Erstwilder Jewellery Haul

I've collected a handful of new Erstwilder brooches and earrings over the last few months that I've not yet shown you, so today I'm here with a little jewellery haul.

I haven't gone crazy buying brooches since my last Erstwilder post in July. I've bought a brooch here and there, one or two at a time, but I haven't splurged, and there have been several collections I haven't shopped from at all. Partly as I needed my pennies for my holiday last month, and also because I haven't been hugely excited by some of the recent collections. I love the five new brooches and three pairs of earrings I have collected, though, so I think it's time for a look-see and some mini reviews.

Let's start with my favourite new Care Bear brooch...

I loved last year's Care Bears collection, so I was excited when Erstwilder returned with a second Care Bears range at the end of the summer. I would have loved to have splurged on Care Bears again, but I couldn't justify it before my holiday, and limited myself to one piece. For once, choosing which design to buy was easy; I had to have the Trick-or-Sweet Bear brooch in my life. I mean, who doesn't need an orange vampire-cloaked Care Bear brooch in their life?? He's so cute dressed in his red and black cloak, with a happy little pumpkin on his stomach, and makes a sweet alternative to the usual creepy Halloween ghosts, bats, and vampire designs. I love this little guy so much, and can't stop wearing him. I'll be sad to pack him away for another year in a few days time.

A couple of months ago, my Mum treated me to Scorpio the Serene, an awesome scorpion brooch from the 2018 Written in the Stars collection. She managed to snag it, and a Capricorn brooch for herself, for just £7.50 each from Glitterally's closing down sale! I'm actually a Cancer not a Scorpio, but I don't pay much attention to astrology, (even if I am apparently a typical Cancer), so to me it's just a cool scorpion brooch. The design is awesome. It's been made from glossy hot pink and cherry red resins, and is finished with three white pearlescent stars on its pincers. It's so eye-catching, and I'm sure you'll agree, a whole lot cuter than a real, living breathing scorpion. Thanks, Mum.

In July, I bought a couple of beautiful cockatoo brooches from the Erstwilder x Jocelyn Proust collaboration. I've always loved cockatoos because they're so cute and cheeky, and I instantly fell in love with them in brooch form, too. The only problem was, I couldn't choose between the two designs in the collection, so I had to add them both to my brooch zoo. I regret nothing! 

The first of my new feathered friends is Major Mitch, which is, unsurprisingly, a Major Mitchell cockatoo brooch. Major Mitch is a pearlescent pink parrot with textured silver and red feathers on his wings, tail, and crest, and he's a beauty. I love how much character this little guy has. I especially love the pearlescent pink and marbled red resins used in this design, and I'm impressed by how intricate the crest feathers are. They look delicate and breakable, but they're actually three layers thick, and as solid as a rock, so I don't have to worry about accidentally breaking them. I can just pin it to my outfit with confidence, and be on my merry, perfectly accessorised way.

The other Jocelyn Proust cockatoo brooch I adopted is a sulphur-crested cockatoo called 'Hey Cocky.' These kind of cockatoos are one of my favourite types of parrots, so I just couldn't resist adding this brooch to my collection. It's so lovely and makes me smile every time I wear it. Hey Cocky is a dainty little brooch not much bigger than my thumb. He's made from shimmery cream marbled resin, with lemon and daffodil yellow feathers, and a marbled grey beak and feet. It's such a sweet brooch, and I love how realistic it is. I have a feeling I'll still be wearing this one when I'm old and grey. 

And the latest brooch to join my Erstwilder collection is La Lune, a gorgeous crescent moon brooch from the Halloween collection 'Cute & Spooky by Mimsy'. It was designed by the Australian tattoo artist Mimsy Gleeson, and is a beautiful, sleeping, pearlescent moon surrounded by turquoise and lavender coloured flowers, and a tangle of lime and apple green leaves. The colours are a little more vibrant than I was expecting and I wasn't sure if I liked them at first, but now they've grown on me, I see they're the perfect contrast against the silvery moon, and a nice alternative to orange and black for Halloween. The brooch is too beautiful to save just for Halloween, though, and I'll definitely be wearing it all year round.

