poppyart

moving day?

2011-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

All a bit weary here. So thought I would share a photo from mum's albums. Here we are meeting Father Christmas in Shark Bay, Western Australia. We were brought up on a sheep station in the far north of WA. You may have seen this pic before but I haven't anything new at the mo!

Mum made our costumes. I am the slinky flapper. With a cigarette and long, glamorous holder. I remember wanting to have sparkly shoes to go with my finery but had to make do with navy clarks.

We are waiting forever for our house to exchange. Deadlines seem to come and go. And now looking to exchange and complete on the same day - this Friday. A bit fraught here. The day off school with strikes didn't help. But they do have my support. We went to the zoo instead, then Gus couldn't throw himself off the piles of boxes all day.

school photos

2011-11-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

How they have changesd! I remember our school photos - very posed and in our attractive brown and yellow uniform. My brother always seemed to be dressed in a yellow polo necked jumper.

The boys had their's done at school and I have ordered a few for Christmas presents for the grandparents and aunts. I don't know how they managed to get these lovely smiles from H. He is known for his cheeky-teeth clenched grin whenever the camera comes close.

2011-11-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

Here is Freddie - kite-flyer. And it was so beautiful on Sunday, we popped to Dunstable Downs for an hour or so. Just magic.

Gus had his first proper outdoor walk (not counting when he raced off after school one day and donked his nose on the tarmac - with all the mums watching.)

And Harry. Well he is just mad - Harry. See my face. 'Let's just get a nice photo, Harry...'

The house is full of half-packed boxes. And washing hanging everywhere. Does anyone else really struggle to get everything packed into boxes that aren't too heavy but have to be full for strength??? and the amount of books we have!!?

swap

2011-11-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

I have swapped a few bits in the past. It is great fun...

Here is a decoration which is about to posted to New Zealand.

I finished it off while I had a stall at the St Albans Flea Market. A really nice way to spend the day, I must admit.

And the Market has so many great things... lots of new stalls with truly unique things to buy. The next one there is 11 December. So drop in if you are local.

I sold a few wheatbags and a couple of my lovely linen satchels. Not my busiest day, but worth doing. (not the least as it gave me a moment to breath amidst the packing!)

update

2011-11-10T04:18:00.000-08:00

we are moving in two (ahhh) weeks. while this has been planned for a while, i think i have been in denial. there is so much to do! see the the picture above : this house (previously a pub!) is chock full of our stuff. it has only been 10 years....

and we will be leaving our beautiful house and our much-loved village. not too far, though. just to the next village. onwards and upwards!

we have a garage sale Saturday to hopefully clear some of the bits and pieces... but there will be still so much to pack over the next couple of weeks. what to do now? how do i make it easier as we get closer to the time? should we live amongst the boxes for two weeks?? any advice?

bath

2011-10-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Not in the bath.. but visiting the beautiful city of Bath. We have had really lovely sunshine on our holiday. And tried some of Sally Nunn's 'famous' buns here in the oldest house in Bath.

And staying in a wonderful farmhouse in Faulkland. I need to grab a picture for the blog, and will do tomorrow.

We enjoyed NT Stourhead and are really appreciating the scenery.

I need to cut out and make up some popp brooches for selling.. but the fresh air means I am done-in by 10pm.

poppy appeal

2011-10-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about my grandfather, my 'Poppy' in the past. He was a really loving and fun man, and known for his bravery during World War ll. He was also the inspiration for the poppyart name.

Inspired by

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Felt-sew-nice/166081853428734

I have made up some fundraising poppy kits for the appeal. £2 each, they have everything except a needle and cotton to sew your own lasting poppy. And all of the £2 will go straight to the appeal.

I have used vintage buttons that I was given a couple of years ago, scraps of dotty and floral fabric. And some beautiful red wool my mum was given by her friend Kate.

Looking good on my (F&F!) wax jacket, I think. And the act of making up the kits and sewing the brooch has allowed me to re-visit some lovely memories of my Poppy.

update

2011-10-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have had such a busy time! Here is one of the new products : a liberty bird which is 'captured' in a machine stitched cage. The backing is green velvet and it is filled with organic lavender.

I hosted a shopping evening at home with a table full of poppyart things. And a house full of 'lovebumble' things. I met a great girl, Anna, who has a small business selling handbags, jewellery and scarves. She has a great eye and somehow manages to keep her prices low. You can find her on facebook.

Anyway, I had a few plates of nibbles plus (quite a lot) of wine on hand. Keith was OUTSTANDING. He sorted the boys, topped drinks and... mingled. While he is very sociable, I was really surprised how he pottered around happily. He did say it was no hardship as the ladies were all lovely. I would have to agree.

Anyway, for an evening of sales it was fantastic! Two times better than anything I have done before. I took lots of orders for aprons to be named in time for Christmas. And the wheatbags and fabric buckets went down a treat.

And Anna's business offers the hostess 15% of her sales to be spent on the great lovebumble range. I did very well.

Thank you to all my visitors.

making

2011-10-10T10:10:00.001-07:00

Here are two custom aprons... those creases are showing up on the linen aren't they?!? I really should have got the iron out...

And also a bit of a labour of love for my beautiful niece Isabella. She is only two but the apron will look lovely hanging somewhere for a year or so! I hand-stitched her name onto the apron and she is a girl who seeems to love her pinks and purples.

These aprons are fantastic. When I visited my sister in Hong Kong a couple of years ago, I visited a manufacturer and designed and ordered children's aprons, adults aprons, doorstops and a couple of other items... all made from really good quality linen. Ready to embellish. And I'm afraid I haven't used that many! A few featured at fairs last year, but I have 200 of each! If you would like to order any, let me know. The aprons have a pocket, a cute key attachment (we use ours for a t-towel) and my red poppyart tag.

eternity

2011-10-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary earlier in the year. And of course, we have the three lovely boys. To mark these two moments, I have this beautiful eternity ring. We visited Stephen Einhorn in Islington in London, the jeweller who made our wedding rings and my engagement ring. What a magic everyday reminder of the most important parts of my life. Keith, Freddie, Harry and Gus. x

new book!

2011-10-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

Keith very kindly picked up a sewing book for me from a commercial shop supply shop.... it was a great (detailed) guide to pattern cutting for children. To be honest, I looked at it and was quite terrified. He was happy to return it and I picked up this from Amazon, instead. Fabulous, straightforward trousers and tshirts for boys. I love making trousers as they are so quick... and this gives me a bit more of a guide. From a great blogger - check out http://www.patternsbyfiggys.com/blog/.

some scones

2011-09-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

A quick recipe -

4 cups self-raising flour

300ml cream

375ml can lemonade

Pre-heat oven 200 degrees. Sift flour into bowl before adding other ingredients and stir gently to combine. Pat into a circular shape on a floured surface before cutting out scones. Place on a floured tray, close together. Bake for 12- 15 mins.

How easy! They are going up to school for the Macmillan fundraiser today.

I have seen another recipe with a similar theme - use ginger beer and add 1 cup of chopped dates. MMM. Yum. Not tried yet.

chilli bucket

2011-09-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Dawn for a lovely chilli plant to put inside one of my favourite fabric buckets... just a lining of plastic bag and you are all set.

The present was one of a few special things I was given for my birthday last week. And lots of food - 4 meals were enjoyed out over the last few days.

I'm half watching a Shirley Bassey drama. Keith is out. But at least I have finished a batch of (packet) cupcakes for tomorrow's Macmillan stall. Do you ever feel like you aren't really achieving anything? I have had one of those disjointed days.

And now I can't seem to retrieve the photos I wanted to add from facebook. An old pic from the file and off to bed, then. UPDATED : fabric bucket with chilli plant. yay!

reading

2011-09-27T10:44:00.001-07:00

And just to prove how much we love Judith Kerr books here , Gus is getting in a spot of reading.

He is an absolute joy. He motors around the couch and looks out of the window. A lot.

