The good the bad and the painful

I've not been around for a while because unfortunately I've been having a hard month.  OK,  so more than usual.  Incase you  haven't guessed already I have severe depression and anxiety. This diagnosis is from a doctor not myself. This month is a tough one not because of the Christmas period I don't find any pressure from that, it's just a big reminder of what I can't do has come along and smacked be off my feet.
To add to that exactly 2 weeks from christmas I received another diagnosis. Previously I was stuck calling my collection of symptoms 'the thing'. It's been this way for two years and two months but whose counting? Well on Friday the 11th I got my good news,'the thing' is a semi common illness made up of three intermingling conditions the first you may have heard of. Fibromyalgia, a sucky condition that decides to flare up often and usually knocks me out of commission for days/weeks at a time. The second is CPS short for chronic pain syndrome, works very much like fibro but symptoms start very quickly after any activity. The final portion is CFS short for chronic fatigue syndrome, pretty self explanatory. Now I know some of you may be thinking yea everyone gets tired, I'll give you a change in perspective. Imagine this, it's morning you wake feeling unrefreshed (again) and smell so you need a shower. You drag yourself across the hall hip screaming at you for daring to move. After heaving you get yourself into the shower. Now that is exhausting.
Wait! You've only just got in you still need to scrub but your exhausted. On you go scrubbing getting more and more tired as you do. Now the harder part getting back out and going to get dressed. Ok so skip to the part that that's all done. You need a nap. Go ahead imagine settling back into bed to rest up. Don't think your going to sleep. Oh no my friend. It is the morning you are clean, you are exhausted but you ain't going to sleep. That would be too easy.
That's just a taster of what I have to deal with so although its nice to have a namethe knowledge that its not likely to go away certainly makes being positive very hard. In future posts I will share more of my delightful (she says through gritted teeth) condition in hope that anyone else with this can give tips to cope better or I can give tips on what I've found to ease the suffering.
Sorry this is such a dark post tonight, remember this is my life and staying positive is all I have at times so here's some positivity for you.
2 more sleeps and it's Christmas day.
Also after christmas there will be more posts for diy improvements and patterns.

MOCK crab

Back again with a little something different.
So that time of year is back, the one with the fat bloke in the red suit.  Along with that comes one of my favourite things. Comfort food!
I love it all. Ok most but that's not the point. Every year one thing we can count on seeing is nans Mock crab. Emphasis on the mock part as it is in fact 100% vegetarian friendly. Sorry vegans but that's life. After a little bugging I am proud to say nan has given permission to share the family recipe, lucky you lot.
I'm not entirely sure just how many generations have used this but I am certain at minimum it's seen it's way through 4 so it can't be too bad.
Wip up a batch give it a try.

NANS MAGIC MOCK CRAB
Here's what you'll need:
1 x 400g tin of tomatoes, chopped and mushed
4 oz cheddar cheese, grated
1 medium onion, mince/chopped
1 large egg
2 slices of white bread, crumbed
Salt & pepper
Small blob of butter

How to: cook onions, tomatoes and butter on hob until onions are tender. Mix cheese and bread together with the egg then add the onion and tomatoes and return to heat. Season to taste. Mix well and bring to the boil. Remove panfrom hob and let cool.
Done, da da
This recipe often finds itself filling voulevent cases, topping sandwiches and toast and sometimes when nans not looking eaten by the sneaky spoonful, but that's just between us right?
Anyway enjoy your new recipe.

Free pattern for lion coasters

Free pattern for lion coasters

Before I give this pattern out I have to do the rules of usage.

Here we go. This pattern is designed by me as a hobby and is to be used as a hobby. It is not to be used on mass. If you wish to sell your end product ask permission to do so. You do not need permission if 50% or more from profits is to be given to charity. This pattern can be used to make gifts. Do not make copies of this pattern. You may share it by the blog link it is not to be copied anywhere.

Ok boring bit done. 

Quick and simple lion coaster

Lion coaster

Use main lion colour for first 8 rows then switch to your colour of choice for the mane.

Chain 3

1. In 3 space from hook 7dc
2. 2dc in each space around
3. *2dc, 1dc* repeat to end of ring
4. *2dc in first space, 1dc in next 2 spaces * repeat to end
5. *2dc in first space, 1 dc in next 3 spaces* repeat to end
6. *2dc dc in first space, 1 dc in next 4 spaces* repeat to end
7. *2dc in first space, 1dc in next 5 spaces* repeat to end
8. *2dc  in first space,  1dc in next 6 spaces* repeat to end
9. Create 1 puff stitch in every other space to end slip stitch together and tie off

Weave ends in and stitch on a face.


