March Wish List ’22

It’s well and truly March already and I can’t believe it! 2022 is flying and I’m not ready to be a quarter of the way through the year so soon.

I feel like I said the same last month, but I’m rather excited for March, purely for a new month after how crap the last one was. Don’t get me wrong, February wasn’t as bad as January for being really poorly and skint after Christmas, but with everything that’s happening in the world right now, I think a few of us can agree that February was shite… Especially towards the end.

This being said, we can’t bad mouth the end of February too much and if you’re a Pokemon fan, you’ll know exactly why! We had the Pokemon Presents for the 26th Anniversary and DAMN the ending was amazing and something some of us didn’t see coming. The announcement of Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, generation nine in the franchise was announced, with some sneak peaks of the game as well as the three new starters. The generation nine games will launch later this year, which I’m so excited for! I’ll definitely be booking some time off work to play it like what I did for Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield as well as Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Anyhoo, let’s get on with this wish list! I’ve really struggled with it this month as at the start of 2022 I said to myself I’d be better with money and so far, it’s going pretty well, which I’m really proud of! I’ve got to a point however where I go to buy things and instead sit and think, “Do I REALLY need this?” and “What could that items cost get me instead/be used towards?” which has really helped. I recommend it for anyone who is trying to save monies. 🙂

• Pokemon Center Eevee Greatest Hits T-Shirt – (link)

Since the UK Pokemon Center opened online, I’ve kept my eyes peeled every other day for what new items they may add to the website (I have grails I’m hoping to get eventually!), and a few weeks ago I noticed this Eevee t-shirt landed on the website. I love the Eevee design, it’s so adorable and the “Quick Attack” text above it just reminds me of whenever I play with Eevee in my team. This isn’t exactly cheap at almost £25, but it’s definitely cute and official Pokemon gear is always great as well. I don’t know if I’ll pick this up anytime soon, but I would love to snag it eventually.

• Ocean In Space/Ocean Club Patreon Club Spirited Away Print – (link)

This is a print I’ve already ordered technically, as I signed up for the Patreon at the end of February. Ocean In Space‘s designs are so beautiful and really are works of art and I adore them all. However, when they announced they would be doing a Spirited Away design with Chihiro, I knew I had to get it! I waited until February payday and made sure to back their Patreon and snag it as soon as I could. I’m honestly so excited for this to arrive already! I already own the Nana print from Patreon at some point last year (which I also wrote about and you can read here) which I adore, I just need to get a frame big enough for it. 😛 I semi regret not backing for the washi tape and stickers now, but meh… I wanted to save money and just get things I’d make use of. I think I’ll look at having this print up in my office by my desk, the same as my plans for the Nana one too.

• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set and Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Jet Set – (link) and (link)

If there is one thing I’ve really missed having in my shower the past fortnight, it’s a yummy scented shower gel. My bottle of Snow Fairy finally ran out at the end of February and I’ve been after something nice to replace it since. I thought about getting something else from Lush but their shower gels are shockingly priced for what they are, plus, I didn’t like the look of anything. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Sol de Janeiro and their bum bum cream (especially its scent!), so I thought I’d have a look to see if they do shower gel, which they do! 😀 The scent of this sounds divine, as it’s described as being caramel-pistachio. HOLY SHIT GET IN MY SHOWER! I was too busy trying to be good that I missed out over last weekend when offers were flowing. However, as Mother’s Day is coming up and I know my mom wants to try Sol de Janeiro, I decided to grab a couple of the jet set gift bags for us, one each of the Bum Bum and Coco Cabana, making each set less than £20 with the discount codes I had. I’m so excited for these to arrive and I really hope me and my mom love our goodies. I’ve really been meaning to keep on top of my beauty regime now, my body has been struggling and felt really tight and dry. I’ve been slathering body cream on more than ever this week and my body is already appreciating it. 🙂

I’m going to pop my Look Fantastic referral code here. You’ll get £10 off your order if you use the code, but bear in mind you must spend a minimum of £30. Click the link and the discount will auto apply at checkout. 🙂

• Disney Store Turning Red Mei Plush – (link)

