Charley Dreams....

Sarah and Joes wedding

2011-08-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

How nice it was to see two of my closest friends getting married. A beautiful day was had by all.

New home!!

2011-08-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Me and Gwen have moved house! A little 2 bed terrace with loads of original features. Here are some pics, the photos aren't the best as I took them on my phone. I hope it will be a happy little home for the future.

Oh Diana.....

2011-05-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

I finally got my first photos back from using my Diana F+.....

record cover round up......

2011-04-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

I love some of the record covers I come across from work......

Hen do...

2011-04-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

It was Sarah's hen do last week, and it went like this.....................

Fun times

2011-04-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have done anything super fun like these music videos! See if you can spot me and my friend Sarah !!!

Twooo Cute!

2011-03-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

Cute owl picture I found for 20p.

Thinking of Japan

2011-03-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm so sad for all the people in Japan who's lives have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. I hope all the lovely people I met over there are safe.

The charity shop Gods are still smiling on me!

2011-03-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

Today I met Sarah (who is recovering from an operation) for a gentle stroll and a bite to eat on Ecclesall road. We also had a look in a few charity shops as we passed them, and my lucky streak continued. I found lots of gems, including another coat! This time it is a vintage brown faux fur one!, an ornament wall shelf and these things too.........

Vintage un used make-up bag

set of cute little books which match the one I blogged about here

Brownie camera

Devon Days Part 3

2011-03-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Some more photos using my Instax camera.

The charity shops down in Devon were amazing, the sort you dream about. Run by little old ladies in tabbards that never throw anything away! I got loads of stuff and would have bought more if I had longer rummaging time and more space to bring things back. Below are some photos of the bric-a-brac I did get. I also got a long chocolate coloured vintage leather coat, cute hand knitted scarf with pocket and vintage black patent handbag.

Devon Days Part 2

2011-03-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of Torquay was a visit to 'Living Coasts'. It's a large coastal conservation site with penguins, seals and marine life. Me and my mum had so much fun there!

Devon Days Part 1

2011-03-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged for a while due to my dull life, and total lack of inspiration or creation......But for the past 5 days I have had a well needed break with my mum in lovely Devon, and am now feeling revived. We stayed in Torquay and visited lots of the surrounding little towns. I took lots of photos so here's the first batch....

Pretty Flowers

2011-02-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

I love snow drops they are so pretty.

I'll drink to that!

2011-02-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

I got a new job, Yey! The drinks are on me!
I am the new shop Manager for emmaus-sheffield.

WEDDING!!!

2011-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

My lovely friends Sarah and Joe are getting married in June and I am going to be one of their Bridesmaids! This is the wedding invite I designed for them.

Violet Creams and a Kipper

2011-01-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

Today me and my friend Sarah had a day off, so we went on a little mission to find a new charity shop/warehouse thing we had heard about. It was pretty tricky to get to, on some small back road near the canal in a part of town we don't usually go, but eventually we found it.

It was so cold today, even the canal was frozen.

We were greeted on arrival by Kipper the shop cat!

Outside with my purchases. 2 soup cups. The design on them matches a set of cups and saucers my mum gave me, which she got as a wedding present, so I was happy to find these!

Sarah got a cute little cat jug, but you can't see it very well in this pic.

No day out is complete without a trip to Cocoa. The most beautiful little chocolate shop.

We had hot chocolate and violet creams. The violet creams from there are my favorite chocolates ever! They also do equally dreamy rose creams.

The pretty lady who worked there gave us a free snowman chocolate!

finally I drew something

2011-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak a peek at a drawing I did last night and have started colouring on the computer. It's not finished and it wasn't what I had in my head at all, but at least it's something!

Inspiration & frustration

2011-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Images from dustjacketattic

I am trying to regain some creativity. Sometimes I want to craft and make things and sometimes I want to draw. At the moment I really want to draw but everything I do is rubbish. I have been trawling the internet for inspiration. In doing so I get really absorbed in a world of images and photographs, which pulls me off in different directions. Hopefully my brain will make sense of all the different ideas swirling around in my head, and engage my hand into drawing something half decent!

I love...........

2011-01-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Her eye make up

Jug Love

2011-01-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

My lovely new jug from the charity shop.

