What else is happening?

And in other news:

Both of my babies now need glasses. Noah got his first pair on Wednesday, and Joey got a pair with a slightly lower prescription which is good news as it means his eyes are correcting.

I dismantled this:

and put up this:

Very happy with it. Noah has his own room of course so we didn't need a bunk, however I thought it would be more useful. Joey doesn't like using a ladder, so we can throw his extra junk up there and also use it for sleepovers.

We had some sun, and I broke out the paddling pool.

I bought some new running shoes because for some reason I entered the Race for Life in Cambridge next month...

...and some fabric

  

I met up with some of the gals in London and visited the pinup popup shop off Brick Lane and then we ate and drank and were merry

And Godmanchester had a 1940s event

Accessories Galore: When I go a little bit nuts for handmade. Plus - new specs!

This month, I got my bonus. I should not have been spending it on frivolities, as we're supposed to be saving for our hols. However. I did buy a <ahem, cough> couple of things.

First off: DeerArrow

This is an Australian brand, and they sell all manner of delightful brooches, earrings and other accessories - all with a retro styling.

I was already looking at their sewing machine brooch when they announced a discount code on fb. How on earth could I say no. I also bought some flamingo earrings, and some sundae earrings to match my sundae best dress. 

Whilst they don't post straight away ( I think they waited 3 days after my order - which enabled me to add an item LOL) my parcel arrived extremely quickly. Within 5 business days - which is not bad from Oz. 

I was a tiny bit disappointed. Firstly, because the backs on my flamingo earrings were wonky. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but its obvious when I wear them that one hangs below my lobe and the other doesn't. I messaged them and they responded immediately to apologise and send replacements, so top marks for that. 

I love my brooch, but I kind of wish it had more colours in it. I knew what I was buying though, so I can't complain about that really.

I was also disappointed at the size of the sundae earrings, which as you can see from the picture below, are so small you can barely see them. I wish they were bigger, but they are still super cute.

Overall, not my most successful buy, but I would still definitely recommend them. Their customer service is fab, and delivery from Oz to UK is cheap. Just be aware of the sizes of the items you are buying.

~~~

Second lot of accessory purchases were from Lucky Ladybird crafts.

Adorable packaging and currently bargains to be had! I'm wearing my swiss roll brooch above. I also bought a batternburg brooch...

...and a sushi purse. Such a lot of work has gone into this. I love it!! Thing I will stash my earrings in it.

~~~

I also spotted this little apple bag in the charity shop for £3. Brand new! Noah has claimed it as his own, but I'm getting it back when he's not looking!

I have been hankering after this Ollie and Nic bag for ages (below), but I can't justify that spend on yet another bag, so whilst the quality isn't as good, it has satisfied my need for an apple wicker bag ;)

~~~

Finally, since we're on accessories, I bought some new specs. Its always a bit of a gamble with http://www.selectspecs.com/ as you can't try them on first, however I've had three pairs now (See other pair above -  I had to buy them twice as I lost the first lot) and I am mega happy with my purchases.  They are supercomfy, and I can wear them out and about without feeling queasy (I do have a pair from Tesco which I can only wear whilst driving because they make me nauseous if I wear them whilst walking!)

They are prescription (I'm short sighted) and cost me £14.95 including postage. You can't really argue with that can you?!

(link to these glasses and also to the ones above)

A twin glasses case, and the perfect bag for me (Swoon Charlotte)

I'm very happy to report that I've made some progress on the sewing front. 

My mother asked me to create her a twin glasses case as she always has to carry two pairs. I obliged and came up with this one. (She has terriers hence the pattern - although if anyone can find a fabric specifically with Cairn terriers I would be glad to know!)

Its not perfect, but its ok for a prototype.

I've had some interest so I might make a few more, less wonky ones this time!

This bag is for me. I bought this fabric from spoonflower. First time I've worked with faux leather and it was hard work, but worth the slog. The pattern is Charlotte by Swoon.

  

 

I love the fact you can pull in the sides, or leave it more tote-like

 

and in other news...

I went into the Cath Kidston outlet on the day they got a remnant delivery! I was as restrained as I could be, but got this lot for less than twenty quid. Bargain!

I attended the school quiz night. We did not come last! Some of us brought healthy snacks. And some of us did not ;)

We nipped to Cambridge and the boys climbed soggy logs!

I popped into the One Direction London office for a Voodoo Vixen fitting.

 Hopefully their new plus size dresses and cardis will be on sale before christmas.

This is such a lovely fitting dress. Looks awesome on.

I got the boys started on christmas cards :)