Pretty 'n Pink Magazine....

Whilst browsing in the newsagent some days ago I came across something looking very pretty and went over for a closer look. You may have heard about the re-launch of this magazine on television, but to be honest was a new one to me....

The special introductory price of 99p really took my fancy, and should hopefully enlighten me to the art of cake decorating, as it is something I would like to have a go, and normally not very good at. I like quick baking so I can get whatever has been baked into my mouth quicker ( sweet tooth ) but just love the look of these delicately iced cupcakes. I can only dream of being able to come up with something like this...

It comes with a little magazine with tips and ideas....

And a gorgeous pink gingham cupcake stand, 2 butterfly cutters and perfect for me some pretty pink sparkly  glitter....

All these alone are worth around £7/8 or even more so well worth buying at 99p I thought. I believe the next issues are going to be £2.99 so not bad even at that price really. I need to read up a little more on how to subscribe and whether there is indeed a little catch or not if I do so, but I shall certainly be keeping my eyes out for Issue 2 and couldn't help but let you know about this pretty pink magazine.

Happy baking....

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National Geographic Kids Magazine....

I don't know about you, but as a parent I am SO easily led when it comes to purchasing magazine's for my children. I always think, well it shall keep them occupied on long journeys. Invariably they have no substance, offer a freebie that although looks good on paper, breaks within a day, has about 7 pages and yet the magazine itself has cost me a small fortune.

It made for a lovely change to find this highly inspirational magazine aimed at children from National Geographic Kids and my children ( and I ) thoroughly enjoyed our read....

Taken from the NGK website it goes on to say....

 "The magazine is a monthly magazine, which brings boys and girls a whole new way to explore and in every issue, readers will go on a journey of discovery, with interactive articles about nature and the environment, world cultures, science, space and lots more. With fun puzzles and quizzes and exciting things to make and do. National Geographical Kids is irresistible to readers and a great resource for children, parents and teachers. Jam-packed with fantastic features and amazing images. Every month, readers will come face-to-face with exotic wildlife, discover ancient cultures and civilizations, explore the wonders of the natural world, read about their favourite stars, and get creative with exciting things to make and do. Lets get kids excited about their world. "

And I have to agree with every word, a high quality read for all the family, and I very much enjoyed reading it along with the children. Miss. Poppins loved learning how to think like a tiger....

And Master Poppins loved learning about the penguins....

And I was quite happy having a little read about Harry Potter....

So, a really excellent read, and much more what I have in mind for my own children to read. There is also a 50% offer on a subscription, which you can take advantage of here and works out at less than £2 an issue. Well worth it I say, and much better value that the other magazines I normally get.

Oh, and the freebie wiggly worm is still going strong after many plays with....

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My Make From Mollie Makes....

Many of you shall have heard bloggy shout outs for a lovely magazine, called Mollie Makes that has just been published. It seems lots of bloggers are talking about it, and also that this first copy is rather tricky to find.

Well, we all know how determined Mary Poppins can be on the shopping front, so on the hunt I went, and found myself a copy.

  It really is rather a nice read I have to say. Lots of beautiful photographs to drool over, creative projects to have a go at, and interesting people to read about. So certainly gets the thumbs up from me. At £4.99, for me, it would have to be a high quality read, and it really is. Very stylish infact. In my opinion a little like blogland but in an in print kind of way.You can have a little mooch at what is inside here and also if it takes your fancy subscribe to three issues for only £5.00 too.

Do you sometimes see a little project that you just can't wait to get on with, just too appealing to go on the to do list, or become a work in progress. The lovely project that took my eye was how to make a little peter pan collar, and I think is a lovely accessory. Here is my pretty and very pink version.

And I couldn't wait to wear it and it went down very well....I think I am going to make bigger versions of it too.

So a very nice read, and I have to say I am on the lookout for one more to offer as a giveaway on here as I know there are people who are struggling to find a copy. Shall do my best....

Here are some very creative and inspiring words taken from the Mollie Makes website,

"We believe that fabric makes you happy....that if a thing is worth making, it is worth making beautifully....that we can all express our own unique sense of style....We believe in making something just because it feels right....We believe that it is time for a new kind of craft magazine......."

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Heads Up On A CK Freebie....

When I was choosing a weekend magazine to curl up and relax with, I saw that there was a little Cath Kidston freebie tote bag with June's Edition of Easy Living magazine. With a design choice of navy floral or a navy provence rose.  Luckily there were both choices of bag available where I purchased my magazine.

The bag is about the same size as a CK book bag, and is a pu coated nylon type fabric.

You also get a free copy of the CK catalogue and also a 15% discount available online and in store with Cath Kidston. Well, it would be rude to keep the magazine on the shelf wouldn't it, so of course I thought Easy Living would indeed be my weekend choice of magazine, and as I preferred the provence rose that is the style of bag that came home with me.

