Things I've learnt from blogs this week... (TGI Friday!)

We got a pumpkin, yeay but still no cake... oops!!

We named him Humprey... I'm not sure why but I like it, he's happy.

This week has been a hard one for me, I haven't really been able to shake off that 'meh' feeling since Wednesday and thinking of blog posts has been tough. I've never struggled before with posts so I don't like it one little bit! I think I am worrying about too many things at once and my brain has decided to empty itself rather than process it all...

1. I love the cameras. Love love love.
2. An apple a day...
3. I seriously want a giant cardboard camera
4. I love this idea - I want one
5. I will never get bored of dogs in costumes (more here)

Least there were lots of pretty things to distract me this week and I will be seeing Harry later - yeay!! I hope you all have lovely lovely weekends and a fun halloween!

p.s. Hello to my latest followers Carol, Planet Luminaire, Artichoke Zine, Cinabar, Lotzaads, M_Sparke and Cecistupperware - I love having you here. Also a quick hi to the people following me on bloglovin, yeay!

Halloween...

...is my lickle sisters birthday. Well she is not so lickle anymore, she's going to be 22 and she has her own house and car (which is more than I have) but she'll always be lickle to me!

Normally we have family meals or days out to celebrate but I thought I'd share with you the one time I got to dress up and go out during my final year of university. I had so much work on that I didn't have the time to go home for a weekend but a night out with the girls was just what I needed!

I went out as a cat... but really I wanted to be a fairy :)

My sister is coming up today for the weekend (and my parents are coming tomorrow) so the birthday/halloween celebration start today! I might insist we get a pumpkin as well as a cake!

p.s. I'm feeling much better today - thank you for your lovely comments yesterday. Fantastic Mr Fox was sooo good yesterday and dates with Boyfriend always make me feel happier.

Our City Lights 2010 Calender...

I have a confession... I love Diana's shop. In fact I completely adore it...

When Diana tweeted about her 60th sale - I was there!

When Diana said she had only two calenders available - I couldn't get onto Etsy fast enough!!

But luckily for you Diana is now taking orders for more of her beautiful 2010 calenders where you can choose the pictures to put in it.

so check out Diana's blog today

if you want one because more than likely I will be showing mine off on here

when it arrives and I don't want you to miss out!

Today...

{today will be a good day by l{im}

... I have no idea what to post about...

...my jaw and gums really ache from having a tooth taken out on Monday...

...I miss my family and friends - I'm glad I'm seeing them soon...

...I really fancy a big bowl of chocolate icecream... with sprinkles...

...I remembered that I need to bake my sister a cake for Saturday and I have no time, eep!

...I have lots I need to do - just not. quite. yet...

...the sun finally just came out (is nearly 4pm) it's cheering me up... alot.

...we're going to the cinema to see Fantastic Mr Fox - I can't wait!

Hopefully tomorrow I will feel inspired!

p.s. One of my favourite ladies Paulina is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post.

Check it out - you won't regret it - there's cookies :)

Through my window series...

The lovely Amy at No. 15 is featuring one of my holga pictures today as part of her new series!

Have a look and maybe even send her a photo??

150 followers giveaway - Closed!

First a massive thank you to everyone who reads my blog - I have been totally blown away by how lovely everyone has been, all your wonderful comments and the absolutely incredible response to the photo swap! Thank you so much :)

So to celebrate - I have a wonderful giveaway for you
I'm actually a little bit jealous of the winner already.

An 8x10 print from O'Reilly Ink.

You may remember O'Reilly Ink from my early christmas list and I know alot of you loved the prints - so here is your chance to win your very own!

Hand drawn using mostly ink and some watercolour, Maggy combines being an arty and outdoory person with a love of animals, nature and retro furniture to create beautiful line art and solid colour prints.

As well as having a gorgeous etsy shop, Maggy also has a great blog and stunning website!

How to enter: Check out O'Reilly Ink's etsy shop and
leave a comment about your favourite print below by Tuesday 3rd November

ENTRY FOR THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART.

