Smiling on Sunday.

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It's been what feels like an absolute age since I've shared anything other than my weekends on here, I did have grand plans to do a bit more with this little space of mine but sitting at a computer all day makes me want to get as far away as possible from a screen once I get home and have time to do what I enjoy. It's a shame but I guess it's just how it goes and I've been seeing it more and more as the blogs I follow grow up with me.

Still, I like having this as a creative outlet and the Internet is a fun place to hang out on occasion so even if this doesn't become a regular thing, I thought it would be good to share a bit of love and some fun things I've found recently.


Books getting turned into films before they've even been published is something that doesn't really sit well with me. Don't get me wrong, I love films but usually enjoy the book counterpart better when it comes down to it. A trailer for a book is the neatest idea though and something people should consider more often. The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern is definitely on my to-read list, what can I say, I'm a sucker for good design and that cover and trailer just got me.


I love this sea bass bag from Don Fisher, it even has a boney fishy lining.


Cereal Magazine has been on my list of 'must subscribe' magazines for a little over a year now. I still haven't got around to it, but love reading their blog so much. With my current severe case of wanderlust and plans to actually, finally book a trip to Iceland for November, their photographs are really making me feel inspired.


Fritha from Tigerlily Quinn got engaged last week and her engagement story is lovely. It's a two-parter and I was on tenterhooks after reading the first half. I'm not quite at that stage where I feel ready to go through anything similar but I can't help but feel a little mushy.


I'm determined that once we move from our little flat here in Newbury that most of the furnishings will be nice, neutral wood. I think this make up station from iSkelter is a good place to start.


It's certainly wedding season, and like I said, I can't help feel mushy but this wedding shot by Rachel Thurston looks kind of perfect, right down to the homemade mini golf.


Must admit that I'm a little over the whole 'abandon porn' thing, but Kaylah from The Dainty Squid has always done it so well and this abandoned amusement park does look like a great place to do a bit of exploring.
Other links:

• 43 Things That Will Actually Make You Feel Old - Buzzfeed - home incessant lists - always one for making you remember you were once a 90's kid
• This Article of Cast Members Reminiscing About 'The Life Aquatic' - Most things Bill Murray have my full attention
• These Wise Words sooth my anxiety
• Theron's (of Maddie on Things fame) website makes my whole heart sing. His Instagram is pretty dreamy too, full of sweet portraits of Maddie and the fun they have on their adventures

I hope that you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and that Monday isn't too hard on you. ♥

Current Good Things.

Hello, I know it's been a while, I've been stretching myself a little thin this week it seems. I'm surprised I'm managing to survive on the mere 5 and a half hours sleep I got last night, but The Black Keys were more than worth it - more on that in the next few days.
Despite my bleary eyes there is a lot of niceness washing over me this week, so here are some of my favourites - in list form, naturally.

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1. This time next week I'll be well in Florida - and it couldn't come sooner, even though it's only 24°C out there at the moment, I'm sure it will be a major shock compared to the -6°C's we've been having here, it is pretty though.

2. Getting on the bus first and snagging a seat when it's busy - coming from many years of having to catch the 213 or 131 home from Kingston, Reading folk don't have a grasp of sneaky London commuter ways.

3. How Doll's fur feels - It's almost her Gottiversary, I can't believe it's nearly been a year and what a total babe she can be when she wants to be. I love putting my face on her belly, and I can't totally live with white hairs everywhere for the next 20 years. ♥

4. Pretty new bedsheets - Moon finally caved and allowed me to get something floral, they really make our bedroom seem more snug and he even admitted it!

5. Wearing at least 5 layers of clothing practically all the time - I know I mentioned longing for warmth, but it is pretty neat to be so cosy. If someone's found a solution to not always having clothes legs though, that would be a major help.

6. Frost crunching under my feet - so satisfying.

7. This month's FMS Photo A Day Challenge, I'm actually managing to keep up, and it's super easy now I have a phone that actually lets me use Instagram whenever I want (Follow me at intoruth)

8. Catching up with American Horror Story - I've easily found my new favourite ever series, I'm completely obsessed.

9. Wintery sunrises - Makes it worth leaving the house at 7am, and like it's really Christmas soon.

10. The pre-excitement before shooting a wedding! - Thinking about how wise a life choice it was to agree to do it the weekend before I go away but it's so much fun to get out there and take photos.

