Making My Own Stickers

You probably know by now that I love nothing more than buying stickers on Etsy. I sometimes spend hours on Etsy looking at loads of different shops and imagining how I would use their stickers.

I'm always adding stickers to my cart but when I see the total cost plus shipping (shipping is the worst isn't it) I have to take everything out of my cart. Then I'm sad because I then know I can't have the amazing stickers I had just picked out. Yes, I often look through Instagram for coupons first before making a purchase - but on my budget these days not even that is good enough.

So I just went on Amazon and bought the cheapest sticker paper I could find. I don't mind if it is bad quality paper just yet because at the moment I'm only trying to see how various things work. I'll probably then buy one printable sheet and see what happens.

Random fact about me...I am the worst at cutting out in the whole world! I think it has something to do with being left handed. I could never find left handed scissors when I was younger so I kept switching hands all the time. I can't cut in a straight line and I always get jagged edges. People have made jokes about how bad I am. So I need to be extremely patient if I'm going to hand cut a bunch of stickers. This is why I'll probably go for the bigger ones rather than the more intricate ones. There's no way I could even consider getting a Silhouette yet.

Maybe someday I'll do more printing and even take the plunge and buy a Silhouette. I'd love to start my own little Etsy shop too - but this would probably be way in the future! Things are so crazy right now with moving and trying to find a job so I don't want to start anything like that while I have those things to deal with too.

If you have any tips or advice on how I can print my own decent stickers then I'd really appreciate that. If it works I think printable shops will become very useful to me. But also let me know which your favourite are. Where can I get good sticker paper that isn't too expensive? Anything you have to say would be greatly appreciated.

I'm still trying to get involved in the planner community but I'm not getting very far at the moment. Please let me know if you'd like to work with me in anyway. If you're an Etsy shop owner or a YouTuber or a fellow blogger, send me a message and I'm sure we can find some way of working together. I think that's a great way of making good friends. So please, just let me know. My instagram is @waffle.dreamland and my Twitter is @WaffleDreamland.

Beth xx

Etsy Shop: Formless Designs

 I got super excited when I placed my order for stickers from Formless Designs. I was randomly looking at various pictures on Instagram when I saw one for this Etsy shop. It was for 50% when you spend $30 dollars or more. With this amazing offer I was able to get so many stickers for just over £10, not including postage. I actually felt kind of guilty because an offer like this is such a steal.

 

Anyway my stickers arrived a few days ago and I couldn't be happier. These will be perfect throughout the rest of the month since a lot of them are in the July colours. Also a lot of the summery ones will work really well for me in August too.

I love sampler sheets because they let you have a chance to try different types of stickers that you wouldn't really consider purchasing a full sheet of. I'm always in need of half boxes and full boxes so these half boxes will really come in handy someday. I also love the cute little cupcakes. I know I'll find a great use for each of these stickers except maybe the petrol (gas) tank ones since I currently am not driving. I was really happy with this sheet and love all the bright colours.

 

I thought I'd purchase some stickers in the July colours since I felt like I didn't have enough (I still don't!!). These are great, and I love the little watermelons.

 

 Since taking these pictures I have already used the little grass sticker and I love how it looks in my planner. The rest will be perfect once I start doing more summery things. The ice cream stickers are super cute, I love them so much, and I just love the really bright colours and cute little faces.

 

Let's be honest, these dots are just dots. But I really like that they came in so many different colours - and I couldn't believe how many there are! I will have plenty of uses for these.

 

I can't really describe these well enough but I guess they have a sort of watercolour chevron design. The stickers on the left are half boxes and the ones on the right are normal strips shaped like a page flag (pointy ends). They are different lengths, which I actually really like.

 

These heart checklists have so many hearts! I think I'd be scared if I had that many things to do in one day - but I know these will be very useful on a particularly busy day. You know that I love any kinds of full box stickers - well the To Do List stickers are great. I'm not quite sure when I'll use them yet...but maybe the green one will look good in August. I'm not planning on using hydrate stickers just yet but I really want to soon and like the look of these. I think I might stock up on some more hydrate stickers before I start using them though since you need a lot just for one week.

 

So that was my sticker haul from Formless Designs. The owner, whose name I sadly don't know, was so lovely to talk to and also really helpful. She got my order shipped super fast, and my stickers were here in a few days. I've never received such a huge order before and probably won't for a while since money is extremely tight - but I will say it is even more fun to open the envelope and find sooo many stickers.

