Your Kent Wedding - Front Page!!!

This year we have provided jewellery for a few wedding shoots and the very lovely Carol and Tony from AphroditeNet Weddings have got a stunning image from their shoot on the front page of Your Kent Wedding Magazine!!!
What a way to send out 2011 but on the front cover of a Wedding Magazine!! Heres to 2012 and many more opportunities :)

You can find AphroditeNet Weddings on Facebook here
Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

L xx

Is Christmas stressing YOU out?

Now I'm usually a total last minute girl when it comes to Christmas and its as bad as it is good. The added stress and pressure of finding those special gifts at the very last minute but the early Jan sales can ease the money pressure. This year we opted for as much as possible, a handmade xmas this year and I've been finished for over 2 weeks now but with the big day looming i seem to have acquired a twitchy eye. Its yet to disrupt my sleep but the days and quickly falling away and I'm terrified of forgetting something! If you to are worrying about the big day, give this a read;

23^rd December, Officially the Worst Night’s Sleep of the Year

• Money worries & missing shopping deliveries keeping us awake
• Week before Christmas described as “stressful & busy”
• On the 23^rd December we get the least sleep

According to research by Dreams Beds, the 23^rd of December is the night we are most likely to lay awake in bed, worrying and missing out on sleep, in the run up to Christmas day.

With our wallets and purses tightly squeezed this year, it comes as no surprise to find money is the main cause for concern for 51% of us, closely followed by worries of presents not arriving on time. The younger generation have more money worries on their mind, with 54% saying their thoughts keep them awake, while the over 50’s sleep more soundly.

The survey, commissioned by Dreams Beds, asked 1000 people about their sleeping habits in the run up to Christmas. It found that 45% of us tend to stay up later; either partying the night away or wrapping presents. The rest of us tend to wake up early and, as a result, feel tired for the rest of the day. 

When asked how to describe the week before Christmas, no festive cheer was to be found, with 89% stating they were busy and stressed. Only 7% find this week relaxing!

A divide between counties was also uncovered too, as those in the East Midlands will be rising earlier than all of us, on average between 5 and 7am on Christmas day. Those in the West Midlands are more likely to worry about gifts not arriving more than any other region. With many of us not making it to our beds until well past midnight, we’ll be getting much less than the recommended 8 hours’ sleep.

Nick Wood, from Dreams Beds, said, “The results show it’s not just eating a big meal that sends us to sleep on Christmas day.  It’s important to get as close to 8 hours sleep as you can, so try not to worry about things that are out of your control, late at night.

“We recommend preparing as much as possible, in advance and sharing responsibilities within families. Most importantly bedrooms should be kept present wrapping free; it should be a peaceful haven at the end of the day.”

Tips and advice on sleep and dreams can be found here http://sleeptalk.dreams.co.uk 

Visit the Dreams Beds site here http://www.dreams.co.uk

I don't know about you but the last time my bedroom was a peaceful place was before we had kids! I will however be giving the advice careful thought for christmas lunch!! •Runs off to pre prepare christmas lunch•

Pure Collection - Dec Release

New Year’s Eve sophistication with Pure Collection

Pure Collection provides the ultimate in sophisticated New Year’s Eve partywear with a selection of feminine looks in classic red, black and grey.

A simple but utterly chic black dress will never look out of place at a cocktail party, so a Shift Dress, £83.85 is a flattering and versatile choice. In a wool-rich fabric with a slight sheen finish, this wardrobe staple is given a modern twist by sculptural pleats at the neckline. Pair with a Pashmina Shawl in Scarlet, £111.75, in 100% sustainable cashmere for a shot of festive colour and add unfussy, delicate diamond jewellery.

Printed cocktail dresses continue to be popular thanks to the fifties influences recently seen on the catwalks, and the Printed Silk Shift Dress, £77.40, in a bold check print channels the trend effectively. Keep a sleek silhouette with the Pleat Front Silk and Cashmere Cardigan in Cherry, £104.30, in luxurious silk and cashmere mix and its feminine puff sleeves.

If your New Year’s Eve party requires something a little more glamorous than the average cocktail dress, then the Gathered Detail Jersey Dress in Dark Red, £51.75, will be the perfect choice. With a flattering wrap neckline and gathered bodice detail, this dress needs little more than a bag to set it off, such as theSoft Quilt Bag in Black, £134.25. Detach the strap to create an oversized clutch, tapping into the popular Autumn Winter trend.