And is so pleased with the tub of 2nd hand blocks I picked up from the NCT Nearly New Sale on Saturday. The sale happens twice a year - a mammoth but well-organised event in Harpenden. I always sell and help out. Around 500 people through the door and an amazing £16 500 taken at tills - 30% raised for NCT. Wow.

sewing!

2011-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Can you see a striped ticking theme going on here? I do love a bit of ticking.

I am making a whole pile of fabric buckets in preparation for a couple of small (but special) events. I am having a poppyart/ bumble shopping evening here at home. Bumble is a great small business which sells a variety of really lovely gifts - at fairs and online. Anna's facebook page is here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Bumble/206939049360571

And I have finally set up my own poppyart facebook page. Go here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Bumble/206939049360571#!/pages/Poppyart/156375641117081

I'm sorry, I know I need to imbed the addresses but Gus is calling for me. Squealing is probably the better word.

zippered pouch

2011-09-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have found the light! Look at this fantastic tutorial (anyone... do it!) and you too will be able to whip up a zippered purse/ pouch/ makeup bag.

http://flossieteacakes.blogspot.com/2009/05/lined-zippered-pouch-make-up-bag.html

Here is mine. For a special order. I am obscenely proud of myself. You can just see the pink dotty lining, I love it.

easy chicken wings

2011-09-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

One of the boys' favourite meals is chicken wings. Super delicious, I remember Mum making them from the Woman's Weekly Chinese Cookbook. The first time, I think was for 'Entertaining'. You know the sort of thing - they were done in a very posh way, too. All the flesh was pushed down to one end to make clean bone-handles to eat from!

These is my 'throw-it-all-together' version. Key ingredients are soy sauce, honey and garlic. In various meals, I have included any or all of these things too : fish sauce, sweet chilli sauce (this could be used alone! yum.), tomato sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, Chinese or ordinary vinegar.

Take the wings from their tray and split into portions - I do this with my big kitchen knife and chop straight through the bones - leaving me with one mini-drum and a second boney bit. The third wing tip is just skin really so I ditch it. The kind butcher at Asda had already taken that bit away.

Put your marinade in a bowl - whatever combo you fancy. Toss in wing bits and mix well before marinading for a couple of hours or overnight. Cook for around 45 mins 175 degrees. Keep an eye on the wings and if they are burning on top, cover with foil - the sugar/ honey will colour too quickly if the oven is too hot.

Freddie's friend came over for tea... and here they are demolishing the bowl full. (You can see my sewing projects piled up at the end of the table! Ha. Waiting for that spare 20 minutes... and I don't think Harry is picking his nose??!!)

Monopoly

2011-09-12T03:20:00.001-07:00

We took part in the giant Monopoly in St Albans yesterday. It was brilliant! A board gave us a route of around 2.5 kms to follow (a 4km one was available too) and we visited historic spots on a special trail.

What a fabulous idea! The family was able to see quite a bit of St Albans and even gain access to the jail under the courthouse in the Town Hall. We were a bit tight on time, so didn't get around everything - there were activities, too. One stop by the Cathedral featured a gentleman who had made (yes, made!) 20 or so wooden games and puzzles to encourage problem solving. We were there for AGES. Had to tear Keith away, too.

dunstable downs.

2011-09-04T05:29:00.001-07:00

Even though the rain is pretty solid today, we have had a good week weather-wise. Gardening time and this lovely day on the downs. Beautiful.

And we entered the Village Show - me a carrot cake and fabric bucket. Freddie made a (far too delicious) tray bake and Harry the most excellent real Mr Potato Head. I'm afraid only Harry came away with a 2nd place. I tried not to be too jealous. I do love living in our village.

Easy trousers

2011-08-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Inspired by http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-knee-pad-pants.html this example I whipped up a pair of easy trousers this morning. Well... easy but not faultless!

Cute they surely are, but a little wide and short in the leg and a little short in the crotch. I really should have taken the time to print off the pattern! Oh well. I will adapt a bit for the second pair I have cut out ready to go. Love the oval knee patches, though.

The debris surrounding the trousers is the result of me bribing/ twisting arms/ moaning to get the boys to complete an art project - that is , splash a bit of paint onto some clay bits they made. Phew - you WILL have fun, boys.

bethnal green

2011-08-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

We took the trip into London to visit the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. It is a fantastic, interactive museum with lots to do with children. It was a real treck to be honest... we arrived there around 3pm after completing some of those really annoying jobs that need doing. (Harry's glasses repaired, trainers returned, football photos done... you know the ones - loading and unloading children, parking blah).

It was really heartwarming to see the boys lead Gus around the bits he would like - the sensory section in particular. And lots of time was spent in Mog's basket! There was a great exhibit on Judith Kerr - a bit of a favourite in this house.

Have a look at this interview with the lovely author and artist http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jan/14/judith-kerr-tiger-tea. And here is the book to buy http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiger-Came-Collins-picture-lions/dp/0006640613 .

bandana bibs

2011-07-07T12:28:00.001-07:00

These are selling quickly to my buddies and facebook network. The bandana bibs work really well to catch teething dribbles and whatever food happens to drop! Plus they have nifty popper tape to snap on. £5 each plus £1 postage for the UK.

A selection for girls.

And boys.

Looking at these, I should have moved the groovy red hippo print - it distracts from everything else.

legoland

2011-06-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

We stayed at the Beaumont Hotel, visited Windsor and had a whole day at Legoland last weekend. What great fun! After lots of warm days, it was unexpectedly drizzly and I was misguided enough to wear shorts. mmmm.

But so much to do, the day wasn't spoilt. It was really tempting to go for the year long pass, but we still want the day out to be a treat. The kids get so much nowdays (I sound like someone's Great Uncle...)We are already lucky enough to have passes to the zoo and National Trust. This way, it will be a real occasion when we go.

My favourite - miniland. Little rude things happening around Amsterdam!

bibs

2011-06-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have made bibs in the past, using fabulous cotton prints, towelling backing and giant vintage buttons. They always sold pretty well on my craft stalls. Now I have the 'bib bug' again, as I wanted a couple of new ones for Gus.

Using my stash plus some great popper tape, here are some bandana bibs. They borrow from a recent idea... and have fleece or towelling on the reverse. Nothing overly girly at the moment. I need to do another batch.

Quite a few have been snapped up on my facebook page - ahh the marvels of modern media. But let me know if you are interested. £5 each, plus £1 postage.

and more

2011-05-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

new photos

2011-05-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

March

2011-03-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, once again.

It hasn't been a great month for us. Keith had major back trouble - culminating in surgery a week or so ago. But is is onwards and upwards now. He is doing so well. Although lost a bit more weight ... it must be his body re-generating itself. Amazing.

Here are the boys at our local fantastic park - Stockwood. And this is the beautiful Isabella, my niece. The park is just fantastic, but operates winter opening hours - closing a fpm. Bugger!

february

2011-02-09T02:26:00.000-08:00

Our craft day was hugely successful... and as the camera still hasn't appeared, we are without photos. I have left my lovely husband to trawl through the user guide of the new Lumix!

I hope to take some photos of Freddie's and Harry's versions for you.

This is what we did :

clay hearts (white, self-hardening clay which we cut out and dried in advance, cosidering the ages of the children). Me and Harry pressed lace and buttons into the hearts for texture and poked holes for threading.

pre-cut paper dolls from Hobbycraft, and lots of fabric dresses and decorations cut from my scraps.

sweetie rings - using pipecleaners and wrapped toffees and glue. Just a bit of twisting and you are there!

biscuit hearts to decorate (made by Michelle) using this recipe http://www.skiptomylou.org/margarets-sugar-cookies/. Which is fab (I'd forgotten that they do puff up a bit).

valentine's cards using beautiful origami hearts and scraps and posting stamp kit from my sister.

I really hope to post some photos of the boys' work soon.

But here's the gorgeous Gus.

