lolodesigns blog

I've had enough now

2012-02-09T21:26:00.000Z

It's currently doing this outside again.

Well I've had enough of this now and all I want to wake up and see is this.

Mr Snow can you go away and not pop back until, say mid December, thank you.

Lolo xx

Magnificant Madonna

2012-02-08T00:33:00.000Z

Love her or hate her, I'm in the LOVE camp in case you were wondering, you cannot deny the fact that she is super talented, super fit, made her way from the bottom up, no 'we'll make you a star' programme in sight and her concerts are nothing short of spectacular.

Here she is performing at the recent Superbowl to the highest half time viewing audience ever, nuff said!

Lolo xx

Ikea Bedding

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000Z

My love affair with grey continues into the bedroom inspired by a recent trip to Ikea. I fell in love with this set and had to purchase it. It shouldn't really be on the bed yet as I need to decorate, but I'm always too impatient.

Generally I tend to go for plain white bedding but this pattern just attracted me straight away. Yes it's an all over pattern but it is also subtle. The large rose flowers on the pillows were from a Primark sale last year, they were a £1 and wish I had got more of them, they co-ordinate perfectly as do Primark's grey pillow cases.

This shot shows the colour better and also shows the crinkle blanket from Ikea which fell in the trolley with the quilt set. I've been wanting one of these for ages and on many a trip it has gone in my trolley then out again, my sister will vouch for that as it drove her mad at my indecision. This time though it made it to the car. It has also inspired me to have a go at making my own in other materials as all it is is shirring elastic sewn in stripes about 2 inches apart.

After all that faffing around in the bedroom my belly was in need of some fodder so I tucked in to the loaf of bread I made earlier. It actually came out alright. I'm going to try soda bread next after watching the Fabulous Baker Brothers make it the other week, no rising you see, brilliant.

Lolo xx

Cat Nap

2012-02-06T00:33:00.002Z

Look who I spied cat napping on my bed, Alfie. Too cute! It was all I could do to stop myself snuggling my face into his fur, I have to confess that I did give in a short while after this picture was taken but he soon nodded back off again. All that running around in the snow earlier clearly took it's toll on him!

Lolo xx

Snowy Sunday

2012-02-05T12:00:00.000Z

Did you all wake up to snow this morning? When I went to bed last night it was snowing but the flakes were really small and I thought, that's not going to amount to much. Oh how wrong was I. Look what I woke up to.

Proper snow! Lots of lovely white fluffy snow. Best my car has looked in a long time! The cats weren't quite as impressed as I was though. I love how a blanket of snow makes it so quite, it's really rather magical. Proper winters Sunday, fire on, tv on, soft glow of white coming through the windows and a warming casserole in the oven. Perfect. A shame it's Monday tomorrow as Michael McIntrye would say "there's going to be chaos" lol!

Lolo xx

Great little shelf idea from Ikea

2012-01-24T23:24:00.001Z

I've been mooching around pinterest again and found this neat little idea. Very handy, would look lovely painted in Annie Sloan Paints.

Source: flickr.com via Kerstin C. on Pinterest

Lolo x

White and Grey

2012-01-22T19:00:00.000Z

My oh my, have been a bit lapsidaisical with the old blog lately. But then January is always a funny month for me, I just want to get it out of the way and get on with the year ahead. I have been busying away in the background though, decluttering like a demon which always takes hold of me this time of year as I am sure it does a lot of people after the excesses of Christmas. Craft room is having a much needed makeover with some new shelving purchased from the big blue store along with copious amounts of their clear storage boxes, I kid you not I now own 40 of the things! There'll be some piccies when it's done, which knowing me will be a while longer yet. Speed is not my strong point.

Today was a good example of my dithering, when I should have been building said shelving I instead found myself slobbing on the sofa surfing. It wasn't long before I was on Pinterest looking at all things white and grey. I've always loved grey for clothing but for home interiors I fell out of love with it when it was always being teamed with baby pink. Thankfully it has taken on a much more dreamy and classy look these days.

Source: weheartit.com via Lolodesigns on Pinterest

Please can I have one of these at the bottom of my woodland garden where it meets the stream bubbling past through the bushes. I wish! It'll will have to go at the bottom of my little terraced garden and I will imagine the rest when I am sat in it with my glass of wine.

Source: ozmaofodds.blogspot.com via Lolodesigns on Pinterest

Beautifully crafted flowers out of cashmere, very classy.

Source: shabbychicgirls.blogspot.com via Lolodesigns on Pinterest

Okay this one has pinks in it but it was too pretty to miss out. I would actually love washing days if my drying area looked like this.

Source: ordinary-fairytale.tumblr.com via Lolodesigns on Pinterest

Definitely a me outfit. Scarves are a big thing of mine and you very rarely see me without one on, even in the height of summer.

Source: socutethings.tumblr.com via Lolodesigns on Pinterest

Someone had a very steady hand to do this icing. It is truly beautiful and would make a lovely alternative to the traditional red on valentines day don't you think.

Oh well enough time wasting, I really must go and do some more sorting out in the craftroom. Thanks for popping by. Are you counting down the days of January like me?

Lolo xx

Beginning of January - Resolution Time

2012-01-05T00:18:00.000Z

Whether we go in for them or not new year's resolutions are hard to avoid. They are everywhere, in magazines, newspapers, tv, and radio. They are also the main part of conversations in the workplace as we all go over how we need to improve our lives, homes or careers.

Now I've avoided jumping on this bandwagon for the past couple of years but this year is different. You see I got on the scales after Xmas and had to jump right back off them and check they were working properly. Surely not, that can't be right. Back on I got and yep, damn things were right, it was official, I am fat! I didn't really need some common bathroom scales to tell me this, my clothes had been doing a good job of it over the past few months.

So, like many others around the globe I am now officially on a New Year diet with some exercise thrown in every now and then. Well a girl has to take it easy in the first few weeks so as not to shock the system too much. Achieving my goal will be done in the privacy of my home and I certainly won't be doing any of this, and they ask you for £6 a week for the privilege!

Tried this route a few years ago, and yes it did work, but each weekly visit involved the ritual of turning up having not eaten since the night before and about ready to pass out at any moment. Dashing to the loo, along with many others, to squeeze out the last bit of 'pee' coz that's really gonna make a huge difference, not! Oh and as you get closer in the queue to the actual weighing part you start stripping off your clothes to the minimum you can get away with without being arrested, because we all know our clothes weigh a good half a stone don't we.

So my journey to becoming thinner has begun, this is my 3rd day of not consuming enough calories to keep a small football team going! So far it's not been too bad and on the plus side my body is now getting some good nutritional fodder in it. I also have a great little app on my iPad to help me along, www.myfitnesspal.com and my trusty digital scales. Anyone else out there on a weight loss mission?

Lolo

2011 is leaving us, bring on 2012!

2011-12-31T21:45:00.001Z

This year saw my niece get her masters degree and her first internship in London. I made it to one year in my job and we got a new boss who is just fantastic. Amazing what a difference a good manager can make to a work place. I was also very lucky this year and got my garden and driveway done which has made such a difference to everyday life. Christmas was lovely spent with friends and family, lots of yummy food and my first real Xmas tree. Oh and the cinema for our town centre finally got the go ahead which will be great for all the young families, no more trekking for miles to see the latest kids movies.

All you wonderful people in blog land have continued to inspire me and there is something quite lovely about sitting down with a nice cuppa whilst popping round to see what you have all been up to. My blog is a place where I write about things that I have seen, done dream of and it still amazes me that people take the time to pop by and leave me sweet comments. They really do mean a lot to me, thank you.

To all my lovely readers out there, a big Happy New Year to each and every one of you!! May 2012 bring you happiness and good health.

lolo xx

Testing blogsy

2011-12-31T01:32:00.001Z

Have had this app on iPad for ages but never tried it. This is fun! The cake above is one my sister made for her friends 40th birthday a few months ago. Didn't it turn out great.

Definitely going to try posting this way every now and then, I feel all technofied now, if there is such a word!

Lolo x

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2011-12-25T00:14:00.000Z

Christmas wishes to you all, thank you for taking the time to pop by and read my little blog over the past year. It really means a lot to me. Enjoy! Lolo xx

Ready for Christmas

2011-12-24T07:21:00.000Z

It's Christmas Eve and all that is left to do is put out a snack for Santa and Rudolph. I may not be under the age of 11 anymore but I am still a big kid at heart, like most of us I suspect.

I used to have these little silver doves when my tree was more cream and gold but I like them too much to hide them away.

What it is really about at Christmas time.

My darling sister got me this gingerbread chef last year after I oohed and aahed over her one. Now if he could just jump down from the tree and help me with some baking.

This silver bell reminds me of the film Polar Express, one of my all time favourite films to watch at christmas and it was on this afternoon. I sat and watched it whilst wrapping my pressies, definitely Christmas now.

Another heart, because you can never have too many.

My first real Christmas Tree. No needles have dropped yet, I've got the radiator off behind it and have been watering it regularly. It doesn't look so 'real' in this piccie but you get the idea. When Christmas is over I shall put it outside in the garden until it's needles drop then my sister can have it for her woodburner.

Soon I am off to my beddy byes, this Christmas preparation lark has all but worn me out. Hope you are all more or less ready for the festivities, don't forget to feed Santa and Rudolph.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Lolo xx

Baby Bottom Butter

2011-12-20T01:35:00.002Z

Okay I am about 3 years behind on this one, but there might be some of you out there like me who completely missed all the hype. I am talking about Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter, how cute is the name first off. And the packaging is oh so clean and relaxing to look at.

On a glowing recommendation from my friend I went and purchased my first pot of this to try a week ago and have been in love with it ever since. First off the smell is divine, slight vanilla but not too overpowering. When you open the pot you just want to sniff it for a while. Once done smelling it I tested some out on my hands. It is a butter formulation so it's solid in the pot and you only need a tiny amount as it is very rich. I found it great for my cuticles and those dry bits you get down the side of your nails. It is a little greasy so you would have to wait a while for it sink in before doing stuff, perfect for night time use though.

For skin as soft as a baby's

A few days later I tried it on my face, I have normal/combination skin so did this at night. Wow! The next morning my face and neck felt sooo soft I couldn't stop touching it. I've only used it on my face for few nights but it has made a real difference to how my skin feels with make up on. I don't have those dry bits round my nose and stuff and it feels like velvet now. My tired little feet are going to be given the bottom butter treatment next, they deserve it!

At £2.85 a pot this will be a beauty staple for me from now on. It is also going to appear in the Xmas stockings of my female relations!

I'd be very interested to know what experiences you have had with this product.

Lolo xx

6 More Sleeps to Go!

2011-12-19T00:45:00.000Z

Till this little fella drops down our chimneys!

I love that Santa is given a bottle of coke.

Things are slowly taking shape round here now and I feel slightly less harrassed and almost, dare I say it, organised. Food deliveries are arriving tomorrow evening when I get home from work, life saver. House is now looking like it's christmas, picked up my first real tree on the weekend. The lights were another story though, a bit like gold dust round these parts. Did everyone buy new sets this year? The ones that were left were these new fandango LED ones with that scarey bright white light! I can't be dealing with that so made do with last years in the end. Am hoping to have some piccies to upload although a bit tricky when it's dark so early but I'll give it a go.

Are you all set for big day?

Lolo xx

It's Catching Up With Me!

2011-12-13T22:16:00.001Z

It's all catching up with me real fast now due to my house looking like this over the past 3 weeks.

Mental note: don't book decorators in before Christmas, especially when they over run by a week.

I've yet to get any of my decs out of the loft, little sister will be called upon this weekend, you see I can't go in lofts on account of 2 steps up a ladder and I get vertigo.