This New Year’s Eve, keep it stylish and sophisticated with a select palette from Pure Collection.

I'm totally in love with the red and black look for the festive season, the cuts and styling are right on trend and the red pashmina is to die for!

L xx

And The Winner is...

The Very lucky, and deserving winners of the Help Dora Help campaign is...

Belfast nursery awarded £20,000 by Nick Jr.’s

Help Dora Help campaign

Nick Jr., Nickelodeon’s award winning pre-school channel, today announces that Hope Nursery School in Belfast will receive £20,000 funding, as they drew the greatest number of public votes in the channel’s nationwide social responsibility campaign Help Dora Help.

Help Dora Help launched in May, supported by The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. The campaign encourages pre-schoolers to learn through exploration. One in five UK nurseries/pre schools registered for a free activity pack and were invited to apply for the grant, by explaining how the nursery would benefit and designing a Dora themed backpack. Five nurseries were selected as finalists by Nick Jr.’s expert judging panel and the ultimate winner was decided by public vote.

Hope Nursery submitted a compelling case, stating their intention to use funds to enhance the landscape of their outdoor play area and build new play facilities allowing children to engage in creative, physical and imaginative play. 

Julianne Fleming, Nursery Teacher at Hope Nursery School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this generous funding. The children, staff and parents embraced the challenge and it’s brought the community together too.  We worked hard to create a real buzz around the nursery being shortlisted and it’s obviously paid off with so many people voting for us. The money will be so well spent here and we look forward to putting our plans into action.”

Tracey Seawright, a Parent at Hope Nursery, said:  “The staff and children of Hope fully deserve the number one slot in this competition! The win has been celebrated throughout the whole community so in effect this was not just a win for Hope Nursery but a win for the Shankill, Belfast and beyond.”

Tina McCann, MD Nickelodeon UK, said: “We’re delighted that Hope Nursery have been chosen to receive the Help Dora Help award fund, they are worthy winners. From the start of the campaign our aim was to encourage pre-schoolers to explore their worlds, so in addition to making a difference to Hope Nursery, we’re also proud to have worked with so many nurseries and pre-schools across the UK to encourage a sense of adventure in pre-schoolers.”

Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts said: “Hope Nursery’s bid was a very compelling and creative proposal and represented an area that will significantly benefit from the award fund.  So we are thrilled they will be able to use the funding to enhance their children’s early learning experiences and development.”

Handmade for Christmas

Taking on an entirely handmade/preloved christmas was no easy task, with very little time with schooling the girls, running La-Chic-Unique and all the other things life throws at you there are still a few outstanding gifts to finalise and of course they have to be for people i barely know and have always been a nightmare to buy for!
But with a few flashes of inspiration i came up with a few bits that i hope you can also take inspiration from and create something beautiful for your loved ones this christmas.

Ive seen a lot of handmade crayons around at the mo especially on etsy, and even though I've not had the inclination to make any before, being stuck for christmas gifts for an 8 yo boy that is a spoilt brat isn't just annoying but you feel your efforts are falling short.
So armed with a silicone ice cube tray and some broken crayons i figured, what the hey all kids like to colour in!
Now this was a first attempt and i think i left them in a little to long but i reckon with another go they will be spot on!

Im kinda impressed with how they have turned out but we need to perfect them before they are bagged and tagged ready for christmas!

Ive been making  paper heart canvases for some time now and having made a tiny one for the girls room and to take to craft fairs, my big ones are TO BIG to carry! i had a spare canvas and whilst tidying away in the office i had an awesome idea! BUTTONS!! Any initial in any style is do able on this size, and would make a beautiful new baby gift or for a wedding and most importantly for christmas! Just lay your buttons out how you want them to look and use a hot glue gun to secure them down. Inexpensive, personalised AND totally CUTE!!! and best of all you could use entirely recycled items!

And if you had a large canvas and piles of buttons you could do words and names!! Still much cheaper than buying a printed canvas or gift for a wedding etc. These may be making an appearance on Etsy after christmas.

So theres a little bit of festive inspiration, if your stuck for a few last minute gifts whip out the craft box and get creating, you never know what you may come up with!!!
Remember christmas isn't about cost, its about sentiment!

