Just five minutes browsing Etsy homewares makes me want to do a full Changing Rooms on my house and transform every corner into Pinterest perfection. Whatever you style, there will be a potter or painter who selling something that sums up your style and makes your house more homely. I've gathered my top picks for you to enjoy yourself or give as thoughtful, unique gifts.

Ceramic House Pencil/Candle Holder

£9.99, AquaTerraCeramics

The speckled finish of this sweet house is bang on Scandi-style, and I can imagine it looking so cosy in the Winter months. I'd gift this one with some lovely tealights (some of my faves are actually from Primark, but decant them into a posh box and nobody will be any the wiser) or if you know the recipient has children, pop in some fairy lights that will offer the same cosy glow without the fire hazard.

Olive and resin chopping board

£35, Kate Chesters 

If you're looking for an unusual gift, there are few that can beat these beautiful boards. Kate is self taught so each piece is made with passion and a tonne of raw talent. There are serving boards, tapas boards, and coasters, all dipped in mesmerising swirls of resin that complement the knots and grains in the polished wood perfectly. A lovely gift for foodies, new homeowners, or as a wedding present.

Floral Embroidered Hoop

£14.00, StitchAmbition

I am in awe of the patience that goes into creating these Pinterest-perfect hoops I've seen around. They're absolutely gorgeous and would bring a touch of Summer to any room of the house, minus the pollen! There are lots on Etsy, so look around for your favourite flowers or colours to suit your space.

Get Lost Wall Hanging

£12.00, HelloDodo

I won't lie to you, I mainly put this one in because it actually made me LOL when I saw it, and the mustard colour and Americana vibe just reeled me in further. Obviously this is a great addition to a travel gallery wall or a child's bedroom, but I like that it could be used as a not-so-subtle sign when you need your own space. If this isn't quite your thing, the shop offers lots more punny pennant hangings and tote bags, such as 'Who run the world? Gulls'.

Felt Penguin Chick

£8.00, Little Felt Emporium

Felt sculptures fascinate me and Etsy is a veritable zoo of ornamental fluffy friends, so whatever your favourite creature, I bet it will be featured. Personally I think you should p-p-p-pick up one of these penguins, they're so sweet and the black and white colourway is a fairly safe bet for gifting. As they are chicks they'll make lovely gift for expectant or new families.

Prices correct at the time of writing. Photographs belong to respective artists.

'What's Up' is a very fitting title for this post, because one of the main reasons to visit the Cumbrian town of Ulverston is Hoad Hill, and its lighthouse-like monument. We visited this weekend and couldn't have asked for a better day. Beautifully clear blue skies, sunshine, and a bitter breeze that was most welcome after the short climb to the top. 

The walk starts through Ford Park, a setting that is obviously well used and much loved within the local community. They have a woodland trail, a main hall where classes such as seated yoga are held, a courtyard cafe, and perhaps the cutest garden I've ever seen. Tucked at one end, through what looks like a fairy door, is a tiny wedding chapel, while the other end has a modern room built for childrens' activities. Evidence of the crafting is found all around the garden, with Alice in Wonderland themed suncatchers, big knitted bees, scarecrows, and even a papier mache dog faithfully guarding it all. 

From the garden you can take a number of trails to the top or stop at the benches along the way and enjoy the view across to Morecambe Bay. The path we took was pretty steep in some parts, but we took it steady and reached the monument in around 20 minutes. The monument was closed that day but frankly I was thrilled not to climb any more steps, and more than happy to gaze out at the town, the rolling hills, and right across to Morecambe- after snapping some obligatory shots, of course.

If you'd like to see more of Ulverston you could take a different trail down from the monument, but we chose to travel a little further afield to somewhere altogether unusual. A 10 minute drive from Ford Park will take you to Conishead Priory, a Buddhism and World Peace centre tucked out in the countryside. As we turned down the driveway, I certainly didn't expect to see a temple adorned in gold rising over the hedges, but the peaceful, natural setting is really the perfect place for reflection and respect for the Earth.

The centre is surrounded by its own woodland, which leads to a shoreline. We skimmed stones, searched for 'treasure' (sea glass and shells) then wandered back through the wood, working up an appetite for the world cafe where vegetarian food is quite literally made and served with love. The monks run it all and treat every visitor so kindly, making it a very calm and positive place to refuel. I chose a cheese scone and raspberry lemonade, and sat in the sunshine to enjoy it before going to visit the temple itself. 

I had never been to a temple before, and loved that the glass doors let in the sunlight and beautiful views of the garden. The statues and images were brightly coloured, and it was surprising to see that the offerings left to them included quinoa puffs, shortbread, and chocolate brioche- these deities have good taste! While the area was sacred, it was also very welcoming, with guests being invited to join in meditation sessions. I chose not to, but soaking up the atmosphere from the people and natural soundings was enough to leave me feeling blissful. 

Have you visited Ulverston? For more Cumbria inspiration and inspiration read about my break in the lakes.

