curious key

I got Ink!

2012-01-16T23:59:00.000Z

Holy wow, I got a tattoo! I honestly never ever thought I would actually get one done. It's been on my list of goals for two years now and finally on year number 3 I've done it! I thought long and hard about what to choose and where to have it and finally (with the help of my sister) decided on 3 buttons for my wrist.

Laura had the same tattoo in the same place too. It's crazy but also amazing that we are the only two people in the world that have this particular tattoo.

I was so nervous sitting in the chair with the stencil on my wrist waiting for that little needle to start buzzing, I very nearly didn't go through with it because I was so scared of the pain, but when he started I have to say, it was fab, I enjoyed every second and it didn't hurt really at all! In fact, I found the sensation pretty relaxing and calming.

see, I'm smiling!

I'm so so pleased that I had it done, and its a goal I can cross of my list pretty early on in the year!

I'm off to bed now after such a day of excitement, I'll try to get a better picture of my buttons in the daylight. Oh and I have some more fun stuff to share tomorrow.

Love Danielle

xxx

Photos and the like....

2012-01-14T19:44:00.000Z

I'm trying my absolute hardest this year to take more pictures! I want tons and tons of memories of all the wonderful things I see and do so I've kitted myself out with what I think will help me!

First off I have the Instagram app on my iPhone. By far the most used app I own (except Facebook...eep)

I use this quite a lot and am getting better at remembering to get it out and shoot. I've also just discovered webstagram which is a web viewer for all your instagram pics! Love it! What other camera apps do you guys use?

I have a digital camera, which I really want to use more...I think I need to make or invest in a camera bag to keep it with me at all times!

source

Then my most recent addition to the photographing family is this super cute little instax mini! This gives that 'instant picture you can hold' feeling. I really wish I printed out my digital pictures more as I love leafing through them. I'm also on the lookout for unique ways to display pictures, rather than just an album or frame, that way I might be more inclined to print them out.

Any suggestions?

Love Danielle

xxx

Another year older...another year wiser

2012-01-10T01:20:00.000Z

Well, it's gone past midnight so I guess that means I'm 27 now! So much has changed in the last year and I'm so happy to say it's all for the better. I sort of feel like some crazy cosmic event has made all the planets line up in the exact way to make my life better with everyday. To be honest I'm the happiest I've ever been and that's in every aspect of my life....er can we say dream come true?

source

I was having a look through the blog archives earlier and found my 26 before 27 list from a year ago. There were some I'm excited to say I completed like going to London, finishing my secret project, which was a patchwork quilt for my best friends wedding. Some, which I have to say will be on my list again...such as sticking to a skin routine (I suck with routines and get super lazy...hence the non clear skin yet) Then there are some which I didn't complete and after looking over them I've noticed that they are all 'my fun things' now don't get me wrong, I had a lot of fun being 26 but I also ploughed a lot of energy into setting up a business and being a mum/fiance and moving house etc so for this year my goals and my 27 before 28, will be separate! My goals are my goals and my 27 are going to fun projects that I WILL make time for this year!

How do you decide your goals for the year? After all Goals in writting are dreams with deadlines.

Love Danielle

xxx

A year to remember starts right here!

2012-01-01T21:29:00.001Z

Wow, when google try to shake things up they really really shake it up! So much so that I couldn't log onto my blog! Nightmare! But today I finally managed to sort it and I'm ready to blog into the New Year.

Today we took a little trip out to get some fresh air and basically clown around like kids for a bit...well, why not!!

My boys played on this amazing swing...all 4 of us were on it at one point! FUN!

My sister got a little stuck!

Such a lovely way to spend day one of this lovely new year.

I knew 2011 was going to be an amazing year and it truly was, I had that same giddy, night before Christmas feeling about this one too. In the run up to midnight on New Years Eve my sister and I both worked on our goals for 2012. Here are mine...

I'm excited that some of my goals are professional and others are personal so already I feel like there is a good mix!

Have you made resolutions or set goal this year? What are yours?

Love Danielle

xxx

I Love December!

2011-12-02T17:22:00.000Z

I can't believe we are already 2 days into my favourite month!! We have been busy making our house festive already and I have decided to make decorations throughout December to have in our home this year! I finished my first one today and I'm hoping to share it tomorrow!

I did just want to share this dress with you all that I am just dying over....

Is it not just the MOST beautiful dress ever? It's from the Orla Keily range. Oh I just love it!

How are your Christmas preparations coming along? Do you have any traditions? I'm hoping to start one this year, I need a really sweet one!

Love Danielle

xxx

Today was for....

2011-11-24T23:06:00.000Z

Eating and looking at pretty things mostly!! I got to spend the morning with my little guy and dad in law and went for breakfast! Then I went to the sweetest town with my mum and looked in some of the prettiest shops I ever did see! I came out completely inspired for Christmas, my home and gifts to make! I'm going back tomorrow to take lots of snaps of these pretty places! Tomorrow when I go back though I will be taking my sketchbook, camera and the newest issue of Mollie Makes!

This magazine magazine makes my month... the excitement of getting it through the post is just too much! If you haven't heard of it, then you need a subscription...now! It's choc full of crafty ideas, CUTE homes and amazing places to visit! Such a good read, I wish it came out weekly I really do! My project list just from this magazine is getting immense...oh to find some spare time!

So, we also had a walk to the beach, I do love living so close to the sea, its pretty tranquil although a tad windy today!

Then just to round off a pretty blissful day I lost another pound at my Slimming World group tonight and then went out to dinner with my man, his dad and my boy!

So how was your day? I know many of you guys waaaaaay over there in the US are celebrating thanksgiving! So Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Love Danielle

xxx

Ta daa! I'm back!

2011-11-22T13:22:00.000Z

Wow, after almost 6 months away from my blog I can officialy say I'm back! And I'm here to stay. I feel like a whole new person and am in a much better place to blog what with my shiny new time management skills! I can definately say I felt like part of me was missing without my blog! I have continued reading blogs this whole time, but there is something about writing your own that keeps you bubbling up with creative ideas!

Also I figured I needed to be back in blog world in time for my favourite time of year...Christmas!

I've just started my Christmas craft projects (I have a hefty and mostly unrealistic list this year!) Have you started yours yet? What are you making? Feel free to link to your pictures!

P.S I got new hair and my ickle boy got pretty big too!

I'm so glad to be back!

Love Danielle

xxx

Curious Key is at Sweet Ginger!

2011-05-29T18:15:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! I am super dee duper excited today! For the past few weeks I have been preparing items to be stocked in a gorgeous new shop called Sweet Ginger! They had their grand opening on Sunday but unfortunately I couldn't be there but I have some photos from Jades gorgeous blog to share with you!

Look at their sweet sweet window display! I need some super size scissors...just because!

Recognise some of these lovelies?

Shop owners Ciara and Julie did such a fantastic job!

A little bit of jewellery too!

Sweetest handmade layout ever!!!!

As well as curious key there are some other super cute brands there too including the lovely Jade's. Find details of big brands such as Emily Peacocks tapestry kits on Jades blog too.

Needless to say I am seriously honoured to be included in this crafting heaven! Go have a peek yourself on the Sweet Ginger facebook or even better go and visit!!!!

You can find them at 66 Parliament Street, Ramsey, Isle of Man!

Love Danielle

xxx

Clocks for Sweet Ginger!

2011-05-28T22:51:00.002+01:00

Hello again lovelies! I was up to the small hours last night finishing off these pretty clocks, as of Monday they will be winging their way to Sweet Ginger along with some new scrappacks and charm necklaces!

My favourite colour scheme ever!

Pastels and pretty handles.

Polka dotty love inspired by Sweet Ginger itself!

And a dreamy blue delight, to check these beauties out in person, shimmy on down to Sweet Ginger.

Love Danielle

xxx

Whirlwind

2011-05-25T14:08:00.001+01:00

I'm literally just breezing through today to show you what I made yesterday an to say that more regular posting will resume after 8th June (my first night as a slimming world consultant) I have some exciting news about curious key too...

So yesterday I made my first apple cozy!

I seriously love it and want to make then for all my apples, imagine a fruit bowl full of these! That would make it so much easier to get my 5 a day!

Love Danielle
xxx

passing on the creative spirit

2011-05-12T21:02:00.000+01:00

Evening all! I'm away from home tonight... In fact I'm away for 2 nights! Eeep! I'm training for my new slimming world consultancy so I'm super excited, I am however already missing my boys! I will try and take lots of silly pics over the weekend if opportunity arises and maybe do a post about it later over the weekend. For now I want to share with you Haydns first ever drawing. He has been scribbling since he could grip a crayon but the other day he decided to draw a recognisable picture, and I think it's pretty damn good for a 3 year old.... Can you guess what it is....

It's a rocket going to the moon (which has craters!) and then grout his name on it, artist in the making? I think so, and here's the artist himself,

I'm off to have my dinner now...I think it's the first time I've eaten alone in a restaurant...hence blogging now rather than later! I think I'm secure enough to enjoy my own company for a few hours!

Have a good Thursday!

Love Danielle
xxx

P.s I have an exciting announcement on Sunday!

