Eco-Friendly Hobby Suggestions | Part One

 

Gardening

Gardening can be a great way to reconnect with nature. I started getting into gardening a few years ago, and my top tip would be to not worry about making mistakes as that’s part of the learning process. If you are feeling unsure, you could watch some YouTube videos or read books on the topic.

Drawing

The good thing about drawing is if you have some basic materials such as a sketchpad, a few pencils, a rubber and sharpener, you can do it anywhere. You could put them in your bag and draw your surroundings. If you want to start small maybe try cartoons or adult colouring books.

Walking

There are many benefits of walking such as exercise and it being good for mental health. If you don’t have a lot of time to walk for pleasure, you could introduce more walking by using stairs not lifts, getting off at an earlier bus stop or watering your plants in the garden every day.

Cycling

This one is similar to walking. If you have a pal who lives local to you and also owns a bike, you could go for a bike ride together. They make a good alternative to driving a car if you aren’t traveling too far. Make sure to wear a helmet.

Visiting Charity Shops

This is something I’ve missed during the pandemic. It feels good to find a bargain and know that the proceeds go to a charity. You can find lots of useful things such as books, jigsaws, clothing, gifts, etc. It’s a much more sustainable way to shop.

Visiting Local Farmers Markets

Supporting local businesses and economy is great as well as helping to reduce your carbon footprint from the unnecessary travel of goods. Shopping seasonally really helps too. It makes a nice day out if the weather is good. You could combine this with other things on my list.

Do you have an eco-friendly hobby?

Which of the ones mentioned interested you most? :-) Xx

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Lotion

 

Recently I’ve been using this body lotion from The Body Shop. It uses ingredients almond milk and honey, that give off a beautiful subtle fragrance. I found a little goes along way with the product, and the scent lingers on. This particular range is aimed at sensitive skin which really appealed to me. The product sinks in lovely which some lotions don’t do as well. My skin feels soft after each use.

On the back of the packaging, it mentions that community trade shea butter is used. It also states that it’s vegetarian and cruelty-free although the leaping bunny logo isn’t shown. Make sure you check out the links to learn more. This item retails at £8.50 for 200ml. I would recommend this product, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

These links include info on The Body Shop cruelty-free and vegan policy:

https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/about-us/activism/faat/a/a00018 

https://ethicalelephant.com/the-body-shop-cruelty-free-vegan/

Do you like The Body Shop products?

Do you have any similar recommendations to share? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #8

 

Books:

Jamie’s America by Jamie Oliver

This was the first book I have read by Jamie Oliver however the mix of food, culture, and travel interested me. This is so much more than a cooking book as it includes essays, beautiful travel documentary photography and illustrations. 

Many of the recipes are aimed at the more advanced, and are unsuitable for vegetarians, but I can imagine most ‘foodies’ coming away with something. I liked the twists Jamie put on different recipes sourced from around America. I actually don’t cook, although I do some baking, and if you bake as well, there are some dessert recipes in there too. I appreciated all the unusual salads he created, they look so aesthetically pleasing and delicious. 

This book has encouraged me to be more adventurous when I order at restaurants. I learned some new recipes and ingredients I hadn’t previously heard of. If you know of someone with a passion for visiting America, I would recommend this title as a gift. Jamie didn’t choose the obvious route with how the book was put together.

Oliver & Patch by Claire Freedman 

Fun, heart-warming story for children about a boy who moves to the city, rescues a dog and makes a new friend along the way. The quirky illustrations are fabulous. One of my personal favourite picture books of late.

The Little Book of Humanism by Andrew Copson 

I knew very little about humanism going into this book, and I felt this was an excellent way to learn more. The definition I found online describes it as ‘A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters.’

Chapters cover things like religion and faith, science and progress, living well, etc. The book includes mini essays, beautiful poetry and quotes as well as the occasional photograph. The book was short, concise and one of the most interesting books I’ve read this year.