A trip to my local garden centre is needed to choose my real christmas tree. This is a first for me as I usually go the artificial route but I'm fed up with spending over an hour putting it together before I even put any decs on it. I'm told that the Nordman Fir as the way to go, no sharp needles, good when you have cats and the needles don't drop so much either.

Am also thinking I may have lost my chance to book an online delivery slot, what are the chances of any being left?

Yep, still in the bag! Can you see the theme running through here, told you I was way behind. I did manage to order most of the christmas presents online last night, thank the lord for the internet. It was a lovely feeling knowing that some nice man will deliver them all to my house ready for me to wrap in pretty paper.

What I need is to sit down with one of these and a notebook. Lists need to be made to help clear my mind of all the jumble. Yes I'll feel much better after this I'm sure!

Hope all your plans are going well, I've been popping round blogland and it's all looking so lovely and festive.

Lolo xx

Don't stress it

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000Z

Just love this. Don't know if you are anything like me, but when stressed I can find myself comfort eating. And now I know why, lol!!

Lolo xx

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas

2011-12-07T17:49:00.000Z

Friends house, check. Comfy clothing, check. Delivery pizza, check. Yep my friends and I will be on the sofa at 8pm tonight watching the lovely Kirstie and getting all christmassy. I know she is not everybody's cup of tea but we love watching her programmes, yes some of the things are a bit set up, but hey it's christmas and we are allowed to indulge ourselves.

Programme Synopsis - Channel 4 - 8pm 7 December 2011

If you want to get crafty this Christmas, here's a festive two-parter with C4's very own Mrs Christmas, Kirstie Allsopp, who turns her Devon home into a winter wonderland.

We all love a snow globe and Kirstie makes her own, as well  as fancy-but-tasteful garlands and wreaths and handmade presents. There are lessons in the art of gift-wrapping and how to get the wow factor from your tree - all the while, the smell of freshly baked gingerbread fills the house. Kirstie even finds time to pop over to New York to shop in the Christmas markets - will she pick up a stocking filler for Phil?

Now where's that pizza leaflet.

Enjoy!

Lolo xx

Favourite Thing on a Friday

2011-12-02T20:25:00.001Z

CHRISTMAS!!

Yep, it's December and that means I can have my first mince pie, yippee! The scoffing of my first mince pies will be taking place tomorrow at our towns christmas carol concert where there will be plenty of these babies and mulled wine too! I'm really looking forward to it, we've got primary school choirs singing some of my favourite christmas carols, an opera soloist and our local folk group. It's a real community event organised by the Mayor's office which is liitle ol me! There will be nervous butterflies in my tummy tomorrow afternoon as it's my first one and I so want it to go well.

Oh yes indeedy, just looking at this picture is making me salivate. Best way I like mine is warm from the oven with brandy cream draped over the top that slowly melts with the heat. Or sometimes I like brandy butter, or even brandy sauce, pretty much anything really so long as its got brandy in it! I can feel my waistline growing already.

Then there's the mulled wine, which shockingly I have never ever tried before. I know, what is that all about! Not to worry this will be properly rectified tomorrow evening as I am definitely going to try me a glass, or two, or even three. Well it is Christmas.

So that's my favourite thing this Friday, pop on over to Mimi's blog and see all the other lovely bloggers who have joined in this week.

Christmas wishes to you all.

Lolo xx

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

2011-11-27T00:30:00.000Z

As someone who wears a scarf every single day you can imagine my delight when I came across this video. I have always wondered how some people's scarves look much better than mine when worn and now I know! The video is very cleverly done and so easy to follow. I cannot wait to try all these out and also to see if any of my family/friends notice the different looks. This is definitely a must have video for all you like minded scarf lovers out there. Enjoy!

Lolo xx

Burlap Card

2011-11-26T18:05:00.001Z

Today is my lil sister's birthday, happy birthday sissy! There is exactly 1 year and 1 week between us so we are really close and the best of friends and love the same things. I am very lucky to have such a great sister.

I always make her a card and this year I chose to use my new favourite thing to craft with, Burlap, or Hessian as it is also known. It's normally used for storing potatoes or covering the workings on the base of a sofa, but I like to use it for home decor items.

I love how it holds shapes really well, this flower was done by just folding a strip concertina style, tying some of the burlap threads I had pulled out round the middle and voila, instant flower. A few gems were added to the middle which complement the rustic nature beautifully. For the rest of the card I used Anna Griffin stamps and fabric together with some white twill tape and kraft card.

So there you have it, my burlap card, hope you like it.

Lolo xx

The Notebook

2011-11-14T20:20:00.001Z

A notebook. Something us ladies like and we like to have a few of them and they have to be pretty. Even though we may only ever write shopping lists in them they have to be pretty, right. My niece is no exception to this rule and the notebook I made for her had to be extra pretty as it will journey with her on her new career in London.

Plain soft leather effect notebook from TKMaxx, one of my all time fave stores as you just never know what you will find. To pretty it up I used some scraps of fabric, ribbon and twill tape, which you all know I love to use.

I wanted it to have lots of layers and textures so I just started piecing things together and when I was happy with the layout I sewed it all together with a mixture of straight and zig zag stitches. The narrow grey ribbon was a little fiddly but worth it I think.

I have this dreamy image of her sitting in a window seat on the train, listening to her ipod and when something inspires her she will take out this pretty notebook and jot down her thoughts and ideas. How daft amd I, yep it's lonely in my little world!

I didn't neglect the back either, it too deserves to look good for those people sat across from her on the train.

The whole ensemble. She tells me she likes it a lot and will only use her bestest handwriting in it, bless her.

Supplies used:

Fabric scraps, prints are by Anna Griffin
Ribbon
Sizzix Bigz Folk Hearts die cut using old beer mat
Pinflair bookbind glue to adhere to cover
Pink Petticoate Querty Digi Image
Bunting clear stamps by Marion Emerson
Square card blanks by Papermania

I really enjoyed making this and hope you all liked it too. Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Card, Fabric and Pink Petticoat

2011-11-12T19:56:00.001Z

It's been ages since I sat in my craft room and made something which was mostly down to the fact that I couldn't move in there. But, last week I had a mahoosive tidy up and now I have space to create! So today I made this card for my wonderful niece who only went and bagged herself a cool PR job in the west end! We are all so very very proud of her.

I took one of my white card blanks and used a polka dot stamp all over it in brown ink. The green gingham check is fabric from an Anna Griffin Charm pack as is the strip of black and white floral print. I folded some thick twill tape, which I love using and then stitched the three layers together on my machine. On top of that I stitched a length of vintage seam binding ribbon. For the bunting I stamped the images onto the twill tape and then cut them out. They were then stuck using glue dots onto some narrow rik rak ribbon.

For the sentiment I got to use my recently purchased Querty image from Pink Petticoat. This digi image is so useful and has the perfect spot to put your own sentiment in which I love. It's printed on photo paper and then I added some colour and twinkle using two colours of Sakura Glitter Pens.

I've also made her a fabric covered notebook which I'll show in another post.

Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Cath Kidston Treats

2011-11-07T18:27:00.000Z

Do you ever feel the need to just pop out and buy yourself something pretty to cheer you up? You do. That's good to hear because I do too, sometimes its a bit too frequently but hey, we earn it right! Well last weekend was one of those times and I found myself driving my car to the Cath Kidston outlet store, which for me is a few short miles up the road. I know, too close right! It was absolutely heaving when I got there, mothers with their children, girls with their boyfriends dutifully following them around with a basket full of goodies. Oh the joy on the poor blokes faces lol!

An apron. I did um and ah over this purchase as I have a ton of this fabric and could have made at least two for the price of this one. But do you know what made my mind up, the label on the front. Yep I am that sad! I can't be the only one surely! Can I? Please tell me you do this too.

Oven gloves in a print I love for it's muted colours and flowers. They were only £6.00 each which I thought was quite reasonable. I get on so much better with this type rather than the joined together ones.

See I didn't go crazy. Mind you that was probably more down to the fact that there wasn't actually a lot there this time. I don't mean the shop was empty but just a lot of the same stuff filling it up. Their lovely section of handbags had but a few to choose from, most unusual. Perhaps this means they are getting ready for new lines, which you know is gonna make me go back sooner rather than later don't ya.

Thanks for popping by, I really do appreciate all your visits to my little world.

Lolo xx

Favourite thing on a Friday

2011-11-04T23:00:00.000Z

Old photos. Afternoon tea on the beach. Grandparents looking so young and beautiful. As grandchildren you forget that they were ever that young don't you.

I love that my gramps is in his suit and they have proper crockery for their tea.

Street party, when street parties were something amazing for the kids to join in with. Hidden amongst the little rascals above is my darling father. He's the cheeky one in the white sailors hat pulling funny faces. Yes that would be my dad all over, cheeky then, cheeky always.

So there you have it, my favourite thing this Friday is looking at old photos. If you want to see what others have posted over at Mimi and Tilly's just click on the button in my sidebar.

Lolo xx

Merchant & Mills

2011-11-01T18:30:00.000Z

I love discovering new online shops don't you. Especially ones that sell all things sewing and in a grown up and stylish way. This site is very classy and english indeedy. They have a blog too. My fave section is their dressmaking patterns. I don't know about you gals, but I do struggle to find fashionable, wearable and flattering patterns. Well at M&M they have some real fabby ones.

Courtesy of Merchant and Mills

Relaxed dress shirt with so many possibilities. This is my style of clothing, not structured, hate structured. Loose, breathable, comfortable clothing is what I like to hang out in. It could be made as a dress, top, with sleeves, without, with varying length ones. And then theres all the different fabrics it could be made in. This picture is making me want to wear it longish with a pair of wellies and great big chunky cardigan. Perfect! You can see the pattern here.

Courtesy of Merchant and Mills

Another favourite is their Trapeze Dress which again can be made with sleeves or without. In grey suiting fabric I could wear this to the office, and how comfy would that be. See the pattern here.

Courtesy of Merchant and Mills

Fun eye test charts on there too. Fancy one of these in my craftroom.

Courtesy of Merchant and Mills

Their artwork is spot on, clean, uncluttered, from a time when life was a more simple affair and people didn't have piles and piles of stuff in their homes. A time when they also 'did' rather than just 'watch'. See what this artwork has done to me, I've gone all reminiscent and wishful!

Anyway, go see for yourselves what goodies they have, you can find them here Merchant & Mills.

And thank you to the lovely ladies over at the Womens Room Blog for bringing this wonderful website to my attention.

Lolo xx

Charity Shop Finds

2011-10-31T00:30:00.000Z

Since going back to work full time I don't get as much time as I used to for a mooch around the charity shops. Last week though I managed to pop in to a couple on my lunchbreaks.

This bowl was outside the local Cats Protection League, a favourite of mine having cats and all. The colour goes perfectly with other bits in my lounge and I couldn't believe the sticker only said £1. It might end up in my kitchen though once it is decorated as I can see it filled with fruit on the kitchen table.

The very next day I went into the British Heart Foundation and this jug, in almost the identical colour as the bowl, was perched high up on a shelf. What's the chance of that happening! Home it came with me for a mere £1.50.

See, they were made for each other. I did enjoy my little lunchtime visits and will definitely do them again, even though it means scoffing my sarnie as I trot down the high street. Not a pretty sight but it's all in a good cause lol!

Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Take Three Pumpkins

2011-10-30T16:48:00.001Z

I managed to get some pumpkins yesterday from Lidl in the end as Tesco had sold out. These were the last few that they had left, so glad I went out early. Today I got out one of my tester pots and set about painting them.

I absolutely loved doing this and don't know why I haven't tried it before! The shape of pumpkins have always appealed to me just not the colour. It only took a short time to do and for these three I got through half a tester pot of Antique White emulsion paint. Perfect little craft for an afternoon and doesn't cost the earth either.

