Happy 100!

Today I'm celebrating lots of exciting things on the blog. 

No. 1... There are so many fantastic bloggers I have discovered recently, that I couldn't help but applaud there totally fab efforts. Here are my top 6 bloggers that I'm loving right now! They are definitively worth checking out. 

A beautiful mess - http://abeautifulmess.com

A Rowan Tree - http://arowantree.blogspot.co.uk

Iheartstudio - http://www.wilnaf.com

Dear Lizzy - http://elizabethkartchner.com

Ladybird Likes - http://ladybirdlikes.blogspot.co.uk

Molly Makes - http://www.molliemakes.com

No. 2... August has been a totally fantastic month for me. I've learnt some amazing new skills, visited some wonderful places and spent some quality time with special people. Summer is all about relaxing and just enjoying everything that's out there and this year has really been a good one. The weathers been fantastic and I've been really focused on learning new things and experiencing the world. Ok, so I've not saved the rain forest or travelled around Europe but I've made some amazing new friends, found a job I really love, and am constantly keeping myself in the arts and craft loop through various mediums. 

No. 3... Happy 100! My 100th blog post! I'm so excited, and proud that I've manage to grow my blog into something I can be utterly proud of, and share with the world. Happy birthday little blog! I'm so, so proud of you. 

Just A Minute JULY

I've taken a step back from blogging for the past few weeks and have been off enjoying the great British summer! We've had such beautiful weather that I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to miss out on some much needed time off. 

The past few weeks have been packed full of some really exciting things. I've relived a childhood memory and spent some time in Wroxham, which is a superb little part of the norfolk coast full of some cute little tourist shops, traditional British fish and chips, beautiful waterways and fab wildlife. I used to spend loads of time there as a child, and loved seeing the great british public enjoying a traditional summer holiday once again! 

In other news, I've also picked up a new skill in the form of contemporary floristry, and am officially a level one qualified florist! I totally loved the whole experience of being in a leaning environment, and creating once again. It's such a fantastic skill and hope to take it on further later in the year, as it's something that just totally inspires me. Considering I've never done anything like it before, I was really pleased with my creations! 

July has been full of 'firsts' and another first for not only July, but additionally me, was going to see my local football team playing at their home ground. Okay, so I'm not fanatical about the sport or really had a clue what on earth was going on the entire time, but it's one of those 100 things I've always wanted to do, and surprisingly really enjoyed myself! I'm pretty sure I spent half the time watching the sunset and taking in the atmosphere rather than watching the actual match, but hey, it was a fab evening! AND they won!! 

July has been fantastic, and have got so many more exciting plans for August that I can not wait to share with you all! So keep checking back bloggers as I'm totally excited. 

Exhibition A Month: June

I can't believe the fact we are already half way through the year, which means half way through my exhibition a month bucket list. I am really loving getting back into art and design after such a long time away from it all ( Would you believe it that one year ago I was blogging about my graduation?)

This month I was totally lost for ideas of exhibitions I could visit, so eventually settled on The Wonder Of Birds, which is a local exhibition currently in Norwich's Castle Museum. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, and am still fairly confused after spending near two hours walking amongst the exhibits and reading the information plaques, about what and who the exhibition was aimed at. Comprising of paintings, sculpture, taxidermy and fashion attire all very beautiful and unique in their own right but somewhat confusing as an exhibition. Although, all in all, I'm glad I visited as it was wonderful to see so many 'lost' crafts in one place!

On a brighter note. Next stop... July! 

Au revoir Two Peas

It saddens me to say that my favourite scrapbooking website has announced it's closure. Since discovering Two Peas over three years ago, I have been totally addicted to the scrapbook world. I was totally in shock to hear the news like many other scrapbookers who engage themselves in the Two Peas bubble. 

It has been a huge source of inspiration, and have learnt so many things from all the members and Two Peas garden girls, without it I probably wouldn't be as inspired to create with paper as I am. I certainly wouldn't have discovered the amazing talents of Wilna Furstenburg and Shimelle Laine who are huge inspirations to me as fellow scrapbookers, and their videos never fail to open my eyes to new techniques. I certainly wouldn't have purchased my Sillouhette Cameo if it wasn't for their wonderful tutorials. 

It will be hard to say farewell to the forums, galleries and sense of community that Two Peas has always embraced. National Scrapbook Day will not be the same without it, especially as a UK scrapper. I love everything about it and will be a hard to goodbye to make! 

Big big thank you to Kristina, Jeffrey and all the team for all the hard work they have put into Two Peas over the years! 

Trend: Pineapples

Pineapples are not the first thing you think about when it comes to design, however, they are EVERYWHERE right now. I really am loving this surprising trend. It's super cute, and super summer!

Pink. Pin. Picks.

Happy Monday bloggers, and to celebrate heres a post dedicated to this years most wanted colour. Pink!! It is totally trending right now wherever you go, and has definitely caught my eye while flicking through the pages of Pinterest. 

Here are a few pink, pin picks and a cute little pink quote to match..

'I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.'

Audrey Hepburn 

So much love for pink right now it's incredible!!

(All images are from Pinterest, none of them are my own.) 

