Two Cakes and a Weekend in Sicily

What do the two cakes and the weekend in Sicily have in common? Two birthdays and one joint celebration. Both my husband and I are celebrating our birthdays in April and every year we do something for both birthdays: at 37 we went to Bruges, at 38 we visited Eden Project for the first time and since then it became one of our favourite destinations, at 39 we visited some National Trust sites (we didn't have the budget for something more 'exotic', but we LOVE national trusting 😊 ) and this year we went to Sicily.

Display Cabinet Makeover

When I see a bargain in a charity shop, I can't help it but buy it; this is what happened with this display cabinet that I couldn't leave it in the shop knowing that it is only £40! Bought it, took it home and gave it a new life. My OH gave it a good sanding and I painted it with white chalk paint and blackboard chalk paint and I rather love the result. The placement of the cabinet is only temporary, so is the rug beneath and the blue sign on the wall (in case you are wondering why so many clashing colours). In situ photos to follow soon; in the meantime enjoy the 'making of' photos.

Little Things

I wasn't sure what title to give to this post - Before & After; Little Changes; Splashes of Colour - but I settled for 'Little Things' in the end, hoping that people will continue with 'that make you happy' in their head. Indeed, in my world, it doesn't take much to be happy and being surrounded by colours is one of these 'little things'. So this blog is about some small changes I made to various objects to give them a new life. There will be another post where you will see them 'in situ', but for now,  the product photos will do. Enjoy!

Wooden Box Makeover with Mustard Chalk Paint

You probably know by now how much I like yellow in any shades and tones. I've got yellow clothing and yellow accessories so why not move on to yellow home decor and even furniture. Although I am known for favouring bright colours, I decided that for this project I would use a rather pale-ish mustard yellow. And here it is, a brown wooden box makeover using furniture chalk paint. This is just a tester as I want to paint a whole furniture piece in this colour and I think it will look great. In the meantime, I will enjoy looking at this box, but I have a question for you: shall I leave it as it is or shall I give it a distressed look?

Knitting a Yellow Scarf

Yes, I can knit! Not complicated patterns, but easy and straightforward ones. And I fancied knitting myself a yellow scarf. I have to admit that it took me longer than I hoped, but I got there in the end. Halfway through February, I nearly abandoned it for next year; then came March with its snow flurry, so I thought I would finish it so I can wear it a few days before putting it away. Nope, still not finished until the second snow flurry! So now, not only do I have a lovely yellow scarf but as I said in the previous post, I appreciate more (not that I needed to) handmade items and why is it wrong to think they are too expensive - they are actually NOT! Next on my list: a thicker green scarf and maybe some handknitted items for my family and friends as Christmas presents - I'll have all summer long to do it :).

Cosy Weekend

Our weekend started Thursday afternoon when my husband came back from work due to the risk of snow and ice. As Thursdays and Fridays are normally my days off from my day job and as I didn't have other commitments with my freelancing business, I took full advantage and got some well deserved rest. I have been so busy in the last two months that it feels like I am half way through 2018 already so the  mini holiday I had was more than welcome.

Spring Flowers: Snowdrops and Daffodils

Snowdrops and daffodils are some of my favourite spring flowers and as I saw them everywhere, despite the cold weather, I wanted to immortalize them in painting so they could live forever. I had a few frames from Ikea, again, so I thought I would use the same method as in this project of painting on an unused canvas, cutting it and mounting it. The result is two mini paintings, perfect for Mother's Day, now available in my Folksy shop.  Next on the list: crocuses and irises, but in the meantime, enjoy the step by step photos. 

DIY - Tea Box Makeover

I got this mini chest of drawers from my brother in law and his partner a couple of years ago as Christmas present and while they mentioned that I could do anything I wanted with it (knowing my crafty inkling), it sat there unused for quite some time before I decided to give it another life. I wanted to try something different using decoupage paper (I have never tried this technique before), various paints (acrylic, chalk paint and chalkboard paint) and repurposing some brooches that I really liked but never worn.The result is a pretty box that I can use to store my tea bags and the good news is that I love it!

New Cook Book: Sensational Salads

I know that making salads doesn't involve too much cooking, but I needed a book to give me more ideas than my usual onion, tomatoes, cucumber, pepper and feta cheese salad. As I like variety and trying new things all the time, a book containing 101 salad ideas is right up my street. And I wasn't disappointed. First on the list: anchovy salad - lettuce, tomatoes, anchovies and olives plus white vinegar, olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing. Other salads were equally delicious: green bean & walnut salad, potato salad, and walnut, pear & crispy bacon salad - four down, 97 more to go and yes, there are fruit salads too. Result!