2010 in review – thanks to all of my readers

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Crunchy numbers

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 5,700 times in 2010. That’s about 14 full 747s.

In 2010, there were 72 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 128 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 7mb. That’s about 2 pictures per week.

The busiest day of the year was June 16th with 347 views. The most popular post that day was Festival Fashion 2010 for the girls.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were forums.latitudefestival.co.uk, vfestival.com, facebook.com, forums.leedsfestival.com, and efestivals.co.uk.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for festival fashion 2010, empire of the sun, alan pownall, lauren pritchard, and festival fashion.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Festival Fashion 2010 for the girls June 2010
6 comments

2

Alan Pownall, ‘True Love Stories’ – album review July 2010

3

Competition in conjunction with Zara Taylor Vintage Inspired Jewellery June 2010
1 comment

4

Sublime, deep southern soul; Lauren Pritchard’s new single ‘Not The Drinking.’ September 2010

5

Conor J. O’Brien (Villagers) – talks about and performs tracks from debut album ‘Becoming A Jackal.’ July 2010
1 comment

Thanks to all of my readers and please keep coming back for more of the same in 2011!

shelleyhanveywriter 🙂

Winner – ‘Music makes me happy because…’ competition

Well, the big day has finally arrived and Zara Taylor has chosen her winner for the ‘Music makes me happy because…’ competition.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter and who had a browse on here at the same time. I had some great, original and quirky entries, a few of which are listed below:

* Music makes me happy because it’s a great leveller, appealing to people from all backgrounds bringing peace and harmony wherever it’s heard.

(Ann Voysey)

* Music makes me happy because it reminds me of the good times, and pulls me through the dark times.

 (Claire Walliker)

* Music makes me happy because everyone’s beautiful when they’re dancing.

 (George Williams)

* Music makes me happy because while people can let you down and plans can fall through, my music is a failsafe way to cheer me up.

 (Amy Wright)

* Music makes me happy because life is short, so why not put it to music?

 (Laura Stone)

* Music makes me happy because it calms me and reminds me who I am.

 (Sarah Jackson)

* Music makes me happy because it can silence everything else around you.

 (Emily Walsh)

 

But to the winner.

Congratulations to Mel Kershaw with her winning entry, which was:

 ‘Music makes me happy because no matter where you are or how low you may feel, there will be tunes special to you that instantly make you forget everything, and make you sing your heart out and give you a feel good vibe, music also makes memories.’

Mel wins the Zara Taylor Vintage Inspired ‘Hey Mr DJ Antique Brass Necklace’, which I will be sending out in the post today. I know you will love it Mel and become addicted to Zara’s pieces, as have I!

Thanks again everyone x

Zara Taylor Competition – get your entries in quick!

COMPETITION

There’s still time to enter my ‘Music makes me happy because…’ competition, to be in with a chance of winning the Zara Taylor ‘Hey Mr DJ Antique Brass Necklace.’

I’ve had some great entries already, so keep them coming!

All you have to do is complete the sentence ‘Music makes me happy because…‘ and e-mail your answer to HanveyCastaway@aol.com, complete with your name and contact details. Then, simply click on the following link which will take you to Zara Taylor’s Facebook page and click on ‘Like.’ It’s that easy:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Zara-Taylors-Jewellery-Designs/276249392371?ref=ts

Closing date – Wednesday 7th July 2010.

Good luck everyone x

Competition in conjunction with Zara Taylor Vintage Inspired Jewellery

 

Competition

A couple of weeks ago I had an aim. That aim was to reach 500 hits on here. I then wrote a piece called ‘Festival Fashion 2010 for the girls’ and today, I stand proud at 1,229 and counting!

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my ramblings and to give you something back in return.

As you will know, I am a huge fan of a jewellery designer I discovered online a few weeks ago; Zara Taylor Vintage Inspired Jewellery. Zara’s pieces are truly unique and I am yet to find one that I don’t love and want to purchase! Zara is even featured in this Summer’s edition of Vogue (available from 8th July). Zara has kindly agreed to take part in my competition and has offered a great, again truly unique prize; the ‘Hey Mr DJ – Antique brass necklace’.

 

This is an antique brass 3D headphone charm necklace for any music lover out there. This is unisex, the charm measures 32x22x10mm and the antique brass chain measures 20 inches with a toggle clasp.

