I Love Making Lists

With my third and final year of Uni is fastly approaching (scary times) I thought I would do a list of things I want to start doing/improving on in hope of feeling better health wise and happiness wise. Some may take longer and be more difficult to do than others.

1. Start a mini note book filled with illustrators that inspire me and inspirational quotes
I think it would be nice idea to just keep in my bag to flick through when I'm having illustrators block.
2. Be more positive
I promise I will cut down on complaining, promise.
3. Go for a walk at least once a day 
I'm the worst for sitting inside all day
4. Find a way to de-stress or become less anxious 
maybe try getting properly into yoga and reading regularly 
5. Have more confidence in myself and stop over thinking
I'm the biggest self doubter and now I'm getting to the stage where I think that well used phrase 'Life's To Short'.
6. Start going to the gym
I would like to try going at least once a week to start out but, do daily exercises using YouTube videos and such 
7. Stop comparing myself to others 
I'm the worst at this, which definitely has an impact on what I think about my work!  
8. Draw every day
Even if it's just a super quick drawing
9. Drink more water!
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day can't be that difficult, right?
10. Work hard on developing my illustration style
Experiment with different materials and use a sketch book better & daily.
11. Look after my skin
Washing my face with water and using cleanser probably isn't enough & could be the reason why I have the skin of a 13 year old.
12. Blog more!
This means blogging on here more regularly instead of once a month (if that) and also using my illustration to document the progress of my work (at least once a week).
                                          

                   The illustrations featured in this post are by illustrator Marc Johns, so feel free to check more of his work out.

Thank you for reading 

Love from

Katie

x

Fundraising for Alzheimers Society

This is a bit of a change from the usual clothes wish list blog posts I normally do but, this is very important to me.

     In September I will be taking part in a Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimers Society and I'm doing it in memory of my lovely Grandad. I set up a JustGiving page for any donations, I would love to reach my target of £100 and hopefully get over my target amount. 
It would be amazing and I would appreciate it so much if anybody reading this post could donate just a little, if you would like to my JustGiving page
is www.justgiving.com/katiesmemorywalk2015/

Here's a bit of information about Dementia for people wanting to know more:
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term to describe symptoms such as memory loss and having difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language. It also can also change the persons behaviour and mood. The changes start off small but, over time becomes severe enough to affect daily life. How quickly dementia develops is down to the individual person.
The most common types of Dementia are Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Mixed Dementia (Alzheimer's Disease & Vascular Disease), Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Frontotemporal Dementia.

The number of people will Dementia is estimated to be around 850,000 in the UK.

Who does it affect?
It affects both men & women and mostly people that are ages 65 and over. However, there are more that 40, 000 under the age of 65 have Dementia in the UK. 

What could donated money go towards?
- £5 could pay for one person to attend a half hour session at a monthly Dementia Café, providing information and support for people with dementia and their carers.
- £10 pays for someone with dementia to enjoy a Singing for the Brain session, boosting their confidence and well-being.
- £20 could pay for 100 copies of Understanding and respecting the person with dementia - one of the Society's most requested factsheets.
- £30 allows a person with dementia to attend weekly Dementia Cafe sessions for a month where they can meet others, share experiences and feel less isolated.
- £50 could fund a PhD researcher for one day to continue vital research into understanding the causes of dementia, how it can be treated and, ultimately, to find a cure.
- £120 could pay to run Talking Point for one day - the Society's 24/7 online community for all people affected by dementia.

My Story

My Grandad was never officially diagnosed with Dementia but, a number of doctors had said that he showed symptoms. At one point he did forget who I was which was so difficult but, I was lucky enough that he did have good days as well bad where he would still love a good laugh, this normally involving doing very silly dances. He did struggle with what definitely seemed like Dementia, having days where he would often just want to sleep and would barely talk to any body, which was unusual for my Grandad who often was a rather chatty person. In February was taken to hospital as he was very confused about what was going on & who people were, which showed signs that he could have a urinary tract infection (this causes sudden & severe confusion known as 'delirium'). Unfortunately, his health deteriorated rather quickly whilst in hospital with him refusing to eat and drink which I think is due to Dementia. Sadly, my lovely Grandad passed away on the 7th of March (the night before my 21st birthday) and I've felt heartbroken ever since.

I will always remember my Grandad as being my number one fan especially when it came to my artwork and how his face would light up when I would come & visit him when I returned home from uni for the weekend or holidays. I miss him so very much!

If you would like to donate please go to my JustGiving page

www.justgiving.com/katiesmemorywalk2015

Also, if you want to know more about Alzheimer's Society and Dimentia head to 

www.alzheimers.org.uk/ which is where I got all my information.

Thank you for reading this post, I know it's been a bit of a long one but, I found that this writing this post was very important.

Love from

Katie

x

I'm Selling On Etsy!

So, whilst being off for summer I decided to dust my sewing machine off and try my hand at making some bunting. After, getting used to making it and finding out the method that works for me I decided to sell my bunting on Etsy as you may have seen on the badge on the sidebar of my blog.

Here's what they look like

I am also making hand decorated mugs like this one I made for my cousin

Feel free to check out my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LipstickandPaisley

If you would like a hand decorated mug please email :-)

Love from

Katie

x

My ASOS Favourites

The other night whilst procrastinating I browsed ASOS, as you may be able to tell I looked mainly at dresses. I saw a lot of clothing that I wish I owned or had the money to own, so I thought I would share with you all my favourites.

