Gin Lover's

Brand: Ridley's Jigsaw Puzzles

Pieces: 500

Size: 35cm x 50cm
Product Code: JIG040

You know how sometimes you don't miss something until it's gone? That's me at the moment- with alcohol. 

Since becoming pregnant, I have obviously had to stop drinking alcohol, and while I never drank a whole lot anyway, it was nice to be able to have a drink when I felt like it. 

Gin was my alcohol of choice just before I fell pregnant and this puzzle reminds me of what I'm missing out on. My husband has been very sweet to me, buying sparking apple and grape juices and serving them to me in a wine glass when he's been having a whisky or some other drink, but it's just not the same. 

Oh, well, nothing to be done about it till after the baby's here. In the meantime, I will have to settle for doing puzzles of alcohol, like the one above.  

Although the design of the above puzzle is very cool, I was disappointed with the quality of the pieces. Many were peeling, with the design coming away from the cardboard backing. I have seen this with several puzzles from this brand unfortunately. Besides that, the puzzle was quite pretty (as well as informative). It came in cylinder packaging, with a reference poster. I know there are a few puzzles similar (whisky, etc) and despite the quality, I think I'd still like to try them.. 

Viva La Vida

 Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000

Size: 58.4cm x 58.4cm
Product Code: PZTVLV

I've only done a few puzzles from Eeboo thus far, but I have to say, they are one of the more interesting puzzle companies I have come across in the last few years. Their designs are unique and vibrant, the quality is wonderful and the colours just pop out of the pieces! 

Above is a puzzle I completed featuring Frida Kahlo. There is sooo much detail in this design, and until you are putting it together, you don't realise how many facets there are to the illustrations. I thought I had looked over the design carefully but when I was piecing it together, more and more details about her life emerged through the illustrations. This was a beautiful design and very satisfying to complete. 

Unicorn Cupcake

Brand: Puzzlebug

Pieces: 100

Size: 22cm x 28cm
Product Code: -

Today's puzzle has been put up for our friends, who are launching their new business today. Their coffee and pastry van business has it's grand opening today, and what better way to celebrate than to put up a puzzle of an incredibly cute unicorn cupcake? I'm not sure if they would be able to make and sell cupcakes with as much detail as the one above, but I'm sure they would taste just as good, if not better! Hopefully the rain will ease and they will have a successful first day!

Beauty And The Beast Eternal Love

Brand: Tenyo

Pieces: 1000

Size: 29.7cm x 42cm
Product Code:  DW-1000-479

Hi all,

I decided to put this one up today cos it's been a while since I've put up a Disney-themed puzzle. It was also my wedding anniversary yesterday and I love the sentiment of eternal love that is portrayed in this puzzle design, so why not? 

I bought this puzzle on my last visit to Japan from the awesome Tokyu Hands. It is honestly one of the best stores I have ever been to- I absolutely love it there. They sell EVERYTHING! This puzzle came in such a small and compact box (if you look at the dimensions of the puzzle listed above, you can see that the pieces are quite small to be able to do the puzzle in that size). That's another reason I love Japanese puzzles- they're so compact! This one was also a glow-in-the-dark puzzle, which I didn't realise until I was completing it- another bonus! (see the photo below)

I hope I get the chance to visit Japan again some day!