Quest Twenty Eight

Landing Strip – or another excuse to buy furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:04:00 +0000

I’ve been harking on about a landing strip ever since we moved in, just over two years ago. Anthony likes to keep his wallet, keys and strange little notes in a pile on the kitchen counter. We do have a useful wicker stand for organising the mail (below), however I am firmly of the opinion that there is something to be said for the whole landing strip concept.

Flata storage rack

Part of the Apartment Therapy Seasonal Cure, the landing strip is the place to dump all of your bits and pieces when you get home. Think keys, phones, mail, bags, umbrella etc etc. (I just noticed there’s the Spring Cure starting in 5 days, perhaps I should part take!)

On Sunday we finally bought a kitchen table – we accepted that we hardly ever make the effort to eat at our lovely dining table, with it being at least a 20 foot hike from the kitchen to the dining room. We now have a lovely little white kitchen table:

Melltorp table

Despite my meticulous planning and measuring the table looks a little big for the space. The solution – buy new stools. (that’s for another post and another day!)

In a round about way (much like this post), the table led to me bringing up the old landing strip again. While we have an entry hallway, it’s pretty narrow, and just about houses our coats. Plus Anthony assures me that it’s not particularly safe to keep keys so close to the front door. After a bit of imaginary mounting of shelves all over the kitchen, Anthony pointed out the big space under the stairs in the living room. You walk past this space on your way into the kitchen. It’s quite spacious, and currently houses some golf clubs, and an Oak telephone I’ve been planning to make over, but never get around to.

So, long story short, I have an excuse to go vintage furniture hunting again! Hoorah! This piece of furniture will live under the stairs, and solve the landing strip problem. We’ve figured that we need a unit, approximately 120cm high x 120cm wide. It needs to match our G Plan Coffee Table, and in my opinion needs to have lots of compartments and sections to house all of our junk. I spent a glorious hour this evening browsing ebay on my phone while Anthony watched that tedious sport involving lots of arrogant, overpaid men and a white and black ball. The contenders at the moment:

And even more lovely compartments:

And then there is this one – all i can say is ooh! It’s a little to slim for our space, and would look drowned. It’s only 10.5 inches deep, and absolutely perfect for a hallway.

Starting price of only £29.00, 9 days remaining. collection from Suffolk. Someone buy this bad boy and make the perfect teak landing strip for yourself! If you’re thinking the teak colour is a bit icky, just look at the colour and patina on the inside on the photo above – glorious. With a little bit of love the outside could be restored to the same colour.

To be continued!

Yellow Kitchen Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:04:00 +0000

I think I finally found my kitchen chairs! Hoorah!

Robin Day for John Lewis Polypropylene Armchair. £59.00. Also available in other shapes and colours.

Glee – Emma’s clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Glee Emma by Old_Soul (JOIN MY GROUPS) featuring Theory bags

Items in this set:
Jersey-knit plisse cardigan, $690
VERS BLANCS Ribbon Pin-tuck Skirt, $54
Candy Corn Heels-Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $28
Theory | Dorcy cashmere cardigan | NET-A-PORTER.COM, $1,250
Carolee - 16mm Gold Pearl Choker (Gold Pearl) - Jewelry, $56

My friend Laura recommended Glee to me on Friday, so this weekend I caught up on the episodes. I’m really enjoying the tongue in cheek take on the whole ‘showtunes’ concept. I also really like the styling, especially the character Emma!

For those who haven’t seen Glee, I was planning to put some screen grabs together, but no need – hooray for polyvore. I’ll leave it to the more experienced polyvore users to illustrate it to you:

Emma Pillsbury on Glee by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Chinese Laundry shoes

Items in this set:
Fenn Wright Manson Organza Flower Cardigan, Blackberry, Size 8, 50 GBP
diane von furstenberg, 98 GBP
Secret Garden Peep Toes in Beige, $50
Hermès Baccara Crocodile Clutch Photo
Porcelain Rose Gold & Pink Stud Earrings, $26

Emma Lynne Prints

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:42:00 +0000

Web of life

I still have a slightly Christmassy themed mantlepiece, blogged here, so I’m searching for some art work to replace what’s there. I came across these stunning prints by Emma Lynne. These are much softer and more romantic than I would normally choose, but they are also very beautiful. Visit her etsy shop here, lots more pretty prints to choose from.

Fall Thread

iPhone Wallpaper download

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:54:00 +0000

In order to promote their new line with Target, Liberty of London have made some lovely wallpapers available for free download, for the iPhone, Droid or Desktop. Clickety here, click ‘Pattern Your World’, then chose the size.

Image via Target.com, as seen on decor8.

Ebay Find – Horse Embroidery

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:58:00 +0000

I’ve got piles of prints and art work waiting to be framed and displayed, so I’m sharing this ebay find with you – maybe it would look nice in your hallway? A vintage hand embroidered wall hanging of a rather pretty pony, on turquoise silk, framed. Starting bid only £7.00 plus £6.50 postage.