Again I would love to see your results especially if you made any colour changes.

As easy as toast

It's been quiet around here for a little while now, it's not that this blog is boring me or anything. In fact quite the opposite it's actually something I'm really pleased I got going with.
 The reason it's been quiet is a tree. My family tree in fact.
Not much crochet has been happening and alot of what has is still a work in progress but last night I finished myself a teeny piece of toast.

I treat myself to a new winter coat and something about it has been bothering me, it felt a little plain.
Walking around town, hobbling actually but not the point, I noticed most people wearing the similar coats type had either a massive scarf (no way was I wearing that I get crazy warm as it is) or a brooch. With a scarf ruled out the only thing left was the brooch.
Problem is most brooch wearers were the older generation And nearly all brooches were poppies or flowers, fairies/angels.

I don't want something everyone has, that would be boring.
Now after deciding to keep my eye out for a cute pin or something fun I a had a slip of the tongue.
I don't know what I was describing but instead of your usual "its as easy as pie" I blurted out "its as easy as toast". Of course my funny little brain  lit up its light bulb and decided that was what was going to sit pretty on my coat.

Here he is!
  As usual his pattern is on ravelry at the usual price 50p

Super cute toast

To make it even easier, here, have a link. Don't say I never do anything for you.

View pattern now   link opens a new Web page.

As usual we would like to see your finished results I may even have a post dedicated to showing your versions, if you want to be shown leave how you want to be identified and your image in a link or use our email Littleboxofnothing@outlook.com

Bonfire nights and pets

Here's how I help my terrified dog through bonfire night 

Every year the neighbours go firework crazy for what feels like forever. Don't get me wrong I love watching the sparkles in the sky BUT it scares my dog so much that I hope people have to buy a licence to use fireworks or they become restricted to organised events only.

My first step is to put his jumper on. It's nothing fancy only a simple jumper I crocheted for him. Nothing fancy just a small rectangle large square and rib stitched neckline. It really helps because it feels like a reassurance to him.

Next step I drug him. Not anything serious its a simple (stinky ) liquid. I use dorwest valerian compound which basically makes him kind of stoned. Calms him down more, yay.

Final step is to make a den. Nothing crazy I set up a dog crate fill it with bedding and soft comfy bits. I top it off with a blanket over the top to make a dark space.

Super easy and effective. There is some other things you can do such as turn radio or TV up a little, cracking put the squeeze toys or ply your dog's with juicy bones or sweeties.

Remember fireworks must stop at 11pm or your breaking the law and at midnight on November 5th. Don't be that guy that goes all night! 

Removing curry oil out of clothes

How to remove that curry stain on your shirt



Here's something new for you, I love curry. Not that awful coconut drowned mess. Oh no. Spice and huge chunks of chicken that is hot enough to leave your lips tingle? Out of the way that's got my name on.
But seriously in our house  flat it's a big hit. Unfortunately where there's a curry chances are there's a spillage either a blob that escaped and was caught running down your chin or worse, yes there's a worse, it lands on your lady shelf/chest depending what your blessed with. Now previously you'd take that shirt back put of the washer only to find the stain has taken up residence and is going nowhere. So there's two option kiss the shirt goodbye and use it for dish rags or sew a badge over it so no one can see it.

Well not anymore, if you've been following us you'll know I love oliva soap. Yes that again. Well apparently it has another talent, removing set in oil stains. No I'm serious.

I was wondering after reading about washing oily skin with oil (maybe another day) and it was mentioned that like attracts like meaning oil pulls out oils which led to me thinking whether it would work. A few weeks after I was sorting the washing, a hated chore, I noticed ma mooses  jim jams had oil on them.
GREAT I can try it out and she won't mind if I ruin them because they're very old meaning an excuse to buy more.
I hobbled off grabbed my chili pepper of soap. Yano the little smudged up sliver of soap that gets ignored which, in the case of oliva soap anyways, seemed to resemble a pepper with its shape and green colour. All it took was dampening the soap and stained area rubbing up a lather and throwing the pj's back into the washer, I even used a cool setting.

I honestly wasn't expecting it to work but it was worth a try, now we have a sliver in the kitchen for these purposes. It really works, unfortunately we then noticed they'd developed a hole in the bum  (too much tooting) and they were banished to a life of dusting in rags.

Point is oliva soap is the best ever, please also note I don't work for oliva or anything I just love finding magic products that do so much but without the chemicals or huge price tag.