A jaunt out

2011-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Sarah is getting married in June, and has asked me to be one of her 3 bridesmaids! I met her and Rachel (also a bridesmaid) for a little lunch last week. After lunch we went to my favorite chocolate shop Cocoa. It is so pretty and does the tastiest violet creams.

We also popped into a few charity shops. I loved the winter picture on this jigsaw, and now wish I had bought it for 75p even though there was one piece missing.

I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller

2011-01-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

Gluten free Christmas cake

2011-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Made specially for me by my mum :)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Star Signs

2010-12-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

I love these images for Vogue by Photographer Tim Gutt.

I want to be in their gang

2010-12-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dear santa, I would like.....

2010-12-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

ceramic animal jewellery boxes

A little bit of Christmas

2010-12-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

I had big plans for Christmas decorations this year, but things/life haven't gone to plan . I have put a tree and a few bits up though and they look pretty.

boo hoo I'm trapped

2010-12-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

It is so snowy and icy on my road, I couldn't get my car out. No taxis can get here either, so I couldn't get to Leeds for ReetSweet. I'm sad I missed the craftfair.

OK so this picture is a bit of an exaggeration, but my car really is stuck in the Ice.

Julefest and a walk in the park

2010-12-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

This morning it became obvious that my car is well and truly stuck in the ice and snow, as no gritters have been down our insignificant side road...So it was decided to walk to the craft fair, going through the park made it quite a nice walk.
It was well worth it as I had a fun time, sold lots, and started to feel Christmassy for the first time this year.

Snow days continue...

2010-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well after the most snow ever, and having to walk to and from work, I have been snowed in at my Mums for 2 days. Which has been just what I needed actually...Lots of tasty home cooking, warm and cozy house, cute little cats and being around someone I love. All the walking and cold has taken it's toll on my body though and I am now poorly with a cold and a body of lead. But no more lounging around for me as I have my craftfairs to get ready for. Tomorrow is Julefest at Clifford School on Psalter Lane, Sheffield. It should be fun...if I can (and have the energy) to get there!

Here are my obligatory snow photos of the past 2 days........................

On Wednesday it was pretty deep and there were no busses running as the roads were completely snowed over..........

.........Thursday morning it was deeper.....................

...Thursday afternoon it was really deep!....

....and everything looked beautiful.......

Today is the day of Icicles......

....Berries trapped in Icicles.....

...and weird curly Icicles!

Just off to Narnia......

2010-11-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing all day and everything looks magical. It's so cold you can wear big fluffy hats and no one even looks at you funny.

More Crafting Pics...

2010-11-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

More pictures of the fresh little guys I'm churning out!

Snow time!

2010-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here's to snowy fun times!

Getting my craft on

2010-11-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

It's been crafting all the way for me. I am doing 2 Craft Fairs in a row next weekend. On Sat 4th December It's Julefest at Clifford School, Psalter Lane, Sheffield, then on the Sunday it's Reetsweet at the Corn Exchange in Leeds, Phew!

Collections...Metal Trays/Coasters

2010-11-27T05:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I did a post about my collections, and it's time to start up again.

I can't remember where I got the picture from, but I love this collection.It is quite magnificent!

Mine on the other hand is pretty measly, and most are in bad condition.....

This morning.....

2010-11-27T05:28:00.000-08:00

This morning I was woken by a text from my pal Sarah saying the snow was here...and it was!

Why I love Playboy

2010-11-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

A while ago I picked up some Playboy magazines from the 1960s at a carboot. The pervy old guy selling them (who reminded me of Swiss Tony from The Fast Show), was curious to know why I would want such magazines, and I told him straight, "I like the make-up & hairstyles, the illustrations, and styling in the photographs". He didn't get it, and had made up his mind I was a closet Lesbian. Anyway my friends here are some of my favorite pictures from them.......

It's chilly out there

2010-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how cold it is. Time to get the winter warmers out, and this year I plan to dress like this...

Me and Miu Miu

2010-11-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

I love the new cruise collection by Miu Miu. I am not into expensive designer lables, but I have always loved their stuff.

There is something familiar about the styling of the photos for this range, in Sunday's Style magazine though.................

(sorry for crummy picture quality had to photograph the pages at they were too big for my scanner)

.................The hairstyle, the bold patterns and colours remind me of my SS09 style!