As well as brooches, I've also added a few pairs of Essentials earrings to my collection since my last update. I bought a pair of glittery purple crescent moon studs in Glitterally's sale for just £2, which were such a bargain. I think they were from one of the Pete Cromer collections (maybe the second one?), and they'd been on my wish list for ages. I also bought two pairs of heart studs from the Care Bears collection, but some time after they were released in the summer. I got a glittery red pair (to replace a plain red pair that had broken), and a gorgeous marbled blue pair, made up of shades of teal, turquoise, lime, and mauve. I love them! The new earrings are made from two layers of resin instead of one like the old ones, and seem much sturdier, so I hope they're an improved design Erstwilder are planning to use for future Essentials studs, and aren't just a one-off. I've had the backs break off a few old pairs this year, which isn't the end of the world at £6 a pair, but it would be nice if they held up longer. They're only cheap, simple earrings, but I really enjoy wearing them with my brooches for some matchy-matchiness.

And those are the newest additions to my ever-growing Erstwilder collection. I'm sure I'll be back with more brooch reviews when the Christmas collection launches next month! I can't wait!

Have you bought anything from Erstwilder lately?

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Kimchi and Coconut Galaxy Whale Brooch

Back in July, I took a birthday trip to Whipsnade Zoo, and stumbled up on a display of Kimchi and Coconut jewellery in their gift shop.

They had a great selection of sea life-themed designs, and there was one brooch in particular that caught my eye. Their galaxy whale brooch. In the end, I just couldn't leave without it, so I made a cheeky birthday purchase, and left a happy little camper.

Three months on, the whale brooch is still one of my current favourite brooches to accessorize with, so I felt it deserved a quick review on the blog.

The brooch I have to show you is a beautiful humpback whale brooch, with all the charm of a real whale compacted in to a wearable little brooch. I love whales and have always wanted to see one of those gentle giants in real life, so getting to accessorize with a whale brooch is the next best thing until that day (hopefully) comes.

This beautiful creature has been handmade in England from two layers of the dreamiest galaxy-effect acrylic, and the result is mesmerising. The bottom layer is plain black, and the top is a stunning mix of purples and stormy sea blues and greens, topped with flecks of silver glitter, and finished off with some etching. I think it might just be the prettiest whale brooch I've ever seen. I'm a sucker for a galaxy effect. (NB. There was a second whale brooch on display at the zoo, and the colours were much lighter, so be aware that the acrylic will vary from piece to piece due to the unique cut in the acrylic. The lighter one was gorgeous, too, but I personally preferred the darker, stormier look of this one). 

As for size... it's about the length and width of my ring finger, so it's a good sized piece; not too large or too small, but still big enough to make a small statement. It's perfect for wearing at the seaside or on trips to the aquarium... or with just about any outfit, really. It's so lovely, you'll want to wear it with everything. I know I do. 

The whale brooch retails for just £20, which I think is really reasonable for such a beautiful handmade piece- especially brought from a zoo gift shop, where prices are often inflated. I'm so pleased I added it to my brooch zoo, and think it was worth every penny. Having this little guy in my collection makes me happy.

If brooches aren't your thing, there's also a whale necklace, and Kimchi and Coconut have plenty of other brooches, necklaces, and earrings to choose from, too. Aside from their sea animal designs, I particularly love their Australian animal pieces; I have a platypus and a tiger quoll in my brooch collection, and they're amazing. If you like the style of this brooch, I'm sure you'll love their other designs, too, so be sure to check them out!

Do you have any Kimchi and Coconut jewellery in your collection?

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Autumn Goals

I don't know what it is about autumn, but as soon as we reach September, I always feel motivated to start new projects, and get stuff done. 