Images via ebay listing.

Ebay Find – Desk Organisation Clips

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Eek! My finger is hovering over the ‘Buy Now’ button. How incredible are these clips? They are a paper-weight-come-organisation-system for your desk. What a lovely retro but understated font. Available here on ebay for £18, plus £4 postage. Should I? Someone buy them and send me a photo of them on your desk so I can enjoy them vicariously.

Images via ebay listing.

More Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:14:00 +0000

I’m still banging the drum for the joys of organisation (might be something to do with the fact that I’m currently reading Getting Things Done ).

Triplet Keys Magnet

So, more magnets to keep those all important notes stuck to your fridge or magnetic pin board. Made by Israeli based artist Alona Lahav, these lovely magnets (and also unique jewellery) are available here.

Five Colourful Magnets

(Previous mandatory items for organisation blogged here and here.)

Super Bowl Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:08:00 +0000

We're having a belated superbowl party this evening. Go Saints!

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:03:00 +0000

My lovely sister Sarah is back from London this weekend to visit. She stopped by for a few glasses of Vino, and while Anthony has been dropping her back to our parent’s house, I’ve been (sneakily) browsing for a piece for art for the mantle piece (never mind the washing-up). In the glorious Etsy way this lead me to these lovely birds!

Bird Paper Sparrow by raewelch

Isn’t he lovely? Clickety to see the other birds this Cheshire based artist makes.

Bird – Paper Dove

Snowflakes and Schnapps

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:15:00 +0000

I just treated myself to this magnificent cook book – Snowflakes and Schnapps by Jane Lawson. It was an impulse purchase, but I’m so glad I gave in.

Next time you’re in a book shop I recommend searching for this one, you won’t be disappointed. From the embossed dots on the cover, to the snowflakes glinting as you turn the pages - it’s an experience! The photography and styling is glorious, and enough to make you want to pack up and move into a desolate chalet somewhere in Northern Europe.

The focus is on winter themed recipes from the colder regions of Europe. Having grown up at the foot of the alps, a lot of these recipes make me feel nostalgic. However the recipes are far from ordinary. Top of my list to make is Cherry Mint Warmer – a kind of warm alcoholic cherry punch.

If you have a penchant for mulled wine and antlers, then this is the perfect cook book for you!

NB: It’s about 40% cheaper on Amazon than in the high street book shops, but this is such a tactile and visually impressive book, you need to see it in the flesh to appreciate it.

PPS: If you are fond of calorie counting and salads without dressing, then I would probably not recommend this one.

Tidy Desk – Tidy Mind (or just another excuse to shop)

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Last week I talked a little about getting organised. Well I’m still in the Zone. My magnets arrived, as did the box of Sukie Labels (above). Now I’m weighing up the merits of Muji’s Desk and Drawer organising systems.

I’m sure these would improve my life exponentially.

The Sale to End all Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Trust me when I say you must visit this sale. I've got my eyes on the Andalucian Hunting Boots, reduced from £195 to £49.

YoYo Garland

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:03:00 +0000

I blogged about this before, but today I took some better pictures. I’m actually really pleased with this garland, and it didn’t take that much time to make. One of the most fun parts was chosing the fabrics. I still have a huge stash of remnants waiting to be yoyo-fied. These little yoyos are pretty versatile. They can be made into ornaments, present toppers, hair clips, brooches…..

The best tutorial I found online is here, by Heather Bailey.

If you have some fabric remnants lying around why not have a go. I would advise a mix of patternered and plain fabrics, and I would try to stick to one colour scheme (something I intially found very difficult!). Also worth noting, the yoyos look very different once they are in shape, you won’t recognise the pattern on the fabric. This means it’s a great way to use up the boring floral patterned fabric sitting in your draw. Have fun!

Thought of the day – Be Brave

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Flickr

iPhone Wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:30:00 +0000

If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch – visit this site -> Poolga Hundreds of funny / cute / pretty / subversive / understated / interesting wallpapers to chose from. There’s something for everyone.

Screenie:

You can also visit the site from your phone, for an extra quick dose of designery goodness.

These wallpapers are free for personal use – if you see some that you particularly like, you can click through to the designer’s website, and investigate their work. I find it’s a glorious way to spend half an hour on the sofa when Anthony insists on watching football. Here’s the link again: Poolga – clicky clicky!

Collecting Letters

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:26:00 +0000

On ebay right now: Collection of antique Wooden blocks. (US)

Wouldn’t these look incredible arranged like a higgledy piggledy wall on a long picture ledge (for example Ikea’s Ribba Picture Ledge), high up on a wall.

What would you do with these?

Images via ebay listing here.

Organise!

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:54:00 +0000

Mushroom Wooden Button Magnet set by undefinedvillage

One of the best things about a new year is that it’s an excuse to try to get organised. When things get confusing or messy I find it disheartening, and sometimes the last thing I feel like doing is getting organised. However, when the only reason you are organising is because you want to, it’s suddenly an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Just like that!