How to rib stitch

I have been very busy making patterns I seem to be churning out ideas faster than I can make them!
So today's pattern is a super simple gauntlet style which consists of mainly two styles the ordinary double crochet, crazy easy stitch I will be making a post explaining them if your new to crochet. The other stitch is a rib stitch dun dun dun....
So here's a secret, it's not that hard I'd rate it a simple stitch because it's really that easy. First let me apologise for my 'art' it's the best I can manage I'm afraid so let's laugh now before we get serious here is my artsy gloves above.

Nailed it, right? Haha ok back to serious

So here's how it's made you start with a chain easy right?

Now all you need to do is triple crochet in every chain space.

Demonstrated with two colours showing your individual trebles 

Now the rib part. So you have your loop still on your hook now wrap your yarn around your hook once, tuck your hook in the front of your space and weave around the back of your first rows treble crochet and pop your hook back out the next space.

 Wrap yarn over hook pull through two spaces resulting in 3 loops on hook. Again wrap yarn around hook and pull through two loops. Ok one last time yarn around hook and back through last two loops. Now just do that in reverse on the next treble crochet on first row. And now you know how to rib.
One more shocking drawing just for fun

As you can sort of see when done right your front rib looks like one long line whereas your back rib has a line horizontally breaking it up.

 I use this stitch so often on dog coats as the neckline to stop gaping, hats edging to stop rolling and as above on gloves to keep wrists snuggly now go and enjoy your new stitch. And for curiosity sake let me know if you managed to wrap your head around the rib stitch. Or just say hi, we'd like to know there's people out there.

Another new shark pattern

For those of you who stick around for the patterns I have good news, a new pattern is available on ravelry for shark slipper socks.
No I haven't lost the plot and reblogged about the same pattern. This time it's a child's pattern, the new slippers have been made to fit a uk size 10, US size 11 or a euro 28.

The pattern is in English and for sale on ravelry right now!
It's available for 50p and I have to admit I really enjoyed making these but this will be the last for a little while because my next project will be a jolly Saint nick and his trusty little helper, rolo the elf. Both are chubby chaps with sproingy legs so keep an eye out for those.

The link for the slippers:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shark-slipper-socks-child

Please do send images of your makes and feedback. I'd love to know if you enjoy them as much as me.

first ever pattern

Stood loitering in the kitchen the other day I noticed the counter disappearing beneath the clutter of jars and bowls holding things with no home. I was wondering what can I do about it, since we're packing to move I didn't want to be putting up shelves up so I decided I'll make an egg basket at least they can live in it after the move too.

I always try to be different in a non traditional sense so I decided I'll use one of the plant brackets already up, no plants in them since mum murdered all of them ages ago. It was perfect, eggs off the counter we can't drop things on them or knock them off.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hanging-egg-basket
If you like the look of it it's up for sale on ravelry at 60 pence for the pattern.

Shark slipper sock

New pattern, woo!
I finally got around to creating shark slippers after a commission request got passed on by my auntie. Thanks to her there's now a pattern available that will fit a size five adult woman and a men's 5 and a half.
There's a small charge of 60p, girls gotta keep her yarn stash overflowing to create patterns, obviously.
Any way it's available on ravelry under the name shark slipper sock.
Oh look! There's a link go on click it!
Please send images of your completed makes and let me know how you got on reading  through, did it make sense?
Please leave feedback.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shark-slipper-socks

                         

I don't have size 5 feet so I borrowed ma moose and her arm, but you get the idea

Image found at hedgehog street. Org

I found a hedgehog last week!

He died unfortunately so I wanted to write this in case someone doesn't know what to do hope it helps at least one hedgehog make it.

I called him Keith I have my reasons. Any hoo let's start with why he came home. 

I was walking my pomchi jasmine and almost stepped on him this was about 3 in the afternoon in the hother sun, hedgehogs don't sun bathe but they do come out to gather bedding for a litter so mama moose picked him up and put him to the side so he didn't get stepped on in the field. After a visit to nana we came back that way to make sure he'd gone on his way and was healthy. He was just a foot from where we left him, this is a bad sign, after picking him up we noticed fly eggs allover. It was gross it was like little grains of rice so we rushed back (1 minute from our house) straight into the sink he went we did our best but couldn't get them all he was rather distressed and a little bitey, good job gloves were on! We wrapped him up sat him on a water bottle (double wrapped in blankets so he didn't burn) and put him in a rabbit carrier a box would be fine but our dogs were dying to meet him it was safer this way. When we went back 10 mind later after contacting the nearest wildlife place and waiting for an answer back as to wether they'd take him in to help we found lots of wiggly maggots they were tiny and all over. We ran to the bath to try wash them off but they weren't going to surrender and we couldn't get them all but he was alive and we were winning. At this point every sanctuary had turned him away within a 19 mile radius and I tried one more.  Accepted she sent a guy for him and he was doing ok (we were still trying to fight the maggots without distressing Keith too much) we put him back for 10 minutes and the gent from the sanctuary turned up. I went back expecting to give Keith one more rub down and to hand him over to safety but unfortunately he'd passed.