ReetSweet Craft Fair

2010-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

I had fun today at the craft fair. I didn't make a mint, but a healthy profit, and every penny counts at the minute let me tell you. The venue was great, and I met some lovely people. All in all a good day.

2010-11-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

My army of little bear greetings cards are getting ready to march into battle tomorrow :)

ReetSweet

2010-11-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

My photo has been used in North Leeds Life Magazine to promote the up coming Reetsweet craft fair at the corn exchange Leeds this Sunday!

Back to crafting

2010-11-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been spending my time crafting in preparation for the Reetsweet craft fair on Sunday at Leeds Corn exchange. Entry is free and it looks to be a good 'un with lots of interesting stalls from the areas finest arty crafty types, so come on down!

Hooray for Halloween and friends

2010-10-31T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hello! There is only so long you can sit around feeling sorry for yourself, so yesterday I got out to my oldest bestest friends Halloween party, and had some fun! Before I go on to show you the photos I would just like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to all those people who have posted kind comments and sent me messages and emails. I didn't realize so many lovely people visited my blog, and your kind words really picked me up, so again thank you x
I don't like to post about personal problems etc, as I like it to be a happy place and I'm going to be in a bad way for a while, so I'm just going to suck it up and get on with my life...and happy blogging! .........Now on to the photos!.....

As you can see I was a zombie Air Hostess! I already had everything for the outfit in my vast wardrobe full of random items for just such an occasion, and this time my hording skills payed off as I won first prize for the best outfit!

I did my friend John's make-up (and he won 3rd prize!) but then wish I hadn't as he was really scary! and his wife said she will never get over seeing him like that!

My friend went to so much effort decorating the house. It looked great! My favorite bits were this haunted house and a tree with owls, all cut out from paper and stuck on the walls!

I hope you had a fun day xxx

No more blogging for a week or 2

2010-10-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would let you know there will be no more blogging for a week or two, due to the fact I am going through a bit of a bad patch at the minute. Please don't go away though, I promise I will be back.

New business cards

2010-10-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hooray my new business cards arrived today. I used 5 different designs and kept the info on the back pretty simple.

Pumpkins and Squash

2010-10-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a nice dry sunny day, so I harvested the squash and mini pumpkins off the allotment. I love all the orange tones and the shapes. This lot should make some tasty soups for the next few months!

Snail Trail

2010-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist this little guy for 1.99 in a charity shop. He can be a little friend to the owl plant pots .

Last of the Cry Babies

2010-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

You know how it is when something just bugs you, and you have to keep fiddling?

Cry Baby - Original

2010-10-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

This is the original, before I messed around with it....I'm always messing around and can't decide on a finished version.

Cry Baby

2010-10-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Pirate Keyrings

2010-10-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

My fabric samples arrived from Spoonflower the other day. I was experimenting with the scale of my pirates and decided to make these little ones into keyrings. I will be selling a limited amount of them on my stall at the 'Reetsweet' craft fair in November.

Mug Love

2010-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

My Deco Dolls print is now available on mugs here .....wish I could afford one!

Pea prints

2010-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of my little print designs to cheer you up on this rainy Wednesday.

Deco Dolls Part 2

2010-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

I quite liked my doodle from the other day, and so I turned it into some repeat patterns.

Deco Dolls

2010-09-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

A page from my sketchbook of doodles

Autumn..I'm ready for you

2010-09-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

The first of the pumpkins from the allotment

My lovely new 'Fraggle' earmuffs from Peacocks

A nice afternoon out

2010-09-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we went to Chatsworth House, which is a beautiful stately home only 20 mins drive away. We went to see a special exhibition of sculptures which are in the gardens, and to make the most of the last bit of summer weather.

Reet Sweet!

2010-09-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am doing the 'Reetsweet' Craft fair (what a great name for a craft fair in Yorkshire!) on Sunday November 7th @ the Corn Exchange in Leeds. It looks to be a real good event and I'm highly excited about it! Come along, it'll be fun!

Say hello to my little friends

2010-09-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

I know a little someone who needs a book mark or two, and as I was feeling crafty today, I made these little guys.

