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Wandering around Rushmere Country Park Heath and Reach

June 2, 2019 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

I’ve not shared an outing photo set for a while so thought I’ve put together some winter snaps from a walk round Rushmere Country Park in Heath and Reach.

The park is one of those places that caters to lots of different interests including a bike trail, wildlife spotting, hiking, a cafe and lots of beautiful scenery.

Wildlife at Rushmere Country Park

The hive of activity appears to be around the lake, where you’ll see ducks swimming and squirrels darting across the wooden bridge. But what the park is most famous for are its herons. You can view these birds nesting during Spring from their cafe’s terrace. This time we went, I actually saw a heron stood by the water and a blue tit perched on the bridge.

The Gear I Wear

For any walk, in any season, I’m never without my hiking boots. A must if you cover as many miles as I often do at the weekend. I’ve got these navy hi-tec boots with solid ankle supports for all terrains.

I also take this zip up North Face fleece from Simply Hike. It’s breathable and light weight, perfect for cooler months and evenings walks. Obviously it’s in black so it goes with everything I already own.

If you’re after something similar yourself, you can pick one up from Simply Hike’s Mountain Wear range.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Designer Radiators Really Do Exist And Can Transform Your Home

August 2, 2017 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

If your home’s interior is looking a bit dull and dreary, there are plenty of ways to give it a fresh new look such as a fresh coat of paint and new accessories, but I bet many of you don’t give much thought to the radiators, which often go overlooked. Fitting new designer radiators might not seem glamorous, but given that there are loads more designs, colours and styles to choose from these days, they really can provide a polished look to  any room.

Gone are the days when all you had to choose from was a plain white radiator in a variety of sizes, which was only going to replace a radiator that looked pretty much the same! Today, when shopping for a new radiator, you’ll be surprised at just how many designs are available that will enhance any décor – modern or traditional.

But, there’s more to radiators than meets the eye, so check out these top tips from BigBathroomShop.co.uk on how to choose the best one to suit your requirements.

What to consider before buying a radiator

Before buying new radiators, it’s important to work out the heat that’s required to warm your chosen room. The heat output from all radiators is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and there’s plenty of BTU calculators available on the web that you can use to work out the required heat output.

You may find that one radiator produces enough heat to warm your room, or you may need more than one to deliver the required amount of BTUs. You can roughly work out how many BTUs are needed by multiplying the height, width and length of the room in feet, and then multiply this figure by 4.

Enhancing a modern interior

Designer radiators are ideal for enhancing any modern interior, and they come in a variety of colours such as black, anthracite and red, as well as matt and glossy finishes to match in with your décor. Offering more than just a heat source, a designer radiator can make a statement and transform the look of any room without too much effort.

Vertical designer radiators are popular with interior designers, as well as homeowners, and they are a great option for where there’s limited wall space. A vertical radiator heats a large area but without taking up too much wall space. Some even incorporate a full length mirror, which is ideal for hallways and bedrooms.

As well as colours and sizes, designer radiators come in a range of profiles. Flat panel radiators help to save space and create a sleek, contemporary look. There’s even radiators with tubular shaped and diamond shaped columns if you fancy something a bit different.

Enhancing a traditional interior

Contemporary not your thing? Then how about opting for a traditional column radiator? Perfect for adding vintage style to your home, a column radiator is made up of vertical tubes and are typically two, three or four columns deep. The more columns, the higher the heat output.

This style of radiator is available in a range of sizes, as well as vertical and horizontal designs. There’s also various finishes including white, black and anthracite. Column radiators can be fitted to the wall or mounted to the floor with specially designed feet and a bracket.

The best place to position your radiators

Ideally your new radiators should be positioned in the coldest part of the room – this is usually next to or underneath the window, or on an outside wall. Before fitting a radiator, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the wall, and repair any cracks.

Take the type of wall into consideration too, as it will need to be strong enough to support the weight of the radiator. A solid wall constructed from brick for example will support a heavy radiator. But if the wall is plasterboard, you will need to identify the location of the studs – these are the timber pieces that plasterboard is fitted to. The radiator should be fitted to the studs as this will be the strongest part of the wall.

If you are experienced at DIY you can fit your new designer radiator yourself, but if you lack the skills, it’s worth paying a professional to install it for you.

 

*this is a collaborative post

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Valentine’s Day | Strange Gifts for Strange Girls

February 10, 2015 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

strange gifts for strange girls

I admit it. I’m strange. And over the years I’ve embraced my strangeness and love for the weird and wonderful. This has also spilled over into the gifts that my nearest and dearest give me, like the sheep’s skull my boyfriend got me one year. It’s still a treasured possession.

So, if you’re a strange one like me and you don’t know how to tell your partner that chocolates and flowers don’t really get your heart racing, or if you’re in love with someone who is a little quirky and you have no idea what to get them, then this last minute Valentine’s Day gift guide for strange girls should help you out.