So, for the Rules:

1. Complete the following sentence: “Music makes me happy because…”

2. Visit Zara’s page on Facebook and click on ‘Like’ : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Zara-Taylors-Jewellery-Designs/276249392371?ref=ts

E-mail your completed sentence (one per person) to HanveyCastaway@aol.com by the closing date of Wednesday 7th July 2010.

I will pick a selection of the best entries to be included on here and the winner will be chosen by Zara herself. I will then inform the lucky person straight away and send their lovely prize the very same day.

Good luck everyone and once again, thank you x

Festival Fashion 2010 for the girls

 

As festival season is now officially upon us, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at all the exciting festival fashions. Us girls will of course be aware that sunshine and dry weather can’t be guaranteed, yet we will still dress like we are in an episode of Eldorado, after all; the huge sombreros come in handy to dive under, once the inevitable pelting of rain begins. 

I have looked at my festival staples; wellies, maxi dresses, across-the-body bags, playsuits and jewellery and picked a selection (of just my favourites) categorised by price. But remember…it’s not easy dressing at a 45-degree angle whilst your friend tries to stop the tent flap from exposing you, causing you to then trip over her and muddy the cut-off denims you’ve spent all weekend rubbing with a cheese grater to get that perfect ‘Kate Moss look’; eventually ending up looking more like Aunt Sally, as your freshly bronzed face also hit the ground sheet as you went down. 

First up, wellies. I couldn’t have coped without mine at V last year; it didn’t rain luckily, but they’re just so comfy and it can be a bit of a trek to and from the car parks. They also go with everything if you choose wisely and it can get quite chilly at night-time stood in a field, or running away from burly men with Red Stripe in one hand and illegal highs in the other. 

Budget 

Croc Effect Wellingtons, £12, Wynsors

 Croc Effect Fuchsia Wellington Boots, £12, Wynsors (www.wynsors.com) 

These have a small heel and firm grips on the soles. They can also be adjusted slightly with the buckle at the sides. I love the croc effect on these and the colour is lovely and summery. I got my last pair from Wynsors and they are really well made and great value for money. 

Mid-range 

Dogtooth Wedge Welly, £37, New Look

 Dogtooth Wedge Welly, £37, New Look (www.newlook.com) 

Also available in Candy Girl Pink and Croc Black. These are knee-high which I think is best due to the inevitable mud and slosh. They also have grips on the soles and a mid-height wedge heel, so functional and fashionable! 

Luxury 

Limited Edition Hunter Festival Tall, £139, Hunter

 Limited Edition Festival Tall, £139, www.hunter-boot.com 

Hunter is undoubtedly the celeb welly of choice; so much so, last year they collaborated with Jimmy Choo to produce a £255 crocodile print pair, favoured by models and musos alike. The Limited Edition Festival Tall pair come with all the creature comforts like multi-layered cushioned insoles and a quick dry knitted lining with ‘Festival 2010’ print. They also come in Blue. 

Maxi Dresses 

Budget 

Jess Floral Print Maxi Dress, £22, Boohoo.com

 Jess Floral Print Maxi Dress, £22, www.boohoo.com 

I love this pretty floral print, as I am a big fan of the colours black and red. I think they complement all complexions and hair colours. The dress is 117cm in length and is available in sizes 8 to 14. I love Boohoo website, it certainly rivals ASOS for choice and on price, with most items ranging between £10 and £30. I’ve bought a few pieces from here and never been disappointed. 

Mid Range 

ASOS Denim Maxi Dress, £50, ASOS

 ASOS Denim Maxi Dress, £50, www.asos.com 

This gorgeous dress is a halter neck style with an empire line  and low scoop back. Also available in Petite. 

Luxury 

Antik Batik goya printed maxi dress, £143, Net A Porter

 Antik Batik goya printed maxi dress, £143, www.net-a-porter.com 

I love this dress and the tribal print in general. I went to TK Maxx once and stumbled across an Antik Batik kaftan. I had never heard of the brand and so thought £6.99 was just your average deal at TK Maxx, oh no my fashion friends; this item was probably worth around eight times that brand new and I still wear it beachside to this day! 

Across-The-Body Bags 

Budget 

Festival Across-The-Body Bag, £18, Next

 Festival Across-The-Body Bag, £18, www.next.co.uk 

Hmm, it’s my birthday on 16th July…just putting it out there. 

