my little flower book

Once again today, in the nick of time before the May box arrives, here is my monthly Little Box post. I absolutely adored it, right up my street, and so fitting with the season.
Our own garden is blooming at the moment, it's been such a transformation over the past couple of weeks, and we feel really blessed to finally be able to enjoy the sunshine without having to pack a bag and treck to the local park. Anyway, back to our flower book.

 So April was all about flowers. First of all the box wasn't really a box, but rather a "book" - snazzy for hiding tiny secrets in your bookshelf. The colour scheme was lovely, all in oranges and greens.
So, on to goodies.
Lifestyle goodies truly felt like a treat this time, with a mini appartment garden to grow on your windowsill (I've put mine in the bathroom). I thought this was such a lovely idea, and with no need for a big open space to use it, it's perfect for everyone. Next came another great treat from a collaboration with Balzac Paris, the superb lingerie bag. I'll be honest with you, I never had the need for one of those before but I can see myself using it on one of our upcoming trips very soon. Even more pleasing, its colous perfectly match a new pair of underwear I bought in France last month!

Beatuty goodies were a genuine surprise, as they are most months. If you know my instagram account, you will surely know I have a thing for peonies, my favourite flower. So finding a peony shower gel by L'Occitane was fab, I felt like it was made just for me!  Then we had a nail varnish, the first one ever since I started my subscription. I haven't tried it yet, but il looks like a good shade, I had a similar one from Mavala before. And finally, MyLittle Beauty's product is a Rosee du Matin. Again, this is perfectly in line with the monthly theme, right down to the packaging.
I am so, so happy with this month's, well it's last month's in reality, Little Box, I can't wait for the new one to arrive.  And I will try to post about it sooner than 4 weeks late! In the meantime, enjoy your flowers wherever you are.

My little bubble box

The Bubble Box arrived last month in the middle of a pretty busy time, namely our big house move. I haven't got round to posting about it here till now and I thought maybe I wouldn't as the April box should be arriving this week, but hey, better late than never right?
So here it is -  My Little Box for March.
This month I found the packaging a bit less attractive than January and February, the roller girl didn't really appeal to me, and the colours just reminded me of the 80s, in a not-so-nostalgic way :(

The goodies were great though, with a big emphasis on beauty this month, as the lifestyle bit of the box was all about hair and make-up. The hairbrush is funky enough and works a treat, I haven't used the "bulle de teint" yet, but it feels great to the touch.
In the laced up pouch a FABULOUS Givenchy mascara (great packaging, so tactile) a body scrub from Huygens and one of my all-time favourite products, a pink lip and cheek tainter. I've been a huge fan of Benetint for years, and thought this would be similar. However, My Little Beauty's version is heavier, more paste-like than the watery Benetint. Great finish on the face though, especially on the cheeks.
To round off the box, the usual magazine (again, colour palette not to my taste this month, sadly) and a balloon to blow. Because, why not?

my little home box

I can see how this can easily become an obsession. From the first week of February I started checking my mail box like a stalker in the hope of finding my "little box" nestled in there. Luckily I only had to wait until the 10th, which was lovely. It is so hard not to find out anything about the current month's little box theme when you are using social media (I started IGing a few months ago, you can find a link over on the top of my page) so I did know it would be a "home" theme but refrained from looking at anything else till I got mine.
Home is a perfect theme for this time of year with spring around the corner and ideas flowing in for redecorating and renewing a few homely items. The box does not disappoint.

On the lifestyle goodies front, a lovely framed illustration by Kanako (love those!) and a great cushion cover - just happened to be the perfect size for my sofa cushions. I can totally see myself purchasing a few extra ones when they become available in the little corner shop. The beauty treats are all very well presented in their little pouch bag as last month - I guess this is the case in every box? They were a mask and peel product by Noxidoxi, slightly shimmery moisturiser from the little beauty range and a large Polaar hand cream, all good quality and much appreciated already.

I absolutely love the box again this month, and am already thinking of ways I can reuse the empty boxes, they're so pretty! The thing is, we have finally had the great news we have been waiting for and we'll soon be moving into our new home. So you see, this month's theme really couldn't have come at a better time!

