journal Archives - Page 2 of 2

When Not On The High Street (NOTHS) got in touch and asked if I would like to review something up to the value of £50 from across their site, I nearly passed out with excitement. I adore the items they stock and think that being able to buy from independents in this way is a great way to shop.

I decided to buy some art work, then I thought I’d get something as a treat just for me, then I found the Christmas stuff, and then the fashion ranges…. needless to say that I was browsing all evening with a wishlist as long as your arm saved in my basket at the end of it. What I chose in the end was a gift for my husband, Roy.

Unlike myself, Roy is hugely creative, he writes, sings, plays guitar, writes songs and is a fabulous artist. As the review request came through a couple of days before his birthday I thought I’d see if I could find something as an extra treat and was thrilled when I found this:

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The images here don’t actually do the item justice so have a look at the product page for more info.

The Indra A4 Embossed And Stoned Leather Journal which would normally retail at £34.95 is a perfect gift for someone like Roy. The quality is undeniable, it looks fabulous, it feels great and is useful, or it will be, once he decides what he wants to use if for (I think he is still at the “it is too lovely to spoil by using” stage).

This item ticks all of the boxes for me too as it is an eco-friendly and fair trade product. The paper for example is made via a charity in India that support the provision of education for women in the area. Even the Khadda paper is recycled as it is handmade from leftover cloth from the garment industry.

The journal arrived on the morning of Roy’s birthday and he was thrilled, and I mean THRILLED! He has even taken it to work to show a couple of mates (who have all cooed over it!). I would call that a win, and I will definitely be buying gifts in the future from NotOnTheHighStreet, especially now I’ve seen for myself an example of what they sell.

So, thanks NOTHS, you have made my husband very happy! If anyone has any questions about NOTHS then why not give them a shout on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.


photo by Jill	via PhotoRee

I’ve never really done the whole keeping a diary thing. I did try when I was much younger but my little sister and I got the same diary for Christmas with the same key and well, it ended badly. Soon everyone knew that I LURVED the boy in my class more than chips or even Wagon Wheels. Kids can be cruel!

Anyway, because I am up ridiculously early as usual, want to blog and can’t think of anything interesting I am going to write a diary for the last week.

Dear Diary (snort!)
It’s been a long time since I wrote to you, blame you know who.
Anyway, last week was a very odd week.
First of all my long awaited chocolate brown suite arrived… in boxes with assembly instructions. Yes really. In truth I should have just given up on the week there and then. Being the independent and strong woman I am, I panicked, got my neighbour to come and have a look and then threw the instructions at Roy when he returned and made him sort it because “I just caaaaan’t!”.
I turns out it was just the feet that needed attaching but that’s not the point, who sends a new suite IN A BOX?

Ikea delivered my furniture order though and that was just box upon box of shiny loveliness. Fortunately for my bank balance there isn’t an Ikea I can get to so I am limited to what I can buy online. The whole point and click aspect of internet shopping is just asking for trouble if you ask me. I really do think I need another Trofast unit to go under the stairs…

Friday was fun! I woke up, stood up and fell down. I stood up again, walked forward hit the door frame and fell down again. Fun times! After a while I gave up onthis game because no-one should have to endure the room spinning thing without having had the benefit of getting pie-eyed first so I just moved on to throwing up. Nice! Fortunately Roy was off work so took over the school run and everything while I lay bleating on the new sofa, stroking it’s brown loveliness and calling out pitifully for water. Good times.

By Friday afternoon I actually felt much better. Roy encouraged me to go for a shower (I think the smell was starting to get a little too much) and I felt great when I came down. Then the phone rang, I was Kieran’s school, could I pick him up early as he was unwell. When I got there he was on the carpet in the middle of the floor, covered in a blanket and fast asleep. Poor lamb! All weekend he suffered with severe headaches and high temps on and off. I suspect it was his way of fighting off the bug I obviously couln’t.

On Sunday we were all shattered so it was a PJ day. Kieran spent most of the time building with Lego. He built our house, a garden and even included a while picket fence. Ok he forgot the door but he is 5yr old, I’m more impressed with the fence! I got told to go away for a while so that Roy and co could do some secret stuff (it’s not that secret, they were buying my Mother’s Day present from the UNICEF inspired gifts page. I have no idea what it is they’ve bought in my name but I’m very excited about all of this!).

All said and done it’s been a mixed week but we’ve come out of it ok and with shiny new furniture.
You can’t ask for better than that really can you?

Love
Nicki x