Minion-inspired greetings card 😍

I've just been working on this super-cute greetings card, inspired by my love of Minions and their cheeky little faces!

Here's the finished result:

Isn't he adorable! 

Here was my card making in progress:

And a view of the front:

Plus a bonus pic of the insert inside:

I'm working on a printable for my BRAND NEW Etsy shop, so let me know what you think! 

Find me on Instagram @happypostbox xxx

Cute bakes: lemon meringue mini-tarts

So I just wanted to share a quick bake that was surprisingly easy (and super-yummy!). Even if you're not much of a baker, you can buy most of the components ready-made from the shop!

These are my beautifully delicious lemon meringue mini tartlets:

Here's all you need to do:

1. Meringues

Bake some small meringue dollops (or buy them ready-made), roughly the same size as your cupcake/muffin tray holes, or ideally slightly smaller.

2. Pastry

Make or buy some pastry (the same stuff you'd use for mince pies), cut out thin circles and place into a greased muffin tin.

3. Lemon Curd

Pop a spoonful of lemon curd in each one and bake (on 170c) for around 10 mins, until the lemon curd is even and the pastry is golden. Just like jam tarts but with lemon curd!

4. Buttercream

Mix up some buttercream (using your preferred recipe, or just buy ready-made) and, when the tarts are cool, pop a generous spoonful on each tart. The beauty of this is you don't have to be too neat, it's all being covered up anyway!

5. Finished!

Place a meringue on top of each tart, squishing it into the buttercream, and then you're done! Stand back and admire your masterpiece. Mary Berry would be proud!

Why not give it a go? You can also switch up the flavours - for an Eton Mess tart, for example, just switch the lemon curd for strawberry jam, and crumble the meringue on top. Simple!

Let me know if you give it a go - find me on Instagram @happypostbox and show me a pic!

A fresh new start

It's been over a year since I was last here and a lot's changed since then. Some pretty big life stuff, like buying a house, getting engaged, and moving to a new job nearly 100 miles away (!).

It's all been crazy-busy and super-exciting stuff, which is why this blog has taken a bit of a back seat, but now I'm back, raring to go (with a new logo to match), ready to share some of my ideas, makes,
and adventures along the way.

Here goes!

August favourites 2014

I've been loving quite a few things this month, but managed to cut the list down to my 6 faves of the month to share with you! Most of these I've owned for a while, but for one reason or another I've been really using them a lot recently. So here goes!

One Line A Day diary

I finally bought this in 2013 after wanting it for ages. I couldn't wait until the end of the year, so started it in the middle of July - meaning that, as I've been filling it in this month, I can see last year's entries from the same day!

If you have a similar 5 year diary you'll know how hard it is to keep up - but I promise you that if you keep at it, it's most definitely worth it!

Sleek i-Divine palette in Snapshots

I love the Sleek palettes, especially my Mattes V1, but Snapshots is the latest addition to my collection and I love how colourful it is!

It's great for adding a subtle bit of colour, but now I need to do a bit more experimenting with some bolder, brighter looks. As with the other Sleek palettes, the texture is great, the pigmentation is great, and I'd definitely recommend it.

Elephant necklace

I picked up this cute little elephant from Topshop and have been wearing it non-stop for the past few weeks. It goes with most of my outfits and I love how tiny it is!

Seche Vite

I've experimented with all sorts of nail polish drying sprays and drops and oils, but as far as I can tell, nothing compares to the ease and speed of Seche Vite.

I've also been doing a lot of nail art stamping, and there aren't many top coats that go on nicely without smudging - Seche Vite protects and dries all in one go, what more could I need?

Batiste XXL Volume

I have thin, flat hair that never keeps its volume, no matter what I try. However - with just a burst of this wonder-product, my hair is transformed! There's not much more I can say about this product other than it's firmly on my list of essential must-haves from now on.

