Seen so many of these posts recently giving little insights into the authors of some of my favourite blogs and figured hey, why not do my own? 

1. I have edited my body a bit, I have six piercings in each ear, my nose and a belly bar.  I have a beaded garter and swallow tattoo on my right thigh, a floral and bead embellished skull on my left thigh, a rose on my left shoulder blade and the text "fashion" on a coat hanger on my left wrist.

2.  I have moved house six times since I was little and gotten into the flair of it a bit, aiming to get a place of my own this year and finally unleash my creativity on furnishing it, plus, get a dog <3

3. I have two cat's called Marty and Tim, a Syrian hamster called Rosie, a dwarf hamster called Bundy and two fish named Otis and Baby

4. My interests vary from Criminology, History, Religion, Textiles, Interiors, Design and literature.


5. I often change my hair colour, I see it much like that of a mood ring for my emotions and my state of mind at the time. Currently I'm purple with chalked in black.

6. Pokemon team; Charizard, Vaporeon, Alakazam, Persian, Arcanine & Jolteon

7. My plans for the year of 2013; Move out and get myself a little place nearby. Get up to Manchester to do my fashion/interiors degree.  Get a little dog. Work on a masterpiece portfolio :3

8.   I like to collect things namely house plants, candles, soaps, buttons, Vogue editions, embellished tights, historical reference novels, forbidden planet figurines Buddha ornaments and vintage maps.

9. Favourite musicians include; Jeff Buckley, Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding, Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, The Counting Crows, Little Big Town and Laura Marling.

10. I spend an obscene amount of time perfecting my hair and makeup and yet I still look a mess. Favourite hair and beauty products; Bumble & Bumble, Lush, Lime Crime, M.A.C cosmetics, Kiehls and Dior.

11.  I love to draw and enjoy using a large set of Windsor and newton inks, black fine liners and thin horse haired line brushes. I mainly like drawing birds and decorative lamps.

12. I have a cactus called Dexter.

13. My favourite type of chocolate is hazelnut praline

14. Style icon: Turanga Leela

15.  I love horror films, the more gory the better! Most I find more funny than horrifying unfortunately, Favourite's include; The Texas chainsaw massacre, American psycho, The thing & the Hannibal Lector series.

16. Television wise you can't go wrong with The Walking Dead, True Blood, Dexter, Futurama and Game of Thrones.

17. I have a ridiculous amount of jewellery and accessories it's sinful..

18.  My favourite fashion houses are Dior, Galliano, Westwood, Saab and Lacroix.

19. Every few months I essentially delete everything on my ipod and fill it back up with a load of new albums, artists and song's, even if I've never heard of them, It's good to try new things.

20. I always wear lipstick, my boyfriend hates it.  I feel naked without it. Favourite? M.A.C's  "Up the amp"is what I'm wearing in nearly all my blog post pictures.

21.  I have a largely over-filled bookcase crammed with literature of all sorts. I have read about two of the books on it.  I keep putting my reading list off to do other things.

22.  Interior magazines are my porn

23.  "Work more, earn more, live more, have more fun" -Laura Marling. Rules I live by.

24. I have a wonderful loving mother that I drive nuts.

25.  My name is Laura alice Summerscales, I'm 21 and I have no idea what I'm going to end up doing in my life-time but I intend to love and live to the full.

Free People

Hai guys :3 my posts seem to be getting slightly more regular as I'm adjusting all my time consuming activities around working on personal projects. This is just a ickle post about my latest purchase from the free people.com.  Being a hair dye enthusiast I get bored quickly and as my readers already know I change my colour almost weekly! I found out about hair chalk when a link for the free people's set was sent to me and was immediately curious how they worked and really what the point in them was.  The set I purchased contains around 24 different colours and shades of each to suit your mood and chalking desires.  As the box instructs and what is suggested through reviews I've read, follow these tips to achieve some fun colourful additions to your usual hair style :3

 * The way the colour takes is through dampening the hair in the areas you want to dye.
* Run the chalk lightly along the edge of the sectioned hair.
* Lightly use a hair dryer on a cool temperature
* Apply tongs or curling irons to areas coloured this helps the colour to stick to the hair for longer

-The colour will gradually be removed through shampooing the hair and lift without an fuss!
-Darker hair should really use vibrant strong colours to show up
-Personally for best results use on very clean well conditioned hair as the chalk can cause the hair to feel a bit dry.

Happy Chalking girlies!
ox

Skulls and Roses

Hey guys! Im back after months of being a non-blogger!  I've been very busy with work and education and life in general really.  Firstly, I want to start off by wishing every lovely reader a blissful 2013 ahead of them! So far my year has started well, -fingers crossed.  