New new new

2011-05-05T02:03:00.001+01:00

Hey all, I know I haven't posted any new creations for a while but I have been making things, most things are in a half state of completion but tonight I get to share some of my new hair accessories! I hope you like them, I got burnt a lot making these!

These are going to be stocked in my forceps friend Ciara's new shop soon! Excited much!?! More details soon,

I'm really happy how cute they turned out!

I will be making some more in the near future to make an appearance in my Etsy too, but for now if you want one (custom fabrics available) please just email me!

Hope your mid week day was fun and productive!

Love Danielle
xxx

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

2011-04-30T00:10:00.000+01:00

Hi all, today is a super special day for us, our little guy turns 3 years old!

I can't believe how quickly the time has gone, it seems just minutes ago he was tiny baby snuggling up in my arms for hours on end, now he never sits still and makes lots of noise, but still manages to squeeze "mummy, I love you" at least 20 times a day, which makes me happy beyond words!

source

I can't believe how lucky I am to have such a sweet little boy!

So, to my darling gorgeous boy Haydn, Happy 3rd Birthday, thank you for making mine and your daddy's lives so perfect!

Love Mummy

xxx

This shoe is heaven!

2011-04-29T23:49:00.000+01:00

I have to share this shoe...it's amazing! It's an irregular choice shoe and I want it sooooooo bad!

get it here

Isn't it just gorgeous!

That's all for now...

Love Danielle

xxx

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T21:17:00.000+01:00

Hello all on this beautiful day! It's hard not to be completely swept up in the hype that surrounded the Royal Wedding isn't it? Up until today I had tried too avoid it...all the tacky plastic bunting and memorobelia being shoved in your face all the time was a bit much, but today I have to admit I watched it on the T.V and thought it was pretty damn beautiful! Kate looked gorgeous in her dress and so did everyone else really. I really hope they can give the Royals a new identity rather then the stuck up boringness they portray at the moment. Plus how amazing that she is now a princess....what a dream!


source

I can't find a good (availbale) picture of the wedding yet so this cute portrait of them will have to do!

Congratulations,

Love Danielle

xxx

My secret project!

2011-04-26T23:09:00.001+01:00

This post has been such a long time coming! I started this secret project waaaaay back in August when I found out that my best friend was getting married. In honour of her wedding I decided to make her and her husband (but mostly her lol) a patchwork quilt in the colours of her wedding. It took a fairly long time and I had to keep it secret until after the wedding. But now I can finally share it!

These pictures aren't very good to be honest...its very pretty in reality!

and these were taken before the final ironing!

I love how it turned out and am so proud as it was by far my biggest project to date. Happy Wedding Mr & Mrs Mellor!!

Love Danielle

xxx

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie....OMG

2011-04-20T08:14:00.001+01:00

Hi all, I was out and about this morning and decided that Haydn and I would take a little trip to Starbucks as a treat. When we got there I spied their new yummy looking range of petit four type treats. Haydn went for the pink glitter lolly and I had the red velvet whoopie pie.

source

wow wow wow...if you havent been and tried these yet I urge you to...or not if you are easily addicted to things! I can see how people are saying that these are the new cupcake...to die for...although maybe a little bit small (i wanted about 4!) I restrained myself and just had one...I totally recommend these if you fancy a super yummy treat with a difference!

Love Danielle

xxx

p.s I FINALLY got around to taking some photgraphs yesterday of some crafty projects of late...I will edit and share as soon as I can. Also, I can share the secret project this weekend too!

Hello sunshine!

2011-04-17T17:21:00.001+01:00

hello there! what a gorgeous day? I'm so completely happy today...just being able to go outside and feel happy in the sunshine makes it a better day, don't you think? I'm going to share a few of my favourite Etsy finds of the moment, they all have a real summery sunshine feel to them and I just know you are gonna love them as much as I do!!

I want these all over the house! All with gorgeous smelling fresh flowers!

Lemon yellow on white is just so fresh, the blue mixed in these cushions are perfection...possibly not with a 3 year old around?

I still have a major mustard crush and this headband is super cute!

Not only do I love this hat, I also like the photograph itself, very pretty!

Now, I'm not sure words can even express how much I LOVE this shelf, It's completely adorable and perfect in every way. I so want one...or two!

I hope the sun is shining where you are today too. Happy Sunday!

Love Danielle

xxx

finding the right balance

2011-04-11T23:39:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! How are you all doing, is it just me or does everyone seem to be super busy these days? I dunno if it's the nicer weather encouraging people to get out and about or what, but everyone simply seems kinda rushed and stressed at the moment, I know I'm feeling a bit over whelmed to say the least.

source

As some of you know I recently started a new job with more hours, and got accepted to be a slimming world consultant, I can't even begin to explain how excited I am, but it does come with a whole lot of work! Along with those commitments, having a life, spending time with and caring for my family, trying to work out, craft, blog and do housework it's getting harder and harder to find any spare time! So, I have decided that I'm going to blog a little less often for a while, I absolutely adore my blog and all my amazing readers and that's why I'm doing it. I only want to blog when I really have something good to blog about, something I love or have enjoyed etc. I don't want to fill this space and your precious blog reading time with 'fluff' posts about nothing in particular just because I think I should be posting every day... I will keep posting as and when I discover new things, take fun photos and make pretty things so hopefully my posts will be meatier and more meaningful, I hope everyone understands! Does anyone else ever get like this?

I hope you understand!

Love Danielle

xxx

Gifted

2011-04-08T23:31:00.001+01:00

Today I got gifted this amazing Rob Ryan notebook by one of my sweetest friends, Genna.

I seriously love this lady! Thanks Gen, you are a star, you know I am going to have so much fun with this!

Love Danielle
xxx

Pure unadulterated happiness

2011-04-07T20:30:00.000+01:00

You know those days where everything just works? Well, today for me was one of those. It started off pretty sucky, I was kinda stressed out and worried this morning but slowly the day just got better and better with lots of little events going my way. It started with my car passing it's mot...big deal...like huge! Then I managed to sort out some problems with the tax office (always stressful) then my gorgeous Easter egg from Kaitecakes arrived! Then to top it all off I lost 2 more pounds at slimming world this week...the Easter egg may cause a problem to that bit next week...oops.

So now, I feel like I am on top of the world. Days like this should be shared and appreciated. Thanks for letting me gush!

Love Danielle
xxx

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-04-03T23:09:00.000+01:00

Good evening, just wanted to wish all the mums out there a happy mothers day! I have had a fantastic day with my boys and I'm going to bed a happy girl!

The picture is just for cuteness, we visited lambs today!

Love Danielle

xxx

A real sense of adventure

2011-04-01T12:29:00.000+01:00

Hi there, how are you? Happy April fools day by the way! Did you get pranked? If I'm absolutely honest I forgot! Eek. I love April, it's really one of my favourite months. It's the month That Haydn was born, it's spring and the sun is out way more. I feel like I have a constant smile in this month and I aim to make full use of the cheeriness. Also, it's Easter and aside from the chocolate I'm crazy excited for the Easter egg hunt we're going to do for Haydn. Growing up, my mum and dad always did an egg hunt for the three of us and it was so exciting! They always hid a trail of little eggs and bunnies leading to some lovely big eggs. We did Haydn an egg hunt last year and although he didn't quite get it. Just seeing him so excited was such a magical feeling, I can't wait to do it again.

Thinking about that reminded me of a little obsession I had as a child that I might like to re-visit sometime soon....treasure maps.

I used to draw them all the time and I would spend hours putting in fantastic details and making em look as exciting as possible. I love the intrigue and excitement. Over the years I've noticed my love for maps in other areas of my life. I love mind maps and artists like Jim Hauser and Elsie Flannigan, who both use an element of mapping in their work.

Mind mapping, seriously amazing, no?

I love every element of Jim Houser's work. The colour, the shape and the complexity of the layout is just gorgeous!

And Elsie's work is simply uber-cute. Oooh I'm feeling crazy inspired now, I want to go create.

Do you know any other artists that use this technique? I'd love to know about them!

Love Danielle

xxx

Photo's from the weekend

2011-03-30T00:31:00.001+01:00

I am really pleased that I managed to keep snapping away all weekend with my camera. I always have the best intentions but end up forgetting (duh?!) Anyway, it was super easy this time and I used the delightful Instagram app again, here is a little peek at what we did, you know, apart from the wedding of course!!

I'll be posting lots of inspiration posts later this week so check back soon!

I know it's a little late but I hope your weekend was fabulous!

Love Danielle

xxx

Look what I won!

2011-03-30T00:17:00.000+01:00

So excited, I got an email from the lovely Katie from Katiecakes today to tell me I had won the Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg giveaway on her blog! Just look at it!!

Understandably I am very eggcited (oh no, I didn't do that) to recieve this baby in the post. What could be better than getting mail? Chocolate mail, that's what! I love Katie's blog and it has been another of my regular reads since I found her. Go have a look, it's cute overload!

Thanks Katie!

Love Danielle

xxx

The Wedding

2011-03-29T23:15:00.000+01:00

Hi all, as you know I went to Spain over the weekend, think it has been the longest time of non blogging ever...it was worth it though, I got to spend 3 beautiful days with my gorgeous friend Emma for her wedding in Spain! And now I am going to share shedloads of photos from the day!

See, isn't she just stunning!

