LissyLou

Making a little boys room into a big boys room and a beautiful inheritence piece

2012-01-30T13:14:00.001Z

My eldest little boy (9) is growing up. He know what he likes - football/red/white/black/cars......

It was time to make some changes in his room after having boxes and toys everywhere since me moved in back in June.

He now has a fab desk and shelves all from Ikea:

Yesterday we put up the shelves and his football magnetic board.

I bought some black boxes to give a nice streamlined look and some red frames to put some photos in.

He still needs a red desk chair, curtains and i have some great car pictures to frame and put on the wall next to this signed Theo Wallcot picture that he recieved at Christmas from his Great Uncle who has some contacts:

We used some wardrobes from our bedroom in here, but because they were glued to the wall we need to patch them up a little.

It is surprising how much he has grown up this year. All his little childlike bits are being replaced with grown up things. Although he still has all his cuddlies under his bed and thankfully he still loves to play with real toys and draw- unlike a lot of kids who seem to just have electronic equipment. I love it when he gets out all his cars much more than i do seeing him on his PS3, EVEN IF I DO TREAD ON THEM!!

I love Ikea for their cheapish products - even though they never have all what i want when i go there and it takes forever to put them together. But we chose bits to last. The furniture in his room can be there literally untill he leaves home!! Goodness, thats a scary thought!!

Take a look at this beauty:

This fab drinks cabinet belonged to my husbands Nan and late Pop. It has been in my in laws house with a cover over it for years. But yesterday we brought it to our house - it is going in our dining room and will be used with the original glasses. I love it!! It also reminds me of a drinks cabinet my nan and Grandad had.

I need to find a bulb to fit - does anyone have any idea where i could get one? it doesnt have any writing on it.

New post at my other blog (Find out what i've been up to)

This weeks organizing efforts

2012-01-27T14:22:00.000Z

This week i have been busy organizing the house. Here are my efforts so far - come and have a nosey:

Not sure why i keep taking pics on my mobile when i have a lovely new camera - i think its because my mobile has been with me while i've been going around the house - so they are a little bit dark at times.

The dresser in the dining room - i had a chuck out and a general tidy. This is where i keep table cloths, serviettes, vases and candles:

Two kitchen drawers which were full of EVERYTHING!!. Now have just a few essentials. I want to get a nice hook at the back of the kitchen door to hang up my aprons, for now, they are here:

The boys cupboard - again i had a clear out and a tidy:

My youngest now has a nice new wardrobe - i had a huge clear out of clothes that are old or don't fit. All his clothes are on just one rail now (Children don't need many clothes, especially when they wear a uniform all week and grow out of things so quickly) The rest of the wardrobe is full of toys.

My eldest now has a nice new desk. I organised his magazines into files, bought a cheap cutlery tray from Ikea for stationary, and had a chuck out of colouring books:

All his pens are in favourite mugs:

I organised my dresser: Can you see behind the pink sign, there are some pictures? I am going to put them under the glass. It will be a nice way to see my favourite pictures/postcards and i can change theM when i get bored. This room will be all white once its decorated so this and wall pictures will bring some colour in:

Again i used a cutlery tray for my hairbrushes etc:

I have so many mugs, far too many just for tea, so i now use favourites to store pens, paintbrushes and jewelry:

I took the labels off my antibacterial spray and washing up liquid, that are always on show for a tider finish:

I have just finished (for now) the loft/guest room - i love this bedding!!!

Ikea Rosali, my bargain blanket, and cushions - most bought from bloggers:

As you can see, the room is still not clear, but it is now organised into the right boxes and ready to put in the right places:

For now i have put photo albums, c.ds (I had a huge clear out as we mainly listen to music on the radio or ipod. But i kept a few), and books that aren't quite lounge worthy on the shelves that were already here. I am actually going to remove these shelves and put an old drawer unit here for the tele to go on. And i want to paint the little chest of drawers white and put glitzy handles on as a bed side cabinet in this room:

I quite like the pink wall now, it works quite well with the bedding. There are still mirros leaning against the wall. One is going in my ensuite and one will go on the wall in this room:

The other side of this room. The fitted wardrobes are great, they store our coats, going out shoes and my bags. The handles are all falling off, so again i am thinking of pretty coloured glass handles on there. Once the boxes are cleared i am going to put my dollshouse down the end on a low table:

Thank you for your suggestions for making this room a nice guest room. Added to my list are - pictures/lavender/candles/mini toiletries and i thought about adding a hairdryer and some mints.

One lovely blogger suggested tea and coffee area, which would be great if there was access to water up here, but it did make me think about adding glasses and water in pretty glass bottles.

Don't forget to sign up for my Easter swap - open until the 1st Feb

Loft/guest room help

2012-01-26T11:57:00.000Z

I have spent the last two days sorting this lot out (actually this was work in progress)

This is our loft room, we also have a loft through a door at the back. We have only just put boards down, so i can now begin to put loft bits in there and get this room turned into a lovely guest room. At the moment i just want to get it tidy and sorted before we decorate. My future plans for decorating are new blinds for the windows, paint the banisters white and keep the white walls, but wallpaper the pink wall at the back. I have almost managed to tidy it all now (will show you a picture soon) and have got two big boxes for carboot and two taken to the charity shop :)

I have written a list of things i would like in this room to help make it into a cosy, welcoming guest room. Can you add to my list? What would you love to see/have in a guest room?

This is what i have so far:

Double bed with pretty bedding, blankets and cushions/ bedside table with coaster and lamp/ tissues/ reading material/ a towel rail/ a small dressing table mirror/ a wall mirror/ a radio and cd player with a selection of c.ds/ a T.V.........................

evidence of a man

2012-01-25T16:28:00.000Z

Now, hubbie, if you are reading this, i am not moaning (well maybe a little). I merely thought it quite funny that when i wake in the morning i find your mess around the house. Do you notice that i put the things away? what would happen if i left them to pile up for a week?

Please note: My husband is the most wonderful caring man (As you will have seen from other posts). But i had to share with you all.

Photos taken on mobile, so not great.

The castle and the 2 little boys

2012-01-22T20:17:00.000Z

We took a walk up to our local castle ruins today. The boys took their wooden swords and had a great time:

Cute

2012-01-20T10:42:00.000Z

Do you need a little cheer up today? hopefully this will do the trick :)

Have a lovely day

♥

2012-01-18T20:23:00.000Z

New images on my We Heart It

January challenge

2012-01-17T10:52:00.000Z

I am going to join in with this great idea from Floss .
But i will change it slightly and use my own calendar pictures.

This is the idea - every month I post a photo from my calendar (this year i have two calendars in use. a family one in the kitchen and a work one in the study, so i will choose my favourite each month ) and use that photo - colour schemes, shapes, images, location, content - ANY aspect of it - to inspire me. We search through our drawers, boxes, attics, stables etc and make up a display of lovely or surprising things, and then share a photo on our blog.

