Say Nice Things Stationery

New stationery brands pop up on what seems like a daily basis, however, every now and then one catches my eye and holds my attention. I spotted SNT (Say Nice Things) over on Twitter way before they launched and was intrigued. We got to talking and I was rather tickled to be sent a rather substantial pack of goodies to have a look at.

I was sent:

The Crystal A5 Journal

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I fell in love with the Crystal A5 Journal at first sight. I adore the simplicity of it and like the fact that it has been designed so that you may use it any way you want or need to. This journal features 6 sections, all of which being colour-coded.

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This enables you to split the sections up to use for different purposes, for example, a dream log, goals, diet information, anything! The first four sections are lined for you to use as you will and section five includes blank rather than lined paper as well as geometric colouring pages (to match the cover) giving you more freedom to doodle and colour to your heart’s desire. The sixth section features twelve double-spread month to view calendar pages which are ideal for planning, habit tracking and more. The possibilities are endless!

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My photography really doesn’t do these items justice if I’m being honest.

 

The Crystal Journal also features a handy pocket at the back for stickers, notes, basically anything you want to keep at hand. I’m using the journal as a bullet journal and am loving it. If you’re looking for a present to make someone grin this year, this (or any of the SNT journals) would make a great choice.

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The Cadence A5 Notebook

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I’ve had to keep this bad boy under wraps somewhat as I’ve snaffled it and hidden it to put in Roy’s Xmas box! Not “just” an ordinary notebook the Cadence Notebook feels great, is perfect again for bullet journal use, work notes, story notes, doodles, whatever you want.

With a selection of plain, lined and grid paper pages, this offers a flexible notebook solution that can be whatever you want it to be.

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A selection of gorgeous notecards / postcards and envelopes

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These are just adorable! Like everything at SNT Stationery, these cards and their envelopes are made from the highest quality materials and you can tell that the second you look at them. I haven’t used these yet (mainly because I’m trying to decide which ones to pinch from my writing box to pin up in my office) however when I do I’m sure the recipient will be thrilled.

Specific details, the dimensions and everything you really need to know about these items may be found on the SNT Stationery website. I just wanted to talk / blog about what *I* think about them!

An up and coming company Say Nice Things really seems to see and understand what people, men and women, want from their stationery and as such I’m looking forward to seeing them grow. If you want to help support them, make sure you have a nosy on their site and if you see something you think would make a brilliant gift (for you or someone else) go for it! You won’t be disappointed 🙂

 

Health and Home: DIY Awareness Campaign

At this time of year there are a number of campaigns about Christmas light safety, and reminders of what can go wrong when people take part in DIY around the home. DIY can have unexpected results. For example, when I was pregnant with my eldest (we’re talking 2006) I took it upon myself while home alone during maternity leave to gloss a door. No big deal, it’s a door, what could possibly go wrong? Put it this way, despite being super careful I somehow manage to paint the door, myself the living room carpet, the hall carpet, lino in the bathroom and the bath.

I put sheets down and everything so I’ve no idea what was wrong but needless to say it was a DIY disaster and that I am not allowed to paint anymore. On the upside I did manage to get a new carpet out of my misfortune…..

Some DIY disasters however are not so quickly and easily dealt with. Once more we as a nation are taking up our sandpaper, our paintbrushes and ripping back upholstery in a bid to make do and mend, to create bespoke pieces for our homes and to enjoy a spot of upcycling. I am a huge fan of upcycling myself. It saves money, it’s great to put your own stamp on things, it keeps things out of the landfill (the same reason I use Freecycle when I can) and it’s fun!

Judging however by the rising number of mesothelioma claims that have arisen as a result of home DIY, there is definitely a downside if you don’t know what you’re doing.

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According to data offered by Slater and Gordon Lawyers:

  • 33% of people surveyed are happy to upcycle old/antique furniture, yet only a tiny 1% would consider this an extreme risk to their health.
  • 45% of people surveyed would happily drill into walls, however only 5% of people consider this an extreme risk to their health.
  • A huge 48% stated that they were ‘not concerned’ about a health-related problem (e.g. breathing difficulties, nausea, skin irritation etc.)

While drilling, hammering and the usual DIY tasks are all of course potentially dangerous in their own right, what is causing the most concern to professionals is the fact that without knowing it many individuals are opening up old furniture which may well contain asbestos. Asbestos, as you might know may cause a number of health-related concerns if precautions are not taken when handling it.

A recent campaign which looks to open up people’s eyes to the potential for harm that comes from upcycling old furniture while not being aware of the risks is doing great things for spreading awareness. More can be found on Twitter on the #HealthandHome hashtag and via the handy infographic below.

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Don’t give up on upcycling, far from it! Just make sure that you stay safe while you’re doing it.

PS: I did not paint the carpet on purpose to get a new one. Just so we’re clear on that.

Thanks to Slater and Gordon Lawyers for the information and for running this campaign which will help keep us DIY fans safe.