They were really quick and easy to make, Just cut the shape of your creature out of card (I used some with a wood effect print on, which I got from an old window display in a shop I used to work in...the only good thing to come out of that job!). Then add some features I used black stickers for the eyes and a felt tip for the cheeks, mouth, ears, and eye detail. Using a sharp craft knife simply cut 2 'U' shapes in the middle of the body to form the little arms that hook over the page....and your done. A cute little guy to save your place in your book.

Hola! Boring Holiday Photos Alert!!

2010-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got back from my trip to Spain. Here are some photos from my week away.

I shall start with my outfits for each day...as this is a very important part of any holiday :)

Dress Vintage...Hair Flowers Accessorize...Shoes Sainsbury's!

Dress-Vintage...Hair Flowers-Accessorize...FlipFlops my Mums

Top-Made by myself from an old tablecloth...Shorts-Peacocks

...Hairband-Dorothy Perkins...Shoes Vintage

Dress Vintage...Shorts as before...Shoes Sainsbury's!

...Bag-Accessorize...Earrings-Gift from my good pal Sarah

Cape/Smock thing-Vintage...Shorts-Peacocks...Shoes Vintage

Dress Vintage...Shoes Vintage

Bored of seeing me? Yes me too, so here are some other pics from around the Costa Brava area where we stayed.

We visited the Dali Museum in Figueres. I appreciate the work of Dali and how important his role was in Surrealism, but I have never really been a fan. I had never seen some of the pieces in the museum and was pleasantly surprised by how varied his work was.

We also drove to Barcelona one day, as it was only a couple of hours away. I have been a couple of times before but every time I go I am blown away by the beauty of the buildings.

I especially love Parc Guell designed by Gaudi.

I left a little bit of me behind in Barcelona next to my favorite piece of grafitti...

I'm off again!

2010-09-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we are going to Spain for a week! This could be a last chance to wear some pretty summer dresses as I sense a chilly Autumn is soon on it's way.

I shall leave you with a picture of goodies harvested last week from the allotment, and a picture of me and my friend Sarah which makes me laugh. Bye for now x

Little Guys

2010-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

What with twin Nieces Birthdays tomorrow and our friends new arrival, I have been busy making cards.

All shades of orange

2010-08-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

I seem to have orange on the brain at the moment. I love it...

...I am spending a lot of time at home and my lounge is full of lovely orange things. I think it has seeped into my brain. Oh well all creative input is welcomed by brain.

This little picture is going to be on sale in my Etsy and Folksy shops as a print soon.

These are just some doodles out my sketchbook that may or may not turn into something who knows.

5 years ago today....

2010-08-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

....5 years ago today I got married!

This is the card I made my husband for our anniversary.

Little Pirates

2010-08-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

My mind and creativity has been all over the place. I don't really know what I'm doing, but sometimes that's the best way. I made these little pirates on Saturday....

....and this fabric print

A Peek into my sketchbook

2010-08-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

'For your amusement'

Hunter Gatherer

2010-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I have collected over the last couple of days.......

2 lovely Cats...

...Some home grown Sweet pea flowers...

...Veg from the allotment...

...and a new haircut.

Vintage treats

2010-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

On Monday I bought a Barbara Streisand record for 20p from a charity shop, not because I'm into Barbara Streisand, or the musical it's from, but because I love the artwork.

On Thursday I went to Dumfries in Scotland. It's really quite nice there. We stayed in a beautiful Hotel (which used to be a Mental Institute in the olden days). The lobby and corridors still had all the original tiles.

There are so many charity shops there, I couldn't get round them all before they shut! I did manage to get a giant oval plastic 1960s mirror and these items....

Palm Tree Brooch

Red Enamel Flower Earrings

2 Sara Moon Framed Prints.

pics from sara-moon.com

On researching Sara Moon pictures I came across a great blog ilovecatparty It is one of my new favorite blogs. Well worth a visit.

New shop additions

2010-08-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have added a few new items to my Etsy and Folksy shops... Mr & Mrs Mustache owl. Tiny Lamadeer and Little Squirrel and a couple of Flopsy Bunny Noobs.

I was happy to find my Giant Noobs have been featured in an Etsy Treasury. Hilarious Plush by RockWater Jewelry . Some of the creatures on there are so funny & cute.

Another New Book

2010-07-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist this book, It's so much fun!

80s fun

2010-07-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Now I am not usually a fan of the 80s, but these old greetings cards in a charity shop caught my eye yesterday. I love the colours and styling.