The small one, which is technically a squash, received the glass glitter treatment. The light has been really rubbish here today, grey is not the word, so found it difficult trying to capture the sparkle. But boy does this stuff twinkle in the lights. I purchased the glitter glass, which is basically miniscule shards of glass, ages ago and had almost forgotten about it. I like it because it has a vintage silver look to it rather than the harsh grey silver of modern synthetic glitters. As you can see though I clearly didn't put enough glue on, still first attempt and all that.

And this is with me holding a giant torch to see if I can get it to sparkle on camera, the things us bloggers do! It sort of worked I think.

I have to say a big thank you to all the bloggers out there who posted about these and inspiring me to give it a try. It's given me loads of ideas for next autumn but for now I am more than happy with these three little cuties around my home. Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Glittery Pumpkins

2011-10-29T00:30:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Twig and Thistle

Halloween is not big down my street on account of there not being that many families. Consequently I don't dress the front of my house with the tradtional scary orange pumpkins. But these, oh these would look so glam inside and could stay around for quite a while couldn't they? Aren't they just gorgeous.

Courtesy of Twig and Thistle

A mummy and a baby too cute! That's it, I've made my mind up, it's silly o'clock in the morning and am heading off to the supermarket to get some pumpkins. I have a craftroom full of glitter that I just get out and look at mostly so it's time it got put to good use. Oh please let them have some nice ones there for me.

Courtesy of Maine Home

White ones are gorgeous too, seen a lot of these around blogland lately and I can see why, timeless.

Great idea as a door number outside in your front yard. You could just stick plain old drawing pins in them, super cheap. I don't know where this picture came from so apologies for not being able to put up a credit for it.

Wish me luck at the shops. Promise to post some pictures of my attempts at any of the above, could be interesting to say the least!

Lolo xx

Favourite Thing on a Friday

2011-10-28T22:46:00.000+01:00

Well this Friday anyway! Went back to work this week after some time off and for some reason it's taken me ages to get back in the swing of it, maybe it's the shorter days and really crap weather we had here yesterday. Or maybe I'm just getting old, lol! So not an inspiring post I'm afraid but sleep really is something that I love especially Friday nights, coz you know you've still got another lay in to follow.

You can guess where I'm off to now can't you. Sweet dreams my friends.

Lolo xx

Crafts for Christmas and Hobbycrafts - Tesco Voucher Deal

2011-10-22T23:14:00.000+01:00

In a couple of weeks I am taking my mum to NEC Birmingham for some crafty retail therapy. They are having three exhibitions at the same time, Crafts for Christmas, Hobbycraft and Art Materials Live!

Entry fee is £8.50 each for all three shows which isn't too bad but today I discovered that you can purchase tickets using your Tesco clubcard vouchers for an amazing £3.00 each. Boy am I glad I hadn't already bought them. Used my mum's vouchers, I always spend mine as soon as I get them, and in a few days time our bargain tickets will be winging their way to us.

Now I may be a little slow in catching up with these offers and you girls will already probably know of this great deal but in case there is anyone out there like me who didn't here is the link Tesco Exhibition Vouchers.

NOTE: THE ONLY SNAG IS THE DEAL RUNS OUT END OF SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER SO YOU NEED TO GET YOUR SKATES ON.

Not good, have just seen that there is a cake exhibition on at the same time. You just know that I am gonna have to pop in and have a peek at all that clever cakeness and pretty decorations.

How cute is that snowman.

Awww Bless them.

Okay, is it wrong that I now have my nose pressed to the screen trying to smell the chocolate!

Have to stop looking at cakes now before it all gets out of hand!

Lolo xx

Favourite Thing on a Friday

2011-10-21T13:38:00.001+01:00

I've decided to join in with the lovely Mimi and Tilly's Favourite Thing on a Friday and today, this is what it is that I am loving.

Blue skies and sunshine and seeing my white umbrella blowing in the gentle breeze. I know, it looks static there, but that's just down to my poor camera skills. Waking up and looking out to this really does make my day and inspires me to do things. So far today I've been climbing up a ladder and blitzing the top of my kitchen cupboards, a job I hate, a job I normally tend to ignore for far too long a period of time. So you see, I need this view to keep on appearing, as god only knows what state my poor little home would be in if only clouds were to greet me each day!

To join in with the fun, just click on the button in my sidebar and see what we are all raving about today.

Lolo xx

Limited Edition Yankee Candles

2011-10-18T22:55:00.000+01:00

If you are already a fan of Yankee Candles like myself then you may already know about these but I just discovered them in my local department store at the weekend with my sister. They smell divine and have the cutest labels on the front, much better their normal ones.

I think there are 4 Spoonful of Sugar scents, the one above is the most subtle and it does kind of sparkle too. Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Sugar are also in the range. Am particularly loving this style of jar too with the metal lid, which to me, will look much better when reused for storage of my bead necklaces in the bedroom. Price wise were brilliant value, just under £10 for 22oz, which is around £7 less than normal.

Just discovered they do little baby ones too. How cute is that. They are on this website, but not so cheap, but they do offer free delivery which is something. The department store I got mine from was Beales, they recently took over all the Westgate stores. If you happen to have one of those anywhere near you but be worth popping in there.

Lolo xx

One good turn deserves another

2011-10-17T20:14:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I kept my promise and helped the BF ferry his beloved motorbikes to the garage, you see he is trading up, to some new black shiny one. He did tell me in great detail what the bike was etc etc but after a few minutes I glazed over as I understood none of it! You know how it goes ladies, a bit like when we come home with our latest find for the home and gush about it to them knowing that after a nano second their interest will be lost!!

Anyway for my good deed I got to do a little bit of retail therapy, just a little bit mind, the poor fella can't cope with more than a couple of shops bless him. So not long ago a store called The Range which I had always heard good things about from up North opened a branch up near us so of course I had to investigate for research purposes.

Well I'm telling ya, I love it. Cross between Dunelms, Wilkinsons and Hobbycraft but better! The doorstop above cost a whopping £2.99 and it's beautifully made. The little building blocks which I've always loved and admired in another well known and pricier home interiors store (famous for flowery frocks in the 70s) were a mere snip at £3.99, I tell yee my little eyes were darting everywhere with glee.

They actually feel much nicer and better finished than the pricey ones. Edges are all lovely and smooth.

Doorstop even comes with two painted wooded hearts which I'll probably hang somewhere else.

French inspired wall hook, yep a bargainlicious (is there such a word) £2.49, so I bagged two of them, it would have been rude not too wouldn't it? Not exactly sure where I am going to hang them but that is not the point is it ladies.

Now I confess I did go to the said pricey home interiors store because I just love to window shop really, and also because they had 25% off of their paint and I use their Pale Twine alot in my house. Don't worry I'm not going to show you a picture of a tin of paint, but I couldn't resist splashing out on their union jack doormat in duck egg colours.

Do you like? It was £20 which I didn't think was too horrendous and does cheer me up everytime I see it, which is a good thing considering I'll be crossing over it every day!

So do you think that was a fair swap?

Lolo xx

Gingerbread Family Wall Hanging

2011-10-11T21:15:00.000+01:00

Been playing around with my polkadoodles cd again. Isn't this gingerbread family just the cutest! Everything is printed from the CD apart from the backing paper which was a freebie in Homemade magazine, you can probably see where I was too lazy to bother trimming off the label!

Took a little bit of time cutting them all out but wasn't difficult then I just kinda sat there and chucked them all together till I was happy with the look and then glued them in place.

The little kiddie ones are the best don't you think. Such happy little faces, bless them. Close up my cutting out skills look a little hap hazard but hey ho, you don't really notice from a distance.

Have you started playing around with Christmas crafty stuff yet? I'd love to hear about all your makes. Am already counting down the days, only 74 Sleeps to go!!

Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Christmas at Ikea

2011-10-09T17:32:00.001+01:00

I know, we haven't even had Halloween yet but oh my, I am in love with some of the new Christmas goodies on the Ikea website! Bang on trend and as usual at great prices. Here are some of the items I am just gonna have to have!

Santa advent calendar - £8.99

Has 24 numbered draws that you can fill with treats

Pot Pouri in a bag - £2.99

Set of 8 hanging decorations - £1.79

Great for card toppers.

Adorable fabric mushrooms - £5.79

For anytime of year really.

12 paper gift bags - £1.99

99p for 40, yes 40 cute gift tags!

Those bottom ones again could be used anytime.

Red and white sisal 30m - £2.99

Assorted Xmas Stockings 43cm high - £2.99

Christmas Fabric - £3.99 per metre

Okay I'm gonna have to stop now before this post goes on for miles! Am off to check my diary for when I can whizz down there and pick up these goodies.

What do you think? Are you loving them as much as me? Have you already been and got some? I've already got tons of ideas on what I am gonna do with just the fabric, let alone all the other goodies!

Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Just Put Jam on It

2011-10-08T17:02:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd share a quick card I made the other week using Sundae of Seasons CD by Polkadoodles.

Aren't these jam jars just the cutest! Background paper is by K&Company and I used Anna Griffin's ribbon punch along the bottom and threaded some red gingham ribbon from my stash. I can see these jam jars being used a lot and I love the fact you can size them to whatever your project requires.

Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

Sunny Sunday Pottering

2011-10-02T23:29:00.002+01:00

What a beautiful weekend! Anything I could find to wash went into the washing machine, came out and onto the line in the glorious sunshine. Call me daft but I loved it!

When I had my garden done back in July I lost my 1950s original clothes line and concrete posts so at the moment I have improvised by winding a line randomly from the fence posts at the bottom of the garden. I'll make up my mind in the spring, do I stick with the line method or go for one of those wurly things? Have to say it is the line that is doing it for me so far.

I pottered around with my camera, the jasmine plant has gone wild this year and is nearly obscuring my new birdhouse.

These need to be picked fairly soon, much better than last year's sorry little green ones. Am not a great lover of eating apples straight but do love a good apple pie and custard.

For those of you who follow my blog, this is the new patio area on the left. No more sinking chairs in the mud and the ugly green wheelie bin has now been replaced by a shiny new Outback barbie. Which I might add has managed a few outings this week making the most of the unexpected balmy evenings.

New luscious lawn = lots and lots of mowing, nobody warned me of this. Does grass always grow this darn quickly. My tatty old little lawn was quite happy if I trimmed it every 10 days or so, this little baby has me out there every 3 days!

And finally a nap in the sun, does life get any better. Love my little Alfie, earlier this week he had to go to the vet hospital to have a damaged front tooth out, he did look funny. All right as rain now, just a rather large hole in my purse! Worth every penny though.

Hope you all enjoyed our unexpected return of summer. Thanks for popping by.

Lolo xx

We Heart It

2011-09-23T00:42:00.000+01:00

Was just having a little look at my stats, more to be nosey and see where my visits are coming from rather than how many and saw this We Heart It Entry! Never heard of it before but my little post on Cath Kidston in The Lanes, Brighton has been hearted. Is that grammatically correct? It was Lissy Lou who hearted me and, if it is the same Lissy Lou that I follow in blogland, thank you Lissy!

The site looks similar to Pinterest all be it on a much smaller scale? Have you been HEARTED? Do you use it? Unlike Pinterest you do not need to wait for an invite so I may just go ahead and register. No wonder I don't get any housework done!! Am off to have a proper look around...............

Lolo xx

Papercraft Inspirations Magazine

2011-09-10T20:21:00.000+01:00

Click image to go to website feature

A few months ago I was contacted by Papercraft Inspirations as they had seen my blog and wanted to feature a card I had made. I thought it was some kind of hoax at first, but checked it out and yep it was for real. I was blown away, my little old blog who would have thought it.

