Journeys Are My Diary

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Simple Tips For Making Your Bathroom Look More Expensive

April 24, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

After the kitchen, the bathroom is probably the most expensive room in the home to fix up. A quick look online will show you exactly how much some people pay for their bathrooms, and there are some scary looking figures on display.

But the honest truth is that you don’t need to splash out on marble stone tiles and a rain shower to make your bathroom look the part. With a little creative thinking – and a lot of hard work – you can turn the tiniest of dingy bathrooms into a beautiful place to relax.

Take our bathroom, as the perfect example – it looked awful when we moved in, but I think we managed to do a pretty good job in the end. Here’s a few tips that helped us improve our bathroom’s look by a significant amount.

Storage and Containers

You never see a plush, expensive bathroom full of clutter. So the first step is to ensure you have plenty of containers and cupboard space to put everything away when it isn’t in use. You could even go down the traditional route of keeping things in large glass jars or ceramic jugs rather than plastics – just keep them well out of the way of the kids!

A beautiful bathmat

You don’t have to spend a lot on bathmats – when they are brand new, they always look great. But let’s face it, in a busy household they tend to get pretty unkempt very quickly – and it has a serious impact on your bathroom. So, lose the Terry cloths and look for something a little more long-lasting. Turkish or Persian rugs are a great substitute, and you don’t have to go too wild on size, and you will still benefit from a more sophisticated look.

Swap out your taps

I think a lot of people would love to splurge on something like a freestanding bath. But the reality for most households is that they are far too expensive to justify, and most bathrooms don’t have the room anyway. But you can make the most of your current tub by switching out the bath taps – and you can do the same for your sink, too. It makes such a difference to the style of the bathroom and is such a cheap way of getting an instant improvement.

Go big on mirrors and artwork

There are some spectacular and beautifully framed mirrors out there which you should invest in – they will give your bathroom and instant lift, no matter how dull or boring your tiles are. You can also hang artwork or pictures – just make sure they are framed nice and tightly, so they don’t suffer from moisture leaking in. It adds a little personalisation to the bathroom, too, which, ultimately, is what separates a great bathroom from a standard one.

Improve the lighting

One final, easy fix for you – improve your bathroom lighting. Try using spotlights in the bathroom, and you can even pick up chandeliers these days for a reasonable price – or create one yourself. Set up some dimmer switches so that you can dim the lights for a nice, relaxing bath and you will enjoy your bathroom even more. Any thoughts to add? Let me know in the comments section!

Filed Under: promo Tagged With: artwork, bathmat, bathroom, decor, decorating, home improvements, house, interior design, lighting, mirrors, taps

Week 20 – Monday Round-up

May 19, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

Bit behind on my round up this week so I’m going to make it quick. As suspected, last week was busy. I had a fairly lazy Monday while the girls were at school and Chris was at work, but after that it filled up pretty quick. On Tuesday morning I worked at school in the office, came home and blogged plus had a bath. I spent the evening reading a book and by the following day I was finished with the book! You can read my review about both Marked and Claimed here. Wednesday I was at school again, just for the morning but then I headed home and started to paint my nails while catching up on TV. The girls were both going to friends’ houses after school so that gave me longer to myself but it did mean I had to turn out to pick them up and by the time we got home it was pretty much time for them to go to bed.

I spent the evening finishing my nails and watching some TV. I also got ready for the next day which was Lily’s school trip – charging my camera and packing lunches. The next day we were up early, I dropped Megan at her Grandma’s and then went to school with Lily and on her school trip. We went to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and it was a really nice day, despite being freezing cold. However the whole day was exhausting and I was fit for nothing once we got home.

On Friday it was another busy day – SHARE at school, followed by a picnic Family lunch. I nipped off shopping in between the two so it was a constant go day but it was especially nice to spend time with the girls and then be home by about 2.30pm. When we got back, Megan and I made a point of finishing off our Florida scrap book and then the three of us even walked into town to get a frame for her Baymax artist drawing. When we got back I put it on the wall which seemed to really please her.

On Saturday, Chris was at work and the girls and I had SUCH a lazy day. I did nip out to get a parcel from the post office but otherwise we did nothing. We even had a takeaway and movie night, to seal our lack of nothingness for the day! That said I did manage to pick a murder mystery for my birthday and organised everyone’s parts. I even printed it all out so I was totally organised. Finally it was Sunday and this time Chris was off too. We still had a very lazy day though, but I did buy some bits for my party and Megan and I stuck the last few things into the scrapbook, making it completely finished. I spent the evening trying out my Starter Pack from Paper Panda which I’ve had since Christmas. I’m not completely sure it’s my type of thing because it requires a lot of patience but I was stubborn enough to stick with it and at least get the first full page finished.