St Valentine's Day Craft

2011-01-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am sponsoring the craft at a special afternoon for the Harpenden and District National Childbirth Trust. I have all sorts of heart - themed goodies (don't want to give away the surprise!) There will be three active craft tables plus a homemade biscuit decorating table.

It will be held in the Lourdes Hall, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Monday 2.30-4.30.

With tea and coffee, and cupcakes for sale for the adults.

Plus afternoon tea for the children. And only £3 per family ticket. I would love to insert a sneak photo of the craft... if only the **** camera had turned up! Instead, a pair of hearts from a couple of years ago.

australia for christmas

2011-01-17T12:03:00.001-08:00

xmas day in the swan river

xmas eve and a gecko

happy gus

a little sewing

2010-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

just a little.

these are heart shaped wheatbags for a good friend. they are filled with wheat and lavender ready to be given out at birthday parties. a great idea... i sold a lot last year. i just need to order more lavender, pick up some more wheat, choose fabric etc.... for a new batch to sell.

to be honest, i am only just keeping on top of the house and the kids at the moment so it may be a bit of a pipe dream.

i did a tutorial on making animal wheatbags before last christmas if you fancy whipping up a few. great gifts!

october

2010-11-08T08:48:00.001-08:00

well, the month has now been and gone. but here are a couple of things we got up to:

gus found his hand.

freddie was a very stately nelson for book week. and harry was a grumpy gruffalo (there are purple prickles all over his back).

and we went trick or treating.

Harry at school!

2010-10-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

yes... there should have been photos. Here you go, lovelies! And I am impatient at the moment with the formatting so excuse the lack of flow.

Just look at what a big boy Harry is now! He is so excited about school, and has fitted in brilliantly. It really helps that he knows the teachers well already and feels quite at home.

And the other thing to share is this fantastic pudding feature in November Living etc . Already my favourite magazine delivery, it includes Donna Hay's recipes. Here are a few old standards including super simple chocolate self saucing pudding. You wouldn't believe that it actually works - make a batter, sprinkle over dry sugar and cocoa and cover with boiling water. It comes out of the oven a gooey, sticky revelation.

I had a great day on Saturday at Anna's Bumble Shopping Event. It was in a gorgeous town called Wing, near Leighton Buzzard. Anna invited her really lovely friends, opened her beautiful house and I sold a few bits. And ate cakes. Even having a really busy lead-upto the event, I feel quite at peace today having had so much positive feedback for my stall.

updating

2010-09-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

We spent two weeks on the South Coast - the lovely Wittering, which is near Chichester. Not the hot summer we were hoping for but still plenty of chances to visit the super-close beach.

Here is baby Gus, a few weeks old while on holiday. I can't believe it has been (even more than) a month since my last post. I just can't seem to find the time for reading or writing anything at the mo. Or even updating the photos. I spend a lot of time on the sofa, feeding. Or taking Freddie and Harry up to school and back again. And up and back again.

Gus is 9 weeks old now. Amazing!

So life here has motored on.

paper city 2

2010-08-11T02:34:00.000-07:00

here is our paper city.

the boys were slightly distracted and decided to cover themselves in 'tattoos' in the middle of the process... and then really enjoyed playing with the city in the garden.

brilliant!

paper city

2010-08-07T02:10:00.000-07:00

thanks to sycamore stirrings, i found this crafty blog from a dad...
madebyjoel. and we are in the process of building our very own paper city. scroll through and see all the amazing things he makes - and great evidence that simple things can be so effective.

i am hoping to add the boys' city to this post today... or tomorrow... or soonish, anyway!

day ten

2010-07-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

baby boy gus edward, born 19 july, 2010.

all is going well... thanks for all the kind wishes.

the baby boy is home!

2010-07-22T07:20:00.001-07:00

baby quilt

2010-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful quilt that mum is making for the baby. It has such great colours! There are marching animals embroidered on the white strips which are a bit difficult to see in the pic. So much work, but greatly appreciated.

All the grandkids have been lucky enough to get a quilt from granny - and they will be treasured forever.

waiting for the baby

2010-07-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

here I am about to leave for the hospital and my sweep. mmm.

we aren't overdue - just expecting another big baby.

and waiting (finally got keith to take a pic of bump for posterity! nothing like the last minute).

sewing, again

2010-07-08T03:52:00.001-07:00

If you notice the list of blogs to the left, vintage fern is there. The author, Amy, is from Bountiful, in Utah; and she was part of the original charm square swap that inspired me to keep this record. A pattern review of hers was published in Sew Hip and I posted a copy of the magazine to her so she could have a hard copy.

And look what she sent in return! Really gorgeous fabrics, loving the birdie print!

Trying to deal with my procrastinating instinct, I wanted to make something for the baby. I have been lent a perfectly good moses basket... but I thought I'd re-jig the cutesy bear design. And I LOVED the use of black in the patchworks at the V & A. So - ta da!!

Maybe it doesn't say newborn to you... but I am quietly pleased. Keith is not so sure... I think. I used some recycled sheets, too. Yellow for a fitted sheet and brown (very Laura Ashley) sprigged for the back of the little 'blanket' that fits in the middle. The turquoise graphic sent by Amy worked really well as a binding to the black.

To make it, I just cut the old pieces apart and took a pattern from them. Haven't yet broken the news to the owner of the basket...

fred's cinema day

2010-07-08T03:47:00.001-07:00

Five friends didn't seem many... that is, until you are at the end of a row trying to 'hush' them all!! (There is on hiding behind the column).

We did have a good time. The film was good - Bedtime Stories - with Adam Sandler. And I had little bags of popcorns and only a few sweets.

Then McD Happy Meal, and home for collection. And Freddie's lovely friends put some money in for a new scooter (to replace to one 'borrowed' from the school playground). They are all fab kids, and you can see, so kind to Harry.

Maybe it was unecessary but both boys have had a special day... leading up to baby-madness.

today

2010-07-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

a few things to report today.

the moo cards arrived, very speedily and they look great. the reverse side has my contact info, and the front has any picture you would like. up to 50 different images can be chosen. they look great. thanks to sew scrumptious for posting this offer - 50 free cards (just pay postage) to be found here.

and had a great parcel from mum full of baby things - especially lovely target and bonds stuff from australia.

and super easy tea this week for the boys and us. chicken drumsticks marinaded all day in tomato sauce, sweet chilli sauce, soy and ginger. do slash through the skin to let it soak up the flavours, and cook at around 180 degrees so they don't get too brown and crispy with all of that sugar in the sauces. the boys love eating the drums like cavemen!

oooh. a sale.

2010-07-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

cox and cox have up to 60 % off their lovely bits at the moment.

i bought one of the jigsaw cookie cutters. but resisted the bird postcards. then added a few bits for the present cupboard. (we seem to have boys' birthdays galore at the moment).

harry's adventure

2010-06-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

this is a very quick post to show you harry's special day. it was all a great success - went to the local petting farm - which is on a suitable small scale. visited animals, played on the equipment, jumped on trampolines and the bouncy castle. then consumed lunch bags, ice creams and made it home in time for the football.

just me and keith with the 6 children and it was a breeze. keith was fab - carting the lunch supplies etc in the 30 degree heat. and all the children were beautifully behaved.

bring on fred's cinema day next sunday, i say!

here the boys are, 'watching' the football with daddy!

party bags

2010-06-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

we have had a summer party for freddie and harry for the last two years. their birthdays are the 28th and 29th dec. (!!??) so it has been nice to celebrate with them in good weather with some time to prepare.

but with the baby coming soon, we are having two small days out to give each a bit of attention.

freddie is off to the cinema with 5 others... £1 showings on the weekend... then probably pizza hut.

and harry has 3 friends coming to the small farm just near us.

this is harry's party bag assortment. i visited poundland and dunstable discount. great fun! the latter had some plain coloured sheets of paper which i folded and ironed before stitching into a little booklet with a strip of fabric on the outer. i remember mum doing this for us with waste paper and a zigzag stitch. if i was doing it again, i would take a bit more time... find my pinking shears and cut an outer piece of fabric the same size at the sheets. you can see a stack of booklets to the left - there is one each for both groups.

included in the see-through plastic wallets (depending on the group) are : haribo sweets, pen/ toy story stamper felt tip, plastic recorder, glow bracelet, badge, teeny dinosaurs, lei, chewy sweet, kinder hippo, balloon.

v a

2010-06-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

I made it to the quilt exhibition! hurray.

and it was fabulous. great to be inspired and awestruck by the hard work involved. the historic quilts were favourites, plus one from the inmates of wandsworth prison.

plus the v & a was lovely. for some reason, i'd never been in the cafe before and was surprised by how beautiful it was with some very romantic tile-images. and lovely food, too! here was lunch - pastrami bagel. mmm. (note glass of milk - horrible heartburn with everything at the moment).

and i probably don't need to write about what great stuff was in the gift shop. half a dozen fat quarters later... and a badge maker plus book, plus tea towels...

i didn't tackle anything else that day. just straight in on the train/ tube to south kensington and back home.

i am feeling the weight of the baby, now. and it is count down. three weeks, here we go.

actually sewing!