What I learnt from this is 1 our local rescue within 19 miles are jerk and 2 maggots hate vinegar unfortunately this was after handing Keiths body over. 

This is what I will do next time: go straight to the rescue that would take Keith. 

Pick every fly egg off with tweezers! 

Spray the next sad hog with vinegar and rinse after thirty minutes. Maggots and fly eggs die by vinegar and 30 min is the time it takes.

Guys seriously though if you find a hedgehog not moving in the sun if you can get your rescue involved don't try to do anything else by yourself that doesn't involve removing fly eggs and maggots. DO NOT TRY SYRINGE WATER INTO A HOG. IT WILL DIE. This is the most common way to kill them they drown from the syringed water. Offer a mix of 1 table spoon of sugar 1 teaspoon of salt and a litre of water mix to room temperature and put on a saucer don't give all of it at once and if you have cat biscuits and cat meat then offer that on a saucer too. You may just save a hedgehog. 

On a happier note in our new flat we have a regular hedgehog visitor he's called Greg, so coming soon will be our hedgehog paradise ready for helping with hibernation.

Good luck to any fellow rescuers out their!

The link to our Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/870280689692141/

We're sharing to Facebook!

We know alot of people out there use Facebook but not blogs soo were going to create a group for you to talk to us easier and you can share posts you like or just respond easier with us and fellow little box readers. A link will be here shortly just got to get our new group ready.
I can't wait to put names to our numbers
See you on there!

Stop poisoning your pets!

How many of you want to diy toys for dogs, cats, birds etc and went searching for ideas only to come across treat recipes.
Yes they seem super easy and fun for the animals but alot use peanut butter.
It's bloody toxic.
Most peanut butter on shelves have a sweetener or sugar substitute.
This is usually code for xylotol and that is toxic to pets.
When I tell people not to give it to pets they say "a little dairy can't hurt"
I aren't talking about dairy goods inside it I'm talking about that evil little faux sugar lurking waiting to cause a ton of problems. Head over to Google give it a real good research before use. If you insist on using it at least be informed on the ingredients before oh and did I mention IT'S TOXIC however if you want an easy recipe for your pooch (other pet recipes coming soon) then take a look at our pup pizza, your furbabies will love it!
Be safe, Spyro

Secrets of budgies

So your here which means you have decided to get a budgie and want to be prepared or you've got your budgie and want to check you have everything.
Below I will tell you everything I've found useful, what's not needed and why they are.

1. Ok so first off a cage. The vision medium is a super good cage it has high sides above feed trays so less seed mess very easy to clean and most importantly spin latch doors. If you ask any budgie owner what was the worst thing about their standard pet shop cage (image coming soon) they're bound to say the slide up doors. At first glance you think nah they can't open that.WRONG they can and will. A lot of these cages end up with clothes pegs blocking the doors to stop the devils disappearing and getting into trouble. If not a spin lock door get a push in on just make sure it's not a slide up door. And remember bigger is always better but budgies like flying side to side half a tall cage will often go unused.
2. Perches. Two is usually a good amount no matter the size because budgies need space to stretch their wings. They will also spend a ton of time climbing for fun. They're entertaining to watch climbing and spinning off the cage bars. Don't think they need lots of perches because they'll often pick a favourite and the others will be useless and in the way.
3. A cage skirt. This looks like a giant shower cap, easily made yourself or shop bought. If you buy the vision bird cage you won't need one but standard wire bar cages you'll be glad if you have them. Seed bits nd feathers get everywhere not to mention the ability to fire poo up walls from inside the cage. Quite impressive for little birds. If you get a parrot sized cage skirt are hard to find I had mine made to measure (how to post coming very soon).
4. Feeders. I like gravity feeders they don't get full of husk and are quick to refill. I have used wild bird seeders that were ok but I spilt lot of seed putting it back in the cage. My next investment will be seed hoppers they're pricey but save a lot of money the seed falls like gravity seeders but the birds drop husk into a tray not allover so is extremely easy to tidy up.
5. Drinkers. Again gravity drinker bottles are great. The small fronts make it harder for the budgies to poo in their water supply meaning healthy budgies.
6. Cuttle fish / bone it's the same thing though retailed under two names.  This provides entertainment, minerals and keeps the bird beaks in shape. Last thing we want is a long beak on a nervous bird.
7. Mineral block. This is often a pink cube that contains essential minerals (not carried in the cuttlefish) and is extremely important.
8 . toys.  Brightly coloured with bells on. They will play with everything and attempt to destroy everything it takes several days but they will try everything you give them. Do not add little plastic birds if theirs more than on budgies as it can cause issues.
9. Swings. My 6 ignore perches and use swings only they have their own favourites, they are important and every budgie deserves a good swing.
10. Mirror. Now this depends on weather you have one or two birds. If you have 2 or more get rid of the mirror they'll ignore each other in favour of reflected bird most times and it can cause many behaviour issues in a flock however if you have one bird it can be a companion but will get in the way of your birds mimicking.

