Category: Sparkle List

AUGUST SPARKLE LIST

5/8/2024

August is brutal in Japan and I'm spending a lot of it in the studio and at home under the AC. The weather isn't going to stop me from enjoying myself though, so I reminded myself of the Sparkle List, an index of inspirational and nourishing things I enjoy and have always wanted to have a go at.
Here we go!

PLEASE NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

READING

Abroad in Japan: Ten Years in the Land of the Rising Sun by Chris Broad
I found this really funny, interesting and at times spooky as Chris' life on the JET Program was so similar to mine.
Get your copy here

The Little Book of Tokyo Style by Emmanuelle Dirix
Super cute and interesting fashion coffee table book with a bubble gum pink cover. I love compact books like this, especially packed with so many cool fashion ideas inside.
Get your copy here

Make, Thrift, Mend: Stitch, Patch, Darn Plant-Dye & Love your Wardrobe by Katrina Rodabaugh
This is the go-to book to remind me to love what I have. buy what I need and enjoy taking care of quality pieces by mending and adapting them over time. I'm reading the plant-dye section currently.
Get your copy here

LISTENING

Akimbo with Seth Godin
For business/ marketing enthusiasts and anyone curious about well, anything. Seth Godin has a way to make anything captivating and always looks at life and business from a totally unique perspective.

Oh my Dog! with Jack Dee and Seann Walsh
I only listen because I've got a dog. Honestly the show is nothing more than people talking about how funny, cute and awesome their four legged friends are and how much they love them. Wholesome stuff.

The Great Indoors with Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson Smyth
A podcast all about interior design? Like a radio show starring a ventriloquist! (That actually was a thing in the 1950s, so anything goes I guess.)
This podcast is fun, giggly, informative and so easy to listen to on a walk.

EATING

It's Summer and the season I traditionally don't enjoy food! I never know what I want to eat in the heat but it will mostly involve a salad with a citrusy dressing, crusty bread or cold Japanese noodles.
Inspire me with your summer recipes in the comments please!

WATCHING

Simone Biles Rising (Netflix Docuseries)
An interesting behind the scenes look at this amazing athlete who is strong both physically and emotionally. She has risen to such heights, despite her difficult start in life. What an amazing journey.

Emily in Paris (Netflix Dramedy)
Guilty secret! Yes, I've watched the other seasons and will be watching the new season in the middle of the month. Please, no judgements!

MAKING

I'm currently making a Sashiko apple design for the first time. I love using colourful threads and will be dyeing some of my own for an upcoming project.
Get your Sashiko kit here

LEARNING

I'm currently learning how to dye fabrics with natural materials and started with flower pounding on cotton. This is such a fabulous and easy craft, perfect for all ages and is basically free.
The tutorial for the project is over on my YouTube channel here.

Next up is dyeing silk with onions skins, black beans and avocado pits and skins. I'll be sharing my process on my channel so make sure you subscribe and turn on notifications to get alerts when new videos land.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY...

0 Comments

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE LIST- THE BEST OF THE BUNCH

30/11/2022

0 Comments

A round-up of all my fave Christmas things. Do you agree? Leave a comment if you'd like to weigh in!

Christmas Songs

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Frank Sinatra
White Christmas- Bing Crosby
All I want for Christmas is Youi- Mariah Carey
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas- Michael Buble
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm- Dean Martin

Christmas Foods

Sprouts
Christmas Cake
Mince pies
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce
Christmas pudding

Best Christmas Movies

The Holiday
Elf
White Christmas
Christmas Chronicles
It's a Wonderful Life

Best Christmas Gifts

Art/ Craft Supplies
Jewellery
Chocolate
Bath time pamper gifts
Something vintage or antique

Christmas Decorating Styles

Retro glass baubles and neon coloured trees
Fresh and green
Traditional red and green
Silver and white
Minimalist

Top 5 Christmas Drinks

Hot chocolate
Mulled wine
Champagne
Egg nog
Sherry

You might also like...

0 Comments

JUNE SPARKLE LIST

26/6/2020

0 Comments

Welcome to the monthly Sparkle List, a round-up of things I'm buying, eating, reading, growing, making, seeing, watching, doing, learning, listening to... It's like a Pinterest board, in words (and some pictures).
Would love to know what you think!

READING

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson
Stoicism has much to teach us about how to approach life in the midst of a pandemic and with so many terrible things happening in the world.

The Indie Roller News
A newspaper for indie businesses. Strangely, there's LOADS of modern day Stoicism in here too.

LISTENING

We Will Get Past This Podcast
Such a witty look at characters from history. Short, sharp podcast bursts of energy from one of my fave British radio and TV presenters.

The Great Indoors Podcast
Who would have thought that a podcast about interior design would actually work?!
But it does.

WATCHING

Top Chef Season 1 (2006)
So funny to see early mobile technology and almost vintage food prep. And of course, there's BIG drama as well as the cooking.

The Real Housewives of New York Season 1
I told myself I'm watching because I miss New York but the reality is, I love the drama. Don't judge me! My brain is frazzled by 8.30pm

MAKING

Dried herbs from the deck for end of year teacher gifts. Off to buy some teeny jars and hand make some labels.

Large pendants are now restocked in the webshop. I LOVE making these...it's like therapy.

LEARNING

Ukulele Songs
It's about time I added to my repertoire of Japanese children's songs, retro Japanese ballads and Stand By Me.
I'm learning a new song on the ukulele, the gorgeous song 'Someone You Loved' by Lewis Capaldi.
And before you ask, I won't be performing on video!

Macramé
I've been learning macramé jewellery for a while now. I started with Paracord a few years ago but wasn't sure how to incorporate the ideas into my kimono accessories. I have an idea for A/W 2020. Watch this space as I experiment.

SHOPPING SMALL
A month of birthdays and Fathers’ Day and uncertainty over shipping times meant we shopped all gifts and cards online with UK based independent businesses to be sent directly to family members.
Shopping small is important to me and supporting these businesses in the time of Covid is essential to keep them going. I want them around when we come out of all this.