They wrote their own vows to each other...

Could you get a more serene setting? I think not...

Confetti!

Bridesmaids and the sweetest page boy!

Both these ladies sat with me here, are fantastic...no other words come close!

This cheeky boy worked his way into so many of the photos!

Do you not love these colours! And they have artichokes in there too... original or what!

Inside the venue...more pretty pom poms! Recognize these from here?

and I just adore the flower jar centre pieces.

Seriously, you guys are an amazing couple, there is no other like you and I wish you soooo much happiness, your wedding was magical and I'm so glad I got to share it with you!

Love Danielle

xxx

My week in photos

2011-03-24T06:00:00.000Z

Hi hi, I'm travelling all day today so I thought I would share with you my week in photos snapped on my iPhone! Most are using the instagram app which I lurve! If you have an account lemme know so I can follow, I love insights into people's day to day! If you want to follow me, my name is CuriousKeyKinda obvious but hey!

I made lots of hearts

We climbed, played and were very brave on the balance beam!

I ate good foods!

We went to a few coffee shops

Learning to write...so damn clever that kid!

And had some huuuuge homemade coffees too!

Lovely! I'll make surety snap lots of pics while we are away so prepare for some image heavy posts next week!

Love Danielle

xxx

I'm leaving, on a jet plane...

2011-03-23T00:20:00.000Z

but I'll be back on Sunday! That's right guys, tomorrow morning we are leaving for Spain.

source

My lovely bff is getting married on Saturday and I am a bridesmaid. I'm even doing a reading...I know right...me, who has the paralysing fear of public speaking, yep, that's the one! Anyway, I'm so looking forward to getting out there and just soaking up the sun, eating beautiful (hopefully healthy) food and maybe havin a few drinks? I think I'm pretty much organised to go, although it has taken every ounce of my sanity to do so. I stress so much about travelling. Have I packed everything? Do we have enough clothes, money etc. Even down to have I booked the flights on the right day. Yep, that one is a biggie, I have an irrational fear of turning up at the airport to find I booked the wrong month or something like that. I have quadruple checked them though, and unless the calendar changes overnight, we're good to go! I hope you all have an absolutely glorious weekend! If I find some wifi, I'll do some posting too!

Love Danielle

xxx

The waking tired

2011-03-20T22:17:00.002Z

I'm excited tonight cos I'm feeling really motivated to make pretty things, something I've not had the chance to feel much of lately. I'm pretty tired from early mornings and busy days but I can't let all this motivation go to waste, so the inside if my head looks like this right now!

Love Danielle

xxx

the sound of love

2011-03-20T20:50:00.000Z

A few days ago, I wrote this post about watching Amelie for the first time. During the film I found myself continuously enchanted by the music and tonight I looked for the soundtrack. I am in Love. Music is a huge huge influence in my life, I have probably said it many times on here before but I'll say it again. If there were no more t.v it wouldn't make my life any worse, but if there were no music, it would wreck my life. There is nothing more inspiring, life changing or memory evoking than music and without it life would be a very sad place. So grab a drink, some crafting project, sit back and have a listen....i dare you not to be moved by this!

Love Danielle

xxx

Felt food fancies!

2011-03-20T16:55:00.002Z

I am so hungry today!seriously I just wanna eat everything in sight...to stop myself from devouring the entire kitchen I thought I would browse through some of the cute cute felt food that keep seeing.

I am completely in awe of the creative people that come up with the designs. They are so good! I could really eat this. Yum yum yum.

Doughnuts!!! Calorie free krispy kreme anyone?

Super tasty looking cinnamon buns? I want a felt maple pecan danish now!

And a cute little felt dessert selection too. Perfection! I hope these haven't made you too hungry. I will be playing with felt for the foreseeable future!

Love Danielle

xxx

Closet Gleek...

2011-03-18T22:55:00.000Z

Hi there....I have a confession...I am a Gleek. I didn't think I was then I happened upon a series one box set o lovefilm and now I am feeding my habit daily. I have a problem.

I know I am totally late on jumping on the bandwagon with this one but that's usually how it goes with me. Plus, you get the blissful feeling of being able to overload yourself on whatever show everyone has been talking about but you have so far managed to miss out on!

Seriously, I have lost afternoons over this! I love that I am still only half way through series one but I also have the panic of what happens if I finish series 2 before 3 is ready to come out...which is likely at the rate I'm going. I don't tend to watch any regular t.v shows....I personally thinks tv rots your mind and makes you not want to do things you really love. But every now and again, I get hooked on something.

My favourite character is Quinn...mostly because I adore all the cute cute dresses she wears! Simply lovely. I found this quinn inspired outfit whilst buzing round on the internet too...it's so sweet.

source

I saw a very pretty dress that would be Quinn-esque if ever I saw one. I'll have to save my pennies right! Does anyone else have a box set habit? If so, what's your guilty pleasure at the moment? Anything you can recommend for my next obsession!

Love Danielle

xxx

Spring is coming!

2011-03-17T11:59:00.002Z

Hello everyone! Even though the weather is not fantastic today, I have seen a glimmer of spring sunlight recently. I even went out with no coat the other day, I still wore my scarf...I'm not crazy! I am totally excited about clothes this spring! Bring on pretty dresses, wedge heels and florals!

I still absolutely adore mustard, this cardigan would be perfect!

Maybe this year I will dare to get my legs out? Some serious conditioning and tanning is in order!

Although I haven't quite mattered heels this high yet, I'm hopeful that a pair similar to these will be mine later in the summer! I am definitely loving that wedges are back too! Hurrah for comfortable feet!

Love Danielle

xxx

Another blogging helper

2011-03-16T14:31:00.001Z

Hi, Way back in December I posted a wish list of things I would love, most of which would contribute a lot to either my crafting or blogging. I have been super lucky so far and managed to tick quite a few off my list and today, I can cross off another. We invested in an IPad!

source

I have been looking at all the cases you can get for them and this one is by far my favourite. It's by Cath Kidston and it's so pretty! I don't think the mister would be as appreciative of it's Flowery glory though. I think this little beauty will have to be a late addition to the wish list! Anyone else use an IPad? Can you recommend any apps?

Love Danielle

xxx

Finally, a plan is formulating

2011-03-13T23:11:00.000Z

I have been thinking and thinking about Haydn's third birthday that's coming up in about 6 weeks. I was at a loss for some kind of theme or idea that he would love! Then I realised that he love love loves decorating cupcakes....so, my idea at the moment is to have a tret table themed oncake decorating...fun for all right? These are some pretty ones that I found today.


source

Those cookies look so yummy. I love the idea of the little cupcake signs.

source

This just looks just candy-tastic...it's my idea of heaven.

source

I love elegance of this one and the colour are just magical!

So have I made you hungry? I certainly am! Have a lovely evening.

Love Danielle

xxx

weddings here weddings there...

2011-03-12T21:55:00.000Z

weddings weddings everywhere! With several people I know and love getting married soon, it has completely pu my mind into wedding overdrive...I am planning my wedding as if I'm organising mine too...maybe one day soon? Anyway, I have a million bits of ideas floating round in my head...a red and turquoise colour theme...something to do with tea parties, cupcakes...obviously....handmade, favours. My head is quite simply over-flowing. So imagine my delight when I stumbled across this bridal shower tea party...

absolute perfection...really!

So elegant, so whimsical,

I'm in love with these place settings, bestill my heart!

So, I'm going to carry on dreaming about these for the rest of the evening, what are your plans?

Love Danielle

xxx

A new friend and some news

2011-03-12T19:42:00.003Z

Hi all, please excuse the hit and miss posting recently I have had a few projects going on that I can't show you until they are given! That will be very soon though and I'm excited to share. Also, my little announcement... For a few months now I have been a member of slimming world and so far managed to lose 2 stone, I love the plan so much, I decided to apply to become a consultant and on Thursday I found out I've been accepted to open my own group!

I am beyond excited and can't wait to get started. My group will open in June! I will if course be carrying on the crafting, and here is my latest creation, baby popsie (as Haydn has named him)

I know he is pink but everyone assumed he was a guy, so he is!

What have you been doing?

Love Danielle

xxx

A tale of a Wednesday

2011-03-10T01:01:00.002Z

Good evening, I hope houses all having a lovely week, tonight I am waiting on some news that has me a little excited. Hopefully, I will be able to share some happiness with you guys tomorrow! I finished my secret project (started last August) and get to give it to the recipient very soon. Then I can share photos, I added a few finishing touches tonight so my evening was filled with these...

I also watched Amelie for the first time...ever!

I was completely blown away but it's cuteness and beautiful styling. Any French film is a winner with me as I find the language beautiful and could listen all day! Have you seen this film?

What did you think? I personally loved it and am totally inspired to spread happiness. I think I want to watch it again though because I'm sure I missed bits!

Also I made a new sweet friend tonight...from some baby girls socks! Share tomorrow....promise

Love Danielle

xxx

This is a late one!

2011-03-07T23:38:00.001Z

Ok, so it's really late, but I just wanted to get my first 7 lists posted so that I'm up to date and ready for tomorrow's prompt!

Here goes:

An easy one to start with!

I struggled with this one but once I got started it was easy!

There is soooo much to put on here but I narrowed it down!

