boho apron wraps

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Boho Apron Wraps are now in stock in my Etsy Shop. Perfect wrapped around a skirt or layered over jeans. You'll look super sweet crafting, painting, in the kitchen or garden.... or just out and about ;)

Each one is unique, made from vintage finds including pillowcases, hankies, trim and placemats. They have a large pocket to keep your essentials close by and the straps are long enough to tie around the front.

They'd make a perfect christmas pressie too!

be who you want

♥

I think there are times that we all envy others. We look, as an outsider, at their life and feel jealous that we are not them. We think that if only we were prettier, smarter, funnier, richer, happier, then everything would be ok. We spend our lifes trying to be who other people want us to be, or at least who we think they want us to be. Seeking our parents approval, our partners, our friends, societies... we do what we think we should. We forget to listen to our own hearts, to seek out who we are and what we want to be.

Not accepting ourselves is harmful and wasteful. Ignoring who we are to focus on what we could be. 

"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."

Kurt Cobain

Take some time out, go outside, run around barefoot in the grass. Lie down and watch the clouds float by. Clear your mind and let the real you break free. Remind yourself of you, of the things you love, of the wants you have, of the life you dream of.

And then be you. 100% you... not a watered down version. Forget about treading on someone's toes. Forget about upsetting someone for not following their dream for your life. 

Learn to love yourself unconditionally. Stop telling yourself " If only I were thinner" "If only I were smarter"...  Make a list of all the great things about yourself, all the skills you have, all the achievements you've made. If you're stuck rope in a good friend. Pin it up somewhere you can see it every single day.

Trust yourself... believe that your thoughts and beliefs are valid ~ and hold on to them. Don't change them to make someone else happy.

Don't try and be someone you are not... if you hate group situations, then that's ok. If you prefer staying in to going ok, that's fine. It is ok to be true to yourself, to please nobody buy you, to live the life you choose even if it is different to the 'norm'.

Above all else, remember:

♥

Artist Crush: Mary Blair

I've long been a fan of Mary Blair's artwork. The stylized designs and vibrant colours make me so happy :) From Disney annimated films (Alice in Wonderland, Cinderlla) to books ( I Can Fly), she was one of Walt Disney's favourite artists. Her work is a feast for your eyes. Here are some of my favourites

all images found HERE

fireworks & fun

Bonfire night was a blast. Seriously without doubt one of the best nights I've had in a long time :) Miss Baya wasn't too fussed, she spent most of the time curled up in a chair cuddling a dog! But the bigger two had a great time playing with their friend (and eating lots of sweets). The boys all had fun playing {!} with the bonfire and setting off the fireworks - boys, eh?

I had a good catch up with a friend that I haven't seen enough of lately and enjoyed some yummy Midori Sours. Sunday was spent lazing around after a late night.

We woke up this morning to bright sunshine and a frost.. it was a bit chilly on the walk to our home ed group. We met up with friends at an adventure playground, we've just got back now, waiting for my grocery delivery before Kiki goes to Rainbows later!! I've got a few crafty things to do this afternoon if we have the chance!

What did you all get up to at the weekend??

p.s - the Dainty Hippo Giveaway is still running - be sure to go enter!

just be

♥

Oh! For the Good Days!!

Thursday and Friday were two of those rare things.... GOOD DAYS!! We had a blast...seriously, days like that don't come as often as I'd like. The kiddos did their school work, we baked, we crafted, we read, we played games, we went on a walk. In between, they played nicely all together {!!} while I cooked and did the housework. I made new envelope pouches for my etsy shop... I painted a new owl painting... I photographed some new items for the shop.. I listed said items...

I've been such a happy mama.. days like these are so good for my soul, they make everything worthwhile, all the stresses and strains of being a full time homeschooling, blogging, etsy shop owning, mama. They make me so grateful to be this blessed. To live the life that I do. All the hardships don't seem quite so bad when my heart is so full of love.

yes.... that's Mr Bear dressed up in a hat and scarf!!!!