What's on my desk?

I've had a busy weekend working because of the bank holiday so heres to a week of relaxing and being creative. Oh, and of course more blogging!

I have recently seen loads of bloggers post about whats on their desk and workspaces. It's definitely made me think about mine, and how i'm not fortunate enough to have a workspace that I can solely call my own, instead have a small desk in the corner of the garden room. It's not huge but it gives me a place to reflect, organise and create to my hearts content. What's currently on your desk?

My Imac

Various jars filled with pens

One 12x12 scrapbooking album

Kodak printer

Paintbrushes and scissors

Various unfinished layouts

Two Orla Kiely storage boxes

My organiser

Silouhette Cameo and cutting mat

Welcome back.. Finally!

Ok, so once again I have abandoned my blog although i've got a pretty good excuse this time, am now a proud mummy to a fantastic electronic cutting machine! I've been super busy making and creating all kinds of beautiful paper cuts from some really wonderful scrapbooking designers. Its been wonderful to see my layouts come to life with a simple cut out title or cute little embellishment or frame. My only regret is I wish i'd bought one sooner. Am definitely in love! Heres a little sneak peek of some of my latest layouts, paper cuts included!

Because i've been so useless with updating my blog, i've decided the only way to have a proper catch up is with a 'Just A Minute' update. Enjoy!

In May I am

Listening to..

DJ Cassidy Calling All Hearts (feat. Robin Thicke and Jessie J). Its so summery and pink! It just makes me want to dance especially with all this beautiful weather we've had lately! Summer 2014 is definitely upon us folks.

Visiting..

Exhibitions. So, April and May consisted of some great adventures to some great exhibitions. John McLean stained glass, Artists Textiles: Picasso to Warhol, Wedding Dresses and The Glamour of Italian Fashion. Being a V&A Member means some fantastic benefits including free entry to all exhibitions, and special members events. I was fortunate enough to join just in time to receive a cute little canvas tote. 

Drinking..

Starbucks caramel macchiatos. I'm totally in love with them right now, and the cute little straw is just too adorable. 

Adventuring..

Out and about on my bike. When I got it last year, we didn't have great luck with the weather, so a few weeks ago I pumped up the tires and just went out for a leisurely cycle in the countryside. Perfectly peaceful.

Looking forward to..

More time with my cutting machine. I've only just scratched the surface but am totally captured by it, just can't wait to learn more tips and tricks and design my own cut files. 

Feeling..

Really happy right now. I don't know if it's the fact the sun is shining  or whether its the possibilities of the cutting machine making me happy but right now, things are happy happy happy!

Fingers crossed I won't ditch my blog for quite this long before my next post. Despite my new found love for cutting!!

Birthday weekend

This weekend I celebrated birthday No. 22 in the wonderful city of Cambridge. It was such a lovely sunny, warm day and was so lucky to share it with two wonderful people. Here are just a few snapshots from the day!

The strawberry milkshake was so delicious, especially with the enormous portion of cream

My piece of victoria sponge, complete with double layers of jam and cream! Beautiful

Me and my boy enjoying Harriets tea rooms. Who thought it would be warm enough to be wearing the sandals and leggings combo in March?

Some delightful cakes and pastries in Harriets tea rooms. Was so difficult to choose with one to have

Cambridge sunshine. Cambridge people. Cambridge architecture

Beautiful sunset at the end of a beautiful day. Perfection 

Happy birthday to me! Homemade chocolate cake I was given as a present (But with only the one candle). So, so tasty!

Pin picks

I have recently rekindled my love for Pinterest, and embraced pinning with a passion.Pinterest is definitely one of those 'go-to' tools I use when i'm feeling uninspired or lost for ideas.  Here are some of my favourite pins from my newest boards, Typography, ceramics, colour and illustration. 

Just A Minute MARCH

March is such a wonderful month for me, lots of things to look forward to and enjoy. Heres just a little snippet of what March will bring for me. Enjoy!

In March I am

Listening to..

Vance Joy, Riptide. Its such a beautiful, summery song that makes me want to dance and be happy. The lyrics are just as additionally beautiful. 

Visiting..

London. I love any excuse to visit the British capital city, feel inspired and surround myself with the hustle and bustle of London City life. As well as sneak in a cheeky visit to 180 Piccadilly. The home of the Flagship Cath Kidston Store. I have recently treated myself to V&A membership, so this month I will be researching into all the wonderful exhibitions I can visit.

Drinking..

Delicious coffees from our new coffee machine. I have never loved a kitchen gadget like this one. Am particularly partial to the Costa caramel latte. One of my new favs that I will be drinking for a very long while!

Looking forward to..

Celebrating my birthday with wonderful people over a traditional, afternoon tea. Like a real grown up (Since i'm getting old!)

#Liking right now

Recently I've seen a lot of bloggers posting about things they're liking right now, or are really influenced by. So, I thought I'd take the opportunity and follow in their footsteps. Here's one of my all time favourite design trends... Stripes! I've recently purchased a ridiculous amount of Breton style t-shirts and can't not wait to wear them with stripe pride!

  

(Unfortunately I can't take any credit for the images, but wish I owned everything in them!)