Easy Living really is the best for CK freebies so am always on the look out....

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Inspirational Homes....

I love reading magazines, they used to be of the showbiz gossipy kind but now they all seem to be about the home and my love of interior design. One thing I actually am enjoying about the refurbishment of my home is the starting from scratch, every room in my home shall have it's only little mark on it and being creative I do love gaining inspiration from housey magazines. Being the forever bargain hunter I found this 2007 back copy of Country Homes & Interiors  magazine in the basket of a craft shop. I asked if it was for sale, and was told I could have it for 50p, that would go in the staff's tea and biscuit fund. So bought it I did.

I especially fell in love with Kate Forman's lovely home, and thought I would share one or two photographs ( you can click to enlarge if you fancy ) with you. If I lived in a house like this I don't think I would ever leave ;0)

Beautiful entrance....

Drool worthy kitchen....

Just the right amount of floral charm for me....

Drool....

I adore the bathroom....

I would have sweet dreams in this fine ded....

Ideas....

I do love the Kate Forman look, I always have, and although can be quite floraly, it is in my opinion a very muted, mature look and I like it. I shall have to make many a cushion and bag, and save up all my pennies if it is a look I want throughout my own home though, as can stretch the olde wallet. Nice for inspiration though.

As is the gorgeous 2011 mail order catalouge, which you can request here 

Right, off to do some more drooling ;0)

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Please note : Magazine photographs courtesy of Country Homes & Interiors   

Lovely Magazine's and Valentine's....

Thank you so much for your lovely words on my little crafting spree,  my mojo was found late at night and all the little projects had been made by the next day. Thing is the mojo is playing hide and seek again and I haven't a clue where she is, she finds really good hiding places my mojo, hmmmm I shall have to have a really good look.

I really enjoy partaking in the lovely swaps we have on here, I don't know about any of you, but feel it has been a little quiet on the swap front lately so when I saw  Floss's lovely magazine swap I wanted to join in. The idea being that we swapped one magazine of the craft/vintage/lifestyle genre with someone else, it wasn't to be one you especially bought, but had in the house already and had already read. Mmmmm I think I had quite a stack to choose from. These are some pretty ones I got from a lovely lady from Freecycle.

My swap partner was the lovely Beck at Dandelion, a really cool blog dedicated to kids, chooks, books, chatting, making, creating, and Beck's life in the country. Beck lives in Victoria, Australia and I was so happy to have a partner abroad.

Well I gathered my two hmmm I mean one magazine Floss if you are reading, it is supposed to be a no frills swap and I am not very good at no frills, I am a very frilly person. Anyway I gathered my selection for Beck and merrily went to the post office to send them to her. Apologies for the little tease here Beck if you are reading as I know you haven't received yet, hope has tickled your fancy....

Well look at what has arrived on my pretty UJ doormat....

Aren't they lovely, and how kind of Beck to send a beautiful card with delightful photographs of her hometown on. There was also the cutest litle Koala bear which Miss. Poppins took a shine to and now has him under her pretty wing. Thank you so, so much Beck, you have chosen for me the most delightful and drool worthy Country Style magazines, and I can't wait to read them from end to end.

 Ohooo apologies readers did you actually want me to open the pretty magazines, full of country charm, idyllic homes, a little CK, some pink, and gorgeous home styling, did you? Well of course I am not that mean, though if you don't mind can I read first ;0) I shall keep you drooling a little while longer. Hopefully not too long though.

So, I am off on a little jaunt to the sea and mountainous air, it is half term week and normally the husband works whilst I play, so we are going to stay with family and have some fun and he shall join us at the end of the week, he has managed one day off, so one out of five isn't too bad. Miss. Poppins is looking forward to choosing a winner on Valentine's Day for my little giveaway say tea time, does that sound alright, so if you would like to join in please feel free to do so, all welcome. Right I am off to the shops, alas not for me but for the husband, seems one does have to buy them a little gift for Valentine's after all, and there was me thinking it is only the ladies that get treated. What to get him though, I really have no idea....

As for my little gift. I have one very, very special young lady to thank for my gift from him....

Happy Valentines to one and all, whether you are in a relationship or not, I know Valentine's is not everyone's cup of tea, though I do think the most important relationship we have in our life is the one we have with ourselves, don't you, maybe. Valentine's is special to me, it was the day in 2006 when I found out I was excpecting Master Poppins, and believe me from my last experience of being pregnant the year before and loosing my baby at nearly 26 weeks, many tears of not only joy were falling down my cheek on that day. But, I have learned to love the day and realise how special it is to me. Also it is the family dog's birthday on Valentine's Day.

Happy 12th birthday dearest, cutest, sweetest Katie.

Have a good one blogger friends, whatever you are doing.

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