The card they liked was the one I made for Mother's Day using the new Tim Holtz Sewing Room Die and it finally made it's appearance in the August issue of Paper Craft Inspirations magazine. And there it was, my card, alongside many other talented crafters from the bloggy world, does that mean I am famous now lol! I still can't quite believe it.

Thank you for taking the time to pop by, I really do appreciate all your visits.

Lolo xx

Brighton - The Lanes

2011-09-09T23:08:00.000+01:00

Back in May I was in Brighton for the weekend, which now seems like an absolute age ago! Especially as the shops near me have already got some of their Xmas stock out, why? Complete craziness!

Brighton is famous for it's Lanes and yes whilst there I did get to wander round the little paved streets and being a true blogger there was the obligatory taking of many piccies. So today I thought I'd pop a few on here and remind myself of the lovely time that was had.

Adorable dress in the window of the Dollydagger boutique. Perfect for a stroll along the prom followed by tea and cakes don't you think.

Speaking of cakes, and with icecream as well, do you need anything else? Nope.

There must have been nearly 50 Singer Sewing machines in this window display of, I have to say, one of my favourite clothing lines, All Saints. Unfortunately they are just a tad pricey for my purse, sigh.

And then we ended up here! Yup good old Cath Kidston, you can rely on the sight of her shop window displays to put a great big grin on my face.

Breakfast in bed madam. Why thank you, don't mind if I do!!

Then it was time to get on with some sewing.

And with all that fabric to choose from I could be a while!! And I was so the BF and friends took to the plaza cafes outside and left me to my own little world. It was grand I tell yee ;o)

Thanks for popping by. Lolo xx

Knitted Bunting Challenge

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000+01:00

Womens Weekly magazine reaches its centenary this year and are going for a world record to celebrate. They want to make the longest knitted bunting ever! Currently the record is 8,982ft and 0.4inches, crikey!! All contributors will be named on their stand which they are taking to shows across the country.

So fellow knitters, are you up for the challenge. If you click here you can download the pattern and entry instructions. Closing date is 19th September. I think it will be fun and I am soo much better at getting things finished if there is a deadline. Plus it can use up all my scraps of odd coloured wool.

I know someone already who this will be perfect for, my darling nan. She's 86 young and knits everyday to keep her from nodding off, bless. I shall be whizzing the pattern round to her this weekend.

Would love to know if you are going to make some so please do leave me a comment and we can all share piccies of our bunting creations.

Love Lolo xx

Garden Makeover - Part Two

2011-07-21T10:58:00.002+01:00

Look I have grass!!!! You can see what it looked liked before here - Garden Makeover - Part One.

A certain cat of mine, Alfie, has instantly taken to it and thinks it is his giant carpet to lounge around on.

The next day was the patios turn, they dug down quite deep then all the hardcore got bedded into it. It's amazing watching all this transform.

The paving is going down next, which luckily has arrived in time, was a bit touch and go but they got here. And yes a certain cat has taken a liking to them.

Can't wait for the slabs to go down. The process so far has taken 4 days for the gardener, he's been brilliant.

I still haven't persuaded him to leave me his vintage garden roller though! Isn't it beautiful. Reminds me of my grandad in his garden many moons ago. Aaah you gotta love nostalgia.

Love Lolo xx

Polkadoodles Birthday Card

2011-07-21T08:45:00.058+01:00

Hi everyone hope you are all keeping well. I've been playing with my Sundae of Seasons CD by Polkadoodles. A work colleague wanted a card for her grandson's 10th birthday so I thought I'd delve in and see what images I could play with. Nikki at Polkadoodles designs such lovely things, she also has a new Magical Winter CD out which looks amazing. It's on my wish list for my Christmas cards.

I did what she said and used good quality super white paper and the colours printed out really well I think. Great tip Nikki.

The lady at work also wanted special words on the inside so just used a normal Word document for this and added the ladybug image to co-ordinate with the outside. All of Nikki's images are in PDF format and can be easily copied to another programme using the Adobe Snapshot tool.

Everything apart from the background paper, which is K&Company, was printed from Nikki's CD. I just cut them all out with scissors and layered them up for a 3D effect. Some Glossy Accents was added to enhance his eyes, the stars and the spots on the ladybug. I love this stuff but you have to allow plenty of time as it takes up to 4 hours to dry properly but it's worth the wait.

Hope you liked the card. Thanks for popping by. Lolo xx

Cute Candles - John Lewis

2011-07-07T19:59:00.001+01:00

Picked up these little cuties from Waitrose today. They come in a pack of three and have been reduced to £3.75, and they smell divine. Although lets be honest here, I really bought them coz of the pretty tins ;o)

Lolo xx

Garden Makeover - Part One

2011-07-06T19:47:00.002+01:00

It's started! The garden is slowly being turned from ugly jungle to a thing of beauty and I wanted to share the progress with you all. This has been a long time coming and am so excited but a little nervous as well. It's a big change and I can be a tad indecisive at times!

So, this was my view from the kitchen/diner at the weekend. Isn't it lovely, not! You can't really see it but the end of the garden is covered in old carpet and plastic ground sheets which was my attempt to stop the weeds but the little blighters always seemed to find their way through, particularly the darn nettles.

Couldn't resist popping home lunchtime. The grotty concrete path and posts have gone as have all the weeds and nettles. It's already looking heaps better and bigger.

And by the evening it was looking like this. Such a difference. My cats were in heaven and wasted no time in rolling around in the dry earth and charging all over the place. They had been hidden away all day as they are not too keen on strangers especially those who come with noisy machinery. Little do they know their mud bath won't be there for long.

Look there's a tiger in my garden!! Morgan is the laid back one but here he looks positively dangerous! He could also do with a trip to the dentist. This picture reminds of shots you get on wildlife programmes where the Tigers are basking in the sun after devouring half of a bison they have just chased and caught.

Aaah that's better. Back to being a cute little kitty again, phew!

In the warm evening air I just kept standing outside and staring, a gentle breeze blowing, I found it very relaxing and tranquil. I also had to make a decision on where to plant my little apple tree. However after lots of umming and aahing I've decided not to until next spring. It can live on the patio until then.

I'll be back with Part Two soon.

Lolo xx

Quick Project - Chalkboard Labels

2011-07-03T02:29:00.003+01:00

Take some chalkboard spray paint, a sheet of white labels and some tags.

Spray the sheet of labels with several coats of chalkboard paint and let dry for an hour.

Stick a label to the kraft tag, write the contents on it and tie to the jar. Now I can keep track of use by dates etc by just wiping the label clean and updating it. Must get myself a chalk pen though as trying to write with proper chalk is way too messy.

Inspired by another blogger but can't for the life of me remember where I saw it, but can't thank them enough as I just love how it turned out.

Lolo xx

Let's Play Dress UP

2011-07-02T20:55:00.005+01:00

Today was my niece's birthday, we had a lovely afternoon tea with my mum and nan. My mum got to use her new cute teaset and cake stand and we all behaved like ladies and ate lots of yummy cream cakes.

For her pressies she mostly had money as she is going on hols and wants some pretty new swimwear and we (us oldies) can't be trusted to buy the right ones! Well at least I could choose how to make her card.

The dress is from one of my favourite papers out of the K&Company Dollshouse range, the flowers are by Prima and the velvet words are by Anna Griffin. Oh and so is the pretty green resin flower. I also wanted to make her something for her newly decorated bedroom and decided to go for something to go on her wall.

I took one of my vintage picture frames and sprayed it white, covered the backing with some cream cotton canvas and secured it with strong double sided tape. The back of a paper pad (it's almost like chipboard) was used to cut out 3 mannequins and then they got sprayed with grey paint. Once dry these were then stuck to the canvas using hot glue. I made a bunch of dresses and put sticky back velcro on them and voila, this is what I ended up with.

It's interchangeable too so she gets to dress her mannequins every day if she wants to. I think this shows up better in the picture below. Can you see how they are raised off the mannequins, that's the velcro as it's quite thick, would have liked thinner but don't know if they make it.

I made her a whole bunch of pretty dresses, some are covered with fabric and some are just paper. To make the fabric ones look more shabby I used fine sand paper on the edges to give the fabric a worn look. The necklaces are interchangeable too. I had such fun making these and am thinking I want one for myself to play with, you're never too old to play dress up are you?!

I couldn't go without a close up of the cute little flower, these colours are just too adorable aren't they.

Monday morning I've got a skip, turf and a gardener turning up to transform the wilderness at the back of my house into something I can actually use. A bit nervous as it's a big job but excited at the same time. I'm sure I will be boring you all to death by the time it's finished with my endless before and after shots.

Hope you are all well and having fun this weekend. Thanks for popping by and leaving me sweet comments, I really do love to read through them. Hugs. Lolo xx

It's Been a Long Day!

2011-06-21T22:33:00.001+01:00

Longest day today and thankfully it stayed very mild and mostly sunny here in Cambridgeshire which was very welcome and meant that at 10 O'Clock it still wasn't properly dark. There's something special about being outside late at night in the warm still air. The gardens are very quiet as my neighbours, being of the more mature age group, are already tucked up in bed with their coco. Which means I can sit out here in the garden and simply listen to the stirring night wildlife and watch my cats leap around trying to grab things that to my human eyes look like they are not there at all! Tis very funny to observe.

Yesterday evening I never made it outside as I got seriously sidetracked practicing on my chine. After all this time I have only just realised that I can use two spools of thread on it, how cool is that. So I had to try it out didn't I.

This is what I ended up with, some beach huts all in a row. Can you see the satin stitch, it's done with one needle and blue and white thread. Because of the use of two threads it gives a really nice thick coverage. I don't if you are meant to use two threads with one needle as there are stitch options on the machine using a twin needle, but hey it works.

All I need to do now is find a frame that actually fits it, or maybe I could just mount it onto some white board inside this frame, which by the way was pine but has been sprayed with white satin paint.

Some of the other stitches on the machine also looked great with the two colour threads. If I get a chance I will post a piccie of all the different ones over the weekend.

Happy summer everyone, it officially started today apparently, so does that mean we get our heatwave they promised us? Love Lolo xx

A Little Bit of Sewing

2011-06-18T23:13:00.000+01:00

So, last weekend it was all about the paint. This weekend it was all about the zippers. I had got it into my head during the week, you know when you are sat at your desk thinking about the stuff you'd like to be doing if you didn't have to be at work. Or is that just me? I wanted to make something with a zip in it. My trusty little Brother sewing machine is now permanently out in my craft room and I was itching to get stitching (excuse the pun!).

After a minor setback of not having a zipper foot then dragging my poor mum to Dunelms. Where I have to say we were very dissappointed, half of their fabric section has gone, and coming home empty handed only to find that I infact did have a zipper foot already. Sorry mum! Turns out in one of my organisation frenzies I had stored all the bits and bobs that came with my machine in an easy to see into clear box, but, said box was hidden away from view, oopsy!

After a little play with all the feet and testing on some scraps I was ready to go. And these were the end result.

I wanted some applique on the front of them and for that I used the above equipment. My Sizzix Bigz flower die and Crafters Companion stick & spray. I love using Sizzix dies as they cut practically anything including upto 8 layers of fabric at a time. The stick & spray is repositionable glue for fabric and is really light so doesn't show through your lightweight fabrics.

The stick & spray holds your applique in place whilst you stitch it on the machine. As you can see my applique stitching skills are definitely up for improvement! It's really tricky, I think it would be easier if I had one of those machines that can keep the needle in the down position whenever you stop sewing.

I lined the bags so they are just as pretty on the inside and are the perfect place to store my Cath Kidston mini toiletries, a recent ebay purchase. After getting some of these for my nan for mother's day we are all now hooked, the texture is gorgeous and doesn't leave any greasy residue. Much better than we were expecting if I'm honest.