2010-06-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

Ok. It has been a while... but I have just finished a flag special order for Jon's friends.

Their little girl, Aphrodite -what a great name!- will have this adorning her wall. And there is a bib and satchel (I think for Isabella and Alina and Jon).

I have made lots of bunting anf flags. They look great... but are so time consuming! Saying that, I stetched four sets of the bright triangles around the garden yesterday and they really add to the festive feeling for the bbq we had. Glad there was something festive after the slightly disappointing result from England.

Go Australia tonight - against Germany. We'll see how that goes. Perhaps an upset is on the cards?

roald dahl museum and blenheim palace

2010-06-10T08:09:00.001-07:00

We are around 40 minutes from a beautiful town called Great Missenden. Here is where the late, great Roald Dahl lived. And where you can visit a special museum. These fab petrol pumps are on the High Street.

The boys are in hysterics as we bought some farty sounding putty from the gift shop. Hours of fun.

Inside the museum there is so much to inspire. For me as an English teacher, and of course the boys, too! Here Freddie is with one of the story bags... items linked with some of Dahl's famous novels.

Harry has just been sitting in the actual chair used by Roald Dahl for his writing. He would vanish off to a separate building with his thermos, lead pencils and a specially taped up cardboard barrel resting on his knee to write comfortably.

There was an emphasis on the process of writing for the kids - getting ideas together, creating heroes and villians and developing plot. Perfect for a school trip. I loved it! And although Freddie got the most out of it, still there was stuff for Harry to enjoy.

And the other weekend-day we had was at Blenheim Palace for brother Jon's triathalon effort. Well done to him! We were there with his Alina and the gorgeous baby Isabella...

wardown park

2010-06-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

We finished off the half term with a lovely day together, me and the boys. It is so nice to make good use of a local park, right in the centre of Luton. It was bought by the council in Victorian times, has lots of geese and ducks for feeding, a kiosk for snacks and a free museum (regular exhibitions link the the town's car-making heritage and lacemaking).

There is a visiting 'squashy sculpture' exhibition and there are two extra large pods to explore. The boys love them! In we climbed, speakers were inside one sculpture and it created a really womb-like space. I imagine the baby would feel the same way.

Here we are, photo taken by another visitor... I don't look pregnant at all here. I promise you I am - really feeling the 34 weeks now!

The boys made some 'squashy sculptures' of their own in the craft room - using playdough, buttons, bubble wrap and pipecleaners. Any craft we've done here has been super, £1 each child and ALWAYS much more than cutting and pasting. Harry won the competition and we took home a a little bug kit - yet to be tackled.

father's day gift

2010-06-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

These just arrived from the folksy seller, I de Claire, ready for Keith. Loving them... really nicely finished, and they came with a neat tin ready for gift wrapping. Take a look at Claire's folksy shop for other great cuff links.

IdeClaire (cool name, too)

fruit salad... yummy yummy

2010-06-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

You might not know the wiggles song of the title... but i can't help it going through my head whenever we have fruit salad!

Sometimes it is the most simple things that the kids enjoy. Freddie has gone off to a 'wild animal experience' half term club today. And me and Harry are just hanging out. We've planted some lobelia in the paving gaps. And Harry sliced up the fruit using his special pampered chef cutting knife - safe for little fingers but it actually still cuts.

And what a lovely sunny day we are having.

I am back!

2010-05-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of enforced rest at Luton and Dunstable Hospital from Sunday... 2 1/2 days of feet up. No major drama but they were concerned about a calf cramp which was lingering so wanted to check for DVT (!!) All clear now after an ultrasound on my leg. Here is a fetching photo of my support socks (note the smart pedicure from champneys poking through)...

I got through nearly 2 novels, and some mags from the lovely husband. And it gave me the impetus to get on and get the bag ready. After poor Keith had to hunt far and wide in the house for the essential kit.

And then I had a lovely day in St A getting a few bits and pieces, including some new clothes for the baby. Inspired by the birthday gift we had for Keith, there is this... how cool?

Plus these (not the easiest to find unisex stuff...)

So all is well back home. The boys are little treasures and hugely thankful to Keith's mum and dad for coming straight down at short notice to hold the fort.

My challenge now is to elevate the legs as much as possible and rest. mmmm. Easier said than done, methinks.

I met some lovely mums in hospital. Hi to Kelly if you are logging on... I would love to catch up at some stage. Make sure you try and rest, too.

It also got me thinking... how nice would it be to be through these late pregnancy stages, past labour and be taking home a lovely little baby? Well, I can dream.

Just had the 32 week midwife appointment and it looks like this baby is big. Freddie was 10lbs5, Harry induced early but still 8lbs6. So it isn't a surprise. I would rather not be induced again... my diet is good, blood sugar absolutely fine, I am active (couldn't help but be so with the boys).

I guess no point worrying about it all, I will keep you updated.

george pig

2010-05-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

Harry-bloke doesn't get quite the number of invitations to parties as his older brother... it's a second child thing, I think. But he is off to Alfie's party in the village today. And I have added George Pig onto one of my linen apron.

It is an idea that seemed a good one at the beginning. But as I progressed onto machine stitching tiny eyes and getting knotted thread, I had second thoughts.

It still came out nicely, and makes a great gift for a little boy who likes Peppa. The other favourite is Chuggington, but I looked at the trains and despaired over the amount of lines and control I would need. So George it is. I think the gingham dinosaur looks great.

Beautiful sunny day today, and for tomorrow. Off to a National Trust property after the party and Freddie's swimming lesson. I will let you know which one we choose. x

giveaway

2010-05-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

there is a giveaway well worth commenting on, to be found over here , at andi's english attic.

lovely fabric from the v & a quilt exhibition. no, i haven't quite got there... there's still time, though! and just a reminder to visit there yourself if you are remotely local! sorry mum, that leaves you out.

small scrape

2010-05-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I passed my 'life in the UK' test. Hurray! I can now go through the pile of forms to apply for British citizenship. Useful, it would be. And I do appreciate being here in the UK... I also feel I contribute to the society in my own special way. I just have to suss out the £735 it costs to go through to the next step. Right then...

Anyway, as I was taking my test, I parked up outside the Co-op in Luton. And someone scraped the car. As we are in the market for a new car - one that will actually fit 3 car seats across the back - I just thought 'bugger'. And then I saw a hand written note on the windscreen. The fellow human being had left her details. Ahhh. it restores your faith.

Or maybe it is karma for that car I dented at Tesco's in Hatfield, left the note and then coughed up around £160!

Either way, we can get the car sorted in case it is used for the trading up... although how rubbish are the trade-in offers??? For a great '04 SMax it seems so little.

recipe sharing

2010-05-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

As I am stuck here for the time being, I am throwing myself into a recipe share found at this beautiful blog, maggie and sparrow.

