DIY: Photo Board

Sunday 20 October 2013

I found this idea originally on pinterest and immediately had it down as one of my to-do projects for over the summer. Quite often I will find DIYs like this to do and never get round to doing them. Usually because it means going out and buying supplies which I just wouldn't know where to get from. But this time was different! I found a great craft shop in Manchester called Fred Aldous which had pretty much everything I needed (although I got a few bits from amazon because they were cheaper).
What I used:

Double sided tape
Tape measure
Ruler
Pencil
Sponge/foam brush
Your photos (I got free prints from Photobox)

Not included in this photo is the sponge I used. Rather than buying a pack of brushed I just used the foam part of a kitchen scouring pad. Much cheaper! 


The bit that took the longest was deciding on the layout of the photos and then measuring everything out. It was difficult to be able to include a mix of landscape and portrait photos but there were 2 portrait ones I really wanted to include so I made them the centres. I would suggest just choosing whichever photos you want and then having a rough play around with the layout.

Next, after measuring everything out and making small pencil marks for the photos, it is time to stick them down. I put a small piece of tape on each corner of the photo and then laid it onto where I wanted it. What I wish I had done is put tape along the entire edge of each of my photos! The problem I had after is that some of them lifted up off the board between the bits of tape.

Once all your photos are stuck down it is time to cover them with mod podge (instructions are on the bottle). This was the scary bit because I felt like I was going to ruin the photos! But it does dry clear after several hours so don't panic. My biggest tip would be to make sure that it is all spread flat because I have a few blobs of it over some of the photos.


And this is the finished product! I am still yet to put it up on my wall at uni because I need to buy some sticky pads that are none damaging (not sure the landlady would be too happy otherwise). But it makes such a great decoration and a way to display lots of photos at once. Would love to know if you ever have a go so leave links below!


My Life In Photos #3

Wednesday 16 October 2013


1. Why are there christmas things in supermarkets already?!
2. A beautiful 7am sky
3. Listening to the football and eating chocolate
4. Fancy meal my housemate cooked us
5. Impromptu shoe shopping
6. Never too old for crayons at pizza hut
7. My latest nail art
8. Summed me up one evening
9. Sneak peek of a future post

x

Manicure Monday #1

Monday 14 October 2013

Since I last stopped blogging back in February my nail polish collection has only grown and grown. I still love doing nail art, although often don't have enough time. But I though I would share on here when I did create a pattern or use a colour I like. My latest attempt is inspired by Caroline's nails from last month.

R-L: topshop 'green room', models own white nail art pen, seche vite dry fast top coat



It definitely takes a steady hand, and doing my right nails needs a bit more practice, but I love the finished look. I have had quite a few people compliment me on it the past few days. I went for one larger print on each nail and then filling in around it with dots or little patterns. It made it easier to fit everything onto each nail.
I am also loving the seche vite topcoat! I got it for my birthday over summer and use it all the time now and it has definitely helped to make my polish last longer.

x

Recipe Inspiration

Sunday 13 October 2013

 Grown-up grilled cheese sandwhich
 Grilled halloumi salad
 Lentil and cauliflower curry
Broccoli and cheese bites
Halloumi and couscous stuffed roasted peppers

Since moving into my new house in september and actually having a nice kitchen I have been looking for new recipes everywhere! I have been a vegetarian since I was 8 and my favourite things to eat definitely have to be any cheese based dish and pasta. But lately I have started to use a lot more lentils and vegetables as the main part.
Pinterest is one of my favourite places to find great recipes and then I often adapt them to suit my tastes and budget. All of these photos look mouthwatering! And I seem to have developed a thing for halloumi.. I am doing a version of the salad recipe tonight and then think I will try the peppers next week. The lentil curry will be a perfect winter warmer in the next few months.
What are your go to dishes? And do you have a place where you keep all your favourite recipes to try?


A Gift, This Park

Monday 7 October 2013

Yesterday was a really beautiful autumn day. It wasn't too chilly, there were only a few clouds on a blue sky and the sun was shining. I might have had a mountain of work to do but it would have been a shame to stay inside all day! So I took a little wander through the park which is a minute from my house.


I went with the intention of finding conkers to fill up an empty jar. I thought it would make a unique little decoration. But either the squirrels or other children beat me too it (pesky kids!). So instead I just have these pretty pictures.




 Love all the colours of the different leaves at this time of year. Would love to try this idea that I found on pinterest!






 What a cool way to get around!


x

My Life in Photos #2

Wednesday 2 October 2013

1. Unconventional salad
2. Blackberry picking back home
3. Pancakes made by my housemates. Best hangover cure!
4. Our fancy dress for Pangea - Circle of Life
5. Primark snood
6. Chilled music to work to
7. A colourful stir fry for tea
8. My girls and me
9. I joined the university cycling club

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