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Sunshine on my shoulders.

So, in leu of today's 'surprise' terrible weather I've given my blog a bright facelift. I'm still umming and ahhing over it and I'm considering tableting up myself a custom header but this will do for now. On a sun-related note, I've been tagged by lovely NUJ buddy, Megan, for the 'Sunshine award', which is quite exciting, so here it goes!

Megan is currently documenting her year in a Project 365, you can check out her blog, 'Megan's Musings', here.

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So, the way this works, is you get nominated and then you pass it on to others. ♥

Instructions:

Include the Award’s logo in a post on your blog

Answer 10 questions about yourself

Nominate 10 other bloggers

Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know they have been nominated

Share the love and link the person who nominated you

10 questions

1. My favorite colour: Teal
2. My favorite animal: I like all or at least most animals, but my favourite is cats.
3. My favorite number: 8
4. My favorite drink: Coca-cola
5. Facebook or twitter: Facebook
6. My passion: Photography
7. Prefer giving or getting presents: Probably getting, but surprises are nice.
8. My favourite pattern: Something chintzy.
9. My favorite day of the week: Sunday
10. My favourite flower: Sunflower

I would like to nominate these blogs for the “Sunshine Award”:

1. Attempted Illustration
2. Hannah Curson
3. Suitcase Packer
4. Goodnight Little Spoon
5. The Cookie Button
6. A Beautiful Mess
7. Sophie Etc
8. The Dainty Squid
9. Goodnight Prudence
10. The Chatttt Along Blog

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Thanks for nominating me, Megan, it's very much appreciated, brings me back to Myspace days. :)

Tuesday Tabs #15

Time to de-clutter my tabs bar once more, a much more productive way to wait for paint to dry.

Currently I think I need at least a 28 hour day, that would be good, I can't seem to fit everything in. Doll is settling in almost too well, and although she was being - weirdly - affectionate when I returned from an interview this afternoon, I didn't appreciate her loud wailing outside our bedroom door at 5 o'clock this morning, so our visitors are probably in for a treat when they stay at the weekend...

I'm not sure how much I want to talk about job hunting today, I'll just say it's steady and leave it at that. I can't get any more fed up with it than I am already. Let's just get started, shall we?

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Due to all the stress, I kind of failed April's Photo A Day challenge, so I'm going to try and start again with this months, again from Fat Mum Slim. I might only post it once a week though rather than every day. I didn't like how cluttered it made my blog look if I posted something else. #ocd

(via It's Nice That)

I don't know what Ikea think they're playing at by being this awesome but how good is this? Following the previous week's announcement about their new TV units, I was already pleasantly surprised, but this is too up my street. Ikea are doing all kinds of exciting things at the moment and KNÄPPA is one of them, would love to know when it will be released so I can try one out.

(via The Dainty Squid)

Make A Run For It Skirt, $188.99, Modcloth
I have too many printed animal items of clothing, but this skirt is perfect, and the colour is lovely, definitely in need of more orange in my wardrobe.


Wombat Hug Brooch, $AUS35, Made By White
Wombats are wicked, easily my favourite Australian animal and I don't actually have that many brooches, let alone any wooden ones.


Interview with The Maccabees for Swiss TV Show 'POPBAR'. They say some good things, like how it's silly to cover The Beatles.


How many great movies are coming out in the next few months?! I'm a big one for trying to avoid full-trailers if possible, especially if I've already heard good press about a film or know who's going to be in it. However, I'm a little obsessed by this viral trailer for Ridley Scott's Prometheus, everyone needs to at least watch this trailer, but the film itself, judging from it's official trailer, just looks generally epic.