L x

Pure Collection Winter Essentials

On-trend Sale Style with Pure Collection

Tap into this season’s trends without compromising on luxury with Pure Collection’s latest sale, where there is up to 60% off key items in their collection. Pair jewel brights with elegant neutrals for a colour-popping outfit ideal for these dark, dreary days.

A structured coat in a bold colour looks striking worn over neutrals, and the Double Breasted Coat in Red, was £249, now £99, is no exception. Glossy button fastenings and warm stand collar make this a practical yet stylish coat. Team with a jewel-toned shirt, like the Longline Silk Tunic in Blackberry, was £109, now £54 with minimalist details to really let that colour pop.

The Cashmere Sweater Dress in Heather Grey, was £179, now £89, in 100% sustainable cashmere, provides a neutral in contrast to the rich jewel colours. Accessorise with a sparkling Sequin Jersey Infinity Scarf in Grey Marl, was £79, now £31, for a contrasting texture that keeps to the soft colour palette, creating a relaxed, feminine outfit ideal for dinner and drinks at a friend’s.

For a smart yet fun everyday look, these colour-pop cardigans are perfect. The Cashmere Puffed Sleeve Cardigan in Amber or Coral Spice, was £139, now £55, is a simple way to inject some fresh, modern style into your wardrobe.

Add texture with your neutral pieces by opting for a luscious Soft Pleat Leather Bag in Taupe, was £249, now £99 for casual, relaxed style: perfect for a day out Christmas shopping. For a touch of luxury, theSleeveless Georgette Blouse in Beige, was £79, now £31, is a beautifully delicate addition in 100% silk that also subtly works this season’s androgyny trend.

The Pure Collection sale runs from 19^th December to 27^th January while stocks last, and has over 120 styles included with up to 60% off.

I don't know about you but i have several pieces on my Wish List!

L x

Handmade Year... Review

Its been, what seems like an age since i rambled my daily musings on what I've made or bought for pennies at the local charity shops.
And the god honest truth is I've done a million times better with it than i ever thought i could after my passion for shopping! The great thing about it has been that i haven't had to curb that urge, I've taken it and used it to my upmost advantage.
Ive bought the things I've desperately wanted but at a price much lower than the high street and ethically by reusing others unwanted goodies.
Ive also managed to fully cloth the girls for the winter in all preloved clothes, mostly hand knitted goodies and huge brands like zara and joules for less than id pay at primark and generally these items look like new when they arrive so everyone is happy :) my purse is thats for sure!!
We are on track for handmade gifts for xmas and i have some gorgeous tutorials to make some really unusual gifts that I'm hoping to carry through to La Chic Unique.
My only serious failure has the been the take aways, we have barely cut down at all, which is a disappointment really but i guess we all have to have a vice!!
After 8 months (give or take) i am a fully fledged convert to the nothing new ethos. I am still finding it very liberating even if a little frustrating at times, like now when i want .. no.... NEED a fur coat for sat and 6th dec and NOWHERE bloody has any! *sigh*
Anywho... i would highly recommend taking the challenge yourself and living more frugally when it comes to clothing and gifts... give it a try it'll surprise you!!

L x

12 Days of Christmas with Aphrodite Wedding

La Chic Unique are proud to announce a fabulous and totally exclusive special offer in conjunction with Aphrodite Weddings 12 Days of Christmas promotion.
To find out more about this visit their Facebook page HERE or alternatively visit their fabby blog HERE
Start your christmas shopping early with La Chic Unique and Aphrodite Weddings

L xx

Super duper Fair - Winter Gardens Blackpool

We will be here next saturday, please come down and support local, British Handmade.
Look forward to seeing you there!!!

Liz x

BREAKING NEWS!! - Rockford's Rock Opera

With the launch of its fourth App (for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) the amazing story of Rockford's Rock Opera reaches its thrilling conclusion.

Currently No 6 in the App Book Charts this home made ecological musical about and boy and a dog from Battersea how save the world is now challenging the might of Disney in the App popularity stakes.

Created by Sweetapple and written by Steve Punt, this ecological musical story is one of the world's most popular children's apps with nearly 100,000 downloads to date. And, on the web, the audio story - which features music pictures and CGI animation ­ has been downloaded more than a million times.