I didn’t agree with everything but I think that’s fine when you are learning about a new topic. Many of the words were incredibly enlightening, and occasionally hard hitting. There were some positive and negative thoughts expressed. 

My favourite chapter was science and progress because I’ve been reading some quite negative oriented books about the environment lately and it was nice to see an author mention all the progress humans have made particularly regarding scientific discovery.

Trick or Treat Poems Chosen by Paul Cookson 

Spooky, atmospheric poems that are fun for Halloween. The clever wording and witty humour made me laugh. The poems came across cohesive even though the authors varied. Lovely little book.

Cool Spaces for Kids by Sam Scarborough 

A book about making cosy places for children to play is a beautiful concept. Everything is very nicely presented and made me feel nostalgic of imaginative playtime as a child. I would recommend this read to creative families.

Lifestyle:

Brain Benders Crazy Crosswords 

I wanted to challenge my crossword ability, so I gave this children’s puzzle book a go. It’s split into three sections: beginner, intermediate and expert which I found both fun and useful. Towards the end, I could feel I had improved my technique and spelling.

Poppies in Bloom

On one of the walks, I go on with my family I noticed the poppies were in bloom. They really are lovely and vibrant and perfect to photograph.

Have you noticed the poppies in bloom too?

Do you have any book recommendations for me? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #7

Books:

I'm Bored: Over 100 Inspiring & Imaginative Ideas for 

Hours of Fun With Your Kids by Suzy Barratt

This was a well put together collection of things to do with families. Chapters are broken down into indoors, outdoors, on a journey and on a beach. It was lovely to read snippets of information about the authors family life making the book more authentic and the memories of the different games made me smile. The ideas are mostly original and doable. 

Picasso: 200 Masterworks from 

1898 to 1972 by Bernice Rose

This is a beautiful coffee table book filled with much of Picasso’s work. It was a rewarding experience viewing the art work as it felt like visiting a prestigious art gallery. The famous artist is mostly known for his abstract, colourful portrait paintings but he delves into many other subjects and mediums.

One World by Michael Foreman

This is a gorgeous children’s picture book, with colourful watercolour illustrations, and symbolic text, educating readers about our precious planet and the environmental issues we face. While visiting the beach, two children get in touch with the natural world and learn some valuable lessons. Although originally published in 1990, one world feels more relevant than ever.

The Dragon's Eye (Dragonology Chronicles #1) 

by Dugald A. Steer

We follow Daniel and his sister Beatrice, as they begin their dragonological apprentice with doctor Ernest Drake. The first in the series, they must solve the riddle to discover the whereabouts of the fabled dragon’s eye gem. I loved that this author focuses on the education for these young apprentices and as readers we learn more about the history of dragons. A great start to the series.

Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes

 from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson

This is a beautifully presented and illustrated book with such an important message. The book shares many black heroes in past and present who have done something extraordinary. There were many well-known individuals but it was refreshing to see others I hadn’t heard of. A really great picture book for children of all ages.

Audio & Podcast:

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart (audio CD)

This was my first audio book which I loaned from the library. Miranda Hart is the narrator, and she does a wonderful job, and made the experience rewarding for me. I read the book years ago, and believe the audio comes across much better. Miranda describes the premise as a manual to adulthood and the conundrums she faces thinking ‘Is it just me?’.

The Daily Pep! With Meg Kissack

I’ve been wanting to get into podcasts for a while. This one popped up on my Spotify, and it appealed to me because each was just a few minutes long making them more digestible. The author has a cheery, reassuring voice, and shares much wisdom for starting off each day positively.

Do any of these books interest you?

Have you ever listened to an audio or podcast? :-) Xx

A Celebration of Secondhand Books

Welcome – I have put together a list on why secondhand books are so great including different places they can be acquired from. I hope this makes you consider secondhand books or reaffirms a love for them.

General good things about secondhand books:

Better for the environment in many ways

Each book has a story

Finding miscellaneous items inside books

Finding interesting messages or notes inside books.