Mushrooms and 'ballerina flowers' we found in our garden

painting time

Lola sewing

I LOVE finding photos the kiddos have taken themselves on my camera 

a couple of new listings for my shop

Miss Lola with the Daffodil Baby she made :)

Foodie Post: Peppermint Creams

Remember, remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot

I see no reason why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot

♥

Bonfire Night - Its history began with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London, and months later the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.

I've always loved Bonfire Night, some of my earliest memories are of building the bonfire, fireworks and family gatherings. It was always a big night when I was a kid. We'd build a huge fire in our fields at the back of our house, we'd have a BBQ, lots of treats, lots of fireworks and all our friends and family would come. It holds a special place in my memories. This year we're going round to a friends round for a fire, feast and fireworks.

When I was little, every year I'd make these peppermint creams, the recipe was in an old Mr Men cookbook I had. I haven't made them for a few years, but thought it was time to rekindle that tradition. Here's my recipe:

What you need:

1 egg white
3 cups icing (confectioners) sugar
1tsp peppermint extract
2-3 drops green food colouring
milk/dark chocolate

1. Whisk the egg white until frothy but not stiff

2. Mix in the sugar, peppermint and colouring. Knead with your hands until it forms a soft dough

3. roll small pieces in your hands into a ball, then flatten slightly

 
4. Dip one half in melted chocolate, place on greaseproof paper to dry.

5. Enjoy!!

p.s Don't forget to go enter the Dainty Hippo Giveaway!!!

pretty things

love the pattern and the colour scheme

beautiful vases

sooo cute!

love peacocks

yup...my minds starting to think of Christmas!!

OMG...I want this for me!!

one / two / three / four / five / six

Etsy Love: Dainty Hippo + giveaway

'Etsy Love' is a brand new feature, offering exposure to those running creative businesses. Every other week, I will showcase one Etsy shop, and meet the face behind the shop. If you'd like your business to be featured, email me at pixiemama@live.co.uk

Hey there! Tell us a little about yourself and your shop

I graduated from college about 2 years ago from a school in New England and moved back to be closer to my family during some big family trials and changes. I majored in neuroscience, but I don't know if that's what I really want to dedicate my life to. I've been really inspired to work in the media and try to change some of the trends and attitudes that are damaging our cultural discourse, especially towards women and children. I want to do a million different things, so that might easily change again! 

During my free time, I run the daintyhippo shop on Etsy--it's been a great creative outlet for me to bring to fruition all the things buzzing around in my head. I love to create beautiful additions to brighten peoples' lives. I began making simple bags using fun fabrics--makeup, toiletry, supply bags that so many of us need to organize all the little things in our lives...why shouldn't they have fun patterns and colors to reflect our personalities? I then added fabric flowers to my brand. I love finding bright colors and experimenting with new shapes and sizes. I wear flowers in my hair or on my clothes almost everyday, so it's an integral part of my style.

About 6 months ago, I saw a big box of battered books that were destined to go to the local incinerator. The bindings and/or covers were ripped or broken, but the pages inside were still beautiful and I wanted to give them a new life. From that experience, the paper line at daintyhippo was born. The vintage paper flowers, wreaths, etc. have definitely been the most popular items in my shop. I love how unusual they are and that I'm able to save the books from being thrown away. I've made a bunch of flowers for weddings and parties, as well as personal accessories and home decor. I've also started using maps to make the same items as well. Maps are great because I've been able to create customized orders from specific geographic locations.

♥

I'm always looking for new things to experiment with. I just started selling coasters and lightswitch plates using fun papers, the vintage book pages, and maps. I have a bunch of new ideas I'm still itching to get started, so I'm excited to announce the new additions via my Facebook page as the holiday season progresses.

What is your inspiration?

I find a lot of patterns in the real world I want to replicate somehow with unexpected objects. Or like typical home items made with unexpected parts. Example--right now I'm stuck on this idea of making a coat rack with round antique doorknobs as hangers instead of hooks. I love using bold and bright colors and patterns in my fabric items. I love giving new life to old items.

