LIFESTYLE: What I've learnt from 2014

It's been an interesting year, completely  different  to what I expected  back in January, and ending with new life lessons, achievements and challenges. 

When I started this blog at the beginning of the year, all I knew was that I wanted a place to channel my passion for tattoos and writing, and something to distract me from my lack of career. A challenge to keep me happy. And it achieved that goal.

 
I love writing, though I don't  write  as often as I would like (new years resolution!) But I'm  getting better, despite  juggling  more!

2014 has taught  me a lot about myself and what I want for my life. 2013 was incredibly, in that, I married  the best man I could  have  ever hoped for, but 2014, has shown me how wonderful  and supportive  he is, and how important  he is to me. We suffered  immeasurable tragedy this year, but also personal and professional  growth.

FASHION: Gemstone Treasures from Wild Inanda

I've been following this little company for a little while now, even before its re-brand from Native Wolf.

I'm all about supporting little brands, independent companies and hand-made items.
Wild Inanda from blogger Natasha of A Design Rookie is all about bohemian soul and natural beauty from gemstones, minerals and fossils.

LIFESTYLE: A taxidermy gift guide for beginners

I've been slowly collecting taxidermy for the last couple of years. 

Steadily I am gathering a rather lovely little collection, including butterflies, moths, beetles, skulls, bones, wings and taxidermy.
I am often asked where to shop, and where to start, so I thought a post was in order, especially just before Christmas.

Personally, I avoid Ebay as much as possible. There is just no degree of certainty around the ethics and origins of the item, and I prefer supporting the independent stores that specialise in the macabre. However, that being said, we have been fortunate to receive a perfect fox skull with a rare double canine for a bargain as the seller had no idea what it could have been worth.

WISHLIST: Alternative Christmas Gifts under £50

So you're  buying for that someone special, or you've  been saving for the last nine months and are going to be everyone's best friend this festive season with your sheer generosity.
Of course this range is the most fun...

Gifts under £50:

WISHLIST: Alternative Princess Girly Gifts

I'm a bit of a contradiction. I wear lots of black for my home wear, I love taxidermy and tattoos, but I also love princesses and Disney.

My best friends share my Disney obsessions, and now I'm going to share some gift ideas for your very own princess friend.

WISHLIST: Alternative Christmas Gifts under £25

Gradually moving up the spend limit, here is when the fun really starts. There is so much to find in this range for the chicks.

Here's my pick of gifts under £25 for your favourite lady

WISHLIST: A geeky gift guide

My household is a little on the geeky side.
We play Playstation games, we love lego, we completely nerd out over natural history. My husband goes made for code, and I am nuts about design.

So what better way to celebrate our geek side, than with a gift guide/wishlist of items for the geeky couple!

WISHLIST: Alternative Christmas Gifts under £10

So you need a mini gift for a friend  or something different to add to the pile... well I've  got your alternative bum covered. 

Being a fan of lots of little gifts for others, I love searching for quirky gifts at affordable prices. 

So here's my top gifts under £10 for the alternative lady!