Getting crafty - DIY Calendar

Finally, finally Friday - whoop!

Hopefully, I can get a bit more out of this weekend than the last (and the last two weeks for that matter)..

As I haven't been feeling all that great lately, I've tried some small DIY projects, just to feel like I am actually accomplishing something..

I tend to get a bit nutty if I don't have any outlets for my weird sense of creativity - and to be honest, there's not a lot of opportunity for that in my day job...

So in the spirit of getting organised, I made myself this monochrome (all black and white) calendar for next year...

If you'd like one, you can find a downloadable copy on Etsy

 What do you think?

x

Make it a good one

Morning!

Hope you're feeling good and ready to take on another week..

If not, I found some words of wisdom for you:

It's up to you, but I'm going to do my best to make this a great week!

Happy thoughts and all that jazz..

-C

DIY key holder

My love of simple, yet clever DIY ideas is endless!

I've seen something like this before, but thought I would give it a go, and here's the result!

I actually had this frame already, as I had planned to give it to my sister. The fact that it has keys on it is just a bizarre coincidence. But hey, it works, right?!

All you need is a picture frame, a small hook and somewhere to hang it on the wall - unless you of course have a table to place the frame on.. That would be my choice... If I had a table...

Hope you liked it :)

-C

Home office inspo

Whilst working from home yesterday (from bed for the most part), I was daydreaming of a time where I was running my own business from the comfort of my own dream house..

Oh, I'm sure I would be rich, talented and very, very important if I just had an office like this:

Or this:

Or this:

Oh a girl can dream!!

One day..

For more inspo, why dont't you visit my home office inspo link on Pinterest..

-C

Today's mantra

I know it's bad, with us not being half way into the first month of the year and all, but I am SO unmotivated these days!!

I seriosuly need to sort myself out, so I've decided to make a pact with myself;

I mean, come on - it's Friday!!

There's only a few more hours until I can relax and enjoy two days of peace..

Have a great one!

-C

Starting strong

I have no idea how people are able to skip breakfast, as I am literally unable to function if I don't eat before leaving the house! Today, I couldn't face the old boring cereal, and crisp bread didn't tempt me either.. So, I decided to try this little thing I saw on Facebook yesterday - all you need is an egg and a pepper of your choice... Simples!

Sometimes you just need to mix it up a little!

Have a great day everyone!

x

Just in time

Like millions of other people, I've decided to excercise more in 2013.. Not that I didn't in 2012, but I want to be more active this year - more walks, and more excercise in general throughout the week.. Now that I have a car, it's even more important to make a conscious effort as I used to walk a fair bit!

So as a little motivational booster, I ordered some new fitness clothing - which arrived on Monday.. Just in time for the New Year! Talk about timing.. I also got a free mug -safe to say I was well excited!

All from Sports Direct..

And it only cost me £11 - combined!! God, I love a bargain.. So much so that I have placed another order for kettlebells, new dumbells and a new pair of tights..

Happy New Year!

x

Christmas shopping - my top tips

Picture borrowed

The annual christmas shopping is dreaded by many, as lefts face it - there's a lot of money to be spent on gifts, food, drink etc. So today I thought I would share some tips on how to get some bang for your buck when it comes to getting gifts for your loved ones.

Remember, it's not about how much money you spend - it's about getting gifts that will light up the faces of  those you love :) With a bit of creativity you can get them something really special..

Ok, so let's start with the obvious - start early, set a budget and be organised.. I always keep a list of who I have to shop for, and usually plan what to get them before hitting the shops. That way, I already have a budget in mind and can look for something I know they'll like, instead of getting stressed by the hustle and bustle of the high street.. Christmas shopping should be fun!!

If you, like me, hate crowds, spend your time online - there's loads of bargains to be had!! My absolute top tip is to check out jewellery on sale - fantastic gifts at a fraction of the price.. Debenhams and Argos for example always have a great selection!

Looking for dvds or box sets? Check out supermarkets for big discounts! They also have lots of cheap books..

Another tip is to save your Boots points and really make them count on their 3 for 2 offers leading up to Christmas.. The only thing better than reasonable gifts must be FREE gifts.. Win-win!! Visit their website here.

What to get your grandparents, aunts or maybe your in-laws? They probably have everything they need, so I would suggest making them something, as it is far more personal, and I'm sure they'll really appreciate it! The sky is the limit, you can make photo albums, knit something, bake something etc.

Last year I made Norwegian cookies for the bf's mum and dad, and also found a brilliant gift you could give to everyone, really, but perfect for those with kids - something for them to do together.. Cookies in a jar - Google it!! You can pick your favourite recipe and layer the ingreditents in a jar as you see fit. You can also decorate the jar and add a nice note with the instructions.. Fab!

There are so many ways to make your money last longer, and I hope you're all being sensible! Christmas is not about out-shining your friends and family with the most expensive gifts.. At least that's my opninion...

Hope you're having a great day and that my tips can be of some help..

Catch you later!

x

Stumbling

Look what I just literally stumbled upon..

Aren't they cute?!

As a newbie to StumbleUpon, I was very impressed with what was picked for me today! This lovely little shop, run by two sisters in London, definitely deserves some attention.. Check it out here. These two girls are selling their designs to Topshop, amongst others and also have their own boutique in London..

Inspirational!

Picture perfect

Just thought I would share some snapshots from this week. Amazing how good pictures can look with some very simple editing! Instagram all the way :)

Hope you're enjoying your day!

x

Life is a walk in the park

Last night, I actually made it across the road  - no nap needed.. Sun was shining, and I was very excited to get some fresh air!

So I grabbed some magazines, a bottle of water and a notebook and was sure that my little excursion would leave me feeling inspired.. Little did I know what awaited me behind those black iron gates - a pond with brown water and rubbish everywhere. Lovely!

Nonetheless, I found a bench, read my magazines and scribbled down some notes - so all in all, I guess it was a success?!

x