This is just a snippet of favourites, this one could be pages long!

I got stuck on this one, I bet I'll think of loads tomorrow.

Just an average weekend at chez moi!

This one was easy, I'm pretty focused as far as my little blog goes!

Have u started your lists?

Love Danielle

xxx

Monday Morning Motivation - Sporadic signs of love!

2011-03-07T05:00:00.001Z

It's not about material things or even particularly romantic or grand gestures. It's paying attention and doing something that matters. Like, my Mr making me my coffee with the right milk instead of what's handy or sending me a link to a cute shop he knows I would love. And yesterday it was my brother and his girlfriend buying me this super cute necklace that is so me I can't even say!

So today, I just want to say thanks to all the people that make my life so completely lovely, I feel really fortunate!

Love Danielle

xxx

Oh my gosh...listing games!!

2011-03-06T21:05:00.000Z

I have just been over to The Curious Pug and found out about a new 30 day challenge that's happening throughout March! Now these aren't usually something I do....as I don't end up finishing them...but dear Lord this one is about lists! I simply can't resist. Nope, no chance, never. You can find out more about the challenge here, but basically, you make a list everyday about a certain topic and post it over a month. This then gives you (and everyone else) an insight into your life right now. I can't wait, really, I'm giddy.

As I'm a bit late onto this one (ahem) I will post all the lists up to todays in a post later, then I'll try and post the rest daily! Here is one of Alycia's from the curious pug.

Are you going to do this one too? Ready...set...GO!

Love Danielle

xxx

p.s I want to see your lists too!

my me time....for me!

2011-03-06T20:54:00.000Z

Hi everyone! I have been super non creative over the past few days due to a kinda hectic home life and jsut being plain tired! I also haven't been up to all my usual blog reading either....criminal I know! So I just thought I would share with you where I like to go and read when I do get a little me time...just for me...and my coffee!

First up is A Beautiful Mess...and if you don't know about this blog...you should! Inspirational doesn't even come close!

Then there is Sofia's journal...

I love a peek on Marci's cute blog!

Rachel's blog is so sweet, her little family is gorgeous!

And Katie's blog full of pretties too!

There are so so many more...like hundreds, this is just a sneak peek of some of my go to's in any spare minute!

Leave me links to your blogs too. I LOVE to find new cuteness!

Love Danielle
xxx

A step in the right direction

2011-03-04T19:05:00.001Z

Hi there, I'm blogging from the immense comfort of my bed tonight! I am one sleepy girl! I had my first day in my new job at the shoe shop today. I walked a mile and a half before I even got there and then stood all day long and did the same mile and a half walk home. Bearing in mind this is the first all day job I have had in well over 3 years. I am now completely floored! I will be sleeping as soon as I finish this post. I did however just want to share with you these pics of some of the shoes I fell in love with today! This doesn't bode well for my wage packet!

Love love love, I would feel like dorothy!

Ribbon tie ups! I die!

and these are just gorgeous and so comfy...yes I tried them on! For now they are still in the shop, and I am falling asleep!

Goodnight blogland!
Love Danielle
xxx

maybe she's born with it...

2011-03-02T14:46:00.000Z

hello there... I'm just getting ready to have an hour or two with a beautiful coffee and my sketchbook. I'm cranking the heating up, it's still so chilly here! And I'm going to snuggle up and do some planning. There really is nothing like a little bit of me time to re-focus you and get you motivated again.

On the subject of sketchbooks... I have been wondering, are all illustrators born with their beautiful drawing skills or can they be worked on and gained? I would so love to illustrate, even if only for personal and blog use.

source

Now I know there are many fantastic illustrators out there so I thought i might ise this opportunity to ask some questions... I would appreciate your feedback!

1. What do you like to draw?

2. What media do you use?

3. How do you like to add colour to your work?

4. Where does your inspiration for come from?

source

I can't tell you how many times I have gone to sit down with my sketchbook and just can't put pen to paper. Maybe it's that I worry that if I start it won't be right. r maybe I just wasn't born with the illustrator gene...

5. Do you think it can be learnt...or is a talent your born with?

Thanks for your help,

Love Danielle

xxx

Monday Morning Motivation: Spring

2011-02-28T09:26:00.005Z

Hi! I can't believe it is the end of February already. It doesn't seem 5 minutes since we were happily tearing into our Christmas presents and eating so much chocolate, I feel ill just thinking about it! I'm not sorry that it will soon be March though. I love that everything starts to have colour again,

source

I don't have much of a garden...it's more of a patch of grass. I still plan to get some pretty planters out there this spring though! Pretty pretty.

source

clothes get lighter! I'm really looking forward to wearing little dresses on their own and not as just another layer amongst layers. Don't get me wrong, I really love wool and by winter I will be craving my snuggly jumpers and jumper dresses but for now. I say bring on the warmth and hello spring!

Are you ready to welcome in Spring or are you clinging to winter woolies still?

Love Danielle

xxx

Pushing Daisies

2011-02-25T11:14:00.000Z

I have a new love....pushing daisies. I watched an episode ages ago and then forgot about it but re-discovered it yesterday and I'm addicted. I love the program itself but what's really got me hooked is the styling. The colours are so vivid and bright, it makes me happy to just look at it!

Oh and the dresses that Chuck wears, are just stunning.

can you imagine wearing these every day?

I think this one is my favourite.

Such gorgeous colour and shape. L O V E

Oh, and I can't leave this one out...simply lovely!

I ewould absolutely love to wear dresses like this every day. In fact, I think that all my new clothes purchases should be pretty dresses. After all, why not dress to make yourself feel beautiful?

Love Danielle

xxx

A picture's worth a thousand words...

2011-02-24T13:16:00.000Z

Hi again...so many posts in one day! I have a lot of faith in positive thinking and believeing that you already have all that you want, will enable you to achieve the things you dream. A friend recently told me about her vision board. A collection of images in a display to show her everything she wants to achieve, a visual reminder that subconciously pushes her to work harder to fulfil her ambitions. Sure enough one by one she realised each of the dreams on her board and now regularly changes them to adapt her hopes, dreams and goals.

I decided to make my own board.

I'll fill it all up and share what's on it soon. Now, I don't know about you but I am a very visually inspired person. I need to see beautiful things to think of my own. So I also made another board to help me think more positively and creatively too. Now I'm going to go find all kinds of cute stuff to put on my boards. Very excited.

Do any of you have visual boards or promts? What are on yours?

Love Danielle

xxx

Custom cut-out

2011-02-24T13:00:00.000Z

I just finished up my custom cut out for the lovely winner of the I Love You giveaway. What do you think?

I'm impressed with the smallest detailing although it hurt my finger pushing on the knife! My readers are worth it though!

It will be winging it's way to you with the other prizes very soon!

Love Danielle

xxx

Just hanging around!

2011-02-24T12:58:00.000Z

I have been so busy this morning. I finally got around to hanging up all the beautiful wall art I've bought or been given over the last few months. I decided to just grab a hammer and go for it. I had visions of holes in walls and smashed artwork as it falls off...but so far so good! Wanna see...here goes

my gorgeous Rob Ryan plates finally get shown off!

my keep calm and carry on print goes where I need it most!

The together we make a family picture is in our hallway. Featured here.

And my lovely badger illustration too!

So that was my morning! More posts coming later today!

Love Danielle

xxx

Photo Booths Are Fun

2011-02-22T13:51:00.001Z

I'm on a wedding buzz now... sooo I was pouring all of the pretty weddingy style photos and found this photo booth which is by far the most inventive, cute and jaw-droppingly good! I...want...one...

Sorry this picture is quite small..you can go see it in all its splendour....here!

Ok, I'm done...

Love Danielle

xxx

Colour Crush: Red and Turquoise

2011-02-22T13:31:00.001Z

These are absolutely my favourite colours, ever. I have been drawn to them for as long as I can remember but had never noticed how much until I saw these images on Pinterest.

source

oh so pretty....

source

this is giving me ideas!!

source

adorable....completely totally and utterly!!

source

I love the polka dots too, I'm thinking wedding theme??

Do you love it? Hate it? Let me know your thoughts!

Love Danielle

xxx

p.s you can also follow my Pinterest right here!!

Monday Morning Motivation - Kindness

2011-02-21T10:05:00.000Z

More specifically, Random Acts of Kindness. I'm a great believer that smiling at someone for no reason may make their day a little better. If someone is feeling pretty low or worried, then the briefest of smiles from a stranger could just make their day...and it doesn't cost you anything does it?

source

Last week (14th-20th Feb) was Random Acts of Kindness Week. I'm going to carry it on for the rest of the year. I'm aiming for a random act a day, it can be as simple as holding a door open... or sending someone I love a little gift for ...well...just being them.

source

Will you help and do some random acts of kindness? How much nicer would everything seem if everyone did this....every little helps!

Love Danielle

xxx

Party planning...

2011-02-20T23:29:00.003Z

Hi there! I've been thinking about party planning a lot today, I was reading a blog the other day about how this particular person was already planning her daughters 3rd birthday party for May. Haydn is 3 in April and I haven't given his party much thought as yet. Should I be starting to plan?? I know that when it actually gets here I won't be prepared enough to do all the things I want to so maybe I should?

So far I have decided I would quite like a theme like this balloon one...