Lego Movie game for Xbox 360

This might seem like quite a random choice, but I've been a fan of the Lego games since I played the Star Wars ones years ago. They're incredibly well written and just plain old good fun.

I've only played the first few levels of this one so far (I picked up the game on offer in Game recently), but it seems like they've improved the graphics and gameplay no end compared to the Harry Potter games (which I finally completed to 100% last month!) - definitely worth buying if you're a fan of this type of game!

So...

What do you think about my product choices? What have you been loving this August? Let me know!

I'm on a boat!

Last weekend we made the most of the glorious weather and went out boating!

I've never been in a rowing boat in my life and it was a bit wobbly but once we set off it was great fun! 

The boys got a bit competitive but rowing in a straight line is harder than it looks. I had a quick go, but we were running a bit late returning the boats the the hire place (and I somehow kept rowing us into the side) so I handed the oars back over and enjoyed the ride.

We even got to see some wildlife - a beautiful dragonfly followed alongside our boat (but never stayed still long enough for a photo) and we said hello to some ducklings, too.

Afterwards we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Chiquitos (I love that place!) - complete with sombreros!

I need to find out the recipe for their spicy popcorn!

Adding my LEGO brick to Durham Cathedral!

We were in Durham at the weekend and happened to stumble across #durhamcathedralLEGObuild - an ambitious (but fun!) fundraising project that gets visitors to donate money by adding bricks to a model of Durham Cathedral.

They're recreating the entire catheral in LEGO, to the scale of a LEGO minifigure - so when it's finished it will be almost two metres high! The volunteer who was there at the time demonstrated it using an Abraham Lincoln minifig which, for some reason, made me smile :).

Apparently LEGO themselves donated the bricks, which I thought was a pretty nice gesture considering the amount that will be needed! And the plans were drawn up by a specialist LEGO modelling company, Bright Bricks, who design all sorts of random kits for different companies and different reasons.

I was so excited to add a brick and be part of such a huge project - they've raised thousands already - and I can't wait to see it when it's finished. They're putting together a time-lapse video too, and adding regular updates to their Facebook page - so if you want to take a look you can find them here: www.facebook.com/DurhamCathedralLEGObuild

Here's me, pointing to the blue sticker (that's where my brick is!)

Inside the LEGO Durham Cathedral

We had a really nice day out in Durham (not only because I got to play with LEGO!) and the weather was gorgeous (if a bit cold!). We also stopped off at the Angel of the North. I'd definitely recommend a visit, it's pretty awe-inspiring when you're right up close.

Has anyone else been to visit this LEGO cathedral, or been involved in any other similar projects? I'd love to hear about it!

Cheerful nails for a grey January day

I'm having a massively clumsy day today - I managed to slam my hand in the front door, walk into a table and drop my toothbrush down the side of the sink (not in that order) - and the day's barely started yet!

Anyway, it's been a particularly grey January so far, and there doesn't seem to be much sign of summer yet... So I've brought a bit of sunshine to my nails to brighten up the day! Hope you like :)

DIY Hogwarts Letter (Studio Tour gift pack)

Like loads of people my age I've been a fan of the Harry Potter books (and films) ever since I was young and I've grown up in awe of the 'wizarding world' created by JK Rowling. My boyfriend is an even more avid fan than I am so, as a present for his birthday, I bought tickets for us to visit the Studio Tour down near Watford.

Unfortunately the gift 'presentation pack' left me a little underwhelmed - surely the most obvious (and exciting) gift would be a letter from Hogwarts? Or, at the very least, it'd be nice to have something that wouldn't look out of place on a wizard's mantelpiece!

So before I handed the tickets over, I set to work on a slightly more exciting gift package.

My version of a letter from Hogwarts; an invitation to the Wizarding World

Here's my version of a Hogwarts letter, complete with booking details on an added square of parchment. Because Matt's not eleven (and not a wizard) I created it as an invitation from Albus Dumbledore to visit the Wizarding World and tour the 'grounds and facilities' of the school (as well as other destinations).