'LOL I'm just kitten' t-shirt, $28, Burger and Friends


Hand screen-printed Dala horse, Seventy Tree
Ever so slightly gutted that this piece is now no longer available. ;(


Rob Ryan's Bells vase, £35, John Lewis
I'm obsessed with Rob Ryan's 'Bells' series at the moment, it just makes me feel so warm because the words are so beautifully put. I'm also lusting after the plates, but as I wouldn't want to eat off of them and have no where to display them, I'm mainly eyeing up this vase, especially since seeing it on display in the local John Lewis, perf. ♥

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Link Love: ♥

Camera Bag Round-up from A Beautiful Mess — I'm currently waiting on a new bag, but a huge, and I mean huge part of me wishes I had the will-power to save up for a great-quality, pretty camera bag like the ones talked about here. It's a really strong well-rounded overview too, talking a bit more about what else is on offer other than Jo Totes. Don't get me wrong, I adore Jo Totes, I'd just never considered there were other similar brands.

Perfectly-timed Animal Pictures

Per Johansen's Mæt (Full) — Wonderfully, grotesque still life images from Danish photographer Per Johansen.

Make a teddybear from a sock — This is a super-cute craft idea, definitely on my to-do list once I get the never-ending list of everything else out of the way.

Create Your Own Fabric Patterns — Amazing!

It Looks Hard But Isn't: 15 Dishes to Impress Your Guests — Don't think I'm quite ready to impress people with my cooking just yet, but living in your own (non-student) home does bring about a certain notion of 'entertaining' rather than the more manageable 'drinking'. I like cooking anyway, so if nothing else these are some good ideas to test out on Moon at least.

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Currently listening: 'Call Me Maybe' - Carly Rae Jepsen
Currently watching: HBO's 'Girls' (Lena Dunham ♥)

Tuesday Tabs. #4

What a morning it's been, I've applied for five jobs and arranged two interviews for next week, all before I've even begun my internship with Shortlist tomorrow, bit crazy. I'm a little bit desperate for a bit of a life-change soon though, so it's really exciting. Both the interviews are for things that I'd really like to do too, so that's a real bonus, so chuffed!

Anyway, enough blabbing about jobs, this is a safe haven, free from stress etc.
Here are some great things I've found this week, some I even only found this morning.

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(via A Beautiful Mess)

Isn't this dress awesome? I don't think it's very practical but it's certainly a lovely way to recycle a map. Made by Annex as part of their Travel Wardrobe collection, each dress is unique and handmade from a vintage map

(via A Beautiful Mess)

Cheese! Satchel, Jump from Paper, $80

This is a real life satchel from handbag designers Jump from Paper, their whole shop is full of similar neat designs that mess with your eyes.

(via Lost At E Minor)

Second impractical dress of the day, this time by artist Joy Kampia. Sadly this dress is a one-off and has now been sold but Joy is still taking commissions.

(via Eye Contact)

I kind of really love that HelloGiggles lets things like this happen.

(via WAH Nails)

I've given this a go and it actually hasn't come out as badly as I thought, takes a lot of patience though, wouldn't recommend doing these if you're in a rush.

Dap Bros. - Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski and Walter Sobchak, The Big Lebowski (1998) by Henry the Worst

(via HelloYou Creatives)

I actually thought this was a much better advert than the full-length Superbowl version. I wouldn't go as far as to say the full-length one is bad, as many others have, I just wouldn't say it has as much 'Ferris magic', although some of the references are 'so choice'. Who really cares if Matthew Broderick is milking a cash cow anyway? He was the coolest teenager to ever exist.

Giorgio 1982 & 2011 Paris. Back to the Future, Irina Werning (2010 onwards)

Part of an on-going series putting subjects back in the shoes of their past. Some of the images are spookily similar, others beautifully poignant.

I think it's very important that I put at least one cat-related thing on here. This is from Cat Versus Human and is available on a nice t-shirt.

Link Love: ♥

Timeline Movie Maker — This pretty much does what it says, but it's a lot more impressive than you might think. Here's the link to my one to give you an idea. It's not hard to do anyway and another good way to procrastinate, plus you can pick theme music!

A Beautiful Mess — A lovely Typepad blog which posts all sorts of lovely craft ideas, including how to make floral boots, and DIY salad dressing.

Polyvore — This is for my own reference more than anyone else's. I have known about Polyvore for a long time but keep losing it, I probably won't even use it, but it's nice to know that now I can find it if I need to. If you don't know what it is, it's basically an incredibly easy way to make up clothes wish-lists/look-books from your favourite shops and designers, it's quite clever.