I love that everything matches and there are so many cute details.

I would also love to hand make co ordinating decorations, sweets and other such lovliness.

Is anybody out there planning a toddler birthday? Should I just keep it simple and go to the Zoo or someplace? Or do a tea party kinda thing? Maybe I could do both?

We shall see how organised I am!

Love Danielle

xxx

A Post of Pretty Things....

2011-02-19T20:49:00.000Z

I have been Etsy gazing again...instead of doing more productive things...oops. On the plus side though, I have found possibly the prettiest necklaces (amongst other things) They are made by Tinatarnoff and are completely gorgeous. She handcuts all her images with fantastic precision! Have a look at these...

This makes me smile!

Anything Peter Pan is ok in my book!

I think this one is my favourite.

She also makes very pretty pictures too. I can think of several places in my house where these would look just beautiful!

Are there any other artists/illustrators I should be checking out??

Love Danielle

xxx

Tea makes it all ok

2011-02-16T23:42:00.002Z

Wow, hi everybody, it's pretty late but I just wanted to share this with you, Haydn has been getting scared by almost everything at night ( a stay up late technique if ever I saw one) but he got pretty upset tonight so, I got out the best remedy I could think of...a cuddle and a cup if tea!

So sleepy...

He is just so scrumptious...I literally could eat him! Ahem, gushing over!

Nighty night,

Love Danielle

xxx

Tonight tonight

2011-02-15T20:19:00.002Z

Hi again! This is what my evening looks like...

I can't tell you how excited I am! What are you doing tonight?

Love Danielle

xxx

the winner is...

2011-02-15T15:00:00.000Z

Hi there,

Thanks to everyone who entered the I love you giveaway, I got my little guy to pick a name out of a cup (sophisticated or what!) And he pulled out...

Congratulations!! I don't have a contact for you so please email me with your details!

Love Danielle

xxx

speaking of love

2011-02-14T09:16:00.000Z

I just spotted these dresses on Elsie's blog and OMG I think I'm in love with the first one. Maybe not as my wedding dress....but maybe to a fancy event..or for bridesmaids?

They are by BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) and you can find out more right here.

Love Danielle

xxx

Monday Morning Motivation: Love

2011-02-14T09:11:00.000Z

Happy Valentines Day! And no suprises here when I say my theme for this weeks Monday Morning Motivation is love, but I'm not just talking about the gooey, romantic kind of love. I'm talking about anything that makes you really happy...like in your tummy happy!

source

Sort of like my crazy love for buttons and craft materials.

source

Or the way you feel when you belly laugh with your friends.

Or spending time with family.

Or the immense love you feel when you look at your children.

So think about what makes you feel loved or in love and smile about it...especially today!

p.s of course the gooey love is on here too...

source

Love Danielle

xxx

I'd like to Disqus

2011-02-13T16:54:00.001Z

Hi, just a quickie to let you know wbout the new comments system I've put on here. It's called Disqus and is purely for comment managing (I think) What I love about it is that I can reply to your comments directly instead writing on long comment to all of you. It's more personal that way I think. Anyway, hope it's still nice and easy for you guys to comment..if you have any problems with it, please let me know!

source

P.S Tomorrow is the last day to enter the I Love You giveaway and remember if you are an exisintg follower and want to be entered please leave a comment to be counted. I will be picking a winner from the comments only!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Love Danielle

xxx

shhh...i've got a secret

2011-02-12T23:23:00.001Z

Hello! Hope you are enjoying your weekend, I definately am... I took a little road trip this morning to go check out a new job opportunity. I can't say much more at the moment on that but I'll keep you posted! Then when I got home...this litte baby had arrived!!

Needless to say, I have spent lots of time jumping around my living room flailing my arms like a loon. It's so much fun though and I hope will be a huge help to my slimming quest.

The other secret I have is about a new product line I'm making. All I can say for now is there will be a collection of them, they will be super cute, and they involve this..

Any clues? I'm working on it as much as I can cos I'm dying to share the with you! What have you got planned for your weekend?

Love Danielle

xxx

Project Restyle

2011-02-09T11:27:00.000Z

Good Morning! As another of my 26 before 27 I decided to re-style 5 things.

I joined Elsie's Project Restyle and had a look at what others had been restyling. There are some amazing projects over there!

Now, I've never done this before so was a bit apprehensive and put it off for a while but then this morning, I was just full of inspiration. I decided what I was going to restyle and sat down to it. Do you wanna see how it turned out??

Cute no? I'm really happy with how it turned out and it took me less than an hour! Are you doing project restyle? Have you started yet?

Love Danielle

xxx

pathway to spring

2011-02-08T23:20:00.000Z

Hello! Is it me or did today feel almost...springy? Beautiful bright blue skies...no biting wind and temperatures above zero? I think it did. Wow, it gave me such a fresh feeling for the year.

I want to share these beautiful photo's from the the blog of Emma Lamb...a fantastically talented crocheter, who never fails to inspire me with her simply beautiful woolen delights!

is this not quite possibly the most beautiful desk ever?

It's just so happy.

Definately the colours I want for spring! So fresh...I want to go outside!

While I'm talking about Emma, I should also let you know that she has a beautiful Etsy shop and blog. You should really have a look...get ready to be overwhelmed with inspiration and awe at her amazing products and posts!

My absolute favourite is the petite flower garland. I want...no need, one of these for my pretty room!

What do you think?

Love Danielle

xxx

p.s don't forget to enter the Valentines giveaway!

I love you...

2011-02-07T23:07:00.000Z

It's Valentines Day in 1 week, just in case anyone had forgotten! So, in honour of how much I love you guys, I'm going to have a giveaway! Yippee... one lucky winner will recieve...

A Heart Felt piece of love...either hearts or a cupcake

an 8"x10" custom cut out with names or a short quote of your choice...

and of course...some chocolates & a Valentines card from me!

To enter, you must be a follower of my blog, new and existing followers please comment this to be entered.

Other ways to enter...

1. follow Curious Key on bloglovin, separate comment.

2. tweet this giveaway. be sure to include @curiouskey so I can enter you, also separate comment.

3. share it on facebook... also include@curiouskey and leave a separate comment.

I will draw a winner at random on February 14th.

Good Luck!!!

Love Danielle

xxx

Monday Morning Motivation - organisation

2011-02-07T03:14:00.013Z

Good Monday to you! It'sthat time of the week again, back to work or a usual routine, why not take 5 minutes out of your Monday for you, grab a coffee and have a read. On te theme of yesterdays post about to do lists my theme of motivation today is organisation. I love to be organised...I'm just not all that good at it. It's a work in progress, but for now I am happy to gaze on these fantastical feats of ultimate organisation...

source

This is just amazing...the neatness is killing me!

source

I love the motto here...I may have to get that on my wall sometime soon.

source

First off, I wish I had the clothes to be this organised...mine are a real mish-mash of all things.

source

and I don't know if this classes as organised but it's so serene...like a living mood board!

Are you organised or do you love to live in Chaos?

Love Danielle

xxx

get in line please...

2011-02-06T23:04:00.000Z

Ever get overwhelmed by the amount of ideas, projects and to do's? I do... like all the time! How do you get your head straight and form a plan of action? My usual idea is to make a to do list, something like this one...

but sometimes, it's just not enough, my random scraps of paper that form makeshift to do lists just don't cut it... I really want to get into the habit of putting all new project ideas...no matter how big or small into a project journal. That way I can go back to it and remember all my fleeting ideas of new creations. So that's my new little project, I'll show peeks when I can and hopefully add a little photo of the idea when it's at completion...you know..just to keep a record.

So how do you organise your creative waves? I'd love to see some pictures!

Love Danielle
xxx

Let them eat cake

2011-02-05T22:55:00.003Z

Oh I had such a fun day with my boys today! After we had some breakfast I got out all our cupcake decorating stuff and we made delicious cakes!

There were glitters and sparkles an chocolate curls. Absolutely divine!

Haydn got stuck straight in! He loved it!

He seemed to enjoy tasting them too!

We had a new icing toy to play with too!

And here's what we came up with. A superb colour explosion, full of glimmer and sparkle!

Yummy or what?

Then we finished up with a lovely huge lunch and a nap! Perfection!

How was your Saturday?

Love Danielle

xxx

Beautiful Talent: The little illustrator

2011-02-04T22:52:00.000Z

Oh my goodness...I have gone completely gaga over the illustrations by Jennifer Zetts. She is the little illustrator and has some of the sweetest drawings ever. I'm in love...

I love the style it's drawn in and also it's meaning, such a happy perspective on life!

I like to think this one is meant for me....especially for some of my current projects!

This is just too cute for words! She is absolutely adorable!

Now this, is my absolute favourite, it is so fitting for my lovely little family! Oh so sweet! I really hope you can take some time to go see her work and maybe get some into your life, I surely will be!

Love Danielle

xxx

At long last...a shop update

2011-02-02T20:17:00.001Z

Wow, I can't believe how long it took me to get all my pictures together to update the Shop! I got down to it last night though and listed about half of the new things that I have been making recently, including

This super bright fabric hairband!

Felted hearts to adorn your home with!

The flufflets, the twiglets, younger, fluffier siblings!

