Play Doh and Perfume

Etsy Wednesday - Hello Sun!

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Oh, hello Sun!

I saw plenty of legs on show today... legs and dresses and smiles. Summer days mean bright colours so here are some of my favourite bright treasures:

Geometric candy colours around your neck = perfect summer jewellery

How cute are these reclaimed wood ring boxes?

Summer of Lovebirds

Alfie is teething his face off at the moment, so these would be greatly appreciated!

Etsy Wednesday - Scandinavian

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:27:00 +0000

Yes, I know, it's Thursday...

I love me some vintage Scandinavian design and I'm hoping that when we (finally) get some shelves up in this place, I'll at least have an excuse to go buy some vases or something.

Stig Lindberg is one of my favourite designers. I'd pretty much have anything with his name on it. This is no exception.

I need this cookie maker. Who cares if it would take forever to make a batch. It is sublime.

I am a massive Rya rug fan. In fact, I saw one on ebay the other day and almost flipped when I saw that it was £30 and walking distance away. And then I saw the measurements. Enormous. Damn it. This looks more our size. Slightly more than £30 though...

Finally, a little fun, albeit expensive fun. These guys are hilarious. And expensive. So expensive.

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Shameless plug for my friend's band Citizens! and their new single (I hope you like it!)...

Coolest sushi ever.

Check out this flickr group that features men in typical female poses.

Cute new baby blog.

This story about a make-up-less Hilary Clinton made me mad as anything this week. Why do we judge women so harshly on looks? Unless their chosen career is being a model, what has one got to do with the other?

And, finally, thank you Mr Sendak. Great interview with a really interesting man.

Etsy Wednesday - Vintage Kids' Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:32:00 +0000

I've noticed (and been introduced to) a growing number of vintage childrenswear market stalls lately. I'm a big fan of vintage children's clothes and was so happy to be able to put Coco in dresses I wore as a child. What can I say, my mother NEVER throws anything out! Anyway, I had a look on Etsy for some fun things for my kids and found loads...

Bunny Romper. Too cute. Also, too small for Coco. Pfft.

I really want this coat - it's a bit big but I'm so tempted to buy it and put it away.

Oh Oh so cute. Hello Alfie's new jumper from this shop...

Sweatshirt awesomeness.

And, because you can't have vintage clothes without vintage hangers, I present to you: bear hangers

p.s If you're a Londoner, this us one of the stalls I was talking about (but I have dibs on the Giraffe dress!)...

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:18:00 +0000

So, for obvious reasons, this week's video is a Beastie Boys classic. My teen years are thankful for Mr Yauch and he was so young. Too young.

If they had a video for it, I would have chosen "Girls" which is one of my favourite BB songs. Alas, I couldn't find one so I will make do with the brilliant Sabotage - a great song and video, directed by the one and only Spike Jonze in his formative years. Genius.

On a lighter note:

A hotel I would love to stay at. So much fun.

Pets with human eyes. I'm sorry - if that's not awesome, I don't know what is.

London from a new perspective.

I love this idea - minted or skinted for decorating. Just goes to show it's style not money that counts!

Despite the fact that I am ridiculously anal when it comes to board game rules, I still manage to talk the odd person into playing me. This Scrabble edition is so beautiful it might help me twist someone's arm.

Etsy Wednesday - Cute baby animals

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:05:00 +0000

So, it's been a couple of weeks... I have a good excuse. Thanks to my gorgeous baby boy, I've been sleeping in one and a half hour chunks lately and this has meant very little brain power...

I hope to make it up to you with some seriously ridiculously cute animals. Observe:

Here's a gang of printable animals from Mibo Studio that would get anyone smiling.

And who could resist this little giraffe face?

Chipmunk Cheeks have a whole bunch of cute floral/animal prints like this, but I think this is my favourite. This or the lion one...

But I've saved the best for last. Anyone who doesn't ahhhhh at this has no heart and that's a fact. And if you like this, I guarantee you will love the rest of their stuff.

So there you have it. I've cuted my way back into your hearts xxx

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:42:00 +0000

I went to a toddler dance session yesterday morning that was awesome. Even I loved it. Anyway, the guy who took the class had the kids all dancing around in a way that reminded me of this video:

I'm a big fan of TED talks and this one is a goodie. Tavi Gevinson on feminism. I only wish I had enough time to listen to more of them.

A bit of weekend silliness that is enough to make you squeamish. This blog is addictive.

I love this series of photographs.

Not a bad place to work. And, it's only around the corner from me!

Finally, my friend's Tumblr has been making me smile lately.

She's Crafty - Bunny Puppet

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:57:00 +0000

When it rained over the Easter weekend we got bored. Toddlers don't do bored very well. Luckily, I remembered a DIY post I had seen recently on The Purl Bee for bunny puppets. I knew I had some felt lying around so I made a mini-bunny for Coco's mini-hands...
I think it turned out pretty well - not as neat as the Purl Bee one's but hey, I like it's awkward oddness!

And Coco enjoyed it! Excuse the slightly fuzzy picture, she's not a sit still kind of girl!

Etsy Wednesday - Neon Pink!

