DIY - Easy home made frozen yogurt popsicles

Yummy healthy alternative to an ice cream or ice lolly, if ya wanna get fancy, you can add blueberries or banana to the mix (properly mix it into the mixture to make it creamy). 

Enjoy!

PS: trying to integrate old and new blog to start showing same content so bare with me if you are a little confused right now!

Been 2 years since I last blogged but here I am...

Been 2 years since I last blogged but here I am trying to get into the blogging groove again and hopefully some of you are still around to be reading this....take 3 !

2 years on and what has happened...well a lot and in many ways not much.

I'm still in Hong Kong (who would of thought that 4 years ago!) and have made our flat ours in our own chaotic way. 

When we first bought the flat, the previous owners had painted the walls the nastiest orange and green you could imagine, and I'm talking ALL the walls, they had really random shelves all over the place and quite mismatched furniture including a proper piano, which sounds pretty cool, but it was WAY too much in such a small space so a lick of new paint, all feels good! 

Once I find some 'Before' photos, I will have to show you the difference a change in colour can make. 

Gorgeous view from the hut we stayed in on Nusa Lembongan

Since we've travelled to Taipei, Taiwan & more recently we went to Bali. Taiwan was a while ago now and my memory isn't too hot but I know I had a good time, was very interesting to see the differences between Hong Kong & Taipei, the biggest amazement was seeing people queue up in neat little lines to get onto the tube...now that I've never seen anywhere, not even in Japan.

Bali was a surprise holiday for me as I literally did not know where we were heading until I pushed my suitcase to the check in desk. Our 2 weeks there was perfection, from start to finish, was just fab and that is a word I use lightly.

One of my besties visiting us, posing with my monkey & man!

We've had quite a few visitors, some returning because they are super cool like that, and others for the first time and soon having my MIL visit if everything goes to plan (returnee). This awesome pic is from a boat trip we organised through this meet up group I occasionally frequent.

Oh and I have a new website through Shopify  which was the only platform that ticked all my boxes of 1) multiple currencies 2) easy to use 3) a proper content management system. My only problem with it is that it only has 100 products so I'm looking to change, if anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears!

I've started to work with acrylic and created 2 collections, the first being the +852 range, and more recently the 'Little Flowers' range which I'm so happy with and have had a lot of great feed back over.

So enough about the past, what about the future? 
In the immediate future I see food because I am starving! In the not so immediate future, we are making plans to move back to the UK....yup and this time we 100% mean it...and I will explain more in a future post...now for some dumplings yum!

Happy Chappy

Has been launched !

Annoyingly, I'm struggling to get the email working for it though so for now, will have to stick with the usual meow@littleclouds.co.uk one.

I am very very happy with it and thinking of doing some giveaway or coupon or something to mark the occasion, but not sure what......any ideas?

New Stockist - Indie Cindy

In my last post I mentioned 2 new stockists, the first being 'The Maisonette' in Glasgow and the 2nd I didn't want to reveal until my 1st package had safely arrived and now it has...I can proudly announce it to be INDIE CINDY in Leeds, UK !

Indie Cindy is the creative baby of Rowan Grant of KitschenSink and the official launch party is THIS Sunday! (forget the whole Royal Wedding affair pffff!) So if your nearby or without anything to do skip down to the Birds Yard in Leeds to ahhhh over the pretty things on offer, some massive favourites are there including Love from Hetty and Dave, Magasin and FinestImaginary! The Facebook grapevine is also telling me that there will be delicious cakes from Off the Cuff Cakes to nibble on...now, if only teleportation exists !

Hola !

*blows the cobwebs away*

Wowieee has it really been 3 months since I last blogged?!

I can't say its because not much has been happening or that I've had nothing to write about, its probably more the opposite in not knowing where to start ! But as they say, better late than never....

So what have I been up to? ........ *drum roll*

• I went to ♥ Japan ♥ and it was totally and utterly amazing (so amazing that I will dedicate a separate post to it another time)
• Littleclouds has added 2 stockists ! The first being The Maisonette - Made in the Shade and the second I'd like to reveal a little later as it is yet to officially open but I can tell you I can't wait to see the photos of the launch as I just KNOW it will of been a job good done.
• We quite abruptly decided to stay in Hong Kong! The reason is a combination of things but mostly because we're enjoying our time here and why the rush? I think we moved here on the idea that it would only be for 2 years that we never thought to just stop and ask ourselves what we want to do. This time around we're not setting ourselves any time limits or ideas, we're just going to see what happens...
• We bought a flat ! Which is kind of the opposite of what we were planning 2 months before but since we knew we were staying for the immediate future and our rental lease was expiring we just thought might as well ! All you rentees will understand what I mean when I say how tiring and unsettling it is to rent! So we are so excited to have our own place! And paint our walls and to choose our own furniture. The flat is a bit small (tiny compared to UK standards...even compared to London!) but it is ours and we will have a balcony which means I can attempt to grow some herbs or veg!
• A new website is coming! Its actually quite embarrassing how long this has been coming along but its my fault, I kept changing my mind about how I wanted it but its been churning along for a while now and its nearly complete.....I can almost taste the finish line!
• I made a facebook page! I literally JUST now published it, it is here --> Littleclouds and I will be great for any likes (no one likes to see an empty fan page...especially me ha!)
• And and and I'm pregnant ! well I'm not, I'm joking teehee! but that would of been funny if that were the case. Funny as in because everything appears to have happened at once, not because I find pregnancy a funny subject as it really isn't (I watched 'One Born Every Minute' its pretty much set me back another 5 years in the making-babies stakes....)