It's also a film favourite in more than 15,000 schools around the world where the unique story and materials are used to teach about ecology and extinction

As Apple Apps the story is available in four parts. Part One (over an hour

long) is FREE, and Parts 2, 3 and 4 cost £2.99 each.

Co creator of Rockford's Rock Opera, Matthew Sweetapple, said:

"Apps have proved a wonderful way to welcome a whole new audience to Rockford's Rock Opera. As many parents have told us, they originally download the story to keep their kids happy (and quiet) but soon the whole family are hooked. This really is a story for all ages - it's funny, sad and with an important and original message."

The success of Rockford's Apps to date have brought the home spun project to the attention of some big names in the USA.

"I really can't say much at present" says Matthew. "But there's is a celebrity version of Rockford's Rock Opera now in production, featuring some very famous names from the world of music and film."

A film is also planned... So watch this space.

Rockford's Rock Opera Part One App can be downloaded FREE here:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id345554761?mt=8

Part Two (£2.99)

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id396897529?mt=8

Part Three (£2.99)

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id429178855?mt=8

Part Four - Final Part. (£2.99)

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id466781249?mt=8

Or visit www.RockfordsRockOpera.com

Our journey towards Home Ed

From the very first time elissa came home from nursery in whails that thomas had pushed her in the toy box, its been sitting in my unconscious that may girls aren't built for mainstream school.
This i feel kinda responsible for, i wasn't built for school either. If i wasn't the socially awkward kid sat at the back on my own i was prime target for any sort of abuse the kids had going and as you do as parents, certain parts of your personality rubs off on your mini people.
My girls are strong willed, independent and very sure of who they are yet socially they don't make friends well, they show signs of shyness and can't be described as the dreaded 'popular' label.
Now for me this doesn't ring bells, i don't care who they are or what they want to be but society doesn't seem to have a place for them anywhere.
Even more so with Emma's special educational needs she's neither 'Special' or 'Normal', again labels have no place in our home but society feels we need them to justify how we are treated.
Im a mum, therefore i can't have a job, have interests or know anything about anything other than cooking, washing or my kids.
You would think in this day and age that we no longer need stereotypes when dad's are being the primary carers, mums are marrying other mum's and most families don't all come from the same gene pool.
Aren't we all a little past, boxes and pre-conceptions, as a species? i mean really???
Anywho back to the pressing matter at hand!
Yesterday (thurs) we where invited to a Home Education Group Halloween Party. Now i admit i had preconceptions of what it was going to be like, i don't know what they where but i went with an idea in mind. But seriously and in all honesty i have NEVER EVER in all my days met a bunch of kids so amazing in all my life!!! The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, in 3 hrs i didn't hear a child cry, not even a baby! No one fell out, no one tried to hard, everyone laughed and we where simply accepted. They came over to us and introduced themselves to the girls, one at a time. My girls looked at me in disbelief that these kids, their peers, where kind, well mannered and where actually interested in the fact they where there to share their party!
There was no hint of competition, there was no cliche's, no same age groups and no one left out, not even zoe!!!
They spent 3 hrs playing games, making friends, colouring in, making stuff, eating, drinking and generally having the time of their life!! Every single mum there came over and spoke me like i was someone they had known for years, everyone was kind and really made me feel welcome, and that has to be the first time in 7 yrs I've been in a room with a load of other mums and they didn't look down on me, judge or pretend they where interested in what i had to say.
The minute i walked us through that door i was converted!!! I want to spend a whole summer learning about the garden, spending every meal out there, teaching the girls how and why and just generally enjoying the outdoors and learning without restrictions.
I want to spend autumn making leaf printings and learning about Halloween and finding out what happens to all the bugs.
I want us to spend a whole day out in a museum soaking up the culture, watching as they absorb information that they can use their whole lives.
I want them to learn skills that are practical and know who famous painters are and be able to plan a round the world trip on a globe and all just because THEY WANT TO KNOW HOW?WHY?WHAT?WHEN!!
Now i know thats all very roses round the door with rose tinted lenses, i know that deschooling them will be hard work, i know i will have less down time but to watch them grow into happy, well rounded and fountains of knowledge ready to take on the world because they are happy in their own skin fills me with more delight than anything else.
I don't expect for everyone to agree that this is a good idea, for the majority of people this idea will fill you with dred, maybe I'm a new age hippy deep down and i want bare footed, nature children with dirty faces and homemade clothes.
Maybe I'm just a gluten for punishment but what i do know is i don't want sad babies anymore and seeing all those shiny happy faces yesterday told me something, that what I'm doing now is not what my girls need.

