Stylish Sunday & My Favourite Links

Hello to you all on this lovely Sunday evening.  We have been out shopping today and although I feel guilty spending lots of money, I am also feeling very pleased with my purchases which have been long overdue.  I have had so many of my clothes for such a long time.  Particularly staple items like strap tops which I wear under most thing.  After a year of being tugged at by a little boy and the several years they were worn before that it's time for a clear out.

-  Sources 

I also realised I hadn't shared any love for some of my favourite blogs recently, so I thought I would share some of the posts I've enjoyed recently.

1. Really useful gardening tips from Moral Fibres - What To Sow Now
2. Amazing Carboot finds from What Peggy Said, I am in love with that table - Car Boot Sale 2013 : 1
3. I thought this simple card DIY idea from The Making Home was super cute - DIY Quick fabric Feature Card
4. I am a sucker for beautiful books, and this review by the Start Up Wife had me drooling - Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft
5. It feels like everyone on twitter has been talking about Ottolenghi and boy does this recipe sound amazing! - Asparagus and Chive Bread Pudding

Beautiful Clothing from Zulily - Review

The increasingly mobile stages of toddlerhood have been taking their toll on Nye's wardrobe. I have noticed that he will be in need of some sturdy items that will outlast his constant moving around.  He scoots around and around and around and every day I become more and more bored of a little boys wardrobe full of blue stripy things!  I know that it is worth investing in clothing that lasts especially as Nye hates to be changed so anything he wears has to be durable for a full days wear.

With this in mind, last week Zulily got in touch to ask if I would be interested in doing a clothing review and this is what they sent me:

As soon as the items arrived I was so excited for Nye to try them on because I could feel from the material that they were much higher quality and design than most of the items available for baby's and toddlers. Each piece is made by a different brand and the designs are so interesting and fun.  I am slightly in love with jumper, it's perfectly warm for these cool spring days we're having.  When we took him out last week in his he had people pointing and smiling from across the street as it really is so striking but most importantly cute!  The trousers were also fantastic because they elasticated waste band means that he can easily go from walking to crawling without being uncomfortable.

Browsing the website I have found that the ranges on Zulily are all really unusual and unique and by having all the different designers together it means you can browse a variety of styles without moving from one website.  This means that instead of being a slave to one particular brand you can pick and choose from the best boutiques as well as bigger stores, all in one basket. And as anyone who has seen my other posts on shopping, I am obsessed with sales. Most importantly, the prices on Zulily are usually offering 30%-90% off usual retail prices.  You have to sign in to the website to see the stuff their offering, but this is a minor inconvenience for a well laid out and easy to navigate website.

Here's a few of my favourite picks on Zulily at the moment.

The buyer does have to beware on one thing though, the best offers don't stick around for long!  The stock is constantly changing and updating with branded events running on a daily basis.  It's well worth keeping an eye because I have spied that there will be some Melissa and Doug stuff appearing, my absolute favourite brand of quality Children's Wooden Toys.  I already can't wait to see what items they will have.  And I should probably mention that if someone you refer makes an order you receive £10 credit, an added bonus.

DISCLAIMER:

I received the clothing above for the purpose of reviewing Zulily.  All pictures and words are my own and 100% honest.

Baby and Child Bedding

Finding bedding for Nye that is cute but not sickly sweet or massively expensive is quite the challenge.  Nye moved from his cot to a cot bed some time ago when we saw one being given away nearby on freecycle.  We knew his cot wouldn't last forever and getting a bigger bed for free seemed prudent, especially as it came with the attachments to turn it into a toddler bed down the line.  However, I could not believe the cost of cot bed duvet covers when I came to find them.  I have spent months with just one Ikea duvet cover because I refused to commit to paying £25 for a second one.

A few weeks ago I finally took the plunge and won a gorgeous Vertbaudet second hand duvet cover and pillow case on Ebay for a few pounds.  This is highly unusual because even second hand covers seem to be going for £15 and above.  In addition to scowering Ebay I have also been browsing a massive variety of websites looking for good sales.  My top 5 places to shop for baby bedding are:

• H & M
• Vertbaudet
• Mamas & Papas
• Mothercare
• Ikea

And finally this week I couldn't resist buying this gorgeous grey star quilt.

h&m baby quilt £10

If you're on the lookout for lovely baby and child bedding I've put together a collection for you which includes cot, cot bed and single bedding and a range of price brackets.  Enjoy!

Stylish Sunday

We went into London last Thursday, something we don't often have the chance to do, despite the fact we only live 15 minutes away.  Neil took Nye to a catch up with a fellow Teach First'er and told me to take some time to myself.  I have to admit that I didn't know what to do with myself and ended up in Harrods before heading to the V & A very briefly.

I spent most of my time in Harrods looking for things for Nye, and picked up another birthday present for him.  A bit practical but fun at the same time and a perfect size for little Nye snacks.

Paperchase £7 for the set

I also saw these amazing bath toys demonstrated in the toy department but unfortunately the small parts meant they were only suitable for older children.  They looked ace though I'd check them out if you have older children.

Hamleys £10

For lunch we met up at Yo Sushi in Waterloo station and afterwards browsed a few of the sales.  Neil fell in love with an amazing coat which I'd love to gett for him.  but for now I shall show you a picture as it is a bargain, you should get it for any eccentric men you know.

Joules SALE £100

Stylish Sunday

So today I displayed my work for the first time in a shop.  You can now buy a full range of my Ginger Bisquite cards and gifts at Jill, Pop Up shop in Sydenham until Christmas.  I've tried my best, with limited time, to create new Christmas designs which I hope are extra special cards to send to friends and family.