STAY TUNED !

EDIT - I'm not pregnant, it was a joke!!! Sorry

Happy sponges

I'm not sure what the pink sponges meant to be but cute all the same! It really does brighten up doing the dishes. Funny how such small things can make you smile.

I got these from $10 JUSCO bargainous!

The Holidays - catch up

I know its pretty late but Merry Christmas and Happy 2011 people!

I had a lovely Christmas, much better than I thought (maybe it was the low expectations) as I was feeling homesick imagining the tree, food, coziness and family at home in the SNOW (jealous) but it was good, a different kind of good, the low point was discovering our 'Christmas' dinner out didn't include the stuffing, roast potatoes or veg (the best bits!) as I was utterly looking forward to that BUT the best bit was finding out I'm going to Osaka, Japan in about 2 weeks !

To say I am excited is a major understatement. I'm worried I'm setting myself up for disappointment actually because I am THAT excited ! So I've got this big shopping list of things I NEED as there may be snow (EEEee!) and I didn't even ship a single coat here (mistake!).

And New Year Resolutions! I'm not the type to really do these as I think they are made to be broken! but but but I'm going to make myself go to bed early, goodbye 2am bedtimes, hello full productive mornings where I don't feel asleep and want to die.

Littleclouds wise, I've listed a bunch of new stuff over the last week or 2 with a few more yet to be photographed and listed but I'm going to start winding down within the next month or 2 to prepare for the big move of returning to the UK ! Obviously I want to ship as little as possible home and the shop will be shut for quite a while during the transition as I try to find my feet and settle but hopefully not as long as last time (2-3 months eek!).

I also received the most exciting emails regarding my work just before Christmas which can't really be revealed until Autumn next year but I admit to jumping up and down a wee bit to this one as I think its my best achievement to date by far but hopefully something between now and then will trump it heh!

♥ Here's hoping that 2011 will bring us all peace, happiness and love to us all ♥

The Woof and Meow guide to Hong Kong

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this but a while ago I did a ickle drawing for a book in Hong Kong, its a guide to Hong Kong for pet owners that can be purchased here.

Its a bit random for me as I don't really seek out illustration work really but it came along so why not! And of all places it presented itself to me from my Facebook feed !

Thankful

Just one of the few beautiful cards from Saplingpress

This year we had thanksgiving dinner for the first time.

Mostly for the food (nom!) but then the 'other half' is actually American born so you could say we were going back to his roots.......hmm nope it was literally just for the stuffing !

Anyway I'm really glad, its something I'd like to do every year actually now given the chance.

Forgetting the religious context, I think its an important idea to remind yourself of the things you are thankful for in order to really appreciate them.

Its so easy to forget how lucky we are (figuratively speaking!) and very very easy to get bogged down by the small potatoes in life and just feeling like the grass is greener on the other side so I dedicate this post to the things I am thankful for.

In no particular order and not exclusive (just what I'm feelin' in the moment!)

Health - I'm quite fortunate to be one of those people who isn't ill much of the time, I haven't been to the doctor in 2 years *touch wood*

Wealth - I'm actually very skint a lot of the time but relatively speaking I know I'm pretty well off and its something I've become quite aware of since moving to Hong Kong actually.

And I'm also luckily / happily one of those people who don't feel the urgency for the latest and greatest so that helps a lot (thank you stingy parents!)

Friends and family - My family aren't an open book with one another, nor a completely closed one. We're more like the coffee table magazine that is occasionally flicked through. You know its there ready for you when you need it essentially. Thats probably a weird analogy (a habit of mine!) but that really makes sense to me !

Anyway, there are other things but these are at the core of it all so enough for now, what are the things you are thankful for? Have a think and really feeeeeel it, it makes you look out the window in a much brighter way which is nice.

Seven Things....

'Seven little things' by elizabethtaylor

I've been tagged by Emily to reveal 7 things about myself (you can see the last 7 here!)

I actually quite like doing these things, quite narcissistic of me but my excuse is in person, I can be quite private about things and don't tell people stuff unless I'm asked so now I've been asked well....

