Let's Talk about: Now Blog Conference

Well, hello there! and how are you doing this week?  It has been a bit of a slog over the last few weeks for us with the weather and just time!  Where do the days go I want to know!  I thought that all this extra daylight should help make it feel like there are extra hours in the day, not so much!  

Make it: Paper Houses Advent Calendar

It is no secret that I love Christmas, everything about it, from the food to the shopping to the decorations. So today I am sharing with you the first Christmas 'make it' of the year - how I made our new Advent Calendar. I wanted to make one that I could fill up myself and that Steve and I could share, so a fun colourful house Christmas countdown seemed perfect.

You will need: 24 sheets of A5 white paper, a small box or packet to use as a template, a selection of colourful card, double sided tape, some stickers and embellishments, number stickers from 1 -24, 48 paper clips, sticky-tape, scissors, bakers twine and your choice of filling.

Step 1. First to make the paper pouch which will hold your treats, start by taking your A5 paper and folding it over leaving a 1.5 cm strip at the bottom, then wrap it around the small box (I used the box from the paper-clips) fold over the end and seal it with sticky tape.

Step 2. Slide the box out of the paper pouch and seal the joins with some washi tape. Repeat for each of the 24 days.

Step 3. Then you can make the houses to stick to the front of the pouch. Cut out some squares and rectangles big enough to cover the biggest side of your paper pouch. Then cut some triangles to create rooves and stick them to the rectangles with double sided tape to create the base for your houses.

Step 4. Stick your houses onto the paper pouches. Repeat this for all 24 pouches.

Step 5. Next, grab a bunch of stickers and embellishments and add some doors, windows or chimneys to each house, I added these little owl stickers too, aren't they cute!

Step 6. Arrange your houses in an order that you like and add your numbers, I used a selection of thickers stickers and wood shapes from my stash, but you could just stencil or draw the numbers on each house.

Step 7 & 8. Add two paper clips to the back of each pouch and thread the houses onto a length of twine.

Then you are ready to hang them on a blank wall with command hooks or just washi tape if you prefer. Oh and don't forget to fill them up with goodies ready for December the 1st.

I just love how mine turned out, if you have children or youngsters in the family I reckon this would be an awesome project to get them involved with, they could each decorate some houses and help hang them in number order, or mix them up to make each day harder to find.

What would you put in your advent calendar? I love the idea of mixing it up with sweets, wintry activities and little treats like Lego figures and nail polishes etc. I can't wait to start opening ours!

Sammy xxx

Bloglovin / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Google+ / Instagram

Messy Box Review

As I am sure you all know by now, I love paper and a good subscription service! Also being a big fan of the girls over at A Beautiful Mess I was very excited when they announced 'Messy Box'. I have had two boxes now so I thought it was about time I told you what I thought about it so far.

Lets start with the basics, if you live in the UK you will pay £15.75 (approx) every month if you sign up for 12 months like I have. This includes international shipping and all taxes etc. Which I think is a pretty sweet deal as I ended up paying £14.00 in Post office and customs charges alone for a parcel I had shipped from the U.S. recently.

You will in essence receive:

-

6 9x12" pattern pages
journalling cards 6 3x4" 6 4x6" and 12 3x3"

Then also a selection of embellishments, like brads, alphabet stickers, washi tape, transparencies, die-cuts, stamps etc.

Of course the idea is that you would also buy a 'Messy Book' album to use with all these items, but that isn't totally necessary.  You can use any album you already have or just use the paper and embellishments for your own paper crafts as you choose. 

So here is what I think of the box so far, I want to love it, and I do love parts of it. I think the price is great, I think the quality and quantity of products is just perfect, not too much and not too little, easy to use up all the bits in a month of paper crafts in time for the following month to turn up. 

So far each month has a theme, which is a nice easy way to co-ordinate your pages. The only thing I think that is stopping me from absolutely loving it is that its not quite 'A Beautiful Mess' enough for me. The first box was a little more what I was expecting, and we are only on box two so it is hard to judge completely but this second box is a little soft for my taste. I am looking forward to a bit more of the signature style I love from these girls in future boxes. This is why I signed up for this box over some of the others out there. I guess I was hoping for more of the 'personality' and design I have seen in their 'Happy Mail' boxes to be evident in the Messy Box.

The other slight niggle (that I kind of expected) is the time it takes to arrive. I know it is because of the cheaper shipping and the fact that I'm in the UK but it is a little frustrating to see all the pics on Instagram of the box that I know I wont be getting for at least 10 days later. Maybe that is just the impatient paper-crafter in me though?