Last but not least you need birdies. All gender combinations work if you want multiples but be careful do your research on sexing young birds you don't want brother and sister doing the baby dance. It would be freaky seeing a one winged five legged budgie born from incest.
If you are getting just one get another as well.  Seriously they need someone who speaks their own language not just a human. As if you need another reason I'll give you one more, they are real cute to watch preening and kissing each other.
What ever colours you get remember they live 10 years sometimes more. Be really sure you want to commit to that because you will be their everything.

Also while looking pick a clean budgie. Look at their bums which is a vent for birds do you see green sludge, that's a sign you have a sick bird in your sights. Make sure to check for bald spots too missing feathers could indicate minor to serious illness be very wary. Be sure to check their nostrils are clear like before avoid clogged holes but report any of the above to the breeder or shop keeper.
Try to use a breeder where possible as they often can tell you so much more in history of the birds. Shop keepers are not always so in the know when it comes to animal (really). If your in the UK breeders can be found through the budgie society website.

  this is the cage skirt custom made for my cage

Barclays fraud prevention

I was recently doing a thing for my nan which is unimportant but it involved her debit card. Anyways I need her card number and account number as well as her sort code etc the usual for paying online. I asked for her account number and told her I needed a bank statement to get this her reply' it's on the card ya daft sod' now obviously I looked at her like she had gotten confused, it happens to us all at some point.
She grumpily fetches it and says 'look right there its the same'.
It was!  I'm no master bank thief but seriously how dangerous and hilariously barclays website is bogged down with fraud prevention tips.
Guys my advice to you is if all your card details like long number expiry date are on their ALONGSIDE your account number AND sort code is to close the account and use another bank because your account is made so easy to empty. I could do it in 5 minutes and I'm not that good with the Internet.  Onion set my blog up that's how easy to rob you it is.
I will be contacting barclays and will post with their reply.
BTW did I mention your at risk and should be extremely careful with your card.
Stay safe with your bank
Spyro

Natural soap

I previously wrote about a soap that I found called oliva. 
I promised a review and here it is.
Let's first talk about my itchy dogs, they have easily irritated skin and scratch like crazy I've done everything I can to stop the itch and didn't seem able to find anything. I by chance chose to try this soap on my dogs who got real smelly so naturally out came the shower cap and oliva soap and by magic the itchy puppies were no longer scratching away. I only used this on my dogs because it contained no chemicals unlike most over products available.
So back to the soap on humans, or me for that matter.
First off it lathers really well which I missed with the need wash, it also cleans really well without an icky residue on hair. No transition period.  Winner so I think I've finally found my no kak product for hair and body.
Yes, I did say body and my skin is starting to clear up.
I have, sorry had bacne and even that is clearing up nicely no new breakouts even my scars are fading. This summer I purchased three strappy tops and had my back on display, I even managed to tan which has improved the look of my scars yay.  I really believe this is the best soap ever and even better it's £1.19 a bar unlike most easy products.

If you know of any no kak products get in touch I like variety and if you try oliva soap let me know how you feel about it.
I also want to know if any of you know of a diy/no kak toner.
I also also want to know of any quick recipes or products for my no kak life.
That's it for now, 
Spyro

crochet crop top

I know I've been quiet a while but I had a good reason. I have severe depression and anxiety which results in nice panic attacks when these occur I'm left feeling out of it for days so I sit home and crochet.