This picture is wonderfully icy - perfect for today!!

It reminds me of an ice princess living in a beautiful castle (With geese running around in the farmyard below)

Items used - Glass candle sticks and crystal Magic Kingdom castle that belonged to my late nan, Pretty teacup on glitzy coaster, Maileg Fairy, Icy blue cushion from The Range and H&M lace tablecloth.

Giveaway winner

2012-01-17T10:39:00.000Z

The winner of my 3 year 'bloggery' (My husband thinks i should patent that word hee hee) is

MelMel

Well done Mel, could you email me please with your address and i will get a hot chocolate stick off to you, plus this gorgeous little book of monthly bookmarks.

Questions and answers

2012-01-16T17:13:00.001Z

I saw these questions online and thought i'd have a go. Join in too if you want.

-What is your favorite food? I love food!! I like fajitas, goats cheese and beetroot pizza, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip shortbread mmmmmmm!

-What’s your most played song? Of all time, probably 'love Shack' by B52's. And at the moment i really love Beyonce, love on top. Rizzle Kicks, Mama do the hump and Lloyd. dedication to my ex.

-What is one of your favorite quotes? Audrey Hepburn - MANNERS, DON'T FORGET ARE KINDNESSES. YOU MUST ALWAYS BE KIND.

-What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Indoors i like to sit and blog, or watch something all together. At the moment we all like to watch 'You've been framed' or 'got to dance'. Outdoors, i like to be by the sea or visit somewhere like a castle or zoo.

-What chore do you absolutely hate doing? I really hate putting clothes away, my piles build up until i'm forced to do it.

-What is your favorite form of exercise? At the moment i like Pilates, walking and bike riding.

-What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year? I like the evening, once the boys have gone to bed and i can relax. Saturday is my favourite day because i know i still have my man at home for one more day, I quite like May because its mine and the hubbies birthday month and its generally warm and full of spring flowers.

-What’s your least favorite mode of transportation? i guess the smelly underground. Also i'm not keen on planes as i'm scared of heights.

-What is your favorite body part? Hee hee, my boobies! (i can't believe i've just said that on here)

-What sound do you love? I actually love the sound of distant lawn mowers in early spring.

-If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for? I would love to throw a really beautiful Mid summers eve party with lots of fairy lights and candles, flowers and lace.

-If you could paint a picture of any scenery you’ve seen before, what would you paint? Cornwall coast.

-If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? I like the year i turned 28. It was a relatively stress free year.

-If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do differently? I am pretty happy with how i live my life now, so i wouldn't change anything.

-If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? Audrey Hepburn.

-If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I'd love to learn all about cameras and photography.

-If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? My poppy and Daisy buisness

-If you were immortal for a day, what would you do? Kick some ass!

-If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? I'm fairly happy with my name so i wouldn't change it.

-If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Audrey

-If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Book a long holiday so we could decide what to do with it.

-If you were reincarnated as an animal/drink/ice cream flavor, what would it be? Animal - dolphin. Drink - Disarono on ice. Ice cream flavor - Pistachio.

-Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Not so much now because i have put weight on and my hair is not blonde anymore, but i always used to get told i looked like Fearne Cotton, which is quite flattering.

-When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? I like to sit and blog

-Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best? When i was ill with heart problems and anxiety - it was horrible but now i am a happier and better person.

-What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to? I loved my wedding and also a family friends wedding in St Andrews Scotland was pretty good.

-What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? I teared up a little watching 'Never let me go', and 'Got to dance' (happy tears). Books don't really make me cry.

-What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Admiting i needed help for anxiety and OCD.

-When was the last time you had an amazing meal? Our anniversary meal was pretty good.

-Who is your favourite actress/Actor? I love Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. And Johnny Depp and Leonardo Dicaprio are amazing actors.

-Who is on your top 10 sexiest male list? Hmmmm not in order:
Johnny Depp, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, Robbie Williams, Patrick Dempsey, Zac Efron (yes i know he is very young), Hugh Jackman, Ashton Kutcher, Gerad Butler, and Matthew Goode.

-Who are your favourite style icons? Audrey Hepburn, Emma Stone. Olivia Palmero, Nicole Ritchie and Zooey Deschannel.

-What films can you watch again and again?
Leap year, you've got mail, Grease, Pretty Women, Dirty Dancing, Grown ups, Confessions of a shopaholic, Mamma Mia and Roman Holiday.

LissyLou's Vintage Easter swap

2012-01-12T20:51:00.001Z

Now closed

I am going to host my first swap.

Here it is:

A vintage Easter swap.

The rules

This swap must have a vintage and/or shabby chic feel to it, just to make it a little different.

Swap partners must send at least 5 items and it would be nice if at least 1 were handmade.

When you are given your partner please take a good look around their blog to find out the kind of things they like.

I will pick partners on 1st February. And packages should be sent by 1st April in time for Easter.

Please say if you would rather swap in your own country and spread the word by copying the picture above and linking to this post.

LissyLou xx

Three years of blogging

2012-01-10T09:42:00.001Z

Wow!! 3 years today that i started my blog!!

I am going to have a tiny giveaway to say thank you for reading. You can win one of these yummy chocolate sticks to make hot chocolate. I will pick a winner this time next week.

Anyone can enter, just leave me a comment on this post.

I have to show you what my darling husband left me this morning. I found it as i opened up the laptop.

It said 'To LissyLou, Happy 3rd bloggery'

The bloggery bit made me chuckle. But the card did make me smile. How lovely is that, great card choice too, my hubbie knows me well. It was a lovely unexpected surprise.

xx

Newbies

2012-01-09T09:27:00.000Z

I love love love the blog of the wonderful Artemis.

I love her style, her wonderful days out and her wedding was amazing!!

I saw a post recently advertising a sale at her vintage shop and was thrilled to see a gorgeous crochet blanket reduced from £75 to £27. I snapped it up as quick as i could, as i have been after one for years, but cannot justify paying over £50 for one. And i know thats what they go for, as i've been looking.

It arrived beautifully packaged. I was so excited!!!

I also bought this gorgeous, gorgeous cushion that i had asked for Christmas. I didn't recieve it, so i got it myself as i loved it so much. Isn't it so so cute?

I will be putting the blanket over the bed in the guest bedroom when we get round to decorating and i think the cushion will either go in there too or in my study.

In other news, you have to try one of these:

Mine was from this lovely tearoom in Billericay, Essex. Just stir the big wedge of chocolate into a mug of hot milk. Mmmmmm Little pleasures :)

Would you like to win one? If so visit me tommorrow for my 3rd year blogiversary giveaway

Dining room

2012-01-07T18:48:00.000Z

Firstly, thank you for the interesting comments on my last post. I didn't want to keep it up long, thats why i've posted again now. I just felt , here was a good way to vent.