Thank you so much again for reading my blog, it really does mean the world to me having you here and good luck with the giveaway!

p.s. Hello to my newest followers who made this all possible - M_Boulevard, The Cottage Cheese (have you seen her giveaway on Down and Out Chic - amazing!), Kate, Janice, Owl and Peacock, Jessica and Taylor.

p.p.s. Lucikly I was by myself when I saw 150 this time so I got to do an appropiate excited dance! Hehe!

7 Years today...

(This is one of the first photos that we ever had together...

its still one of my favourites!)

7 years ago today:

I was running through to my parents bedroom shouting...

'Mum... Mum, I think Thomas just asked me out!!'

(by a text message I should add)

I never imagined we would still be together now

loving each other more and more everyday!

Over the top blog award!!

Last week the wonderful Missy gave me a blog award! I actually love this girl so please check out her amazing blog! Thanks Missy :)

So basically I nominate six bloggy friends and fill out these questions. Enjoy!

1. Where is your cell phone: right next to my mouse – I get really nervous when I don’t know where it is.
2. Your hair: I just dyed it again – its darker as its getting cold.
3. Your mother: Is my best friend, I’m seeing her on Friday and I can’t wait
4. Your father: is my hero, I can’t wait to see him too.
5. Your favorite food: chocolate, cheese and olives (I’m so indulgent!)
6. Your dream from last night: I only really remember nightmares and luckily I didn’t have one last night

6. Your favorite drink: water and pepsi max!
7. Your dream/goal: Happiness
8. What room are you in: my office
9. What is your hobby: blogging, taking lots of photos, watching tv, playing on rockband
10. What is your fear: being alone.
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years: in a nice house with at least one cat and dog and a garden with Thomas of course
12. Where were you last night: At home making beef stew - yum
13. Something you are not: a boy? lol
14. Muffins: addicted – double chocolate chip please!
15. Wish list items: Polaroid camera
16. Where did you grow up: Norfolk
17. Last thing you did: covered reception at work – fun fun.
18. What are you wearing: New black shoes and trousers, a forest green cardigan and my pretty new cream scarf which was £3 but I love it!
19. Your TV: is on a lot – thank goodness we can record stuff with it now!
20. Your pets: are imaginary
21. Your friends: are amazing (and not imaginary luckily)
22. Your life: is not as bad I think
23. Your mood: anxious
24. Missing someone: I always am.
25. Vehicle: bus.
26. Something you’re not wearing: rings
27. Your favorite store: um, Paperchase I think
28. Your favorite color: yellow

29. When’s the last time you laughed: today
30. When’s the last time you cried: um, a couple of days ago
31. Your best friend: is one of many
32. One place you go over and over: work :/
33. One person who emails me regularly: My Mum

34. Favorite place to eat: Yo sushi!

So. I'm going to tag...

Cassie from Moonface

Jessica from Jessica Leigh La Lou

Carly from A Girl and her Blog

Cassie from Hydrangeas and White Daisies

Lavelle from Kisses and Cross Stitches
Sara from One Long Road

Enjoy :)

6 months!!

I know, I know its a Saturday but... today is not just any old Saturday - today it is 6 months until I am a bridemaid at one of my best friends wedding!! I am so unbelievably excited!

I have been really rubbish at providing details about the wedding every month - mainly because I honestly don't know that many but the lovely bride is coming to visit us in two weeks (I can't wait) so hopefully I should know more soon, yeay!

Anyway to celebrate this month I have dug deeply into the box of photos that resides on my parents wardrobe to find a picture of the first time I was a bridemaid!!


How cute and very 80's! I was 3 years old and it was for my Aunt's wedding (who I adore still) Check out the fringe - I wish my hair would sit like that now!

Anyway, Hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday - I'm going to try and restrain myself from sending the blushing bride too many overexcited text messages :)

Things I've learnt from blogs this week...

I am so glad it's Friday - As the lovely Nicole said 'its been one of those weeks' (check out the links from Diana in her post today!)