My first thought was that it should be on thick cartridge paper, and my second thought was that it shouldn't be standard A4-sized - because why would wizards use A4 paper? :) So I created my design with very thick margins and trimmed the paper once it was printed, to make a long, thin letter. I was then able to fold it into thirds, around the tickets (still inside their paper gift wallet), and then work out an envelope/wallet to keep it all together.

I was originally going to just tie the letter with string, but it felt a little too loose - and the last thing I wanted was to lose the tickets! So I fashioned a wallet from some dark red leather-effect card that I'd used for another project.

I think the final packet came together quite effectively and I'm actually quite pleased with how it turned out! The distress ink worked well on the leatherette card too, picking out all the raised features and making it look a bit aged.

The most taxing part, though, was the wax seal. I had - rather ambitiously - decided I wanted to seal it with the Hogwarts crest. Which is fine if you have a wax stamp with the crest on it! But I had to improvise...

I made this by taping a black-and-white version of the crest onto a block of wood and drilling in at key points. Through a combination of drill bits and files, I managed to make a shape that vaguely resembled the crest.

I said before that it was ambitious, but I think even that might be an understatement! It did take me a while, and it was very fiddly! Once I'd finished it, and before using the wax, I sealed the block with some clear spray paint - very important if you don't want the wax getting stuck in the wood...

Using a small stick of sealing wax turned out to be harder than I expected, because by the time I'd dripped enough wax for the seal, the first drips had started drying (hence some of the areas only have light indentations). It took a couple of attempts before I was happy with the result (by which time I'd almost run out of wax!).

If I did it again, I would either go for a simpler shape, or find some sort of CAD carving equipment (I'm sure something must exist!) - Or I suppose I could fork out for an official wax seal stamp from Warner Bros... :) But I think I quite like the hand-made feel to it, and it was fun to give it a go!

But, anyway, let me know what you think - And let me know if you've been to the Studio Tour & what you thought (Matt and I loved it)! :)

Woah it's mid-November - How'd that happen?!

This year has gone crazy-quick. I seem to be saying this a lot of late, but there's something about this year that has just been way quicker than all the other previous years! Maybe it's just me, but I still feel like we should be winding down to the August bank holidays, not cosying up in the dark evenings with only half a month until December!

That said though - I am getting super excited for Christmas now! Matt and I picked out our advent calendars yesterday while we were food shopping, and I keep seeing them on our bookshelf and getting excited! (I want to open them now!)

We've got so much planned between now and Christmas, including two weekend breaks and lots of time with family and friends. We've both managed to get some days off work before & after the Big Day too, so there's plenty to look forward to.

Who else is looking forward to the festive season? Or am I getting a bit over-enthusiastic a bit too early..? I have a feeling that maybe I am... :)

Grow little sunflower, grow

I planted three sunflower seeds on the May Day Bank Holiday a couple of weeks ago and noticed today they're just starting to sprout! This is the first time I've ever planted a sunflower so (even though this might be slightly sad of me) I'm kind of excited to see how tall it will grow :)

My sister has a matching pot that I planted at the same time so we're having a bit of a race... Hers are winning at the moment, they sprouted about three or four days ago so mine have a bit of catching up to do...

Amelia xx

Taking my new cup on an outing

I bought the cutest coffee cup over the Bank Holiday weekend, it's plastic with a silicone heat protector/gripper for holding it. I've been wanting one for a while but never saw one which caught my eye... Until I saw this one while queuing at Primark! It's covered in cute kawaii food and other objects and it makes me smile early in the morning when I'm rushing to work :-)
I've got a meeting in London today so my little cup is coming with me on its first proper outing. Here's a pic of it chilling on the train...

Amelia xx

On the train

My car's been out of action the past couple of weeks. Well actually, technically, it's my boyfriend's car that's been out of action - meaning he's been using my car to get to work and I've been taking the train.

I must say it's quite nice not to have to drive... But the gruelling 40min uphill power-walk to work after the train more than makes up for the relaxing train ride to start with.