 

Go place an order NOW with Formless Designs and mention that I sent you! I can guarantee that you will not regret making a purchase at all. There is such a wide selection of stickers in the shop, and I know you will be struggling to stop yourself from adding most items to your cart.

 

Thanks Formless Designs for my perfect order of stickers!

Beth

Etsy Shop: Stickeriffic

 

I'm pretty sure I bought stickers from Stickeriffic on a whim and just chose the ones that were most appealing to me. I have to say that when my stickers arrived I was definitely pleasantly surprised!

 

 

I think fruit would look amazing in a summer spread - and look how cute these fruit stickers are! Okay, I'm not sure these have a great functional use for me personally, but I think they would be perfect for decorating during the summer. The colours even match the July and August monthly colours. I really love these!

 

 

These laundry stickers manage to add a little bit of fun to doing laundry. I don't really plan ahead with laundry except maybe a day or two before - but these can easily be added to a spread on the day, and they will be perfect for reminding me that I need some clean clothes!

 

 

I love the colours of these full box stickers! They work better for spring months, but I'm still going to find a way to make them fit in any weekly spread. I have a great need for stickers that fill an entire box. They get used so quickly and they're soooo useful and look great. I need more! Sadly my budget does not allow any more sticker purchases for a little while. I find that very sad, but I'm sure I'll find a way to break the rules.

 

 

Sampler sheets are the best. They give a really great idea of what stickers I really like. The weekend banner here is gorgeous! I've also been looking at taco stickers but never saw the need to buy a full sheet since I never have them that much. So having this one sticker is perfect for when I next have tacos!

 

My order from Stickeriffic most definitely exceeded my expectations. They arrived on a really difficult day for me but they still managed to cheer me up when I saw them. I was then able to fully appreciate them the next day.

 

I will definitely be making another purchase from this shop very soon. I can't wait to see what else I can get. The quality of these stickers is really great, and I can't find any faults at all. Now all I need is to get lots more sheets so I can form an even better opinion. This shop could very easily become one of my favourites.

 

Don't forget to check out Krista's shop right here. It seems the shop is closed for a few days but don't let that stop you from checking back again and making a purchase when she reopens. Tell her I sent you :)

Happy planning!
Beth xx

10 Places I Want To Visit

The world is full of so many different countries, and each country has its own culture. Each country has something different to offer compared to the country next to it. I want to see it all.

I love knowing that I could visit one place to enjoy the sun and sea and great weather. Then I could visit another place and enjoy being in a busy city filled with many tourist attractions.

Here is a list of the top ten places, in no particular order, that I would love to visit someday.

1.

Hawaii

2.

New York City

3. 

Tokyo, Japan

4.

The Bahamas

5.

California

6.

Ireland

7.

Paris

8.

Rome

9.

Barcelona

10.

Austria

Which places would you love to visit? Do you come from any of these places I have mentioned? I'd love to know! These places look so beautiful, and I'd love to be able to see more of the world. Hopefully someday I'll be able to visit one or two of these places.

 

Beth xx



One Of Those Days

I actually wanted this blog to be a positive thing - but I don't want to pretend to you all that things are alright when they're not. I still want to keep the private things private, but the only way you guys can really get to know me is by knowing about the big things going on in my life.

 

Today has just been one of those days when everything has happened at once, and I just need to use this space to help myself process all the stuff that has happened.

Today I lost my job. It's something that I kind of knew was coming, but I still hoped it wouldn't actually happen. Basically I'm not needed after next week, the work I've been doing has been done and there's no more work for me at the moment.

While still trying to keep the private things private, one thing I want to mention is that my financial situation at the moment is pretty bad. I need more money coming in, not less. Now I need to start looking for another job. It could be something I'll stick with for many more years or it might just be something to keep me going until something comes along that I can stick with. There aren't many jobs around here so this could be difficult.

I'd love to be able to turn my blogging into a job and expand from that. Maybe make YouTube videos or start my own little Etsy shop. At the moment I don't think that would be possible just because I have very little knowledge of how to blog properly etc. I still have sooo much to learn about blogging and YouTube. But of course I'm willing to learn!

I'm also going to be moving within the next few months and I'm definitely struggling to accept that. The thought of living somewhere else really upsets me, but I have to learn that it's for the best. Today I've had to sort a lot of stuff out with that so it hit me even harder.

To add to the craziness of today - my shower broke this morning. On any other day it wouldn't be so bad, but today it definitely wasn't helpful!

I'm sharing a lot with you right now but I just wanted you to know more about me. Plus if anyone has any advice on how I could incorporate this blog into a job somehow that would be greatly appreciated.