I find myself wanting to do all the craft projects, visit new places, have a big declutter, bake, and read lots of books. I'm guessing it's because autumn always signified the start of a new school year, and my brain still sees the change in seasons as a time to learn and get to work. Whatever the reason, autumn still feels like a new chapter in the year, and I've once again found myself with a big list of things I want to do before winter sets in. I thought I'd share some of them with you today to make myself accountable, and hopefully motivate myself in to achieving them, so let's go buy new school supplies, and get started.

Go For an Autumn Walk

I want to try to go on at least one autumn walk this year- preferably in the woods- so I can crunch through the fallen leaves, take in the colours of the foliage, and feel the cold air on my face. I love a good autumn walk.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've still never visited a pumpkin patch, so I'd really like to visit one this autumn, and pick out a pumpkin to carve.

Carve a Pumpkin

I like to carve a pumpkin every Halloween, but couldn't last year as I wasn't well enough on the day, so I'm looking forward to trying again this year. I don't do a lot for Halloween, but I always try to at least butcher a pumpkin.

Paint Some Pumpkins

I'd also really like to try painting some pumpkins, and see what fun designs I can come up with. It looks like fun.

Have a Halloween Movie Marathon

I'm looking forward to some good Halloween-themed movie marathons this October. My sister and I are already talking about having a movie night at her house, with a takeaway, and some good snacks to celebrate Halloween. I'm most looking forward to the classic that is Hocus Pocus.

Watch My Favourite Autumn Movies

I also want to watch lots of autumnal movies to get me in the mood for autumn. I'm particularly looking forward to rewatching You've Got Mail, Practical Magic, Little Women, Stepmom, War of the Worlds, The Village, and lots of other autumn favourites.

Read Lots

I want to read as much as possible this autumn, and try to fit in some reading time every day. I've only got four more books to finish before I hit my Goodreads reading goal of forty books, and I'm hoping to reach it before December, as I'm always too busy to read much over Christmas. Two months to read four books? Should be easy.

Go to the Bonfire and Watch the Fireworks

Our local RAF base has the best fireworks and a massive bonfire for Bonfire Night, and I used to love going every year. I haven't been in ten years because of chronic pain, Covid, or because my sister and brother-in-law (who I need to sign me on to camp) moved away for a while, and I miss it. I'd really like to go this year- and my sister isn't giving me a choice, anyway- so fingers crossed for a good chronic pain day that night so I can go.

Take an Autumn Drive Through the Cotswolds

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, which is obviously famous for it's beautiful countryside, and picture perfect little villages. It's gorgeous all year round, but particularly during the autumn when everywhere is backdropped with a palette of fiery oranges, golden yellows, deep reds, and rich browns. I'm hoping to be able to take a drive about to take it all in once the leaves have changed, and maybe even stop to do a little exploring.

Visit the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums in Oxford

It's been years since I last visited Oxford's museums, but I always found the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums fascinating, and am itching to pay them both a visit again. There's something about chilly autumn days that makes me want to wander around cold echo-y buildings, and learn about old stuff.

Make Pumpkin Dog Treats

I don't know why, but I'd really like to try to make pumpkin dog biscuits / treats for my dog, Rosie, and her cousin, Mia from scratch. I know it would be easier to just buy some, but where's the fun in that?

Fix My Erstwilder Brooches

The brooch backs on two of my Erstwilder brooches, a sunflower, and a Halloween dog leaning on a pumpkin, broke a while back from separate falls to the floor, so I need to contact the brand and find out the best way to repair them. I want to be able to wear them both again this autumn / Halloween.

Make My Animal Crossing Island Look Autumnal

I still play Animal Crossing New Horizons every day, and I'm currently aiming to make it look as autumnal as possible. I made a start last week, and am currently working on a Halloween area, and a crop farm for my pumpkins. I'm feeling more inspired with the game than I have done in ages.