------------------

The dining room is pretty much the only room in our house that is almost complete. We were really lucky that we liked the decor in this room. Would it be my choice if we were starting from scratch? No, but i'm more than happy with it.

I have been following Flyladys 15 minute plans for a little while now and last week i completely cleaned and tidied this room.

So come, let me show you around:

This is a nice big room, that fits our 8 seater dining table, with room for a seating area looking out on to the garden as well (This is where i escape with a book when the boys are driving me mad!).

We quite like the Laura Ashley wallpaper and curtains in here, it gives the room a warm, cozy feel.

My favourite feature is the orginal french doors. This room has windows at either end, so it is always very light.

We have mostly used things from our old house in here. I lovely my comfy ikea armchair and all my cheap cushions. We also bought a sofa bed from Next, so we can have guests stay here as well as in the guest bedroom.

The fireplace isn't my favourite thing, but i don't mind it. We put the mirror from our old lounge up, and i like the big sleeper mantel.

The Ikea dresser came from our old house too. I love it, especially at night when i switch the fairy lights on. Some of my favourite possessions are in here. (I actually still have a few things in boxes to unwrap to put back).

I love my Southend on sea print (Somewhere we go often). I put it in a cheap frame.

I love bargain cushions. Some of the blue and cream ones we have had for years. They are a bit shabby now, but i like that. I always buy cushions that have removable covers so they can be washed regularly. I bought the round turquoise cushion in the H and M sale for £3 and the diamante cushion was about £5 from The Range.

I have had this candle stick , from an antiques shop for a few years. The Marilyn bracelet was bought a long time ago from Liberty. I don't think i've ever worn it actually, i hung it here and thats where its always stayed:

This side unit was actually in our bedroom, i decided to put it here. It is full of photos and fabrics. The orchid is a cheap but very good fake. I put it in the pot, infront of the real one when it isn't in flower.

My husband kept asking for a clock, so i found this lovely retro looking one. It is on my bureau at the moment. We will actually be inheriting my husbands grandparents drinks cabinet soon, so the bureau will go upstairs in the study.

My final projects for this room will be to change the net curtains to Less grey/lacey ones and to change the wall lights which are a bit old, brass and ornate for my liking.

Rant, Rant, Rant

2012-01-07T08:36:00.000Z

One of my biggest pet peeves is people (especially children) who use mobiles/ipods/ipads/hand held consoles at the dinner table. It is just downright rude in my opinion.

So i was DISGUSTED last night when we took the boys out for dinner to see a little girl of about 2 years old in a highchair watching The Simpsons (Why was she watching the simpsons? shes 2?!!) on an Ipad on a stand, all the way through dinner, even while she was eating.

My hubbie had to almost glue me to the seat to stop me going over and saying ' What are you doing to your child???'

I really worry what this generation of children is going to grow up like.

Are we going to have a generation of zombie children, who don't know how to socialize, don't know how to entertain themselves, all need glasses, have no manners, get all sorts of cancers/illnesses that we don't even probably know about yet from using so much technology, can't write, don't talk to their families, have hearing problems, are overweight, have no concentration, are more violent, don't know who to talk about their problems, are robbed of real life experiences?

I don't agree with any age using technology like this is social situations, but a 2 year old?? A 2 year old does not even need to know what an ipad or The simpsons even is. She should be at a table talking with her parents, learning how to use cutlery and to say please and thank you to the waiting staff. Why come out to a restaurant if your not going to talk to each other?

Dinner is a perfect time for families to interact. Keep your child busy with small toys or colouring if you want to keep them at the table.

How it should be

N.B I don't have a problem with kids using these things from a certain age and in moderation at appropriate times.

Thanks for listening

Writtle - a walk and lunch

2012-01-06T14:46:00.000Z

I booked lunch at a lovely restaurant in a pretty town called Writtle for our Anniversary (Thank you for the lovely comments, we had a nice day, although i ended our lunch in agony. I have never ever had such pain in my ears before!!! i went to the doctors in the evening and am now on antibiotics for a ear and chest infection). We hadn't been there for a while and i forgot how lovely it was. We arrived early, so we had a little wander.

There is a fantastic gift shop with little tearoom too, but sadly it was closed for refurbishment over Christmas.

There are some beautiful houses in the village - can you spot the outside shower in this picture?

It started to rain a little:

What a wonderful bird box:

Have a lovely weekend

New post here too ' Making me smile'

Anniversary

2012-01-05T10:51:00.000Z

Today is mine and my hubbies 8th wedding anniversary. This is the first year that he has taken the day off work. We are both actually feeling ill (i even have a doctors appointment later) but we are determined that illness will not spoil our day. We took the boys to school and then went to Costa for a hot drink and a read of some Magazines - Home ones for me and fishing for him.

We are off later for Lunch and will be spending the evening infront of a film eating cheesy nachos from the same pot like we did when we were teens.

We recieved some lovely cards and as always we get each other presents in the theme of the anniversary year. This year is Bronze. Depending on what we find we can spend a little or alot. This year i made him a bronze certificate for a car driving day and he got me and him a pamper weekend and this gorgeous bronze fairy:

Yesterday i flitted around the house with my camera and took some pictures of things that remind me of 'us' to share with you.

The book my Mum bought us on our first Anniversary and my rings - engagement, wedding, i love you ring from Tiffanys in New York and My 30th/eternity ring:

Cushions that are still on our bed - a wedding present:

A picture i made once - this will go above our bed, along with others, when the bedroom is decorated:

The bag i used at our evening reception:

A photo on my dressing table taken at our civil ceremony:

My tiara, also on my dressing table:

There are lots of bits in these printer trays, like, a pink heart bought when we got engaged, a small envelope and card that i gave to him when we were about 18, and a little angel pill box that we got at The Vatican with a chocolate wrapper ring in it:

This post is dedicated to my husband and best friend.

I love you

Live Simply

2012-01-04T14:33:00.000Z

Every year since i started to read Sarah Ban Breathnachs Simple Abundance and Brocante home, i have had a word for the year.

This year i have two - Live Simply.

Live Simply to me means: to make authentic choices and to create a life you love – free from clutter of all kinds.

Ideas to live simply:

1. Eat simple - i want to eat more fresh fruit and veg from local farm shops and markets. I want to eat more naturally using fresh ingrediants.

2. Shop simple - Do i need it? do i love it? will be my mantra.

I want at least 50% of things for my home, clothes and gifts to be second hand or handmade.

3. I am going to declutter. Flylady has been helping me with this.

4. I want, as a family, to spend more time together and outside. I have plans for more walks, picnics, and visits to interesting places.

“Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.''

Whats you word for the year? I'd love to know.