This neutral one is destined for my mum to keep her hair clips in on her dressing table. I've added a zipper pull with beads on and some cabouchons to her flowers coz she is a very special lady. Who else would go all over the place at a moments notice to help you find something for your latest craze! Mums that's who.

I've got a feeling mine and my families houses are going to be filled with zippered bags of all shapes and sizes as I am well and truly hooked on the zipper effect! Hope you are having a lovely weekend, and thanks for popping by my little blog. Lolo xx

Everything is gonna be all white

2011-06-13T16:54:00.001+01:00

Saturday started off nice and sunny so it was out with the washing on the line. Then on the way back into the house I looked at all the stuff piled up in a corner that I had collected over the past couple of years, still waiting to be made over. I made an executive decision to stuff the housework, I was gonna get out the paint tin and brushes. And I did literally there an then I started, still in my good clothes. This is what I often do, stop one thing to start another, no preparation. My sister would be horrified at my disorganisation and planning.

Some of the items in their before state.

And this was the result after painting all afternoon. The sun had gone in by now and it was getting a little chilly but I was pleased with what I had achieved. They will need another coat of paint and some bits will need sealing so they can stay outside, not sure what to use for this so if anyone has any ideas for me that would be most helpful.

Cute enamel planter was a recent car boot find for £2 and just perfect for the reduced herb plants I got in Waitrose the other day. I planted them into bigger pots with some good compost so hopefully they will last the season.

Old lantern from a local junk store, although I don't think it's old, might even be from Ikea?

Fell in love with this birdhouse at a garden show, and it was very reasonably priced at £7. I need to find a proper home for it once the garden renovations are finished. Do birds really nest is these things or are they just decor items? I have no idea.

It felt great to finally be doing something with this lot and even better that it didn't matter what mess I made as the garden landscaping has yet to be started. Please be sunny this Saturday so I can play some more!

Thanks for popping by. Lolo xx

Brighton - The Grand Hotel

2011-06-12T12:48:00.005+01:00

It was the bank holiday weekend at the end of May and we were off on a trip with our friends to visit that well known resort on the English coastline, Brighton. True to England the weather changed drastically that week from 8 weeks of sunshine to gale force winds and dark clouds. Resulting in a rather larger than normal luggage load for a two night stay!

We arrived at our new home for the next few days, that lovely old lady, The Grand Hotel. Greeted by porters dressed in their traditional uniforms, I’m sure they thought we were there for a month when they unloaded all our bags!

It's hard to believe that nearly 27 years ago this tragedy happened.

When you walk into the lobby of this hotel the history and grandour take your breath away. Yes she is a little tired around the edges but hey she’s been here a very long time!!

The staircase is rather impressive too! Can't you just imagine elegant ladies making their entrance down these back in the 1920s. Meeting with their friends for a cocktail or two in the elegant bar.

We stayed in one of their apartments up on the top floor, the Josephine Suite and we looked directly over the sea where that other old friend of Brighton, the original pier lies eerily out in the waters. You can tell how grey it was that day as it is almost impossible to see where the water ends and the sky begins.

Look how stunning it was in it's heyday, circ. 1929.

That evening we went out for a lovely meal and then onto the casino at the New Marina. I myself was getting excited about the next day as we were off to the Lanes and a lady called Cath has a shop there that I just have to visit! Lolo xx

My kind of travel!

2011-06-10T21:27:00.000+01:00

Isn't it just fabaroony! This car is just too cute for words, the suitcases are luscious. I kind of feel at home with this piccie as my little old car is constantly being filled up with old furniture and bits and bobs I find, it just aint as darn lovely as this one though, sigh!

Lolo xxx

Cath Kidston Fabric

2011-05-09T21:06:00.001+01:00

Hello readers, hope you are all doing well and having lots of sunshine where you are. We've had sun and blustery winds today which is my favourite weather combination. At the weekend my mum and I took a trip over to the Cath Kidston Factory Outlet in St Neots for a little retail therapy and boy was it busy. I didn't realise that they had 25% off of their clothing and accessories, wowza. We searched through the rails and found a couple of frocks to try on, one I really liked but it needed to be a size smaller. After much deliberation and working out if I could alter it I was very good and placed it gently back on the rail with all the other frocks. It wasn't to be this time around.

I then turned my attention to the back of the store as this is where they keep all their fabrics on rolls and from a distance I could see that there was a new kid on the block. When I got up to it I knew straight away I would have to buy some, it was the most gorgeous colours and print.

I've no idea what the name of this print is but I am in lurrve! It retails at £23 per metre and in the outlet it was £15 per metre and I purchased two. Looking at it here in my home I am wishing I had more, hmmm shall I/shan't I go back?

Here it is in close up, although it is a vivid pattern it has an almost slightly faded old look to it if you know what I mean. Am thinking top to go with cut off jeans, maybe a cushion cover or two.

Did you spot (excuse the pun!) the stone spot fabric peaking out in the first picture? I hadn't this in there since they first opened, this is a very popular print. Apparently they have one customer who collects all things stone spot and they call her whenever they get anything in the store. Now that is customer service. I purchased one metre at £12 and it is destined for my freecycled deck chair which currently is the most hideous yellow you have ever seen. I kid you not, it is verging on flourescent!

Oh and this little beauty fell into my basket too, little cherry red dot oil cloth tape measure. Now I won't mind pulling a tape measure out of my handbag in public.

Thank you for popping by and do love to read all of your comments. xx

Extreme Knitting - I'm hooked

2011-05-08T10:00:00.001+01:00

Afternoon, another glorious sunny one here, great day to take some photos of my latest addiction, knitting. Not the normal kind mind, I've being doing that for years. That's not for me anymore now I do things by the extreme!

I first stumbled across Rachel John a couple of years ago over on you tube with her video of her knitting with 1000 strands of wool challenge. It is absolutely amazing, should go check it out. Just sorting the wool was a mammoth task in itself. Anyway the idea was always lurking in the back of my mind and then I saw that she had a show over on Create and Craft. I watched it and it inspired me to have a go myself.

The beauty of this type of knitting is you can use up all of your wool stash, we all have it don't we girls. I picked out some odd balls of wool that I thought my work together. Using 13mm needles and 5 strands of wool I cast on 25 stitches and started knitting. That instant I knew this was for me, boy does this grow fast. 3 hours later, yes I did say 3 hours, it was finished! Knitting it in one piece I just sewed up 2 sides turned it inside out and put my cushion pad in and sewed up the remaining side. I liked it but it wasn't extreme enough, I wanted to go bigger!

In my needle basket I had a pair of 20mm wooden needles that orignally purchased for display purposes, I just liked to look at them. I dusted them down and using the same 5 strands of wool I cast on 17 stitches. These were big needles but surprisingly easy to use. This time I knitted in stocking stitch.

I have to say I much preferred this look and the needle size made the resulting fabric very soft and drapey. Would be perfect for a throw. I've taken some close ups of the stitches so you can get an idea what it looks like.

First one shows what I call the reverse side of the stocking stitch. Even though this is meant to be the back am quite liking it.

This is what I call the right side of the fabric and is going to be the side that will show on my rectangle cushion pad. Again I've knitted it all in once piece.

To give you an idea of size, using these 20mm needles and with 16 stitches cast on I ended up with the width of my knitting measuring approx 14 inches. Basically each stitch knitted gives you a good 3/4" square of fabric.

On the left you can see the amount I knitted last night whilst watching TV for a couple of hours.

My needles are only 30cm long but on Rachel's website you can get ones that are 50cm long and would enable me to do a throw. She also does super large cable needles, giant cable stitches, now that does appeal to me.

So what do you think, is it your style of knitting? Have you heard of it before, have you knitted anything extreme. Would love to hear your comments.

Thanks for popping by. xx

Bigz Flower Card

2011-05-07T10:40:00.003+01:00

Bit dull and showery here today so taking the opportunity to catch up on line and share another card with you all.

The die I used for this is the Sizzix Bigz Clear Flower die. These dies can cut upto 6 layers of fabric with ease.

Quite a simple card and so quick to do. Next time I think I might try stitching the material to the cardstock.

Thanks for popping by. xx

A Room Outdoors

2011-04-24T02:38:00.000+01:00

I'm about to embark on having my whole garden landscaped as currently my only piece of patio is a weathered old piece of plywood that is about to crumble beneath my feet. Of course this has meant a frenzy of surfing through sites for inspiration and a wish list as long as my garden!

There's a sunny spot at the end of my garden, as I am east facing it stays there until around 7pm in the height of summer. Just perfect for one of these.

Hammock

I love this garden, it conjures up images of happy families together, kids fighting over who gets the hammock! Sadly I have no trees in my garden to hook one up to, never mind.

Bed in a Garden

I could always have a bed out there instead lol!


Potting Away

There's going to be space for my vegetables to grow at the back in proper raised beds, presently I have pop up planters all over the gaff, practical but not pretty.


Garden Party

Hope we have a long enough summer so I get to do this when it's all done.


Pale Pink

I want plenty of flowers out there too. Something I've been missing since moving here. The colours will be pale and delicate just like the ones above.

Cool Poster

Says it all!

Thinks that enough piccies for a while, don't want to bore you all silly with my wish list. Of course I will be posting the real thing when it gets going, hoping that will be sometime in mid May. In the meantime I shall keep filling up my hardrive with images, much quicker and cheaper, than the old days of getting magazines and tearing out bits of paper. Although I have to say I do miss the feel of a piece of paper covered in tatty old photos stuck down with pritt stick.

Thanks for popping by. xx

Not Just a Teacup

2011-04-23T01:17:00.002+01:00

Some interesting uses for teacups. I think the wall clock is just stunning and the perfect use for all those poor little odd cups and saucers that find their way into charity shops, separated from their sibblings a long time ago. Now they have a new place in life, ta da!

So which one was your favourite then?

Mother's Day Card

2011-04-03T16:45:00.001+01:00

This week I got the chance to play with some new dies for my Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine. I've been wanting some of the Bigz dies for a while as these cut up to 5 layers of fabric at a time. One of the dies I ordered was Tim Holtz's sewing collection, it has a mannequin, cotton reel and button and I used this one to make a mother's day card.

I'm in love with this die already. It cut through the fabric really well and I also cut some old beer mats with it, two buttons and one of the reels. My prop is a well used wooden step ladder which I received from a kind Freecyler, just look at all that lovely splattered paint, very shabby chic.

The Kraft card is by Stampin Up and this was run through my Xcut paper crimper, another new fave toy in my craft world, I'm crimping everything in site at the moment. It also reminds me of my hairstyle in the 80s, crimped hair was all the rage then, scary I know!

My sister I and spent a lovely afternoon with my mum. She loved her pressie which was the new Babyliss Big Hair Hot air brush, the one that spins. We all had a go and have to say first impressions of it are rather good. Think she may have to hide it from her two daughters.

Happy Mothers' Day to all you mummies out there and hope you are having a fab day. xx

Sunday Shopping

2011-03-27T19:19:00.000+01:00

I've decided I need to organise my blogging, it's become very erratic of late. So I'm going to try having a couple of themed days (inspired by other lovely blogs) that will hopefully focus me a bit more. I quite often can be found on a Sunday morning nipping to the high street or in the warmer weather a car boot or two. For me Sunday morning shopping is nice, not the madness that it can be on it's sister day Saturday. There may be a few retailers who don't open their doors but that's fine with me and a small price to pay for the peacefulness as I browse amongst the rails. Blimey I think I may be turning into one of those 'grumpy old women'. Well it was bound to happen some time ;O) So would you like to see what I lugged back with me today then.