Let's just say I'm really quite excited that he's picking up his new car tonight so I can have my beloved Daisy back :) (yes- I've named my car, don't judge me!)

Amelia xx

A postcard from 100 years ago

I spotted this in a charity shop last week and bought it for 50p. It's a postcard sent over 100 years ago, in 1912, and the little story it contains is just adorable.

"Dear Alice,
Another view for your album. I hope you will have a pleasant time for your Easter holiday, the weather is very nice indeed at present. Owing to the coal strike we are unable to get away for Easter, yours most sincerely Jim"

At least I think it says Jim, it took a while to decipher the handwriting!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I found it :)

Amelia xx

Happy St George's Day for yesterday!

I've had a busy week last week. I can't even remember most of what I've been up to! But I'll make sure to add a few updates soon. In the meantime, have a look at the lovely roast dinner I cooked last night (I'm starting to get the hang of it now, I think that was my fourth roast chicken - how grown up of me!)

Amelia xx

Sending good luck in the mail

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you really really want the job. My sister Emily has a job interview soon that she's rather nervous about, so I thought I would put my new shamrock cookie cutters to work and send her some luck-shaped baked goodness to help her on her way...
It was my first attempt at royal icing and it came out better than I expected!

Amelia xx

Shopping for vintage things!

I went shopping for vintage bits a couple of weeks ago (I think I mentioned in my Felixstowe post at the time) and I thought I'd show you what I found and do a mini 'haul' post!

My favourite piece for the day was the lovely wooden sewing box, complete with vintage sewing ephemera which I was surprised to discover once I'd bought it!

I also picked up a couple of cute cookie cutters; a clover/shamrock and a teacup. I get slightly over-excited about cookie cutters. I'm not sure why. But I feel the need to keep collecting new shapes and sizes to add to my collection!

Another slightly random purchase was a couple of drawer/cupboard ring pulls. I think I was drawn to these because my parents used to have an old record cabinet in their living room with similar handles on. I'm not sure what I'll use these on yet but I'm sure I'll come up with something!

The last two purchases are just pretty and don't really have a story behind them. I've been wanting a suitcase/trunk for storage for ages and found this one in TK Maxx (so not exactly an antique!), and I just fell in love with the cake stand; hopefully planning to use as craft storage but haven't quite worked it out yet!

Amelia xx

Mutant Haribo??

Tucking into some Haribo Goldbears I came across this - the freakiest looking bear I've ever seen. The poor thing. Green is also a rather unfortunate colour for it too. (But it still tasted just as good!)

Have you ever come across a mutant treat in a pack of sweets? (Or anything else for that matter) And did you decide to eat it or keep it - or send it back to the company hoping for a free pack??

Amelia xx

Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
So, I've signed this blog up to bloglovin as that's the service I use to keep up to date with some of my favourite blogs. I'm still trying to find an RSS feed reader that I get on with - anybody got any recommendations now that Google Reader is going down the pan?

Amelia xx

Off to the postbox with a small batch of letters

These were actually last week's deliveries but it's taken me a while to get round to blurring the address out (I know it doesn't take much effort but I got there eventually!)
These are sadly relatively plain as my craft room is still in turmoil, but I'd found a gorgeous letter set that I couldn't wait to use. I love all the special delivery stickers and faux-airmail envelopes; it came with some quirky squared paper for writing the actual letter too.

I've popped these in the postbox with quite some excitement as it's been a while since I've sent some proper mail. Hopefully my next batch will be a little more decorative!

Amelia xx

Spring has most definitely NOT sprung

It seems my post on Thursday was a little preemptive - I predicted the start of spring and it's been snowing on and off since!

It started to melt a little today so we went on a (very very cold) walk. It was sunny, so everything looked nice and bright, but there was a biting wind and I'd forgotten my gloves and hat! I must say I was glad to get back inside in the warm!

Amelia xx