i own a head torch

Ok, so I did it. I went and bought a head torch.


I am fairly new to this blogging shenanigans and so I am unaware if it is sensible to be stating such a fact on what is intended to be a blog full of pretty things and ideas to ponder over. 

I am going on a trek tomorrow which commences with a Saturday morning wake up call at 6:30am. I must then make my way to a pick up point where a bus will take me to the Cairngorm Mountains, (tasty little 3 hour journey).  The trek is part of a relay team, of which I will be doing a modest 15 mile hike.  Why oh why am I doing it? For charity of course!  The charity that I am willing to put myself through so much pain for are Wildhearts.  They do fantastic work, helping African communities start businesses to work their way out of poverty.  If you fancy a wee bit more information or to sponsor me you can visit my fundraising page.

But anyway, back to the point. I bought a head torch.  Upon returning to my flat I quickly loaded the batteries and headed to the only space I have without windows (the bathroom) to test said product out.


It rocks my world.

My new favourite toy is a head torch.  What has happened to me?  I am usually a giggling mess over all things girly, cute and pretty but for some reason I have found a part of my person that delights in preparing for outdoor explorations.  I enjoyed wondering around the shops pretending to be all sporty and outdoorsy.

I have never been camping in my life.  But my new found love for my head torch makes me think that my mega monster honeymoon, (which I am going to hold off mentioning for now) may actually be more suited to my person than I originally thought.

And the best thing about this head torch? I can use it in bed.

... as a reading light.

the falling garden

You know when sometimes you stumble across an image that is so breathtakingly gorgeous that it makes you want to cry a little bit?

Well, this is it.

The Falling Garden by Gerda Steiner & Jorg Lenzlinger. This stunning installation is made yet even more serene by the fact that it is suspended from the ceiling of a 16th century church in Venice.  When I first saw this image all I could do was long to be lying on that white, bed-like platform looking up at the ethereal wonderland above.

Upon further reading into the inspiration behind this piece, I discovered that the whole thing is made from recycled goods and found objects.  Now that still sounds oh so romantic until you actually break it down. Yeah that's right... everything from orange peels to rubber snakes.

I questioned my sanity for a minute. How can something that icky be transformed into something so hypnotisingly gorgeous?  The answer ladies is this ... it's suspended. We girlies have a fascination with all things floaty.  Whether its a hot air balloon in the sky, a tea light suspended from a tree or a vintage crystal chandelier. We will crane our necks and oogle dreamily at anything that appears to be hanging from the heavens.

This got me to thinking, (as everything does) about my wedding. The venue we have chosen for our reception, The Caves is essentially a bit stone vault.  My intention is to work with the charm of this venue and make it into an ethereal wonderland.  What better way to achieve this than suspending various objects from the thriple height ceilings. Everything from paper lanterns to origami and fairy lights.  So my guests can take a break from their roast garlic and tomato soup to ponder the magical playground hanging high above their heads.

... and so it begins.

I was first plunged into the underground world of wedding mania when G proposed in September 2009.  Little did he know that upon uttering those four words on bended knee, that he would be subjected to 20 months of crazy gravy.

Don’t get me wrong. I am by no means a bridezilla. My affliction is somewhat worse. I am an excited young bride-to-be ... and a designer.

The fears of high expectation thrust upon me were recently confirmed when I overheard my Mum saying "Of course it will be amazing, she is an interior designer".  As my self confidence dissolved into self doubt, I ran to my room to cry like a little girl. Pressure, pressure, pressure. 

Then, after having a serious look at myself, I decided to embrace it.  I have the opportunity to draw Inspiration from the world of design and create my perfect day, my way.  No dodgy clients, no uncertain budgets... just me, my ideas and the man that loved the detail-freak in me enough to put a ring on my finger. 

G and I have a natural tendency to shy away from anything conventional and have an insatiable lust for music.  We want our day to have a relaxed festival feel with a fun style, quirky details, tons of DIY and a colour palette that would make Joseph's Dreamcoat look like a £2 Primark special.

So this is my opportunity to share my thoughts and designs, saving the mind of my gorgeous Fiancé, as I march my way (scrapbook in hand) toward wedded bliss.