Filed Under: Monday Round-up Tagged With: art, artwork, baymax, books, Claimed, Disney, Hollywood Studios, International Families Day, Marked, nails, paper art, paper panda, picnic, school, Share

StressFreePrint Business Cards*

February 11, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

Last week I received some of the most beautiful business cards I have ever seen and I have to admit I’m thrilled to pieces with them!

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When I was offered some business cards to review, I have to admit I jumped at the chance. While I’ve made myself business cards before, they’ve always been for my Jewellery Ever After business and not for my blog. As such I was excited about the idea of having “me” cards, though honestly I have no idea what I’ll be using them for!

The company I got the cards from are called StressFreePrint and honestly they are one of the nicest companies I have dealt with. First I got an email asking me for all my details and then asking about artwork. I was honest and said that really I didn’t have a whole lot of artwork on my blog and that I was at a bit of a loss for what to put on the cards. I was told this wasn’t a problem and they’d pass my information on to the artwork department and someone would be in touch. Later that same day, I had an email from a different person in the company, giving me a proof of my card. I was so surprised but also intrigued to see what they’d come up with.

card1 card2

Using my info, they’d come up with this! My first every blogger business card. I was thrilled with it even at that point, perhaps partly just because it was my very own card, but also because of the things they’d thought to put on it that maybe I wouldn’t have. However I also felt that it didn’t really sum up my blog and there were also details such as my mobile phone number and address that I didn’t want on the card.

I wrote back saying thank you but that perhaps the theme of the card could be changed to something that represented travel or a diary, because that would fit with my theme. I also asked for my mobile and address to be taken off, my name to be changed to Bel (I hate Belinda!) and offering a few other social media links in case the card needing padding out.

The following day, I received another copy of my business card along with a lovely email that showed my alterations had been no problem at all to them – despite the fact I’d worried about being fussy. The new copy was perfect and exactly what I went with.

card3 card4

This is what I got! The new design was exactly the type of thing I was looking for and all the info was perfect too. I think when I replied I possibly told the person I was dealing with “I could kiss you right now!”.

As soon as I confirmed the proof, I was told they were being sent to print and should be despatched in 2 working days. In two days time I received confirmation they were sent, complete with a delivery estimation for the next working day and a tracking number. The day they were due for delivery I received a text with a two hour window for delivery time and sure enough, the cards came during that time.

I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do with all my business cards – perhaps attend more blogger events – but I do know that I’ll be proud to hand them out. I love them – the design, the print, the quality and in all honesty the service I had even ordering them. These cards are beautiful and I can’t recommend StressFreePrint enough.

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Filed Under: blog stuff, product review Tagged With: artwork, blog stuff, business cards, company, design, printing, product, review, StressFreePrint

My Little Box – Box 4 (December)

December 30, 2014 by Bel Leave a Comment

The end of December is drawing in and I’m hoping to catch up on the couple of reviews I still have left to do. However before December officially ends, I thought I’d better get this month’s “My Little Box” posted about!

This month’s box was Christmas themed but was also teamed up with Fleur De Force, a beauty journalist. I’ve said it before but I love the beautiful illustrations, the attention to detail and even the additional stickers on the inside of the packaging. This time it read “Christmas Cheer…. loading”.

As always, the first thing inside the box is the trademark illustrated postcard. I’ve started to put these up in my room as they look so nice. This month the postcard reads: Christmas isn’t a Season, it’s a feeling.

Again there is a magazine this month and tut tut, I still haven’t read it. Underneath that, some surprised that I couldn’t wait to look at!!

First up, inside the box, was a present for me! Inside the cute little cushion box, was a hairband which though simple, is actually quite nice. Sadly it’s not really my style, but its still a cute gift.

After that, came some cute little Christmas bits and pieces. There were some gift tags, some string and also some printed masking tape. I’m happy to report that I used all the gift tags and string for my Christmas presents this year!

Finally came the usual make-up/beauty goody bag. As always, there were three products – body lotion, lipstick and some moisturiser. I’m especially looking forward to trying the cream, as its made by L’Occitane and I love the hand cream I have of theirs.

All in all, I’m very happy with this subscription box. I have to admit that I am still tempted to cancel though, as I’ve had 4 boxes now and I really should be saving for Florida (especially since I quit my job!). I’m still toying with the idea at the moment so no doubt I’ll end up getting January’s but we’ll have to see after that!

