No Looking Back!

Hi Ladies well It's been ages since my last post and I'm not really sure where the time has gone! I can assure you all I have been very productive!
One of the main jobs I have been tackling is decluttering the house. I have come to a massive crossroads in my life (as you all know!) and am now ready to rid myself of the past to make room for my future.
So little by little, room by room I have been letting go of the old and becoming excited about all the fabulous times to come!

I'm going to keep it short and sweet today :)
I've loads of reading to do to catch up with you all xxx

Lots of Love

Tagged!

I have been given my first award! The lovely Sophie at Chez Sophie has tagged me a 'freakin fabulous' award. Thank you so much of thinking of me Sophie!

The rules of this award are;

•List five current obsessions.

•Pass the award on to five more fabulous blogs.

•On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.

•When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. Don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by leaving a comment on their blog

My current obsessions are:

Swapping - I love giving gifts and they are a fabulous excuse to craft with a purpose.

Carousels - Especially pink ones like this! so pretty

My house - Getting all the little jobs and finishing touches perfect now I only have myself to consider!

Crafting - I have always loved paper crafts but have been exploring other crafts now I seem to have more free time.

My blog friends - (trying not to sound all hallmark and failing miserably!) In such a short space of time I have received such kindness and support from you guys! Victoria and I are always chatting about your posts and fabulous ideas, blogging has added an new facet to my life that I am so grateful for.

It was very hard to award this to just five people as I think you are all freaking fabulous! But rules are rules!
I award

Beki - The Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy

Michela - Little Secrets from my Garden

The Duchess of Tea - Rose Tea Cottage

Della - Della Grace's Life

Rose - Victoria Rose Papercrafts

Have fun with your obsessions!

Lots of Love xxxx

Paying it Forward

Newsflash goodies on offer!!!

During our day of fun Michela mentioned that she was taking part in 'Pay it forward' and needed people to join her in making it happen!


This means that Michela will send a handmade item and a goodie package to the first 3 people who sign up on her page within 365 days of the post.
(bagsy Michela's handicrafts!)


Now you come into it!
I have to 'pay it forward' by sending the first 3 people who sign up on this post a handmade item and a goodie package. All you have to do to get your hands on one is to promise to do the same on your blog, easy!

Sign up below (no excuses about poor crafting skills!, we are all friends here!) and then e mail me your details!

Lots of Love (as always!)

My Friend Michela x

One of the things I love most about blogging is the genuinely lovely people I've gotten to know.
It is so nice to share ideas and thoughts.
I have also found, more recently, that the immense support, kind words and advice offered by my blogging friends has really made a world of difference!
During my unexpected visit to Venice I got to thinking what a travesty it would be not to try to meet with the fabulous Michela who has been among those wonderful new friends.
Hoping she would have the time at such short notice (fingers crossed!) I dropped her a note to see if she would be free while I was there and was so pleased when she said she could meet me in Venice the next day!
Michela's post about our meeting is absolutely wonderful (and, in true Michela style, very amusing!) I would not try to write my own version so urge you to read hers here (if you haven't already!)
She forgot to mention the exquisite set of Venetian glasses she gave me as a gift! (I'm sorry I can't show you, pesky camera!) They are so beautiful and will be treasured!
I also was very lucky and was able to meet her lovely Mum, who saved my skin by bringing me some treasures from her stall!
I was unable to get the gifts I wanted for Victoria and, as if by magic, Michela's mum had exactly what I wanted!
I had such a lovely day, I can honestly say that Michela is a beautiful, beautiful person both inside and out!
We will be meeting again next summer (I promise to give you more notice sweetie!) and with any luck Victoria will be there too! I hope to be posting in the future about Michela's visit to London, you are welcome any time my friend!

Lots of Love

Swappin and Stuff!

Hello all! The last few days have been a bit of a blur I have to say. I don't seem to have had time to turn the computer on let alone post! I know I promised you I would tell about my the items I sent for the Twilight swap, so here goes

I decided to stick with a colour theme of red, white, black and gold (as used on the book covers)
I sent:

A Pretty White Nightdress. Well, a girl's gotta look her best just in case a certain handsome vampire wants to sneak in and watch her sleep! (Denise's Husband was, apparently, very pleased so nearly as good , I'm sure!)


I made this journal. (who, in blogland, doesn't just love a journal?) I wanted this to be personal so added Denise's initials. I also added gems and beads as she had mentioned liking a bit of glitter!


An apple necklace in a black velvet pouch (the red shamrocks are taken from the Cullen family crest)
Denise had mentioned that Alice was one of her fave characters. I made this black ribbon pin to echo the black ribbon crest choker Alice wears around her neck.


A mini scrapbook. I only decorated the covers (inside and out) so that Denise (a fabulous crafter) could have fun filling the inside pages with her own favourite quotes and pictures.

A decorated box with the Cullen family crest. I used dimensional varnish to harden the paper flowers I had added to the lid. I wanted the box to resemble enamel. I lined it with velvet to carry on the theme of opulence.

Some tea towels because I liked them!

I put a few extra bits in that I forgot to photograph, chocolate and some magnet frames and sent the whole lot in a red, black and white box! Phew!

