Here’s the latest update about bits and pieces I’ve bought or done around the house. One item that I’ve added is a feature wall at the top of the stairs. Photowall is a website to dive into and browse to find something really different to have on a wall in any room of the house.
The hall and landing are painted in Farrow and Ball Elephants Breath. Well, actually, that’s a lie. It’s painted in a better paint called Valspar. B&Q’s own brand. I gave them a sample pot of the Farrow And Ball and asked them how near an identical match they could get. The match came up at over 99% so it is pretty much identical at a fraction of the price and I think the paint is better!
When Photowall got in touch to see if I’d like to try one of their wall murals, I thought about that long wall at the top of the stairs that’s on show and how nice it would look with something a little different to add interest. Especially from the bottom of the stairs in the hallway.
Start browsing the Photowall website and that’s when it gets tricky. There are so many genres of art to add to your wall! You add your wall dimensions and you can see exactly what your Photowall will look like. There are some beautiful flower walls but I fancied something a little different, so I browsed abstract. Delivery is swift and you can also order a wallpapering kit too. Everything you would need to get a perfect finish.
The paper is thick and of good quality. The pattern is all sorted for you with directions and numbered pieces letting you know where to cut the paper and what each part of the design is. I got my trusty builder friend to hang mine for me! But I have to say, getting the pattern to hang right was easier than I thought it would be.
For the next two months, you can get 25% off at Photowall using the code vanityandmestyle25
My house reflects my taste. Very neutral! It’s certainly a little different. And it’s started a few conversations as soon as I’ve invited someone into the house. Do take a look at Photowall if you’re looking into getting something a little different to spruce up one of your walls.
Fine china from Cheeky Mare
I love a quirky cup and saucer! Cheeky mare has some really different designs. There are mugs available too. A website well worth looking at. There are textiles and pet bowls too. A good place to go for a gift that’s a little bit different. I really like how the saucer contrasts with the cup on my design.
The garden has suddenly come to life!
For me, being able to visit the TK Maxx stores once they re-opened was a highlight of lockdown being lifted. The moon head ( I prefer to call it egg head ) was my first purchase. It’s good to finally be able to get out in the garden.
After all the rain we had, everything has suddenly come to life. I think TK Maxx have some brilliant buys for the garden, they have an excellent selection of plant pots. This is my go-to place for accessories for the home. Or Homesense. I can spend a bit of time in there!
Wired for sound with Edifier
I have been gifted a lovely box of goodies from Edifier. But obviously, the main component to this delivery was the headphones. I’m leaving some information below that was sent to me to explain why these earbuds are so good!
” The TWS1 Pro also feature the latest Bluetooth v5.2, using the newly upgraded Qualcomm QCC3040 chipset, which provides a faster transmission, lower power consumption and a more stable link. The second generation of Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Technology ensures the lossless and low-latency transmission of audio. These two technologies work in harmony to create an immersive, reliable listening experience with minimal interruptions. The high-quality PU and titanium diaphragms in each earbud provide crystal clear sound with punchy bass and rich details, producing a true representation of your chosen audio. Phone calls are also clearer, thanks to the Qualcomm cVc8.0 Noise Cancellation Technology which supresses external environmental noise, resulting in more confident, smoother communication and stronger call sound transmission.”
And can I just say. These are the first set of earbuds that have actually managed to stay in my ears! And the sound is amazing. Good quality but I feel it’s gentle on my eardrums if that makes sense. The Edifier TWSI Pro Ear Buds can be found here. I love them. A fraction of the price of the main branded ones and with better sound quality.
I still laugh about this! With Mapiful
Have you heard of Mapiful? A website that pinpoints either where you were or how the stars were aligned on a certain date.Great for births, weddings, any celebratory moment. A brilliant gift idea, I decided to mark the spot of our first date. I will let you know briefly.
I remember our first sort of real date well. sitting in the car with a bag of chips with a vast amount of water beyond the wall where we were parked. It was a first-time visit for me to somewhere that was more residential in London other than anything that represented shopping.
