it for them. Toby Litt 'Somebody should write Mr Kaufman and thank him for his tender heart ... I expect this story will replace boxes of chocolates and flowers in courting rituals to come.' Sheila Heti

Also surprising me... I saw lots of these on the street near my house at weekend.

Holiday fun

2010-08-08T19:22:00.011+01:00

Apologies in advance I've gone a bit crazy with the poladroid on this one... Pictures all by me etc.

Anyway I've been a bit quiet on here because I've been in Cornwall for the last week with a group of 5 friends. It was great fun, relaxing and at times hilarious. I am now knackered. Still. Rather than me ramble on about what we did here are some pictures:

No Frills Post

2010-07-22T21:36:00.003+01:00

I finished the jumper I was knitting. After starting to sew on the frills I realised I didn't really like them so left them off...

Anyway here's a quick picture:

Photo taken by Miss

Addicted to this song today Polite Dance Song by The Bird and The Bee the video is also awesome - check it out.

(they've cancelled the embed for this one grrr)

This weekend I have mostly been:

2010-07-18T20:41:00.007+01:00

Awed by Inception

Watching October Road (gazing at Bryan Greenberg)

Last.fm - don't know original source

Releasing my inner geek

Rocking shirts and rugby shirts

Photo by Miss

Revisiting the Twilight franchise ready to watch the film this week

Eating pizza and lime dorritos

Do you need more confidence?

2010-07-14T20:02:00.002+01:00

Training at work yesterday:

Instructor: So how do you personally prepare for a meeting:

Me:get a drink

a: wear smart clothes

b: wear nice shoes

etc.

M.: I like to put on my fake moustache of confidence

instructor: If I was attending that meeting I might find that a little distracting.

This actually happened. I told my friend about it and later on I found these on my desk hehe.

Knitting

2010-07-13T20:52:00.004+01:00

Right now I'm making frills for a jumper...

I'm not sure about you but the thing I dislike most about knitting is casting on... and casting on over 300 stitches for each frill is getting a bit dull now.
So I procrastinated by calling my parents. Worryingly dad asked me if vegetable curry that went out of date in February would be OK to eat (he HATES throwing food away). Of course I said no. He said he thought it would be fine because it didn't specify a day in February... Here's hoping that mum gets home quickly!

June Stars

2010-07-06T20:43:00.008+01:00

Here are some of the blog posts I've stared over the last month...

1. Embroidery hoops on design*sponge but by Brooke from Playing Grown Up (seriously cute blog) - I just got to choose a quote...

2. Cake you can post! From Post Grad Hair Cut - I would be so chuffed to get some of this.

3. Connect the dots postcards by crtten found on joliejolie design - awesome idea

4. Belt from the little things we do - super pretty and cute

5. Red Velvet Woopie Pie from fatgirltrappedinaskinnybody - how yummy does this look?

What have you stared this month?

Delayed reply

2010-06-23T15:13:00.014+01:00

Alexa tagged me aaaages ago to answer her questions. Anywhoo here are my answers!

1. The Simpson's or Family Guy?

I don't watch either but I guess I'd have to go Simpson's as I used to watch it lots when I was younger.

2. What was your favourite book as a child?

here

here

3. What was your last purchase?

My last was most likely food shopping yesterday but here is my favourite. It's a beautiful, delightful, witty, sad, happy romantic and funny tale that feels like you are sneaking a peak at someone's letters. A complete joy.

here

4. What advice would you give your younger self?

here

5. What is your favourite dinner dish?

At the moment, different variations of pasta and green beans.

here

6. If there were a film or movie written about your life, what would it be called?

Extraordinarly Average

7. What makes you cringe?

The chalk especially when it touches my nails. It's incredibly annoying as I love pretty chalk in lots of different colours :(

Both

8. Do you like your name?

I love it, I don't think that anyone else has my whole name :) It's just mine.

9. Where in the world would you most like to go?

I really don't know. There are so many places in the world I'd like to go.

here

10. What's your current favourite band/artist?

Of all time The Kinks. Ray Davies is a genius.

TAG

Well I'm going to tag all of you to answer my set of questions. Comment on this post if you decide to answer them!

What's the last book you read and loved?
What song defines the week you're having?
What's your favourite baked treat?
Beatles or Stones?
Last video to make you laugh/smile?
What skill would you most like to have?
Where is your special place?
Who would you most like to have a picnic with?
What's the last thing you achieved that you're proud of (no matter how small) - well done btw :)
What's your favourite colour right now?

