This is Doge and he reminds me of my old dog Comet which makes me smile.  He looks sweet popped on my bobble hat
Most of the pins are £6 (a couple are £8) and come on these neat little cards, carefully packaged and in a tidy little box so they arrive safely. Mine arrived extremely fast and took me by surprise. Also included in my box was a branded lanyard and Power Up Pins pin, not pictured.
The build quality is spot on; sturdy, safe and gorgeous colour. I really love the designs.
Who wants a hug? The hug bunny pin is my joint favourite as it's super cute and promoting a cheerful message. HUG. I think this one deserves a place on my jumper full time; everyone needs more hugs
The unicorn rainbow pin is my other joint favourite as it is just perfect. Popping this beauty on my scarf.




I love the creative designs which are so cleverly translated into wearable pins; they would make for thoughtful little gifts for someone -  just to say I'm thinking of you. The gamer pins are a nifty gift for gamers you have no idea what to buy for and the cutie pins have wide appeal. I know about a million unicorn obsessed girls who would love one! There are still new designs being added; I have my eye on the cactus pin and the chirpy little robin now. Take a look for yourself and tell me, what takes your fancy?

Thanks to Power Up Pins for sending me these pins to feature. All content and opinions my own.
Sophie

It's a lovely book to have a read of while drinking coffee and popping my feet up for ten minutes. My first thought was to flick through and find my local areas to see what was said about them which was interesting but there is so much content of interest that I am going to pop some bookmarks in so that when we fancy a trip out I have a few ideas already lined up.
My interest has been well and truly piqued in visiting some new places in Norfolk, with some lovely walks identified that we're keen to try out. In fact I'm tempted to buy the Slow Travel Suffolk guide too for the days we're tempted to venture beyond the county borders.

It's English Tourism Week at the moment (I'm sure you knew already) and in the spirit of encouraging you to explore my beloved county of Norfolk you can do so for less.
For an exclusive 20% discount on Bradt's Slow Travel Norfolk guidebook, visit  www.bradtguides.com and enter the code STICKS at the checkout. Offer valid until 30th April 2016.

You're welcome!
Sophie

I describe myself as something of an early bird and a night owl; it's first thing in the morning and last thing at night that I feel the most productive. I've been lucky enough to watch a barn owl hunt on several occasions and it's a magnificent spectacle. They are such powerful and graceful birds who can swoop, circle and dive with such ease. It's often in the afternoon hours while out that we see one in action; it must notice us but decide that we pose no threat. Owls seem to be the kings of the night-time, full of knowledge and wisdom, bold and strong.

This gorgeous gold owl necklace from Nova Silver is one of their newest items in their Kitten collection and is not yet available online but is coming very soon. I'm in love with this new piece a it's one of 'my' kind of necklaces; inspired by nature is my very favourite kind of accessory and this owl with it's wings stretched out reminds me of an owl's concentration and power. Focus and you can achieve your goal. Spread your wings and fly!

There are loads of nature inspired designs at local Norwich jewellery brand Nova Silver as well as a whole variety of beautiful pieces. My honey bee necklace is one I treasure and I'm sharing a few of my favourites with you from the new ranges.

This windmill pendent is a cute summertime design, which also comes as a set of windmill earrings, plus these boxing hare earrings are rather sweet, they also come as studs.

The GeoDiamonds collection is pretty darned cool, I love how the simplicity is met with modern design. My heart did a little flutter when I saw this Marcasite dragonflies ring and again at this Fallen Angel Havisham ring.

Lastly, I really love the Faraway Tree pendant, it reminds me of the Enid Blyton stories that fuelled my imagination through my childhood and this Geo Zelia pendant is one that would work well for any outfit.

What do you think of my favourites? What are yours?

Sophie

Many thanks to Nova Silver for sending me such a gorgeous owl necklace. All opinions my own.

I can hardly believe what an amazing backdrop that has been created; golden ears of barley sweeping into the horizon while the gorgeous purple wild flowers have been sown as a field boundary. The colours are rich and match each other so well, nature really does know best working with it's glorious palette.