♥

Have you always wanted to have a creative career?

I always knew I did not want to have a 9-5 cubicle job. I know I'd be good at administrative-type jobs, but the thought of it gives me no pleasure. I knew I wanted to do something creative but I didn't know what it was. I am a classically trained musician and entertained that idea for a career for a long time. As a scientist, I think there's something very creative about the research process and I love that. Ideally though, my dream would be to work in the media somehow or expand dainty hippo into something to support myself.

♥

Describe a typical day in your life

Disclaimer: This day is SO not going to sound glamorous or exciting. I spend the majority of my day working in a local school as a volunteer doing consultant work and educator support. After work, I usually have some kind of volunteer work to do with/for my church. I try to spend a little bit of time everyday working on the dainty hippo brand--anything from product design, filling orders, shopping for supplies, social media marketing, etc. I have dinner with my mom almost everyday recently. I just moved as well, so I'm doing a lot of unpacking and organizing. I then drag myself to the gym later at night after all the huge grunting guys leave :). Rinse and repeat the next day.

What are you currently obsessed with?

Pinterest. The addiction is BAD. Also, probably because of the recent move, I'm obsessed with interior design and home improvement. Clothing wise, I'm always addicted to wearing dresses/skirts. I haven't worn a pair of jeans in over 2 years.

♥

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Hopefully married. Maybe with a baby or one on the way. In 5 years, I hope to have an amazing and fulfilling career I can be proud of. I hope to be able to serve others with the same passion and energy I have today.

ETSY / FACEBOOK

 enter NOVEMBER15 to recieve 15% off the Dainty Hippo shop until the end of the year!

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Dainty Hippo is offering a $15 gift certificate to one lucky person!

To Enter: 

Follow Pixiemama with GFC and tell me your favourite item from the Dainty Hippo Shop

For optional extra entries you may:

Follow PixieMama on Bloglovin
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 (leave a seperate comment for each entry please)

This giveaway will end 13th November at midnight GMT and a winner will be announced on the 14th November.

shop update

My poor neglected shop is finally getting a little love. I've listed a few new products, and relisted a couple of old favoutites :) There's more to come in the next few days!!

And if you use coupon PIXIEMAMAREADER you can get free shipping :)

What I wore: stripey lady

 

dress - thrifted

tights - ???

legwarmers - knitted by moi

boots - thrifted

Today's one of those days when you wish you could just hide under your duvet all day. I'm still a little sick - not much, but enough to make feel rubbish combined with a lack of sleep. All in all I'm feeling a little bleh!!

Yesterday was spent doing 'school work', blogging stuff, etsy stuff, housework stuff... all the essentials that make up day to day life. I've a to-do list as long as my arm, and I'm trying to get caught up and back on track after a funny couple of months. I'm craving some peace and an hour to myself - but there's not much chance of that for a few days. Today I have to wait in for my new dryer to be delivered. I think we'll fill our time with some crafting and perhaps a little baking.

This dress I picked up in a thrift shop last week, it jumped out at me, but I wasn't entirely sure about the neckline. I don't usually wear high necks, but I figured I'd give it a go. I'm still not 100% - what do you think?? 

Tonight I have The Time Travellers Wife to watch again - one of my favourites :) And I want to ask a favour - I'm looking for some film suggestions to add to my lovefilm list - what are your favourite movies??

Lola's Necklace DIY

 Lola asked me the other day, she had an idea of a necklace she wanted to make for her and her bestie, and could she do it please? of course I said yes! (and of course the other two wanted to join in and we ended up making a zillion of them!!)

She asked too if I'd share it on here, so here it is! I think the pictures are pretty self explanatory and don't really need a step-by-step write up.

All you'll need is some long strips of fabric and some beads. Our strips were about a metre long, so that we could tie the ends together, and the necklace could be put on and off over our heads.