To be continued....

He's coming are you ready???

Note down 14th Nov on the calendar, circle it red and brace yourself for the next installment of the man, the legend Justin ' Mr Tumble' Fletcher.

His brand new album, Hands Up!

Available now to pre-order here https://bitly.com/sQpZ46

And you can now follow him on Facebook and Twitter at @_JustinFletcher and facebook is    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-Fletcher/170941312992806

We have been lucky enough to get is early and will be bringing you a full blown review over the coming days, my conissuers need time to gather their thoughts!

Halloween...The frugal way!

Have a happy Halloween…on a budget!

What springs to mind when you think of Halloween? Carved out lanterns and apple bobbing? Or is it the more Americanised tradition of kids in spooky costumes trick or treating at night around the neighbourhood? Increasingly, the latter of the two is at the heart of Halloween and can put worry on parents when allowing children to roam the streets. So how can we keep our kids safe this Halloween?

One option, of course, is accompanying little ones on their neighbourhood visits - that way they can have fun under adult supervision. Or, why not allow the children to have fun whilst being under your watchful eye  by throwing a Halloween party?  That way the whole family can join in and have smiles on their faces!

To the kids, parties seem to come together as if by magic, but we all know there's a lot more work involved - time, patience, creativity and expense! Let’s face it, most of the time it can seem like an uphill struggle trying to gets kids' parties organised so everyone's happy. So here’s a helping hand to throw a Halloween party with minimal spend and stress!

It's easy to bring Halloween themes to life in your own home and - if you know where to look – it can be affordable too. There are plenty of websites offering handy tips and ideas for crafts and activities at Halloween. Kaboose.com is a great website with plenty of ‘how to’ guides and videos that demonstrate costume ideas and straight forward quick-makes that are fun to do together.

Another resource for inspiration are ‘Mummy’ blogs. These wonderful writers often test a whole variety of products with their kids, so it’s worth checking out their reviews on Halloween to see what products are available.

Thankfully though, Halloween products are readily available on the high street so you don’t need to head to specialist party shops for your supplies. Make sure you find a store that sells a range of inexpensive products so you can decorate the house for the party and let the kids pick up everything they need for their costumes without the cost mounting up. It is only one day of the year after all! 

Besides products, your Halloween party really needn't cost a fortune. It’s a great opportunity to recycle things from around the home; using old cotton wool as spooky spiders webs, the last bit of tomato ketchup as fake blood or a little talc to get a perfectly pale complexion. Old clothes and sheets can be recycled too and made into costumes. Or there’s the toilet roll trick - wrapping it around the body can make a very convincing Mummy! Getting into the spirit of the occasion and involving the whole family is part of the magic of the day; it needn't break the bank to keep your little witches and devils happy.

If the children do still want to head out trick or treating this Halloween, there are lots of sites like Kids Health, which offer handy tips on staying safe. From wearing bright costumes so they can be seen in the dark, to not carrying so much that they fall over . Poundland has guides you can download from its website too, with tips on throwing Halloween parties on a budget and suggestions to keep the children safe.

Wishing you a very Happy Halloween!

Great sources for Halloween party ideas:

·         www.halloweentips.com/

·         www.allfreecrafts.com/halloween/index.shtml

Amazing value products you’ll find for £1 at Poundland:

Lxx

Stage 1 of 'operation life in order'