Here is an offering for a yummy soup recipe...from the New Covent Garden Soup Co. It is quite substantial and very warming!

Smoked Haddock Chowder
25g butter
1 small onion
400g potatoes, peeled and chopped
725ml fish stock (the stuff in pouches is good)
200g undyed uncooked smoked haddock, skinned and flaked
75 ml single cream
salt
cayenne

to garnish - 1 hardboiled egg, chopped and flat leaf parsley

Melt the butter and cook three quarters of onion and 225 g of potatoes gently for 5 minutes in a covered saucepan, without colouring. Add the stock, cover, bring to the boil and simmer gently until tender. Cool a little and then puree in liquidiser. Return the soup to pan, add the remaining veg, cover and simmer gently for 10mins until they are tender. Add the fish, stir in the cream, and add salt and cayenne to taste. Take care as haddock will be salty already. Add more water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Serve with garnish.

tuesday

2010-05-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

It looked like I would have two options today.

supply teaching (just had offer of lovely school in harpenden)
quilt exhibition at V & A (no I haven't been yet...).

Now there is a third... and unfortunately it is this one I am encumbered with...

3. resting twisted ankle.

mmm.

weekend away

2010-05-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

I booked a lovely hotel for Saturday night - Keith's special birthday surprise. We had his mum and dad in to look after the boys and we headed off to London. 10 Manchester Street is just fab. The hotel was re-fitted at the end of last year. The service was excellent - I asked for some Pale Ale to be left in the room for Keith and it was greatly appreciated. And, as it was a birthday treat, plus probably our last visit before the baby, they upgraded us to the Grand Suite. Wow! Rain shower, designer bath, lounge area, kitchenette (!) and fab bed. Apologies for the less-than-good photo. It really doesn't do the hotel justice!

The position was fantastic, too. Just back from Marylebone High Street with its lovely shops although we didn't do much browsing, there is a VV Rouleaux ribbon shop (feather ribbons pictured - closed on Sundays unfortunately), Cath Kidston, Conran... plus lots more. And then only a 10 minute walk to Oxford Street. If you are visiting London, I would sooo recommend this place. I booked directly through the hotel and it was slightly cheaper than lastminute.com. And obviously, with the upgrade it was fantastic value.

ten manchester street hotel

And this is where we ate. Fine dining, a bit too full on as far as service goes... but Keith loved it. I really enjoyed the punch of flavours with a gazpacho shot and then creamy thing before pudding. Little extras make all the difference! I used top table to check out the reviews and went for a meal offer - £30 for 3 courses plus a bellini cocktail (I had non-alcoholic version!). Next time wouldn't bother with the cocktail.

orrery restaurant

glass mountain

2010-05-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful blog with this purse to giveaway at the moment. Go over and have a look at glass mountain.

The lovely purses, bags and stitched-pictures are so inspiring. And if you get the opportunity to buy anything from the folksy shop, everything is incredibly reasonably priced.

I need to post about our stupendous weekend treat to London (for Keith's birthday) and will do that ASAP.

art projects for kids

2010-05-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this website an age ago... and loved it. Subsequently it was forgotton. But what a great resource for parents. There are all sorts of ideas, which will be loved by boys and girls alike. I am looking forward to trying this fortress-like image with Freddie.

Take a look yourself, here.

I am really feeling 29 weeks (eek) pregnant at the moment. Tiredness setting in. Managed to get to the pool this morning for the first time in ages, and I find it really helps with my sore legs - veins once again really painful.

And it is still full steam ahead for the Robbie Williams Tribute night fundraiser at the school tomorrow night. I was hoping to be around for set up during the day, but all of a sudden, there is hair, swimming lesson for Harry, house to get ready, plus usual pickups to do. There will be little time left...

I have a nice surprise for Keith's birthday on Saturday, will let you know how it goes.

I think it is another early night for me now. X

orienteering

2010-05-10T01:35:00.000-07:00

I have heard about orienteering, geo-caching and all sorts of other map-reading type activities before. Was not 100% on what what they actually involved....

And I rashly suggested that something like that would be a fun fundraising/ sport-related day for school. There are regular events in Hertfordshire... you can check them out at happyherts.

Unfortunately, Freddie's swimming lesson times have recently changed, so when I wanted to have a look, it was just Harry and me. But what a brilliant, well-organised thing to do! You pay a small fee, hire an electronic 'dibber', are given a map and helpful advice. Then you head around a course, beeping in at allocated points.

We did the very easy 'white' route. But there were more serious orienteerers (?) who raced around with a compass and followed other routes. There were 4 stages of difficulty.

This event was hosted in Highfield Park, very local to us in St Albans. There is also a set course at Rothamstead Park in Harpenden, just a matter of buying a map from the Leisure Centre apparently. That will be the next stop, I think.

Harry loved the interactive nature and the beeping (!), spotting the flagged points was great fun and off he would trot.

cath kidston

2010-05-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

I do like a bit of a retro feel and spotted the Easy Living magazine offering a free tote bag today. And it included this ad-mag. Well, I couldn't go wrong.

I think this high street store is really appealing. And there is enough innovation each season for me not to tire of the products. And the fabrics. Sorry, rubbish photo.

And how about this, a make-a-sandwich competition?

I have my eye on a few of the overnight bags for a special 40th present for a friend... but which one to choose?

the weekend... part 2

2010-05-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday we had our Markyate May Fayre. The pics are from the school's 'Peter Pan' themed walking float. I have had a stall at the fayre for a couple of years now, and it is usually well attended. Ahh but the weather this year!! Ominous looking rain clouds could be handled but the gusts of wind were impossible.

After setting up 3 separate times, I gave up. Bundled the, now broken, gazebo into the car. Caught the flying bibs. And shook off the dirty aprons. And it all went away in a rather haphazard fashion.

But what a disheartening afternoon! It was physically really tiring to sort out the table and gazebo, it meant (only a little) money wasted for the table but a fair bit of organisation to make sure the boys were sorted for the afternoon without me. Mmmm.

So I joined the boys and Keith. And manned the school cake stall for a while. (Our offering is always a great hit - search for Nigella's Rocky Road and give it a go - we always add sweets for that extra appeal). And chatted to lots of the lovely people who make the village so special.

Thanks so much to the Diggines boys for sharing thier croc costume for Freddie and pirate accessories Harry. We did find the missing swords... I'd put them away safely, probably after too much 'play'!

and a weekend round-up... part one

2010-05-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Not exactly quiet. I have thought a few times that maybe we try and cram a bit too much into the long weekends. And I am really feeling the pressure of being 28 weeks expecting at the moment!

Any way. First event was the craft fair in the beautiful village of Kimpton. Everyone seemed to be out (even in the not-so-good weather). The fair was set up in the school hall, a very sensible alternative to the field (!??). And the fabric buckets went really well. I need to get sewing again...

Here is my stall. And yes, I do need to iron that poppyart banner.

Sunday we headed to celtic harmony, as mentioned in an earlier blog post. It was fab. But freezing. Lots to do - a whistle made from sycamore, a rhythm stick, storytelling in the round house, a green man appearing from the woods and the winter witch captured. All the adventures of an iron age village. And some apple pressing! But very cold... did I mention that?

new items

2010-04-29T02:24:00.000-07:00

finally. i have updated my website. here are some new things for the stalls on saturday and monday.

poppyart

i have the lovely linen satchels... great for holding the inevitable collections the boys seem to have. plus linen children's aprons.

i have ordered these items from shenzen in china. i went across on my last visit to my sister in hong kong and met up with the company and designed four items. to be honest, it was all a bit stressful! not from that end, more in terms of getting the stuff from felixstowe in the UK to here! and a bit more expensive than what i budgeted for! so while the unit cost is fine, and i knew the transporting costs from china, the charges in the uk were more than hefty.

anyway, i am adding an applique detail to the items, and am really pleased with the finished product. the quality is excellent - lovely linen, strong zip in the satchel. even a great towel-clip on the children's apron.

the ladies' apron is also lovely but my pregnant tummy doesn't do it justice at the moment and as it looks nothing on a coathanger... i need a model.

the beltane festival

2010-04-28T01:36:00.001-07:00

This is where we are headed on Sunday - sandwiched between the two stall-days of Saturday and Monday. So a proper family day out to help make up for the distractions of preparing for the fairs.