After seeing these all over blogland of course it would be rude not to get myself a couple of bracelets. I also saw these cute polka dot tins, love, love anything with spots on (not my face though) and these tins were even better as they have candles in them. £1.50 each and they smell like fresh washing.

One of the things that instantly makes me think of summer is the sound of women flipping their flip flops as they walk, it just warms my heart. These little pink and green ones are very summery don't you think.

And these ones are perfect for evenings in the garden with the twinkle lights on and chilled glass of wine. Both pairs are a mere £1.50 each, amazing!

As someone who lives in their jim jams at every opportunity I get through a fair few pairs. Some lighter weight ones were needed and these were in the sale and the top has polka dots on the back. £4.00 for the set and they are super soft and light. Primark really does come in handy when you are on a budget.

To finish off here's a random purchase I made the other day at my local charity store. It's a little big on me and needs to be shorter I think so will have to put my thinking cap on and get the old chine whirring. Any of you lovely ladies got any tips for me or have you altered a dress like this before. Would really love some ideas to help me along.

I'm planning to have two regular posts a week, not sure what the other topic will be yet but watch this space. Thanks for popping by and hope you are all having a lovely Sunday. xx

Cat in a box

2011-03-15T20:40:00.000Z

Spring is in the air and that sends me into a decluttering frenzy and always involves new storage items. Said new storage item from Ikea was taken out of it's plastic and built. I literally turned around to pick up some punches to pop in it and this is what I saw when I turned back!

That'll do nicely thanks mum! Buy him a nice sized cat bed, doesn't wanna know. Buy a tiny box half his size and he's getting in no matter what. Yup that's cats for ya!

Lucy raises lots with Gok

2011-03-01T19:09:00.000Z

Remember my post a few days ago, Gok Wan Mannequinn. Well Lucy at Corset Lace Mannequins has only gone and raised a whopping £646.00 for Breast Cancer Care after her mannequin auction finishes on eBay! Fantastic what a brilliant thing to do, well done Lucy.

Lolo xx

Simply Homemade

2011-02-26T08:51:00.004Z

Thanks to the lovely Lala over at Hookinwithlala for blogging about this magazine. I am loving the cover and want everything on it. Doesn't it look fresh and inspiring and they have that rather cute sewing machine from John Lewis. There is a website where you can see a bit more about the mag and they have some projects on there to.

Of course I couldn't post without some pretty piccies from inside the mag now could I.

Photo courtesy of Practical Publishing

Lovely fresh colours and I like the cover over the linen basket

Photo courtesy of Practical Publishing

How cute are these pin cushions,

I had to look twice as first I thought they were real cakes!

Photo courtesy of Practical Publishing

A little apron for the kiddies.

Photo courtesy of Practical Publishing

Aah here are the edible ones, yummy.

Because I am so impatient I will be buying the first issue today at £3.99, but after that I will be subscribing as the saving is brilliant. You pay just £27.16 per year which works out at £2.27 per copy and you get free delivery to boot! Now that I can justify.

Thanks for popping by. Lolo xx

Cuteness on a dreary day

2011-02-23T23:41:00.000Z

The weather was dull, dull, dull here today and needed cheering up. And what better way than looking at cute little furry things.


Photo courtesy of mvo168

Photo courtesy of mvo168

Photo courtesy of 53438402@N08

They say we might have some sunshine tomorrow, oh I do hope so! Lolo xx

Conran accessories - choose a favourite

2011-02-19T02:10:00.000Z

Read about this on Patchwork Harmony's blog and thought I'd give it a go. Currently they are giving everyone the chance to win £100 to spend in their store/online. All you have to do is pick a favourite accessory that is under £100 from their online shop and then either blog about it or tweet them, that's it.

I've gone for this colourful vase, when I saw it it instantly made me smile and feel brighter and all summery. The colour mix is so pretty and just love the 3d flower work. It costs £99 on their website . To view the vase just click here . My dining table is in front of large patio doors and I can just picture this on there with the suns rays enhancing all those glossy petals.

If I don't win a voucher I may just buy this milk jug. Rather cool don't you think and it's only £9.50. Brilliant for breakfast times.

Fancy joining in with a chance to win then hop on over to Conran to have a peek. They are running it for 4 weeks and pick a winner each week. Lolo xx

Gok Wan's signed velvet mannequin by Corset Laced Mannequins for Breast Cancer Care

2011-02-18T23:30:00.004Z

Image courtesy of Corset Laced Mannequins

The lovely Lucy over at Corset Laced Mannequins had her beautiful creations featured in Gok's Fashion series currently being shown on Channel 4. I love watching this show for all his makeover tips on clothing and got to see this very mannequin being used in the show. Gok and Brix have signed the mannequinn which Lucy has put up for auction on Ebay to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. A lovely thing to do and a good cause that will be close to all us lady bloggers hearts.

If you want to pop over and have a lookey at the auction click HERE. I shall be having a punt myself but got a feeling it may just end up being out of my league. Lolo xx

Cath Kidston Factory buys

2011-02-16T15:20:00.001Z

Since it's opening back in Oct/Nov last year I have managed to rack up a few purchases, sssh don't tell my bank manager. Like a lot of people I do think that her items are over priced and if it weren't for this little haven of reduced goodies I would probably own but a couple of bits. Anyhows I'd thought I would share with you the fruits of my visits and see what you think. You will notice a bit of a frock theme going on.

Frock No. 1 - my first purchase, £20 and surprisingly the medium fit me which was good as the only one they had on the rail. I like to wear it with Emus and a long sleeve tshirt underneath.

Frock No. 2 - well tis a tad short for a frock but can just get away with it if thick tights are worn beneath - £20. This is a very soft cotton and has pockets in the side seams which I love to stuff my hands in.

Frock No.3 - Longer version of frock no.2 style in the check that I like so much. Slightly dearer at £30 but very comfy and could wear without tights in the summer, here's hoping.

This cute little grab bag was a Xmas pressie from my darling sister, she has no problem buying me pressies now with the shop on our doorsteps. Even she is slightly hooked now.

Another obsession I have is the gadget cases. They are brilliant value and are super soft and squidgy on the inside to protect your valuable items. I have my camera, iTouch and Blackberry in them. Feel I need to get some more of these beauties.

Now I'm ever hopeful that we are going to have a nice summer and I can stroll down the town with this lovely lined basket and fill it with veggies from our Farmers Market. I like that it stands up even when empty some baskets tend to topple over which drives me nuts. - £12

A cover for my iTouch, makes it really nice to hold and doesn't slip out of your hand.

Fabric, fabric, fabric, love, love, love. That's all I can say about!

Last piccie, finally I've reached the end and hopefully haven't bored you all to death! Assorted key fobs, some bought, some gifted. Being large these babies mean I can now grab my keys from the bottom of my overstuffed bag easily, which is brilliant when it is chucking it down with rain I can tell you.

Anyone else been to the store? What did you buy? What's your favourite items?

Thank you for popping by, Lolo. xx

Some treasures from my high street

2011-02-15T00:03:00.000Z

From my blog recently you would be forgiven for thinking that I had given up the thrifting lark. Perish the thought! I can't see myself ever being able to walk down a high street without popping into the odd CS or two, it's embedded in my genes. To that end I've been busy sorting through all the 'STUFF' as my OH likes to call it, to share with you guys. Are ya ready?

This little tin looked so cute, it had a handle missing but that didn't bother me and it was only 99p.

When I got it home all these were inside it! Aren't they just diddy. I've taken them out of the main tin so I can use it for something else and spent ages decanting all my herbs, although the names don't match so must put labels on them as relying on my not so good sense of smell at the moment to identify them.

I have fond memories of these wooden building blocks. They used to come in little wooden trollies, I had one as a child and would put my little baby sister it when she was just tiny and wheel her around the lounge. I did always cover her with a nice knitted blanket so she was comfortable, honest! Anyways this lot are destined to be painted with letters on for around the home, oh and to share with my sister of course.

Obvious what this is for! It is sitting on my kitchen dresser now, much better than the plastic thing I had before.

How many baskets do I have? Who cares, baskets are beautiful and you have to have lots as there are just so many uses for them. This one being knitting storage by the fire.

Gorgeous bunch of hearts, they are quite chunky but very lightweight, courtesy of an antiques emporium up the road from me, not antique I know but I love em.

They had this little metal one too. It reminds me of the ones you can get over at Vintage Amethyst who sell the most delightful items for the home, I know as I'm lucky enough to own a few. You should pop on over and have a browse.

So my thrifty side of me is happier now that I've gotten to share my loot with like minded people. The OH just doesn't get it and is bored after a mere nano second of me showing them to him.

Next up will be my CK outlet store purchases. Till then, take care and thank you for popping by. xx

Awwh he remembered

2011-02-14T19:43:00.001Z

Half an hour before I left work today this gorgeous gift arrived! What a lovely surprise, I am a very lucky girlie. Now pondering how to get them into a vase without ruining the beautiful arrangement. Maybe a glass or two of the bubbly will help me!

Hope you are all having lovely evenings whether with your partners or just chilling with your fave choccies and tv programmes, enjoy. xx

New Martha Stewart Punches on QVC

2011-02-10T19:13:00.001Z

I just love Martha Stewart's craft range and already have a few of her items for my card making. Her craft tools are easy on the eye in neutral colours which pleases me as a lot of craft tools come in some pretty garish colours. She's just launched a new style of punch which works anywhere on a piece of paper rather than just the edges like traditional punches. For today only they have two of the punches for £24.38 on QVC and yes you've guessed it I have ordered myself a set, well I had to didn't I.

Martha Stewart Scallop Square and Flower Set

They showed some really cool projects using these punches and I am itching to try them out. The presenter also mentioned that these punches would cut through lightweight fabric that had a stiffener in them, now if this works I'll be super chuffed!

Martha Stewart Heart and Butterfly Set QVC

I've gone for the first set with the scallop square and flower as this seems to be the most versatile. The scallop square is perfect for making mini bunting on cards or pictures. If you want to watch the demo video or even buy a set then click on this link QVC Martha Stewart Punches.

Oh no they have just put on a gorgeous floral patchwork quilt set, must turn TV off before I go bankrupt!

Thanks for popping by. xx

Fed up looking at the last post

2011-02-09T00:43:00.001Z

So I've popped on and bumped it from the top, it was driving me slightly nuts seeing that old Ikea post everytime I logged on. Heaven knows how bored you guys must have been. I have lots of things to blog about, finished knitting projects, some goodies from my thrifting trips amongst other things, but I need some photos and everytime I'm at home it is either nighttime or a dreary day.

Just checked with the weather man and he is telling me sunshine for Saturday, you never know you might get to see a more interesting post before the month is out lol!

Thanks for popping by. xx

Ikea 50% off ALL sofa covers

2011-01-02T13:28:00.011Z

UPDATE 3/1/11 - This offer does not start until 9th January and you would need a voucher they send to Family members.
The big blue store's sale continues until 16th January and between now and then if you are an Ikea Family member then you can get 50% off the list price of any of their sofa covers. Having recently purchased two of these..............

Ikea Ektorp 3 seater

and owning 3 moggies who love to dig in the mud I am definitely in need of a spare pair of covers. As far as can tell the offer only applies to instore purchases and on top of that if you spend over £150 you get a £20 gift voucher. That's my Bank Holiday Monday all planned then.

Happy shopping. xx

It's a New Year, off we go again!

2011-01-01T10:00:00.007Z

Everybody ready for 2011? Are you a resolution person or do you just go with the flow? Me I'm a mixture of both with the latter always winning in the end ;o) So 2010 has gone, Christmas was lovely and relaxed and Santa was very nice to me bringing some gorgeous pressies my way. A little peek?

The decorations created a cozy atmosphere to snuggle up and watch telly in. Although now I have started to attack them all with a frenzy as once it's all over I just want to lighten everything in the house up.