Don't we all find life so much easier when we all just go with the flow and never fight against the current?
For the majority of my life, including my childhood with a bossy, ' i know best' mother I've always gone along with the whatever was the easy life and now I'm fast approaching 30 its dawned on me that well, Why the chuff should i?! (yes i censored that!)
So after a very successful SENCO meeting t school this morning, even is half the people that should of been there didn't bother to turn up, it seemed to focus me on what i WANT to be doing not what i think everyone else wants me to do.
Ive booked a carpet cleaner for the lounge ( not the first thing you expected me to say I'm sure, but its LONG over due and well i don't really want to recarpet!)
I have booked me and zoe onto a toddlers music class on a monday afternoon.
I have booked elissa and emma onto a dance and drama class for children with special needs, yes you heard right! i FINALLY found something that will take emma without encouragement and that will take lis too, regardless!!!
Ive finished my Curiosity Project box.
Wrote a letter.
Sorted 3 birthdays that are due over the next month, including cards and is all wrapped and ready to go.
Ive started replanning interiors for the house again.
And I've found a holiday for Jan at a BARGAIN price that i will be rushing to book on fri!
And now you are all sat there thinking "WTF was all that fuss about!!"
Well for someone that tends to drift with the tide i feel VERY proud of myself that I've actually done something about the back log of "things to do.."
Now all thats left is my REAL life!! Still firmly got my heart set on Baby Sign Teacher but I'm worried for the outlay that i won't get the people in good ol' sunny blackpool, to buy into it.
Ive even reconsidered my passion for teaching but knowing how hard my friend found it getting a job it puts me off taking the plunge into teacher training.
As much as i love making jewellery its not a "real" business, its just a hobby that inadvertently makes me some spending money and no matter how hard i try to convince myself that in 5 years people will shop my "brand" i know its one of those far flung dreams we will never reach. The market is flooded with competition and to be honest, no matter how low my prices are and however 'unique' my look is, i will never be able to compete with the high street. We still aren't at a time where people prefer to shop online for those 'impulse' buys that jewellery is mostly consisted of.
So heres me trying to move away from all the drama, ill happily keep the shop open and let it tick over, doing orders now and again and fulfilling my wholesalers orders but other than that my heart just isn't truly in it any more. It makes me sad knowing i "work" so many hrs a week trying to make it work when clearly it just isn't going to. Im not completely disappointed, i know i did all this all by myself, with no funding or business help and I'm proud of that fact, and its been fun it truly has but i really don't want to kid myself any longer.
Stage 2 will be finding my perfect profession. Any advice greatly appreciated!!!

L x

shouty

Today is most defiantly a shouty day!! i woke in a FOUL mood, no doubt someone wronged me in my land of slumber and i seemed to have woken up before i managed to throat punch them to justice.
Emma has been in a moany mood for 48 hours and there is only so much complaining a girl can deal with, zoe has been equally as moany but with tears thrown in for good measure. Elissa has been playing the marter, just for a change, and Mr Geek Pants has been 'asking' me (in other words politely TELLING me what to do, which for the record i HATE!) to do stuff for him that he's quite capable of doing himself!!!
I think this post should of come with a severe health warning!!
I'm currently trying to do a stock take of the items i have sent since FEB to an outlet, not the easiest of tasks when you have been a total knob and not kept proper records!! *sigh*
A VERY nice friend ..(ok totally changing the subject for a sec) told me yesterday i was an inspiration to women for juggling home life, kids, small business and my own sanity whilst looking marginally calm on the outside. I was, as you can imagine, brought to tears that such an amazing woman herself could say something so kind about little old, crazy me! But all i can think about, 12 hrs on, is that I'm so totally shit at everything i do.
This would be where a 'Doctor' would tell me how its all my mothers fault for being a total bitch to me as a child..(ok maybe not their words there!) I think ill add her to my stabby list while I'm at it!.. however its my own life choices and experiences that bring me to that conclusion. I don't sit here in an emotional mess on a daily basis but I'm not one to pass the buck. Oh don't get me wrong theres plenty of excuses i can use to be teetering on the edge on the psychotic presipis but hey who am i to judge?!
I took on the pressure of a small business to ease the financial burden on mr geek pants, yet at least once a day he'll be telling me (in a 'only cos i love you' kind of way...also HATE!) what I'm doing wrong, how cut throat i need to be to succeed and how if I'm not already rich i should call it a day! *sigh* then the minute an order rolls in he's on the band wagon again, talk about mixed messages!! I also shunt invest serious money in to it, 'Just in case' but also agrees that if i don't invest i can't grow *SIGH*
So what does a girl do faced with adversity at every turn? She bakes cakes and hides in the office at any possible opportunity, she avoids ' business talk' and pretends it doesn't matter!
But where do i want to be in 5 years time? surely thats the business plan everyone should have, a five year goal. To be fair i don't even know the answer to that. Part of me wants to be an established brand part of me just wants to be living in the country with kids with dirty knees and chickens.
Seriously, what IS a girl to do???

