Wednesday 24 March 2010

Closet Love

So, I'm going to admit something (& I'm hoping I'm not alone in this) but if you knew me you would know that I have a tendency to be a little (?) untidy when it comes to organizing my wardrobe... my poor husband sometimes has to climb over a mountain of shoes/tops to get to his side of the room.. & his side of the room is usually perfectly neat & tidy... hmm...

However, I feel if he were to provide me with any of the following, it would solve all the problems ~ these are some of my faves ~ what do you think? :)



The above photo is a fave ~ its just so organized and the fact there's chairs there makes it more welcoming

Shoes, shoes & more shoes... love IT!

I also love how the hats are arranged on the back of the door...


And lastly, the worlds most famous closet?? Who wouldn't love Carrie Bradshaws wardrobe & collection of shoes/clothes? I just love the homeliness of it & the fact that its organized but isn't 100% tidy & that's what makes it so interesting to look at! This one suits me fine I reckon :)


Monday 22 March 2010

A touch of Spring


So at last it's starting to feel like Spring here in Northern Ireland (where I currently live) ... & finally we got to enjoy the good weather this weekend! I'm loving the flowers which are starting to appear! Some even appeared on our doorstep today ~ thanks to a visitor that dropped in :)

Basket of flowers we were given!

I also want to share one of my favorite recipes with you - Rocky Road - ... I made it in about 10 mins flat today for my visitors this week ~ it's so easy to make & did I mention how scrumptious it is!?


Ingredients

15oz milk chocolate (or 10oz milk & 5 oz plan chocolate if you prefer)
4oz butter
3oz mini marshmallows (or marshmallows cut in to small chunks)
3oz digestive biscuits, broken into small pieces
2oz sultanas

Mix the marshmallows, broken biscuits, and sultanas in a bowl. Melt the chocolate and butter in saucepan on a low heat until it forms a thick, smooth chocolate mixture.

Pour the mixture over the marshmallows, biscuits & sultanas and gently stir. Transfer evenly into an 8 inch square glass bowl/tin.

Place in the refrigerator until the mixture is set and then cut in to small pieces ~ lightly sprinkle with icing sugar to finish!

It's that easy! Enjoy :)

x

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Hair Today...

Don't you just love gorgeous beach hair?? Its something I find hard to achieve on my own hair as it is naturally poker straight... gah!

I've tried everything including mouse, gels etc but they tend to make my hair feel sticky which isn't great especially if you are off to the beach!

I love these effortless, flowing curls in the pictures below - & think they look FAB with summer clothes!








I thought I'd share my tip on here as in the past I have searched tirelessly online for ways to get that effortless beach hair style! The only thing I find that works for me is to wash my hair the night before, part it (center or off center) and french plait each side (plaited fairly loosely so it doesn't go frizzy - and start plait where I want curl to start!). I then spray it with Elnett Hairspray by Loreal once it has dried a little! In the morning (if there is time) I curl any odd strand with the curling tongues!

Please feel free to share your tips on how you achieve beach hair styles as often I'm not organised enough to do this procedure the night before!! :)

Monday 15 March 2010

Winter Sea

We're planning on going to the beach on St Paddy's Day & as today has been so windy I got to thinking how there is no better thing to do on a stormy day than watch the rough sea ... I love the beach & am always in awe watching the force of the sea in a storm!

These pictures were taken a year or so ago by my husband & was really happy with how they turned out!



Friday 12 March 2010

Mothers Day!

So its mothers day on 14th March & I have been trying to decide what to get for my Mom. This year, my Mom is coming to see me in my new home (she's not been here yet as we live in different countries) so I was wanting to make it extra special for her! I found this gorgeous plate & couldn't resist it - she has the milk jug from the same collection...they are totally amazing pieces!


Then when I was wrapping it up I was trying to think how I could make a fun gift tag, when I suddenly realized why not make a gift tag/mothers day card all in one? Most of my craft supplies are in my old house so what I have here is very limited! I literally made the card from wrapping up paper over thin card (the card being an old sales brochure...:s) and bought some confetti stars from the supermarket to add a bit of sparkle ... I think it turned out ok...?! Inside, I included an area for text on one heart and and old photo on the other!



Tuesday 9 March 2010

Daisy turns 1!

As it's my little (Maltese) dogs first birthday today, I thought I would share some photos of her ~ she has the most adorable character and entertaining personality!

around 3 months old


I'm white, it's mucky here so I love it ;-)


My very own handbag dog...


Snowy days...& snow-boots!




I'm sure Daisy will feature more in my future blogs ~ but for now, I hope you enjoyed these pictures!

Sunday 7 March 2010

Antique Obsession...

I have to share my little antique find, which I am so obsessed with & despite being so small has made me so happy :)I was wandering along a promenade on the north coast of Ireland with my dog when I noticed a small antique shop PACKED with goodies... It was closing as I arrived which meant I couldn't spend as long as I wanted to there but I just couldn't leave this gorgeous little sugar bowl behind...


Interestingly, the dealer told me that the 'foreign 8' marking on the bottom indicates that it was made in either Germany or Japan during the war years & this is how china from there had to be marked then.... would you find a modern day china item with an interesting story like that..?! :)


And finally... yesterday, after nearly 8 months of marriage we bought a dining table & display cabinet - I was so happy with how my little sugar bowl sat on my modern display of plates and suddenly brought the shelf to life...check it out!!



Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Friday 5 March 2010

My Blog

So, I have decided to start a blog... This idea started when I happened to stumble across someone elses blog a few days ago while I was researching something (probably interior design related) & suddenly I became engrossed! Since then I have happened to find numerous blogs all of which I found creatively thought provoking and inspiring and made me want to share my thoughts/ideas with other bloggers on some of my personal interests such as interiors, photography, travel, the great outdoors, my crafty projects and anything else that takes my attention on that particular day! I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I have enjoyed reading others - I'm excited as to who/what I may come across as I enter blog-land! xx Catherine xx