Projects, projects, projects ...

Something's happened to me, I've been bitten by the DIY bug and Pete is fuelling it! Suddenly I've decided to take on 2 DIY projects which will actually mean I'll have to stay commited and finish something.

Project 1 - Ikea Jewellery Box
I saw this, it's basically two or three drawer stacks stuck together, stained and lined. I have loads of jewellery but never wear any of it as I can never find it. I have 2 jewellery boxes at the moment but most of my stuff is scattered around the house in drawers, on shelves, in handbags etc. So I'm thinking, create it without the legs and stick it on my chest of drawers so I can have everything in one place and actually start wearing it.

Project 2 - Cat Stack
This one is slightly more ambitious, I saw this on Amazon. I bought Lily, my cat, a huge climbing tree last year. It was an ugly, carpet covered, 7 foot monstrosity which dominated my lounge but she loved sitting right at the top and spying on people from the window. I took it down after I bought some bookcases thinking that she could sit on top of those, but they aren't near the window and she never climbs them. She does, however, still love being picked up and held so she can see out of the window.

So, I started thinking about investing in another climbing thing but the decent ones are all American and cost a fortune, the one above is £175. I showed it to Pete, who optimistically said "we could make that, it's just wooden boxes". Thus started the wood versus furniture board laminate, normal corners versus angled ones, paint versus wood stain versus fabric coverings discussions, even adding removeable lids so the whole thing can be stored neatly.

After a few drawings and a cardboard model (go me!) I think I know how to do it. I need to cost up the material and decide on paint/wood stain etc and see if it's cheaper to buy the stupid thing from America than spend endless weekends making it. I'm actually quite looking forwards to it, it would be nicer to wait for nicer weather so I can make it outside, but it will probably take me that long to get my arse in gear and organise it.

I'll start with the Ikea one, which we're going to on my Birthday (special treat) and see how I get on with that.

New Year's Resolutions

1. Get and stay fit - I'm a member of a very expensive gym and need to justify the cost, this also has the side effect of looking rather hot (a new wardrobe being needed is also a benefit). My aim is to go 3 times a week and keep updating my routine every 2 months.

2. Listen to more music - My lovely boyfriend (of one year) pointed out the other day that he didn't know which music I liked as I listen to the radio all the time. This highlights the fact that I may not have listened to a CD in over a year, nevermind bought anything. So, I intend on updating my CDs regularly and changing the CDs in my car every month. I also want to update my mp3 player so I actually use it.

3. Say "Yes" more - at home, to friends and at work. I think my work attitude can improve by being more positive and more helpful, by saying "Yes" more at work I can help my company do more and also improve relations with colleagues. I would like to stay in touch with more friends, I live far away from most of them and want to start saying "Yes" more to invitations and also inviting more to stay with me. I'm sure Pete will appreciate me saying "Yes" more at home - nuff said.

I've kept these small and quite achievable so I can keep them. Small changes and all that! I'll keep you updated on my progress through 2009.

Girlie Stuff

It’s such a faff being a girl sometimes. I can’t just pick up any old face wash … is it right for my skin type? My age? Does it contain nuts or other nasty stuff? Will it dry my skin out, make it wrinkly or smell horrid. There are many things to consider.

About 5 years ago I thought I struck gold with the Dermalogica range, I was renting a flat above a beauty salon and they did great facials which I treated myself to regularly. I spent a small fortune on cleanser, toner, moisturiser, clay wash, face masks, eye creams and my skin looked wonderful. Then about 6 months ago I got itchy feet and started trying straying to other brands, but the moisturisers made my face shiny, the cleansers didn’t clean my face right and I started breaking out in spots.

I’m still bored with Dermalogica but I wanted to find a new range which suited me, so yesterday armed with my Body Shop loyalty card I surprised myself by finding they did quite good stuff. It was all laid out according to skin type, so I zoomed in on the oily/combination whilst lingering slightly next to the mature section (maybe I’m not ready for that yet). The range is based on seaweed and deep cleansing, it’s really nice! The cleanser is a gel wash which lathers nicely and smells fresh, it left my skin feeling clean but not dried out. The night cream wasn’t as thick as I hoped and did leave my skin feeling thirsty but the day moisturiser was light and we’ll see if it keeps my mid-afternoon shine at bay. The range does other stuff like pore-reducing gels, toners and face masks but I’m going to see if it proves itself first before investing more. All in all, I’m impressed with the Body Shops range, it’s leaning more towards the beauty market whilst still keeping the fruity shower gels and gift baskets a plenty.

Gym, Weddings and Cars

Wow, is it really a month since I posted on here? Slap hands.

So, what have I been up to? Well, the fitness thing is going slowly, I've had another routine review and my instructor has upped all my bits (so to speak) so that's good. And the big news is, my sister got married at the weekend! It was a lovely do, flippin cold while the photographer was doing his business but all the Christmas lights were on in town and it was very festive. She's now in Scotland with her new hubby, lord knows why as it'll be even more cold up there. So, I'm very happy that she's happy and I'm looking forwards to Christmas with my new brother-in-law.

Pete also was dragged along to the wedding and he didn't do too badly. He survived being grilled by my Aunties who single-handedly worked out our living and financial arrangements, he didn't hit my Dad when he drunkenly dropped Pete's camera, he smiled for all the photos (well, most of them), put up with me sticking glittery stars on his face all night (it seemed like such a good idea at the time) and also danced for at least 2 songs! Well done Pete, I'll turn you into a family-loving bloke in no time.

Other news, my mortgage has been reduced by 2% which means I should reach my saving goal (3 months salary) earlier than expected and be able to afford a new car in the New Year. I've had my current car for 6 years and it's getting on a bit so I thought it was time to treat myself. After looking around for deals (which aren't great) I've reduced the shortlist to 2 cars, a new Seat Ibiza (upgraded version of my current car) or a slightly used Ford Focus. It all depends on the finance deals available so I'll keep you updated on that one.