Maybe you feel like getting organised? If so, I’m sure a set of these magnets will help. Only $5 for a set of four with free domestic and international shipping! Bargain.

Brown and Blue Magnets by undefinedvillage

Red Velvet Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:50:00 +0000

My lovely sister Sarah gave me a lovely book for Christmas. The first recipe I chose to try was the Red Velvet Cupcakes.

The book incidentally is the Hummingbird Bakery book. Would love to link it for you, but I don't seem to be able to using this fancy app. I definately recommend the cupcakes though - they were declared a success.

Posted from my iPhone

Vintage 50s Italian Articulated Desk Lamp

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:45:00 +0000

There is a bargain to be had on ebay here:

Currently at £0.99, £11.95 shipping cost – 4 days remaining on auction.

According to the listing it’s in the stilnovo style, with no makers marks. In good condition and checked by an electrician.

This speckled grey finish isn’t quite right for my home, but could look pretty fantastic in the right setting. Why don’t you give it a new home! See the full listing here.

Images via the ebay listing.

Quest Twenty Eight iPhone Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:01:00 +0000

This weekend I created six iPhone wallpapers, inspired by vintage fabric patterns.

These are free for anyone to use, so if you think you might like to, follow my (very comprehensive) instructions at the end of the post.

Kiwi & Teal

Atomic Chocolate

Atomic Palm Tree

Atomic Strawberry

Asphalt & Cherry

Powder & Purple

Comprehensive Instructions

Scroll to the wallpaper you like, right click it, select ‘View Image’ or ‘Open image in new tab’.
Go to the new tab, right click the image again, select ‘Save As’.
Save the image somewhere obvious – you’ll need to find it again in a moment.
Now navigate to your email account (the one you have synched on your iPhone!). Attach the image you just saved to an email and email it to yourself.
Using your iPhone, open the email, wait for the image to show. Tap it once, and then tap ‘Save Image’.
Still on the iPhone, go back to your home screen, select the Photos. The wallpaper will have saved in your ‘Camera Roll’. Find the wallpaper, tap it once, then tap the little arrow icon in the bottom left corner. Select ‘Use as Wallpaper’ then ‘Set Wallpaper’. You’re done!

Etsy Top Ten iPhone cases (+1)

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:37:00 +0000

After much to-ing and fro-ing I finally capitulated and got an iPhone. I’m definitely not regretting it! Next, the all important decision – which case do I buy? I’ve crocheted 3 so far, but feel I need a wide range to suit my moods

Here’s a round up of all my favourite iPhone Cases.

iphone sleeve by houseoftnt $19.00

Doogtooth pattern leather iphone case by tovicorrie $38.00

Moustache iPhone Cozy by yummypocket $22.00

OWL IPOD TOUCH Case by EvelynX

Iphone Case – Wool Felt and Leather by byrdandbelle $19.00

Orange Monster Mr Domo kun by craftingwithlove $18.00

Special Edition iPod case in Seafoam Green by onaroll $16.00

Deco iphone sleeve by houseoftnt $17.00

Cute Pig iPod Case by Sydney Angel $25.00

Laura the elephant Iphone Leather Case by leatherprince $37.50. (if you like this one there are 50 designs and colour combinations to chose from. 50!)

Tall Pouch – Horse on Floral Linen by TrackandFieldDesigns $22.00

Obviously i’m still completely undecided. I may have to set aside an annual budget, and contain my new compulsion to one iPhone case purchase a month. More on the crocheted versions another time.

Neigh!

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Mounting Block

I read this post recently on Hollygab –> Spirit Animals. I totally agree with Holly, and also somehow feel an affinity with horses (perhaps, in a previous life I was a horsey person). When I was much younger I took riding lessons for a while, now I enjoy horses more for their aesthetic. And there’s nothing like a pony in snow.

Shetland Pony

New Forest Ponies by jystyn

RP Couple in Horse Pulled

confrontation

Lone

Horse

I could go on…

Sand Drawing

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:28:00 +0000

I came across this via Frau Liebe. Ukrainian ‘sand animator’ Kseniya Simonova was the 2009 winner of Ukraine’s Got Talent. I’m lost for words!

Bag Showdown

noreply@blogger.com (Quest Twenty Eight) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:15:00 +0000

I don’t have a overnight or weekend bag. I end up looking a bit like a tramp with various reusable shopping bags. I’ve narrowed it down to two options now:

Cath Kidston Overnight Bag (reduced from £65 to £45)

Gola X TADO Redford Bag available at Brown Bread (£25).

This one is designed by TADO who are “two very hard working people who do graphic design, illustration, animation, toy design, and a bit of everything in between. They are based in Sheffield, UK, enjoy ice cream and playing with their daft dogs.” (image and text via Brown Bread)

What do you think?