The most adorable couple ever, Mr and Mrs Owl.

And this cute mug set...that I am contemplating keeping for myself!

So there is all the latest stuff you can get for now, later tonight I'm hoping to update with the scrapkits, felted ladybird and the paper cut outs.

Have a great evening!

Love Danielle

xxx

I'm over there...

2011-02-01T22:13:00.000Z

Hi hi! Just a super quick hello (in between making cushions and tea cozies) to say that Curious Key is advertising over at The Curious Pug, run by the ever so lovely Alycia...

It's such a cute fun blog to read and she has the most adorable little pug called Cyrus! She writes about everything and anything but her posts are always so interesting! So anyway, hope you can go over there and have a look around!

Byeee!

Love Danielle

xxx

scrap scrap scrappin

2011-01-30T23:28:00.000Z

Hi everyone! I just got finished on my first custom scrapbook order! I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out cos it was to be based on a subject that's a little out of my cupcakes and cute stuff comfort zone. It was...wait for it...motorbikes! Oh yes, but I think I did ok, here are some peeks, what do you think?

i'm just in love with luggage tags at the moment!

Also the cute little roads paper I found in an old design magazine.

Polaroid love!! from the polaroid cards I got in London

The little motorbike sketch at the top is too sweet for words..I want to draw like that!

And of course...we can't miss out the love note envelopes.

So there it is..what do you think? I'll be back later with some long awaited Etsy updates. Hurrah! I hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

Love Danielle

xxx

Sofia's Journal

2011-01-29T23:29:00.000Z

Howdy! I have long since been a reader of Sofia's Journal,

a wonderful insightful blog that is full to bursting with cuteness, advice and opinion! It's one of my regular must-reads. The other day I spotted a post called The Ugly Side of Blogging and just had to have a read. It was fantastic! It speaks openly about the blogging world that no-one really talks about but everyone is thinking...it's definately worth a look, and while you're there check out the rest of her blog!

I'm going to get my current project finished, I'll share pics later!

Love Danielle

xxx

Happy Blog Day to me!

2011-01-28T01:39:00.003Z

Hi everyone, I'm super excited cos I hit a pretty big mile-stone today. My blog is exactly one year old! And growing so fast!! I simply couldn't ask for a more beautiful supportive set of readers, seriously, every single comment makes my day!

Here is a little round-up of my blogging year with 12 of my favourite posts! (click the links to see the full posts)

January // My first Etsy must have item

February // I discovered my new motto

March // I found my new favourite movie...ever

April // I opened my Etsy store

May // I fell in love with some owls

June // I swooned over summer dresses

July // I ate an insane amount of cupcakes

August // I joined a sewing machine class

September // I discovered a new love for doilys

October // I got spooked

November // I got a new craft room

December // I had a magical Christmas

I'm so looking forward to another year...I really feel like this year is gonna be big. Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and is ever supportive! Love you all!!

Love Danielle

xxx

getting there...one happy step at a time

2011-01-27T21:21:00.001Z

Just a quick little hello as it's pretty late and I STILL have scrap booking to do! I'm so happy tonight, I hit 2 targets with one of my 26 before 27 goals...my weight loss. I really feel like I'm on the right track and getting there! I promise that when I get where I'm going I will show some before/after pictures. Do I count as a project restyle? well...maybe!

source

Big day tomorrow...

Love Danielle

xxx

speaking of cake...

2011-01-26T00:56:00.000Z

Ok, so no one was talking about cake, I just wanted to bring it up. I'm so impressed by some of the cakes that are available today, seriously, the people who make these beauties have my full admiration!

I'd actually love this for my wedding, a whole wedding themed on tea and cake! How fabulous, I don't think my man would be as enthusiastic!

And of course, individual teacup cupcakes... Bliss! Just look at the detail, mmmm!

And another of my loves... Wool...in an edible form. I'm sure I wished for this once. They are so intricate, I don't think i would dare eat these, I couldn't bear to spoil them!

I've been a busy girl in my craft room the past few days, making it look like this...

It's for a good reason though, I got my first custom scrapbook order. Very excited. I'm already two thirds done!

And back to the cake...what's your favourite flavour?

Love Danielle

xxx

oh I do like to be beside the seaside

2011-01-23T22:21:00.001Z

Happy Sunday!

We like to try and have some family time on Sundays, get out and get some fresh air. I guess we are pretty lucky that we are about a 10 min walk from the beach. It wasn't a particularly lovely day today but we wrapped up and headed on out!

Haydn is just starting to learn to ride his new bike...he loves it!

That is of course when his daddy isn't riding it.

It was soooo cold, Haydn ended up wearing Sharrys gloves...which are humongous!

We did some silly things and running about...

have you ever seen such excitement? All we had to do was mention ice cream!

It wasn't too cold for a treat!

And of course...no one wanted to walk home!

What did you do for your Sunday?

Love Danielle

xxx

all change

2011-01-22T22:26:00.000Z

Things are all changing in my world at the moment, I have handed my notice in at work and will, as of a month be working with SHOES! I'm pretty excited, although it's more hours, it's closer to home and will mean Haydn does less days in child care. I'm pretty busy at the moment trying to get things organised at work and leave so I feel someone else can take over but I need to make sure I'm still doing super fun stuff so today, we did this...

lovely biscuit decorationg! It went down a treat, I had loads of fun and got to eat some yummy sweets too! I just realised that I don't know what lots of you guys do as jobs, let me know!

Love Danielle

xxx

baby, it's cold outside

2011-01-21T23:34:00.000Z

but not that cold... hi everyone, I'm struggling with my wardrobe at the moment! I'm really wanting to wear all my pretty little dresses and legging and I am totally fine with the snuggly boots...but the coat/cardigan and sleeves issue is confusing me! I am in LOVE with my new ultra warm cardigan but it only has mid length sleeves and its too thick to put a coat on with....literally..I die! So, I think the only answer is to buy some long fingerless gloves! So I have been window shopping on Etsy and found these that are taking my fancy at the moment...

These are sooo pretty...I can just see myself out shopping and feeling so pretty in these...I think with the kind of person I am though, I wuld have stained, wrecked or ruined them within a day...They would be so lovely for special events and date nights though!

The detailing on this is amazing! So pretty and femine, I love how they make your fingers look so cute too. (Thats probably a wierd thing to put but I have kinda stumpy fingers and these gloves do wonders for that!) If these went all the way to my elbows....prefection!

Now these....look the absolute, warmest comfiest gloves. I need these. I love the colour too! I will really have to work on keeping up with my nail polish though, it chips way too easy...anybody have any tips on stopping that from happening?

I'm going to spend some time with my notebook now! Have a nice night guys!

Love Danielle

xxx

A matter of language

2011-01-19T23:14:00.001Z

Good evening lovlies, just a quick little post today on my thought for the day. As I've been scouring blog land and also on YouTube recently I have been really disheartened by all the negative commenting that goes on. Just because people have the Internet to hide behind they feel it's ok to absolutely tear into anyone they don't quite agree with. I bet not one of those hateful commenters would say any of what they write to someone in person, so why be so hurtful? So my thought for the day comes in the form of this gorgeous illustration I found on etsy.

You can buy this beautiful piece here and I just want to say how thankful I am to all my lovely wonderful readers who are never anything except kind and supportive with your words!

Love Danielle

xxx

London baby...happy shots

2011-01-19T00:04:00.000Z

Wow, thanks for bearing with me while I trawl through my London trip in all of it's photographic glory! Here is one final post of silly happy pictures that I took...many of them will feature Emma and I grinning like school kids at an outstretched camera!

modelling Emma's shiny new sequin bow!

Emma and the infamous bow!

Getting ready to go and see Love Never Dies.

Cocktails at Inamo.

Trying on some amazing vintage headwear!

Yep, I had to have a go too!

And some less vintage..more crazy headwear!

Evening outfits.

Glasses anyone?

One of two supercute turban headbands.

A very pretty and very expensive anthrolpologie dress.

The soles of my crazy, beautiful, broken shoes!

Say cheese!

Thanks for reading, I love that I can share my pictures with you all!

Love Danielle

xxx

London baby...food

2011-01-18T23:20:00.000Z

Well, I really felt I should dedicate a whole post to some of the fantastic foods we ate over the 2 days...and yes, there was more than enough to fill a post! We started with traditional pub food and hot apple cider...mmm although I didn't get any pictures of this...we were too hungry and it didn't last long! Emma later told me that we were going to see a show as a suprise and that we were booked into a restaurant at 11pm that night so we needed to eat before the show. We found an absolutely adorable restaurant/pattisserie and ate calamari with truffle fries...no I'd never heard of them either but my goodness they were fantastic!!

We also picked a cake each from this gorgeous selection!

After our show, we walked (in ridiculously high and painful shoes) almost a mile to Inamo, a japanese restaurant with a twist. The table was interactive!

There was a little mouse pad by each person and you went through the menu and simply ordered via your table. this completely blew my mind! Whatever dish you were looking at showed up on your plate too...A..MA..ZING!!

And I've never had food like it. I definately have a new favourite. It was delicious!

On Sunday morning, we couldnt resist a traditional breakfast...at Starbucks of course!

Now although I didn't eat here I feel compelled to show you this doughnut stand that we found in Camden.