1. Tea of the week - need I say anything else?
2. I adore all these images!
3. Oh and these as well - pretty
4. Every day this week has felt a bit like this...
5. more pretty pictures - I still love peacocks.
6. An extra this week - have you seen Down and Out Chic's giveaway this week?!
   (Actually dont look - I want it :D )

I hope you all have great weekends!!

Oh and Photoswap Update II

I have sent about 95% of the emails out to people - if you havent received an email yet its because I am still chasing your partners address - but definitely start taking pictures this weekend. Hopefully I should have all the emails out by the end of the day or tomorrow.

If you haven't had an email from me by Monday then please contact me and we will hopefully sort it out.

The closing date to have photos taken and in the post by is November 23rd 2009. Have fun taking your photos - I'm taking helga out this weekend :)

Holiday Gift Swap!!

I am all about the swaps right now!

When Carly let me know she was doing a holiday gift swap, I almost danced with excitement. I love christmas, I love buying gifts, I love surprises and I love you guys. What better way to show that love than to get one of you a present!!

So join up quick - the rules are simple - you'll have 1 partner to swap with, you must send a creative gift with the approximate value of $10-15US (without shipping). It could be anything- handmade or bought, vintage or not.

Sign up closes on November 9th - don't miss out!!

p.s. I love wrapping presents the most, I can not wait!

Who I am...

Inspired by these two lovely ladies: Sara and Sanchez
(please check out their posts - they really are beautiful)

I am 24 but sometimes I feel an awful lot older.

I still get asked for ID though which annoys me.

I am a daughter and a big sister...
no matter how far away I live from my family.

I am in love...
I would not be who I am without him.

I am technically an Interior Designer
but I haven't designed anything properly in over a year
I try not to think about it...

I am easily excited and short
I like both of these things about me.

I am impatient.
I want to travel, have a garden and get a kitten now.

I am not sure what I want to do in the future.
I am looking forward to it though.

I am happy.
Even when I am sad.

p.s. Also, I am overwhelmed by the amount of people reading my little blog - Hi to Judy, Janis, Christie, Buhdoop, Buzzybee68, Kimberly, Eadaoin and B is for Brown who mysteriously turned up over night!

(those without links if you have a blog then let me know)

p.p.s Yup the picture is of me sinking in the sand :)

Is it too early to think about christmas?

Etsy is my new favourite distraction! Last week I brought my first purchases from the lovely Chelsea's shop (Here and here - I've had my eye on them for months!) and now I can't stop looking at other things and wishing that I had them as well.

Here are some my favourites...

Lomography Diana Camera Illustration by Cut Copy Create

embroidered polaroid pocket journal with STARS by nowvember

holgas are great - print on vintage book page by girlscantell

Polaroid Land Camera Print by O'Reilly Ink

kodak instamatic camera beige by articcobolt

vintage polaroid camera by PerlaAnne

... I might have a slight obsession with cameras at the moment... oops!!

p.s. Hello to my new followers - Jez Gravel, Nikolett, Gloria, Emma, Carrie Ann, Jessica, Danielle, Missy, Amy, Seyma, Micaela, Isabella, Jen and Marcela - so excited (and somewhat amazed) to have you all here!

Photoswap update!

I am currently putting the final pairs together and waiting for the final addresses to be sent back to me - so hopefully I should be emailing everyone with their partners tomorrow!! I can not wait!

Here are some interesting facts from the swap to keep you going and because sometimes I just love statistics!

• 62 people in total are taking part in the swap
  
• From 8 different countries (how incredible is that!)
  
• including 23 different states in America.
  
• 14 of the pairs are sending to partners in different countries.
  
• The furthest a parcel will have to travel is 10,149 miles/16,333 kilometers

I have also created a flickr group for when the photos are developed - so whether you are taking part or just want to see the pictures - you can look here next month! (Though you can join it now of course...)

I love Wales: A few random holgas

Here some of the random holgas that I took from various places in Wales - I love how they all turned out.

I still have half a roll from Wales to develop as well! How exciting!

Diana Mini!

Saturday morning was so exciting - I love waiting for post to arrive. Before I hit 'Buy Now' on ebay (oops) I read a few reviews of the Diani mini saying that it a bit flimsy and the book was a waste of money but I thought it was a really solid, beautiful little camera and the packaging and the book are wonderful - I love flicking through all the photos - the page is above is my absolute favourite!