Celtic Harmony Village and educational centre.

It looks great, an Iron Age Village set up with all sorts of stuff for the bank holiday. Face painting, archery, demonstrations and dressing up are all expected.

It is near Hertford, so only around 30 minutes from us.

Buy tickets online in advance for £7 each adult, kids will go free.

teaching

2010-04-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

This unrelated image is a sneak preview of one of my satchels... embellished with a dinosaur, ready to appear at Kimpton and Markyate Fairs. (See previous post details).

I always said I would struggle to teach primary school... thinking they would be a bit needy and clingy compared to my secondary English classes. But find that they are pretty sweet!

I have picked up quite a lot of suppply teaching lately (except for school hols of course!) and have really enjoyed some groups especially. I had one of those days today. Really lovely kids, needing reminders to listen as expected, but generally fine.

And I got to launch into some familiar ground while covering non-fiction texts.

I go in armed with stickers, lots of praise and try and get a grasp on students' names immediately. It isn't always successful, mind you.

I wanted to tackle a few schools - expecting to get jobs in secondary - before popping out baby number three. I had a bit of a panic thinking that it may be nearly a decade between classes (!) But the predominent work seems to be in primary schools around here. I think the reason for this is that secondary schools keep their own cover teachers on the books themselves, saving on agency fees I guess. Anyway, I am thinking a month or so with the two days a week I am currently doing and I will feel ready to put away the whiteboard markers for the time being.

And what a job teaching is! Full of surprises, no two days are the same, it is creative... and lots of hard work. I would recommend it to anyone.

Stalls

2010-04-25T05:11:00.001-07:00

I am here this Saturday... Kimpton Craft Market.

And also we have the Markyate May Fayre on the Bank Holiday Monday. It also includes the school walking float of Peter Pan - not to be missed. Harry would make a great Lost Boy. I think Freddie is going to be Captain Hook. Shall I try to make a tin foil hook?

Markyate's Fayre will hopefully be outside, by the village hall on Cavendish Road. Fingers crossed for good weather!

another day

2010-04-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

i really try to be more focussed on one thing at a time... but it just doesn't seem to happen that way.

today, things which are distracting me...

tax return (i have until 21 april. that is now, then)
toilet cleaning. we have three toilets in the house and with the boys, there is a lot of wiping over/ bleaching/ spraying and scrubbing involved. you would not believe how often this happens.
an over-full larder cupboard and my resolution to use at least one tin or jar. it looks like this.

fun stuff with the boys. we made this yesterday from a pack of squidgy clay from wilkos. (£1.49!)

and enjoying the lovely weather we are having.

sweetie shop

2010-04-12T01:33:00.000-07:00

or 'lolly shop' as we'd say in australia. this is a very popular role play!

the boys set out lots of plastic boxes and fill them with the cupboard's treats. depending on whether there has been a party/easter/christmas... the selection varies. quite a lot to choose from at the moment!

they use my kitchen scales and their toy cash register and my little product bags to have their own shop.

it is helping freddie with his coins and counting (i am hoping!) and, well, harry just likes collecting sweets.

today's selections include

easter eggs - big, small and mini

animal crackers

raisins

lollipops left from last years summer party (i have been avoiding giving them out!)

fizzy sweets from last half term

easter choc lollipops.

boys happy for time being.. lots of reminders from me that they aren't actually going to eat their bounty. which i think they are taking on board.

guinea pigs

2010-04-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

here the boys are in warwick, over easter. harry sporting his 'new' glasses. sorry it has taken so long to post this sweet little - professor face!

and we have been looking after owen and eddie while their family is on holiday for the week. great names for pets - after friends from school!

the boys have been over the moon! freddie was up at 5.45 (!) wanting to go down and see them this morning. i let him out the back door at 6.45, on the proviso that he would say hello but not let them out. hmmmm.

after about 5 separate attempts, i got them into their outside run.

proving to be a little mischievous, these two. but lots of fun.

thank you gallimaufry!

2010-04-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here is some of the gorgeous things posted to me for the swap. they come from gallimaufry... to be found here....

gallimaufry

truly beautiful earrings -

plus other goodies: pretty fabric, a lavender bag, seeds and card. i think the seeds have been misplaced by the boys... i just need to hunt them out now the weather is improving.

thank you so much, sarah. and also to louise from sew scrumptious who organised all of us! it really helped pep up my blog/ craft interests.

FLOWER SWAP

2010-04-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

Swaps are lovely things to be involved in... kind bloggers gather lists of interested parties and pair them up to receive each others' goodies in the post.

And it is so nice to get something through the door other than bills and rubbish free catalogues. Here is what I sent last week, have to head over and collect Freddie from his tennis, so I need to show what I was gifted next post...

Plus I will let you know the relevant bloggers. Promise.

My package included :

flower seeds (nightscented stock)

spinach seeds

cherry/ flower printed fabric bucket with yo yos

lavender wings

fat quarter of paisley/ flowery fabric

scratchable plant labels

spotty ribbon

flower chocolates

easter craft

2010-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

We found some polystyrene eggs in 'the works' and had a chance to modge podge them before easter.

add a little chick poked into the polystyrene with its feet and ta da!

(i also attached a string loop before we started the fabric scraps decoupage.) A bit messy, and to be honest, i finished them up... but freddie and harry gave one each to their special friends. and we have one for grandma and grandad - heading there tomorrow for a visit.

Happy Easter to all! xx

t-shirts for boys

2010-04-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

I can get a little disappointed with the ranges of clothes around for boys... i like bright colours and stripes. i tend to avoid beige and sludgy colours and logos. (saying that we haven't avoided Ben10 totally!! i keep telling myself...'it's not about me, it's about the boys.' yeah right!)

i found this site via mumsnet. ksbkidswow! and great prices, too. there are lots of lovelies for girls including really sweet stripey leggings.

here is the package which arrived last week... orange and purple long sleeved tops (sale - £6 each) and short sleeved green and navy (£8).

and here are the boys in the bath with goggles. i was chatting to another mum at swimming lessons can't rave enough about kids and goggles. if you have trouble with your children getting water in their eyes, try goggles and get them used to wearing them with bath-play. the boys have come on so far... and Fred was so anti-splashing before!

lamingtons and anzacs

2010-04-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

Freddie's school has had a fabulous community week. thanks to a lot of hard work from the teachers and parents, the children have had visitors and international tastings and community involvement. busy with some challenging (!) supply teaching, i sent along some Australian food. i did plan on posting the lamington process but wouldn't honestly recommend making them!! oh my goodness! what a phaff...

lamingtons are really popular for fundraisers at schools in Australia and are squares of sponge coated in chocolate icing and then coconut.

here they are in the tin, for Fred to take in - note the sponge WITHOUT coconut... i ran out at around 9pm.

look at how organised i am.. it all looks so tidy, ready to go.

this is the first piece of sponge, broken in the icing. (before you ask, yes i did leave the sponge in the fridge overnight to firm up... maybe two days is better.)

and it all became this rather quickly.

The ANZAC biscuits were much more straightforward... easy oat/butter/golden syrup stirred together and baked. do try them! anzac recipe

2010-03-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

I know that i have just posted about the v and a... but look at this fabulous hat! £35 from the gift shop - also in black and brown. lots of other fifties-style goodies, including really sweet hankies. http://www.vandashop.com/

I am totally immersed in this most wonderful book, A S Byatt's 'The Children's Book'. Set around the Arts and Crafts movement, featuring South Ken in the early 1900s. It is wonderfully descriptive of an unusual and artistic society of the time - potters, jewellery makers plus trips to the Paris Exhibition and Germany. Pick it up if any of this excites you.