This was the first big palette I owned when I first got into beauty, and now that I've rediscovered it I see why it was the perfect starter palette. It has a few neutral mattes, highlight shades, and an absolute rainbow of shimmers. Burgundy, copper, gold, green, blue, purple, and even a sparkly black all feature alongside plenty of shimmery browns, making this a really versatile choice. Some of the darker sparkly shades aren't amazing, but for the most part the formulas are fantastic, too.

I dug out this little gem to work in harmony with the palette, and now I want to stockpile it. It's tinted an orange/beige, so I apply this all over the lid but also pull it into the inner corner to create a concealed, uniform canvas. It's not too damp or too dry, so eyeshadow blends really well over it and it does help to prolong the wear.

I tried the much-loved red onion and rosemary sausages a few years ago and said they tasted like the inside of an old sofa, but these totally changed my mind. They're really tasty, and while they're not quite as moist as a pork sausage, that's probably because they're lower in fat. I had them with sweet potato mash, onion gravy, and veg, and it was a solid 10/10 tea.

This film was so worth the months of waiting. I watched every teaser on YouTube but still didn't know quite what to expect in terms of how much story would be revealed. Without giving spoilers, the film does put more emphasis on Freddie, following his journey from finding Brian and May up to his AIDS diagnosis, and the highs and lows in between. 

The attention to detail was evident and I was so impressed with the casting. I forgot I was watching a film and believed it was a documentary due to each actor nailing the walk, mannerisms, and performances of Queen. My favourite part was the Live Aid concert where I felt like I was really at the concert, and the screens either side of the stage played original Freddie footage as a touching nod to him.

Great British Bake Off
I swore I'd boycott it when it moved to Channel 4 and lsot my beloved Mary Berry, but I'm sorry Maz, the tent just brings a bit of (Kim) Joy to the darker, colder evenings, and I've loved screaming at Rahul through my screen.

I actually haven't loved any of the bakers, there are certainly no Selasis or Vals, but as I write this I'm hoping Kim Joy will win because she brings something different to the table with her animal-adorned creations.


Who did you want to win Bake Off?

Fun Fact About Me: I was born 2 weeks late, and I've been late for everything since. Parties, exams... it wouldn't surprise me if the hearse blows a tyre and I'm late to my own funeral. I needed to kick my timekeeping into touch, and I began to think that a gorgeous watch could be the key to changing my ways.

Bradburys of Halifax reached out to me and I soon found Olivia Burton amongst the designer brands they stock online and in their boutique store in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Straight away their banners showed me that they offer Michael Kors, Folli Follie, and Coeur de lion jewellery, but I knew Olivia was the one for me.

Although there were leather, vegan leather, and even velvet straps to choose from, I decided it was best to go for something sturdy that my clumsy self couldn't ruin. The filters on the site made it easy to find rose gold watches with metal straps, and within seconds I was staring, starry-eyed, at the array. I was torn between the Black Lace and Celestial Demi Dial models, and I was pleased to see that both had the same price at Bradbury's Online as on the brand's website, so you can support an independent, family run business without spending a penny more.

Fast forward to a few days later, when the postman brought my parcel. I was excited to rip into it, and rip I did! The little box was packed tightly with bubblewrap so there were no gaps, meaning my watch stayed so snug and secure, it could have survived being catapulted through my chimney to reach me. Inside, nestled under the bubbles and black tissue paper, was a box beautifully wrapped in rose gold paper and tied with a purple ribbon. It made opening my Celestial watch an even more exciting experience, and I love that Bradburys used rose gold paper to add that luxe metallic touch, tying in with their wares. 

With Christmas around the corner it's nice to know that you can lessen the load and order a gift that arrives ready to give to your lucky recipient. In fact, I might send all my presents to them- you can see from my attempt at rewrapping in these photos that I could certainly do with their help! Alongside perfect packages, Bradburys Online can help make the festive season fairer to your wallet, too, with free delivery over £95, and finance available for purchases over £250. You lucky lot can also take 15% off using the code Blogger102 until 22.11.2018!

If you happen to be in Halifax pop into the boutique to be dazzled by their diamonds, or if online shopping is more your bag the friendly family team can help you find just the right gems from the comfort of your own home.

What pieces of jewellery do you wear every day?

*Watch was provided in exchange for honest review.

I first introduced you to My Greeting Box back in Summer, when they put together the sweetest fairy themed box. Now that we're in October they've taken a spooky turn and curated a special Halloween edition.

It was posted out on the 10th October and arrived shortly afterwards, giving me plenty of time to make my cards and give them out before the big day itself. The box was securely packaged and fit through my letterbox, but its small size certainly didn't reflect the contents. It was jam packed!

Just like before, the box is incredibly well thought out, with a clear theme running through it. Everything was orange, purple, green, and black- all the classic Halloween colours. There were even miniature orange sweets included as a treat for you to enjoy or give with the cards. To see my reaction to the goodies inside and a full description of them all, click over to my unboxing video.