Change is a terribly scary thing - but it can also be exciting if you let it! We need to make the most of the changes in our lives and use them to help ourselves grow and learn from experience.

Thanks for reading this. If you have any requests for posts please don't hesistate to ask.

Beth xx

Recipe: Peanut Butter Cups

I've been dying to write this post for almost two weeks! Finally I can share my recipe with you so you too can make these delicious peanut butter cups.

These are pretty similar to Reece's Cups, but I find they are a bit bigger and also richer. There is a lot of chocolate in this recipe, which is something I wouldn't usually complain about, but if you don't want your peanut butter cups to be too sickly I suggest using less chocolate. Vary the amount of each type of chocolate according to your own preferences. 

This recipe is so simple to make, and you don't even need to put anything in the oven!

Ingredients:

100g dark chocolate 

300g milk chocolate

40g icing sugar

250g smooth peanut butter

2tsp unsalted butter, softened

Equipment:

12-hole muffin tin

12 cupcake cases, paper or silicone

1. Line the tin with the cupcake cases. I used silicone cases because I found they made it easier to pop the peanut butter cups out of the cases. 

2. Take half of each of the milk and dark chocolate and break them up into a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally while the chocolate melts then remove from the heat.

3. Pour the melted chocolate evenly into each of the cases and bang the tin gently to make sure the melted chocolate is level in the cases. Wait for it to cool then cover in cling film and leave to set in the fridge for around 30 minutes.

4. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl then add the butter and peanut butter and beat together until smooth. Divide the mixture between the cases using a teaspoon to level the top. Cover these again and put in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

5. Repeat Step 2 for the remaining chocolate and leave to cool slightly once it is melted. Pour it evenly on top of the peanut butter layers in each cupcake case. Make sure the tops are level, then cover and return to the fridge until it is set.

6. They are now ready! Remove the peanut butter cups from the cases and enjoy. These will keep for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container.

I hope you enjoy these peanut butter cups! Of course they don't look exactly like the Reece's Cups but they are just as yummy.

If you make them please send me pics. Tweet me at @WaffleDreamland or tag me in your pics on Instagram @waffle.dreamland.
Let me know in the comments if you liked this recipe and if you'd like to see anymore recipes from me in the future.

Beth xx

Valencia in Pictures

A couple of years ago I went to Valencia in Spain. It was the first time I had ever been on a plane, and I was so excited! I just wanted to share with you my favourite pictures from that trip. It is such a beautiful place, and I'd love to go back there someday.

 

I didn't like to include the pictures containing other people so I just put in my favourites of those without people. I'm not the best photographer! But I saw some really amazing things there - things you'd never see here in the UK.

Valencia has the most amazing buildings I've ever seen - and I love the fact that the sky was always blue! We went to an aquarium which was huge, and I absolutely loved that. I just love aquariums to be honest. I'm sure these picture don't really mean anything to you guys but I love them and just wanted to share them with you.

 

There are so many other parts of the world I'd love to see - but I feel so lucky that I got to visit Valencia. I had the best time!

 

Where is your favourite place you've travelled to? Let me know in the comments. My bucket list of places to go is getting so long!

 

Beth xx

Instagram Problems and Giveaway

A few hours ago I was on Instagram and suddenly I found myself logged out of my account. I had a message saying that my account had been removed and there was no way to get it back again. I wasn't even given a reason for why it was removed.

I think maybe my giveaway was part of the reason why my account was removed. Since I told people they could enter as many times as they'd like, someone decided to take full advantage of that. It was suspended shortly after. Maybe that was the cause, I really don't know. I always feel bad when stuff like that happens because I don't like doing the wrong thing, and this clearly means I was doing something wrong.

Anyway, I have a new account now. It's @waffle.dreamland. I hope I'll be able to find my favourite accounts again soon.

Sadly I have to postpone the giveaway until I know more about what I can and can't do. I've been worrying a lot today about doing the wrong thing with this blog. I want to make sure things are legal and safe. And I want a blog that people can enjoy and that I can enjoy writing for you all. It's a learning process for me.

I will let you all know when I can start the giveaway again. I need to do a lot more research first.

If anyone reading this has some experience blogging I'd love some advice so please get in touch.

I'll post again very soon when I'm back on top of things.

Beth xx

GIVEAWAY!!!

Okay so here it is...time for my giveaway!! I'm soooo excited about this!