Here is a review from the Guardian which explains the narrative far better than I am able to! http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/may/09/as-byatt-childrens-book

chocolate cupcakes

2010-03-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

it was our friend Chloe's 30th birthday (yes is a bit of a spring chicken, it must be said) and we enjoyed an evening at prezzo's and a few cupcakes to celebrate! lovely company, thanks all. we did get a bit loud, methinks... as a couple snuck out, wanting a different table in a separate room. oops.

this is a really nice recipe - easy to make, failsafe (!), universally appealing. you end up with a rich choc taste, without too much sweetness. i think of them as grown up cupcakes, although the boys never knock them back. there is a small amount of coffee in them but it is hardly noticable.

2/3 of a 250g block butter

1 cup brn sugar

1/2 cup caster sugar (just used granulated and worked fine!)

3 eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tbs instant coffee

1 1/2 cup milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

icing

2/3 block butter

4 cups icing sugar

a little room temp milk if needed to thin

Pre-heat oven to 190C.

Beat butter 'til soft, smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat again 'til creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa and coffee together. add one third of dry ingredients to one third milk/vanilla. alternate until all mixed together.

Line tray with paper cases. Fill cups 2/3 full.

Reduce oven heat to 175C. Bake 22 - 25 mins. Cool before icing.

To make icing, beat butter intil smooth and pale. Ad one cup icing sugar at a time, until it is a suitable, spreadable thickness. I used a knife to spread it but you could use a piping bag.

I picked thins recipe up from another blog ages ago... with lots of cooking ideas - i think it was http://www.sugarbar.org/ (??)

the v and a

2010-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

the victoria and albert museum is one of those fantastic places i am so privileged to have access to. i know it is such a short train ride away... and i should go more often! and what better excuse than this... a beautiful quilting exhibition.

the victoria and albert museum

the gift shop will be full of lovely things. this is a panel that can be bought, there are fat quarter packs full of vintage prints, fabric by the metre, quilting books...

or how about this gorgeous quilted bunny?

right. this needs scheduling in. if anyone is up for a meeting at the v and a coffee shop... sometime in april, let me know. xx

pincushions

2010-03-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

i have made a very satisfying pile of pincushions, ready to list on folksy. they look just lovely! they are simple cylinders with lots of yummy coloured scraps, including ; Amy Butler fabric (thanks mum!), vintage kitchen print and Ikea stripes. i finished them with a felt circle base and blanket stitching.

mother's day present anyone?

oh, i left it too late in the day to catch the sunshine so will have to grab a picture for folksy tomorrow. after that, they will be listed at £4 each.

ross-on-wye

2010-03-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

We visited this lovely part of the world for half term, with a converted school-house cottage to hold us and keith's parents.

What a beautiful place! It was cold, (snow on a couple of days) but beautiful.

We were on the edge of the Forest of Dean and our highlights were:

the pancake race in Ross

Puzzlewood (visited by Tolkien, and surely the source of inspiration for Lord of the Rings)

Tintern Abbey and a great walk towards the Devil's Pulpit - we never did find it though!

the Dr Who Exhibition in Cardiff.

And this last picture is from Ledbury... we stopped for a homecooked pie in the Prince of Wales and I found the MOST beautiful shop full of Danish delights - fabric, cushions and toys. We have a new spotty orange cushion plus a metre of furnishing fabric with a brilliant house design for me to update things in the lounge.

http://www.husandhem.co.uk/

Now.. to get this done sometime in the next month...

heart swap

2010-03-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

It has been so long! Apologies... we were away, I've been picking up a bit of supply teaching and also suffering from a rotton cold. The days have been getting away from me.

Anyway, first things first.

Laura , (http://laura-cameron.blogspot.com/) sent me the most beautiful jewellery as part of the heart swap. I was overwhelmed by her generousity. I unwrapped the bracelet... and Freddie said... 'there's still something in here, Mummy'. And out tumbled earrings as well. They are made from intricate glass beads and were perfect for Valentines. And anytime really.

Have a look at her wonderfully presented blog, and buy some jewellery, too. Perfect for Mothers' Day.

the gherkin challenge for nspcc

2010-02-09T02:21:00.000-08:00

Notice the wee little people in the foreground... and the HUGE building behind. Keith was all ready to climb the 1037 steps...

Here he is, looking very professional... microchipped and vested up.

And an after shot. I think he could do it all again! He was brilliant. 51st out of 210. And he completed it in 7 mins 25 secs. We are all so proud of him.

He raised close to £1100. Hurray! Thanks to all who sponsored him. He is a real hero! xxxx

heart swap

2010-02-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a heart swap, organised by the lovely noodle bubble from folksy (still struggling with my clickable link for some reason... I will get back to it!).

It is great to be stitching together something... not worrying about the time it takes, or the need to make multiples for sale. Saying that, it is the second one I made. The first heart went walking (via Harry, actually). And of course I found it once this was nearly complete. And then decided the other one was really rubbish... so heart prototype 2 for the swap. It will wing its way to Millie Rose.

I have used some of a beautiful traycloth I have been hoarding. It has some old embroidery, worn through in places, making a pretty abstract pattern. With red spots on the back, a blue patterned yo yo and vintage button, I am really pleased. It would be a great pincushion or sit happily on a shelf at home. It is filled with fibre and lavender.

I also tucked a peg doll into the package with a length of vintage cotton trim.

I really hope it is enjoyed. And look forward to my valentines' heart in the post!

2010-02-04T02:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Manton

Please click on this link to see my lovely hubby's Just Giving Page. He is participating in a Step Challenge up London's mighty Gherkin building. We are all very proud.

Since January last year he has worked so hard to build up his fitness level, going to the gym four mornings a week (he leaves home at - gasp - 5.45!) That and going up the stairs at work... he should be OK for the big climb on Sunday. We are all heading in and will take him to a celebratory lunch afterwards.

And with two small children, the NSPCC is a great cause to contribute to. Thanks so much to all who have donated so far. He is up to £1000. Hurray! If you would like to give, the site makes it very simple... just a matter of logging in details.

dunstable downs

2010-02-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

It has been so cold here! I spend the day in (cheaper version) Ugg boots and 2 cardigans and a big scarf. And that is just inside the house. I have to be honest, I find it hard to get outside for the usual activities to keep the boys busy. But we drag ourselves out as much as possible.

Five minutes away from us, we have the beautiful (wild and cold) Dunstable Downs. It is always resplendent with kites flying, gliders and even paragliders. There is a really clever and modern National Trust Centre for a bit of shelter and hot chocolate.

The boys did brilliantly on Sunday and we all scootered (yep, I have one!) quite a way. There are surfaced paths, so it isn't a problem for scooters, bikes and buggies. There is a small fee for parking, or it is free for NT members. Have a visit!

paper baskets

2010-02-02T02:23:00.000-08:00

I have just got around to emailing a (very) quick craft to our local NCT magazine - Small Talk - for the Harpenden and District Branch. It is embarrassingly simple... that is if I have explained myself correctly!

This craft would be fine to do with children from around 2 years old... and would make great party bags or Easter baskets.

Here are a few paper baskets lined up... looking slightly wonky...the bunting is just triangles of wrapping paper threaded onto string (use tape to secure on the back).

Step 1:

Wrap a rectangle of paper around an upside down plastic cup. Leave a bit of excess at the top. Secure it with tape. (Notice the decorative zigzag trim... I should really get some paper pinking shears. As it is, I can't bear to use my fabric scissors).

Step 2:
Wrap/ fold over the top to make the basket base. Secure with tape.

Step 3:

Add a paper handle before decorating with felt tip pens, stickers, paper flowers... there are endless possibilities. You can always decorate the paper before making the basket.

If you change the size of the paper and cup you have endless possibilities. And try different papers : newspaper or wrapping paper looks nice. I have an old road atlas I want to use, too. Now where is it??

my special news!