My friend Sacha on Instagram brought my attention to the fact the Disney Store had released Turning Red merchandise, as well as a HUGE Mei plush! I’ve been so excited for Turning Red coming out, that I vowed to buy one or two pieces of merch when it launched in shops. This plush is large and is something I knew I had to add to my collection. My only worry at the time was, “Where is it going to go?!” I’ve had it a few days now (at the time of writing this post I’d just ordered it…) at the point of this post going live and I adore it. I’ve also found it a home, my office chair. When I’m working on stuff at my desk (work and personal), as well a playing games I can have a snuggle of it to relax me. So far, it’s really helped my anxiety and kept me calm. Ironic really considering what Turning Red is all about, eh? 😛

So there we have it, my wish list for March. I know it’s a little bare this month, but I really am trying to be better with my monies. Some of the items in this post have been ordered/arrived but this makes a nice change, as usually I add stuff to my wish lists and either wait months to purchase and sometimes don’t buy at all!

What do you guys have on your wish lists this month? Make sure to let me know in the comments!

Until next time guys, take care and have an amazing weekend!

Enamel Pin Collective Haul

Can you believe January 2021 is over in just over a weeks time? January has FLEW by hasn’t it?

This month I have had so many creative ideas floating my head, both blog related and other creative outlets. There’s been so many blog posts I’ve wanted to write but a lot of them will be coming to my blog in February now, due to timing and such.

Today’s blog post has been one that has been a long time coming, an enamel pin collective haul. I’ll be talking about all the independent artists I’ve bought enamel pins from, whether it be through their store/Etsy/Patreon (in one case) or even through backing a Kickstarter campaign.

As many regular readers will know, I started collecting enamel pins back in 2018 when I bought my first enamel pins from Ayloulou Apparel/Petty Bones Club (store has since closed down) which you can read here. This isn’t the first time I’d started collecting enamel pins however, I’d actually collected them at a point when I was around six or seven. My brother and dad had designed some enamel pins to sell and they gave me some of course. It sparked off my addition back in the day and I grew out of it. 20 years plus later and I started collecting again and I won’t ever look back!

I have decided however in 2021 that I will calm down on my enamel pin buying as I have so many at the moment. I need to buy myself a new pin flag (or at least a big cork board at this point!) so I can start putting them on show. I also have some enamel pins I’m thinking of selling. If anyone would be interested in seeing what I’m thinking of selling, please let me know and I can have a think about listing some items. Friends are welcome to reach out too in the meantime. 😉

Anyhoo, I have a lot of enamel pins to show off, so I’m going to jump straight in! I’m not going to post about these in any order and I will of course link back to where I bought them from and mention if you are able to buy from the artists anymore due to the VAT UK stuff that came in at the start of January 2021.

Sugarnova

Trick or Treat Yo’ Self Ghost Enamel Pin and Lollipop Ghost Enamel Pin.

I bought these enamel pins around Halloween and they’re some of the cutest ghosties I own! Both ghosts are holding sweets/candy and both designs are completely different. Both of these enamel pins are on gold enamel and have double backs with purple rubber backings. They both retail for £7.30 each. Sadly I don’t know much about whether or not Sugarnova is shipping to the UK or not… As far as I’m aware nothing has been said in regards so I assume people of the UK can still shop with them!

For all those who are just there for the treats! Celebrate your Halloween candy horde with this sweets loving ghostie.

The trick or treat ghost is holding various sweets/candies including a lollipop, a chocolate bar, candy corns and some general sweets/candies. He looks really happy with his treats and is smiling with some blushing cheeks.

This mischievous ghost loves tricks AND treats! They will gladly give you a yummy lollipop, but only after they’ve spooked you!

The lollipop ghost is completely different to the trick or treat ghost. This ghostie has a bit of a naughty/mischievous look about him as he holds a MASSIVE lollipop! I think he may have scared someone for his sweet treat and is celebrating his accomplishment.

Lemoncreamsicle

Fishing Fox Enamel Pin.