Goodbye Christmas, Hello January

2012-01-03T19:20:00.000Z

New Years Day

I spent New Years day taking down the decorations like i do every year. Goodness me its borring!! I much prefer putting them up. It looked very bare when they were all down. But once i had tided i actually liked my new clean canvas, ready for decorating this year.

I did keep a few Christmassy things out. Like Candy canes from the tree in my lovely blue second hand vase.

And the pine cones went in a bowl as a centre piece for the table.

Our front door is original, its painted a lovely bright blue with gorgeous stained glass. It is very very drafty in the winter though, so we bought a big thick curtain from Ikea to keep out the cold just before Christmas. I was going to buy a big tassel tie back from Laura Ashley but instead I found a nice piece of lace to use.

We had a Christmas dinner (using leftovers) including cranberry sauce and crackers. It was lovely.

My calendar is up. This is the one i am using for the kitchen. I also have one for my study. The other free calendars (from magazines) are going to be cut up and put in my inspiration scrapbooks.

My word (or words) for this year are Live Simply.

More about that later.

There is also a new post at A year of 30.

A morning stroll by the sea

2012-01-02T12:01:00.000Z

We spent the last morning of the year at our favourite breakfast haunt and then went for a walk along the beach, where i took photos and the boys skimmed stones.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

2011-12-31T13:02:00.000Z

Who would have thought it would be mild enough to visit the zoo in late December?!

It was actually a really great day - half price, not busy and the animas were more active than i've ever seen them (Probably to keep warm because it was chilly)

Wishing you all a very Happy, and healthy New Year!!!

P.s Last day to vote for me (i believe) please please vote, it will make my year
http://www.dorsetcereals.co.uk/fun-stuff/little-blog-awards/nomination/5741

RHS Gardens - Jack Frost Trail

2011-12-30T11:56:00.000Z

Hello all. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas?

We spent Wednesday at our favourite local garden.

Look at all these wonderful trees all made from recycables:

Flying Barbie fairy:

I like to visit the gardens in different seasons. There is still lots of colour around. Rich greens, reds, orange and purple.

We followed a Jack Frost trail, finding the missing words to complete a Rhyme:

It was nice to get some fresh air and exercise after 3 days in stuffing ourselves silly with food.

Winter 4 star Hotel for all creatures small :)

Please don't forget to vote for me at the Dorset Cereal little blog awards. I believe tommorrow is the last day.

You can also catch up with my Christmas at my other blog a little later today.

Just popping by......

2011-12-24T21:04:00.000Z

....to wish you all a very Merry Christmas xx

Lovely

2011-12-21T15:55:00.000Z

Yesterday i came home to find this lovely package from Hookin with Laa Laa:

Thank you so much, i love everything so so much xxxx

I also found out i had been nominated for Dorset cereals little blog award which i believe is drawn at the end of the month.

I would be so grateful if you would vote for me. You can either just click vote, or leave your email to be entered into a competition.

I checked out the blogs with the highest votes at the moment and i have a long way to go. I really rely on my followers voting as only a few family and friends know about my blog and i'd rather keep it that way.

You can vote by clicking on this link below

As an added incentive to vote, i will have a January giveaway if i am lucky enough to win

But just for someone to nominate me is wonderful in itself. I love my blog and glad some of you like it too.

How exciting!!!

2011-12-20T20:25:00.001Z

I have just found out i have been nominated for the Dorset cereals little blog award. Thank you to who ever nominated me :)

I would love it if you would vote for me, pretty please. If you vote you will also be entered into Dorset cereals prize draw:

Whats been going on?

2011-12-19T22:09:00.000Z

From the beginning of December i read the boys a Christmas story each night. We have built quite a collection over the last few years. These are my favourites:

I have turned into quite a tea drinker the last few months. Don't you think its strange how tastes change? Mmmmm although i've always liked homemade carrot cake!!

This is the book i have bought my friends girls for Christmas. I have to admit i could easily have one of these myself!

There are lots of rooms and gorgeous stencils and stickers. Be your own interior designer!

You can see what i made the boys teachers for Christmas at my other blog. I also bought these bookmarks when we were in Cornwall:

I tried a new restaurant last week. Really really lovely. I had this amazing Christmas pizza:

Today we took the boys to see Father Christmas. It was really lovely. The boys got some crafts to make as their present and a mini Christmas tree each to plant:

My lovely latest advent gifts from Vintage hearth:

I opened these lovely magnets today. Such a thoughtful gift with pictures of Poppies and Daisies in them :)

It has been really nice to hang all our cards from the picture rail this year. Here are the cards to and from the boys, hubbie and i. The boys designed theirs this year. I was so impressed with my eldests (The sleigh scene). He is quite a little artist. I wish he would draw more often as he is really good. I love it when i get to see his artwork at parents evenings at school, because its the only time he really does it. Me and my hubbie both enjoyed, and were pretty good at art when we were in our teens, so i hope he starts to enjoy it too:

I recieved this lovely little hanging with my husbands card xx

Mollie makes landed on my door mat this Saturday. I love it!!!! Look at the gorgeous fabric for these notebooks:

I love the print, bottom right:

As you know, i am a big Belle and Boo fan. This month there is a needle book to make:

Look at these amazing beads!!!! My son (9) is Marmite mad. I have to think of something to make with them for him - any ideas please??

Enjoy your week. Keep calm and be merry!

Find out more goings on here

Christmas questions and answers

2011-12-17T15:42:00.000Z

I saw this here and thought i'd share with you:

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Well you all know i looove hot chocolate!!! Egg nog eurgh!! just the name makes me feel ill.

Does Santa wrap presents or just puts them under the tree?

In our house the kids get a main present from santa that is found by the fireplace unwrapped. All the pressies from us though are wrapped.

Colored or white lights on tree/house?

I love white lights

Do you hang mistletoe?

I would but i haven't found any yet. Must try and get some this week.

When do you put your decorations up?

Normally the first weekend of December. This year we did it earlier as we were busy that weekend. I like to do it on a weekend so that we can do the tree as a family. Then i go round and do the rest.

What is your favourite holiday dish?

Christmas roast and mince pies

Favourite holiday memory?

As a child it would have to be being in Disney world on Christmas day. And as an adult, the boys coming down to see if santas been.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

The boys open new pajamas on Christmas eve.

How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?

Lights, baubles, crackers and random decorations

Snow! Love it or dread it?

Dread it. I hate being stuck in. And it ruins plans of family or friends visiting. I must admit it looks pretty (well when it first settles) but our country never seems prepared.

Can you ice skate?

Yes, although i was better when i was younger. Probably because i used to go quite often to Romford ice rink.

Do you remember your favorite gift?

There are so many. My A la carte kitchen!!

What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Getting together with family, eating, drinking and playing games

What's your favourite holiday dessert?

Mince pies, lots of mince pies!!