I've joined a gym and spa I'd been eyeing up for several months and finally found the motivation to get on it, so far not been that much due to my hours and trying to sort out a portfolio for uni application; which if anyone knows anything about please can you give me some little tips! :3

Right, so the banner above is just depicting some little thing's that I've been having fun with recently, my hair, as many of you already know is constantly changing and but I have finally settled (for now!) with a baby pink and lilac composition, inspired by my little ponies and a love for french macaroons, the picture of my above, although not very clear you can just about make out the stud in my nose! I got it pierced spontaneously whilst out with my best friend and I actually love how it looks :)  The happy face of a cat  with a crown in my new oversized top from Batoko which I loveee and looks great with my tattoo and glittery rip of converse. Last but not least is my gameboy pink :) been playing a lot of Pokemon recently since my boyfriend reintroduced me to the whole wondrous thing and now I'm addicted and devoted to levelling my Vulpix :)

My tattoo, an idea originally found on pinterest and I fell in love with it not usually into skulls but thought this design was so beautiful. My forth tattoo now and I was planning on not having anymore till I was twenty-five- that didn't work out! To co-inside with my latest inky addition I've been indulging at the fabulous Black Milk online store, firstly this Galaxy dress below, for me it's the most BM defining dress and the print is gorgeous the fits of their clothing show every curve and bump and do wonders for a push up bra!  

With joining this gym of mine I figured I needed a new swimsuit to mark the occasion and couldn't resist the Pegasus limited swimsuit and optional bodysuit. Any of you guys loving black milk and got any of their latest prints? Would love your comments on my new tatt girlies! xx

Let me eat cake

Hey there, above is a little collection of the photo's floating on my desktop screen at the moment.  It's official I've gone back to Pink hair, the pot said lavender and the colour I do recall being much darker, but hey-ho, it's baby soft pink :) my extensions also have gotten the full treatment too, so I'm working a full  back length of bubblegum pink!  The other picture's refer to my other colours I've had only since May! :) I know.. how do I have any left? but it's all in the Argon Oil Guys and Dolls! :)

As the name suggest's my current "re-obsession" is Marie Antoinette, considering the fate of this queen was very tragic, Sofia Coppola give's us a sweet taste and insight into the alternatively modern Kirstin Dunst adaption of the role.  An ideal life for a lover of fine fabrics, beautiful clothing, wonderful food and a wide and varied collection of exquisitely made Manolo Blahnik's.  Heaven, no? The Picture's above show some "pin's" of Antoinette inspired footwear and hosiery.  I really want someone to have a party soon so I can dress up as the pink haired version of Marie and wear my favourite glittery heels and powder myself up pale with ribbons and sequins! (: I'm thinking of doing this for my 21st in September I think it would be amazing! Macaroons provided with champagne flutes and edible glitter covered truffles. I think i'm on to something here..

The Pastel Princess

Hi guys and doll's, for a few of you out there you may already know that I see the lovely Audrey Kitching as the perfect style icon. The style editor at large over at BUZZNET is also a model, designer, fashion journalist and stylist. For me she is truly inspiring to read about and to keep up to date on her latest fashion shoots.  She is also the leading lady in Irregular Choice shoes seasonal campaign for A/W 2012 collection.  [above is one of the pictures from their latest, See the full album here]  Known for her pastel lock's and strikingly unique style she effortlessly embodies what I like to call 'the fairytale chic'. Wide eyed with her doll like features make her quite the fit for her bright cotton candy pink hair and accessorised look. 

           

             

The picture above is a portrayed illustration of Audrey by the talented tumblr artist Dolly Chops   The glasses that are featured in Audrey's illustrated look resound Irregular choice's recent collection of shades featuring cat ear detailing.

Apart from being one of my style inspirations, Audrey is a creatively diverse individual who, with her varied career aspects makes her a role model for an aspiring Fashion Journalist and Blogger like me! 

Her page over at Buzznet constantly has post's of interest for any fashionista who wants the latest feed for creative and avant-garde styling. Recently she posted on Cat Morley who is the owner of "Cut out and Keep" [Her page here] A Crafting Queen who featured on Audrey's page for her "How to" on making your own Cat Fascinator! I intend to make my own and put a pic up for you guy's when it's done and dusted! 

Here's the checklist for making it provided on Audrey's page

-Black fascinator base

-Hair comb

-Black sequin trim

-Pink sequin trim

-Black veiling

-Black embroidery thread

-22 gauge silver wire

-Black and pink thread

-Needle

-Glue gun

For a pink haired, candy colour loving girl like me, Audrey's fashion  is everything I love when it come's to makeup and personal style.  

For those of you who haven't, keep an eye on Buzznet for Audrey's latest shoots and trend setting looks 

Oh Deer {Picks of the Week}

My new obsession, -I think this one is highly excusable because of how cute and lovely these are to have in the home and as decorations. Vintage Deers, those kitsch, wide eyed, playful looking ornament's plus those tiny little ones you get on christmas cakes. Quite frankly  I'm really into my Vintage at the moment, with a store called the Magie's Nest now open literally across the road from me!- I am very excited and looking forward to indulging in all the finds it has on it's shelves.

