7 years of England...but ...

Here's the thing.

I'm not English. British. Scottish. Welsh....Irish...no... English is not my first language. But if you ever spoke to me, you most likely wouldn't notice.

I'm Croatian. And for those that are unsure where that is:

This isn't me being awkward, I do genuinely meet people who just don't know.And it's ok. It's kinda small and thin...kinda squished. Don't you think?

I have been here (England, in case you didn't realise) for just over 7 years now. I'm used to it now. I wouldn't say I'm a converted Brit, but I do enjoy my cuppa tea and the roast dinner and the ridiculous breakfasts...and of course, London is just down there...

Anyway - there are 3 reasons why I'm telling you this...

1. I love it
2. You will love it
3. I'm going home today :)

For a couple of weeks, back in the motherland (cheesy), back to my family and friends and the town and the beach and the glorious sea and mountains. I cannot wait.
I'm not just partial to my own little town, although it is rather cute...but I thought I'd let you in on a few places you might want to consider when you plan your next holiday ;)

Istria

The gorgeous peninsula, once owned by the Roman empire...

Zadar

Plitvice Lakes

Dugi otok (Long island ;)

There are many many more... Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Kornati islands, Korcula, Hvar...  Have a little Google time to yourself and see it. You'll love it before you even get there.

I will show you much more once I'm back.

It's not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen.

Because maybe it has all been done before, but not by me, you and whoever else you want to point to.

I had a quiet week on here. We went away for the weekend, up to the Welsh north and extremely windy beaches...

Loved it.

It got me thinking about being able to work anywhere, anytime - whilst enjoying moments like these whenever they occur. This is why I have decided to make a list. A list of things I want to do, near future - far future...doesn't matter. 

"The biggest mistake we could ever make is to be too afraid to make one"

The idea of the list is being able to cross things off. Y'know? The satisfaction of getting it done! It doesn't matter how big or small. And I'd like you to join me :)

More to come in next post.... stay tuned... ;)

Source - Pinterest

Liebster Award Nomination

A big, big thanks to the lovely Becky Mortimer of Bex Morts who nominated me for the Liebster award!

The Liebster Award is a way for new blogs to be recognized, and to spread the word to others so they can check it out.  A lot of work goes into creating a blog, and it’s nice to be noticed!

These are the rules:

- Post the award on your blog
- Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog
- Write 11 random facts about yourself
- Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and who have less than 250 followers
- Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11 Random facts :)

1. English is not my first language

2. I love tea...I got to love the traditional tea drinking over here on the island

3. My boyfriend Ryan is also my very best friend, who I love, admire and would do anything for

4. I am incredibly calm in nature. 

5. I'm an undercover introvert

6. I have a fair few tattoos

7. I'm nearly 30 and I still get asked for an ID

8. I get excited about some very random things

9. I'm a self-taught crafter/maker/creative 

10. I'd love to write a book

11. I'm very impatient

11 Answers to Bex :)

How did you come up with your Blog name?

Quite randomly! I wanted something that will flow and be fairly memorable and sweet, but without committing to anything in particular - as I like to talk about many different thing. Also - I love birds.

And honey - on pancakes ;)

Why did you start a Blog?

I wanted to write. I'm also in the process of creating a number of things which I will sell online - I'm currently reviewing different websites to sell on.

But really, I read so many blogs, it was going to happen sooner or later. And I love it.

What is your favourite meal?
That is really difficult. I am partial to pasta, fish, seafood and of course - all of my mothers cooking. I will share some recipes at some point.

Your favourite music band/singer?
I am rather eclectic. My all time, always and forever favourite - Nick Cave.
My playlist is huge and ranges from Jerry Lee Lewis to Outkast. It all depends on the mood.

Which famous person would you most like to meet?
This may be sad - but definitely Robin Williams. I grew up watching his films and he always seemed like a genuine nice guy. Also - Stephen Fry, David Attenborough, Prof Brian Cox....

Describe the perfect day for you
Waking up to the sun shining through the curtains on some peaceful tropical island, having breakfast on the wooden porch overlooking the beach, following a lovely stroll with Ryan and our dog. Hopping over to a nearby town for a spot of lunch later on, talking to the locals, artists, random people you meet... then a lovely dinner back in our place with plenty of wine and fresh fruits under the stars.

Your favourite clothes shop
I don't have one! For my "work stuff" I love Next, Warehouse and sometimes H&M. For my own stuff - it's really random. A lot of my stuff is off e-bay or local charity shops. Thrifty!

What blogs do you like to read?
Hmmm.... ok so obviously there's the A Beautiful Mess. Then, One Sheepish Girl, DesignLoveFest, etc. I also follow ILoveTypography and Creative Bloq

Your favourite past time?
Scheming on what's my next make going to be.

What is your favourite post so far?
This means my own? This one although it is rather short, it's from the heart, to myself more than anyone else. I sometimes put too much pressure on myself.