This time I created a little summer crop top which is a one off piece I made just because I could. I didn't write a pattern as it's adaptable but I will just for you guys it will be on ravelry for 50p and remain at that price but while I'm writing that I need your help.
The picture below is of the summer crochet top that will fit a size 14 with a d cup (uk sizing). what I'm asking is what you guys think I should sell it for, it took me 3 weeks to finish because I couldn't decided how I wanted it to be. I'm not really interested in a huge profit and I want to list it at a fair price. what do you out there think is fair?

Thanks guys, Spyro

diy dry shampoo

Let's start with blondes first because they have it easy so blondies grab your corn flour shake it round your not so clean sections rub it in, comb your hair and off you go. It really is that simple.

Brunettes your turn. Same as before you need cornflour and you get yummy pure cocoa in your recipe yay.Now grab a tablespoon of cornflour or more if your doing a big batch, now heres the tricky part you need to figure out your own cocoa ratio but as a guide I make up equal amounts of cocoa to cornflour when doing some up for onion and she has a rich dark brown.

Finally redheads. So the Web has loads of dry shampoos that say cornflour and cinnamon, they are jerks. Sorry but it's true because cinnamon causes colour fade and after you just decided to care for your hair they're telling you how to ruin your colour. Bad humans! What you really need is beetroot powder and cornflour again find your own ratio for raa red like mine equal parts beetroot powder to cornflour.

Natural redheads/ ginger most of you can get away with just cornflour too.

Bye for now
Spyro

1 week later neem hairwash

my hair was heavy sticky and I couldn't stand it so back to dove hand soap to wash my hair. I was gutted to have to quit but I seriously felt gross and my scalp got super angry. I get cradle cap like flakes around the dreaded red moon/shark week and it's hard to shift I find dove has done it though. I know it not kak free but if all you want is clean flake free hair I would highly recommend dove soap.

What next? after my success with dove I got thinking maybe a bar of soap free of toxins not easy to find in the UK. I have found one which lists two ingredients available at Holland and Barrett. This made me lower my hopes of using it seeing that name alone BUT it's currently £1.19 a bar which means I can buy three for in shower throw all the other products away and force my mum to join my quest for a lower toxin life.

Now the soap in question lists saponified olive oil and mineral salts AND vegan friendly, it's sounding too good to be true so when I get to town next I'm going to give it a bash and see how I go.

Bye for now
Spyro
ps dry shampoo coming up Thursday-ish

coconut neem hairwash result

After my first wash using what I shall refer to as 'neem hairwash' I have had an idea...uh oh.
The wash did get the mass of hairspray out and left my hair looking clean, it did leave a little of a clogged up feel but nothing I can't deal with. Don't let that put you off. 
  This residue feel is just part of my hair dealing with the natural hairwash free of goo and unpronounceable products.
I know I said I had an idea and you will be able to find that in my next post labeled 'au natural dry shampoo'.
Also I am going to make myself natural makeup if they work you lucky people get a complete how to alongside reviews and many photos.
 

I also have decided to bring in a family member to test, review and post many things so keep an eye open for my little divvy sister popping in and out. She will sign off using her nickname 'onion' (one of my conditions). Of course this means I shall use mine, I earned this because I flare my nostrils like a dragon when I'm real mad.

I also have created an email account just for you guys to get in touch.
I know their is already the option to leave a comment but sometimes you may just need a stranger to listen. I promise I will try to answer as many as possible but if I can't  Onion may be able to. I will definitely read them all. fyi any trolls will be ignored and reported to officials, zero tolerance.
Our new email is littleboxofnothing@outlook.com please feel free to get in touch nothing is too small or stupid

bye for now, Spyro

cut the kak hairwash

my new thing at the moment is trying to completely stop putting chemicals onto my skin through all my day to day products. I truly believe these are adding to all the issues such as acne and sensitivity.
I think as I go I will write up my current kak cutting recipe each recipe will be given a fair period of time to work because going natural is bound to result in a super shock to the system. I'm thinking of it like me being tortured for years and then treat nicely all of a sudden , your natural reaction would be scepticism of motives.
first recipe I'm going to try is coconut and neem oil hair wash, this is 200 ml of coconut 3 teaspoons of neem oil and topped up in a 500ml water bottle with ordinary tap water, some may need to filter their water if the water in the area is harsh. shake it all up and pour it on. I'll make sure to rub it in to my scalp. If your trying it get in touch let us know how it works, how your hair reacts and how long if any hair detox lasts.
Spyro

