:: Finders Keepers Markets ::

Late last year Gracie and I went to the Finders Keepers markets together. I love these markets - they're basically etsy in real life! I always set myself a budget (with cash in hand) so that I don't go overboard and buy one of everything. Every year I'm amazed at how creative people are. I'm pretty sure I walk around repeating the phrases, "Oh, that's clever!", "I love that!", "Look! How do people come up with this?", "I wish I could do that." And yeah, you get the idea.

:: Finders Keepers Markets ::

There has been whispers of excitement about the upcoming Finders Keepers Markets. I have been a few times before and have had such a good time drooling over beautiful hand made clothes, vintage wares, beautiful jewellery, and my favourite - the gorgeous stationery (no surprises there!). I was thinking about the last Finders Keepers I went to with Gracie, and then the time before that with Gracie and her gorgeous friend Laura, and I realised I never showed you photos from either of the days. Worst. Blogger. Ever. Seriously ... ever. Worst.

To rectify this situation, here are some photos from the last Finders Keepers Markets in July!

If only I had a million dollars to buy everything! Are any of you going this year?

:: Pamper Swap ::

A little while ago the lovely April from april, maybe hosted a swap with an awesome theme - pamper. And really, who doesn't like to be pampered? Obviously, I signed up immediately! One of the things I loved about this swap was that April made sure the person sending you your package was a surprise.

I was given the crafty Hannah to send my pamper package to. Unfortunately, her blog is down right now, otherwise I'd show you the post where she wrote about what I sent her. Instead, I'll show you pictures! Be warned, there are a few - I was testing out my new lens!

A cute little Olga Berg coin purse.

Hand-made soap and hot oil for her hair.

Mineral eye shadow and red lip gloss.

Earrings from Gracie's etsy shop and a bejewelled bracelet.

A Mimco hair tie (I adore these. I have three - pink, grey and white!).

"You can't help but love a lady who is not afraid to do nanna craft". Hannah loves to crochet, which I think is so cool!

This past week I've been a bit under the weather and while I was wallowing in my own self-pity guess what arrived at my door! My pamper package from the wonderful Lauryn of laureality! Perfect timing!

Lovely, lovely! A chocolate face masque, sweet mint lip balm, bamboo nail files, a pineapple orchid candle, and a wonderful package full of body products!

The lip gloss is 100% natural and 95% organic - gotta love that!

I love the floral card she included too, and even though the candle melted a teeny bit the smell is AMAZING! I love coming home and smelling the sweet smell wafting down the hall.

Earth-friendly body wash, body lotion, hand cream and body mist! Yes please!

Thank you so much Lauryn! I love my gift! And thank you to April for organising it all!

What's your favourite way to pamper yourself? I love taking time out to have a bit of 'me' time. I love trying out new eye shadow, getting a facial, or slathering myself in delicious smelling body lotion. Mmm!