Thus far, I have found many the usual trinket's, such as; lighters, cutlery, perfume bottles {yay} Fabrics, Toy's etc.

Also, for all of you lovely blogger's out there who have heard my rambling's about an Etsy shop, I've finally established what I'm going to be selling to the Etsy community of Vintage and Handmade shoppers!

It's called "The Vintage Pin" It's a place of the thrifted, hand-made and truly unique. I will keep you all up to date on it's development!

I hope I can share some of it's goodies with you in the next few week's, -praying I get a job soon to pay for them! Until then here's some of my most recent finds;

&& for those of you interested in the un-wanted, second hand and Vintage look keep your eyes out for additions on my Blog Shop, trying to push these item's as they are just being un-worn and un-used and it's a sad-shame! Let me know if your interested by emailing me over at; Sally_Stitches_666@hotmail.co.uk

Now you say you love me

Just thought a quick share of one of my favourite thing's my singer, I picked it up from a charity shop for £25.00 with the original box of instructions, thread and accessories. All packed neatly in it's carry carry box, which I now store all my fabric in!
What I love about these popular machine's is the details on the body and the satisfaction when turning the wheel to push the thread through the fabric, it's far more of an achieving feeling than just click "on" on my Brother and waiting for the computerised screen tell me "ERROR 1232323" aha.
Invest in one, display it, love it.
Another thing I'd just throw into the mix for the post is some favourite Vintage photos I've come across in my Pictures album!

Make Room

Sorry more flowers aha (:

Since moving in with my other half back in February we have had the struggles of combining our things and making the room essentially 'ours'.  So, naturally, I covered the wall's in bunting, fairy lights, and posters and clipping's from fashion magazines.  The rest of the room is substantially the same. I have many treasured item's and interior find's that I refuse to part with.  I've never been good with "themes" to a room, the closest I've managed was in the other rooms of the house but for me I like my bedroom to be a variant of thing's that come together in a kind of "organised cluttered" way. 

I have a massive thing for vintage perfume bottles but actually don't own any of the one's I have in mind, instead I have my used Chanel and Dior bottles that I use as a window-sill feature. I love the idea of having a silver tray like below clustered with old bottles with their original tasselled pumps.I do have a chest of drawers that is disastrously covered in makeup and bottles of stuff that if i clear would ideally make room for something like a tray of just a few bottles as a centre piece with hand-mirror and beading details.

The most important part of a room for me is my area of study, without having a separate room altogether I devote one corner to my computer, camera and art things to work with. This was established within a week of moving in, I keep my space tidy but personalised, functional and practical with my equipment for work close to hand, I found the ideal space on pinterest -below- I love how this person has used bird and nature in pastel colours as a theme on what appears to be a feature wall. It's a collection of image's yet at the same time looks quite fresh and simple. My wall above my imac is similar but with magazine clippings and a Jewellery holder showered with necklaces. 

What makes a room a room for you? Do you prefer minimal or lots of things? colour schemes or actual theme's? [I rhymed a bit there] Making a space something to be part of isn't always easy to develop and I've found working with different key elements of building the room the most tactical part; lighting, furniture, key features, colour and space are just some of the aspects you have to consider to achieve making the most out of your interiors.

 But for now whilst you contemplate these thing's here is a picture of two of my five hamsters, Sansa and Thimble :) 

The Secret Garden

Ever since moving into an apartment with no form of a garden I have found myself indulging in house plants. Since February I have acquired: two japanese peace lilies, three orchids, a cactus, a venus fly trap, a rose bush and a fern named Frances. I'm no expert on plant's and educating myself on their upkeep has been really interesting. I think my pining of a garden to sit in has meant I've surrounded myself with the colours and smells of these lovely plant's and flowers. I've found the Orchid's -which are apparently Britain's most popular house plant?- have been the most confusing to a new owner. When in full blossom, all flowered they are beautiful, but after a period of time the heads drop off and you wake up one morning to find the sad sight of a long green stem and four green leaves but no flowers. Apparently this is the time to cut down to the nodules of the stem and continue to feed and water until they grow and re-flower. Mine are currently all at this stage! *fingers crossed*

The maintenance of the lilies are fairly simple, cut of lime green dying stems back to the opening nodule, water so soil is moist, don't feed every time you water, prefers to be out of direct sunlight. [or is that just my lilies?] they let of no smell and apparently are meant to relax and inspire? 