1. Tooth Necklace Etsy

Strange girls still like jewelry, but they’re not overly fussed about how many carats something has. This real human tooth necklace from Etsy seller BoneJewelery would make a perfect token of affection. It’s mounted onto an oval polymer backing to ensure the tooth doesn’t rot away.

2. Globe Ring by Dandelion Jewelry

Diamond rings do not impress strange girls. We still like our statement jewelry, but it has to be weird. This globe ring with real dandelion seeds is both glamorous and allegorical  – something to fuel your loved one’s imagination.

3. Beetle Scarf

Some people wear horse prints, others like insect prints. I know which camp I fall into. If your girlfriend doesn’t like anything cute and fluffy then this Beetle scarf from Not on the High Street will make a unique Valentine’s gift. Beetles actually use their mandibles to battle with other males for female affection so there would be some romantic intent with this gift.

4. Lolita Lempicka Midnight Couture Black Eau De Minuit Eau De Toilette

Perfume is always a staple gift for Valentine’s Day, but this Lolita Lempicka perfume smells gorgeous and the bottle is beautifully gothic in design. It’s perfect for those who collect unique perfume bottles.

5. T.U.K Anarchic Viva Mondo Velvet Punk Boot

The one and only gift on my list that features the colour red. As red is the official colour of luurve it wouldn’t be a Valentine’s Day gift guide without it!

So red might not be your girlfriend’s favourite colour, but these velvet boots from T.U.K are perfect for alternative girls – and being red they’ll symbolise some semblance of romance.  Shoes are still a girl’s best friend after all!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

My 5 Favourite Instagram Accounts This December

December 18, 2014 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

I’ve seen other bloggers write Instagram roundups and I love the idea. I might make this a regular thing if people like it.

If some of you hadn’t noticed, Instagram is my favourite social networking site. I like it because it puts emphasis on visuals and I enjoy working around the restrictions of the media to create beautiful shots.

There are so many amazing instagramers out there who are genuinely talented and don’t just rely on a filter to make their photos look good. Whilst many of the people I follow capture everyday scenes, I also follow people who are artists, designers, crafters or just everyday IG’ers. Here are my top five instgrammers from this December.

@ingridpetriedesign

ingridpetriedesign

Ingrid Petrie is behind the handle @ingridpetriedesign. She’s a graphic designer based in Scotland who sells prints of cute and whimsical designs.

@stuckwithpins

stuck with pins instagram

I first came across Corinne Alexandra via her blog, also called Stuck with Pins. She’s a designer. illustrator, photographer and a collector of the macabre. I particularly love how she frames her bone collections for interesting shots.

@carlynotcarly

carlynotcarly

Carly Morris is one of those instagrammers who uses her account to share her professional photography. Her feed is packed with delicate macro shots of water droplets clinging to petals and tiny insects.

@skull_society

skull-society

The @skull_society bio reads “Welcome to a world of skulls” and their posts definitely deliver on this. From, graffiti to paintings and from illustrations to sculpture, if the subject matter contains a skull, the Skull Appreciation Society will post it.

@nicholasgoodden

nicholas goodden

Nicholas Goodden is probably one of the most talented urban photographers I’ve seen recently. Oh – and he’s been named in the Top 100 Most Socially Influential Photographers. Rather than capturing a building or structure in it’s entirety, Goodden exploits unusual perspectives to make us see our everyday surroundings differently.

If you’re following a particularly talented instagrammer, why not share in the comments below.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

15 Christmas Gift Ideas For Cat Lovers

December 9, 2014 by Zoe-Lee Skelton

Stuck for gift ideas for a friend or loved one who likes cats?

As a crazy cat woman myself, I have a pretty good idea of the types of gifts a cat person would love to unwrap on Christmas day. And some of these gifts aren’t just for humans because, what better way to get to a crazy cat person’s heart than through their cat, right?

1. Cat-olpoly*

In my family, playing a board game is the only thing we can bring ourselves to do whilst in a Christmas dinner induced coma. So if you’re looking to buy a board game for someone who owns a cat, Cat-opoly is the purrfect choice,

cat-opoly

Cat-opoly is the cat version of Monopoly. Instead of buying houses in London, players can buy their favourite breed of cat, collect litter boxes and trade them in for fish bones and land on cat nip to win everything in the middle of the board. I got mine from Presents for Men who sell all sorts of quirky and fanciful gifts for men and for women.

2. Cat slippers*

To complete the look of any crazy cat lady, cat slippers are a necessity.

cat-slippers

I love these knitted cat bootie slippers from Find Me a Gift. They’re warm, colourful and the soles don’t feel like it’s going to wear away in a week!

 3.Cat grooming products*

It’s unfair that  cat owners are stereotyped as smelling of cat wee and tuna! OK it’s partly true, partly fiction.

But with these delightful smelling cat grooming products, you’ll be giving your chosen cat person the gift of sweet scented fur babies.

cat grooming products

I love the Pet Head range. I got the fizzy kitty mousse and de-shed me shampoo from The Company of Animals. Both made Mick smell lovely – once I eventually managed to coax him into the bath!