Red theme this year

Managed to make just a few cards this year, working full time now is annoyingly encroaching on my craft time, outrageous!

Kraft Card obsession this year

One of the many who bought Delia's Cake in a Bag and this was the end result. Quick and easy and it tasted yummy. Delia and Heston certainly came up trumps this year with Waitrose.

Delia Smith Christmas Cake

Cath Kidston goodies how lucky was I. There were some keyrings too and a voucher, that's me off to the outlet store again.

That bag is destined for alfresco coffees in the spring

Smellies, smellies, smellies galore. Think I can safely say am set for the year don't you.

Loving a bit of Angel

Oh and I have something rather luscious arriving next week. Here's a little teaser. I'll post more when it arrives and there's a little saga behind it too.

Can you guess what it is?

I've been popping by all my bloggy friends and enjoyed seeing all the lovely piccies and posts of your festive celebrations. A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you.

There are a few more days before I return to work and back to reality. Just enough time to polish off the remaining nibbles and booze ;o)

Till next time xx

Cath Kidston Factory Shop now open

2010-11-27T14:01:00.005Z

Cath Kidston Store Front

And it's in my part of the world for a change! CK moved their warehouse operation recently and there were rumours that there would be a mini outlet type shop a while ago and I had begun to think the idea had been shelved then I saw this link today on their website

Cath Kidston Factory Shop!

For any of you Cambridgeshire based bloggers out there the shop is open 7 days a week and I for one will be popping down this weekend to have a looky. I promise to report back on what it's like, prices, and hopefully a few sneeky piccies.

They are also opening a normal store in the city of Cambridge near the Market Square but no dates for that one yet. Oh I just can't cope with all this excitement! LOL.

Thanks for popping by. x

Your Home Goes To .................

2010-11-03T18:13:00.002Z

The lovely Scented Sweetpeas!

Email me your details and I'll send it on it's way to you :o)

Any of you catch up with Kirsty last night? Got her sky+d and it's raining here which in my world equals crafty programmes whilst flopped on the sofa! xx

It's Back - Kirstie's Homemade Home

2010-11-01T00:30:00.001Z

Kirstie Allsopp

If like me you really enjoyed her first series last year you then you simply must put this date in your tv planner - TUESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER, 8PM CHANNEL 4!

"Kirstie Allsopp returns for a brand new series, but now she's helping to transform other people's homes beginning with Shaun and Gemma Ward from Wolverhampton. "

A Linen Lovers Dream

Yep she is back on telly and this time she is helping the public transform their homes, I for one cannot wait. This is what I love about autumn, cozy nights on the sofa with crafty TV programmes, heaven. Although the OH would say it is his idea of hell LOL!

Your Home Twice

2010-10-31T10:27:00.005Z

So I get home from the shops, put all the shopping away and then make a cuppa and go sit with my new magazine to read. After a few flicks of the pages my brain starts telling me something looks familiar, I carry on but my brain keeps on with the familiar thing. Suddenly I jump up and go to the magazine pile on the coffee table and yep there it is the very same magazine which I now remember buying last weekend, DOH!!

Your Home Magazine

Bad for me but good news for my followers as the spare copy of Your Home magazine is up for grabs. If you would like the magazine then just leave a comment on this post, only stipulations are that you must already be a follower and be located in the UK.

Closing date for entries is midnight Wednesday 2nd November, I'll draw a name at random and announce on my blog the following day.

Now did I post this already, best check LOL!

Popping in with a quick card

2010-10-01T13:14:00.002+01:00

It's Friday, yippee! A bit wet and blustery but hey tis October now so I must accept the change of seasons, bring on lots of cosy evenings knitting by the fire. Here's a quick card for a friend, nothing terribly challenging about this one.

Birthday Card - Friend

My fave bit is the button and crocheted flower. The butterflies are from a Martha Stewart punch and papers are Anna Griffin. The scallop border is from the Fiskars Waterfall punch.

Birthday Card - Friend

Enjoy your weekend everyone. xx

Cath Kidston (esque) Laptop Bag and some knitting

2010-09-26T18:37:00.002+01:00

Free parking on a Sunday at my local mall equals some early morning retail therapy. Today didn't dissappoint as I picked up this gorgeous laptop bag from Primark. They had these earlier in the year but only in a pale blue ditsy print which didn't tempt me, but this vibrant rose print on a black background did, think it looks very sophisticated.

Cath Kidston look alike laptop bag £8 Primark

Now I don't cart my lappy around much these days but it stays in my lounge and now when not in use it looks sooo much prettier don't you think. Actually I wish they would make the covers of laptops in prints like these, the standard silver/black is rather dull and dreary. Come on PC makers give us something pretty to keep out on our tables.

Onto things of a more woolly nature is my chunky blanket. These are everywhere in the shops and Laura Ashley have some particularly yummy ones, but boy are they pricey and not for my little budget. Some searching around online and I found just the pattern for my limited skills and by chance I also had the right wool for it in my stash.

Knitted blanket

I'm using Size 8mm circular needles as there are a lot of stitches. I've not knitted on these type of needles before but have to say I'm finding they work really well for the blanket as you don't get the weight of the item pulling down on your needles, the knitting just rests in your lap the whole time.

Hip to be Square blanket - Source Ravelry

Hoping mine looks half as good as this when it is done.

The pattern comes from Ravelry and is a free download with other pictures and wool suggestions too. I find myself going to this site a lot for information and ideas. Head on over there and take a look at all the wonderful things people make with wool and some needles.

Thanks for popping by.

Fabric Dollshouse - how cute!

2010-09-23T13:42:00.002+01:00

Doing a bit of surfing as you do and came across this most adorable Fabric Dollshouse by Gisele Grahame.

Fabric Dollshouse - Gisele Graham

Just look at those colours, I'd love to live in a house like this. And the inside is just as cute.

Fabric Dollshouse (interior) - Gisele Graham

What little girl wouldn't love this as a present, or an older girl for that matter, i.e me! They are not cheap at rrp £54 but there's a lot of work gone into that. Or if like me you love to sew then this would be a great project as you don't actually need loads of fabric and could use up lots of scraps, and we all have a ton of those stashed away don't we.

Scottie dog welcomes you home!

I'm off back to my traditional brick house now and will probably be working out how I could cover it all in fabric LOL. Enjoy your day.

It's my Mum's Birthday today

2010-08-28T17:56:00.001+01:00

To celebrate we are all off for a lovely meal at our local Indian Restaurant. She didn't want much in the way of pressies, just to go out and not have to cook or clear up afterwards. We did make her a cake and had it with some tea and the giving of cards this afternoon with our nan.

My sister and I had grand plans for the cake originally but being the naughty daughters that we are left our planning a bit too late so just winged it with some colour buttercream. Can you spot the mistake in the photo? Yep it's only half the cake, whilst greedily tucking into it we suddenly remembered we hadn't photographed it!

I got some yummy Stampin Up Kraft cardstock in the post yesterday which I ordered from the lovely Mandi over at Enchanted Occasions and couldn't wait to use it.

The papers are Anna Griffin punched with the Fiskars Waterfall border punch. It kinda reminds me of sun awnings.

Recently purchased Myler templates were used for this pink and sparkly butterfly card. I just cut out two of butterflies then scored the edge of one of them and glued them together at the edge to make a standup card.

In the sunlight this morning (which has now gone I might add) it really did twinkle.

Finally got round to making use of some of the goodies I won from the very kind Rose over at Victoria Rose Crafts. The tag was part of some Tilda embellishments who I just adore.

I've mixed it with some Papermania paper trimmed with a wavy blade on my Purple Cows trimmer.

This last card is classic in design and again relies heavily on Anna Griffin papers and ribbon. I do find myself using her stuff an awful lot.

Now all that's left to do is beautify ourselves for this evenings feast. I'll be wearing something comfortable though as I have been known to eat the odd thing or two when I am out!

Thanks for popping by and hope your bank holiday has some sunshine in it ;o)

Homemade Blackberry Jam - My first adventure

2010-08-25T01:04:00.001+01:00

Not far from where I live there is a large nature reserve. In the reserve there are loads of blackberry bushes and the other week armed with our baskets we went foraging. The blackberries have ripened early this year and there were plenty to be had. After 2 hours we had managed to collect just under 6kg between us, defnitely worth all the wrestling with thorns and stinging nettles.

Back at the house I soaked them in lightly salted water to rid them of any nasties. Then laid them out to air dry. Some of them were frozen for use in winter puds, the best way to do this is lay them out on trays first in the freezer then transfer them to bags/boxes, that way you don't end up with a clump of frozen fruit. The remainder was destined for my first adventure in jam making. You don't need anything complicated, just the following:

Large heavy based stock pot or similar
Glass Jars
Jam Sugar
Your chosen fruit
3 saucers
Jam funnel or similar
Wax paper (optional)

The recipe I used was from Nigella Lawson's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess', one of my all time faves.

Before you start, wash your jars and lids in hot soapy water and rinse, then stand them upside down on a baking tray and place in the oven at 150C to sterlise them. You will also need to place your 3 saucers into the freezer. Now you can start with the jam.

Place your fruit into your pan over a low heat for 5 mins to warm it up. Then with heat still low gradually add the jam sugar, stirring until it is all dissolved and there are no signs of crystals. Now you are ready to turn the heat up to high and bring your jam up to a rolling boil, that is where the mixture bubbles wildly even when you stir it.

Keep it like this for approximately 10mins, always stirring. If you get any scum on the top just skim it off but don't worry too much about it. Take one of your saucers out of the freezer. Put a teaspoon of the jam onto it, wait for a minute then push it with your finger, if the jam is ready it will wrinkle away from you, if not try again with another saucer after a couple of more minutes. Once you are happy with it turn off the heat and stir in the knob of butter, this gets rid of any last bits of scum and makes it go all gorgeous and glossy. You're now ready to fill your jars. This bit can get a bit messy but that just adds to the fun in my opinion! Make sure you fill your jars while they and the jam are still hot.

I add wax discs to the top of my jam but if you don't want to do that just ensure they are filled to the top. Put on your lids and ensure they are tight and then leave them to cool. The cooling process causes a vacuum seal ensuring the jam will stay fresh for anything upto 1 year (or sometimes longer) unopened.

All that's left to do now is pretty them up with labels and some scrap fabric. Just like the ones in those posh garden centres but for a fraction of the price. I made 7 x 200ml jars with this recipe, there are only 3 in the picture as family members were quick to nab some!

The tags were made using my nestibilitie dies and one of the stamps from Anna Griffin's In The Kitchen range.

Oh and the jars I used were those cute little spice jars you get at Ikea that come in a pack of 4 for only £1.99. I'd had loads of them for my craftroom bits but had switched to something else so these were just knocking around.

HAPPY JAMMING EVERYONE.

Anna Griffin TSV on QVC tonight

2010-08-24T18:53:00.000+01:00

Just popping in to let all you crafters out there know that over on QVC tonight at midnight Anna Griffin is launching a TSV. It is going to be a Christmas crafting kit, no price as yet but normally around £20-30 in the past. Have a couple of piccies for you.

I had her last Christmas TSV kit a couple of years ago and it was amazing. Such style and great quality, still have some left as couldn't bear to use it all up! Oh and I think there are some special prices on her other stuff too as it is her anniversary show as well.

Happy shopping ;o)

Cath Kidston Bedding - John Lewis Specials

2010-08-12T12:37:00.000+01:00

Yes I'm still alive and thought I'd share some bargains for all you Cath Kidston fans out there.

Currently John Lewis have over 30% off the following bedding sets:

Cath Kidson Classic Rose Duvet Set - Double down from £66 to just £45! They have Kingsize £50 and Superking £55 too. Click here for more info.