As for the venus fly trap and cactus, I use rainwater if possible, which usually involves me hanging out of the window with a pint glass aha. Distilled water also does the trick and thankfully my step mother warned me not to put your fingers in the fly traps mouths -for amusement and "ooo's" and "aaa's" because this kills them! they only close to absorb the nutrients from the things they catch. 

having plant's and pet's are two of my favourite thing's about my home. Any of you guys into your house plant's? or have a bug for gardening? 

Any of you recognise these two? Phil spencer and Kirstie Allsopp on the "Kirstie and Phil's Perfect Christmas" three-parter which was broadcast last year. I really enjoyed it, I didn't have the 'perfect' christmas as planned, but watching these two show you how to make home-made Christmas crackers and iced presents [above] was something really lovely. Yes I know we are five month's off from Christmas season but I'm really thinking about hand-making my presents this year. I'm sure I could buy my mother some perfume or dvd's and my partner games and gadgets. But the idea of something I have made unique for them both seem's special and something to be encouraged!

Kirstie Allsopp who is personally my craft goddess- has her own series called "Kirstie's handmade Britain" the shows feature a series of craft conquering skills to master with that competitive edge as Kirstie enter's into craft competitions around the country. These competitions vary from food & drink,  mosaics, WI themed pieces, Flower arranging,  needlework and many more! 

The Series is still on 4od and I must have seen it three time's over since winter last year aha, http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-handmade-britain/4od#3276655

Her books are in stores and show more comprehensively the "How to's" of the crafts featured in the shows.  Check out her shows and Books! they are very inspiring and great for those of us who like to get creative!

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For the record, I will be hosing a Giveaway when I reach 150 readers, would love to hear your suggestions for items you would like to see in it! 

Little treats

So, I recently I won a giveaway over at Tanesha's blog  for a box of surprise goodie's!

It arrived in this gorgeous pink and black cube packed with item's ranging from Manicure and pedicure wraps, Barry M nail polish, Collection 2000, Maybelline, Sanctuary, Tresemme and many, many more! I was surprised the amount of lovely thing's I found buried in the pink wrapping and was so happy to have this arrive at my doorstep!

My most recent favourite beauty products have been mainly been makeup related. My hair's been indulging in Lee Stafford's Argon Oil Shampoo & Conditioner and Tresemme's heat defence for my extensions has worked wonders! 

Benefit is my favourite make up brand, I'm a sucker for the packaging, theme's and thousand and one uses for the item's they sell. Top three at the moment are:

"Bathina" Take a picture, it will last longer silky, glimmering body balm.  Put this on after moisturising when going out and about for a gorgeous sheen!

"Girl meets pearl" Use this under eyes and inside of eye and above for a wide and light enhanced glow!  Amazing product, mines nearly all gone!

"Pore fessional" my most recent try out and I loved it's results, really cleared the appearance around my nose and chin!

Recycle, Reuse Remake

I have Been trying to get those creative juices flowing recently and it's apparently harder than anticipated. I have my tool's [as seen above] but just need some inspiration. I'm thinking of fully establishing a Etsy store of handmade card's & jewellery from thing's I have lying around and incorporate my love of drawing and making with fine paper soaking inks and the materials I own!

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I love drawing birds, tea cup's and Zebra's- & that kind of thing and if you saw my earlier post on my Visual diary you'll know there's a few of these little drawings in the book. 

When I sit down and surround myself with papers, pens and inks I keep hitting something of a mental block in which I'm not sure what people will want to add to their card collections, what appeals and design's ideal for all card related occasions. 

Ideally I need some feedback from you guy's on what you'd want to buy on a card and any particulars you look for when shopping on Etsy. 

My box of tools ranges from mini gold Buddha's for pendent charms, Japanese pot shards, Glitter-soaked poppy butterflies, Copper mini scissors and button's galore! I can't help myself but collect bits of ribbon and broken trinkets with hope of one day reviving them as something re-usable and lovely! Here is where my next plan for a shop lie's with Jewellery made from recycled things. 

I have several books on jewellery making that show you how people how produced amazingly beautiful pieces from materials that would otherwise be considered trash-worthy!

I think "Recycle, Reuse Remake" would make for a great title for a trend in using materials creatively with a bit of imagination to make some coppers & Etsy was born for this kind of ingenuity and practice.

Would love to know if anyone of you have made anything from stuff you've found lying around? It's a under-rated idea that I think with a bit of patience and thought, could be very satisfying hobby. Please give me your feedback on this complete bombardments of idea's I've thrown at this post! Would love to hear your thoughts!  xox

Book of Dreams

Do any of you guys have a little book you just keep ideas, doodles and random sketches, clipping's etc in? I do and i'm said to say it's been neglected recently as i've documented my findings more through Safari's "reading list" than using good old pen to paper. 

I always loved writing visual diaries and keeping books simply for the imagination and I think it's a great idea for everyone! Don't worry about your drawing skills [I don't!] just enjoy keeping records of thing's that come to mind, you never know it may pay off in the future :)