A Fine Choice-Review

The lovely people over at 'A fine Choice' sent my daughter one of there amazing 350ml bottle's to trial. When it arrived i was impressed already by the quality as we have tried many of these style bottles in the past but we have had nothing but bad things to say about them!

The quality of the materials is excellent, it doesn't spill or leak if dropped and it kept Emma's juice cool during the night.

Emma loved the colour and felt very special using her ' special juice'.

These BPA water bottles come in a choice of colours, sizes and can even be personalised with a name or team or club name.

350ml, 600ml and 700ml are available to buy from there website www.afinechoice.co.uk .

There you will be spoilt for choice and find it hard to choose the perfect colour for you.

I asked Dani for a little more info about her company.

"How it all started...

As a mum (of three young kids), I always strive to find healthy, natural products for the whole family.

One day, a friend of mine told me that at her son’s school the kids drink from plastic bottles (provided by the school). Her son complained about the taste while my friend was worried about the bottles not being environmental friendly and potentially containing BPA (Bisphenol A) which could cause health problems. She loved the stainless steel water bottles my kids were using and we thought about ways to convince some schools to swap from plastic to something healthier.

I started to do some research and enquired prices of different types of non-plastic drinks bottles from various manufacturers...and that’s how I became a distributor for Green Bottle, a bpa-free water bottle from stainless steel that comes in various sizes and lots of different, beautiful designs that not only kids love.

I quickly realised that it is not only schools that might consider swapping from plastic to BPA free Water Bottles but essentially everybody!

My aim is to provide top quality, natural as well as fun products.

In short: A fine choice! "

Daniela Schaffrik

Founder and Director for “a fine choice”

Stop by www.afinechoice.co.uk and support small business.

Thanks to Dani for letting us review your amazing product and for letting us feature you on our blog.

L xx

Aphrodite Wedding Shoot

Last week was the shoot with Aphrodite Weddings which i provided an abundance of jewellery for from hair slides to rings, gotta over all the bases just in case!!
We have received some images back from Tony Jones Photography and they look amazing!!
So without further a do...

 Here we have an up cycled vintage necklace, that was surprisingly originally a pair of earrings.

 A gorgeous brass tone locket necklace.

 A brass and cream pearl bracelet.

And this stunner is brass with a large amber charm.


The photos look amazing and it was great taking part in such a huge shoot!!


Other business involved:


Forever Your Bridal Boutique - foreveryours-ofrye.co.uk


Tiggy Johnson Bespoke Florist - tiggybespokeflorist.blogspot.com


Tony Jones Photography - www.tonyjonesphotography.co.uk


Home Gurr'own - www.homegurrown.com


Vintage Amethyst - www.vintageamethyst.com


Idyllic Days - -www.idyllicdays.com


The perfect starting point for all brides to be :)