Hi My Name is Elliot Hasse — Sometimes job-hunting turns into a full-blown career, and it's no wonder when witty, creative people like Elliot Hasse are the people that graduates have to compete against. I wouldn't even know where to start if I made a CV like this.

Anxiety Cat — As I've mentioned a few times, my nerves aren't great right now but Anxiety Cat really puts things into perspective, and reminds me how ridiculous humans can be. I do find it strange that there are a couple of unrelated posts offering discount depression medication but I would hope that people are just looking for a fun meme rather than the former.

Eye Contact — A great collection of film stills of actors 'breaking the fourth wall', and generally making unintentionally pretty pictures. Naturally you can only find this kind of stuff on Tumblr.

Top 10 Business Card Designs

5 Simple Ways to Get Your Work Out There

Another Graphic Design Graduate — The details of how I found this blog are a bit vague but I was feeling pretty low on the job from last week and this anonymous guy/girl took the words right out of my month. It's pretty interesting and talks about the highs and lows of being an seemingly eternal intern.

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You may or may not have noticed that I've given in on the '30 day challenge' at the halfway hurdle, mainly because on further investigation the challenge was stupid and I don't have enough different friends that range from being 'shoulders to cry on' through to 'people who have always been there', it was lame. I'm an adult, I want to try and find one that involves taking photos of specific things for a set time period, if anyone could help me out that would be nice. :)

The Maccabees, Brixton Academy.

I'm behind on my life right now, but I'm back on top, so hello.
Pretty much don't need to tell you that I thought The Maccabees were absolutely amazing on Thursday night, probably the best that I've ever heard them sound. It was a bit of a shame because Moon had bought us circle tickets and for some reason we weren't allowed to stand up at all (but we all did at the end and it was amazing to collectively feel so much love for the band). Despite this, it was pretty much a perfect set, with them playing my favourite song from each of their albums, which is always a winner when going to a gig.

They were supported by the Trailer Trash Tracies, who were a bit of a disappointment, with songs mainly consisting of self-indulgent wailing and an off-time drumbeat. They were only on for half an hour but it does make me a bit sad that I didn't get another Josh Weller or Mumford and Sons out of this show. I don't want to seem like this was in anyway a big deal, because it definitely wasn't, anyone could have played and it still wouldn't have taken away from my excitement over seeing The Maccabees again.

Thank you so much, Maccabees for putting on such a brilliant show and I'm already looking forward to seeing you in June at Alexandra Palace. ♥

In relation to my previous Maccabees-related post, I did pick up another t-shirt, so that's six now, but I got Bolognese sauce all over it when I wore it yesterday so I can't share it with you. I also got my hands on one of their awesome fabric posters which I've put away safely and am waiting to put in a frame.

I didn't take many photos because I was too busy being in awe and swooning, but here are some that I did take.


'I don't mind telling you, that I was a bit nervous about tonight. We've been hear before but it was different then, there's a lot more to it, with a new album. It's the best album, in my opinion, you can ask theirs later...'
Orlando Weeks

We got given free sweets and pretzels in the queue by an O2 rep. Although it didn't matter in the end because we were seated, I thought it was pretty cheeky, not the mention unfair, that people who just happened to be on O2 were allowed into the venue first despite the fact that there were people who had arrived much earlier and the fact that the former probably didn't even realise that they got the perks, talk about negative-marketing.

There were two girls next to us who must have taken at least 50 photos posed like this in their seats, why? We only took this one, then Moon took about 7 on my phone of us looking ugly from horrible angles :(

This is the impressive amount of legroom we got for most of The Trailer Trash Tracies. I'm fairly certain it wasn't even the people in front's fault, but for some reason their seats pushed back really far when they sat a certain way so we had nowhere to really put ourselves.

Sorry the photos are so noisy, I only took my point-and-shoot and although it serves me well in this kind of situation, I think we were just too far away to get any decent ones. However, I think it's much more fun to go to a gig and listen to the music and enjoy what's happening than take photos all the time. I don't understand people who go to gigs and video all the songs, I'm sure that they would enjoy it ten-fold if they just relaxed.