Have you ever seen so many doughnuts in one place! Like...wow!

Anyway, that's enough about food, it's making me hungry, check back later for one final London post!

Love Danielle

xxx

London baby...shopping

2011-01-18T23:02:00.001Z

Hi guys, this was totally supposed to be posted last night but I fell asleep at 8.30. Eek, I was super tired from the weekend and just couldn't keep my eyes open! Anyway, here are my tales from London (be aware these posts are super image heavy.)

So I got to London pretty early (after making a crazy dash for the train as mine had been cancelled!) and I met up with the beautiful Miss Emma and we scooted straight to the hotel to drop of all our bags and hit the shops! My first purchase was an amazingly snug knitted cardigan/wrap, from Topshop of all places...I never shop in there...but I couldn't resist!

admittedly, this is not the greatest photo...i will do a better one soon! I also bought these lovelies from Selfridges...I could seriously spend a lot of money in there!

I simply cant wait to get scribbling, there was no way I was going to London and not buying at least one notebook, right?

I love these shoes! I bought them in black and was smitten with them instantly, you can kind of see them here...

sadly...they completely fell apart that same night when I wore them out, we went to see Love Never Dies at the Adelphi theatre, which was so fantastic I can't even describe, and when we were walking to a restaurant afterwards they just gave up!

and this is me, trying to hold them together with hair grips...which worked, sort of. So anyway I had to take them back, but on the plus side I got to re-spend my money.

I treated myself to a new bag, as mine had broken the day before...ok I broke it, but hey!

Isn't it pretty! We went to Urban Outfitter twice as I couldnt decide what to get, eventually I decided on these amazing notecards that I have wanted for months...

and this bow necklace...

then possibly my favourite shop...anthropologie...I wanted every other thing I saw in here...including half the furninshings. I got my little mits on this super cute mustard hair clip.

and this pale green diamante headband...swoon!

Just have a peek at some of the furniture they had too...it was all for sale but the prices were so astronomical it hurt to look at them!

I would kill for these drawers...my heart melted a little bit when I saw them!

and this bed is beyond anything I could dream...I had a daydream in the store about it being in my house...it looked so good!

I also loved this botanical wall, it was fantastically huge...it spanned 3 stories and was completely real. It smelled fantastic too!

So that's pretty much it for the shopping side of things...I'll be back soon with some random pictures that made me smile and a whole post dedicated to the food we ate, cos I was so excited about it!

Love Danielle

xxx

finding my way home

2011-01-16T19:48:00.001Z

Hey there, I am sat on a train on my way home. I have had an amazing weekend and I can't wait to tell you all about it, oh and to show you my new beautiful things. I completely spoiled myself, we ate good food, drank cocktails, almost destroyed our feet in shoes that are just too high for words and laughed lots....

Isn't this kitty so sweet I found him and his frieda in Selfridges, I'll show you more about him later!

Love Danielle
xxx

ready, set....go

2011-01-14T22:11:00.001Z

Oh my gosh, I am well and truly excitable tonight! I just finished packing my stuff to go to London tomorrow (hello 26 before 27!) to meet my best friend Emma. It's been planned for ages and I just can't wait! I'm going to try and get some decent sleep tonight because I got a cold last night...although I have kind of managed to fend it off with postive thinking....if I don't think I have a cold then I wont have one...worked so far but the sleep will do me good! I'm taking my new camera so expect some image heavy posts over the next few days!

Oh, and here's what I made today, a spring time headband!

Lots of Love

Danielle

xxx

tick that box

2011-01-13T22:22:00.000Z

Hi everyone, I'm super excitable today...I get one step closer to a couple of my 26 before 27's today. I got a little bit closer to my goal weight (even though it was my birthday and I totally enjoyed all the goodies) I have given a handmade gift (and have 7 more in the pipeline) and I found a new music artist to adore.

Miss Katie Melua. I have heard her stuff before and thought it was nice but it never really stuck...BUT my lovely friend Brooke told me she had heard her new song, The Flood and thought of me so I gave it a listen.

Wow...I am addicted! I have it on super annoying to everyone else but me repeat!!

Mixed in with A Happy Place - this really makes my heart sing! Such an inspiring song. It makes me want to dance! Infact, I have been guilty of some, ahem...behind closed doors and curtains dancing today!

Who is the soundtrack in your life at the moment??

Love Danielle

xxx

sharing some giveaway love!

2011-01-12T10:10:00.000Z

Hi, just a quickie post to spread some giveaway goodness! Allison over at the CUTE crafted love is having a fab giveaway!

Allison has a gorgeous blog full of crafty delights, tutorials and a peek into her day to day! It's a definate, sit with a coffee blog! Just look at the amazing prizes you can win..although I am a teeny bit reluctant to share cos I want to win hehe!

There are tons of ways to win...so head on over here to have a go!

Good Luck,

Danielle

xxx

Question & Answer

2011-01-11T23:32:00.000Z

Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying your Tuesday, whatever time it may be when you read this! I'd love to get to know you all better and for you to know a bit more about me. Sooo, I would love it if you caould leave a link to your lovely blogs, pages or shops so I can have a little mooch around. I know I already follow quite a few of you but for any one I don't please say hi! Also, I will be holding a question and answer post soon so if you have a question you'd like answered please either comment it or send me an email to danielle at curiosukey dot com!! It can be about anything, and I promise to be honest!

weheartit

I'm excited to go playing with my new camera tomorrow!

Love Danielle

xxx

Monday Morning Motivation: Birthdays

2011-01-10T21:28:00.000Z

Good Morning! Well, it's official, I'm 26! So birthdays are my monday morning motivator this week.

I pretty much feel the same way on a Birthday as I do at New Year...it's a chance to change, evolve and move your focus to be where I want to be. It's also a chance to be with family and friends and just feel special, and I seriously do.

My boys bought me the beautiful camera that I have been craving!! I can't wait to get out snapping! Yay.

I also got a huge stash of my favourite body care products, Soap & Glory, from my sister! Hurrah.

source

There was a surprise knock on my door too and these beauties were delivered from Emma!

My brother got me vouchers for my favourite craft store. LOVE. And I got some spending money for my London trip from my parents and other relatives. Eek!

So, spoiled...probably. Grateful...definately.

Thanks to everyone for making my day special!

Love Danielle

xxx

26 before 27

2011-01-09T22:32:00.001Z

Yikes, Im actually 26 tomorrow. Oh my Gosh! I can't believe how quickly its come around! As promised though I have completed my 26 before 27 list!

Do you want to see my list? Ok, here goes..see if you can spot my accidental mistake??

1. Go to London. This was on last year's list too, but I didn't get around to it. I am super excited to tell you that I am going on Saturday!!

2. Collect more artwork. I'm utterly inspired by the artwork I got for Christmas and want to add to my collection. I want more uncommercial art by independent artists and illustrators. (if you are one of these please leave me a link!)

3. Make my own dress. This one will need a lot of practice for this but I'm sure I can do it.

4. Make 3D animal ornaments. I love love love all the ones that are around at the moment and I just want to make some of my own!

5. Finish my sewing course. I want to make all the projects in my Home Ec course.

6. Finish and give my secret project. I still can't talk about this too much, but it will be going on in the background for a little while yet!

7. Reach my goal weight. Hmm, I don't like to talk too much about this but let's just say I am well on the way to this one!

8. Make handmade my career. I so want this and am going to work so so hard for it!

9. Reach 300 followers. Kinda self explanatory but you guys can help me out here!!

10. Make time to paint. I am craving some time with a huge canvas and lots of paint.

11. Do some video tutorials. Ahh yes I am super shy on camera, so this will take a lot of work!

12. Learn better photography techniques. I really want to do this, also to take more pictures too.

13. Find 10 new music artists to love. I love music so much, I listen to it constantly and if not, I'm singing. I love variety so throw some suggestions this way please?

14. Make a jewellery showcase. I want somewhere to display all my jewellery and accessories that I can make myself.

15. Take and blog 100 smiles. more about this one very soon.

16. Create a folksy. I don't know if any of you have these yet, but I'm interested!

17. Create fabric homeware. I want to stuff my house full of handmade pretties!

18. Get better at Photoshop. Honestly, you would never know that I did a photogrpahy A level with the knowledge I have now! I need a super refresher course!

19. Find 20 new artists to adore. Goes hand in hand with number 2 but allows me to pine for the stuff I can't afford!

20. Fill 6 sketchbooks with ideas. I lose lots of my ideas because I don't get them on paper fast enough so this is an important one for me.

21. Re-style 5 items. I'm not good at re-styling things so this will be a chance for me to learn something new!

22. Learn 20 crochet stitches. because I love to crochet.

23. Make a real 'for me' scrapbook. just for my memories...honest and open.

24. Reach 100 etsy sales. This is a huge goal for me and I will have to work very hard, but I think it's do-able.

25. Design, print and sell a notebook range. This is pretty much a childhood dream that I hope to fulfil later this year...eeeee!

26. Keep to a daily skin routine and acheive clear skin. With wanting to take and be in more photos I really want to clear my skin.

and now for my accidental mistake, i did a 27 too...well this is a bonus one shall we say?