So if you love 'A Beautiful Mess' and want to get into an easy, fun photobook/ journalling/ scrapbooking system. I would highly recommend this subscription, even though this months theme was not my favourite, I will still be able to use all the pieces. I think it is absolutely worth the money and the quality of the products is fab. The joy of receiving a box of goodies every month is pretty lovely and it is a great way to build up a stash if you are new to these kinds of paper crafts.

I do hope that this review may have helped some of you who were thinking about subscribing. You can sign up at the A Beautiful Mess shop and keep an eye out on their blog for ideas and inspiration with their Scrapbook Sunday posts.

Sammy xxx


Bloglovin / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Google+ / Instagram

Our Christmas Wishlists 2014

It is that time of year when wishlists get real! All those things you have been lusting over for the past few months are closer than usual to coming home with you, even if it is only to give as a gift to a loved one. We thought we would share with you what is on our wishlists, just in case you need any last minute ideas for your friends or family. H is up first...

Jumper /  Ring  /  Radio  /  Notebook  /  Book  /  Fujifilm Instax Printer /  Necklace  /

It's a right old mix of items for me this year, starting with this jumper with the so cool elbow patches from ASOS, you may have seen my elbow patch tutorial on the blog a while back, but there is always room for more elbow patches!  Next up is these so pretty rings from Wolf and Moon, which is one of my current favourite Jewellery makers and these little beauties don't make me itch as they are plastic rather than any metal which might have nickel in them.  The DAB radio has been on my list for ages and so this one from Debenhams has caught my eye, I want to be able to play my iPod also, so this is definitely the way forward.  Of course, I had to include a notebook in this wishlist, well of course and it had to be teal - my favourite colour, and from Paperchase! To carry on with the book theme is this book from Mindy Kaling, can't wait to get laughing in public.  Nearly there I promise, this printer from Fujifilm is going on the list this year.  I have been wanting the Fujifilm Instax for ages and then I saw this little Instax printer, that can print direct from your phone, even better, Instagram pics everywhere! Lastly, but definitely not least is this necklace from A Alicia which I saw at Renegade and then regretted not buying of course, so it needs to go on the list just for that.

Shelves  /  Necklace  /  Book  /  Mug  /  Chair  /  Candle  /  Planner  /  Handbag  /  

I love this wire shelving unit from Oliver Bonas and I have been lusting after their tub chairs for years.  I could never commit though as I knew a velvet chair wouldn't last five minutes in a house with two cats, however they have recently bought out their iconic chairs in a cotton finish.  Now that I can do!  Anything stag related is always a winner for me and I think this textured necklace is just gorgeous.  Another year, another chance to fail at eating healthy?  Well this book claims to teach you how to be healthy inside and out, we will see.  A bit of motivation in the form of this Anthropologie mug wouldn't hurt either. If your going to buy me a candle let it be a Jo Malone White Jasmine and mint.  I never saw what all the fuss was about until I picked one up in duty free on my way to Vegas in the summer.  Now I cannot live without one burning away in my craft room.  Another resolution in the making,  I am aiming to be more organised in 2015 so a pretty planner will, no doubt, help me along the way.  I am hoping for this one from the new collection by 'A Beautiful Mess'. Last but not least is this bag which I have had on my etsy.com wishlist for ages.  It is so beautiful and super practical with lots of hidden pockets for super organised stuff storage.

This is what we are wishing for, what is on your wish list this year? Are you buying or making any special gifts for anyone? Are you planning any experience gifts for your loved ones, like days out or trips away? Let us know in the comments below what you have planned, we won't tell, Promise!

H and Sammy


Bloglovin / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Google+ / Instagram

Love it: Brush up those Blogging Skills

I am a person that really enjoys learning at my own speed and from the comfort of my own home so I am a big fan of e-courses. I have taken a few in my time online and I plan on taking many many more in the future. I am going on a road trip to Austria with Steve in a week or so and we have a few day trips to go on when we get there but we also have a lot of driving to do and a couple of chill out days and so I thought I would take the opportunity to brush up my blogging know how whilst we are away.

Today I thought I would let you know some of my favourite places to find useful e-courses on the net. 

The first is a course that everyone needs to take by the gorgeous Ann-Marie of annmarieloves.com.  Make it happen: A guide to getting it done and feeling good about it Who doesn't need to learn how to do this better right? Get your butt over to Ann-Marie's shop and get learning!

The girls at A Beautiful Mess have just re-launched their epic 'Blog Life' and 'Blog Design Love' courses in their shiny new online store. Despite having taken both these courses in the past I have signed up for both the new versions already. I love the way these girls teach and they now have a bunch of crash courses available too, Macaroons 101 anyone?
Check out Blog Life here.