The birthday gift bonanza continues

2010-07-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Another present arrived in the post.....

....EEk it's a Yuki 7 print by Kevin Dart. I absolutely love his illustrations and wish I was a Yuki 7 girl.
My friends Sarah and Joe came over for tea and (too many) drinks the other night and we exchanged birthday gifts, as our birthdays are only 4 days apart. She got me the cutest brush and mirror set from Paperchase. My Mum also got me some things from the same range in Paperchase a Giant sketch book and folder.

This weekend we went down to visit my brother who lives in Cheltenham and he gave me some brilliant gifts.....

The Print&Pattern book, which is amazing, jam packed full of all my favorite surface patten and textile designers and is really inspiring.

He also got me these DVDs....

....and this FujiFilm instant camera!...What a great Brother.

Well while everyone else seemed to be treating me, I decided to treat myself and bought myself this mug by Lotta Kuhlhorn. I have had my eye on her things for aaaages here, but they are always sold out, so when I spied her mugs in a nice little shop called 'Pod' in cheltenham I just had to have one!

I also bought myself this months Computer Arts Projects magazine as it is their annual Character Design issue.

Phew! It has defiantly been the best birthday ever this year!

New Picture

2010-07-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have coloured my sketch in on the computer, and I am happy with how clean and vibrant it makes it, so I am not going to do a hand painted version. I like the sketchy hand drawn look on the dark sad girls, but I think a fresh flat look works better with this fun colourful girl. If you click on the image to see the larger version, she looks less like a clown!

Also on my wall...

2010-07-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I got around to framing some pictures that I have been meaning to do for ages. One of my favorites is this huge poster by Tado. I first came across their work when I impulse bought some cereal in Sainsburys due to the cute packaging, and later found out it was designed by Tado. I also found out they are a Sheffield based company, what a small world.

Birthday Girl

2010-07-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today was my birthday, yey! But boo at being another year older....My best gift was from my husband and was a complete surprise. A beautiful limited addition giclee print by one of my favorite artists Audrey Kawasaki entitled 'Saying Goodbye'. I love it so much.

Sketchy

2010-07-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Finally I found the time and creativity to do some sketching. I have an idea how I want the final picture from this sketch to look, but I can't decide weather to paint it by hand, as I do miss painting, or to to do it on the computer (I have become reliant on the undo button). As usual I am incapable of making a decision so have decided to do both to see which I like the best.

What can Coeliacs eat in Japan?

2010-07-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Nothing! especially if you are vegetarian too....Well that isn't strictly true, but eating traditional Japanese foods in restaurants or hotels is tricky. It is hard to find vegetarian meals and even harder to find ones that don't contain gluten, as nearly everything involves Soy sauce which has wheat in.

My translation card served me well. (get a free one you can personalize to suit your requirements at killerpeanut.com It really is worth it) The Hotels we stayed in were really accommodating and I was only ill once due to some naughty Soy sauce polluting a delicious grilled Egg plant. The meals were all beautifully presented but alas all I kept getting was cold bland slimy tofu, bean curd and strange pickled things.

It all looked so nice.......

....but I think the face says it all.

The rice was safe and tasty though.

Happy face at fresh pure vegetables

Sad face...all gone and still hungry, only pickles and cold tofu left

It is my own fault for having such an annoying disease. They really tried their best but it was just too much not eating meat or fish either.

In Tokyo there is a lot more choice of different types of food and restaurants. It is still hard though. The best (and only!) place I found for an actual filling meal was a place called 'Eggs and Things' in Harijuku. There was always a queue outside, but it is well worth waiting as it's yummy!

Happy face again.....Om nom nom

I lived on snacks from 'Family Mart', which are a chain of convenience stores in the larger cities open 24 hours. I stocked up real good on things in there. I wish I could have bought and tasted all the cute packaged cookies and crisps and chocs, but I had to stick to the things I knew where gluten free. (I still picked the cutest I could find) Here are some of the things I found that were safe to eat and drink......

