Over the past two and half weeks I've been...

Eating:

1. Chilli con carne at La Perla (seriously delicious, but a massive portion).
2. Irish cream and tiramisu ice cream sundae at Patisserie Valerie (amazing).

Ordering:

I have a confession.

After six months of sitting on the fence...of telling myself that I 100% could not justify the additional expense of a kit each month (even though I lusted after each and every one since January)...I gave in.

I am now a bona fide Studio Calico subscriber.

I experienced my first reveal at the end of May thinking that I would just supplement the main kit with some adhesive and possibly some add-on paper, thereby honouring my promise to Jamie that I would be abstemious.  

Fifteen minutes after the kits went live I was hysterically debating the relative merits of Shade Tree vs. Rec League on the phone with my nearest and dearest.  Five minutes after that, Rec League had sold out (problem solved).  That was, until I decided that I couldn't live without Front Porch.  And some items from the shop.  And some add-on paper.  And then Studio Calico kindly decided to do a 20% offer...so I got the 7 Gypsies receipt holder for my living room...and some more stuff from the shop.

I need an intervention.

Here's hoping I can stay on the straight and narrow next month (I'll keep you posted). 

Inspired by:

I signed up to Tumblr a few weeks ago.  I. LOVE. IT.  I cannot recommend it enough.  Here are a couple of things I've been eyeing up recently:  
 

 By dearcolleen - found via decor8.

 By tagteamtompkins - found via decor8. 

Finishing:

I finally finished the first year of my Masters on Friday!  It's been a hectic two months....but as I watched the last couple of minutes countdown on the clock in the exam hall (opposite Westminster Abbey - such a cool location!) I just felt so relieved to have some respite from deadlines and revision.  Jamie and I celebrated with curly fries, Desperados and the itbox.  It felt good to be free :)

Creating:

More on this later in the week!  But in the meantime, you can find out more here and here....

Happy Wednesday!

Some Flickr favourites

Flickr is one of my absolute favourite places to find inspiration.  Here are a few things that have caught my eye recently:

 

MayaLee Photography via Decor8

Love, LOVE those colours together.  Perhaps it's the warmer weather we've been having recently, but I'm becoming increasingly drawn to turquoise (cerulean?).  

  

By nanaCompany

Another pink/turquoise combo.  Loving the use of white space...and that frosting looks amazing.  

Sea Shanties via Decor8

I just love how whimsical this is!  That fabric makes me so happy. 

Sweet Sweet Life via Life Through the Lens

Banners of all shapes and sizes are so huge at the moment, but I particularly love this idea by Sweet Sweet Life.  There's a sentimental story behind these words which you can read about here. 

By kristenaderrick

Kristena Derrick has so many awesome and original ideas...I love how something so simple is so striking at the same time.  Check out her amazing Etsy shop to see more! 

What's inspiring you at the moment?

Inspiration (day 9)

It seems that the whole of the scrapbooking blogosphere is consumed with JYC albums, December Dailies and other holiday-oriented classes at the moment! I have been so inspired by other people's creations and how they have interpreted and personalised these ideas - I just can't wait to get started on my album in the next few days. In the meantime, I've spent a little bit of time searching online for some seasonal inspiration, and I have found a few things which have really struck a chord:

From Martha Stewart Living

I originally found this photograph in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living. I just love how evocative and uncomplicated it is...the stacked logs, the wreath, the sledge, the snow...you can practically feel the cold but for the 'Joy' sentiment which adds just the right amount of warmth.

From ChelseaVictoria

I love how this is so completely simple but still seems so festive. I'm obsessed with bokeh photography at the moment...there are some stunning photos that I have found on flickr, such as this one and this one. Definitely check out ChelseaVictoria on Etsy - she has some gorgeous photographs for sale. And she has a buy one get one free offer this week!

From alicebgardens

One of my favourite seasonal prints. The shops are full of it at the moment - it well and truly seems to be synonymous with the holidays! It reminds me of warm and cosy log cabins surrounded by snow. A definite winter warmer.

From Raceytay

The Making Memories Mistletoe collection is one of my absolute favourites for seasonal layouts, and this little cardinal reminds me so much of this sheet of patterned paper, which I can't wait to use in my JYC album! A really beautiful photograph as well - have a look at this photo of the Empire State Building when you take a peek at Raceytay's Etsy store...awesome!

From irenesuchocki

I think this might well be one of my favourite photographs of all time! So completely and utterly beautiful and surreal and a real winter wonderland. Irene's photography is incredible...I already have about 6 things from her Etsy store on my wishlist! I should also mention that I found Irene's Etsy store via the amazing and always inspirational Decor8.

So, happy December everyone! Only 19 days until Christmas...can you believe that?! It feels like yesterday that it was Halloween....