Mid Range 

Stone Daisy Acrossbody Bag - Tan, £39, Beales

 Stone Daisy Acrossbody Bag – Tan, £39, www.beales.co.uk 

This bag is inspired by the English Countryside and features fine stitching on the daisy flower at the front. Delivery is within three working days and if you spend over £40 on the website, delivery is free (otherwise £5). They do have 12 department stores nationwide, mostly located in the South, with just Bolton, Kendal and Southport for us northerners. 

Luxury 

Patrick Cox 'Montpelier' cross body bag, £125, Debenhams

 Patrick Cox ‘Montpelier’ cross body bag, £125, www.debenhams.com 

This item is 100% leather and I love the detail and print on the outside. This would do you for many a night out as well. 

Playsuits 

Budget 

F&F Printed Playsuit, £20, Tesco

 F&F Printed Playsuit, £20, www.tesco.com (online exclusive) 

I think you can get some great pieces at F&F these days. They model the range on the latest designer pieces, so you can feel like a celeb for less than half the price. Everyone loves a bargain. 

Mid Range 

French Connection Terry Playsuit, £45, ASOS

 French Connection Terry Playsuit, £45, www.asos.com 

This is cute and I love the colour, Melon Pink. This has a bandeau design with halterneck strap and pockets at each side. I imagine this would be a cosy number for those long festival days and nights. I can handle terry towelling, as long as the word Juicy isn’t emblazoned across it. 

Luxury 

Whistles Mini Leo Playsuit, £110, Selfridges

 I love this peach toned silk playsuit, it’s perfect for summer. It has a drawstring waist and gold buttons and would look great with a pair of gladiator sandals. Best get saving… 

Jewellery 

Budget 

Metallic Collar Necklace, £6, Peacocks

 Metallic Collar Necklace, £6, www.peacocks.co.uk 

I thought this was a nice statement piece, now reduced to £6 from £12. Grab it while you can. 

Mid Range 

Retro Vinyl Record Pendant, £16, Zara Taylor

 Retro Vinyl Record Pendant, £16, www.zarataylor.co.uk 

I adore these pieces and have mentioned Zara Taylor before on here. I cannot rave about her enough! This long pendant necklace is perfect for the music lover, is solid brass and measures 35x40mm and is hung on a 27 inch solid brass chain. All Zara’s items come with free delivery and are gift boxed. Again I must say, July 16th people…someone’s having a birthday. 

Luxury 

Made Brass Multi-Chain and Aqua Glass Necklace, £75, John Lewis

Made Brass Multi-Chain and Aqua Glass Necklace, £75, www.johnlewis.com 

From the brand Made By the People For the People. This simple multi-chain brass necklace has swirly glass beads dotted about on 7 link chains. Each piece of jewellery is unique, therefore irregularities will add to its character. All Made By the People For The People products are designed  and then sourced and created within disadvantaged communities across East Africa.

Well, that’s your lot for today. I hope that you found a couple of pieces that you like or some food for thought.

Zara Taylor – Vintage inspired handmade jewellery

A folky fan's dream...the Miniature Harmonica Pendant with vintage lace bow, £22

I made a beautiful discovery today whilst shopping for my best friend’s birthday present (I have accordingly asked her not to visit my blog before next Sunday, lest she sees that very present in all its virtual glory).  The discovery was www.zarataylor.co.uk.

Zara produces handmade vintage inspired jewellery and the stars are quickly catching on to this treasure trove of delights! Fearne Cotton has been spotted by Now magazine and Heat wearing Zara’s MY DEAR WATSON Real Magnifying Pendant Necklace on several occasions; see image below:

MY DEAR WATSON Real Magnifying Glass Pendant Necklace, £20

 

All her items come gift boxed with ribbon and she offers free delivery to the UK, how wonderful. There are some gorgeous unique pieces on here; including rings, bracelets and earrings and they are all very on trend. I have a few favourites, including the LOST AT SEA Diving Marine lamp pendant necklace (£18) and the WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL Mirror long chain pendant (£17)…but being primarily a music lover, the harmonica has to come up trumps for me. The prices are really good too, especially considering the quality of the pieces and the packaging.

Take a look yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Keep them coming Zara!