Filed Under: subscription Tagged With: artwork, beauty, beauty box, christmas, fashion, fashion box, Fleur de Force, L'Occitane, lifestyle, lifestyle box, makeup, My Little Box, postcard

My Little Box – Box 3 (November)

November 21, 2014 by Bel 1 Comment

I’ve posted twice before about “My Little Box”, the latest subscription box I’m trying out, but I just want to reiterate, how much I love this box. Instead of being just beauty, just fashion etc. this box is a combination of all sorts, including lifestyle. Every time it arrives, I’m genuinely excited to see what’s inside. This month is no different, especially with the theme “My Little Cosy Box”.

As always, beautiful presentation and artwork. I really love everything about this box from styling, to products, to value for money!

Opening up the box, I’m greeted by another beautifully illustrated post card. This time it reads “My favourite pastime is to let time go by, to have time to take my time, to waste time, to live out of time.” I love this quote and definitely feel it sums me up, even if I rarely get chance to do it.

Like last time, there is a little magazine, which I haven’t looked through yet. It features hair tutorial, beauty tips, recipes and more. Underneath the magazine is hidden all the goodies, which I couldn’t wait to look through, especially whatever was red!

First up, was a cute little mini mug – an espresso cup. Sadly I don’t really drink espresso and its too small for a decent cup of tea, so it might be used as an ornament rather than an actual cup. I do love the style and artwork though, as always.

Called “My Little Bouillotte”, this red and white spotted cushion is basically a heated wheat bag/hot cushion. With a little envelope containing instructions, this is seriously the cutest wheat bag I have ever seen. I can’t wait to actually use it.

Last but not least, the familiar bag I have become accustomed to with all these “little boxes”. Inside, three different beauty products, each with a little description and/or instructions on a leaflet.

This month there is mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow. I’m pleased with all of these, as I honestly think they are all things I’d use.

Once again, another great box from “My Little Box”. This is my third month and usually I would cancel after three but for now I’m going to keep my subscription going. I can’t wait to see what December brings and I’ll be sure to let you know!

Check out my post tomorrow for another subscription box post – this time, My Geek Box.

Filed Under: subscription Tagged With: artwork, beauty, beauty box, coffee, fashion, fashion box, heat bag, lifestyle, lifestyle box, make up, mug, My Little Box, postcard

My Little Box – Box 2 (October)

October 25, 2014 by Bel 1 Comment

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I’ve recently started a new subscription to “My Little Box”. This is more than just a beauty box, its sold as a lifestyle and fashion box too. This was definitely much more apparent in this second box, this time themed for “Diane von Furstenberg”.

Like I mentioned in my other post, I received both boxes together. This made it doubly exciting to see what I’d be sent. After opening and photographing the other one first, I went straight on to this one. This is everything I got!

So this is what my box looked like when I opened it up. Another beautiful postcard which I again love the artwork and quote on. I’m sure I’ll be adding this to my bedroom wall or dressing table, just like the other one.

Next up was a magazine, which I’ll admit I haven’t read yet but I will definitely try to have a flick through. Then there was a badge – “A Kiss from Diane” which states “This bold lip pin effortlessly embodies the condience and joie de vivre of Dian von Furstenberg”. I’m not entirely sure what I’ll do with the badge, but I don’t totally dislike it…

Next up came a mysterious envelope, which I had no idea what was inside of it. I love a surprise inside of a surprise so I was quite excited to see what it was.

Inside the envelope, was a scarf. I’m not going to lie and say I think its beautiful when I don’t, but I can see that other people might like it. Amy gets the same box as me and she got a different scarf, the black and white print instead, and I think this would have suited me much more. What I did think was pretty awesome though, is that inside the envelope was different ways and ideas on how to wear the scarf.

The last thing in the box was this little bag and so I opened it up to see what was inside.

Again I got three interesting products to try and leaflet to go with them, explaining each product. As I’ve literally posted this the week they’ve arrived, I haven’t had time to try anything yet. However I’m definitely looking forward to it and some how three products to try doesn’t seem as daunting as a whole box used to seem at time. I also love the interesting other items that you get, that make it more than just a beauty box.

Even though money is tight right now and I’m saving for both Christmas and Florida next year, this is a box I’m definitely going to keep on getting for now. It’s the one I’ve found the most interesting to date and feel like I will always be excited to find out what’s inside when it arrives.

