Roller Blind Review

As the summer months are now coming to an end, and school is well and truly back with all it's busy-ness, getting a good night's sleep is ever important. We were given the opportunity to try out a made to measure Blackout Thermal Roller Blind  and as I really liked the look of the blinds in terms of quality and cost, I also ordered an extra one as we have another window in the same size that is in need of a suitable window dressing. I love the fact that they are made to measure, especially as the two windows I was wanting these blinds for are quite wide and many ready-made blinds just aren't available in such a wide measurement. The website clearly explains how to go about measuring up your window to ensure the best fit possible.

After placing the order it wasn't long before the two blinds arrived and I got busy working out the fitting instructions which were straightforward to follow. Colour wise I thought I couldn't go wrong with the 'Ivory' option which describes itself as "Just past off-white but not quite cream so works perfectly in most decorating schemes as a neutral undertone that will last for years to come".

                                                  (Photograph courtesy of website)

I decided to get the blind for the bedroom fitted first, and currently I have my scrumptious Ikea Rosali curtains dressing the window. These obviously don't stop the light coming through in the mornings and especially on weekends it's nice to have a bit of darkness in there for a little cheeky lie-in! 

The Ivory colour makes a perfect neutral backdrop for the floral curtains, and the sidewinder chain mechanism is really easy to use. The blind is also supplied with a child safety clip which of course is a very important feature. We all need an occasional wind down in the daytime and once the blind has been pulled down the blackout effect is really effective. It practically feels like night time in the bedroom at one o'clock in the afternoon! 

Sometimes blackout blinds can have a very stark white look to the back of them, but these have a lovely natural coordinating backing, and even pulled down look just as good from the outside. 

Next it was time to get the other blind up in the lounge and like the bedroom it fitted perfectly. It looks lovely against the neutral curtains, creating a very simple, non-fussy look. As I went for fitting the blind in the recess there is still ample room for photographs etc on the windowsill. 

I have been really impressed with the blinds and as we have another three windows that I would like roller blinds for, I am definitely going to go back to www.orderblinds.co.uk for more. I have had no issues with the quality and I think they have indeed proved to be a perfect backdrop. With the added blackout feature they have also enabled me to have a few extra Zzzzzz on occasion...
Edit: I did indeed go back and purchased extra blinds which I have been really happy with! 

X


Disclosure: We were provided with a blackout roller blind for the purposes of this blogpost, with discount off a further blind. All words and opinions my own. 

Iconic Lights: Floor Lamp Review

Well hello lovelies!

Gosh where has the time gone, I have no idea. My blogging mojo is back in full force and I look forward to sharing lots of lovely posts now the holidays are approaching. First up, and as part of my blogger ambassador role with Iconic Lights, I have a new and very lovely light to share with you. As usual Iconic Lights offer up so many unique lights and this is no exception. It is the 3 Legged Wooden Table Floor Light which is one of the best designed lights I have ever seen.

I decided to choose the cream option for the shade as having quite a neutral background at home, thought it would blend into any room. I just love the way the lampshade arrives gently folded, which not only saves on packaging but is also a great idea. 

It really is so easy to set the shade up and was done in seconds.

The table base and legs were also a doddle to assemble and I knew straight away that I loved this light. 

The addition of the little table is really unique and I don't think I have ever seen a light with this feature. It's such a quirky and useful design, perfect for popping on those little things you need next to you, whilst watching the TV, or just having a little relaxation time.  

Having rather a generous array of knick-knacks, there will always be something I can pop on the little table.  

I like a generous glow of light, enough to light up the space but not too glaring and this light creates a very ambient atmosphere as darkness approaches.

It really is one the best floor lamps I have ever seen, and fits in beautifully with the decor. I thought it may take up quite a big space but it is actually rather compact, and slots in the corner wonderfully. 

Head over to Iconic Lights if you'd like to check out for yourself the many lights available :)

X

Disclosure:  I was sent the above light for the purposes of this review blog post, all words and opinions are my own. 

Are You Thready?

My crafting mojo has finally come back, and yippee, just in time to get going on a lovely craft project from White Stuff. The Are You Thready campaign invites White Stuff customers to get creative and help raise a goal of £16,000 via the White Stuff Foundation which supports local community charities. They are asking all crafty (and non crafty) folks to design a fabric patch and hand it back in store or you have the option of posting it. For every patch received online or in store White Stuff will donate £5 to the shops local charity. 

You can either design one of their pre-cut patches, or be inventive and make your own. What is particularly inspiring is that up for grabs is a wonderful crafting holiday for two in Italy and which I think sounds utterly divine and right up my street. Also up my street is this gorgeous personalised apron White Stuff sent as a surprise, wearing it certainly got me in the mood for crafting :)

The patch I was given to decorate was lovely just as it was with the dramatic owls and cute design, I had to think really hard to decide how to decorate it.

If you happen to need supplies, for every sewing kit sold, White Stuff will donate all the profits from each sale to help the foundation reach its goal. 

They really are the cutest kits, and so, so pretty!

Finished patches are to be handed in by the 10th March, where each store will hold a lovely tea party (I'll be there) whilst store staff do a little judging of entries. A store winner will be announced and that winner shall receive a £50 White Stuff voucher. All winning patches will then be judged at White Stuff HQ for an overall winner who shall get to fly to Tuscany for a fantastic 6 night luxury artistic retreat Having never been to Italy, but so wanting to, also loving textiles and creativity, I of course was eager to get my entry in. 

Firstly I gathered some of my fabrics.

Then I thought of a design for the patch, I knew it had to be something inspiring, that would bring a smile to my face and pretty, oh yes, it has to be pretty. 

   Soon I started cutting out my little inspiring shapes for the patch. Then I cut some more. 

I soon realised this was actually quite a fiddly job, but was enjoying every second.

What is so lovely about this campaign is that every single patch entered will be used in either a cushion or quilt, and which will then be donated to each of the 104 charities White Stuff support. I think that this is the real magical part of the project and am so happy the patches will go on to be used in this way. 

So here's a little peek at my finished patch which has a definite 'Home Sweet Home' vibe to it.

I shall look forward to handing it in, and am also looking forward to that little tea party - good luck if you join in and get thready with your patch! 

X