Although my photos don't really show it, the light for their set was brilliant and had a great mix of colours from really good angles. At the back of the stage they also played snippets of their short film, Given to the Wild, which accompanies the album.

Take at look at Moon's review of the gig on TuneLove, the music blog he writes for; Click here.

Tuesday Tabs. #3

I don't think that I know how to deal with my life at the moment, it seems like the second that I lose my motivation is the moment that I suddenly get loads on at once, weird. This happens every few weeks and in my 'lack of things to do' this morning, I sort of noticed a pattern... Shut up.

Anyway, there's a lot to do now. No, stuffing envelopes is not what I would hope to be doing but at least it's a sustainable job that allows me to save up some money for my upcoming internship.

This should be a good week, I'm seeing my favourite band of all time on Thursday and then I'm meeting my friend Abbie for a day in Shoreditch on Saturday, exciting.

Poor Chrome is so backed up this week, I totally put it down to hanging out and cat-sitting at my Gran's for the majority of last week. But sometimes being on the Internet is fun and you can find some really neat stuff. I kind of really love how my blog has morphed into this scrap-booky place where I dump cool things I find and my wishlists, it's going to be fun to refer back to once don't feel like I'm on borrowed time, which is totally what I'm blaming my terrible nerves on. ♥

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(via Design Cove)

Dragon necklace, £30, Tatty Devine

So, to celebrate the fact that it was Chinese New Year yesterday and the fact that this year is the Year of the Dragon, Tatty Devine have released this cute dragon necklace. Slightly different to their normal stuff but still pretty cute.

(© Holly Exley)

I've liked Holly's work for a while now but recently I've been really into it, and loving the work she's putting out there. This image, and a selection of great other ones are available to buy on her Society 6 page, I think this one and it's brother are definitely must-haves for my future kitchen.

Chocolate Wicker Bag, £11.88, Circus Bear Vintage

Semi-fallen for this wicker handbag on Kaylah's (from The Dainty Squid) Etsy shop. I think it would be lovely for spring and I've been looking around for something similar for a little while now. Circus Bear Vintage also has some of the prettiest shoes, but I think I have too many, luckily I'm not too hot on working out the size differences.

Umming and ahhing over whether to buy tickets to see him in October, where will I even be (probably still here)? But I thought this was yet another great video from him, I really hope that the 'talking' cat is a reference to 'Beginners' because that would be nice.

Slowly but surely discovering the immensity of Kitties & Bullshit.

(via Being Little)

These are all over London, I think they're great and they're so neatly organised. I think this one is my favourite.

(© Gemma Correll)

(via Interior Porn)

Shelf Porn.



Best episode of 'New Girl' so far. Dammit!

(© Marc Johns)

I think it makes everything better when you have a healthy amount of Marc Johns in your life.

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Link love: ♥

Design Cove — A really great blog I found which features some great branding and graphic design. I can't find much additional information about it because it's in 'new Blogger' format, but it's worth a look if you're interested in design and fonts, there are some pretty inspirational pieces.

We Are Handsome — Awesome bathing suit designers who have perfected the art of bringing together photographs and swim wear, classic. For those who don't have enough bear on their swimwear.

The Girl with 7 Horses — Interesting photography series combining clothing, imagination and beautiful landscape. It's tough to explain, but it's also a bit brilliant.

Etsy Play On: Being Alive — A great blog series that I must pay more attention to. This one is presented by illustrator Julia Pott as she guides us through a playlist featuring the likes of Rob Ryan and other neat artists that show us how great it is to be alive.

Noted: The Unseen Tours of London — Definitely going to start reading the Etsy blog, I feel like it's very important.

Unpaid Internships: Rights and Wrongs — A fab guide to unpaid internships through the eyes of illustrator, Holly Exley. Really summed up the pros and cons on unpaid internships perfectly, and helped me put some personal things into perspective. Her blog is quite good anyway though, you should just have a look.

Top 10 Best Disney Sidekicks

Kitties and Bullshit — Bookmarks staple for any budding cat-lady.

How to Dye your Pet — I wouldn't, ever, but white is apparently a great colour to work with...

How to make an 'Up' pincushion