ESSENTIALS | In the bag

IMG_9157

 

Carrying on from my bathroom essentials list, I thought I would share my day to day, on the go, handbag essentials list!

BKR water bottle | I am a thirsty gal, so when I am about and about, or even at home, my BKR is full and handy. And it’s Glass + silicone, BPA-free, phthalate-free and pretty cute. Win win win. 

Tape Measure | I use this constantly! Whether it’s for furniture or fabric, it is the handiest thing.

Doggy Treats | Either in my bag or my pocket. The glamour of dog ownership.

Sophie Conran Secateurs | How else am I supposed to wrangle that roadside goodness?

Issey Miyake Perfume | Although I am on the hunt for a new scent ( I am thinking a little more grown up and a little less girly, any suggestions? ) this has been my staple.

Composition Book | I stocked up on these last time we were in America, they are my all time fav for jotting, scribbling and list making. 

Uniball Pens | At least three, I have counted up to 12 at one point in time. Seriously though, I am a bit of a pen snob. Don’t you try to make me use you bulk pack ball points reception lady.

Iphone | Where would I be without you. Plus my super cute case from the babes at Bread & Butter Letter to keep it safe and stylish.

Karen Walker Anytimes | The queen of eyewear. The perfect ” I left the house without mascara and I look suuuuper tired” shades.

Georgia Jay Bebe purse | Keeps all the cards in and looks pretty whilst doing it. Super soft leather and the perfect shade of mushroom.

M.A.C Lip Pencil | I use this as a lipstick, for those running out the door, last minute touch ups. pairs perfectly with the ” I left the house without mascara and I look suuuuper tired” shades.

Kiyoko Lip Balm | The best balm I have found. Natural, nourishing and smells delicious  plus perfect packaging.

Buffalo Comb | There seems to be a trend here that I don’t actually do my hair or make up until I have left this house. Well that being said, this puppy helps tame the mane just right.

 

What are you handbag staples?

Until next time,BlackbirdBLOG signature

MAKE IT | Summer pickled vegetables

titlePICKLEDBEGblackbirdblog IMG_8868 IMG_8870 IMG_8880 IMG_8891

With summer still hanging about ( although as I write this I see it slowly disappearing into a dark ominous cloud ) I am hanging on tight with these simple, delicious pickled veggies.

Side note : They taste amazing, but smell kind of awful.

Seasonal veg, I chose radish, cucumber and carrots
1 cup vinegar (apple cider, rice wine, champagne, red wine)
1/2 cup cold water
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 clove garlic, sliced

Thinly slice the veggies and place them in a jar. In a small saucepan combine the vinegar, cold water, sea salt, and the garlic. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, and then remove from the heat.

Pour the vinegar mix into the jar. Place the lid on the jar. Allow to cool. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 10 days.

Yum! What is your favourite veggie to pickle?

Until next time,BlackbirdBLOG signature

Bathroom essentials & Ecostore giveaway ( CLOSED )

bathroomESSENTIALSblackbird

 

When it comes to bathrooms, these are undoubtably my ‘must-haves’

 

Practical but pretty  |  And not just pretty, organsied. For me, they day starts better when everything is in it’s place. But with such a small bathroom and limited storage how do I be practical and pretty?  Fog Linen wire storage, thats how. Available from www.fatherrabbit.com . On the subject of pretty, this sweet little dish from Houston Design Co is the holder of everything that needs a transitional home, from rings, to bobbie pins it’s the handiest thing around. Available from www.houstondesignco.bigcartel.com .  And finally, no bathroom is complete without the addition of Turkish cotton towels, light weight but luxurious. Perfection.  Available from www.ottoloom.co.nz

Calm & Serene  |  Like the bedroom, I believe the Bathroom should bea  restful place. A place to collect your thoughts in the morning, or unwind in the evening. And nothing does this more than a delicious scented candle, Midnight Orchid from Ecoya is at the top of my list. Available from www.ecoya.com . Finally, being honest, nothing screams calm and screne to me than a beautiful clean space. Ecostore is the practically only product we use. Not only do the work a treat, they smell amazing and are ‘free from all nasties’ triple tick in my book.

 

The lovely folks at Ecostore have been incredibly generous and have one  Pamper Pack up for grabs! Inculding Hand wash  Body was, hand and body moisturiser and soaps! All you have to do is head over to Ecostore and tell us your favourite bathroom product in the comments below!

Winner drawn at random next Monday.

 

Good Luck!

Until next time,BlackbirdBLOG signature