Sunday, March 3, 2013

weekend thoughts...


In the mood for...
 
An indoor tree.
A brightly coloured or prettily patterned teapot.
More time to read.
Sunshine to warm my bones.
The ocean.
A rest.
A holiday.
 
6 weeks and 1 day until we leave for Australia.
But until then, about this tree...
 
image via d a b i t o on flikri

Saturday, March 2, 2013

free shipping for australia...



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

springtime madness...


There has been something exciting happening recently in Scotland! You might not guess it (and I couldn't assume that you would), however, it's true.
Drumroll please!
There has been sunshine for the past two consecutive days. SUNSHINE!

Today, I went crazy and sat outside for lunch! To be fair - technically I was inside. But sitting in the doorway out onto our balcony made me giddy with Vitamin D! Not only do I feel Spring in the air, I can see it beneath my toes, as these gorgeous snowdrops are sprouting up in every nook and cranny. And to add to all of this overwhelming excitement (yes, overwhelming), my tulips are growing! Specially and most importantly selected from amongst the masses in Amsterdam last August, they are actually growing! Being a florist does not make you an expert at gardening (oh-my-wordy-no), and having been sealed beneath frozen soil for about 3 months, I had my suspicions they had chucked in the towel, or whatever bulbs do when fed up. I was inside and I was chucking every towel I own, it has been COLD.

But now...the grass is turning greener, the sky is turning visible, and soon the daffodils will be lining the streets. Am I giddy with Spring time madness? YES! Fling open your windows* and join me!

*Perhaps don't fling open your windows just yet, best wait till we're reaching highs over 4 degrees x

image credit - taken by moi in some woods nearby

Friday, February 22, 2013

breaking news...

 
Oh hello there! And how are you my lovelies? It has been just over a year, so I imagine loads of spectacular things have happened in your life, yes? In one sentence I will sum up how 2012 has been for me.
 
Cold.
 
Easy! Nah...2012 had its ups and downs during which I was taught many a wise piece of er, wisdom, and now we are looking forward with bright eyes and bushly tails (much like a possum, you see) to the wonder that is 2013! A trip back to the land of sunshine and sandy beaches is planned, we have finally settled in a lovely wee flat overlooking the river, and most importantly of all, rubyandjoy is back! Hooray, you might say! And indeed I do.
 
We are still in the very early stages. You know, at dawn, when the light is just starting to crack through the darkness and there are teensy rays of sunshine poking and prodding until they race up to the sky. Quite a lovely image I painted there! So please do be patient as we figure out what works, and keep your eye on our lovely etsy store for more deee - lightful products being listed AS WE SPEAK*.
 
*Not really. But as quickly as my hands can sew and take a few wee snaps, they'll be there!
 
Come over and say hello on our facebook page here, join us in the twittering masses here and swing by for a browse at our sweet creations on etsy here. We'd love to say hi, so don't be shy (good rhyme)! 


 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

just remember...

'...you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think...'
AA Milne

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

it's too early...

HOWEVER! I, myself, like any female (huge generalisation coming up but stick with me) LOVE Valentines day! And even though I have not shared my New Years Resolutions (in capitals, yes indeed) with you yet, I would quite like to share this lovely little album from the delightful Kikki K range. Lurvely. I'm still dreaming of the day I get flowers on Valentines, and with a husband I think my chances have gone up somewhat (let's not get too cocky though), but how sweet would it be to receive this album filled with some favourite memories!? Answer? Very. And now, since you asked, I shall share my New Years Resolutions (in capitals)...

* Lose weight (ha! you say, but this year I'm like, serious).
* Read the Bible in a year...so far I've already a little catching up to do, but never say never!
* Be more organised, relax more, freak out less. It's a new one, but what with a few stressful situations last year (almost all the biggies, really), I feel this year, at least the first few months, I will allow to be calm. And to be more calm, I shall be more organised. I give this one 2 weeks.
*Write more letters. I live far away from home, and there's nothing better than seeing Mr Postman toodle down our driveway...especially when it's a parcel!

I think that's it. Apart from the secret ones. Which are really the most interesting ones aren't they?! Nothing like a good bit of suspense...
I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas and a lovely New Years, and are wriggling in your seat* with excitement in regards to what 2012 might bring!

*Figuratively speaking...
Album available from all Kikki K store, image from Kikki K

Friday, December 23, 2011



'..A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...' - O Holy Night
'..The hopes and fears of all the years, Are met in thee tonight...' - O Little Town of Bethlehem
Two of my favourite lines from two of my favourite carols! Merry Christmas to you all, I hope it's everything you hope for, and I pray you find the real meaning of Christmas this year. Love xx

Thursday, December 22, 2011

a wee bit 'o inspiration...