Fathers day

2010-06-22T21:12:00.011+01:00

Sunday I spent a lovely day with my parents in the afternoon we watched a film and then some of the world cup football. In the morning we went to Gilbert White's House for a flower sale, a walk around the house and for my parents to buy some nice new plants.

This is Robert, my dad, although the plant is also called Robert.

Isn't the house lovely? This is the back but behind where I was stood there are fields and the woods. It's a beautiful place.

Taking a break...

Rubbishness

2010-06-19T16:23:00.004+01:00

Yep I've been a bad bad blogger lately.... sorry.

Here are some flowers

Anyway I don't have much of an excuse for last week (I've mainly been catching up knitting and Gym-ing) but the week before I was lucky enough to go to Portugal with work. It was great fun although there were very long days!

I'm going to try harder from now on!

Lundi Loves: Stars Edition

2010-05-24T21:11:00.010+01:00

I thought I'd share a few of the things I've stared in google reader...

Who you gunna call from Color me Katie - makes me giggle every time

Library card invitations from You are my Fav - awesome idea

Box of Sunshine from Whisker Graphics - perfect gift idea
Dana Barnes crochet from Sarah London- I want to try to make one!
Cork Display board from Birds of a Feather - neat idea :)

Coca-cola cake from Wild and Precious - I do love coca cola... and I do love cake....
Peter Pan collar tanks tutorial from Adventures in Dress Making - sooo cool.

What have you stared lately?

P.S. I have been bad...Alexa tagged me a while ago now I promise to answer the questions ASAP!

Gigathon

2010-05-18T12:28:00.002+01:00

Last week I made it to three gigs. It's been a great year for live music so far and the last two weeks have been especially good. Alexa and I met Biffy Clyro the week before last (there was much swooning) and I decided I should make more of an effort and go to things on my own if I couldn't find people to go with.

As it happens three things I wanted to go to turned up in the same week at the same venue...

Here's my week in music:

(sorry youtube embed isn't working for me at the moment)

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=BUZiL6qT6x8

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=WFM_kTAYVsU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGYsz_SHpI8

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=3rMwc10uNOg

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=7_Bb_rL8juk

Picture it...

2010-05-09T17:00:00.004+01:00

Still having issues with my glands but today I've been constructive while sitting around watching West Wing. and made a new picture frame cover. The frame is from (you guessed it) Ikea rather cheaply and the wool was left over from my blanket and cushion cover.

Pretty proud of this one:

Blah

2010-05-08T11:40:00.004+01:00

My glands are up so I'm sitting around feeling sorry for myself watching the West Wing. I love Josh Lyman...

In other news my poster has been framed! Doesn't it look awesome!

Lundi Loves

2010-05-03T19:28:00.008+01:00

1. Tulips

My absolute favourite flower. I especially love them in pink and white. So pretty and the epitome of spring...

source

both from here

2. Surprise birthday cupcakes

Aren't they pretty? Believe me they tasted amazing too :)

3. Free Recipes

I love picking up free recipe cards in the supermarket. This is my attempt at the new Heston recipe from Waitrose - tasted pretty good, was easy and quick too. Perfect after I killed myself in the gym today!

4. Ikea

This is my new favourite part of the flat. I bought the lamp from Ikea last weekend for £9.99!!! It was reduced from £40, I guess the pink maybe a little girlie so it was only that colour. My parent bought me the bookcase (from Ikea) as part of my birthday present and they brought them over yesterday and my dad put them together for me while I gossiped with my mum. I've got a couple of CD/DVD towers to get (also Ikea), a shelf to put up and a picture at the framers and then the living room will be complete!

5. Biffy Clyro

So excited!! Tomorrow I'm off to see Biffy, I haven't seen them since I was at Uni and they've grown so much since then...

Lovely weekend

2010-04-25T20:50:00.005+01:00

Friday night I made these two little birds... the pink wings are only temporary I want to find some light green tissue paper or voile. I had some red wood ones from Ikea which I used as the template and made them out of felt and normal embroidery thread. As you can see they now hang from my blind which doesn't make for great camera lighting

Saturday we hung out by the sea front then I went to see The Ghost; which was much better than I thought it would be.

Today was spent with my parents and my brother. We went shopping, had lunch and when we got back I was given my birthday presents (tomorrow I am 25). I'll share later but it was a really good day and now I'm eating cake watching Once.

Here's a sneak peek at the biscuits I've made for work people...

I would like to be...