Filed Under: subscription Tagged With: artwork, beauty, beauty box, Diane Von Furstenberg, fashion, fashion box, lifestyle, lifestyle box, My Little Box, paris, pin badge, postcard, scarf

Chatterbox Walls Print*

August 15, 2014 by Bel 1 Comment

I’ve always been a fan of the cute little signs and messages you can get for around your house. When I read “A Fault in Our Stars” I was amused by the fact Augustus’ parents called them “Encouragements”. My Etsy and Ebay wish lists are just filled with sweet little posters I’d love to have up on my walls.

So when I was given the opportunity to review a print from Chatterbox Walls, I jumped at the chance. The site looked great – well designed and simple to use. After looking through their various designs, I eventually decided on their Personalised Likes Poster. Even within that sub-section, there are 5 designs to choose from. I chose “Mummy Loves“, not just because the name suits, but also because I loved the design.

When I first went to make my design, I suddenly realised I had no idea what it was I wanted to make. It took a little thinking, a bit of looking around and then really just some heart-felt thoughts all put together.

First things first, were to make the design red and white. The one thing I did know right from the very beginning, was that I wanted the print to be featured in my lounge. This is really simple, as you can see in the photo above. You just click on the colour selection at the bottom of the design screen and this instantly changes the colours on your print. Even better, it does it there and then so that you can see what it will look like.

Once I’d changed the colour background, it wiped the design clear so I could begin my own. This was great and it meant that every little change I made, appeared on the screen so I could design if I liked it.

All in all, the design took me about half an hour to make. Once I began to input the words I wanted, I switched and changed the lines around, to get an aesthetically pleasing look. I suppose it was a little ocd of me but I made sure that each line alternated between the slightly thinner white text and the thicker bold white text. Also, as I added certain things, I ended up switching them out for new things I thought of. For example, “orange sweets” originally featured in there, as did “pizza” but they were replaced with other things I preferred.

The print I made and designed, retails at £14.99* and is really lovely. Though the frame wasn’t part of the review, I did end up purchasing it separately. When I was finished with my design, I liked the black frame look, so I knew it was definitely needed to finish off my print nicely.

The print arrived within a few days and via courier that I could track. It was well packaged and great quality – I was so pleased with my design.

As you can see, my design is a little bit soppy but I don’t care. All the things on this list (plus more I’m sure) are what make my home (and my life) happy. Megan & Lily, my two daughters, are of course a given. Disney, Harry Potter, Fairytales and movies are all things we enjoy – the girls and I nearly always crying at movies. Murder Mysteries go on in this house almost every month. I love having takeaway, even though I’m trying to lose weight. Cheese and Bacon are both very much an in-house/in-group joke. And anyone who knows me well, will know I drink tea by the bucketload! Chris doesn’t really feature specifically on this picture and I suppose to me that felt a little like getting his name tattoo’d on me. While I know this picture isn’t for life, I’d hate to have to get rid of it if something did go wrong between the two of us. However, he’s definitely covered by feeling loved and snuggling up – two things I definitely have with him.

As you can see, my Chatterbox Walls print is hanging in my lounge already and it goes perfectly with all my other “red” bits. Not only that, but its hanging above where the girls sit at their computers, a constant reminder that they are the main thing that makes my home happy.

Filed Under: product review Tagged With: artwork, Chatterbox Walls, design your own print, poster, prints, review

Addiction – #1 T-shirts

June 23, 2013 by Bel 3 Comments

I’ve not been massively active on my blog this week as unfortunately I’ve been ill. However that has given me some time to think about a few posts I’ve wanted to make. This one sees a new feature, that will come up as and when I think of anything. Welcome to Addiction…

Addiction Number 1 is t-shirts.
My name is Bel Smith and I am a t-shirt addict. It’s been five minutes since my last purchase…

Just over a year ago, my brother bought me a t-shirt from a website called TeeFury. He’d mentioned the site to me a couple of times but I’d never really taken much notice, until he got me this t-shirt.

The basic concept of the site is that one t-shirt is printed every day and is only available for those 24 hours. Once its gone, its gone. Artists submit their original work, usually mashups of two tv shows, two movies, two games etc. and so they’re not t-shirts you’ll find everywhere else. That’s not to say you won’t find them elsewhere, but just not in the high street shops. The site usually features most mainstream fandoms, so if you’re a typical geek then you’ll love it. I have the site bookmarked on my browser and check it daily (see? addicted!).

Over the past 12-13 months, I have purchased all these t-shirts from TeeFury:

In this selection there are references to; How I Met Your Mother, Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory, Dr Horrible’s Sing-along-blog, Wizard of Oz, Beatles, Iron Man, Iron Giant, Indiana Jones, Bubble Bobble, Walking Dead, Geek Symbols, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Alice in Wonderland and Dr Who. Looking at it, this covers vast majority of my fandoms.