27. Give 20 handmade gifts. I started this today by giving my sister bunting for her bedroom! Many more to come I hope!

Well there it is...what do you think? Have you got a list? How are you doing?

Love Danielle

xxx

Crushing On: Nooks, Crannies and Cubbies!

2011-01-09T13:04:00.002Z

Hi there! So glad you stopped by today, I'm sharing another one of my many loves...storage. I just adore open storage, I hate the thought that I might forget something that I have to create with by stashing it away in a box or drawer! I also love to use baskets to store things in although these can take up heaps of space so they aren't always an option. But!...take a look at these cuties...drool!

Is this not fantastic? Just looking at this gets me silly! The possibilities...cute creatures, wool, fabric...LOVE!

I would seriously love something like this for my keys...I am always losing mine. (Sharry will vouch for that)

I think these wire racks are enchanting and are just waiting to be loved and decorated with mini bunting, crochet and sparkly things!

Ok...so I had to put one wicker basket in...I can always find space for one more...eek! I found all these gorgeous items at Graham and Green! Lovely.

Right-o I'm off to re-arrange the craft room, to accomodate all my new things that Santa brought!

Love Danielle

xxx

no really...I painted!

2011-01-08T00:51:00.001Z

Hello there, I have had a pretty busy few days recently but I am so excitedto now be on Holiday from work. A whole 9 days with nothing to do is stretching out infront of me. I need lots of fun exciting ideas of things to do that are...a bit different... I don't know, any suggestions? But anyway, yeah I painted. I have been putting this one off for well over a year cos I'm pretty afraid that it's not my forte, although I am pleased to report that I love my little pictures. Here is Milly...

And here is Ruby...

They are painted on plates with porcelain paints and it's another of my new crafting loves. I could sit for hours! I do seriously struggle with the faces though. Any tips for faces?

I'll fill you in on my holiday plans soon, if I ever get round to making any!

Love Danielle
xxx

Giveaway at The Happy Daisy

2011-01-05T10:31:00.000Z

Hi all, I just want to share this giveaway with you all from Amy at The Happy Daisy. She is giving away a gorgeous 4oz Lucky Dip fabric scrap bag.

Visit here to see how to enter, I mean who doesn't get completely giddy at the sight of pretty fabrics?

I'll be back later with some painting (*gasp, I actually did some)

Love Danielle

xxx

Make a date

2011-01-05T00:39:00.001Z

Hey! How has your day been? Are you still lovingly optimistic about 2011? I am, I had a really yummy evening, I made 2 beautiful coffees (with my beautiful new machine) and my mr and I chatted about our hopes for the future and made some plans. It's nice to have an idea of where we want to go. It's exciting! Afterwards, I got back to a little crafting and made this...

mmm...hello coffee mug! While I was doing this we were watching Tim Minchin's DVD. Oh my gosh it was so funny (although you have to have a particular sense of humour) what a lovely way to spend an evening!

I'm still working on my 26 before 27 too, I haven't forgotten. They WILL be posted on my birthday, ready for a brand new year!

Love Danielle
xxx

i love Rob Ryan

2011-01-03T23:50:00.000Z

Hi there, I have been just dying to show you these. My best friend Emma (and her new husband!! Hugo), gave us an absolutely wonderful gift for Christmas. It's a set of 4 Rob Ryan paper cut printed plates. Oh my gosh, I love them so much!

They are based on the four seasons and are so intricately made! I am super jealous of his talent!

I think this one is my favourite...but I'm not sure, I keep looking at them,

I have the plate hooks ready and they will be making a feature on our wall when the decorations come down soon!

Looking at these each time I go into the living room will guarantee lots of smiles!

Off to cuddle up to my mr. as he just got back from his trip away. Night!

Love Danielle

xxx

look what we made!

2011-01-03T00:38:00.001Z

Hi lovlies, I have been a busy bee crafting with my sister, Laura the past few days. We have tried a few new crafts recently and I have to say, I love them all. I was hoping to wittle down my craft selection and focus more on improving my skills but I just keep finding more things to experiment with! Here are some of the things we have tried...

first off, we tried some porcelain painting.

I absolutley love how pretty these look with such little effort.

As I do more of these, I feel that my coffee obsession will form a huge part of my cup themes!

Next, we tried felting, it's soooo much fun. Although dangerous...we both managed to stab ourselves several times with the needle. I also learnt how to do blanket stitch...I have wanted to learn this for ages and now I have, I can't believe how easy and cute it is!

oh and I just adore this little guy!! I want to make lots of little creatures. I just need a little more practice and some more imagination!

This ladybird was a tad hit and miss as I was making the pattern up as I went along, but I think he turned out ok!

and meet mr and mrs owl. The cutest newly weds...ever. They are just two of Laura's creations and I love them to pieces. They are made from the softest fabric and felting. Lovely!

Have you crafted in the New Year yet? What have you been making?

Love Danielle

xxx

Beautiful Talent: Amy Blackwell

2011-01-01T23:28:00.000Z

Hi everyone...have you recovered from your New Years celebrations? I am still feeling super optimistic and happy for the coming year! Tonight I'd like to share with you a new Beautiful Talent in the form of incredibly talented illustrator Amy Blackwell. I was extremely lucky to be given one of her wonderful badger prints for Christmas. this one in fact...

Isn't he gorgeous? I thought so too. He is now in a beautiful frame in my bedroom. I would love too add to this little collection with some of her other stunning prints.

I mean really, can you resist? Amy has a fantastically stocked etsy shop with so many gorgeous prints you will want them all!

I think a set of three would sit just perfectly on my bedroom wall. I may be making a few well placed hints as it is my birthday very soon.

I am really excited to have come across such beautiful illustrations as I am, for some reason, incredibly fussy about artwork that I choose for my home, but this was love at first sight. So please, go have a look in her shop or read her cute blog, you may find a new addition for your home!

Love Danielle

xxx

2011 just happened!

2010-12-31T11:46:00.001Z

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are all hacing an absolutely beautiful new years eve! I have spent mine with my sister and we have laughed so much tonight! We've also made some new pretties and I had a go at porcelain painting...fancy! I have so many new things to show you, I can't wait. For now though, I'd like to share my Happy New Years Resolutions. I've decided to call them this because if I can stick to them I think I will be super happy.

What are your resolutions? Have you made any and if so, will you stick to them? While I ponder mine, I'm settling down to this...

...coffee perfection. A homemade skinny caramel latte. Oh My Gosh....I die!

I hope your 2011 is magical!

xxx

the new year is almost here!

2010-12-30T13:05:00.001Z

Hi guys, this post was supposed to be for yesterday but I had a poorly boy so, was looking after him for the most part. Also, my other boy has gone away! He has gone to the Isle of man to visit his family for New Year. I already miss him and want him to come back soon, in the meantime I have had my sister staying with me for a few days. We have been making cute handmade things in the evenings and having so much fun. I love having her here. Ill show you what we have been making very soon! It's exciting! For now though, I want to share a few things that have been making my life magical since Santa brought them for me!

My new kitchen addition! A beautiful, marvellous coffee machine that makes the best tasting coffee, ever. (I also got some caramel syrup so I can have my own personal starbucks at home)

My new addition to my craft room! I have already been stitching away on this and have some super pretty items to show you!

How lucky am I?? I got a gorgeous new sewing box, pin cushions, sketchbooks and the lovely Elsie scrapbook I wanted. I also got some art prints and the most beautiful plates I have ever seen. I will blog about those over the coming days as I want to get some really good pictures of them all.

How are you all getting along with deciding your new years resolutions? Are you making any this year? I'll share mine soon!

Love Danielle

xxx

wow, hello there!

2010-12-28T00:17:00.000Z

Hi! I'm blogging today in a post Christmas haze of food, drink, excitement, smiles and presents! I had an absolutely wonderful Christmas, I got spoilt rotten and ate for 6! I'll share some of my gifts from Santa tomorrow because I'm very excited about them. I cooked my first ever Christmas dinner and it was really good. I made rather too much food but no one minded! My sister stayed over last night too and we had a little crafting session, we made pin cushions! I'll share these tomorrow too. Oh, and I found another Christmas movie that I love. I can't believe I forgot about it actually as it's one of my all time favourites.

The Nutcracker Prince

It's completely magical and makes me so happy! I love the music in it too. Have you heard of this film? Lots of people haven't but I can completely recemmend it!

It's all that Christmas should be, in a good old fashioned way!

Back tomorrow with present peeks. Hope you are all enjoying your holidays!

Love Danielle

xxx

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:55:00.000Z

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Are you ready? Is everything prepared or are you doing some late night finishing touches? I just spent the last few hours getting stuff ready for my Haydn. He is so excited! I now feel completely ready! Presents are out and set up!

Dinner is prepared and chopped (I have made food for about 60 rather than 6) Chocolate treats are out and of course we left the mince pie, carrot and glass of milk for Santa. I've always loved Christmas but now Haydn is old enough to understand what's going on, it's even better. I can't even begin to explain how amazing it is to create all that beautiful magic that I had growing up.

I cannot wait to see his face! We even put magic dust and snowy footprints out! Yay!

I'm also cooking my first ever Christmas dinner too. Wish me luck!

I hope you and your families have an absolutely amazing Christmas and I will be back on Sunday.

Love Danielle

xxx