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:43:00 +0000

I just felt like some brightness today so it's all about the neon pink. Coco would be proud...

For some reason I'm loving rhinestone-style jewellery in neon, the more costume-y, the better. I am seeing them everywhere at the moment and I want them and these pair of earrings are awesome.

I have far too many notebooks and far, far too many Moleskins. I love them. This one has been doodled on in the best way.

What can I say, I love the illustration on this bag.

If only I had the right place for these cushions...

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:02:00 +0000

So, I watched The Karate Kid for the first time last night. I somehow missed out on seeing it in the 80's and for the rest of my life, up until last night, just smiled and nodded when anyone ever said "wax on, wax off". No more.

I was amazed at how much the teenagers actually looked like teenagers. All skinny and awkward not like the polished and plucked versions today. It was kind of nice.

Also, surprise!there was Elisabeth Shue, my longterm girl-crush, in her first real role...

Anyway, here's Bat for Lashes' song Daniel (a favourite of mine) which was inspired by the character Daniel in the Karate Kid. It has a whole new meaning for me now.

Tantrums have become a regular occurrence in our household recently so this blog was a great source of amusement for me this week.

When I was at university I had a boyfriend who worked in one of the cooler bars. It always looked really lush and fancy at night. Not so much in the day. This series of photographs of nightclubs the day after reminds of that.

Bless! My friend's 2 year old on Planet Awesome Kid!

Interesting interview with Damon Albarn.

And finally, drum roll please, I have a Pinterest account. Come look, come share!

Etsy Wednesday - Easter

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:18:00 +0000

Yes, yes, I know. It's Thursday... Yesterday was one of those days where all things conspire against you.

Anyway, in case you haven't noticed, it's Easter this weekend. Did it feel like the bombardment of Easter-related gifts has increased since last year to you too?

Personally, I'm not really sure when it became tradition to buy presents for Easter, but I hope no-one expects any from me (other than chocolate eggs for the children!)

Still, it inspired me to look at all egg-related wares on Etsy - and there were some really great finds:

"Painted lady" egg cups. Slightly creepy looking? Yes. But there's something about them...

Vintage egg cups with moustaches. Best egg cups ever.

Ninja egg cozies! That is all...

...unless ninjas aren't your thing. In which case - hello robot!

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:47:00 +0000

New Bjork track. Yes. Video directed by Michel Gondry. Yes.

I saw these paintings a while ago and loved them - incredible that they're oil paintings...

Hilariously ridiculous tumbler blog of celebrities with one tiny hand. Ridiculous.

I wish I had the time to go to some of these workshops and lectures at Southbank this summer.

Loving the Asos revive collection due April 23rd. I am coveting the black zip up jacket in particular.

Fancy-pants nannies for New York's richest are making a killing!

Etsy Wednesday - Hand-printed Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:57:00 +0000

I am trying to work myself up into hauling the sewing machine out from the very back of the cupboard for some DIY home projects I've been thinking about lately. Hand-printed fabric is a very effective way of doing this...

Clouds are more beautiful when it's sunny outside!

Hello cute hippos.

I love these birdy umbrellas!

And to round it up - elephants!

Now I just have to actually buy some...

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:58:00 +0000

Oh yesterday was so nice. There really is nothing like London when the sun comes out... I managed to get some time alone with my 8 month old son and it was really lovely. We just hung out at the park and played on the swings - bliss!

Speaking of babies I have been following this woman's pregnancy on her blog - the photos are gorgeous. I wish I'd done something like this with mine.

I love finding creative things to do with the kids and this site of robots made from bottles has me feeling inspired!

The mattresses where I live are starting to morph into celebrities.

While the novelty of Google Street View has definitely worn off, the ability to travel down the Amazon is something I will never tire of...

The Red Ball Project is coming to London... wheeeee!

Have a great Sunday!

Etsy Wednesday - Balloon Factory

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Every week I post about things I have seen on Etsy that have caught my eye. I wish I could buy everything I like, but I can't. Hey, life is tough...

This, however, is not a post about something I covet. Not any more, anyway. This is a post about something I own.

You see, when I can scrape out an hour or so sans monsters, I have a book I am working on. I say this with a wry smile as such opportunities do not present themselves very often at the moment - I am hanging out until summer when Alfie will hopefully (oh my Lord, he better) be sleeping through the night.

Anyway, in preparation for this I have bought a little Balloon Factory from Pearson Maron for me to stare at when I can't think of the right word. I need these kinds of things in my life. Pointless silliness.

I am in love.

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:16:00 +0000

It's Mother's Day this weekend and I'm sending out a massive high five to all the ladies out there shaping the next generation's minds with love and courage.

My little monsters were kind enough to let me sleep in til 5am.

No matter, I have home-cooked eggs benedict for breakfast, the sun is shining, and I'm listening to Donna Summer.

A hit with our 2 year old, this is so cool.

Antony Hegarty is producing the Meltdown festival? Yes please!

I love the Guess Who? style installations from Andreas Von Gehr.

Seriously love these toys made from kids' drawings. Awesomeness.

I want a top made out of this for the summer. Yeah. Not going to happen.