I'm currently sitting at the computer designing our Christmas cards for this year.  Naturally I have dressed Aneurin in some rather fetching festive gear (Neil thinks it's practically child abuse, boo)  I shall post up the design when everything is printed and sent so that it doesn't ruin the surprise for friends and family.  But for now here's a little sneak of my uber cute baby boy.

and on with the Christmas style parade... (the last thing our house needs right now is more clutter.  Up with the kitchen, then out with the festive decorations) Practical, Yes! But I can't cope otherwise.  Here's a lovely link to my Christmas Pinterest Board which includes stylish decorations, home made gift ideas and a few festive printables.  Do let me know if you have any good Christmas Pinterest links :)

My Christmas Craft & Inspiration Pinterest Board

Life as we know it - September 2012

What a busy week it has been here.  We've been gradually making some tweaks to the house which have been much needed.  The house has looked like a bombsite for a while now and we're finally fighting against the clutter and upgrading as we go.  This included lots of shuffling in the nursery, which finally feels like it is done.  I'm so proud of what we've done with it.  I'll post an update with some proper photos next week I hope.

Tonight we cleared the dining room table so we could play some table tennis which has been a welcome frivolous break from the seriousness of life.  It also had the added benefit of meaning we had to clear away the debris that had been piling up on it for WEEKS!

Artengo rollnet set 600 £9.99 @ Decathlon

I swear to you, this is the most fun you can have for under £10! We went to Decathlon today and remembered how awesome it is.  I used to play Table Tennis for a club in Norfolk many years ago and I am pleased to say I whooped Neil's arse!

We went to Decathlon to pick up some new 'commuter'shoes for Neil.  In the end he went for these:

Merrel Trail Glove - Palm Leaf £29.99 @ Decathlon

I was also eyeing them up as I walked past them on the end of one of the aisles.  So, to get me back on to the running bug I've picked up a pair in purple which I'm currently wearing.  They feel just like an outer skin on your feet.  For someone who wanders around barefoot most of the time these are AWESOME!  They are yet to be worn on the open road but I have done the running man inside several times. So, they are running man approved!

I hope you're all having an ace weekend.  

May Retail Therapy

We're on a tight budget these days and any extra pennies are  being saved up in babies new bank account.  But for those that have a few extra £'s here are some things I'd love to splurge out on.

I loved this full price I love them more @ £20!  - Joules Outlet

Or for some colour in the work wardrobe - H&M

I rather like this £1.99 dress... - H&M

Urban Outfitters - New summer bedding anyone!?

For the Nursery - Heals

Heals = Living Room Happy

Newborn baby boy wardrobe

We went out shopping today, running lots and lots of errands ready for our bathroom re-do this week; but I still managed to drop by Next to have a look at baby boy bits and pieces.  So with that in mind I thought I would put together a collection of my favourite baby boy bits. Next have some lovely bits but their website doesn't allow me to show them to you all :( You'll have to cope with some other high street finds instead!

Jumper £7 @ Asda

Duffle Coat @ Tesco

Jumpsuit @ Tesco 

Jumper @ H&M

Cardigan @ H&M

Knitted 1 piece @ GAP

Bathroom Fast Forward

So, I am pleased and elated to announce that we are really moving forward with our bathroom.

A few weeks ago I ordered some floor samples from Harvey Maria, which I am slightly in love with.  We cannot afford to pay £24 a SqM and even in the sale its still a good £20 and when you have a floor measuring approximately 9 SqM  there aren't many flooring options that are going to come in under £100.  But seriously, I can't even begin to explain the quality of the Harvey Maria stuff, it feels like it would last a life time.  Did I mention they have Cath Kidston designs *drool*

When I ordered the samples I didn't expect to really like them very much, and ordered quite a few of the sale ones just to get an idea of what they were like.  I ordered a few samples in a style I didn't think I would really like, but now I'm totally sold on the look of whitewashed wood and I can't believe how realistic it looks even in a tiny sample.  The pictures just don't do it justice.

I like the fact that the wood style of it would go with pretty much any colour we choose and as I still can't pin myself down to anything it would be great for us.  It had a really realistic texture and a solidness with the durability of being 100% waterproof.

The other fantastic news is that we finally have our long awaited bath! After what feels like hundreds of bids on ebay for roll top baths we are finally there.  It's quite funny actually, I like it when ebay tries to recommend similar items when you don't win the auction, we're trying to buy a roll top bath with taps for no more than £150 and it starts recommending ones that are thousands.  Nice try ebay but I don't think you have the right idea quite yet!

So drum roll please here is our new bath! 

I did make the slight error of choosing one without the shower head attachment but I have been assured it has no scratches or chips so its nice and sturdy.  I estimated that hiring a van to collect it from Lydhurst would cost us £40 to hire a van and with petrol (what planet was I on?!)  Just with a quick browse it looked more like £100+ so I did a google of shipping companies and came across Shiply.  As I was getting a bit desparate in terms of my lack of collection options I thought I would list it on there and get some bids for how much someone could deliver it to me for.  I was absolutely astounded, within 20min I already had 2 bids and by the next morning there was a bidding war.  I don't want to jinx it as it's currently set to be delivered on Monday evening, but do far its's been amazing.  It's actually cheaper to get someone else spending the time doing all the hard work. So the delivery is now costing just shy of £40 with the Shiply admin fee included. How exciting!

We've also gone full steam ahead and bought a set of towels off Ebay as well, don't worry they're not second hand.  I was looking forward to rolling around in then and choosing some from my favourite stores (TXMaxx, or John Lewis, both have a sale on at the moment.)  However, Ebay came up trumps again. 2 hand towels 2 bath sheets and 2 bath towels with delivery for £31!  They look gorgeous as well, really plump and cosy.  They were originally from Next which I wouldn't have thought of for towels but I'm not complaining!

Oh and we are pretty blissed out from our 12 week scan today, but I'll tell you about that some other time :)