A Song for My Heart

I have been meaning to post about my vintage Singer sewing machine for a long time and this post has been sitting (half written) in my drafts folder for 18 months! 

So finally here she is..... 

 

The machine folds into the table so it can be used as a table on it's own.

 

 

 

 

It belonged to my Nanny Ruby (my Dads mum) who was a very talented seamstress. This machine is symbolic of my Nan and whenever I see it I am reminded of her.

This is my Nan with my Grandad and my Dad as a little boy, I see a lot of her in myself and I know my family would agree!

The draws in the table are still full of her things and I have very fond memories of her teaching me on it as a child. I remember draws full of fabric and sitting on cushions on that lovely chair (hand made of course!).

Even as she got older I doubt that a day went by when she didn’t use this beautiful machine.

When she died in 2003, and her house needed to be cleared, we had nowhere to keep it so my Dad’s friend stored it for him (and used it occasionally!)

We just couldn't bear to part with it and I knew it had to come with me when I eventually got a home of my own.

I love this machine and am very proud to own it. I haven't used it and I think it needs a service but as yet haven't managed to find anywhere that can do it, any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Sadly the reason I have finally managed to get around to finishing this post is because we no longer have room in our house for her, she is going into storage but we will meet again as soon as we have a bigger house!

Lots of Love xxx

On My Kindle......

The Captive Queen - Alison Weir

About Eleanor of Aquitaine, set in the high middle ages.  It's a bit more 'naughty' than the norm for these books (a few times I have hoped that other people on the train aren't reading over my shoulder!) but while it seemed a bit like a Mills and Boon initially I now see the relevance as a way to illustrate the marked decline in her marriage to Henry Plantagenet.

And am enjoying reading about someone I had known nothing about, while I realise historical novels are 'enhanced' I do think they make history more digestible and Alison Weir is a noted historian who writes factual books as well as novels.

According to my Kindle I'm 47% of the way through and following a quick Wikipedia search I have lots to look forward to!

What are you reading?

Lots of Love xxxx

Help Required!

We have been invited to a birthday party, not any birthday party but a 60th birthday party of a 1940's enthusiast! 

While period attire isn't essential we would really like to make an effort for her!

I know some of you lovely ladies have been known to dress in 1940's style now and again and was hoping you could point me in the right direction! 

I'm really looking forward to trying out a new hairdo though!!!

Any help would be most appreciated!

Lots of Love xxxx

Beastly...

With nothing to watch over the weekend, James and I turned to Sky Anytime and popped this on, not knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised at this modern day 'Beauty and the Beast' and James even conceded that it was 'pretty good'

If you like a 'grown up' fairy tale I fully recommend it!

Lots of Love xxxx

LissyLou's Vintage Easter Swap!

The Lovely LissyLou is hosting her first swap.  I had been hoping a nice swap would come up, so of course I just had to join in!  If you want to take part too there is still time!  Pop over to LissyLou's great blog or click on the picture to be taken directly to sign up!

Have Fun!!!!

Lots of Love xxxx

Now That's What I Call Keeping Calm.......

It's been a week since my last post here and what a week!  

Just before Sophie was due to return to nursery after the New Year weekend we received an e-mail to say that the nursery had been vandalised, someone had set a fire that, while caught in time, had caused extensive smoke damage ruining the entire contents (including ceilings, walls and insulation) of the building!  As a result the nursery had to be closed for repair and to replace everything inside meaning we have had to juggle looking after Sophie and working our shifts too!  (no mean feat I can tell you!)

Luckily the fabulous owners and staff have worked really hard (along with an army of cleaners, builders and decorators) and organised a minor miracle of having the entire nursery ready for our babies in just 9 days!

I can't wait to see the place this morning!

I'll be taking this with me, a little gift from Sophie to show her appreciation of all their hard work and a little reminder of all they have achieved!

I am still shocked that someone saw fit to do something like this to a children's nursery, I am just happy that no one was inside! 

Lots of Love xxxx

Keep Calm and Create......

If you like your 'Keep Calm' mottoes but are looking for something different pop to this cool website, shown to me by my 11 year old cousin no less!

The 'create a poster' option enables you to create your own 'Keep Calm' items, from posters and key rings to iPad cases and aprons!

Love it!

What would you say?

Lots of Love xxxx

The Great British Bake Off?

I was very flattered last week when I came into work to find this had been left on my desk by a colleague!

Its good to know that he enjoys my cupcakes and biscuits (or that he wants to get rid of me again!), but after watching this years series I don't think I'd even know where to start with some of the challenges!

For now I'd love to go on one of the lovely courses organised by this year's winner Jo Wheatley that she holds at her home in Essex!

You can follow Jo at her blog (and get some great recipes and tips) at Jo's Blue Aga well worth a look!!

Lots of Love xxxx

These Shoes are Made for Walking.......

Sophie's first shoes, that is!

I've never put shoes on her before (apart from some bootes when it was really cold) as I've not wanted to damage her feet but on a recent shopping trip at Mothercare we decided to pop into the Clarks consession and get her feet measured and get some advice.

The staff were great and we came away with a cute pair of cruisers in a tiny 3G and an introductory pack including a framed photo of her in the store and a height chart!

She seems to like them! 

 

If she takes after Mummy they will be the first of many!!!

Lots of Love xxxx

A Clean Slate?.....

Welcome to my first post of 2012!

You are in the right place and I hope you like the new look?  I was getting tired of the old style layout and got quite excited when I realised how much had changed with blogger since my last revamp!

My blog isn't the only thing I'm cleaning up for the new year though, I have decided to set myself a new year challenge to get decluttered and organised in 2012 and I'd love you guys to come along for the ride!

I have set up a separate blog (but will still be posting here!) to track my journey so pop over to Kelly's Clutter to encourage, commiserate or maybe even join me!

Lots of Love xxxx