2010-04-21T21:09:00.004+01:00

pictures from weheartit

Blanket

2010-04-15T12:10:00.004+01:00

The granny rectangle blanket is now complete! I'm rather proud of it. It's warm and cosier than it looks. I made it with Rowan Bamboo Tape which is fairly heavy but also cheap on ebay (it's been discontinued) and nice to work with. Pictures below...

In other news my mum gave me her old bike last week so yesterday I took it to be checked over. Rode it on the way back and realised I don't think I've ever ridden on flat ground and it feels pretty different to riding up or down hill. But maybe its just the fact I've not been on a bike outside the gym in about 10 years. When I was younger my dad, brother and I would ride up Butser hill or to the country park or around the local villages. I'm looking forward to lots of adventures on it as soon as I'm more confident again.

Catch-up

2010-04-13T21:31:00.009+01:00

I've had the week off! It's been rather nice catching up on sleep and catching up with friends.

Saturday night we went out for a friends birthday and I saw some people I'd not seen in aaages.

Sunday was mainly sent chatting in pub gardens - until it got chilly. I also made myself pancakes for breakfast (yes I am a messy cook but that's part of the fun).

Monday we went to Beaulieu and checked out lots of cars. It was better than I make it sound see...

Today I've been watching Prison Break Season 1 and hanging out with a very special lady. We went for a walk in the woods and had lunch in the cafe.

Isn't she cute? Isla is 7 and likes to drink from the bottle like a little lamb. She wore herself out a lot running up and down hills chasing birds, looking for birds etc. (she likes birds a lot but luckily has never managed to catch one!)

New Project

2010-03-31T18:12:00.004+01:00

Sorry been super busy again lately doing not very much. However I did go see the Editors at the weekend - really good, better live than I thought they would be.

Any way I've also been working on this cushion cover cover nearly there just need to sew the ends in. I think it turned out pretty well :)

I would like...

2010-03-20T11:11:00.006Z

Images found on weheartit

From here

from here

Sorry

2010-03-16T07:24:00.004Z

Lundi Loves is down the blog a bit - I can't work out how to move it to up (any tips welcome!). I started it last Monday but saved it as a draft which I guess is why...

Have a happy day :)

p.s. I wouldn't mind a house rabbit...

Picture from here found on weheartit

Update

2010-03-13T08:34:00.004Z

Sorry I've been extra quiet; weird couple of weeks problems with friends, work, health and now I'm having issues sleeping... YAY! Have also had some really good fun having tea and chat, playing pool at the pub, wondering around the farmer market with my mum. Anywhoo a couple of good nights sleep over the weekend and it'll all be grand I'm sure.

Plus I've been baking more from my new cook book!

Top: choc chip cupcake (features carrot rather than butter) my mums new favs.

Bottom: white choc, raspberry, cinnamon blondie (featuring butternut squash rather than butter)

Not shown: Peach and poppyseed muffins (with sweet potato rather than butter)

It's an awesome book and I highly recommend it...

I wish I could work on cookbooks or craft books!

Lundi Loves

2010-03-08T21:35:00.012Z

1) Bikes

Spring seems to be here. I'm planing to get rid of my car so what better way to get around than Ellen Page style... on a bike!

found on weheartit (don't know original source)

Mandy Lynne found on weheartit (can't find link)

From here

2) Lemon tea...

Slightly obsessed with this in the mornings - normal tea with 1tsp of brown sugar with half a lemon. Lovely :)

3) I am super broody over puppies at the moment. I guess I've not been spending enough time with my parents dog.

From here

4) Reading

At the moment I'm reading Lolita and The English Patient, the second one is a reread. It's such a beautifully written book. What are you reading at the moment?

Found on weheart it from here

5. Vincent Vincent and the Villains

Heard them being played in Topshop over the weekend and they've been stuck in my head ever since... they broke up too soon!

This too shall pass...

2010-03-02T18:46:00.002Z

Tough couple of days but this video cheered me right up when I saw it on SkunkboyCreatures OK GO have done some ingenious things in the past and this is up there with the treadmill dance routine...

Right I'm going to finish icing cupcakes before the girls come over for craft night :)

Lundi Loves

2010-03-01T20:00:00.009Z

1. Sunglasses

I can't find my so I'm on the hunt for some nice new ones. Alexa and Miss bth have great collections. These images are from weheartit

2. Quentin Tarantino

I love these posters by Ibrahim Youssef, I think this is my favourite one...

