I Heart MOnday vol. 24

That moment when you are so disappointed with yourself because you have not done an I heart Monday post since December 28th.

2015.

Whilst I do realise that this is not a 'huge' blog, I do like to hold myself accountable. It's important to ME that I acknowledge the things I love, and share them. You never know what other people are going through. Maybe they need a cheering up this week. Maybe they're just looking for a new bomb ass lipstick. Don't worry, I've got both!

First things first, I'm an aunt now! Quinn Grace McNidder was born one week ago today at 12:59. 8 lbs 3 oz and 55 cm long. Here she is just two days old! Can't wait for more baby snuggles! 

MY ITEMS ARE BEING SOLD IN A SHOP!

Togademus Toys and Crafts in Kings Heath has loads of lovely toys, books, and activities for kids of all ages. They also have a display wall that local makers can rent out to display their goods. My items are now in the shop! I've got large folder bags, medium ones, coin purses and embroideries at the moment. I will add some paper garlands and possibly some other new products in the next couple weeks! I am so excited! Go check it out and buy a bag or two! 

So, I know I posted this photo on Facebook, but omg these lipsticks are AH-MAY-ZING. They are L'oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lip Gloss.  It goes on like a gloss and then dries matte. It doesn't make any sense but it will when you put it on, believe me. First is the colour. Put it on your lips and let it dry. It only takes a minute or two. Then use the other end (it's like a moisturiser for your lips) to seal it.

I bought the brownish one and then put it on when I got home from shopping (around 4:00pm), had dinner, had some drinks, and went to bed. I don't wear lipstick very often so didn't even think of taking it off. Plus regular lipsticks just wear off after you say a couple words anyways, so thought it for sure would've worn off. When I woke up the next morning, MY LIPSTICK WAS STILL ON. Not like 'I can see you had some on at some point but now it looks like crap' but more like 'why did you apply lipstick before breakfast?'-IT WAS THAT GOOD. 

I went back and bought three more colours, and my friend bought two as well (they are on sale at Boots!). Samples can be seen on my hand below (with the flash on) and I am loving every colour I bought! 

There are some new items I am toying with putting in the etsy shop. I found this amazing bamboo towelling fabric. It's meant to be hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin, and it is so so so soft. I made some samples to test as face wash cloths, make up wipes and even reusable baby wipes! I have high hopes for this amazing fabric and cannot wait to make more things with it! If you want to be a tester, let me know and I'll send some of my products to you! 

The other item I am going to try is paper garland/bunting. I am loving all the different colour combinations and uses for this! They can be hung like bunting for baby showers, bridal showers, or parties and can also be used for table decorations! i can't wait to show you more photos!!! 

I want to end this on a sappy note, because one of my friends shared this link today on Facebook and it really touched me. 

It was an article that was titled 'Why Women Need Their Girlfriends'. Now, I already know that I need my girlfriends, so I was a little hesitant in thinking that by reading this it would be a big 'a-hah' moment for me. 

However, it really was. 

Read the article here and then come back to me. 

Ready?

Good. 

What struck me about this article is what was said at the end of a paragraph in the very beginning of the article. 

"...That afternoon, I saw two of them in the elevator. When I commented on how much fun they seemed to have, they smiled and nodded. One replied, "Oh, we do have fun. We've kept this beach trip going for 20 years and have been through everything -- divorce, death, cancer, unemployment. Don't ever lose touch with your girlfriends, sweetheart. The older you get, the more you'll need them."

Don;t ever lose touch with your girlfriends, sweetheart. The older you get, the more you'll need them. 

The older you get, the more you'll need them. 

I honestly did not think of it like this until I read this article. Yes I have always preached about how much I love my friends and how grateful I am that I have people in my life that care about me. However, I am not sure that I ever thought that the older I got, the MORE I would need my girlfriends. It makes perfect sense though. As you grow up, you do experience more, thus possibly needing your girlfriends more. Divorce, death, cancer, unemployment. The sad part is, I've experienced all of these things already, either myself personally or through my friends, and I've leaned on my friends (or been there for my friends) through all of it. 

I know someone who goes on an annual girls trip, and when she told me that they have been going for years and years I was in awe. How did they coordinate it? How was everyone free at the same time? That takes so much effort and commitment.

​Effort and commitment. That's what it really boils down to, doesn't it? You have to want to do it. When you don't live close and aren't able to get together on the regular, it's so easy to forget about some people who used to be close to you. It takes effort to talk to each other through Facebook messenger or whatsapp or FaceTime regularly (or at least regularly enough to still be considered in each others lives). It's hard. But it's worth it. It's so worth it.  

I hope my friends and I are like this. I hope we get together more often and am so thankful for the times we do talk. I always look forward to the times we get to spend together and cannot wait to see you all again. 

I honestly feel I could write for ages about this, but will leave it at that! Friends, past or present, I love you. Let's talk all the time. 

That's all for me this week. This was a long one!

Leave me some love, 

Tory xx