Love this 53: Oak block "tables"

Earlier in the year we were looking for some small tables for alongside our sofa. We didn't want anything too large - as that would just encourage clutter - and I ruled out a traditional coffee table as it just wouldn't work for us, well me.  We had one when we first moved in and I was forever walking into it, which was strange really as I'd had a larger, squarer, lower coffee table in my previous Living room.

We were looking for something that was practical as we really wanted somewhere to put a cup of tea or a glass of wine safely.  We wanted something that would fit with the rest of our decor and originally ruled out wood as we have a wooden floor and wooden treads on the spiral stairs. There's also the reclaimed teak unit as well as some light Ikea storage units.  And we thought it might be wood overload.

However that's before we saw these blocks on Oak Beam Furniture website.  Then we set about convincing ourselves that the Oak would work. A couple of weeks later we placed our order for two 60cm blocks and one 40cm blocks!

Shaun at Oak Beam Furniture hand finishes these in Alfreton, Derbyshire and on his site he says they're sanded "through 6 grades of sandpaper and 5 coats of the finest Danish oil."  When they arrived* with us they smelt lovely - a mixture of the wood and the oil - and in the time we've had them we've seen them change as the Oak dries out and splits.  

They're heavy too - the larger ones easily weigh around ten kilos, so that's a lot of Oak.  Originally we thought we'd use the smaller block as a drinks table on our patio as they're similar-ish to the doorstops we use for some of our other doors. Even though the smaller block is lighter, we've rethought that idea and are using all three as side tables beside our two sofas. 

And after many years without tables by the side of our sofa, I'm a convert - I wouldn't be without these now!  So if you're looking for some Oak block type tables, I'd definitely recommend taking a look at Oak Beam Furniture. 

* In case you're wondering delivery is included in the price on the site and they arrive well-wrapped and protected in bubble wrap

Black & White photo 22: The King's Troop RHA

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery a ceremonial unit and its 111 horses are stationed at Woolwich, just down the road from us. Yesterday they were out supporting the local community with appearances at both Blackheath Standard's small business Saturday and at Blackheath's village day. 

They regularly pass by our house but yesterday I was able to get some pictures at our local parade of shops. I think they make great subjects for a black and white photo and like the glimpses of horseshoes on show in the first picture. I'm also in complete admiration of the animals and that each soldier is controlling three horses, with ease. 

Love this 52: Compact external battery charger by Anker

It wasn't until 2012 that I became an Apple convert, until then I'd never used one of their products - not even an iPod. In 2012 after much research I bought my iPhone 4 and I was smitten. The following year I bought an iPad and now that usually means one or the other is in my hands, or not far away. Sadly as with any device that's shall we say no longer the newest model, the battery life is no longer so great. Yes there's tips for getting the most out of your battery - and I've tried lots of those, some more workable than others.

Even so I want to use my phone, apps and camera when I'm out and about, but I don't want to be left without any battery incase the unthinkable happens and I need it in an emergency. I also like to text MOH on my way home so he knows what train I'm on, what time I'll be home and to pre-order a nice cup of tea... Yes, I know I'm spoilt!

So anyway, that's where this Anker external battery charger comes in. Once again I'd done my research and this Anker device got good reviews. So I bought one, on Amazon UK - at £13.99 I thought it'd be worth a go. It's full name on Amazon is a bit of a mouthful it's: "Anker Astro Mini 3200mAh Ultra-Compact Lipstick-Sized Portable Power Bank Pack External Battery Charger with PowerIQ Technology.....blah, blah, blah "

When it arrived I quickly spotted that it wasn't lipstick sized. It's compact, but if it's lipstick sized then I've been buying miniature lipsticks... And I'm pretty sure I haven't! Infact I know I haven't. 

My lipstick is in the foreground

It does however do what it says and I can now charge my iPhone while I'm out and about. And while it's in my handbag. I was surprised at how quickly it charged it too, which is another bonus. So all in all I'd say this is a nifty little device which I regularly add to my handbag (along with my charging cable*) when I'm heading out for the day.  I think it'd make a great gift for someone who like me, more often than not has their mobile or tablet in their hands - and it comes in gold, black, blue and pink if silver isn't their thing.

 ...And in case you're wondering I still don't know how to work an iPod properly - I'm afraid I just don't understand them. Thank goodness my iPhone and iPod are more intuitive!

*It comes with a micro USB cable, a travel pouch (which is functional and dull, but could easily be replaced) and is packaged well.