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

Decorating the tree, listening to Jive bunnys christmas c.d and then stopping for mince pies and hot chocolate. Daddy lifting the boys up to put the star on the tree and then all sitting down to watch Polar Express.

What tops your tree?

We have two trees this year. One has a star and one has a Maileg angel.

Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?

I can honestly say giving. I love trying to think what others will like and i try to be thoughtful.

Candy canes... yuck or yum!?

Nope, not for me. But i love them as decoration!!

Favorite Christmas show?

At the theatre - The Snowman. I have seen it twice now. It is delightful! I recently found out my friend sees it every year. I think i'm going to make it a tradition too :)

On the T.V i prefer to watch films than specials. This year though i will be watching: Celebrity juice, All star family fortunes, and the only way is Essexmas!!

Saddest Christmas Song

Band Aid for sentiment and Fairytale of New York for making me want to cry of boredom!!

Tea time

2011-12-17T12:09:00.000Z

See more tea time images here

Dream home

2011-12-16T10:42:00.000Z

See more of my dream home pics here

Decorations/ magazine loves/Dutch sisters

2011-12-12T10:51:00.001Z

We had our first Christmas dinner with friends on Friday:

I love Humphreys Corner:

This is a great issue of Homes and antiques:

Another free calendar!! I can't possibly use them all, so i think i'll just use some of the pictures in scrapbooks etc:

I love this bed!! i must find a gorgeous piece of lace to put over my bed in the summer.

Lovely to see one of my favourite bloggers and makers in the mag. She has a gorgeous home:

This is the paper i want to put in my downstairs Loo, its so pretty!!

This is a gorgeous Christmasy house:

I wouldn't say no to receiving these on Christmas day:

I first heard of the Dutch sisters in Mollie makes. I had to buy their gorgeous toadstool and house to make. Look at the gorgeous packaging!! They have a great blog.

Find out my last 3 advent swap goodies here.

Have a scrumptious week

A catch up:

2011-12-09T10:44:00.000Z

This post is a catch up of the photos i have on my camera/mobile:

My latest advent swap goodies - Chocolate heaven book - yum, sparkly lip gloss and a collection of pamper goodies:

Some favourite Christmas decorations. I was lucky enough to find this gorgeous lady in a charity shop a few years ago:

A new buy:

This lovely father Christmas is one of 3 victorian ornaments i have inherited:

My Believe sign is always up - it reminds me of Polar Express!! These cute reindeers belong to the boys. On Christmas day they find them filled with little chocolates:

A new bargain santa:

One of Belle and Boos gorgeous prints:

I want these! aren't they the prettiest chocolates:

I love this: Its something i would like to recreate in my bedroom.

What a gorgeous decoration idea:

Mmmm i have to make this:

There is also a new post here

Feeling grey

2011-12-07T12:23:00.000Z

When you read that title did you think, 'oh dear, is she feeling down'? Well, quite the opposite actually. This post is all about the colour Grey. I love grey.

Some people think grey is drab and borring - but i love the colour.

Here is why:

Pictures from we heart it and my own

One of the cutest animals ever is grey:

And the most beautiful car ever, in my opinion, looks fab in grey:

Photos always look fabulous:

Mmmmm Bradley Cooper in Grey:

Cute:

Bedrooms look elegant in Grey and white:

Pink goes wonderfully with grey:

I am a winter, so grey suits my skin tone. I love to wear grey:

My favourite grey things:

My lovely hot water bottle

Dressing table pretties

Silvers - practically a shiny grey

Two of my gorgeous grey dresses, i like to wear them with a black belt and turquoise heels

My grey mac, Audrey style

Lovely grey bags that go with any colour

My new grey cushion from Next. This has a lovely slight tinge of purple to it

We have had this clock for years. i think it was one of our first purchases when we bought our first home together.

Keepsakes

Even books look great in grey, especially with my lovely bookmark

Yum Yum!

2011-12-07T09:53:00.000Z

Here is a quick yummy recipe for you:

Make a tomato sauce:

Fry a large chopped garlic clove and a pinch of dried chilli in some olive oil. Add a tin of whole plum tomatoes. Keep them whole until the sauce thickens and then mash with a fork. Add a little red wine vinegar and season:

Cook tagliatelle in salted water. Steam some spinach over the pot:

Drain and stir in the sauce and spinach. Scatter with ricotta:

We had ours with this quick yummy starter:

Asdas chilled feta and veggie parcels, with olives and hummus.

Christmas happenings

2011-12-06T20:07:00.000Z

Most of my gifts are wrapped now. I have been thrifty this year and tried to use the leftovers of last years wrapping paper and cards cut up to make tags:

My little purchase from the school baazar. I left it too late to look for pine cones this year, so i was chuffed to find these at 20p a bag:

A yummy dinner, Goats cheese tart from Asda with a spinach and olive salad and onion and garlic mushrooms all washed down with my favourite tipple:

The boys playing swimming on the Wii - their little wiggling bottoms made me laugh!

The lovely Laa Laa organised two great swaps. Here is my Advent swap parcel from Blueberry heart:

I loved the festive packaging.

I recieved some handmade decorations, lovely smelly Christmas pot pourri, a tissue holder, Snowman soup which conists of hot choc, marshmallows and a candy cane, and some festive tags: Thank you Blueberry heart xx xx

Here is what i sent:

A handmade star decoration, and then: a mini Baileys, a yankee candle (after reading this was at Blueberry hearts wedding), Fluffy Christmas washing up gloves, a keep calm and carry on notebook, Snowman tissues and some other bits that i have completely forgotten!!

I have been eating a lot of Mince pies with Baileys cream, squirty cream, clotted cream ......... Well tis the season to be jolly. Anyone else get excited when the Christmas tv guide comes out??!!

There is a lovely Vintage and Handmade fair in Leigh on sea. I have sold there before and will do again next year. This time however i just visited which was lovely. I saw this gorgeous Bambi picture, which my Mum bought for me. Thanks Mum!! She suggested it goes in my downstairs loo. And i thinks shes right, it will look perfect there. I also bought a deer tree ornament and a little bowl. After we went to a nearby church baazar where i bought the boys cute knitted snowmen for only £1.50 each. Bargain!! for the amount of effort that goes into them. And won them Christmas pens and pencils in the tombola. I also stopped at a charity shop and picked up an advent calendar for next year and a gorgeous blue vase:

Laa laas other swap is the advent one. This swap is so exciting!! pressies for every day of advent and an extra one for Christmas day. My partner is Vintage hearth

So far i have had:

Thank you lovely, can't wait to open the rest

White Christmas

2011-12-05T20:32:00.000Z

Every year around this time. White Christmas has to be watched. I love this film:

After leaving the Army after W.W.II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General.