Visit the Wildlife Park

My sister and I are hoping to pay another visit to The Cotswold Wildlife Park once the leaves have changed. We'll get to enjoy an autumn walk in a pretty setting with lots of trees and foliage, and see lots of cute exotic animals along the way. What's not to like?

Paint

It's been ages since I last did some watercolour painting, so I'd like to dig out my paints, and spend some time getting creative this fall. I'm not very good at it, but I find it so therapeutic.

Finish My Christmas Cross Stitch

I began a Christmas cross stitch wall hanging two years ago, and I still haven't finished it because I've needed to go out and get some more threads to finish it off, and couldn't decide which colours to use. I've got so little left to sew, and I'm determined to get it done before Christmas so I can move on to something new.

Blog More

I've been really bad at blogging this year because I've rarely felt up to it, but I've got so many posts I want to write and post, including some posts about my recent holiday to Cornwall, and of course, reviews of my latest brooch purchases. I'm going to do my best to blog more this autumn, and I also want to start preparing Christmas content to take some of the pressure off in December.

Fill Some Gaps in My Wardrobe

There's a few gaps in my wardrobe I would like to fill this season. I particularly need a new pair of black ankle boots, and some new pyjamas, and I'd love to get some new dresses for the colder months. I rarely have the money for new clothes these days, and my wardrobe really is lacking, so it's time I picked up a few things.

Actively Start Christmas Shopping

It's just over two and a half months 'til Christmas Day (how scary is that?!), so it's time to actively start shopping for Christmas presents! (I like to start early to spread the cost, and stay organised). I've already bought a few presents this month, and bought some earlier in the year, too, so I'd say I'm off to a good start.

Organise My Bookshelves

My bookshelf is in desperate need of a sort-out. It's been overflowing with books- with a few stacks not far off the ceiling- for years, and the mess is stressing me out. I think the solution is to move my DVDs off the shelf (since they're rarely watched these days), put the discs in to folders, and store the cases in the shed. It should open up more space for books, so I can keep them tidy and organised. I just need to find some time (and spoons) so I can get started on it, and I want to get it done this autumn. Enough is enough.

Have a Clear Out

I also want to declutter some of my stuff, especially my wardrobe, so I'm going to try to have a clear out (if my health allows it), and maybe sell some stuff on eBay to make a little extra cash. The extra pennies would definitely come in handy with the festive season coming up.

And those are some of my autumn goals.

There are more goals on my to-do-list, but I've already rambled on enough, so I'll stop there. You can wake up again now.

I don't know how much I'll be able to achieve, and doubt I'll tick everything off the list, but I'm going to give it my best shot. That's all anybody can do, right?

Wish me luck!

What's on your to-do-list this autumn?

What I Got For My Birthday

It's been three months since my birthday, so I thought it was about time I documented some of the lovely presents my family and friends gave me this year. 

I would've done it sooner, but hey, taking blog photos when you need them is an abled-bodied person's game. Three months late. That's my jam.

Some of the birthday cards I received this year.

My parents got me the amazing Vendula London Seaside Souvenirs Backpack (and I chipped in a bit, as well), which had been high on my wish list ever since the range was launched a year or two ago. We got it during the flash sale in June and found a discount code, too, so got it for £60-something instead of £98, which was a real bargain, and worth every penny. The bag is so beautiful, fantastic quality, surprisingly roomy, and the attention to detail is incredible. I love all the little seaside-themed details! The cool thing about this bag is that's it's not just a backpack, but can be converted in to a cross body bag or shoulder bag as well! I sadly find it too short to comfortably use as a cross body, but as a backpack, it's perfect. The straps are long and adjustable, and it's comfortable on the shoulders. I used it on my recent holiday to Cornwall, and I couldn't have asked for a better day bag. Or a more perfect bag for by the sea. (I actually chose it with trips to Cornwall and the seaside in mind). I love it! I can't wait to use it again next summer.

