It's not easy being green

I have a confession. I'm a bit of a tree hugger. Actually I'm a lapsed-but-now-re-embracing-my-inner-Eco-geek type of tree hugger. When I was about eight I used to take myself on what I called 'nature walks'. I would go out looking for things to add to my wildlife collection and if I saw an animal or bird, I would put a tick next to it in my wildlife book. I found it difficult to persuade anyone to go with me - I really can't think why.
When I grew up I wanted to be whatever it was you had to be in order to save the rainforests. I had no idea what that was, I just imagined myself living in a tree house surrounded by brightly coloured birds and monkeys.

At sixteen, I swore I would never drive a car, use disposable nappies if I had kids or use choose fashion over ethics. At thirty three I do or have done all of those things. I haven't saved the rainforests and the tree house has been replaced with a terraced house. Eight year old me would be crushed and sixteen year old me simply disgusted.

The truth is, it's bloody hard to be green these days. Properly green I mean.
A couple of years ago I was soaking up all the information I could find about self-sufficiency. Until it quickly dawned on me that it wasn't even remotely realistic unless;
a) we moved,
b) we paid off our mortgage and
c) we were both 100% in. Note the emphasis on the word "we".

The thing is, living in a terraced house leaves you rather limited regarding the space needed to grow your own food. Having a mortgage means being dependant on that office job and most importantly, if you're living with someone who thinks Ecover is a disease and would rather chew his arm off than use it well, you're stuffed basically.

But I want to have another stab at this green living marlarky. Not just because I'm a bit of a hippy and I really dig this shit man, but because I want to set a good example to Pip. And because even being self sufficientish and greenish is better than nothing.

And that's what I would tell sixteen year old me. As for eight year old me. I'd give her a hug and tell her not to give up on that tree house. There's still time.

Camping 2012!

Earlier this week, me Dan and the Pip-face jumped into an overly packed car and headed down to Dorset for a couple of nights of sleeping under the stars.

It was sunny. It was wet. We didn't always see the stars, but it was bloody awesome nonetheless.

I was worried that Pip wouldn't sleep well. Ha! She slept insanely well. We on the other hand, did not. Apart from worrying that she was too hot/too cold/not breathing, we also had some terrible weather during the nights we were there. Heavy rain and strong winds woke us time and time again, but not Pip. So of course we thought the worst and would check on her again, only to find that she was still sound asleep. I actually had visions of her screaming the place down and having to drive home at three in the morning so I can't tell you what a relief this was.

The trip itself was a blink-and-you'll-miss-us deal. We only had one full day there and it rained for most of that, but I genuinely didn't care as I was having more fun that I'd anticipated and was relieved that Pip wasn't at all phased by the whole thing. We spent our time castle viewing (from afar - we didn't want to spend £18!), eating fish and chips by the sea and playing in the tent.

The camping site including photo of the eco-loo which I actually loved!

And then all too soon it was time to pack up the car and come home again. And just when the weather had sorted itself out too!

The place we went to was called Riverside Lakes in Dorset and if anyone is looking for a family friendly camping site for next year's trip, I couldn't recommend them enough. They have a shower and toilet block (as well as the eco-loo!)and a kitchen area so even if you're more of a 'glamping' than camping type, you'll still love it here. The owners are beyond friendly and helpful, they go around at night to each pitch making sure that everyone is ok and to check if they need anything. Other than that they leave you to it although they are always there if you need anything. All they ask in return is that you are respectful to other campers and the site's neighbours which should be a given anyway. You can find out more on their website, http://www.riverside-lakes.co.uk. 

We've been three times now and I know we'll go again in the future. Who knows, maybe next time it'll be with the friends who first introduced us to this fantastic place. It was weird to be there without them!

Oh and just to quickly point out that I'm not getting anything in return for pimping out this camping site. I just like it lots and wanted to share. :)

The Small Things - Launch!

The Small Things Shop

Finally, they're ready!

I have finished the dresses that I have started referring to as my 'introduction collection' and have set them free in to my Etsy shop. Eeeeep!

I'm so excited as this is what I've been working towards for the past two months solid. I'm also nervous as heck because I'm not sure how well they will be received. They could sell well and get great feedback, or (and let's be brutally honest here), they could tank.

Oddly though the excitement and nervousness are completely intertwined. I'm excited not just because it could be a success, but also because it could completely bomb. Likewise I'm nervous not just because they could bomb, but because they could be a success. Seriously you don't want to know what it's like in my head!

Whichever way the dice lands, I'm proud of what I've achieved and I can hand on heart say that there isn't one dress there that I wouldn't happily wear myself. In fact if this doesn't go well, that's exactly what I'm planning to do!

I have only made these eight dresses for now. I have plans for more, but only if there's a market for them. So this is a test if you like, me dipping my toe into the water.

If you would like a closer look, pop over my Etsy shop by clicking on the link below. Why not tell me what you think?

The Small Things Shop

4 Simple Goals

So here we are, the end of summer. Ha! If you could call it that. It had it's moments admittedly, but they seemed few and far between. Today it was sunny, but there was a very noticeable chill in the air. It felt as though summer couldn't even be bothered to see it's last day through and had made way for autumn early. It was lovely.

It also reminded me that I'm overdue another simple goals post. I completed the last four a while ago, but I've been so busy with the dressmaking that there didn't seem any point in setting myself even more goals. I'm looking forward to completing these though.

-1-

Finish the dresses!

I'm very close to finishing now. Only one dress left to go and then I release them in to the wild of my poor, neglected and empty Etsy store. Eeep!

-2-

Go camping

We're going in just over a week and I CAN'T WAIT! I just hope the weather holds out.

Source

-3-

Make bread

I haven't done this in forever and I've recently got a hankering for hot bread rolls the way my dad used to make. I like the type of goals I can eat.

Source

-4-

Pick up Pip's baby blanket again. 

Remember this? It never got finished and I am determined to finish it before she leaves home.

Previous Goals

1. Take body measurements

Done and it wasn't as painful as I thought. Still can't fit into my pre-pregnancy skinny jeans though. Let's be honest, I may as well stick those babies on to eBay *sniff*.

2. Cut out dress patterns in different sizes

Done. It was boring.

3. Make test dress

It was only a basic t-shirt dress, but I made it in bright yellow fabric to add some sunshine to the grey summer days. It's now one of my favourites. 

4. Cut out pattern pieces for second dress

And again, done. This was a very dull set of goals.

Well would you look at that. I completed them all. Go me!