Well, I enjoyed the whole experience so much I have been lucky enough to be included in Denise's next swap.
Not one to let a trifle such as lack of a child impede my fun, I managed to get my 8 year old cousin on board (took about 2 seconds!). We are very excited and on a personal note I am really looking forward to spending time with him choosing and making the items for his partner.

Well that's all for tonight folks, I need, need, need to catch up on the last few days in blogland!
See you tomorrow, promise :)

Lots of Love

True Blood and Twilight

I have been a bit lazy today and shut myself away to have a bit of a sort out at home.
I also had a few episodes of True Blood recorded on Sky + to catch up on.
I wasn't sure after the first episode if I was going to like it, I thought it was potentially a strange Twilight rip off, but have to admit now I'm hooked.
Apparently there are books that the series is based on, has anyone read any of these? Opinions greatly appreciated (as always!) if so.

Speaking of vampires it's high time I told you all about the fantastic Twilight swap package I received from the truly lovely Denise at Polka Dot Moon! Here is a (very poor, camera still playing up!) picture of my package.

I received:

A yummy apple fragranced candle, (Denise, how did you know I am a candle junkie?!)

A really lovely dark red nail polish called 'after midnight', (perfect for winter toes!)

A pretty tag with some lovely ribbon.

Some great cupcake toppers with apple shapes and 'Bite Me' (genius, I love them!)

A beautiful, velvet lined matchbox with a blingy apple and black ribbon (so cute, lovely idea!)

Some of Denise's fabulous 'Edward loves Bella' silver and swarovski earrings, so pretty and elegant, the heart crystals are perfect!

A really lovely handmade, lavender scented, mini pillow that says 'Twilight is my favourite time of day'. I love this so much, it smells amazing, as soon as I opened the package I could smell lavender and apples.

All of these lovely gifts came in a very Alice esque (one of Denise's favourite characters!) gift box all lined with red tissue.

Thank you so much Denise for a thoughtful and inspiring package such a perfect partner for my first swap! I'm sorry the photo doesn't do the beautiful items justice!

I know you have all wanted to know what I sent but this post seems awfully long and it's bed time! I promise I'll tell you all about it tomorrow :)
If you really can't wait until then you can read Denise's post here

I'm off to make myself look pretty for bed, you never know Edward Cullen or Bill Compton might just pop in to watch me sleep!

Lots of Love


xxx

Our Day of Fun

Today, as planned, Victoria and I headed up to London bright and early for a very special day of fun.
On our arrival we made a beeline for the John Lewis bistro for a yummy breakfast to set us up for the day.
I had Eggs Benedict and it was fabulous! (didn't look like this for long though I can assure you)
I was really impressed with both the service and food and thought it was very reasonably priced, I'm sure we will incorporate this little treat into future days of fun (Please Victoria?)

After breakfast we had a stroll round the haberdashery department where I picked up some beautiful gingham fabric with a view to making some bunting for my kitchen, some storage boxes for the craft room and some lovely little 'East of India' goodies for a giveaway I'm planning.
Unfortunately my camera is being temperamental this evening so I cant provide you with pictures (sorry ladies, I know how we all like to admire each others purchases!)

Onwards to Selfridges where we oohed and ahhed over the pretty new range of Hummingbird Bakery Stationary, of course it would have been rude not to buy some so I chose a set of recipe note cards in a tin and some gift tag note cards as well as the Hummingbird Bakery book ready for signing by the shops owner Tarek Malouf.
As a special offer for the signing we also received a free notebook and a yummy mini red velvet cake

I have only had a quick look at the book and already cant wait to try some of the fabulous recipes inside (I'll let you know how I get on!).
Books signed and cakes eaten we had a leisurely wander around and made a few more purchases, I got a pair of ornaments in the Christmas shop and a 'Keep Calm and Carry On' magnet for the fridge (I need reminding regularly at the moment!).

I also came across some pretty coasters I had seen in 'Period Living' magazine and was intending to order on line. They were as lovely as I expected and substantially cheaper so, of course, I had to have them!
After a whistle stop tour of Covent Garden, with aching feet and our shopping bags feeling heavier by the minute, we jumped on the Tube homeward bound, admiring our goodies all the way!

I had such a lovely day (just what I needed at the moment!) and we already have another outing planned for October.
The fabulous Victoria has managed to secure us 2 of only 30 tickets to meet one of our idols, Rachel Ashwell!. I am sooooo excited I can't tell you!!!

Finally I'd just like to thank you all for your lovely comments and support, you are all so very kind!
I had better sign off now as I want to catch up with everyone and add you all to my favourites again.
It might take a few days to get back to everyone though as I'm sure to get distracted reading posts!

Lots of Love

Welcome!

I am writing this post in the hope that you all find me easily and are ready for a new start!

I have been away for what seems like an age and have so much to catch up on, I apologise in advance for bombarding you with posts to make up for my unexpected absence.

But for now I really need to get some sleep. Victoria has planned a lovely day of fun in London for us tomorrow, starting with breakfast at John Lewis, on to Selfidges and then one of our customary trips to Covent Garden. I will be sure to report back x

Lots of Love

xxx