It feels too late in the year to do a review of a seaside-themed bag, but if anyone wants me to do a full review of it, just let me know.

My younger sister, Sarah, gave me the Too Faced Born This Way: The Natural Nudes eyeshadow palette, after seeing it on my birthday wish list, so I was really excited to unwrap this on my birthday. I wanted some more nude eyeshadows to try as most of my eyeshadow collection is colourful, and this has to be one of the loveliest nude eyeshadow palettes I've ever seen. The shades are dreamy- especially the metallics. I've only used the palette a few times so far, but I'm already really impressed with these shadows. They have great colour pay-off, blend really well, feel super soft on the skin, and stay put all day- even on blazing hot days in the sun. 

I was given a lovely assortment of presents from my older sister and brother-in-law, starting with this gorgeous embroidered red fox brooch by Vikki Lafford Garside. She brought it from a shop in Oxford's Covered Market that sells quirky jewellery from brands like Little Moose and Layla Amber. After choosing the fox brooch for me, and hearing it was made by a local artist, my sister realised it was made by someone she knew in passing, who used to take the same bus as her to school. How weird is that? I love that it was made locally by someone she can put a face to. It's such a cute brooch, and will be the perfect finishing touch for autumn outfits.

Marie also got me another brooch from the same shop, this time a colourful wooden heart upcycled by Zinc White from recycled Derwent pencils. It's so cute! I really need a book or art-themed dress to wear it with.

Earlier this year, I mentioned wanting to reread The Tommyknockers by Stephen King, as it had been a while since I'd read it, so naturally, my sister got me a copy. (Which was lovely, as until then, I'd only had a copy on my Kindle). I read it in August, which took the whole month as the book is super long (about 1400 pages), and some of the chapters are really tedious and drawn-out. I'd forgotten how many seemingly pointless chapters there were in between the exciting ones of Bobbi and Gard digging up the space ship, and the townsfolk transforming in to aliens. I almost gave up a few times, but it was worth persevering to get to the good bits.

The sister also got me the Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar 70th anniversary Funko Pop, and it's one of the cutest Funko Pops ever! Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my favourite Disney films, and I'm loving the new 70th anniversary Funkos that have recently been released. This grumpy chain-smoking caterpillar is definitely one of my favourites.

And she also treated me to some delicious Hotel Chocolat chocolates. The Dizzy Praline truffles are one of my favourites- they're so yummy!- but I had never tried the Peanut Butter & Jelly ones before. Turns out, they're amazing! I enjoyed sampling them over the summer.

One of my lovely friends sent me some amazing chocolate bars and lollies from Bloc-o-Choc. The chocolate is to die for! The milk chocolate is so creamy, and they're layered with different branded chocolates which makes them an incredible treat. I'm loving orange milk chocolate at the moment, so I particularly loved the Terry's Chocolate Orange bar. 10/10 would recommend.

I was also gifted a gorgeous pair of pink strawberry drop earrings from a friend, which are lovely for spring and summer. I haven't really worn this style of earring before, so it's been fun branching out and trying something new. I love them! They're from EarBlush on Etsy.

Another lovely friend sent me a letterbox parcel of pick 'n' mix sweets from All You Can Sweet, which was the best treat to get in the post. I naturally ate all the good ones before I was able to take a photo of them because I just couldn't wait to enjoy them, but it also had pink chocolate pigs and white chocolate stars in the mix, and a lot more sweets. They were so good!

And last but not least, my Nana sent me some money for my birthday, and I couldn't resist putting it towards the Erstwilder Halloween Care Bears 'Trick or Sweet Bear' brooch. And now it's autumn, I can finally start wearing it! Yay!

And those are some of the things I got for my 36th birthday.

A big 'thank you!' to everyone who bought me presents this year. I love them and I appreciate it! You're the best!

What did you get for your last birthday?