Great Quotes:

Phil: I want you to get married. I want you to have nine children. And if you only spend five minutes a day with each kid, that's forty-five minutes, and I'd at least have time to go out and get a massage or something.

Phil: Give me one reason, one good reason, why we should spend our last two hours in Florida looking at the sisters of Freckle-Face Haynes, the dog-faced boy.
Bob: Let's just say we're doing it for an old pal in the army.
Phil: Well, it's not good, but it's a reason.

Phil: It's cozier, isn't it? Boy, girl, boy, girl.

Judy: We're booked for the holidays.
Phil: Vermont, huh?
Judy: Oh, Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, with all that snow.
Phil: Yeah, you know something... Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, with all that snow.
Judy: That's what I just said.
Phil: We seem to be getting a little mixed up.
Judy: Maybe it's the music.
Phil: Maybe it isn't only the music.

Bob: Miss Haynes, if you're ever under a falling building and someone offers to pick you up and carry you to safety, don't think, don't pause, don't hesitate for a moment, just spit in his eye.
Betty: What did that mean?
Bob: It means we're going to Vermont.

Phil: How much is "wow"?
Bob: It's right in between, uh, "ouch" and "boing".
Phil: Wow!

Phil: We like to take care of our friends.
Betty: But we're practically strangers!
Phil: Uh, we like to take care of that too.
Betty: But I don't understand. Why are you doing this? I mean, what's in it for you?
Phil: Forty-five minutes all to myself.

Judy: [to Phil] You are not exactly Superman, but you are awfully available.

My favourite bits from White Christmas:

-The whole musical start up of old films

-That Bing Crosby reminds me of my late grandad

-Sisters song and the blue fluffy fans

-Judy and Bettys dressing gowns

-The waterside bar

-The snow scene on the train

-Pinetree Vermont - is that not the most gorgeous sounding place to stay at christmas?

-Sandwiches and buttermilk round the fire

-Counting your blessings:

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

-When General Waverly comes in to the room and everyone starts clapping

-Opening the big doors to see snow and a horse and sleigh

-The gorgeous red christmas outfits - i so wanted one as a little girl, i had a white hand muff which i loved,

-The cute little blonde ballerina

-I'm dreaming of a white christmas

xx

Please also visit me at my other blog - todays post is 'A rather lovely weekend'

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas:

2011-12-02T10:26:00.000Z

The house is almost decorated - just a few more bits to do. I loved this sign, that i got in Boscastle:

Meet Moose - stuffa:

We have two trees in our new house. The tree we have had for years is in our living room. In our old house the star used to almost touch the ceiling, but in this house there is over a 2 foot gap!! This tree is filled with bits we have had for years, like my eldest sons handprint tree we did when he was one, painted wooden decorations, and decorations from disney:

The new tree in the dining room is my tree. I was going to go out and buy new matching decorations in teal, green and purple. But when i started sorting through boxes, i found enough decorations to fill it. Now i'm really pleased. There are decorations from bloggers and my fairy is a lovely gift i recieved a few years ago from Charlotte:

I filled my late Nans cake stand with left over baubles:

I bought this traditional calendar from here in the sale last year. I love a traditional advent calendar even more than the chocolate ones. Although the Hotel Chocolat one that my Mum bought for me and my hubbie to share is pretty good :)

I saw this gorgeous coat on Love Audreys blog. It feels so right for Christmas time. I was lucky enough to get it in the sale for half price. I picked it up yesterday and also got some lovely socks:

Although the style is more me. I bought this for my husband yesterday as i love the words. Its going to hang in our bedroom. Whenever i buy him something i leave it on his pillow so he finds it when he comes home from work and gets changed.

I also treated myself to two Christmas novels. Both writers who i have read before.

I picked up these yesterday for my Dad, to be part of his Christmas present. I'm not even sure if he still likes them, but i remember him eating them when i was little. I love the nostalgic packaging:

I have a gorgeous big Nursery Ryhme book from my childhood. My eldest wasnt that interested in it when he was younger. But the little one likes to get it out every now and then. Aren't the pictures lovely?

I am enjoying Christmas treats. Lots of tea, hot chocolate, mince pies, and Christmas tree shortbread:

For the love of yellow

2011-11-30T10:22:00.002Z

Picture from we heart it

From my landing window i can see a bungalow with bright yellow windows, and although i do not think much of the bungalow itself, It always makes me smile. I wonder who lives there? I think it must be a very jolly old couple.

Feeling christmasy

2011-11-28T21:00:00.000Z

We have put a few decorations up - i am loving decorating this house :)

Please go and visit me at my other blog - New post today

Autumn/ giveaway winner

2011-11-24T11:54:00.001Z

We are in the last few days of one of my favourite months - Autumn.

Here are some of my favourite Autumn pictures from We heart it.

As i hate the cold of Winter (although i do love Christmas), i will look forward to Spring......

The winner of the scrapbooking software is:

DresdenFae

Well done, please email me at poppyanddaisys@gmail.com and i will give you your download code.

And all is not lost - If you would like this fantastic scrapbooking software : Use code STMMMS74913. This code will give people who use it $10 off of the software. They will then get an email after the software purchase that has a $10 promo code in it.

Treat yourself in the lead up to Christmas

2011-11-22T10:14:00.000Z

- Make sure your cupboards are stocked with Mince pies:

-Treat yourself to a gorgeous Christmas book (I read this last year and loved it so much, i'm reading it again now)

- This shower gel smells like Christmas to me:

-Get out your hot water bottle ready for chilly nights:

- Fill your magazine rack with as many Christmas mags as you can squeeze in:

- Treat yourself to a few new decorations - i couldn't resist this pink deer from B&Q:

There is a new post at my other blog and also there are a couple of more days to enter my giveaway. This is a fantastic opportunity to win some fantastic software to download. No catches i promise. I have it and its great xx

New goodies and giveaway news!

2011-11-17T10:03:00.000Z

I hate having to make my way to pick up post from the Post Office, especially if its something really boring. But when it is lovely like this, it makes me very happy!!

I had some vouchers for CK, and this is what i got, a flowery bag/tea cosy/pencils and some plastic tubs:

Giveaway news!!!!!!

Don't forget to enter my two giveaways:

Giveaway 1 on this blog is for fantastic free scrapbooking software (theres also a discount code for everyone too) This software really is fantastic, enter for a friend if you don't think you would use it. I am going to use mine for thank you cards and christmas photos etc. This giveaway closes on the 24th November.

Giveaway 2 is on my other blog - there is now a sneak peak of what you could win too. This giveaway will be drawn tommorrow.

Cornwall part 4

2011-11-15T21:02:00.000Z

Here is the final part of our Cornwall holiday.

We took bikes along the lovely Camel trail from Padstow to Wadebridge:

We ate in a lovely restaurant in Wadebridge:

We loved staying in Padstow :)

Don't forget to enter my 2 giveaways here and here

Two giveaways!!!

