~ Jewels for magpies ~

I'm having trouble writing this post because all i really want to say is look at all this lovely stuff! I was going to wax on about how a new piece of jewellery can transform an old outfit, how a jewellery shop will bring out the Barbie-loving tween in you – sparkles! glitter! – and why my latest obsession is jewellery that looks like an heirloom from somebody's attic. But really, who cares? Feast your eyes, my friends!

* Update: Bella Wish is having a sale! All affirmation pendants are now $54 *

Photo credits: Top photo: Embrace your journey charm necklace, $68 from Bella Wish 1. Lucia Holm for Puella 2. Rose necklace by Jacqleen Bleu 3. Buttercup necklace, $48, by Fox & Clover 4. Moeko pendant, $45 by Ceeb Wassermann 5. Love necklace, $28 by Found & Made 6. Celestial deluxe necklace, $46 by Luxe Deluxe 7. Matisse-inspired necklace by Round Rabbit 8. Birdie necklace, $48 by Lisa Leonard Designs 9. Charm necklace, $38 by Vintage Musings 10. Look to the sea charm necklace, $68 by Bella Wish 11. Sea life necklace, $24 by Arete

~ Hello April ~

1. Untitled, 2. in the window…, 3. magic, 4. pola04

Spring is my favourite time of year, with its blue skies, blossom and sprouting leaves. After the hard slog  of the winter I'm always elated to wake up to a sunny day and streets strewn with blossom confetti. I feel hopeful and ready to burst forth with new ideas and plans; of course, with that renewed energy comes the threat of stressing myself out with too many plans. The last few days I've been sleeping poorly, blighted by stress dreams and nightmares, unable to switch my brain off properly, to take time out to unwind. There's just too much to do. And it's then that i hear my grandmother's voice.

After my grandfather died I would phone her every Sunday from London to check in and make sure she was okay. As the months passed our calls became less tearful from her end as she adjusted to her loss as best she could. It was never easy for her after he'd gone, and she declined quite quickly in the last few years of her life.  At the end of every call I'd tell her i loved her and she would say, 'well you know I love you,' and i would say i did. Then she would tell me to go gently, knowing how i'd rush around or get carried away with whatever was consuming me at the time, and I'd tell her I would.

These words always pop into my head when i'm tired or overwhelmed, or pushing myself to do everything all at once. It's the word medicine I need today and every day this month, so i've incorporated them into my new desktop wallpaper*. I thought you might need a little reminder to go gently today too.

* The images are for your personal use only and I retain the copyright, etc etc :)

Small: 1024×768

Medium: 1280×1024

Large: 1600×1200

Extra wide: 1920×1200

In other news, I'm doing a giveaway with the lovely Amy over at Purple Pink & Orange – for your chance to win an 8×8 print of your choice from my Etsy store head over here.