It's Christmas... in a WEEK!!

I am ashamed

...ashamed that I've left it so long ot write up a blog post.  This was not the plan!  Weeeaaly sorry about that.

But hey i'm here now...

Seeing as christmas is a week away and I'm in a panic (still!) about what to make, do and buy I thought I'd help myself and you guys out with a few hints on how to get all christmassed up in this last week.

But first a bit of this>>>

and this

and here's some more
http://www.hiphoparchive.org/prepare-yourself/christmas-hiphop

Right here's this list of sites that might help you out over the coming week.

 

Idlewife.blogspot.com - Wrapping Ideas



curbly.com - Modern Perforated Christmas Trees



Ackee and Saltfish Canapes

 

Guardian Christmas Cocktail Recipes



Guardian Interactive Christmas Gift Ideas

   

Smilelikeyoumeanit.net Mini Wreath Tutorial

  

Zara Home Christmas Decorations





ohhappyday.com - Mini Presents Garland



 **** update ****


Free printable gift tags - blog.heylook.fi



Free printable Christmas giftags and others -
epherielldesigns.com

Full details can be found on Kandee Johnsons site.

I'll try and add to this as the days go by.



Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night xoxo





Calling All Ikea Snobs

I love Ikea. Yeah I know, it's cheap and cheerful and everybody recognises their products.  But, because their products are so cheap it allows you the courage to get a hammer and paint to them and turn them into something a little more personal.

Ikea Hackers does just this.  It's full of 'Ikea lovers' tips and ideas on converting their items into something new.

For example, ahem...


Dorothy Draper Chest How To



Rounded Bathroom Wall

Table Head Cabinet

The site is even easier to use now as they've added categories by product!

Take a look and get inspired.

xoxo

Record Bowl

 

Quick cheap and oh so easy (not me, the project).

 

 

  

What you will need:

1. One old vinyl record or if your brave enough a vintage classic would be ideal for a unique gift.
2. A heat resistant bowl or a empty tin can and baking sheet for ease.
3. An oven - set at about 150 degrees
4. oven mits

What to do:

1. Heat oven for a few minutes.
2. Place record on upturned bowl or can on the baking sheet and place in oven.
3. Take a look after about 1 minute and keep checking until desired meltage.
4. Remove et al from oven with mits and leave in place until hardened again.

Fill with what ever you see fit (I've used it for collected business cards).

 

xoxo

My Little Plot part one

Part of me fancies myself as super healthy cultured person, BUT unfortunately wine, smoking and cake puts pay to that! So to balance this I'm a bit of a glittery eco warrior trying to live off the land (8ft x 3ft raised bed and some pots to be precise) and be all natural.

Last weekend I started off some seeds in a mini propagator and promptly ignored them.



A few days later when I tripped over the tray... Look, growth!

So impressed.

I probably should tell you how I got this little bit of magic started, just incase anyone is foolish enough to take my advice??!!

1. Get a copy of 'Grow Fruit and Veg by Carol Kleine or like me have a great friend who knows your ambition well enough to surprise you with a copy.  Fantastic book. Simple information and instructions for growing every possible vegetable.
2. Mix together 50/50 compost and horticultural sand (not normal sand, I think it has chemicals in it).
3. Press into seed trays or small pots.  I do two thirds compacted then sprinkle the last third and lightly compact.
4. Add seeds (see individual packets for instructions) and add cover with more compost if instructed.
5. Important - Label your seeds even if it's a tray of one sort you will forget, although it could be a nice free suprise for you come the summer.
6. Water gently - the best way is to soak pots or tray in water for a about 1/2 hour or until compost is moist.
7. Place somewhere warm until you see some shoots. If you've used a propagator remove the lid once the shoots appear other wise they sweat then rot - attractive thought!

xoxo