However my addiction isn’t limited to just TeeFury. Oh no. A few months later I found another site called Qwertee. This is a UK based site (or at least Europe somewhere), whereas TeeFury is US. The prices are very similar at $11 plus $4 for TeeFury and £8 plus £2.50 for Qwertee. That said, Qwertee t-shirts do come a lot faster than TeeFury (location of course) and Qwertee’s t-shirts also come with free Haribo!

Sometimes you see duplicates across the two sites of course – artists submit to as many sites as possible I imagine – but often you also get a lot of new stuff. The advantage even to duplicates is that if you missed it on one site, you often can catch it on the other.

My Qwertee collection looks like this:

Here you have references to; Game of Thrones, Thor, Iron Man, Ghost Rider, Nightmare before Christmas, Captain America, Disney, Walking Dead, Care Bears, Avengers, Princess Bride, Harry Potter, Sherlock, Doctor Who, Supernatural, Lord of the Rings, Tea & Coffee, How I Met Your Mother, Monsters Inc. and Wikipedia.

If I’m not at work, you can just about guarantee I’m wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. At roughly £10 a t-shirt I have no problem buying these tops as and when I see ones I like. Though it may seem like a lot, if you consider that there is a t-shirt a day, over two sites, for at least the last year – I’ve done pretty well to only have about thirty five tops in total. Mind you, that’s not to say I haven’t bought other t-shirts.

These t-shirts above are ones I have bought from other places, not Qwertee or TeeFury. Not all of them are “original artwork” like the other two sites, but they’re still pretty unique. The “I am a Muggle” tee is from TruffleShuffle, while the Avengers one is from Play.com. True Story, the Toy Story and HIMYM mashup, along with the Ravenclaw Qudditch team one, are both from RedBubble (both ones I missed originally on TeeFury). Finally the GoT meets Street Fighter (or similar games) mashup is from a site I’m relatively new to called RIPT.

While these are a look at all my current owns, I have to admit that I’ve recently stumbled onto a billion more sites to keep an eye on. I probably shouldn’t be encouraging anyone else to get addicted, but if you love fandoms and t-shirts anywhere near as much as me – and if you can definitely appreciate a good mashup plus original artwork – these are the places to look at.

24 Hour Tees
TeeFury – $11 tees (plus ability to pick 1 of 3 colours), long established and offering a good rate of postage
Qwertee – £8 tees, long established, cheap postage and free sweets!
RIPT Apparel – $10 a top, also offering kids t-shirts, hoodies, iphone covers etc. good postage rate.
Shirt Punch – Pop Culture or TV – basically 2 sites but 3 designs, t-shirts, hoodies, iphone cases, posters etc. Starts a $10 and reasonable postage.
Shirt Woot (part of a whole Woot site) – $12, not sure about postage, lots of other designs also available but varying prices. Other products also available on one day Woot.
TeeVillain – a very very new site that I haven’t yet ordered anything from (opened only this week). Basically designs all featuring Villains. $11 each.

Slightly longer, but no more than 2-3 days
Epic Embrace – 48 hour tees. $11
The Yetee – 48 hours. $11 (other tees available)
OtherTees – 3 days. $11
TeeTee – 72 hours. €12
NwB – 3.5 day tees. $12 tee, $32 hoodie (other tees available)

Other sites to check out, with longer listings or more variety than one design
Pop Up Tee
Tee Turtle
Freshly Brewed Tee

However if you can’t be bothered to check all these, every day. Go here: Shirtoid

Shirtoid is basically a site that rounds up all the cool tees and puts them in one place. It features links to the one t-shirt a day sites, the every few days t-shirts and even the ones that are there longer term. It links to Redbubble artists shops, along with artist shops on other sites. Its also followable on Facebook and Twitter.

Now go, go! What are you waiting for? Go find yourself a really Legen… wait for it… dary T-shirt!!

Filed Under: about me Tagged With: addiction, artwork, avengers, Disney, dr horrible, dr who, fandom, game of thrones, geek, harry potter, himym, hunger games, iron man, links, nerd, qwertee, shirtoid, shopping, t-shirts, teefury

Hi, my name is Bel!


I’m a thirty something, mother of two, self-confessed geek!

Here on my blog you’ll find;
books I’ve read, clothes I’ve made, movies I’ve watched, cakes I’ve baked, products I’ve tried, places I’ve been, pictures I’ve taken… plus lots and lots of DISNEY!!

I’m a lifestyle blogger – covering a little of everything I love <3

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