L xx

Gone AWOL

I have been a naughty blogger of late and neglected my old friend and i feel i must broach this issue and rectify the problem.
With christmas fast approaching and juggling 3 kids, a wayward husband, a mental cat and my rough around the edges home, i have barely had time to glance in the mirror and smile never mind have a rant or generally, catch up with life.
So how have you been? i hope your asking. Well I've had build ups to be knocked down, played nurse, decorator, inspirer and teacher. I've been busy then not so much and all round un-talkative. Life as a full time mum then some, a wife and small business owner i wonder some times if success can ever really touch those that cannot commit to the hard slog more than snatching an hr here and ten mins there.
I do well, for what i can commit but i fear this half in half out attitude will never see me good. I have journals upon journals of designs and ideas i just never get round to with the girls needing so much of me more often than time allows, i mean jebus they even steal my sleeping time!!
Don't get me wrong i love being a mum and at times i think id be much happier if i did just shelve it til they are older, be more focused on family life but then i remember how it felt to not have anything to aim for.
I fear i am a complicated soul who worries to much and that that fact is whats holding me back. Others do it, so why can't i? Am i selling something that people just don't want? Is the jewellery market just flooded with 'look-a-likes' and newbies that theres just no room for an almost middle aged woman working her socks off!!
Changing craft wouldn't be a bad thing. I could aim at something i can do downstairs and isn't as dangerous for the kids to be involved and to be around. I could choose a more therapeutic craft so i can 'Work' at the evening without it over taking my hubby time.
Maybe I'm just a moaning cow that just can't accept that ill never be happy cos I'm far to critical of myself!
I have new jewellery ideas noted and designed ready for the christmas season. Hopefully these styles will be more of a hit and i can drop the more 'assembled' jewellery in favour of more unique designs that people seem to crave, simple, unique and classic with a touch of pretty seemed to be the consensus.
On another note, my handmade year isn't going as badly as i had thought. I have cheated and purchased a few 'new' items. Generally only being shoes and underwear and i have sold on a lot too which i hope balances this out.
As for as handmade christmas goes, I'm getting there. Planned beauty hamper for my sister filled with free gifts and samples so only the basket/hamper to buy and a gardening hamper for my sister in law which will be filled with seeds etc that are free gifts or very cheap for her little plot, i even popped in a paid of gardening gloves i was given that I've never used as i already had a pair. For my brother in law he's having a tea hamper as he loves tea! (but hey who doesn't!!!) There will be handmade jewellery and cross stitch samplers for those that are hard to buy for and I've used discount codes and freebies for the family i don't get to see. For the girls I've been grabbing sale items and ebay finds just the hubby to figure out now!!
All in all I'm pretty proud of myself, the girls have only had ebay and charity shop clothes, they spend their life in uniform now anyway! and I've only bought second hand books. Ive cut down the amount of magazines i buy and I've cut out impulse buys all together. Though i had wish i had kept a running tally of the amount of money i have saved!!

So on that bomb shell i shall retire to my mountain of ironing and alanis morrisette.
Enjoy your saturday peeps :)
(and sorry for no pics!!)

L xx

Shopping for a good cause-Shop With Love

With all the large bands jumping on the pink band wagon to support Breast Cancer Awareness, the very fabulous people over at shop With Love have released this most inspiring and most awesome pink Ribbon soap with a whopping £1 going to charity, when the soap only retails at £2.
A very worth while cause, when most people have been touched by cancer in one form or another and a gorgeous little stocking filler for your loved ones at Christmas.
Heres what Jemma at Shop With Love had to say about her charity soap...

"This curved heart soap holds Breast Cancer Care's pink soap ribbon, which has been elegantly embedded into the centre of the heart. 

This has been made to show our support of the Woman (and Men) who have been affected by breast cancer in the UK today.

£1.00 from every sale of these soaps will be donated to Cancer Research UK. We are registered and will publish the total sent at the end of  October!

This is a  very worthwhile charity, and gives a quick and easy way to donate to it whilst getting a beautiful natural soap in return! 

People can follow us on twitter: @soapswithlove for up-to-date notifications on the running total we have made! "

Now get over there and getting supporting :)


L xx

How do you SWISH?

Swap For the Environment / Spend less Swap More /  or Swapping is the New Shopping

Clothes swapping (swishing) encourages recycling, it is a fun and affordable way of getting nearly new or sometimes new items but without the expense. The concept of recycled textiles dates back about two hundred years back, it was first made use of in Yorkshire Dales, England.  It is estimated that over 1 million tonnes of textiles and clothing are thrown away each year having a negative effect on our environment.  At least 50% of the textiles we throw away are recyclable.

SITCUK host clothes swap events with a relaxed social fusion of fashion, style and fun helping to encourage the recycling of textiles and for each event a donation will be made to a selected charity. In exchange the guests go home with an arm full of new items! Each guest brings 5 to 10 items of never worn or worn only once items. These can be clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories. On arrival you’ll receive a ticket with the number of items you have brought along which is to be exchanged for the same amount of items to take home. There are 2 rounds for swaps which allows you to try on items in between and with competitions, cosemetic boutique and food to be enjoyed it makes for a great social evening out.
It’s best to get your £10 ticket in advance with a glass of wine and goodie bag on entry

The launch will be held Thurs 13th Oct 2011 at The William 1V , Harrow Rd, Kensal Green London NW10 5JX
Bring your items from 6.30pm-7pm Swaps start 7.30pm

Tickets are available here:
http://swapinthecityuk.eventbrite.com

Enquiries:
info@total-renewal.com