You can see more here

3. Haunch of Venison

Went to this amazing pub on Saturday. It's crammed with history, friendly people and serves some great food. You can read some more about it here

"the Demented Whist Player who is tormented by the loss of his hand, severed in a card game due to cheating. In the House of Lords is a mummified hand discovered in the 19th Century, which may have belonged to the ghost. In March 2004 it was stolen feared never to be returned but reappeaed in mysterious circumstances 6 weeks later."

4. My new cook book

It's super pretty with reasonably healthy cake recipes.

5. Doctor Who!

I think everyone loves David Tennant (well I do anyway) he is also by far and away my favourite Dr. but that doesn't mean I'm not super excited about the new series!

New Trailer!

Lundi Loves

2010-02-22T21:13:00.006Z

1) Peter Gabriel

2) Bowls

I find any food can be comfort food if it is warm and can be eaten from a bowl with just a fork or spoon.

3) Paris

I went when I was 7 but want to go back again. I remember bits but not enough...

4) The radio

A good radio show can't be beat - it can open you up to new songs and reconnect you with old ones.

5) Whip It

Love the cast and now the poster is in our local cinema... hurry up already!

Pictures all from weheartit

Paper Butterflies

2010-02-21T15:55:00.003Z

I made some to go in my flat :)

I cut the butterflies out from my White Stuff catalogue (nice quality paper - good weight and matte) then stuck them to the thin wire with double sided craft tape. This allows them to bounce around a bit. The other end of the wire I wrapped around some thicker wire to help weight them in the flower pot.

Back!

2010-02-19T10:14:00.003Z

My sightseeing day in Barcelona was great fun and work went well too! I just wish I had more time to see more things. There is such a lot going on in Barcelona and it is such a beautiful city. I've set up a flickr now so my pictures are on there. Just remember that they were taken on a my phone and the weather was unfortunately as grey as in the UK!

Last night we went to see bands play the NME tour - while we missed openers The Drums we got to do my dance to The Big Pink and Bombay Bicycle Club and The Maccabees were both amazing! I was still singing Maccabees songs on the walk home. Alexa also met the cutest couple who's wedding song was Toothpaste Kisses (there was lots of aww-ing and a little jealously heehe). I'm pretty sure that later today I may not be able to move because I was jumping up and down and generally dancing a lot last night... However we're off on a countryside adventure today (day off fun).

Have a nice day!

Eejit

2010-02-12T08:15:00.002Z

Haha I am an eejit - the travel guide kinda gives away where I'm going doesn't it!

Yep I get a day to see the sites in Barcelona :) I'll also be spending V. Day with a bunch of people from work - second year in a row. Last year my boss and I had an amusing dinner in our hotel laughing at the waiters giving us odd looks as we turned down roses and champagne.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

image from weheartit.

Jetsetter

2010-02-11T20:17:00.004Z

Yep I'm off travelling for work. I'll leave where as a surprise - there will be pictures when I'm back! But in the mean time here are some pictures of things I'll take with me!

Carry on:

Magazines, toiletries, book, passport, ipod, crochet shawl, tissues, diary, note pad, purse and travel guide. Laptop not shown.

My new perfume; isn't she cute?!

and of course I'll be taking some crafting with me! Just started a granny rectangle blanket (I guess that's what it's called).

I couldn't find any videos of Jetsetter anywhere so here is another from Ed Harcourt. It's also all you're going to get out of me in terms of Valentines Day stuff so I've made it a good'en.

Lundi Loves

2010-02-08T19:43:00.010Z

1. Paper butterflies

Both weheartit

A friend of a friend sells these here aren't they cute?!

2. Glee: Halo/Walking on Sunshine Mash-up

Can't get this out of my head!!!

3. My latest girl crush...

Rebecca Hall

Image from here

4. Man on Wire

Amazing man, beautiful film. I have literally just finished watching this and it is moving watching a man relive for filling his dreams.

Image from here

5. Rugby (Jonny Wilkinson)

It's my fav. sport to watch. It's a beautiful game and a lot more graceful than you'd imagine considering it's basically a bunch of guys running into each other. I don't normally go for blonde jock types but then I also don't particularly have a type so here's Jonny.

Image from here (Watch the no. 10)

Two in a day!

2010-02-01T20:26:00.003Z

Only another quick one though I'm afraid.

I have a new crush...

Eddie Redmayne

image from here

I like the freckles in particular...

Quick one...

2010-02-01T13:34:00.001Z

On my lunch break at the work right now... but how cute are these?

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/02/naturecraft.html