Squash dog chews result

I lately decided to make my own dog treats and food, I'm not strict about it yet but I will be when I move into the flat with ma moose and our petting zoo. The best place I know to search is pinterest when it comes to ideas, that's where I found the idea for chewy squash strips. I already was using the squash so thought I'd give it a go. I threw my peelings onto a baking tray and shoved them in the oven, due to my illness I can't be left to cook for too long on my own, accidents happen often. So after an unknown time ma moose comes running in because she thinks a tea towels on fire, turns out I'd burnt the first lot. The dogs, guinea pigs and budgies snubbed them. Told you it was a petting zoo. This time I had half a sweet potato left from lasagna so I decided to have another bash, I cut them in small 1cmx1cm cubes and like before threw them on a bake tray, I also forgot about these but luckily they didn't burn and came out squidgy. Replies to the post with the recipe/ideas all said "my dogs loved these".  Maybe my pups are weird but 3/4 turned these cubes down too, my pomchi didn't so I thought maybe i'll make them again from leftovers for her. NOT happening. Little rat was taking them chewing them flat and shoving them between the sofa, squash chew treats are definitely off the list! Maybe if we get chickens they'll appreciate my efforts more...

halogen oven pup pizza recipe

After looking at a bunch of recipes for various dog foods the main ingredients tend to be fresh meat, grains and vegetables. That simple.
So here it is my very own recipe for pup pizza.

The recipe is dead simple,

500g of Turkey mince, 

1 tin of carrots and peas, 

500g slightly boiled rice,

1 raw egg,

2 hard boiled eggs.

That's it!

 Mix everything except the boiled eggs in a bowl, put half the mix in tin foil on a bake tray, slice the boiled eggs and layer on top then add the remaining mix on top. Cook on 250 degree for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and cut like a pizza.

As you can see below Mr.Skip gave it big licks of approval.

Who to vote for this election?

so I find myself wondering who to vote for and yet keep finding myself  thinking I don't believe anybody. sorry if you thought I was going to tell you where to put them little x's.
not gonna happen, now when I was still in school I had the best health and social teacher. He was very patient with everyone especially 'difficult' students, I prefer the term brats. anyway he once said "never ever waste your vote ever." one clever person asked"what if you don't like any party". His response to this was "I don't care, cross the whole card out, write nobody anything that shows them you want to vote but don't believe anyone. just be heard." so from now on if I find myself unsure I will draw a box write no confidence and put a cross in it. so if anyone finds themselves in the same position feel free to do the same maybe one day it will become a valid option. be heard because Mr. Shires said so!

needle felting

I was inspired by shelter pups to research how to needle felt. I was looking at them wanting to get personalised copies of our puppies unfortunately with my budget I can't afford to do that so instead I have decided to learn how to needle felt. I have also decided to make a donation to a UK shelter instead. If I master this I may create more than a key sized copy. perhaps I could sell them for the pound dogs. If you have never heard of shelter pups get off my blog and onto their site, adopt, donate or just marvel at their amazing creations.

Some of you are thinking yeah that's like the snakes you mentioned, I scrapped that idea because I decided I'm not fond of snakes so I have turned to colourful blankets which will be for sale on eBay, I promise.

now go! puppies need you to stop and cry awww at their cuteness.

stopping mail scams

Today at nans she brought a pile of junk mail her husband received. One of those letters was claiming he had won a significant amount of money.
If you find your family or yourself getting them and cannot find anywhere to stop these awful companies ripping off your family on the letter don't despair you may be looking in the wrong place.
I scoured these letters and by chance found the answer hidden away printed on the inside of the envelop, crafty beggars. All you have to do is fill in the details tick to no longer receive promotional mail and as if by magic they dissappear back where they came from.

This is not the only way but a good few methods could result in you being added to a  'sucker list' read everything extremely careful and multiple times.

Good luck in your quest to end these jerks.

 

Cute overload

I'm sure everyone has seen those pictures of the dogs in shower caps by now they're allover after all.  Today was bath day for Mr bear, not his real name but better safe than sorry.
Everyone sees him as this big scary guard dog so I thought I would show you my scary bear. He hates water in his ears and get super fidgety when I start to wash his neck so I thought hey let's try a shower cap at worst he'll shake it off at best he'll be adorable and we'll behaved.
Conclusion, it totally worked and everyone was a lot happier.