Your favourite memory as a child?
I have so many :) My dad was an amateur videographer and I used to follow him around while he was filming. We also used to go hiking and we planted lots and lots of trees where the fire burned them down on top of a hill close to my home.
I also cherish the trip my mum took me on with her work, we went onto a fast boat to one of the most gorgeous set of islands for the day, enjoyed the scenery and lovely fresh fish for dinner. It was gorgeous, us girls had much fun.
_________________________________________________________________________________

11 Questions to my nominees

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. Who/what inspires you? This doesn't need to relate just to the blog.

3. What's the last book you've read? Any good?

4. If you could choose to do one thing for the rest of your life, what would your work be?

5. Do you have any unusual habits?

6. What makes you feel confident?

7. Can you recommend 5 blogs to watch?

8. If you were about to be on a cover of a magazine, which one would it be?

9. What would be your super power if you had one?

10. If I gave you a time machine, where would you travel to and why?

11. If you were directing a movie, who would you cast as the two leads and what would it be about?

_________________________________________________________________________________

and.... the nominees are:

• @Beautohs http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4898575
• @curvyGfashion http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12653953
• @LovinglyKate https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7137401
• @CharSwinhoe http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12015021
• @Beverbeee http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12629519
• @JessicaLSuchon http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11464503
• @LaraDeMercy http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12655691
• @Artdicted2 http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12427643
• @Erinperin9 http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12418297
• @flame_delacure http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12543371
• @alexemily94 https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12202731

Much love to all of you :)

xoxo

What I'm reading vol.2 - Books for Creatives and such

Ehm... yes please

Ok, a confession... this is more of a list of things I'm planning to read. I've been so busy with general life things lately, I haven't even read a full magazine, let alone a book. But, I am vowing to change that and soon!

So here's my "to-read" list

“If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.”

“We need to be willing to risk embarrassment, ask silly questions, surround ourselves with people
who don’t know what we’re talking about. We need to leave behind the safety of our expertise.”

Just because he is brilliant.

Because so many people recommend it, it would be rude not to

Creativity is within all of us.

So that's 5. I'm hoping to get them on the way in the next week or so. What's on your list?

Starting up - notes to self

I have read blogs about blogs. Blogs about crafts. Blogs about Etsy. Blogs about keeping your finances right. Then of course, blogs that randomly caught my eye.

So I've been at it for a little while. I have found and read and stored inspiration and information. I've written a few things so far...I've made a few things so far.... I've been chatting to fellow writers and makers.

And after this little time, I feel I'm learning.

And sometimes it's hard.

Sometimes, I had a long day at work and all I wanna do is eat, have a cup of tea and slump on the sofa. Sometimes I feel there are other things to do - around the house, usually. Or, go see someone or go food shopping. And so on...

Life, eh...

But then!

I made a little mental list of things to keep in mind for these kinda times:

1. Don't be too harsh on yourself. Sometimes, it simply won't happen.
2. It's ok to be tired. Mentally or physically. It's called being human.
3. Never compare yourself to anyone - you are unique and you may still be searching for "it" whatever "it" is
4. Have fun. Always have fun with it all.
5. This is a part of your future and as a future thing it will take time to grow and develop. And on the way there, there will be mistakes to learn from.
6. Occasionally, try and get some sleep. Tell the brain to shut up.

Because things worth doing quite often take a little extra time.

Have you had such thoughts? Do you have your own list to adhere to? A mantra maybe? Leave a comment or get in touch on Twitter :) @honeysweetbird

Weekend Inspiration - making and writing

Friday. Finally. This has been a long week. I am so happy it's over... nothing that bad about it, simply one of those tiring never-ending ones. But - yay! We made it through. Those on the other end of the pond - nearly there!

So, weekend.

There is always the "making" side of it. I'm nearing a point where I will have enough items made to present them to you. And I am very mush looking forward to it. 

Although. there is that little bit of fear that comes with it I guess, I've never publicly displayed my makes (except maybe as a kid at a school craft fair). It's all been kind of hush hush and kept just for me and those close to me. So to suddenly open it up and go "this is what I made" is kinda weird. I am fine with criticism. It's the non-constructive comments that I dread.

Well, that and ending up with the lot stuck in my cupboard forever.

I am also going to a nearby Craft festival (as a visitor) on Sunday. This will be the first time I go to anything like it. I have always just done my own thing and not really thought about it. I heard about this one though and it's not that far away + there are free gifts involved so... I have no excuse. I will share more about it sometime next week.

Source - Etsy

These past few days I have been thinking about writing more. Not in a sense of blog writing or story writing as such. Just - writing. 

Have you ever had that feeling you just wanna sit down and write something? You may not know exactly what it is or why it is, you just feel the urge to do it? 