This offering is one class in particular, but a site that has changed the way I learn. Skillshare is a site chocca-block with creative e-courses, with everything from Photoshop to Calligraphy.  If there is something you want to learn about then there will no doubt be a course here for you. The one that I have loved the most, was by one of my favourite bloggers Brittany Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch. This course 'The How to on How tos' teaches you how to create tutorials for your own blog. Check it out, it has some great photography tips in there too.

Make Your Day is a download from Lovely Indeed's Chelsea and The Paper Mama's Chelsea. It is more of a e-book but a great read none the less, a great DIY master-class with tips, tricks and projects to keep you DIY-ing all day long.

This Photography e-course from the brains behind Blogtacular, Kat Molesworth and Kat Goldin, is a great alternative to heading to your local evening class to brush up on your DSLR skills. Manual Overdrive (awesome name) is designed to take your photography to the next level and you know from the Kat's blogs, Housewife Confidential and Slugs on the Refrigerator that they know what they are talking about. Sign up soon though as these amazing ladies are heading on to bigger and better things, but the instant access courses will only be available until the end of the year.

Blogshop is THE Photoshop boot-camp. Run by the amazing Bri ( DesignLoveFest) and Angela (Angela and Ithyle) it is famous for its photography styling sessions and EPIC goodies bags. The best news is that it is now available as an online course. It is also open to us PC users as well as apple lovelies. Seriously best news ever!! 

The epitome of blogging workshops is surely Rock and Roll Bride's 'The Blogcademy' H and I have been saving up to both go to this since we started blogging so we were super excited that the girls have now released online video sessions ( some free and some for a small fee) so we can watch them whilst we carry on saving. I love that they have split them up so you can pick and choose which modules you work on first. Awesome!

I hope this has inspired you to learn something new this summer. Have you ever taken an e-course before and did you enjoy it? Do let us know we are always on the look out for new things to learn. 

Sammy xxx

 Live, Love, Make, Like, Share, Follow, Tweet, Pin, Add, Enjoy. 

Bloglovin / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Google+ 

Food for the January Blues

Now, we all know that January can leave people feeling all kinds of glum, its the come-down from Christmas and the depressing weather no doubt.  This January has felt particularly bad with all the wet weather and floods the UK has been having, its been difficult to keep ourselves upbeat.  Every week, each Monday seems to have been given the Blue Monday tag, probably meaning people feel sad just thinking about it.

However, the best way to keep yourself chirpy, is with some serious comfort food, nothing better than a bit of stodgy food and cake to banish those blues!  And you know what, sometimes only some beans on toast or grilled cheese will do, but for those times when you just want a little something extra, we bring you some tasty recipes to try.  Your welcome!

We all know that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and so why not start with pushing those blues away at breakfast time!  These Overnight Oat recipes from A Beautiful Mess are on the wish list of things to make.  They will give you a great boost first thing to help you deal with your day and so its the perfect thing to try.

Next up is some tasty treats to help you get through the day.  These Toffee Ginger cupcakes look amazing and they are Gluten Free!  The girls over at Domestic Sluttery do some great Gluten free recipes and so there are no excuses to get that cake fix, sorry.

Or, if you are a biscuit fan rather than a cake fan, these Raspberry and White Chocolate cookies from the Turquoise Lemons blog are making us drool as we type!  We are partial to this particular pairing of ingredients and what's not to love about a cookie with a cup of tea?  After all, tea solves everything, right? 

Over to some serious savoury dishes for dinner.  You can't beat a big dollop of Shepherds Pie to warm up your cockles on a dark and dreary day.  This recipe from Rosalilium just makes you want to dive right on in there.

For the veggies, or just don't fancy the meat tonight, there is always Mac and Cheese!  This used to be one of H's old housemates fail-safe dishes for making her feel better and we can see why.  Pasta, cheese and more cheese, yummy.  This one is from the Eating well website and so it is a little better for you than the usual.  Guilt free comfort food, even better.

And, last but not least is your dessert to round off with.  This Toffee Apple Crumble is going to happen, alot!  It comes from the BBC Good Food website and does not disappoint.  H love's to make a crumble and has never had any complaints, but this little beauty looks like it will surpass her other versions.  The only last decision to make is whether it should be covered with cream or custard!

Well, that's the round up of some favourite recipes to banish those blues.  Do you have any recipes you like to use on those glum days?  Let us know in the comments below and we can have a go.

Remember that Food feeds the soul, and so it would be rude not to feed it right?!

