...slowly on the mend

idea2lifestyle

Hello

Well, I have had a scary few weeks, since my last post. 
I was recovering from my Gallbladder operation in early Feb, but I was still getting really nasty stomach ache. In the end I went to casualty and ended up staying in hospital for 8 days, 7 of which were nil by mouth. Not nice and not an experience I want to repeat.
The up side is that I haven't spent any money for nearly a whole month and now I'm feeling better and 10lbs lighter, I think I am entitled to treat myself to some nice new togs.
First stop for me will be Ideas2lifestyle, an Esty shop that I really love. The designs are really cool and I think really reasonable for the price. I have my eye on all of the pieces above, especially the lovely rug/shawl jacket, which is inspired by a Native American Indian rug pattern. 
I hate it when I wear something out and see someone else wearing the same thing, with these designs I know that is never going to happen.

Bel x

Etsy pretty prints

Laura Amiss Beautiful Prints

Hello

I have bright purple dwarf iris's and snowdrops coming through in my garden and the daffodils buds are poised ready to burst out in the next few days, so spring is here, as far as I'm concerned. 
If you want some ideas for spring colour, have a look at the lovely illustrations from Laura Amiss, available on Etsy. Her colour combo's are nice and fresh and her use of pattern is very clean. At the moment she only produces prints as far as I can see, but I really think her city pictures in particular, would work really well on fabric?

Bel x

unexpected colour combinations.........

Pinterest - Abstract Photography - Lynne Prestebak

Hello

I've been away for a few weeks, as I had to have keyhole surgery to take my Gallbladder out and all did not go smoothly, but I am on the road to recovery now, stuck at home, signed off for the next 2 weeks to recoup.
Having spent the last few days recovering from the anaesthetic (it really drains doesn't it!) an I am now feeling a bit more like myself again and although I still feel like I have gone several rounds in the boxing ring, I am itching to start making again.
Pinterest was my first stop, I always turn to it when I need to be inspired as it's so quick.
I came across Lynne Prestebak's Abstract Photography site, which I find really beautiful.
I would love to have any of the photo's above blown up as images for my home. 
It's making me want to pick up a camera and start snapping, which is something I can do whilst on the mend.

Bel x 

my pick for gideon cross

Henry Cavill

Hi there

I'm not entirely sure how the lovely chap, Henry Cavill was missed by my radar, which is normally quite good. I didn't watch the Tudor's when it was on TV, but I am now persuaded to rent the box set to acquaint myself!
He's apparently the new Superman? another reason to go to the cinema!

In my mind he's a perfect Gideon Cross (Crossfire novels - Sylvia Day) and if you don't know who Gideon Cross is, then I suggest you make some time to get to know him!

Bel x 

my perfect valentine.....a liberty silk scarf

Liberty Spring 2013

Hello
I know that most women would love or may even expect the traditional card, maybe even some flowers or if your lucky a bottle of nice perfume, but if I had my way then the one thing that would rock my world this Valentines Day would be a beautiful Liberty silk scarf!
It's is such a luxury, I would never buy it for myself, which is why it's so nice when one is bought for you. Much like a nice pair of gloves. I was lucky enough to have a boss who bought all of the ladies in the office (including myself) lovely Liberty gloves, leather with a cashmere lining. I would never have bought them for myself so it was such a treat to be given them. I cherish them and am methodical about making sure they go back in a zipped pocket in my bag, when ever I take them off. 
It's definitely one of these beauties for me this valentines, fingers crossed.

Bel x

anthropologie spring 2013

Anthropologie Spring 2013

Hi 
My lovely new Anthroplolgie Spring 2013 catalogue was waiting on the mat to cheer me up this morning when I cam down stairs. Their London flagship store on Regent Street, is a must when ever I'm in town ans as there is a always a permanent sale area in the basement, I never leave without something I've had my eye on for a while. It's just a case of holding my nerve long enough to get what ever I want at a sale price!
I have immediately fallen in love with the Starflower Quilted Jacket above, so I will be keeping my eye on that for the next few months.
Their range of hand crafted ceramic's is never fails to be beautiful, more art than utility, but always inspiring.
The store on Regents Street has 3 floors and is absolutely crammed full of lovely things, clothes, jewellery, home-wear, gifts and books, as well as beauty products and perfume.

Take a look and be inspired to get ready for the sun!

Bel x

pastel, pastel, pastel......

Hi 
Please forgive me for my obsession with spring pastels. They are screaming Californian sun to me at the moment and that is exactly what I am craving. Sunshine!
My snow drops are coming through, so spring isn't too fer away and until then then I am getting my fix from 25 minutes a day in front of my day light lamp, which makes me full of beans and ready to face the world.
If you are feeling gloomy or always feel down at this time of year, I can't recommend buying a Lumi Lamp enough. It's absolutely brilliant, like a daily dose of Californian sunshine.

Bel x

monster cute.....

Hi 
I've been craving bright colours for the last few months and my monster necklace has been a perfect pick me up. When ever I wear it out, at least one person will ask me where I bought it and last summer some Japanese tourists asked me if they could take a picture of me wearing it. Maybe I should add the design to my website, but I can't see many brides wanting to wear a monster on their big day!

Bel x

hues of beautiful blue.....

Hi
I have fallen in love with the beautiful pottery made by Elephant Ceramics. The ceramic artist is Michelle Michael, who's based in a studio in Brooklyn, NY.
Michelle's pieces are made from porcelain and stoneware and are very simple in design and colour, but extremely beautiful.
I've never really wanted to make anything from clay, but these are so inspiring, they make me want to take up a class and get my hands dirty!
They make me smile.....
Bel x

pretty pretty pastel....

                                 a creative mint                   Haute A Shello by Essie 

Mulberry 2013

Hello, hello
After a bit of a break from writing this blog, I am back feeling renewed and inspired!
The snow really perks me up and makes everything feel fresh and clean. I even have Snowdrops and the first shoots
of my giant deep purple Crocus's peeking through the soil, all over my garden.
Everything is poised to spring into life and I love it!
I'm also loving all the pastel shades, that seem to be everywhere at the moment, 
although I am still clinging on to my neon obsession, but more of that another time.
I'm still trying to work out how to fit these colours into my wardrobe with my normal
bright red lipstick (Mac Ruby Woo), but I think it might be a good time to swing for neon pink?

Get some colour in your lives....it will make you feel great.

Belx