First thing I want to mention here is at the time of writing this post (22/01/2021) the store is closed and plans to open again this year. Lemoncreamsicle keeps their Instagram up to date so make sure to go and follow! They’re currently talking about new products which is awesome.

The patient fox gets the fish — and you can take that spirit with you wherever you go with this adorable pin!

I’d been after the fishing fox enamel pin for what felt like forever! As soon as the store opened on Etsy I made sure to get my order in. This is actually one of my favourite enamel pins that I own due to how adorable the fox design is. As you can see the design is a little fox whose just caught a fish and judging by the bucket behind him it isn’t his first catch of the day! I especially love that this is an enamel pin with a chain on it, it really adds to the design and the little fish dangling at the end of the line! The dangling fish/line is free dangling and doesn’t have a pin on it. This is a gold enamel pin and has two double backs with pink rubber backs.

Adorablush

Shaymin Watermelon Enamel Pin and Eevee Strawberry Enamel Pin.

First thing I want to mention here is at the time of writing this post (22/01/2021) the store is closed for the weekend to fulfil orders but Adorablush does open often. Make sure to go and follow her on Instagram for updates. She pops timers on too for when the shop will open, which is always good.

I picked up these two pins through the Kickstarter in 2020 alongside Sarah (Raiin Monkey) and I’m so glad I did before the VAT issues. I love Pokemon and fruit isn’t exactly a bad thing is it? 😛 I decided to go for the Shaymin watermelon design as well as the Eevee strawberry design. Fun fact, I’m actually allergic to watermelon and strawberries are one of my favourite fruits to eat.

These enamel pin designs are adorable and have the signature/unique look of Adorablush. They’re both cuddling their desired fruits and looking adorable. The look chubby in their designs and the colours compliment and work well in each design. Both pins are gold enamel and have two double backs with lime green rubber backs. The other enamel pin designs from this collection are gorgeous and I especially love the Dwebble design where he’s with his coconut!

Dinojar

Haku Enamel Pin.

At the time of writing this post (22/01/2021) Dinojar doesn’t have these in stock, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled on their Etsy store to see when it comes back in stock! I picked up this pin through the Kickstarter in 2020 and I love it so much, I don’t own many Haku enamel pins but I do really love this design. It’s chubby, chibi and perfect all around. It’s not an overcomplicated design which is something I really like. You get that it’s Haku! It’s a gold enamel pin and has two double backs with black rubber backs.

Sukarimoon

I Don’t Give a Fluff Enamel Pin.

At the time of writing this post (22/01/2021) this enamel pin is in the sale from $10.00 to $5.00! I wanted to get that out of the way, as if you like this post it’ll be worth going to get it asap if you can! This being said, I don’t know if you’ll be able to buy this enamel pin if you’re in the UK. This enamel pin is SO ADORABLE and is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. I think it’s actually based off of the owners Pomeranian. It’s a little brown Pomeranian, with white feet and across the body in gold it states, “i don’t give a fluff”. Which in all honesty… I don’t. 😛 I don’t know why but I expected this enamel pin to be bigger, but that being said I don’t mind the size as it is. This pin is on gold enamel and has two backs with black rubber backs. There was a limited edition of this pin that was white glitter, that’s how I discovered this enamel pin in the first place but of course I missed out on this one.

Nyanzilla

Warriors of Cute Bard Enamel Pin and Warriors of Cute Mameshiba Mini Enamel Pin.

I picked up this pin through the Kickstarter in 2020 and it recently arrived. It was worth the wait and is such a cute enamel pin! I started playing D&D in 2019 and whilst I’m not a massive D&D nerd, I do enjoy playing the two campaigns I’m a part of. The first character I created for D&D is a dragonborn bard, so of course I had to back the deer bard character from the Warriors of Cute collection! The bard is dressed in green clothing and is holding a harp style instrument. It’s really cute and worked really well! I could have backed loads more but I wanted to be good. I’m also a fox ranger in Dane’s campaign, a design I would have loved to see part of Nyanzilla’s collection. The bard pin is on gold enamel and has two backs with yellow rubber backs. As a thank you for backing the Kickstarter I received the Warriors of Cute Mameshiba mini enamel pin. It’s a cute little shiba head, with a blep (tongue sticking out) and a green tie around it’s neck. It’s absolutely adorable and will make for a great filler in one of my itabags. Like the bard, this is on a gold enamel BUT this only has one back with a black rubber back.