Unfortunately I haven't taken any photos with Dee Dee yet
(what do you think... Dee Dee and Helga has a nice ring right?)
instead we took Helga out to play so I could finish the last roll
from Wales in time for the photo swap!

My collection of cameras on top of the mantlepiece is now my favourite place in the house, yeay!

A few random things...

I hate thinking up good post titles...

I hope I never get bored of taking photos of our feet...

The kitten down the road snuck into our house yesterday...

We put it back outside after it fully explored our front room and got stuck behind the sofa (hehe)

We then watched it learning how to jump and climb outside....

We might have eaten half a tub of Ben and Jerry's Half Baked icecream in one sitting, oops.

I might have kicked leaves along the path on our mini adventure yesterday...

Boyfriend looked at me disapprovingly... before joining in, haha.

oh and...

The lovely* Cassie from Hydrangeas and White Daisies is having a giveaway to celebrate her wonderful* new etsy shop.

The photo swap is now closed and I am currently in the process of pairing people together! Wooo!

*and I love positive adjectives...

Thing's I've learnt from blogs this week... and giveaway winner!

First things first: the winner of giveaway is Nicole! Well done!

Thanks again to Jana for emailing me - don't forget to visit her lovely shop!

I have never been so glad it's Friday! I am so rubbish at being ill and I really can't wait to relax a little bit at the weekend (oh and my diana mini should be here tomorrow... so excited!!)

1. This may be the most beautiful thing I have ever read...
2. Such a lovely way to celebrate Autumn!
3. Favourite. picture. ever!
4. Miniature is just so cute...
5. If I ever find one of these in a charity shop I'll be incredibly happy! (Thanks Milly)

I hope you all have wonderful weekends! x

p.s. just a quick shout out to Jessica and Beth who looked through my Flickr photos - thank you! I loved reading your comments!

p.s.s. I nearly forgot... the photo swap closes on Sunday - so if anyone who thought about joining but hasn't yet is reading this - here's your chance!!

Autumn letters...

( So I've been trying to resist doing a little letters post but I think now is the time!)

Dear yellow leaves,

You are my favourite, I'll try not to take too many photos of you but I can't promise anything.

Dear polaroid cameras,

I think I'm am going to have to buy one of you soon, I'm not sure how much longer I can wait.

Dear little kitten down the road,

I'm so sorry the children you live with are mean - we both wish we could look after you.

Dear Glee,

Where was Emma this week? I still love you though don't worry...

Dear Wordpress and Etsy,

I will figure you out and we will be friends.

Dear weekend,

I am so glad you are finally here, this week has been looong...

I love Wales: Llanddwyn Island Part II

The great thing about Llanddywn Island was that
Helga (the holga) loved it as much as I did!

(Some of you may have seen these on flickr... but they are so pretty I had to share!)

How beautiful do the clouds, sea and sky look? At one point I completely forgot that we were in Wales! Just looking at these pictures makes me feel better.

Here's to happiness...

Can you believe it's been month's since mine and Boyfriend's last Here's to Happiness list (inspired by the lovely Naomi of course) it doesn't feel like it was that long ago.

Anyway, I'll be honest - I feel awful - sore throat, temperature, cough... you name it - I have it (and so does Boyfriend now - I made him ill too, oops)

So how do you feel better on days like this?

Think happy thoughts... and make a list of them!

1. Aero hot chocolate - it is amazing, I am obssessed.
2. Daily emails from new, old and best friends!
3. Knitted blankets
4. Writing letters
5. Making christmas lists
6. Fairy lights and candles
7. Paw prints in cement
8. Vintage cameras (possibly a permenant addition to this list)
9. Big wooly jumpers
10. Pictures of Harry (my current favourite is above!)

There, I feel a bit better already!

p.s. Hi to my latest followers: Maddy, Rose Red, Heidi, Jenni, Nicole (and Luffy), Beth, Sylvia and Emily - You guys are number 11!

p.p.s. Don't forget about the giveaway!