The Unique Selling Point (guess who's been watching too much of The Apprentice) of My Greeting Box is the instructions that arrive with the supplies. There is a picture on the front to illustrate exactly how your finished product should look, and inside you'll find detailed steps complete with diagrams. This month we had the cute mini monster pictured, a cleverly layered card with its own door which swung open to reveal trick-or-treaters, and even pre-cut nets to fold up your own tiny treat boxes. I was especially pleased with this inclusion because it's not something I would have expected at all.

Each card requires you to use a few different skills, so it's an enjoyable way to learn or hone your skills. The thought behind each one is clear to see, and the interactive layers and levels not only make them fun to make, but fun to receive, and much more special than any you could find on the high street. 

Although the steps are simple, there are quite a few of them, so you can expect to relax and enjoy making each one for 10-15 minutes. I found working through them and focusing on the task at hand was really calming and a great activity to do when I wanted some time away from screens. If you're a parent of a teen, this could be an excellent way to get them to follow suit, but you could also get younger children involved in the colouring and sticking elements to turn it into a family activity.

My Greeting Box are still running a 25% discount off your first box, so there's no better excuse to order it and spend the chilly November days crafting to your heart's content. 

Have you tried cardmaking before?

This box was sent to me in exchange for honest review.

Not to brag but- okay, I'm going to brag. These cookies are seriously good. I'm pretty sure I'd get a double Hollywood Handshake and a high five if I presented these in the Bake Off tent. They have everything I want in a cookie: a rich, chocolatey batter studded with caramel and toasty walnuts, a chewy edge, and a moist centre hiding a sweet surprise- a secret hidden caramel cup that melts in the oven to create the perfect gooey middle. Move over, Rahul.

I used the ALDI salted caramel cups I mentioned in my September favourites, along with walnuts to cut through the sweetness a little and add a crunch, but these cookies are your oyster, so try out whatever combinations you like. How about Terry's chocolate orange with chopped peel, or Reese's peanut butter cups with pecans and pretzels for a sweet-and-salty treat? 

What combinations will you try?

Sustainability is, quite rightly, a hot topic, with documentaries like Drowning In Plastic clearly illustrating the need to drastically reduce our single use plastic habit. Luckily, you can kill (or in this case, save) two birds with one stone, as lots of small shops are offering alternatives to products we use every day, so by investing in them you will help an independent business and the planet. Win win. 

Something I would like to add is that although these products are initially more expensive than their disposable counterparts, they are built to be more durable and save you money in the long run. Swap gradually as and when you can, every change makes a difference.

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito."
- Tabitha Eve Co

The Get Started Box- £25, The Ethical Box
Whether you're taking your own first steps or encouraging someone else's, this box is the perfect pick, as all of the items are so easy to integrate into everyday life. It includes metal straws, a bamboo toothbrush, a cotton tote bag, and a reusable coffee cup, so just one box can eliminate loads of plastic or non-recyclable items.

These retro string bags made a comeback over Summer, and as well as making a great fashion find, they are of course a great swap for plastic grocery bags at the supermarket. As well as this cream colourway, they are available in rust or navy, or you can preorder a custom colour. 

Gift idea: order one in your recipient's favourite colour and fill it with a few natural beauty treats or eco homeware bits for a 'sustainable starter pack'.

Face wipes are Satan's creation, agreed? They don't help your skin, they don't degrade, they block drains, and they're packaged in single use plastic. The one benefit of them is that they are convenient, but there are tonnes of replacements out there, with CloudCloths being one I've tried and love. 

One side is soft while the other has a slightly rougher texture, so they're perfect for cleansing the face, but they could just as easily be used for children or household cleaning. My top tip is to soak one in warm water then pop it in a freezer bag in your handbag or car so it's ready to use, clean, repeat.

This set is such good value! Inside the pouch sit a bamboo knife, fork, spoon, and chopsticks, a metal straw, and a cotton napkin, so you're fully prepared to eat on the go and no longer have to rely on plastic cutlery wrapped in yet more plastic. Just pull out your set, eat, then either pop into a public bathroom to rinse your utensils or wipe them on the napkin and wash it at home. They also have different prints and children's sets.

An all around good-eggy company that ships in plastic free packaging and donates 10% of profits to Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary, so in this case you're supporting a small biz, Mother Earth, AND cute animals- that's got to earn you some good karma, right?

Although they sell a variety of items, it's their health and beauty range that caught my eye. These shampoo cubes contain essential oils and coconut milk, the aloe vera mascara is refillable and kind to sensitive eyes, and the deodorant balms use sodium bicarbonate and clay for a fresh, dry feeling. They're all vegan and cruelty free too!

As well as providing the fab quote above, this company stocks all sorts of homeware that I didn't even know existed. Whether you're shopping for yourself or hunting down a gift for a new homeowner, you'll find something that's both practical and pretty. You really don't have to sacrifice good design here. 

My top picks are the vegan wax wraps which mould to the shape of your food like foil, but can be washed and reused, and the cotton bowl covers which sport a cute polka dot design and stretch over any bowl to protect the food inside.

What swaps would you suggest?

Prices correct at time of writing. Photographs belong to respective businesses.