4. Cat scotch tape dispenser*

Anything that’s cat shaped and useful is essential for me. I love this cat scotch tape dispenser that I got from 3M Scotch

cat-scotch-tape

It’s been really useful at this time of year, what with wrapping dozens of presents and it’s made a great addition to my harem of kitty trinkets!

5.Cat tea tray*

If your loved one has a lap cat, a lap tray for their prime puss will stop the transfer of irritating cat hairs onto their favourite clothes. I love these cat print lap tray from Bobbin & Co. It’s available to buy from Amazon

cat-tray

As I do a lot of crafting and sewing, this lap tray is ideal for getting things done whilst binge watching my favourite TV series on Netflix.

6. Cat bed

If your cat crazy friend is tired of sharing their bed with their moggy, give them the gift of a good night’s sleep with a brand new cat bed.

Hooded-Igloo-with-cat

I like this black and grey hooded igloo from Pets at Home. I find that cats prefer cave like spaces they can crawl into, so a bed that allows them to hide in is perfect.

7. Cat tights

There’s an assortment of crazy cat lady tights out there. What better way for cat lovers to show their appreciation for the species than adoring their pins with these fancy feline prints. I’ve listed a selection of my favourite styles:

Lazy cat illustrative cat tights

lazy cat illustrated tights

I love the style of the cats on these. And the way that they’re draped down the leg. You can buy these from here

 Cat heart print sheer tights

cat print tattoos

 

These tights are great for warmer days. And they kind of look slightly tattoo-esque. You can buy these for £6.38  from ChicaNova ! Might have to buy these myself.

Stripy cat print tights

stripy cat tights

These stripy tights are so cute. The cats even have their own bow ties. You can buy these from YesStyle

8. Cat clothes

What do cat people like to do when they’re not playing with their cat or talking about their cat? They like to dress up as a cat. Treat your pal to a pretty cat-inspired party dress this year.

velvet cat party dress

I love this velvet bodycon dress from MissGuided – perfect for the party season.

9.Gourmet Organic Cat Food*

A happy purring cat puts a smile on any cat owner’s face. Why not treat their favourite feline to some fine dining – organic style.

Mick absolutely loved this natural salmon & chicken cat food from Fourthglade, who have been making delicious cat food in Devon for over 40 years.

Mick-eating-forthglade

forthglade cat food

 

Unlike regular cat food these actually smell appetising and it’s good to know that nothing artificial has gone into the manufacture.

10. Cat toys

If your friend or loved one’s cats are anything like Mick, I imagine they get bored of their toys very quickly.  Why not buy their pet something interesting to play with. I like this Kitty City Mouse Hunt from Pet Planet:

10_Kitty_City_Mouse_Hunt

This toy promises to drive kitty crazy with jingle balls and a plush toy to stimulate a cat’s natural hunting instincts.

11. Cat bag

You can never own too many (cat) bags. I’ve got my eye on this beautiful black sleeping cat cross body bag from ASOS.

sleeping cat cross body bag

The ears and silver eye details are so cute! This bag is the ideal evening bag for the recipient to wear with their favourite festive frock.

12. Cat craft

An observation I’ve made over the years is that cat owners tend to be crafters too. Why not get them a new project to keep their paws busy. This pawsome Grumpy cat cross stitch pattern from MooseTreeStitches on Etsy is funny and it will impress instagram followers once finished.

grumpy cat cross stitch

13. Cat donation

If you’re really stuck for ideas (or if the person you’re buying for couldn’t possibly need anymore cat) a donation to a local cat shelter will make a great gift.

You can find your local cat shelter via the Cat’s Protection search page
cats protection make a donation

Cat’s Protection carry out tireless and thankless work for the UK’s cat population. As well as donations, they also offer the alternative of sponsoring a cat. You can sponsor a kitty from as little as 19p a day.

14. Cat art

If the cat lover in your life still has wall space left to display more cat pictures and art, then this Grumpy cat print will be the perfect addition to hang in their home.

grump cat geek print

This print is available to purchase from one of my most favourite online stores in the world, Ohh Deer

15. Cat jewellery

Buy your mate some cat themed jewellery to cover up all of the kitty scratches. I particularly love Tatty Devine’s Cat Bangle (I’ve already got the matching ring):

tatty devine cat bangle

It’s £30, so a little on the pricey side. But it’s made in the UK so it’s good to know that you’ll be supporting British business.

If you’ve got any other awesome Christmas present ideas for cat lovers, let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to the blog.

Merry Christmas!

A * indicates whether product has been gifted to review.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: christmas gift guide, gifts for cat lovers, gifts for cats, gifts for people who like cats

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Hi, I’m Zoe-Lee

Zoe-Lee

Welcome to my creative lifestyle blog showcasing my art and fashion, discussing interior design ideas and style as well as cruelty-free beauty.

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