1) I'm a gemini. I'm not really into astrology, I don't read my horoscope because I'm not sure I believe in the possibility of being alike to millions of others based on my birth date BUT I do share the 'gemini traits' of dual personality.

That probably sounds scary and erratic, I am not a crazy cat lady (maybe dog lady...) but I do feel like I'm trying to combine the thoughts and wants of 2 people sometimes which leads to lots of indecision and thinking and debating which for an impatient person can be a tad frustrating.

The significant other in my life (not Noodles although he is close) is also a gemini and so is one of my best friends....now that could be coincidence or is it? dum dum dummmmm !

2) I love love love dogs. I used to ask my dad like everyday for a dog but being a commitment phobe I held off adopting until recently and now I truly understand what people meant when they say their dog is a member of their family.

3) I rarely drink alcohol. I think its nearly been a year since I've touched any now that I think about it. There isn't any reason to it other than the fact I think it tastes mostly rank and that it is quite costly for the drinks I do like (spirits) which are pretty much 85% pop so I just get 100 pop instead.

I'd love to enjoy the taste of beer or wine, the IDEA of it is really nice but it tastes so bad !

Actually, I really like pear cider that IKEA makes but the IKEAs here only sell the non alcohol version for some reason. Maybe I just need to try more wine.

4) Twins and triplets are meant to run in my family. This prospect absolutely terrifies me.

5) I don't / can't wear heels. This makes me sadface a lot because being a shorty, heels would compensate a lot but they are so uncomfortable, I don't know how others do it. And asides from the comfort factor, they are really difficult to walk in without looking like a toddler and there is nothing less sexy than a girl who is waddling along like a toddler in discomfort.

6) I'm an atheist. I would like to believe in the idea of there being a god, a greater being and there being 'a plan' for us all and even a heaven but I just don't. I would rather believe in Santa and the Easter bunny than believe in a god that doesn't allow good people into his heaven simply for not being a member of his 'team'.

7) When I was little I wanted to be a 'pet doctor' but I was quite rubbish academically. Growing up, I mostly followed the artistic, creative path but knew I didn't want to be an artist, I found the exhibiting side of it too stressful and a bit too laardeedar if you know what I mean.

Through Uni I was gearing myself up for graphic design and illustration but in all honestly I don't think I'm any good at either.

I still don't really know what I am or what I want to be (but most people don't either I think so its okay right?) I just know I want to stay creative and not sit 9-5, 5 days a week doing a job I find unfulfilling for what feels like the rest of my life.

In conclusion, I still think being a 'pet doctor' must be the best job in the world!

Right to carry this on, I am tagging Lucy from Peas and Needles and Louise from SuperDuper because they are aces and talented folk but anyone reading is welcome to do this too, just remember to let me know so I can read it :D

I broke my heart shape mirror :(

and couldn't bare to throw it away so I after some trial and error made it into something useful.

New Stockists - La Belle Epoque & MakeRoom

MAKE ROOM - Netherlands

You can now get my tea bag coasters at www.MakeRoom.nl, a very cool online boutique that showcases a very modern, funky collection of home products. The site is only in Dutch but the site is still worth a visit for the looks alone. I love their slogan too !

La Belle Epoque - Hong Kong

This is 'La Belle Epoque', a tiny little treasure trove of handmade products. I feel honored to be one of the few designers stocked here as the shop is so cute!

It oozes the passion and dedication that handmade designers often possess and although the shop is small, you could spend hours in there viewing the work presented, some of the detail in the products is astounding, I literally felt like I hadn't made an effort with my things when put amongst the others (Look, I'm currently in the window!).

Happy Halloween !

SUPER NOODLES! I don't especially celebrate Halloween but I do LOVE the dressing up side of it so this year we couldn't resist now that we have a dog and one that doesn't dislike clothing! (not sure if he likes it, I think he is indifferent to it but enjoys the treats that came with it). More photos here.

We also went to Ocean Park during the day (didn't know about the halloween evening special event :((( ) and although I've been a gazzilion times now the views there never fail to take my breath away.

The weather is absolutely stunning here right now, everyday is a comfortable 22-26 degrees with blue skies, strong sun and wind yet would you believe me if I were to tell you that lots of people are wearing scarves, hats and winter coats?

Its insane, I feel hot just looking at them, just another funny thing about Hong Kong I guess, if I were good at drawing, I think I would have to make some sort of comic/graphic novel/guidebook about it, there are just SO many things that are quite quizzical and interesting to see or know about!

For example; Most modern high rise buildings will intentionally miss out the 4th floor (I think 14th floor too) because the word 4 sounds like 'die / death' in Cantonese and the 8th floor is attractive (not sure why, something to do with luck or wealth) meaning 8th floor flats are more expensive because of this superstition.