Just to add, Nyanzilla does also have an Etsy store for her international buyers, so if you’re in the UK like me you can still get your goodies. However, I don’t know if the main website and the Etsy store are updated the same. I know at the moment the Warriors of Cute designs aren’t on the Etsy store at the time of writing this post… So it might be worth reaching out to Nyanzilla in regards if you wanted to buy one of these enamel pins from the UK on Etsy.

I ALSO want to add here how Nyanzilla is currently revealing her new Kickstarter for Elementalists that are inspired by Eeveelutions. Go and check out their Instagram for more information and images that have been revealed so far… I already want to back for ALL of the designs and I’ve only seen a handful. 😛

So there we have it guys, just a handful of enamel pins I have bought lately! Some of these dated back from the end of summer last year that I’ve been meaning to show off for quite some time now. I was planning to talk about more independent artists here, but one I’m actually going to give them their own post to talk all about their enamel pins and why you should check them out. Another I personally just don’t wish to talk about them on here… I’ve spoken about them on my Instagram before so. 🙂

Which enamel pins caught your eye? Do you own any of the same designs as I do? Make sure to let me know in the comments down below, as well as any enamel pin artists you can recommend for me to check out!

Until next time guys, take care and stay safe! 🙂

Ayloulou Apparel Studio Ghibli Enamel Pins

I’ve owned these pins for so bloody long now and it’s only now I’m actually writing about them! I sorted out my office yesterday and dug out so much stuff I had forgotten about or just put to one side for another time, these included. I had bought these in December last year to put on my coats and cardigans at work, but I just never got around to it as I wanted to write about them first. As many people will know, life gets in the way, especially at Christmas time!

SO I am FINALLY writing about these and after wearing the one at work today, I am so damn excited!

Lauren is the amazing designer behind Ayloulou Apparel and is in charge of creating cute and kawaii pieces, inspired by Sailor Moon, Disney, Pokemon, Nintendo and of course Studio Ghibli.

These pins are limited edition, or at least they were at the time so I made sure to pre order both Haku and No Face from Spirited Away. It’s my favourite Studio Ghibli film as well as one of my top 3 films.

When these arrived I was thrilled by what I was met with. I didn’t think the quality wouldn’t be good, but oh my they really did wow me!

They’re an amazing thick enamel and have two pins in the back which thick hard pink plastic pin holders. In the past I’ve collected and worn pins, which have nearly been lost due to dodgy backs. When wearing my No Face pin today at work, I felt like he wasn’t going to come undone and fall off of my cardigan.

Both Haku and No Face are of high quality, with the enamel on No Face being gold and Haku being silver. They also both have glitter on them with No Face having a pink glitter heart and Haku with his green mane being glittery too.

Since then Lauren has since released another Studio Ghibli inspired piece, this being Catbus! I’d love to pick him up next to wear on my yellow raincoat during the rainy spring and summer days to and from work, as well as on my weekends off.

At the time I paid £7.00 each for these pins and that was definitely worth the money! That was a special pre order price, as they’re not £8.00 each. I also received some matching stickers with my pins, which I’ve stuck into my 2018 journal.

You can still pick up No Face from her store here, but Haku doesn’t appear to be available anymore.

Again, I loved wearing my No Face pin today with my burgundy cardigan, but it’s my new Honey Punch rainbow cardigan (which you can read about here) that I cannot wait to pop Haku on and wear throughout the summer months!

If you’re after either of these pins, or maybe even Catbus or any other designs then check out all of Lauren’s links below!

www.ayloulouapparel.co.uk

Etsy Store

Instagram

Facebook

I’m sorry if these seems like such a short post today, but I just wanted to do a quick post to share my love of these pins, as well as Ayloulou Apparel!

Do you love things like this? If so what pins do you own and who by? I’d love to see what pins you own.

Until next time, take care all and I hope you had an amazing weekend!