2011-11-14T12:51:00.000Z

There is a giveaway on each of my blogs. Take a look at my previous post and there is also a surprise giveaway at my other blog

(Picture from my latest post at A year of 30)

A fantastic giveaway and a discount for you all!!

2011-11-08T20:23:00.000Z

My Memories Suite have asked me if I would offer my readers a giveaway of their software.

Look at what I have created in no time at all. I'm amazed at how very easy and fast it was:

This is my first time creating digital scrapbook pages, so if I can do it with this software, so can you. There are lots of different templetes and ideas to try.

The designs would be great for use on your blogs, in photo frames, and to make cards and books for yourself and friends and family.

They have plenty of free pages and kits available on their site too. And the software comes preloaded with lots of templates, papers, textures, embellishments, etc.

I'm liking this software so much that I'm sure I'll share lots more with you in the future. My Memories Suite is an award-winning digital scrapbook software and it's rated #1 by both Amazon and TopTen Reviews.

My Memories has a great blog and you can also follow them on Facebook.

Enter to win the My Memories Suite!

One of my readers will win the software, a $40 value!

And everyone is a winner with My Memories Suite.

They are also providing all my readers a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software and a $10 coupon for the My Memories.com store - $20 value!

Use code STMMMS74913. This code will give people who use it $10 off of the software. They will then get an email after the software purchase that has a $10 promo code in it.

To enter to win the My Memories Suite just

Leave me a comment. I'd love to know what layout you like on the site too, so go take a look.

For an extra chances to win, follow me here at LissyLou and/or share this giveaway/discount on your sites. (Let me know you have done this)

This giveaway will be open until Thursday 24th November.

Good luck xx

Cornwall part 3

2011-11-07T09:54:00.000Z

We had one really really wet day (as you can see below) although actually it was really fun. The boys loved it when the car got soaked going through puddles and we had a cosy cream tea in the afternoon.

Our lovely holiday house had some great reading material and was packed with Coast magazines too, which i loved flicking through of an evening.

The boys enjoyed Crabbing at Port Issac and in Padstow.

And then more cake and cream tea at a gorgeous cafe, Cherry trees. (Heart shape scones!!! doesn't take much to please me)

The best things about the rain? Rainbows and jumping in muddy puddles!

The 4th and final part coming soon

Cornwall part 2

2011-11-03T20:15:00.000Z

Mawgan Porth walk to Bedruthan Steps:

The beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan - my favourite gardens. This was our first Autumn visit:

Part 3 and a giveaway coming soon

xx

Cornwall Part 1

2011-10-31T09:57:00.000Z

We have spent the last week in Cornwall.

I took lots and lots of photos, so in part one i will just show you the lovely house we stayed at in Padstow.

Before we could get into our house we went to a lovely cafe called Cherry Trees:

Join me for part two tomorrow and a special giveaway later this week

The things i know for sure:

2011-10-26T11:26:00.001+01:00

However many spot creams i have tried, white toothpaste still works the best:

Everyone looks better when they smile:

No one looks good orange or with make up lines - blend, blend, blend:

Make time for your friends, the cleaning can wait:

Date nights are essential for a happy marriage:

Too much jewellery is tacky. As a rule never wear long earrings and a necklace together. Marilyn Monroe was so stylish when it came to wearing jewels. Often she wore none, or just one piece:

Crocs are a big no no, sepecially for adults:

Audrey Hepburn is the most wonderful role model:

Wine makes me very very ill:

Bring me chocolate chip (egg free) shortbread and i'll be your friend for life:

Its nice to say Thank you:

Only you can make you happy:

If you sit down with a box of chocolates or biscuits, you will eat them all!! Just put a couple on a plate:

Pictures from Weheartit
Please note these are my opinions, you may not agree.

I love Charity shops and carboot sales

2011-10-18T13:23:00.001+01:00

Over the years i have bought many things second hand: Clothes/books/toys etc

Here are some of my favourites:

Four of my favourite books:

Ornaments that make me smile: (I used to have the little boy in my shop, but i love him so much i'm keeping him)

This tin stores birthday candles, when not in use at Easter:

When i got married i bought lots of tea cups and cake stands for our at home tea family tea party. I kept a few and donated the rest back to a charity shop.

One of my best ever buys was the blue glass jug with 6 matching glasses for less than £5:

50p bargain:

I have bought lots of pictures and frames from charity shops and car boots. My son loves this print:

Books, childrens clothes and toys have probably been my most purchased. Charity shopping makes me smile more than normal shopping - i know i'm helping plus i get a bargain, like the Laura Ashley bedding i got for my son for about £3:

This is my Poppy and Daisy work planner for 2012:

I haven't found many clothes lately, but in the past i have bought a Karen Millen coat for £4, bags, jewellery, jeans and plenty of tops:

Some of the benefits of charity shops in the UK :

xStatistics:Their trading raises over £110 million a year for good causes.
They play a major role in the re-use of second-hand goods (helping the environment, eg reducing landfill and global warming)
They're a more effective way of raising money for good causes than house-to-house collections
They publicise the good causes they represent, and many provide leaflets and information/advice.
They receive £ millions annually in cash donations.
120,000 volunteers donate their time, by working in charity shops.
They provide good-quality, inexpensive goods - helping the less well off.

Please don't forget my other blog. Todays post is Baking and other lovelies.

Swap/ free calendar/New tearoom/Rhianna

2011-10-17T12:15:00.002+01:00

I now know that Amy Lane has recieved my Autumn swap hosted by Blueberry heart. Here is what i sent: A jute bag, serviettes, a homemade heart, hot chocolate, A couple of Dots and spots postcards, some purple buttons, a gorgeous smelling candle, and a recipe book.

The free Prima calendar is out now - i've had it for the last few years. This year has a food theme. I don't think its as good as previous years, but great for a freebie:

These are my favourite pages:

For anyone that lives/or visits Essex there is a new really lovely 1920's themed tea room in Leigh on sea. I forget to take my camera, so will be visiting again soon as its gorgeous, i have to show you the pics!!

The hubbie and i went to see Rihanna at the 02 last week. We had great seat, this is one of my shots:

A few more days to enter my giveaway!!

2011-10-15T00:09:00.000+01:00

You just need to either leave a comment at my blogshop or a like on the post at my shop facebook page.

Closes Monday

Victoria sponge recipe

2011-10-14T14:11:00.001+01:00

This is the first Victoria sponge i have ever made. Its pretty good, but i think i'll still hunt around for a better recipe: (I have already found my favourite vanilla cupcakes/carrot and orange cupcakes and carrot cake recipes, from The hummingbird bakery and Primrose bakery cookbooks) My books don't have a victoria sponge recipe. If any of you have a recipe for one from either of these bakeries would you email me it please.