Although Jamie has been the perfect chef to steal recipes from for my Christmas Eve dinner feast (excitement levels are high!), nothing beats Donna (totally on a first name basis) for the styling. And seeing as how I have zilcho cloth-ery nor napkin-ery, I shall have to be creative! Which is lucky for me, as working in a flower shop I have access to loads of lovely big Blue Spruce branches (garlands), shiny berried holly (spread about the place in clusters of little glasses), a beautiful deep red Poinsettia sitting merrily on my kitchen table, and a teensy bunch of lovely mistletoe! Delightful! And as I work in a little crafty store as well, I have access to metres of lovely thick calico (tablecloth!), which will be covered with lots of brightly burning candles and a Christmas feast to delight the peepers and the tummy...brilliant!

The turkey has been ordered (I have my turkey reference number (!) in a safe place), the cranberry sauce recipe found, the big red bow tied onto the wreath, and the Christmas cake rested and tested (yummo!). Tonight we're of to the Christmas markets in Edinburgh to sample the delectable Christmas delights on offer, and try our tootsies with some skating. Then there's some more rocky road to be made, some fingers to be crossed for some snow fall (unlikely), and some final presents to be wrapped.

And I do believe tonight...there shall be mulled wine x


images via Donna Hay

Thursday, December 15, 2011

looky here...





Sometimes I see things (stationery, flowers, books, socks...) that I MUST have! Unfortunately I am rather penniless right now, but these prints almost jumped of the wall into my hands (literally) and said 'take meeee!'. Found whilst wandering about the Christmas heaven that was the Country Living Fair, Chase and Wonder are spectacularly talented and lovely to boot, AND have a special deal on at the moment on their blog.


Why not pop over and order some lovely Christmas presies from these clever folks! And if you're not sure who to get one for, send one to me! I'll be forever grateful x


pics via Chase and Wonder

holiday snaps...

Myself and the husband shopping*.

*HA! If we tried this little manouver (even without the thick layer of ice inducing graceless falls at every turn), twould end with blood, let's just leave it at that. Actually 'tis from the Neiman Marcus Holiday Book. Obviously.


ps - only 9 days! x

Friday, December 2, 2011

gifts-a-plenty...







It has been 2 months since I've had the luxury of internet at home, and miracles of miracles, today we were connected to the outside world! *sigh of relief* And as I am currently in my sick bed being waited on hand and foot (almost), I thought I would get cracking on sharing the lovely bits and bobs I came across at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow. First up in this list of gorgeous Christmas ideas is the beautiful site Papa Stour. Selling a delightful range of the most beautiful Scottish gifts (I get points for this, surely), why not pop over, have a wee look-see and see what you can find! It's full of things I WISH I could make but most definitely can not. Enjoy!

all images via Papa Stour

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

the best kind of fair...

Oh yes indeedy...the BEST kind of fair! The Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow! And my wordy, it cheered me greatly. Meeting the loveliest of people, being ginormously inspired, and being in the presence of the largest cinnamon and orange wreath I may have ever seen (a party for the nose), twas most definitely a good day out. Nothing like Christmas trees on every corner, and the most beautiful ceramic decorations I have ever seen! If they hadn't been so delicate the Australian contingent would have had one in every letterbox. Get prepared to meet some of theses crafty folks soon, I have a feeling we'll be in touch!
xx

Saturday, November 12, 2011

happy birthday eve!

It's that time of year again my friends! And while I have always been a birthday FIEND (the good kind), this year is a little bit out of my ordinary. BUT! Instead of being the teensiest bit glum that so many of my loved ones are so far away, including the sun, I shall instead be looking excitedly at what this new year may bring, with some humming of a merry tune for good measure. A few ideas, as I do like to share, include a trip back to the land of warmth and beaches, spring time gardening (maybe even a warm summer!), and let's not forget Christmas, of which I am an even bigger fiend! Snow, holly and bright red scarves are just around the corner!

And so as the cake goes in the oven, I shall say cheerio! I'm of to finish sewing the wings on my latest birdy creation, whom shall for now be referred to as 'birdy'. Suggestions most welcome!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

lurvely...

Discovered - the delightful Cecilia Fox. Go here, and here. You won't regret it and I promise you will be inspired! Think orchid plants hanging from the ceiling, vegetables as flowers (mulberries!) and the most gorgeous masses of poppies and roses...OH the poppies and roses! I do miss those masses...x

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

discovery...

Why hello! This past weekend I was lucky enough to go on a road trip to the very beautiful Wales, it's stunning! Whilst playing the tourist I came across the most incredible postcards I may have ever seen..ever! I hear you, big call there Nicola. But after being in London a few weeks back and choosing between Will and Kate or Will and Kate, these were just GORGEOUS! I even bought myself a set. Lucky duck. Pop over the the superbly talented Valeriane Leblond's website, look at the beautiful art there and tell me, TELL me they don't make you feel like you could right at this instant be wandering through a mossy green field surrounded by rolling mountains covered in fluffy white sheep and cottages snuggled into the crevices with a brisk breeze rushing around you and making your cheeks rosy red!

Genius!