Cath Kidston Summer Blossom Duvet Set - Double down from £66 to just £45! They have Kingsize £50 and Superking £55 too. Click here for more info.

And they all come with free delivery and returns. I just love shopping with JL.

Other CK news is they are relocating their distribution centre to larger premises in Cambridgeshire and get this, it is going to have a factory outlet attached to it!! I can't wait.

Birthday Boy Cards

2010-07-14T11:37:00.000+01:00

So twas the nephews turn yesterday, 19 years and getting more handsome every year. Being a boy he doesn't do all that fluffy party stuff and just wanted to veg with his mates in front of the Lord of the Rings Triology! At least we were allowed to give him cards, magic ones again as he is saving for some swish new telly. His old one is newer and better than my main one in the lounge, there's something wrong somewhere lol.

Can you tell what football team he supports?

Now this card may not make sense to those of us less trendy mortals who are over the age of 20, but basically Penguin is apparently a cool brand of clothing for the boys! I think he found it amusing.

And lastly, what every guitar playing man should have, why a guitar themed card of course!

I hope you liked them all. I still have two more birthdays this month, most of our families fall in July or November. We're like buses, none for ages then loads arrive all at once :o)

Pretty parcels and cute puppy

2010-07-12T12:43:00.002+01:00

Afternoon to you all. Bit grey here in the UK today, quite a shock after all the glorious sunshine we've been having, had to go and get myself a cardi to put on! So whilst it is a bit cooler in the craftroom thought i would share some lovely goodies that I was lucky enough to win over at Victoria Rose Crafts. Rose has a lovely blog, pop on over and pay her visit.

All wrapped in up in tissue and with a card, just lovely.

And look what loveliness lay inside them! She personally made the slippers to fit my big feet which was so sweet of her and you can just about see the hairband at the back which I wore in the garden whilst hanging out the washing! I'm particularly looking forward to playing with the yummy fabric and tilda card stuff. Thank you again for your generosity Rose. x

Okay, so do you wanna see the cutest puppy ever?

Just look at that face!!! His name is Archibald and he belongs to a friend. They've had him a week already and he is now 10 weeks old, I think? Isn't he the cutest ever. I want one, oh how I want one of these, but unfortunately I don't think my 3 little minxes (cats) would be best pleased! So I'll have to get my fix with this one won't I. He's gonna be one super loved doggie.

Ooh how handsome does he look here. He's gonna have all the ladies after him!

Oi! These are my toys, go get your own, lol.

I could go on about Archie for ever and a day but I don't want all my lovely readers drifting off with boredom at my repetiveness so I shall stop here :o)

Do you have any special four legged (or other) friends? What are their names? Do leave me a comment, I always enjoy reading through them and try my best to pop round for a visit. xx

She Loved it all

2010-07-09T21:07:00.003+01:00

My niece that is. We had a lovely girly lunch with my nan, mum, lil sis and of course the star of the day the 21st birthday girl. There was lots of yummy food laid on by my mum to which we all tucked in and scoffed the lot! Her brother joined us after his shift at the pub and yes we did save him some grub. Once all our bellies were full it was onto the tradition of card and present giving.

21 glittery cupcakes with candles had to be blown out first. Making these was a bit hairy that day as it was mightily hot and humid and you can guess what that does to the buttercream I was trying to pipe oh so elegantly.

Can you spot the little doggie in amongst them. Looks like he is checking whose watching before he has a good ol lick of the icing. She wants a real St Bernard but that's as close as she is getting at the moment. Have you seen how much food they get through in a week!

It's tradition for me to make my niece big birthday cards, for her 18th she demanded an A4 size, for her 21st she wanted A3 no less!! It's not that I don't have cardstock big enough you understand, it's the 'what on earth do I fill it all with' dilema! So as you can see I pretty much chucked everything at it! The border was punched using my new Martha Stewart deep edge punch which also makes daisies if you punch both sides of narrow card strip. The bunting sentiment in the middle was hand drawn by me and the embellishments and papers are all from KandCompany ranges.

And it just about passed the test of standing up unassisted, phew!

Another card made for Nana to give. I like this colour combo and as you can see I'm back to the easel cards again!

And we had to have one for Great Nana to give too. The flowers are by Prima and are so very handy to make a quick card pop. All of her cards were magic ones, you open them up and pieces of valuable paper come fluttering out of them. I used to love those as a child although now I much prefer an actual pressie that someone picked out for me.

It was a very nice day and the sun came out in the end for us to enjoy in the afternoon. These gorgeous yellow roses were destined for her bedroom dresser, I gave them to her with the picnic hamper I renovated for her.

I can't for the life of me remember where I got this check fabric from but I love it. Twas perfect for the hamper and goes really well with the spotty napkins from John Lewis. The vintage flask is from a bootsale a while ago and she's always wanted one to put her Pimms in!

It didn't take too long to do at all, the most time consuming bit was stitching all the elastics in place. I did make one booboo, can you spot it? I cut too wide round the buckles and when hemmed the gap is a lot bigger than it should be, hey ho! Despite the booboo (how else would we learn) this has really inspired me to get more sewing done, I really do put things off for far too long.

Oh and this is how the hamper looked before I made it over.

Thanks for popping by, hope you are all well and if in the UK enjoying the glorious sunshine we are having.

I'm back on Dotcomgiftshop again

2010-07-05T13:03:00.002+01:00

Another new week ahead, bit cooler here today so able to get a few more things done in the garden this afternoon. Painting my front picket fence at the moment which is taking forever and am researching some plants that I can grow and still have room for my car!

This morning's usual e-mail check revealed that I've been featured on the dotcomgiftshop blog again. This time they've picked out 50 of their fave birthday cards and they were rather taken with my Harley Davidson card I made. You can see my original blog post here. Funnily enough this is one of my least favourite cards, but then I'm not keen on making for the male species!

Do pop on over to their blog to see all the other gorgeous handmade cards from some very talented crafters out there. Just click this link 50 Fave Birthday cards.

It's back to the painting now, no rest for the wicked :o)

The Graduate

2010-06-30T12:33:00.000+01:00

Well she only went and did it. My niece got a 2-1 in her degree, woohoo! She now gets to dress up in that funny little hat and cloak, still at least it's in her fave colour, she does like a bit of black clothing. Of course there were cards to help her celebrate the good news.

This one is an easel card which is a first for me. Have to say I do rather like this style and super easy to do. Text background paper is by K&Company. The obligatory hat (am sure there is a posh name for this) was cut out of slate grey cardstock, added a wax thread tassle and mini cardstock letters on foam.

The fountain pen is from the Anna Griffin Creativity stamp set which has loads of great images for all sorts of crafts, you can see them here.

Simple paper scroll for this one. I think that is how they should send the results through to the students, these days they just have to look on the Uni Intranet, not the same don't you think.

Lastly we have a shape card. I got the template from splitcoasterstampers which was a gift card holder. I just didn't use the front flap that would have gone at the bottom of the hat. If you want to use the template you can get it here

As it wasn't originally meant to stand up I had to add some support to the back so I fashioned a kind of popout stand, it's not brilliant but it just about stands up!

She will be getting all these today and at the end of July her parents are throwing a lovely garden party for her. She is the first one in our family to have initials after her name, how proud are we! I'm already tasked with supplying teacups, cake stands and pompoms to go round the fencing. I will be in my element :o)

Tap, tap go the keys, ding goes the bell!

2010-06-29T15:43:00.004+01:00

For a girl who learnt to type way before anything remotely computerised was on the scene, you just can't beat the sound of an old fashioned typewriter! All that tapping away of the keys makes me think I'm writing some literary masterpiece even though in reality I am knocking out a shopping list to take to town with me! They always evoke images of novelist or journalist sat at an old wooden table in a country farmhouse typing away oblivious to all that goes on around them.

So when at a recent bootsale with my mum I got a lovely surprise when I saw a typewriter in the distance and headed straight for it. It was sitting there all proud on top of a table with it's case and some old fashioned carbon paper by it's side. That's how we did photocopying back then for you young things out there :o)

My fingers went straight to the keys and started typing, it worked, perfectly, wow! Had to have it. The sticky label said £2, surely not. The nice man came over to me, 'are you interested in that old thing?'. Yep I said, does that say £2. 'Yes' he replied. Sold I said. He packed it all way in it's carry case and couldn't believe that people actually still used typewriters.

So here it is. Tis a Vintage Olivetti Dora c.1965 and in mint condition. Both colours on the ribbon work and the bell tings gently to remind you you are near the margin, I love that sound so much.

Tucked inside the case were some old letters dating back to early 1980s and typed by a Squadron Leader from RAF Brampton which must have been the lovely man who sold it to me. I commented to my mum at the time how well spoken and smart he was. I imagine he had this typewriter from almost new and I love it even more now knowing some of it's past.

Do you like vintage typewriters or even have one of your own. Not only are they great to use they make brilliant props for photographs and no doubt mine will be cropping up a whole lot in future pictures of crafty creations :o)

This and That

2010-06-24T22:56:00.000+01:00

See what football and sunshine does, it sidetracks me that's what. My poor computer has been sat in its office all on it's lonesome wondering if I will ever love it again! LOL Don't know about you but I was so relieved after Englands match yesterday, phew is all I can say. The only downside is their match against Germany on Sunday kicks off whilst I am volunteering at the CS!! Hmmm, think some negotiation is gonna be called for :o)

Next topic, bread. I love it, all of it, especially homebaked. Like a lot of people I have a bread machine but there is just something about the bread that comes out of it that I just don't like much. Plus you don't get to feel the dough. So I've gone all traditional and inspired by that lovely baker man on Mary Queen of Shops I made my first freestyle loaf at the weekend.

Ta Da! Do you like it? Twas rather yummy and didn't last long so have been making one nearly every day now. Some are better than others, but I'm learning and there are some great tips and recipes on the web. And a bonus is your upper arms get a great workout to boot!

A little card was made using my new vintage furniture stamp set from Docrafts.

And I've finally got this hamper out of the shed to restore for my niece. Tis only a year late, but all good things take time I tell her ;o) I've already cleaned and taken the dividers out and found some lovely check material for the lining. When she's got it I can post some more piccies as I know she reads my blog.

So, I've made friends with my PC again and updated my ghost town blog. I think I deserve a nice cuppa and some bread and jam ;o) Thanks for popping by.

Cute Pattern Making Measurement Chart - Free Download

2010-06-13T18:24:00.009+01:00

Just a quickie, been busy gardening today whilst we had the sunshine. Took a quick break online and came across a fab little freebie over at Keyka Lou's blog.

For all us budding seamstresses out there she has a free download for a really cute pattern making measurement chart. All you have to do is grab a tape measure and pen then measure away and fill in the blanks. Perfect if you are like me and always have to redo them everytime you attempt to make anything for yourself!

To get the download just click here!

Enjoy

A few Leona Lewis piccies from Nottingham Trent Concert

2010-06-09T10:04:00.016+01:00

As promised here are few piccies of the lovely Leona Lewis from her concert in Nottingham last week. You can tell she is a shy girl by nature as she looked a tad nervous in her first song, but she soon got over that. This ladies voice is truly amazing and as clear and strong in the flesh as it is on her recordings, faultless. When she sang 'I've got you' it made the hairs stand up on my neck, just beautiful.

The set was inspired by her fave film The Labrynth.

Her trademark dress with full skirt and long train

This moment was just magical

She is singing 'I've got you' here, stunning

Singing acapulco style with her band

The dancers were amazing and in the style of Cirque du Soleil, in this little clip you can see some of them performing above Leona on stage.

My sister and I had a lovely time together, dinner, the concert, then drinks afterwards, perfect evening out.