Tasty Watermelon Juice & a Vodka and Guava Cocktail

Cute Apple Juice & Edamame Beans

Watermelon Sweets

Tropical Fruit Juice

Boiled Egg in a Box (still in shell)...good for breakfast

Cheese

Chocolate

Happy Turn Rice Crackers..really tasty

More Cheese

Rice Triangles/Rice Balls-for Veggies (imagine this but round, this triangle one had a nasty fish surprise in the middle)

Ice-cream was also safe - without the cone, and I found some salad boxes, the egg and potato salads were fine and made a change from cheese and rice.

Well that is my last post about Japan I promise! ta ta for now x

Where to visit in Japan

2010-07-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I went to Japan and I am still not over it! I have post Japan blues.

While editing my photos (which hasn't helped!) I thought I would do a post on the places I think are worth seeing (not including Tokyo, as everyonre knows that's amazing!), so here we go.....in no particular order....

KYOTO

Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan for centuries, before it was Tokyo. There are loads of Shrines, Temples, and gardens located in the city and on the outskirts. This is a great place to stay as there is lots to see and do and you get a real sense of traditional Japan.

What to do in Kyoto.........

Be a Geisha!

The famous Geisha district of Gion is located in Kyoto. There you can get transformed into a Geisha have a photo shoot and walk aroud the traditional narrow backstreets in your Kimono. I used the maiko-henshin studio. I would recommend the mini outdoor package as you get to have your photo taken outside, and half an hour free time to wander around and take your own photos.

The International Manga Museum

This is well worth a visit if you are a fan of Manga. There is a huge library where you can sit and read pretty much every manga book ever made, as well as an exhibition on the history of manga and exhibitions of various artists.

Murin-An Garden

A relaxing garden tucked away in the middle of Kyoto. Used by the Emperor for important business meetings and entertaining dignitaries.

Things to see around Kyoto......

Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavillion

Nijo Castle

Todai-ji Temple (with tame deer in the grounds - beware they bite your bum! - they did mine anyway!)

Nara Park. Beautiful green park with 1000 year old Cedar trees and a Buddhist Shrine.

Other Places around Japan....
HIMEJI

Himeji is well worth a visit to see the castle which is in the Bond film 'You Only Live Twice' and 'The Last Samurai'. There is not much else to do here, so not really worth staying longer than a day. We just got the train to visit the castle.

MIYAJIMA

Miyajima is a beautiful little Island just 20mins ferry ride from mainland Japan. There are lots of things to do here, Including...quiet secluded beaches, a cable car up a mountain with views of Japans inland sea, Lots of wildlife - deer, monkeys lizards and birds. If you go to Miyajima I would recommend staying in a Ryokan which is a traditional Japanese guest house with the sliding panel doors, futons and natural hot spring baths which are usually outdoors.

MATSUE

Matsue Castle. Also known as the “Black Castle”, it is one of the few castles in Japan that is the original wooden form.There is also a museum of modern art and a wildlife sanctuary here.

That's my round up of the places I saw and would recommend. All I can say is if you ever get the chance to go to Japan...GO GO GO! x

Fruits of my labour

2010-06-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's picking time on the allotment and it is all so sweet and tasty...mmmm

Charity Shops I missed you

2010-06-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

However good the shops in Tokyo, as far as I'm concerned you still can't beat the thrill of finding a gem in a charity shop for peanuts in good old blighty. I didn't come across any charity shops in Japan, I don't think they have them, and the Vintage shops were stupidly expensive, so you can imagine how excited I was to find these little gems when I wandered round the charity shops on my dinner break from work yesterday........

I love this 1960s tray and it was only 1.49

This 1950s plant trough was 5.00 and is perfect to go outside my front door,

I just need to get some pretty plants to put in it now.

Japan Last day -TOKYO

2010-06-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

My last day in Japan :( and it has been truly amazing. Here are the photos of what I saw and got up to in Tokyo today.....

Japan Day 11-TOKYO

2010-06-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

Here's todays photo diary......

Japan Days 9 & 10-TOKYO

2010-06-23T03:22:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos of the past 2 days in Tokyo.......

Japan Days 7&8-TOKYO

2010-06-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

Finally here in Tokyo, and it is bonkers! This is the view from our hotel, which is in Shibuya right next to Harajuku. All the amazing shopping areas are right on the doorstep which is great. Here's a sneak at the things I have bought so far..........

One of the best things about being in Japan is no-one looks at you gone out for what you are wearing. In England people look at me like I am some kind of crazy fool, but here everyone has there own personal style. They even stop you and comment on how kawaii (cute) something is your wearing.