You may be wondering why I'm wearing such an unusual dress... I was challenged to style up this stunning flower of romance hair flower from Glitzy Secrets in my preferred seventies look; which immediately had me searching my wardrobe for the perfect dress. The hair slide is a thing of beauty indeed; so pretty and delicate looking yet strong and secure, the sparkles make it feel like a really special piece. As well as being a gorgeous hair accessory for people, like me, who wear flowers in their hair it's definitely got that magical bridal feel to it too. I wore my hair down and loose; freshly washed and full of curls and clipped the slide onto one side. You could also have your hair up and clip it in to that as well, plus I also tried out clipping in to a spray of flowers which looked beautiful too.

Necklace is from Lily Blanche and the usual array of accessories from charity shops

When creating my outfit my first reaction was to suspect I didn't own much seventies inspired pieces (wrong, about 65% of my clothes are) so my fears were quelled once I started pulling out items I liked best. Mostly dresses, with prints, except this one which cried out to be worn. It's an amazing vintage piece which has absolutely zero purpose except to hang on the rail and look like a wedding dress. It's another one of those buys which I couldn't resist but can't exactly say I'd ever have cause to wear but at £4 I had to have it.

Obviously I love the dress; when usually I'd shy away from such feature-sized short sleeves I'm embracing them and relishing how they look just right with the rest of the dress. The lace panel-strips are the second detail which makes the dress.

If I ever renew my wedding vows I want to wear this exact outfit again and stand in this very spot, it seems just about perfect to me. Do you think so? I do.

Sophie

Thanks to Glitzy Secrets for sending me such a gorgeous clip to style up

It's hard to beat a good bit of spring sunshine for bringing a smile to my face.
It was a fairly cool day last week when we went out for a healthy dose of fresh air and I was not looking forward to taking off my coat and scarf for a few pictures but the reality was that I actually felt warmer once the sun was shining directly on my bare skin. Much as we are warned of the dangers of the sun, I'm sure I must photosynthesise or something. It gives me nourishment of a spiritual kind.
The ground was pretty much dry back then, it had been a good while since the previous wet spell and so I was able to wear my long boots for a change which I think look much nicer with this ditsy floral tutu. All through winter I was determined to wear this skirt and yet after a bit of a head scratch I can't recall wearing it through the coldest season at all, better late than never I guess.
With a coat I got away with ¾ length sleeves on my green jumper – which is such a gloriously rich shade of green. It almost makes up for the fact that it crumples without being ironable, almost.
Did you notice the unicorn necklace I am wearing? I am in LOVE with it! It's part of the Eclectic Collection from Iced Rainbow jewellery. It's silver on one side and black on t'other which makes for two choices. Black stood out more with this bright coral top.
I hope the sun shines for you this week,
Sophie

I don't own enough jewellery by a long stretch and I'm looking to increase my collection by shopping locally, finding some individual handmade pieces that make me smile. I recently discovered local seller Louise Jay of Pretty Cute Jewellery  who sells handmade jewellery on etsy and kind of fell in love with her creations!

Louise kindly sent me two sets of pretty cute earrings, aren't they delightful? I know they are something I will wear again and again.

Bird House earrings £2 -  Bird on swing earrings (which seem to be no longer available – sorry) I believe they were also £2

Here are some of the other pieces that have really caught my eye!

Tree of life ribbon necklace £7  - Alice in wonderland ribbon necklace £7

Wooden owl brooch £2.50  - Bird earrings £2

Steampunk fairy earrings £4  - Dotty bow brooch £2

All very sweet pieces and living up to the promise of pretty, cute jewellery as well as such good value, surely? I'm thinking of buying a few pieces as little presents or maybe and more likely keeping them for myself.

What do you think? What's your favourite piece?

Sophie

Thank you to Pretty Cute Jewellery for sending me the earrings, all opinions are my own