H & Sammy

Love it: Gorgeous Garlands

10 ways to make a Garland   /  Orniment Garland   /  Lots of lovely garlands  /  Tassel Garland 

Craft Business Magazine asked me a little while ago, in an interview, what I thought was going to be a stand out decoration trend for Christmas 2013, my answer... Garlands! 

I am friggin' in love with garlands right now, from tassels to pompoms, there is a style to suit everyone! For Favourite Friday I have rounded up my top DIY versions from around the web for you to have a go at this weekend, Enjoy.

I think my top one to have a go at this Christmas is going to be a doily garland, they look so dainty. What crafts are you looking forward to doing for Christmas? What is your favourite decorating trend this year?

Hope you all have a lovely weekend

Sammy xxx

Favourite Friday: Blogs

I have H joining me on Favourite Friday this week in honour of our blogging birthday, to share our favourite blogs!

Some of these guys are the reason we started blogging and some are ones we have found along the way but each of these is special to each of us in their own way. 

You can see from our sidebar that we read a lot of blogs ourselves so we wanted to tell you about the ones we love the most. 

H's Favourite Blogs

http://meetmeatmikes.com/

I love Meet Me at Mikes because its so fun with its American ideas for getting adults and children doing something fun.  I must admit to mainly preferring UK blogs as I feel that when they talk about a product, I can actually go out and buy it rather than working out what its UK equivalent is.  But this blog just makes me smile and there is nothing wrong with that.

http://onesheepishgirl.blogspot.co.uk/

I don't have the patience or talent to knit - apart from finger knitting or with a loom, but it's not quite the same.  I love that this blog shows you some really fun projects to have a go at, or if your like me, just some fun projects to look at while you pretend that you are actually going to get around it learning to knit properly.

http://flossieteacakes.blogspot.co.uk/

Florence sews alot, has some great tutorials and advice on dressmaking and basically just makes me feel bad for just not getting on with that project.  But that's why I love it, seeing what she gets up to and how she goes about it is the fun part, right?!

Sammy's Favourite Blogs

http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/

One of the first blogs I ever found, blogger Danni is so cute. I Love her style and have made more than a few purchases at her on-line store. She now has bricks and mortar store in the U.S. too. In between pretty, beautifully styled photos she is honest and heartfelt. I always enjoy reading her posts.

http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk/

I literally ADORE this blog! Just the right amount of crafty goodness and inspirational spaces. Always pretty, always cute and funny. Reading Claire's blog is like having a chat with a friend. A must read blog for any UK craft enthusiast. Just beautiful. 

http://sugarandcloth.com/

Ashley is a D.I.Y. genius, most of my very favourite DIY ideas are from this blog. If I am ever searching for a new project to try my hand at I always head here first to check out her latest offerings. Always beautifully photographed and with a colour scheme to die for it is a hub of inspiration. 

Our Favourites

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/

Wow don't even know where to start with all the things we love about this blog. Elsie and Emma have created a Wonderblog. Elsie started 'A Beautiful Mess' in 2007 and it has grown and grown. If there is any blog we aspire to as a blogging duo this is it. Their photography is distinctive and their styling is vintage cool. Their mix of yummy food, awesome DIY's and vintage fashion is a perfect mix that makes for a beautiful blog. 

http://honestlywtf.com/

Possibly THE coolest fashion/DIY blog around 'Honestly WTF' (wicked name) is a mix of high end fashion and artsy cool. Somehow Erica and Lauren manage to re-create high fashion accessories for a fraction of the price, and show us how to give it a try ourselves. If you have lusted it on the catwalk, without a doubt the WTF version isn't far behind. 

http://boredandcrafty.com/

Always bored, sometimes crafty, always odd, we like how this girl rolls! Filled with inspiring tutorials for clothes and accessories. A fabric collector after our own hearts, we love seeing Meream's newest purchases and her super cute cats!

Now over to you, What are your favourites? 

Where do you go to learn, read and relax around the interwebs?

We are off to finish off our blog birthday cakes. 

Have a lovely weekend

H and Sammy xxx

Link for the week: Easy Printing from A Beautiful Mess

This week's link is about making your own little print to make some personalised stationary from A Beautiful Mess. I think you could just as well make the print from a rubber rather than necessarily buying the speedy carve that they suggest (although I do use it and it's brilliant!).  It keeps the costs down and helps you to have a play around without spending too much money.

Printing has become one of my most favourite things to do and making prints from all sorts of items is one of the great things about it. When your little you use potato prints and you can also use vegetables to make patterns.  I have even used bottles and toys to make printed patterns, so give some of these a try and see what you can print up.

Send us a picture or comment below with something you have had a go at.

H