There's a bit of a 60's/70's look with all of these picks, I love the bright & bold patterns of dresses 3, 5 and 9, they look nice and summery but could be layered over a shirt in the winter with tights too. I've been saying a need a denim A-line skirt for months now but, after seeing the denim dresses (2&10) I think I need to go all out denim! The embroidery on the shirt (my 1st pick) is so delicate and is nice change to the usual plain white shirt that I wear. 6 is a must for my favourites as I've wanted a Fred Perry shirt but, this is a must! However, until I'm rich I doubt I'll be buying this £75 dress *hangs head in sadness*.  With a collar large enough to kill someone no. 11 is a firm favourite, covered in a what looks like watercolour flower print. This shirt takes me straight back to the nineteen seventies. No. 7 isn't something I'd usually go for due to it's plunged neck line but, how could this not be a favourite with it's jazzy flared sleeves and it's beautifully delicate lace back detail. Also, I'm quite a fan of the black and what I'd describe as a peachy/terra cotta colour palette. Another favourite is the Ranch shirt from Sister Jane sold on ASOS which is one super jazzy shirt.

I love the simplicity and shape of dresses 13, 15, 16 & 17. I think number 16 would be prefect for summer, the off the shoulder style looks lovely. I couldn't go a single wishlist without including a stripy piece and this dress ticks all the boxes with it's skater style skirt and halter-neck. I'm a huge fan of denim pinafore dress (no. 15) it would go perfectly with a shirt or even t-shirt teamed with a pair of Converses for a laid back look or a pair of Chelsea boots to dress it up. I think the A-line style of the dress is super flattering. Number 12 & 14 on the list are both beautifully patterned and looks nice and light for this time of the year. Number 14 especially could be easily dressed up taking the look from day to night. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and feel free to leave any comments you feel.

Thank you for reading

love Katie

x

My Trip To London

I'd been wanting to go to London for a couple of years now and on Tuesday last week I finally got round to going with thanks to my lovely boyfriend (Tom) paying for my train tickets and the use of my newly bought student rail card - containing photograph of me looking like a serial killer. 
      We were lucky enough that we did not need to pay for accommodation as Tom's Auntie and Uncle kindly let us stay at their house which was like my dream house; a high ceiling Victorian house including bay windows and the ultimate bathroom need, a roll top bath. Tom was right when he said I would love it and not want to leave! 


When we arrived in London last Tuesday we had a look around Oxford Circus and Carnaby Street which was really exciting for me seeing the huge Topshop on  and some of my favourite shops on Carnaby Street - Dahlia, Dr. Martens, Benefit and Lazy Oaf among a few. I have wanted to see Carnaby Street for a couple of years now due to it's high influence and popularity in the Sixties. If I was given a time machine one of the first places I'd go would be Carnaby Street in the 1960's with out a doubt!
Feeling peckish we came across a Byron - Proper Hamburger on Beak street which we've wanted to try for a while when out in Manchester. I tried the Byron burger that I quickly polished off, I found the Byron sauce particularly tasty! I'd give it a 9.6 out of 10, if you're a fan of burgers I would definitely recommend it. But, don't worry if you're a vegetarian they have few options for you too, such as their Bean Patty or maybe try one of their tasty salads. 
After sleeping like a baby probably due to walking what was definitely the most I have walked in one in my entire 21 years of living, we headed to the Natural History Museum. The museum resembling a sauna and was packed with children, maybe not the best idea going during the week when children have either broke up from school for summer or are having their final week trips with their classes. Non the less I loved looking around and taking plenty of photographs of course! I had to take an obligatory photo of  the dinosaur skeleton that is placed in the main hall of the museum, it just had to be done. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best photo going, so enjoy the photos that Tom took inside the museum instead. 

In the afternoon it all got hella exciting as I was lucky enough to be going to the Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum. I had seen the exhibition and knew I wanted to go back in April/May but, I knew I couldn't afford the tickets. Being super lucky the Tom's Auntie had a pass for the exhibition which meant she could bring a guest for free,! Never have I been so excited, I was not disappointed at all. It was everything I expected and more, the way McQueen's pieces were presented was amazing, using the room as a back drop for his masterpieces really set them off (not that they need it). I literally could have spent hours in there, especially looking at the Cabinet of Curiosities home to many of Alexander's pieces of work are displayed from shoes to headgear to dresses to capes. I just stood there in awe for the majority of my time in there. I really wish I could have take photographs of it all. If you love fashion this a must see exhibition for you! 

On the Thursday we packed up our things and with my suitcase in had we explored London, sort of slowly making our way to train station. Having a bit of a nerdy moment we went for a look around Forbidden Planet and holy guacamole was it a treat for somebody who's a fan of Star Wars! 

So that was my trip to London! Sorry, this has been quite a long post, I hope you enjoyed it.

I hope to go back again for longer so I have time to have a good look around all the shops :-)

(a sneaky photo taken of me taking photographs, Tom meeting his long lost brother)

{disclaimer - photo of Carnaby Street found on google images, photo of Byron Hamburgers window belongs to Byron Hamburgers them self and photo of McQueen's exhibition belongs to the Victoria and Albert museum.} 

Would anybody like me to do a full post on my visit to V&A's exhibition of Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty? Please leave a comment if your would like me to.

Love from

Katie
x