"Dear Diary..."

It will soon be a 'New Year' - which means it's time for a new diary. Perhaps given (or received) as a present? Regardless, here are some of my favorites to write down all of your appointments (and disappointments, if you're not an optimist):


1. 2.  3.
4.  5.
6.  7.
8.   9. 
10.11.


1.Liberty of London Turquoise Leather Slim Memo Diary, 2.Moleskine 12months Daily Planner, 3.Bird Applique Diary by tailormade on Etsy, 4.German Page-a-Day Calendar available at amazon.com, 5.Zenbelly Planner by zenbelly on Etsy, 6.Puzzle Calendar from V&A Museum Shop, 7.Keep Calm Spoof Printable by littlebrownpen on Etsy, 8.Neverending Adhesive-Tape Calendar at V&A Museum Shop, 9.Monet Pocket Diary, available at amazon.com, 10.Filofax Diary Refills, and 11.Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Diary


If you carry your diary electronically, as many of us do now, why not reminisce a bit and read one of these diaries this year? Perhaps on your Kindle.
a.b.
c.d.
e.


a.The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady, by Edith Holden, b.The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J.Jacobs, c.When Wanderers Cease to Roam by Vivian Swift, d.Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding, and e.Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith

Now time to get scheduling! But not too much; don't forget to be a Ferdinand every once in a while. (Better schedule that, too, right? *grins*)

Happy Christmas! And happiest of new diaries -and comfortable schedules- to you.  tIO x

Mid-week Music: Billy Mack "Christmas is All Around Us"

Yes, the video is a bit risque. But it's a parody. And the song is choice. And 'Love Actually' is... all around us:


Happy Christmas from tIO x

Banner Day! with Bookity

As I continue to search for banners to celebrate and feature, my blog folder and Etsy favorites are filling-up dramatically! So many creative people out there; I love it!

Today's creative banner is courtesy of the wonderful  Bookity. In business since August, Bookity's mission is to recycle unwanted, unusable books, hence the clever name. Here's her engaging Etsy shop banner to start: 


The simplicity and charm of these creations, especially this banner - the "Paper Shakespearean" garland, is what I adore most:

And frankly, I like to say the shop name: "Bookity". So catchy!

More Bookity inspirations:
               

She may be based in Reading UK (which is wonderful planning on her part, really), but she ships internationally, happily upgrades shipping if you ask, and invites custom orders "in the spirit of adventure and the creation of shiny things". Best of all is Bookity's motto: "have sewing machine, will make." In fact, I think it's this 'inveterate optimism' that pervades and draws me in! "That's the spirit!" I cry. And the ticket to beautiful, repurposed, handmade items from Bookity. Check it out.

This week, in the calm before the storm, I am going to try to catch up on some reading, Wolf Hall in particular.

So... 'read on, McDuff', and make it a banner day!   tIO x

PS: Find more Bookity at the Bookity blog, on Facebook at the Bookity fan page, and on twitter at @bookityshop.

Knee-deep in Stockings

Last night, The Grey Colt hosted its annual 'stocking competition' to a packed house of artisans, raffle-hopefuls, and various and sundry community notables:
    
Snap of my entry this year: (a chalkcloth, white-polka-dot-on-red oilcloth, and tartan ribbon stocking that, were I to make this again, would be pieced-together on the wrong sides and have the edges pinked)

Supplies via OilclothAddict

Wine was poured, hors d'oeuvres were passed, and a merry time was had by all!

Look for updates throughout the week as the voting continues. TTFN! tIO x

Mid-week Music: Downhere "How Many Kings"

We've reached the midpoint; let's celebrate with a captivating song-for-the-season from Downhere:

Is it just me or does Marc Martel sound like Freddie Mercury? (Just one of the reasons I'm captivated.)

So, turn it up - or slip the headphones on - and hit replay. And have a wonderful mid-week day! (Falalalala-la-la-la-la!)

Thanks for perusing this blog; blog you again soon! tIO x