I don't have a picture of the stuff I'm giving away yet, which is annoying I know. I have a few things here but not everything has arrived - and I'll probably be buying a few more things for you guys too!

This prize is gonna be planner related. I have a bunch of sticky notes and washi tape and stickers! Some really cool stuff, which I'm actually a little jealous about! It's not a massive giveaway because I have no idea what to expect. If it goes well I'll do an even better one in the future. But who's gonna say no to free washi tape?! I wouldn't. 

This prize is international. Just repost my pic on Instagram and tag one friend with the hashtag #wdreamlandgiveaway

This giveaway closes in the night of June 22nd. Enter as many times as you'd like.

Good luck to you all! I'm so excited for you. Spread the word!!

Beth xx

More Inspiring Words From Audrey Hepburn

Here are some more inspiring quotes from Audrey Hepburn. I love her attitude towards life. There's so much positivity associated with her quotes, which I just love.

Of all these quotes, which is your favourite?? 

 

I think one of the reasons I love Audrey so much is because I love Paris so much. Watching her in Paris in the film Funny Face is perfect for me. I love it!

 

Leave a comment about which quote is your favourite, I'd love to know.

Beth xx

Etsy Shop: PlannerPenguin

Last week I made a purchase from an Etsy shop based in Canada and I wanted to tell you all about it because everything about the shop is wonderful.

I was on Instagram one day (follow me - waffledreamland) and I saw a picture containing a coupon code for free shipping from an Etsy shop. This is a big deal for me since I'm in the UK and have a lot of trouble finding shops with reasonable UK shipping prices. So I quickly went on Etsy and looked at the shop.

This shop is PlannerPenguin. First of all I was blown away by the amazing looking stickers in the shop. I should mention that the shop owners are a mother and daughter team - and I think that adds something really special to the shop. I managed to narrow my choices down to what I would purchase eventually - and then I noticed the free shipping code worked! I was so amazed! I haven't been looking for stickers and washi tape for very long but I still haven't seen another Etsy shop outside of the UK offer free shipping to the UK yet.

I received the stickers so much sooner than I had expected, and they arrived in a little plastic wrapper (my choice of words is poor I know) in a simple brown envelope. BUT the envelope was decorated with washi tape. The colour choices were perfect - and I have to say I really want to be able to find the same washi tape to use myself because I love it so much! When I saw this envelope on the top of the pile of post in my porch that morning I was so excited. It looked so beautiful.

 

Then I saw the stickers. I couldn't believe the amazing quality of them. They were everything I hoped they would be and more. I wish I'd made a larger purchase now because they were perfect. They are incredible value for money.

 

Everyone, go buy stickers from PlannerPenguin if you haven't already! Trust me, it's so worth it. And show me which ones you choose. I can't wait to make another purchase from this shop.

 

Also let me know what you think about this kind of post. I was thinking of writing posts about specific shops that grab my attention - and I knew this had to be the first shop I post about. It's going to be so fun using my new stickers in my new planner. Also, if the owners are reading this...please tell me where you get your washi tape from! :p

Beth xx

GIVEAWAY??

Soooo I'm thinking of doing a giveaway here but I want to make sure it'll go reasonably well before I go ahead with it.

 

Please leave a comment if that would interest you. I will only go ahead with the giveaway if I get a good enough response. So please let me know! Either leave a comment or tweet me at @WaffleDreamland

Thanks guys!
Beth xx

ONCE UPON A TIME

Photo credit

If you read my last post you already know about my love for all kinds of fairytales. Well the tv show Once Upon A Time is about pretty much every fairytale character I can think of, and I love it!

 

Loads of people are talking about Once Upon A Time lately because it recently appeared on Netflix in the UK. I have watched the whole of the first season and some of the second, and it just keeps getting more and more exciting.

 

You might wonder what could be interesting about watching a bunch of fairytale characters since we've all been brought up knowing what happens anyway. But we learn that the stories don't turn out the way we heard when we were kids. Also there is a mixture of events happening in the world of these characters and also in the real world.



Red Riding Hood

Remember the Evil Queen from Snow White? Well she is still determined to ruin Snow White's life so she curses all the characters. They are transported to this world where they have no memory of their previous lives. It is down to Emma Swan to break this curse - but how can she believe that such a curse exists?

 

I will admit that even though I really loved the first two episodes, once I got to the third I got a bit frustrated with how things were going. But trust me, that feeling doesn't last long. It gets sooo much better! It's really fun to see more and more characters being introduced. I'm in the middle of the second season and I'm still seeing new characters. When seeing characters in the real world it is actually pretty fun to try to guess who their fairytale character is.