Source - Flickr

That's where I'm at now. I'm kinda trying to figure it out, see where it takes me. So I will shut up and.... oh... wait...

~~~~~ Come and say Hi on Twitter @honeysweetbird ~~~~~

Planning a wedding in less than six months

Some time in early June a couple of our dear friends got engaged, and this is fabulous, of course. After some thinking and changing of plans, they have decided to move the wedding from next August to this December - right between Christmas and New Year.

Now, some of you will say - "oh that's nice".

But some of you will think "Are they mad? That's less than 6 months!!"

But, y'know what? It's ok. 

If you really want to speed it up, it's perfectly possible, with a bit of know how on planning.

I have this thing about organisation. I am very good at it. Our friends don't need that help as they are already pretty set, but it gave me an idea to write a little bit about it. 

And these are my tips.

1. Budget talk

How much money do you have that can be spent on this? Taking out a loan should be the last thing you consider as the repayments aren't the best memory of a wedding. Don't start thinking about weddings you've been to, especially if they were the ones planned way in advance. This is about YOU TWO and you are unique. You do not need to spend thousands to have a wedding of your dreams.

1.1 Enlisting help from people around you

My friends love my baking skills. I have agreed to create cute little cupcakes to go with their vintage theme. They even knew which flavours, as I made them this cake a while ago - I'll just need to adapt it a little.
Can someone bake you a cake you love? You can normally get them decorated professionally if you so wish - or simply have them looking gorgeous and homemade.
Is there someone who can arrange your flowers? You do not need to order a special "Wedding" bouquet. Buy some flowers even from the local supermarket and trim and tie and create your own. Add some beads, feathers, ribbon, fabric, pearls.... options are endless. OR explore the more crafty options.
You get the jist?

1.2 Guests

There is only one rule to this - this is your day. YOU decide who you want to share it with. If you cannot invite everyone, due to budget limitations or space, maybe you can organise a party afterwards for them. Or, invite them to the evening do only. There is no need to feel pressured about inviting someone you don't even speak to just because you invited someone else. This is your wedding. Your memories.

2. Reception venue and date

How about looking at some more...unconventional venues. Restaurants? Clubs? Your grandparent's massive garden? Local farm? There are so many options. And if you are more of a traditionalist, look for the nearby hotels, or - like another couple of friends - go further afield if they will offer a great discount on accommodation of your guests.




A venue can be found online and phone calls can be made to check availability. In this day and age, it should not take you any more than a day to find a few to check out. I would recommend lmiting yourself to 3, for convenience. Take a weekend to yourself and go have a look at them. Then book - most will accept a booking over the phone, once you saw them all and you made your decision.

Also, why not look at alternative days? Keep it right by the weekend, as people will need to take time off work - but Mondays and Fridays are getting increasingly popular due to lower pricing.


3. The photos and entertainment

Photographer? DJ? Band? Again, these days, getting some music for your wedding can be as easy as creating a playlist with your favourite tunes on your phone/laptop/whatever - use things like Spotify, why not? Then have someone acting as a DJ - we all have that one friend...
There are also plenty of bands around on the internet if that's your thing. You may want to consider having the band on just at the beginning for a few hours, rather than a whole night.
Photographers? No need to pay big money. Create an instagram wedding page for guests to share your pictures to, get an arty friend to take the more posed pictures - or even, see if there are any local photography classes or courses at the university/college - student will ask for less if it means they build their portfolio of work. Be very precise as to what you want and you could even create a Pinterest board for them to see what kind of thing you like.

4. Stationary

In my humble opinion - if you have a printer and a couple of hours time, you can create something amazing. Go to Etsy and browse for printable wedding stationary. For a few pounds/dollars you will be able to find something you can pay for - customise - download in a matter of hours and if you do not want to spend too much on paper and ink, use an online printing service.
Go to something like Printed.com





5. The all important - suits, dresses, jewellery

In terms of suits, depending on your wedding theme and style, there are plenty of options. For more relaxed themes, opt for something more casual. For keeping up with the tradition, go to the usual shops - in UK Next, BHS, Debenhams and the rest all have some fantastic offers that won'd break the bank.
Jewellery. There is probably already an engagement ring on that finger, and you'd probably like to match it. Again, Etsy is full of gorgeous non-expensive options. Try Ebay too, given enough time, overseas shipping sometimes is the better option. Just remember to go and get your measurements first.

And ---- the dress. Of course.
Vintage shops, Ebay, Sample sales, Local seamstress............. options are endless. You can find a local seamstress who will be able to create one for you. Bring some samples, show the Pintrest board... my sister in law had her crafty neighbour create one. And all she had to do is find the materials - measurements were advised by the lady that made it.
There are also wedding fairs, usually several in a year so chances are you may be able to find a dress on sale - remember, you can always customise.
Or - go to the vintage shops and find something in the right colour for you - who says it needs to be white and long?! You're the one wearing it!

And keep your mind open - customisation doesn't need to be expensive or difficult and let's be honest, you can probably do something yourself.

And - Google is your friend. Pinterest is a must. Keep a record of your spending and spend wisely. Shop around. Take note of any shipping dates on online orders. Think outside the box. Delegate responsibilities - you two do NOT have to do everything. Your friends and family will be happy to help too.

And most importantly - relax. There's enough time.






What are your planning tips? Have you had any experiences of speedy wedding planning? Please leave some comments below. If you have any questions, it is more than likely there will be someone on here with an answer!