Etsy Wednesday - I pad 3

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Yesterday Tesco made an error on their website advertising the new ipad 3 for the incredibly low price of £49.90! So many people found out and tried to buy one that the site crashed - ah the internet. Unfortunately Tesco have announced that they will not be honouring the sales - boo Tesco!

So, while you may have to pay full price, here are a few ways to ease the pain:

In addition to being beautiful, this felted cover with a leather strap from Hideware has a special pocket for your headphones - brilliant!

A recycled tweed suit from Green Monkey & co makes a surprisingly good ipad case. Perhaps one for the gentlemen out there?

I like that this is a purse! I don't know why, but the idea of opening a clasp to access my computer appeals to me... And Kailochic have the purse in a couple of other really good fabrics, if birds aren't your thing.

And finally, leather is always a winner. The question is; how on earth would I keep this case from MHK Originals clean?

She's Crafty - Felted elbow patches

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:27:00 +0000

I was catching up on one of the blogs I follow, Honestly WTF, when I came across a DIY tutorial that I couldn't stop thinking about.

I decided to patch something for Coco instead of myself, but because I've never tried this before I didn't go for the 100% wool jumper, I just bought a cheap cotton cardigan from H&M for £4.99 - because, what if I ruined it?!?

I am a total novice when it comes to felting so I chose not to traipse around shops, double pram in tow, trying to find all of the bits and pieces I'd need. So I did what any busy mum does, I went online and bought this needle felting kit from Blooming Felt. They come in six different colour combination packs - I went for citrus because Coco wanted orange patches!

It was pretty easy to do whilst watching TV (I only stabbed myself a couple of times!!) and the whole thing took around an hour to do. We used star cookie cutters because Coco is a big fan of stars...

And here's the finished product:

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 09:29:00 +0000

The MOST beautiful couch I have ever seen... I may try this one day!

For the mamas - an interesting article on post-weaning depression

I saw this blog on a friend's facebook page and it had me giggling

An incredible idea for an installation. I'd love to see Coco's face if she saw it!

And because it's feeling a little like spring - here's a great gardening idea if you have a small garden...

Etsy Wednesday - Kitchen Joy

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:34:00 +0000

I dream of a beautiful big kitchen/living area where I can cook and watch the kids at the same time, but given that my ideal would probably be about half the size of our flat, I make do with the ogling the small joys of interesting additions and accessories:

Hello awesome espresso cups. Why are you not in my life?

If I had a full set of these plates, I may consider having a dinner party. Although, I can't promise I'll cook everything...

I hate washing up but, I confess, I am one of those Pride and Prejudice obsessives. Sorry about that.

Lazy Weekend Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:28:00 +0000

I know it's not new, but I've been unable to get this song out of my head this week!

This photo series by Hana Pesut is so simple, yet so cool.

Because renting a country house is so last year.

How great are this guy's paintings!?

Oh no! I'm in trouble - Liberty has a kids' department now.

And on the subject of kids - I want to use mine as an excuse to see this.

London Cafe - Bird

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:06:00 +0000

Today we paid a second visit to Bird cafe on Bradbury St in Dalston. It really is lovely - they have friendliest staff and are not bothered by the double pram and the odd crust of bread under a chair.

The food is pretty tasty and the menu broad - serving everything from vegan cakes to ploughman's lunch, there's something for everyone, including a ham sandwich that leaves Coco and I squabbling over which is the bigger half... have you ever won an argument with a two year old?

Oh, and the coffee is GOOD.

On top of all that, they sell the most gorgeous handmade pottery by Moroccan Blue, all displayed on the tables. I have my eye on the milk jug... leave that one for me.

Etsy Wednesday - Spring

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:42:00 +0000

It's been much milder in these parts lately to the point that on Sunday I was down to a t-shirt - yippee!
Anyway, spring means daffodils and daffodils are yellow, so my inspiration this week is bright, cheerful yellow. Enjoy!

I'm a big fan of Finnish textile brand Marimekko, so this picnic blanket made from Marimekko fabric easily caught my eye. I love that it rolls up neatly showing off the blue underside with an orange strap... come on picnic season!

If I'm taking that blanket to the park, I'll be needing something to carry the wine in, right? Hello satchel.

LaLa Shoes have the cutest baby shoes. These ones remind of ducklings. Cute ducklings.

And this? This necklace is for me, just because!

Weekend Lazy Links

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Things that have caught my eye this week:

Marni for H&M was all over blogs this week, and I like what I see.

The youngest fashion blogger around - adorable!

This coffee snob just might go to Starbucks if they looked like this!

The funniest reading of a post one-night-stand text messaging gone wrong...

Etsy Wednesday - Whales

noreply@blogger.com (missh) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

I don't know why but, according to my Etsy favourites, I seem to have a soft spot for whales...
Nothing wrong with that when they are as irresistible as this lot:

Loving this tissue holder from Gnome Sweet Gnome! They comes in a few different colours and animals so even if you're not a fan of whales, you're happy!

I REALLY want this vintage chart from Arminho but where do I put it?
Too cute from Circa Ceramics.

Yes please! I'll do the dishes...