Just sitting in the car, chatting away, I remember how peaceful the surroundings were. It was right at this time I decided that I would like to move to London. After we had been dating for a while, Dee asked me if I had anywhere in mind for another date. I said I’d like to go back to that pond that was so peaceful and have another bag of chips. I was easily pleased! Just sitting there and watch the world go by made me happy.
We’ve never been to a pond was the reply. I said, yes. remember? where we had the chips in the car that time? our first date? Doubled over with laughter Dee explained that that pond was in fact the Thames!
I knew as soon as I had to mark a memorable date I had to have our “First Date” printed off. We still laugh about it. You can never take Essex out of the girl as they say!
Keep you and yours safe and well xx
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XO LAURIE
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The abstract wall looks amazing, I thought it was an architectural feature, not wallpaper! Very effective.
Love the pond story x
Author
Thanks Gail. Everyone laughs at the pond story! xx
the wallpaper looks great – i thought that was the actual wall at first, how clever! 🙂
Hope that your week is off to a good start 🙂
Author
A lot of people have said that Mica. And a few visitors have looked up puzzled! xx
I love your photo wall, Laurie, it is beautiful. I love the Mapiful picture, what a great idea 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up to #TheWeekendLinkUp
Author
Thanks Claire. I think Mapiful make a great gifting idea. xx
Oh my goodness, Laurie, I just laughed so hard about your first date at the pond! That is absolutely hilarious. And I love that you have a Mapiful print to commemorate your “pond” date! I have a few Mapiful prints and I love them! I just received a new one that I will be sharing soon. I really like the abstract design you chose for your photo wall. It is very reflective of your neutral style and really interesting and unique just like you, my friend! It looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing and linking with me.
Shelbee
Author
You’d be surprised at some of the things that come out of my mouth Shelbee! Glad you like the photowall xx
I didn’t realise it was a printed wallpaper. I thought it was a real wall. It looks incredible! #PoCoLo
Author
Hi Lisa. Thank you. Glad you stopped by xx
I like the way you chose the paint colours for your your walls Laurie, they are an excellent blank canvas that can take any accent colours, prints or textures and make them stand out. I also recently collaborated with Photowall and was amazed by the variety of choices and the quality of the artworks. Love your quirky tea china
Author
Neutral like my outfits Anna! I worry that it can be boring for some readers but like you say, anything will pair with it xx
That abstract wall art is amazing: I really did not realize it was a wall paper at first but thought it was 3D, like the wall was that shape. Love it!
Author
Thanks so much, Mireille. I’m pleased with it xx
Well what a feature your wall is. I’m sure it does gets lots of comments.
I’m not good with ear buds they all seem to gusty my ears! How funny. Love this story and a nice place to remember Laurie. Jacqui xx
Author
Thanks Jacqui. We still go there and have chips in the car! xx
That photowall feature is stunning, Laurie! I’ve heard a lot about them, and how easy it is to hang them. I’d still have asked a handy friend to do it for me as well 🙂 xxx
Author
Putting the pattern together is really easy and instructions are clear. I’ve just never been good at hanging wallpaper! And Dee can’t due to health xx
LOL I do love hearing about The Pond again!! Always make me laugh! And that photwall is well… it’s a WOW from me lol!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Author
Thanks, Suzy. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to decorating but my bravery paid off this time! xx
I LOVE what you’ve done with the place, Laurie – and your taste is always fabulous! If I was over there I’d definitely love to pop in for a cuppa and a long chat about life, the universe and everything!
Thank you for sharing and for doing you, unapologetically and have a happy week!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
Author
Wouldn’t that be lovely Donna. You never know! One day! xx
It seems like ages since I read your blog! First, what a funny story about your first date. And what a gorgeous wall! That is totally my taste! Have a sunny week Laurie!
Author
Thanks so much Nancy! And good to have you back. I look forward to hearing about your holiday xx
First, I LOVE the angular wall <3
Second, thanks for the heads up about mapiful and LOL that you've never actually been to the pond <3
Coming to you from the #AnythingGoes link party <3 Have a lovely day!
Author
Haha! Glad you enjoyed reading xx