I love Wales: Llanddywn Island Part I

Finally some pictures from my favourite part of Anglesey... I loved Llanddywn Island! It was so beautiful and peaceful.

It was so easy to take lots of pictures but here are my favourite panoramic photos from the day (oh, how I love you panorama setting!) I want to go back right now!

Definitely worth the 4 hours of walking I think!

My very first vintage camera...

Charity shops are quiet possibly the best place for a bargain in the world!!

Look what I found in Oxfam last weekend for £2.99: a Kodak Instamatic camera from 1972 which takes 126 cartridge film.

I'll probably never find a film to use with it but it does look cute

on our mantlepiece with its new friends!

100+ followers giveaway!! Closed

This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been decided

thanks to everyone who entered!!

So in my thank you post last week I had a little note asking anyone who wanted to do a giveaway on my blog to email me (I know I'm lazy) and amazingly to my utter surprise someone did:
Jana from The Art Process.

You may have seen Jana's beautiful work last week on Ruth Writes, so here is your second chance at winning a cute pair of earrings or a stunning necklace from Jana's shop!


How to enter: Take a look at Jana's shop and comment below by 12pm GMT Friday 16th October with which pair of earrings or necklace you would like if you win. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.

Thank you again to all my readers - I seriously love having you guys here everyday and a huge thank you to the lovely Jana for emailing me in the first place!

Good luck!

Things I've learnt from blogs this week...

Woo, its Friday! This week has been wonderful, amazing and hectic all in one go! A huge thank you to everyone who has joined the photo swap – over 40 people so far, that’s about 30 more than I expected and thank you to everyone who has linked to it on their blogs.

I got some great news yesterday which I am so excited about but can’t share with you just yet and I have fantastic things planned for next week and towards the end of the month – are you as excited as I am yet? Hehe!

Before my usual links I wanted to show you this. I saw the link for it on a Cup of Jo last week and I could not believe it when I saw the guy on the left!

I know him!

His name is Josh, he went to the same college as me and moved to London about the same time that we did to start a career as a musician – we even saw him a couple of times (and he said hello) What are the chances that out of a thousand portraits from London the first one I see would be someone I know… and I don’t even know that many people in London! Crazy!

Anyway… I hope that you all have a wonderful weekends! We are finally going to see Up! and I am beyond excited about it!! See you Monday!

1. I want a polaroid wall of puppies! Especially ones in ties!
2. More key love... I can't get enough of them at the moment.
3. An amazing idea for a birthday card.
4. Some amazing Halloween cupcakes - I love the fingers!
5. and finally more yellow love... I just can't help myself...

p.s. Hello to my latest followers - Cassie, Dream Sequins, Ruth (who has a giveaway at the moment) Renee, Manju, Becky, Jana, Rêverie, Melanie, SCH, Sophie, Maddy and Jenny (who is new to blogger and also love cameras...)

p.p.s. Check out Saskia's first giveaway - I would comment but I already have Dr Feelgood (I love) and English Tea... as they are two of my favourites as well! You definitely don't want to miss it!

I love Wales: Caernarfon

I know I promised the photos from the Island today but my scanner is not cooperating, so I'll post these today and hopefully win the next round with my scanner over the weekend.

We only stopped in Caernarfon for about an hour but it was enough to walk around the beautiful castle and to gaze across the river for a while.

If we went back to Wales I would love to go look around the Castle properly - apparently you can go to the top of the towers which would be amazing!

I love Wales: Newborough Forest and beach...

Considering how many photos that I took, I haven't done that many posts about Wales - I'll try and post some more soon!

The day we spent around Newborough was my favourite day of the holiday - the weather was beautiful, the sea was sparkling and I felt incredibly happy.

(even if my feet didnt after 4 hours walking...)

Here are my favourite Holgas from the forest and beach!

Can you see the speck of white in the middle of the last photo? That is a lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island which is where we walked too and was really the highlight of my day...

I'll post pictures of the island tomorrow, it was wonderful!

p.s. Thank you for all your lovely comments yesterday, they made my day :)