The smell of vintage books

Often weathered books have a lovely aesthetic

Supporting authors/books that are less well known

A good way of expanding your reading taste

Buying in charity shops

The money goes to a good cause

You never know what you will find

A sense of community

Potentially buying local

Donations welcome

Buying on eBay

Often very reasonable prices

Potential to support small businesses

Fairly easy to find specific titles

Fun to browse

Borrowing from the library

Mostly free

An opportunity to experiment with genres

Good to support them

Lovely to engage with the librarians

Donations welcome

Free charity book shops

You can take your time with books as they don’t necessarily have to be returned.

Donations welcome

Swapping with friends

A conversation topic

Make new like-minded friends

Easy way to pass on books you have finished with

Have I missed anything worth mentioning?

How do you acquire and donate books? :-) Xx

Fun & Easy Prompts for Creating Art

 

Tips to draw/paint/doodle/make for beginners when uninspired:

1. Open a book (fiction or non-fiction) and pick a sentence then illustrate it.
2. Draw or paint something you are looking forward to after the pandemic.
3. Draw (Instead of write) your next shopping list.
4. Instead of taking a photo try and draw it.
5. Collect recycled materails and use what you have to get creative.
6. Instead of writing your next blog post ‘create it’ with your art in any medium.
7. Write a letter or story with a coloured felt tip and fineliner.
8. Print a template of a fashion figure, and complete it with your own outfit.
9. Design and make-up a magazine cover.
10. Write your name decoratively.
11. Doodle whatever comes to the surface in your mind.
12. Trace tree bark on your next walk.
13. Pick a jigsaw piece and enlarge the image on paper.
14. Get inspired by textures, for example find unusual materials/items to work with.
15. Read a creative book.

Write your name decoratively.

Draw (Instead of write) your next shopping list.

Open a book (fiction or non-fiction) and pick a sentence then illustrate it.

If you’ve been wanting to get creative and like myself wasn’t sure where to start, I have come up with some prompts. Bearing in mind, I just did some doodling mainly but I have included some snippets for you to see my own attempts. The main thing is to get started, good luck!

Do you enjoy a good doodle? 

Which of the prompts might you try? :-) Xx

My Minimal Make-Up Bag Tour

Natural Products:

Lily Lolo Blush and Highlight Palette (Shade Pink)

This is a beautiful product, which gives off a subtle glow throughout

the day. Although it’s a bit pricey I would recommend it.

Lavera Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow Quad (Shade Cappuccino Cream 02)

Another stunning product that I would recommend. 

When the eyeshadow is applied, the look is very sophisticated.

Anne Marie Borlind Lipstick (Shade Celebrity Red 69)

I’ve had this lipstick a while, and it’s a stunning 

colour but I don’t wear it very often.

(Face)

(Eyes)

(Lips)

Cruelty-Free Products:

Barry M All Night Long Medium Coverage Foundation (Shade Milk 1)

This is probably my most used make-up item. I use it as a foundation

as well as a concealer to hide blemishes and even out skin tone.

The Body Shop Matte Lipstick (Shade Honolula Pink 420)

This was a recent purchase which I shared a review of here. 

I find the shade flattering for my fair skin.

MUA Makeup Academy Amplify Statement Lash (Shade Black)

I haven’t actually tried this product yet. My initial thoughts are 

the price is very reasonable and the wand looks great.

Other:

Carmex Lip Balm

This product is good for very dry lips.

Gok Wan Make-Up bag

I’ve had this lovely make-up bag for years, and it really has stood

the test of time. With its wipeable material, it can be cleaned easily.

What are your favourite everyday make-up items?

Do you have any natural/cruelty-free recommendations? :-) Xx

Jigsaw Log #6

 

Welcome back to my jigsaw log series. I had a long period of not really doing much jigsawing so around the start of the month, I challenged myself to a five-hundred-piece puzzle which wasn’t too difficult in comparison to one thousand pieces. I love the cosy feel to this design with the pets on the couch, and I found it to be well made, as well as a nice difficulty level for me.