2010-02-01T03:58:00.000-08:00

Excuse the background but more importantly... here is our baby! I am expecting baby number three: all of us are over the moon. We aren't finding out the gender and are looking forward a little bundle of joy toward the end of July. xx

updates

2010-01-21T10:14:00.001-08:00

I can't seem to gather much energy at the moment, but here is an update from the household.

1. tonight we made banoffee pies with leftover shortcrust pastry.

Cook some pastry shells in the oven and let them cool. Slop on some magic dulce de leche - straight from a carnation tin! Whip up cream before throwing in sliced bananas (Freddie sliced and slopped). Dollop cream mixture on the top. Luckily there was only enough pastry for four small pies or we may have been overwhelmed by the excessive (and addictive) sweetness.

2. general boyish hi-jinks at bathtime.

3. and a scene from Tuesday night. Keith was out for a curry and I gathered a few village-girls for an impromptu pizza night. It was very casual - I made a big salad, the lovely Dawn brought along a watermelon and all brought drinks. I picked up a few pizzas (Pizza Express ones from Tesco are very nice in case you are wondering) and we collected £41.50 for Haiti. Just off to donate it now. The evening was lovely, it is nice to relax without children interrupting and we had a good giggle.

giveaway and playdough (!)

2010-01-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sew Scrumptious has a lovely blog and she is giving away a beautiful fleece blanket suitable for a baby or toddler. Very soft and cuddly! I have put my name down for a pink one for the cuddly Isabella (my 3 month old niece). Have a look.

We bought this kit before Christmas... and took it along to Centreparks to provide a little entertainment. It is fantastic. You wouln't believe how long it keeps the boys busy! Oh, and me. I love making teeny tiny banana splits. And it involves food, so much loved by Freddie in particular. It has come out a few times with this staying-in weather we've been having.

It was on offer if you buy two sets (both don't have to be the snack bar option) so worked out quite reasonably... and came from Toys 'r us (a place I usually manage to avoid!)

Included are : lettuce press, tomato press (!), onion ring press, waffle iron thingy, knife, little sundae/spilt bowls plus tiny sectioned plates like you would have with school dinners. Freddie is often seen cutting up the pressed vegetables into 'salad'. And making peas. The play dough colours are suitable so it all looks realistic.

Whew - after that promotion, I need a rest.

2010-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

There is a wonderful patchwork artist to be found here at pink penguin.

Here are her puffy pouches - I have just ordered some flex frames to have a go myself at some stage....

I love the way she mixes up natural linens and lots of printed fabrics... especially with text. I love a bit of text, me.

Worth a visit.

And also thanks to

haptree for her guide to clickable links... I hope it will make this blog much easier to navigate!

welcome to bob and shirley!

2010-01-04T09:36:00.001-08:00

my lovely in-laws have entered the world wide web... and are probably surfing as i write this.

we had a great christmas together and here they are wandering through a snow covered ashridge.

and some photos from today's visit to the zoo.. the boys getting up close to the lions. the lioness looked on harry with particular interest. he would be quite tasty, i expect.

two birthdays!

2010-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Born on the 28th Dec, Freddie is 5 already! And Harry turned 3 on the 29th. They are getting so grown up. Being so close to Christmas, I'm afraid the birthdays are quite low key and we have a summer party. We try to make it all a bit special but am I alone in bemoaning the HUGE quantities of presents we seem to have?? I am trying to encourage some proper appreciation, and we do space them out. Mum and her husband John bought the boys a great scooter and marble run earlier in the year and it really gave them a chance to take notice of the gifts.

Oh well. it was our poor planning, anyway!

Freddie had a Ben 10 cake, which Harry promptly ate all the icing off. Then Harry enjoyed bought cupcakes which I glittered and iced with jellybeans. There just didn't seem to be time for homemade cakes.

We had a brilliant day on the 29th in London, visiting Hamley's, watching the Gruffalo at the Apollo and Haagan Daas (?) Busaba was a fave - with sweet/spicy noodles for the boys and head clearing curry for us. Here they are with obscene amounts of icecream.

the snow

2010-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

We have really tried to keep ourselves busy.. but it is so cold, we don't linger too long outside. hence the boys have been getting a bit stir-crazy. we ventured to Ashridge and walked down the very steep and icy incline to pretty Aldbury ... there is an annual Boxing Day event with tug-of-war between the Greyhound pub and the Valient Trouper - losers usually ends up in the pond.

Here is my sad short snowman, apparently made too quickly after snowfall. the word is you need to wait a bit for the snow to clump together a bit. an hour or so after my moulding, the carrot and bits of coal had migrated southwards - damn the local youths!

And our not so angelic snow angel!

jamie's pancakes

2009-12-23T02:20:00.000-08:00

yummy and very easy to remember... i challenge you to knock up a batch.

1 cup SR flour

1 cup milk

1 egg

whisk together until smooth, thick batter. add some fruit - we had chopped pears (leave skin on) and sliced bananas.

drop in spoonfuls into melted butter in hot pan. turn when bubbles appear. brown nicely.

serve with golden syrup (the boys' fave) or honey and plain yoghurt (jamie's recommendation - didn't have yoghurt in our house, though). we have stocked up on strawberries and raspberries to try over christmas.

we are still here!

2009-12-23T02:13:00.000-08:00

ok, been a bit quiet on the blog front.

still breathing calmly after finishing all orders and fairs.

and coordinated a xmas party for 60 children for harpenden nct last saturday.

just christmas to prepare for, now.

here is snow in high street. i'm sure you've seen the chaos it has been causing...

and the boys went to a proper barber to have very smart haircuts.

off to make jamie oliver's chicken wing gravy (obviously like everyone else, as supermarket nearly out of stock! we took last pack) and shortbread.

memory match

2009-12-14T03:31:00.000-08:00

ok. i won't make the 12 days of christmas crafts challenge.... a bit ambitious along with all the other stuff christmas entails. i will do my best to get a few more done this week.

here is a fabric memory match game which i have taken from another blog. i'm afraid once again, i can't remember where so apologies to the original post-er. i kind of drift around the sites and then forget where i've been.

i have made 5 sets, helped by my mother-in-law to finish for a recent stall. they didn't sell, so they are also available on folksy...

http://www.folksy.com/items/170250-memory-match-game

Step1.

Decide how many pieces you want the game to be and use a rotary cutter to gather a pile of squares. mine started at 2 1/2 inches square (to allow for stitiching and pinking). if you are making one set of 20 pieces, you want a pair of 10 different fabrics plus 20 backing squares. also cut 20 squares of fleece or quilt wadding to go in the middle.

Step 2.

Sandwich your pieces - print/fleece/backing fabric. stitch each side with a zig-zag, leaving enough space to pink the edge.

Step 3

Pink the edges, carefully. i knicked a couple and you'll have to go back and re-stitch if this happens.

Step 4

Repeat until you have done the 20 pieces. make a drawstring bag (i added a square patch and a label) and you have the perfect christmas gift for a toddler. the pieces are lovely and soft and easily managable. i think they would wash ok on a gentle cycle, inside the bag... so a game for the duration!

WARNING... this game takes a long time to make if you are making mutliples!! i was up until 12.30. just finishing off the last bits... you know what it is like! i didn't really work it out that i would actually need to sew 100 squares altogether. plus bags. mmm. i would love to make a set in some girly old-fashioned spriggy material, but won't be getting that done before xmas!

upcycle sue ryder auction

2009-12-11T02:53:00.000-08:00

the 'bad bunny' is currently at £13.30. a bargain!

the auction is up and running, you have until saturday night to bid for lots of inspired, upcycled items... great bits for xmas.

look at these lovelies.

and my quilt is there, too.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/upcyclexmas/m.html?_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A2471&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_pgn=1

this beautiful set of wrist warmers plus fold-over bag is currently £21.

a sewing project a day

2009-12-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

or may be not every day. i have ordered this for myself. i will wrap it up and promise not to look at any of the projects. i promise. that, and 2 more things from folksy. for me!