Little pouch bags

Here's some of the things I've been up to in the last few weeks. I have to say that I've not been anywhere near as productive as I meant to be. But to break the routine we've had people over every weekend for the last three weeks, so there's not been much time available.
Not to mention that we bought the Millenium movies after hearing so much good about the adaptations. To be honest, they are quite entertaining but, as always, not too faithful to the original story. And who on earth decided to cast that woman as Erika B? I pictured a sexy woman with my big blond hair and a killer dress sense. Bit disappointed on this one. Then there's Mikke himself, supposed to be this Adonis whom no lady can resist...and all we get is this not-so energetic man. Charming, granted, but not irresistible.
Anyway, back to business now: I have completed a handful of pretty pocket pouches, who are awaiting a new home for January 2012. There are still two on the way, and a couple of extra things I haven't quite finished yet.

Cutest poodle fabric from Toto in France

If you are lucky enought to have a beautiful Advent calendar, I really REALLY envy you. This year I have been through and through London trying to find a pretty one like in Berlin, but it was not to be. Snifff. Oh well, I guess it's all for the good cause of trying not to get obese before I fit into Ya certain dressY next year...can't wait to share that with you in a few months' time!

things I love right now

Things I absolutely love at the moment...

♥  spending hours watching Rock'n'roll bride's decadent and magnificent weddings
♥  the heat wave - it's not too late to wear summer gear once more, yeah!
♥  seeing happy bloggers on every continent, with a special thought for Alicia. If you haven't read her blog before, run to it, and I swear you will get addicted!
♥   preparing for Christmas (you know it's just around the corner)
♥   Bliss Cocotte's before and after pictures - so cute!
♥   making loads of those lovely pouches

pouches for wedding favours

This weekend I have tried to make some very simple pouches. I have used the base of the garden party pattern by Keyka Lou.
The pouches will be used to hold favours for a winter wedding I'm preparing. I thought maybe they'd look nice if they were reversible, so that men and women could have a different side. It's the first time I prepare favours, and I'm really excited with this project. Your ideas are welcome, especially if you have embarked on a similar project yourself in the past!

pocket purse & pouch

Another month, another Keyka Lou pattern extravaganza. I already showed you the curvy clutch I made a while ago, and I finally got round to making a pocket purse to go with it.
I absolutely love working with those patterns, and all the accessories are always a big hit with friends and colleagues. Have you tried them yet? You can find Keyka Lou's website on my list of favourites on the right!

Check out my new phone jewel thingy! One of my pupils brought it back from Korea as a present for me...cute, no?

work in progress

This weekend I  started cutting some bits of fabric to make an assorted pocket purse to match my curvy clutch from a few days ago, but the lights went dim all of a sudden, and then the phone rang, etc etc. In the end I didn't go any further than this...

I can't wait to finish it, I love coordinating accesories. And as I am really into my flowery fabrics at the moment, the more the merrier, right?

new bag

Having had another day off work due to the heavy snow and ice, I have had plenty of time today to finish the "garden party wristlet" I started yesterday. This is nearly the last of my starry fabric.

I am very pleased witht the result. It was fairly easy to sew, but there were quite a few fiddly bits. I really love the idea of a wristlet bag, and am sure I will be making plenty more of those soon. This item was made with a Keyka Lou pattern, and if you haven't visited her site yet, you must do so. It is full of good sewing tips for when you're a bit stuck.

A few more pics of the bag...with extra snow in the background - we haven't seen too much of it today, but the journey to get fresh bread round the corner was treacherous still!

Well, I think I will be back in work tomorrow, after this unexpected prolongued holiday - boo hoo!

Still, it's been lovely to stay at home and do extra sewing, extra sleeping, and extra taking-my-time!

Saying that, if the weatherman is right again, we could well see a lot more of home again next week - here's hoping ;)

pink, blue and flowery

This is the latest addition to my set of three pouches I made this week. I absolutely adore the Kidston-like fabric. I really am a sucker for this kind of things at the moment..."ma période rose, bleue et fleurie"

I'm also in complete adoration for my new orchid. The old one stopped flowering, and is now trying to recuperate on the kitchen window sill.

Well, that's it for today, folks! I'm off baking some muffins for my last afternoon off. It;s back to work tomorrow. I feel for those of you who had to do it today!