If you are just starting the hobby, this would be a good one to complete. My Nan was gifted it after having a jigsaw related chat to a friend. I noticed the box had a charity shop sticker, and in my experience, they are a good place to shop as lots of people tend to donate them after completion. It was originally from The Works, and they are online if you fancy a browse.

I found this article on the Gibson’s game blog and it’s a really lovely read:

https://gibsonsgames.co.uk/blogs/news/mental-health-benefits-of-jigsaw-puzzles

Here are a few quick quotes from the article:

‘Puzzling reduces stress by occupying and engaging the mind to create a sense of calm and serenity’

‘Completing a jigsaw works both sides of your brain, the left hand-side that thinks logically and the right, the creative, intuitive, and emotional side. So, when you piece together a jigsaw puzzle, you harness both brainpowers.’

‘Completing a jigsaw puzzle is a fun and entertaining pastime that is enjoyed without any kind of electronic involvement.’

‘Completing a jigsaw with a friend or family member promotes discussion and interaction as teamwork is essential for finishing a tricky puzzle!’

Do you feel like trying a jigsaw too?

What pastimes have you been interested in lately? :-) Xx

The Body Shop Matte Lipstick in Honolula Pink

 

Hi – I’m back with a beauty product review. My make-up bag is fairly minimal, but I wanted to update it as well as having a bit of a sort though, getting rid of expired items. I tend to gravitate towards matte lipsticks as they seem to stay put longer so The Body Shop colour crush matte lipsticks looked interesting to me. 

I did some research on the different shades, and Honolula Pink seemed lovely. I found this shade very wearable, and flattering. I have fair skin, and would recommend it to others with pale skin. The staying power is great and I like the formula enough to buy other colours. The Body Shop is cruelty-free which is important to me. The packaging is simple, elegant and well made. Link here.

Does this shade appeal to you?

Do you have any recommendations from The Body Shop? :-) Xx

These are a few of my favourite things #6

Books:

Light in The Landscape: A Photographer's Year by Peter Watson

I enjoyed this because of its autobiographical style, taking us through the 

photographer’s year; I learnt a lot about what to expect from the different

 seasons and gained some tips on different aspects of the field.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

There has been quite a bit of hype around this one and I went in thinking it

 wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I was pleased to find a beautifully

 illustrated book about friendship and kindness with a universal appeal.

Winnie The Witch by Valerie Thomas

This was without a doubt one of my favourite picture books as a child. 

We follow Winnie the witch and her cat that blends into its surroundings. 

I found it just as wonderful reading it as an adult.

Peggy and Me by Miranda Hart

I’m a big Miranda fan as well as having a love for dogs, and this book combines

 the two. It reads like a light autobiography, but Miranda includes musing from her

 wonderful dog Peggy. I enjoyed hearing about some of the behind-the-scenes

 stuff and getting to know Miranda that bit better.

Simply Country: Creating Comfortable Style for Cottage Living by Liz Bauwens

I found this book to be just the ticket for something light, and escapist. 

Featuring lots of wonderful photos of cottage style, and tips to recreate it.

Simpsons Comics: Hit the Road! by Matt Groening

I haven’t watched The Simpsons in years, but since getting into comics

 lately, I thought I would try this. I absolutely loved it, the humour, 

the illustrations; it reminded me just how great The Simpsons are!

Films:

The Sound of Music

‘A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a 

Governess to the children of a Naval officer widower.’

Starring Julie Andrews, this musical is loved by so many. This was 

the first time I watched it from start to finish, and I really enjoyed

 it. I love the song these are a few of my favourite things.

Lifestyle:

A red admiral butterfly on some great hyacinths

The weather has been just beautiful lately so I went in the garden

 to take a few photos. This time of year, is perfect for spotting red

 admiral butterflys, and I found one on some great hyacinths. 

Have you read any of the books mentioned?

Do you like the sound of music too? :-) Xx