Champagne ideas, pop bottle pockets

I've been quiet since setting up my blog, I can here y'all yelling "you suck". I'm aware guys.
I'm quiet because I've been busy creating crochet patterns for sock monkey slipper socks, try saying that 5 times with a numb tongue. Alongside that I've been packing and sorting so I'm ready when we downsize from our 3 bed house to our 2 bed flat, thanks British government the bedroom tax is the best. Yes sarcasm does make me feel better.
Now back on point I've always wanted a huge wardrobe but never have the space for the type I want. My fault for wanting a two story walk in wardrobe to accommodate my love for shoes.
Instead I have decided to go with a fitted wardrobe. I don't have the funding for a professional to tailor one for me so I will be doing it myself I'm not sure how but what I can say is that I will take many pictures as I go with instructions, ideas and where I bought/rescued my resources from. Hopefully I can inspire you to create your own storage perfection,  until then play nice!

Gelatine milk face mask result

Everyone hates blackheads! Fact. I'm always on the lookout for a quick fix. The other day one popped up on my pinterest feed so of course I had to try it.

The picture was of a very white misshapen obviously self made pore strip with whole blackheads pulled cleanly. That sold it so off I ran to grab my unflavoured gelatine and milk.

The recipe called for 1 teaspoon of gelatine mixed into 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk, stirred heated then restirred and applied to the problem areas.

I personally have a bad t-zone so I opted for 3 teaspoons of milk to one of gelatine.
I heated the mix for a total of 25 seconds and applied to my face very quickly.
After leaving on for 15 minutes and having my face become so stiff I sympathised with the weeping angels I began peeling strips off crossing my toes as I went.
I was hoping I'd finally found the right trick, unfortunately it didn't remove a noticeable amount however all is not lost.

If you have bad flakes of dry skin that usually clear up with exfoliating like me I can confirm that this does clear that up quite quickly however it left the area a bit sore.

This also would make an excellent peeling skin for dressing up as a zombie.

I will not rule this out as a wonder cure as I try every experiment twice, this time I'm going drop to just one spoon of milk and update this post with my findings.

One day I will find my blackhead cure, if anyone has a product or recipe that works for them get in touch I'll try it out and give credit to anyone as well as linking back to original blog/website.

Help cure bad skin!

How to remove glue after an eeg

I found myself needing an eeg this week so I went over to St. Luke's hospital in Bradford. I was told I'd be walking around with wires stuck to my head for 24 hours using what was basically superglue. I was then told it would be removed with acetone and would dry my hair out.

After they were removed I had a head full of glue and hair like straw so here's a how too for anyone in the same position, I want to share how I brought my hair back.

First is your shopping list: nail varnish remover / acetone, dove pro age shampoo and tigi luminous blonde conditioning mask. All you have to do is hop in the shower or bath using a cotton pad or ball hold your acetone on glue parts then immediately rinse the acetone out the glue should rinse out it may take a couple of repeats for this bit. Don't overdo it though. Now apply your dove shampoo lather up and scrunch it through, rinse and apply your conditioning mask. I used this mask for five minutes, it's good to use even if your not blonde. I chose it because blonde colourants really dry out the hair so it was bound to have some properties that will repair hair well. I did all of the above and now my hair is back to being soft glossy and I can get a fine tail come through it. I hope you all have as much success with yours as well. Please note I was not paid to promote these products this is from personal experience only.

Losing the safety net

Looking in the mirror at the insane amount of angry spots I couldn't help but feel like I'm fighting an impossible battle. Now after trying absolutely everything to stop the breakouts I started to wonder if it was my heavy side sweeping fringe that accompanies my pixie crop.
In short I have decided that my fringe is to blame and there's no hope for clear skin with it, I have two options grow out my crop to a fringe free 'do or go shorter and have a hepburn style super short crop. So me being the stubborn person I am I have reached the decision to take away my safety net (the fringe of doom) and go super short, now this led to excitement and nerves but hey it is only hair! So I'm going to open up a comment section if I can figure it out and I'm asking anyone who had the close crop did you feel better after the chop or was it something that had to grow on you (sorry I couldn't resist).

Opening my little box of nothing

I'm going to be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing. The reason I started this blog is to see what the fuss is all about and to take my hobbies up a level. So here we go.
      The choice of name. Basically I couldn't choose a name and got bored of listening to my sisters suggestions until she produced little box of treasures, except it was already in use. Typical! So I started thinking what is treasure.. Stop thinking like pirates. My treasures are essentially just string, nothing to some everything to others and here we are.      
     Welcome to my little box, look forward to patterns for crochet some will be free some won't. Also expect brutally honest reviews and the occasional rant I promise to keep them to a minimum.