ross-on-wye

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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??