Snow White

The only negative thing I have to say about this series is that I find it quite difficult to really like Snow White and Prince Charming. This is mostly because their real life characters do things in the first season that Snow White and Prince Charming would never have done. Setting that thought aside, everything else is amazing, and those characters are still pretty likeable for other reasons.

Give this show a watch! It is not difficult to binge watch a couple of episodes one evening.

Have you been watching it? Who is your favourite character? If you haven't watched it I really think you should - then leave a comment to tell me you have been watching!

Beth xx

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Photo credit: beyondbooks.org.uk

I want to tell you guys about this amazing book I just read...

The Selection by Kiera Cass is one of those dystopian fiction books; I think it's actually set way in the future. However, reading it feels like reading a fairy tale.

I am a big fan of anything to do with fairy tales. I love princes and princesses, fairies and magicians, anything that seems like it has come from a Disney film. This book is perfect for me because it makes me feel like I am reading the type of book that I loved as a child - but it has a plotline more suitable for someone my age. It's perfect!

One important thing to understand about this book is that the people living in the country are split up into eight castes. One being the richest and Eight being the poorest. A family's caste determines what work they do and their standing in society. It can be controversial for people to marry outside of their own castes, although the lower castes sometimes do this to create better lives for themselves.

America Singer is a Five. She is not the poorest in the country but she is very far from being one of the richest. Her caste specialise in the arts - so they are mostly musicians and artists. They make their living in this way. She knows the struggle of not always having food on the table - but she also knows the situation is far worse for Aspen. America has been having a secret romance with Aspen, who is a Six.

When the royal family announce that the Prince is ready to marry this means it is time for The Selection. Girls of a certain age across the country can apply to be chosen as one of 35 girls. These girls get to live in the palace and get to know the Prince until he decides which one he'd like to marry.

America signs up because she wants to do whatever she can to help her family - even being chosen as one of the 35 can help her family in some way. She is determined to do that much and then return to Aspen someday. She has no interest in the Prince and doesn't even think much of him.

This book enables us to see America and Prince Maxon get to know each other. Of course I'm hoping they'll end up together but I guess I need to read the rest of the books to find out. It's not always likely these days to be able to read about the happy endings we're hoping for.

The love story in this book has made me swoon a couple of times, I have to admit. I just know once I read the next book things are going to go all wrong again.

I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series - and I will let you know once I have. Don't worry, I wont give any spoilers! All I've said already is pretty obvious from the cover etc.

I'd love to read more books like this so please send me your recommendations! Also tell me what you thought about this book. Have you read the others in the series too? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!

Beth xx

I Bought My Planner!

Yay I bought my Erin Condren Life Planner today! See below for the link that'll give you $10 off your order, it's definitely something you don't want to miss. I am so excited to see what it looks like in real life and to finally start using it. I already have a very small collection of stickers and washi tape - but I still don't feel like I have enough!

My bank account is suffering at the moment.

But it's all good fun, and I know this is the perfect hobby for me since it's perfect for taking my mind off things. I'll gradually keep building up my sticker and washi collection - but I need to learn there's no need to buy from every Etsy shop that has a sale!

Please share your pictures with me on Instagram - @waffledreamland

Also tweet me at @WaffleDreamland

I really want to get to know you all so we can share ideas and pictures!

If you have an Etsy shop you'd like me to feature in this blog then please don't hesitate to ask.

I'm sure I will be posting a lot more when my planner arrives because I'll be so excited!

Also, I've been thinking of doing a small giveaway soon. Would anyone be interested in that? Leave a comment if you'd like that.

Here's the link that'll give you $10 off https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/bethanrees0311

Enjoy!
Beth xx

Planner Buddies?

Here's a post for all you planner addicts out there!

I have very recently caught the planner addict bug and cannot wait to buy my very own Erin Condren Life Planner next week. I've already been purchasing stickers and washi tape and the prettiest sticky notes ever! I'm obsessed with watching YouTube videos of other planner addicts too!

So please let me know if you're a fellow planner addict. I'd really love to get to know you guys and share ideas. Send me pictures of your planners so I can have even more inspiration! Honestly I'd just really love to make loads of planner addict friends.

If you run an Etsy shop that sells all kinds of planner goodies let me know what it is and I will definitely check it out! Or even if you don't have one - tell me which ones you recommend!

Tweet me at @WaffleDreamland or leave a comment if you'd like to chat. I really want to get more involved in the planner community :)

Beth xx