Japan Day 6

2010-06-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well it's the last day before we head off for a week in Tokyo. I am hoping to go back to my blog posts and add where I have been and the name of the sights as well as some of the things I have experienced ,but right now I don't have the time.

Today is a day of relaxation, lounging around in my Kimono, (there is a choice of different coloured kimonos every morning for me to chose from!) and taking baths (Onsen which are trditional hot spring baths).

Japan Days 5&6

2010-06-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here are more photos of me and what I'm up to in beautiful Japan. So many places, so much to tell, but I will leave it to the photos or I will be sat at a computer typing instead of out having fun!!

Japan Days 3&4

2010-06-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo update of what I have been up to in Japan........

Japan days 1&2

2010-06-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Moshi Moshi. Here I am in amazing Japan! we are in Kyoto for a few days which is beautiful here are some photos of the trip so far.....

The most exciting bit by far is........ME AS A GEISHA!! It was so interesting to see how all the make-up, hair and Kimono is all put together.

It's been ages

2010-06-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Man it has been ages since I have blogged. I can't even say it's because I have been super busy, because I haven't really. London was fun, It involved seeing lots of old friends I haven't seen for years and lots of dancing!

I have managed to stop myself going to carboots for the last couple of weeks, so there have been no fun treasures to show you. I did get this yellow tree thingy from a vintage shop a few weeks ago, It is perfect for accessories.

The main reason for the lack of carbooting is to save money for Japan and to save space for all the purchases from Japan!! I have spent days researching Japanese food as being celiac I have to be careful what I eat and don't want to be poorly over there. It seems that pretty much everything over there contains wheat. I have printed out and laminated some cards in Japanese, to flash in restaurants stating I can't eat certain foods, so this should help. I got them free from killerpeanut This site is great, you can custom make your own cards to suit your own allergies. I sneaked on meat and fish too as I want to make sure I don't get any in my meals either. I have made a little journal too that I am going to keep to document what we get up to as well as hopefully blogging along the way.

As I write this now we are in the Hotel near Heathrow, ready to fly out to the land of my dreams tomorrow, eeeek I am so excited.

This is the view of the hotel pool from our window, I really want to go for a swim/splash around but am worried my swimming costume won't dry in time and will send everything in my case mouldy.

2010-05-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm off to London for a friends 30th birthday tomorrow..now which case to take mmmm.

Last weeks Finds

2010-05-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

60s Coffee pot with matching cups and saucers
2.00

50s Casserole dish
1.00

70s Plant pot
50p

Vintage Buttons 6 of each
1.50

Mable Lucie Atwell Prints
3.00

This weeks finds and more..

2010-05-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last week I was honoured to be asked by Joe of blackest-rainbow if he could use my Owl doodle for a T-shirt...of course I agreed, and here is how they look....................

available here for a very reasonable GBP11.50

Here's me in a couple of mine....thanks Joe

Now onto this weeks treasures from my travels.......

Little wooden display shelf

49p

Fox egg cup/vase

50p

Orange plastic trays

20p

Green 60s shoes by 'Popsicle'..who could resist with a name like that!

2.50

Big Navy blue holdall (be nice with a wash)

20p

Cute 60s shoes

2.50 each

Framed Fairy/Goblin picture

50p

Dreamy Boudoir chair

4.00

- I am especially happy about my dream chair because, I got the exact same one last year from a carboot, and the lady said she had another and would bring it if I went back next week. Sadly I never went back, and have been kicking myself about it and wished I had got it. Then amazingly today I went to the same carboot and she was there! and so was my chair! It was meant to be.

Head scarves are the future

2010-05-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am feeling head scarves.

They are good for the allotment......

......and lounging.

My screen saver

2010-05-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

My new screen saver from here.

Lovely Leeks

2010-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

I made a tasty Leek and Potato soup using these guys fresh from the allotment.

This weeks finds/gifts

2010-05-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

1.00 each

Free! - present from Sarah

10p

20p each

2.00

Craft update

2010-05-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a little peek at some of my new Plush creatures, which will be on sale at a lovely vintage shop called aaltomoderna very soon!

This weeks finds

2010-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Cute dog cup 50p

Slightly snooty looking deer 50p