Also the reason why a lot of prices are $48, $98, $8888 etc

Lastly! I'll be organising a giveaway soon as I passed the 200th sale mark on my Etsy so stay tuned.....

rabbits have good taste

Just doing my randomly-once-in-a-while feedbacks on Etsy and discovered this customer appreciation photo! SO cute! I've got a big soft spot for rabbits, I think they are underrated.

And this photo reminds me of a recent purchase which is also bunny related, these shoes from Em and Sprout (I also got this sailor tshirt from her).

And no I won't be wearing it with my bunny top as that might be over doing it !

I know how you are meant to calm-it as you age-it and being no spring chicken anymore I should be looking at more mature clothing (blue rinse anyone?) but yeah whatever I like these things too much to deny myself them and I figure that I look young (I think!) so get away with it (I hope) and who wants to be another cookie cutter 20 something year old anyway?

How do you store your necklaces?

I've been meaning to quickly mention this in the hope of some better suggestions but this is how I'm starting to organise the few necklaces I have in stock for transporting to craft shows etc.

Its works but there must be some genius idea out there somewhere! Any readers out there like to share how they store their pieces? pretty please?

I'm also having a BYE BYE sale right now on all greeting cards and character dolls because I'm discontinuing them so cards are only $2 USD / £1.25 / $15 HKD and the character dolls are all $7.75 usd / £5 / $60 HKD !

this, that and the other

This is me at the craft fair I did recently, you can't really see me but I am behind that yellow wall bit with the umbrella! I didn't even know this photo was being taken !

It went well, sold a bunch of stuff, received money from a stockist and made some new connections for further stockists but it was soo hot that that alone sidelined everything so apologies to anyone who may of had to witness my grumpy face, it is usually quite friendly.

I've been up to quite a lot recently creatively, I've got lots of new products for the shop which are slowly getting listed.

I've been doing a large commission for someone, a set of custom character dolls for a big family and although I do draw I don't actually think I am very good at all so have always been hesitant to do custom work incase they turn out to hate it but I'm glad I accepted this one as I'm happy with the results actually, you can see some of the drawings here.

I've also been doing some drawings for a Hong Kong animal organisation and it is looking like I will have a small drawing published on a book so that has been exciting to say the least !

And through this pet organisation I'm participating in a promo pack so I've been busy sorting out new business cards for it which hasn't been simple grrrr!

Its a boy !

Its been a while but I've not forgotten you Blogland.

So we finally adopted a dog from LAP on the 30th August and since then its been so fun!

I don't know if it it because this time it is different as he is my dog but its so much more everything (fun, rewarding, enjoyable!) than fostering.

He is perfect, a lovely well mannered little boy, he is a bit older than we wanted but better than we imagined in his dogsonality (see what I did there?).

Oh and his name is Noodles and he has a facebook page !

I won't go on about him here as I know it can be boring to repeatedly hear about stuff like that so I'll be keeping it on the facebook or other blog - 'Little Doodles and Noodles'.

I am also preparing for a craft show that takes place this Sunday (more info) which I am excited about as its been a while so do come by if you are local as I don't do them very often!

A fun interview - Friday is my day

Friday morning cuddles

I did a super fun interview for Friday is a my day last week which can be seen here.

What I like about Fridays is that every Friday can be different because it is my day, my day off to enjoy the beginning of a relaxing weekend and really when I read my Friday from a 3rd perspective on the blog I felt pretty good! I really do love love love living so near water and its something we wouldn't be able to easily afford living in London so I feel very lucky.

Since the interview, Kira has left and I was pretty upset, when I say pretty I mean very.

So after lots and lots of discussion about it we've decided to adopt a dog and we're going to 2 adoption days tomorrow, I'm so FREAKING excited to finally have my own dog!

breathe in / breathe out

Now its always been a toss up between getting a Pug, a Chihuahua or Shih Tzu but we decided on a Pug for its comedic values plus their ability to look amazingly happy and shockingly sad the next minute.

Wish us luck and if you have any ideas for names feel free to share! (most likely a boy pug)

I made this --> a Hong Kong Treasury

look here

I made a treasury, it took ages but me thinks I did good !

I've been a-making for this craft show I'm selling at and can't seem to ever find my camera cable hence the lack of blogging of late.

But a fun interview I did a while ago will be up tomorrow so stay tuned!

CLEO magazine feature

A while ago I got contacted through Etsy about featuring Littleclouds in an Etsy guide, I sent some edited photos with white backgrounds but then didn't hear back and forgot about it all really but then tonight I googled 'CLEO magazine Etsy' and found a blog post from fellow etsian called Giggleberry Creations who was also featured and LOOK !

photos from GiggleBerrys Creations

I'm in the middle with the yellow 'Play Nice' purse with links to me in the footnotes, so cool !