Ingredients:

180g butter
180g caster sugar
3 eggs
180g self raising flour
3 1/2 tbsp good raspberry jam
140g fresh raspberries
120ml whipping cream
A few drops of good quality vanilla essence
icing sugar for dusting
2 x 20cm sandwich tinned, greased and lined

Oven 180 oC

Put butter and sugar in bowl and beat together:

Beat in the eggs (I don't eat eggs so i use this egg replacer) one at a time:

Sift in the flour and mix:

Spoon evenly into the tins (I weigh each tin with mixture to ensure i get the same even sponges)
Bake for 20-25 mins, turn the cakes onto wire racks, peel off lining paper and cool completely:

Spread the jam on one cake and top with raspberries:

Whip the cream to form soft peaks, add the vanilla essence:

Spread over the raspberries, put the second cake on top and sprinkle with icing sugar:

Make a cup of tea and serve:

New post and Victoria sponge

2011-10-12T10:18:00.000+01:00

There is a new post over at my other blog today.

And the winning cake is Victoria sponge, I have to say that i voted for it too.

Although there was no cheating involved as blogger only lets you vote once.

I'm all set up and ready to make it later today.

Here are some yummy piccies to keep you going until i come back with my own.

You can tell its almost Christmas when .........

2011-10-10T10:59:00.001+01:00

.......The Boots gift guide comes out!!! (I'm enjoying flicking through with some Chocolate)

This is what i'm liking:

--------------------------

I am also liking these lovelies:

This gorgeous cushion:

Fawn journal:

And from Cox and Cox:

Cupcake swap and a gorgeous little book

2011-10-07T12:44:00.000+01:00

Yay!! my cupcake swap finally arrived after being lost in the post for over 3 weeks!!

Thank you so much Jewel.

I recieved a recipe book, cupcake bubbles, cases, cupcake box and decoration, notecards, a cute little hanging and a gorgeous homemade card. I also love how the colours are co-ordinated pink and mint green :)

-------------------------

I must tell you about this gorgeous little book/catalogue from Cottontails baby:

I have linked to Charlottes shop (in the sidebar) since my first year of blogging, as this is such a gorgeous kids shop and Charlotte and her rabbit Humphrey are so lovely. If i had a little girl i would probably buy up the whole shop!! I have made a couple of purchases over the last few years and i will be making a Christmas order later today.

This little book has to be the cutest i have seen, not only does it advertise the products but there are little makes/stories in it too.

I am really loving all the Christmas bits!!

Please go take a look, there are some nice bits for young boys and for young at heart ladies too.

Charlotte also has a lovely blog too.

Pride of Britain fashion

2011-10-06T13:01:00.003+01:00

Nice to see Carol dressing her age for once:

I am not a Cheryl Cole fan and normally hate her fashion, but she looked lovely at the awards. Very sleek and elegant:

I also like Kimberleys dress, and i think this colour suits Melanie C really well.

I 'm not sure about Amy Cjilds look, i have seen her in better. Her eye makeup is terrible though!!

I am normally so jealous of Abbey Clancy, she is normally so beautiful and perfect. So why oh why has she gone and ruined her face with what looks like dodgy lip implants? And not keen on the spiky dress.

Treasure everyday

2011-10-05T18:41:00.001+01:00

There is treasure in everyday. You just need to look for it.

Rainbows in my house, rainbows in the garden, Hidden treasure.

Please remember to vote for your favourite cake at the top of my sidebar :)

Christmas/swap/get voting

2011-10-04T14:38:00.002+01:00

I have gone and done it.... i have bought my first Christmas magazine:

Money is going to be a bit tight this Christmas, so i am going to have a thrifty one on the decoration front. I am liking these ideas:

--------------------------------

Now i know that Jewel has recieved her Cupcake swap parcel i can show you what i sent:

A mug, cupcake cases, sprinkles, a cupcake candle, cupcakes to make, a note book and a handmade coaster.

Sadly my parcel from Jewel seems to have got lost in the post. It has been over 3 weeks now :(

I have just sent off my Autumn swap and am getting the two Christmas swaps i am taking part in organized xx I love swaps and have been very lucky on receiving up until now. But these things happen xx

---------------------------

Just a few notes - Please vote (on the top of my side bar, or Facebook page) for which cakes i should make next. I will let you have the recipe when i have made them.

And also please like my Poppy and Daisy Facebook page or shout out to others- i will be holding a giveaway once i have 350 likers. There is something handmade/vintage and crafty bits to be won.

Thanks have a great week xx

Vintage vogue

2011-10-03T20:42:00.000+01:00

On Sunday i went to the vintage vogue fashion fair. I have been to this lovely fair before.

I wasn't able to take pictures inside, so i'll show you what i bought.

Beautiful necklace and bag:

This pretty tablecloth, just needs a wash and iron. It is in fantastic condition:

This smaller tablecloth is quite stained so i will probably use it to craft with:

I love these. I presume they are chair backs, but i am going to use them as teatowels. I think they will look really pretty hanging from my rangemaster. I also got a pretty crochet pot holder:

These pretty vintage fabrics were a great price. I think the red and white one looks quite christmassy:

That was it for the fair. We headed into Brentwood (There are some lovely shops there). I bought this cute tin in a beautiful and large new cookshop:

I found these two books in a charity shop:

And this cardi for my youngest:

Plus a little Polly Pocket house that i will clean up and give to my niece when i next see her:

Mmmmm cake....

2011-10-03T12:02:00.000+01:00

I am really enjoying the time, now my youngest is at school. making cakes each week. Last week i made vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting and carrot cupcakes with orange buttercream.

I can't think of a nicer place to store my buttercream icing:

Not that all these cupcakes are really going to help me lose the stone i put on when i broke my foot!

So i have been making sure that i either make them with eggs for the boys (I don't eat egg). Or make them with egg replacer and give some to family, friends and school teachers so i don't stuff my face. The carrot cake cupcakes went down really really well, i will be making those again and i always use the basic vanilla cupcake recipe.

I saved myself one to have this morning. Do you like the lovely plate? My mum used to have plates over the wall. And then sold most of them in the ' chuck out your chintz 90's'. I am so pleased i kept a few as i always use them now. This one was bought because it shares my name.

My favourite blogs of the moment

2011-09-30T11:35:00.000+01:00

I have so many blogs that i love. You can see who i follow on my profile page. I also read lots of others too (But i may not be able to follow because i have gone over my amont that i can follow on blogger!!)

Here are some blogs/ladies that i am really loving:

Romi and Bob

I love this blog and this gorgeous lady. Tracey is very honest and has a beautiful home and family. I love her style. We have so much in common. She recently commented that she'd love to come to tea. I wish we lived closer as i'd definately have her over for a cuppa and a natter.

Country Rabbit - Formally A mermaids purse

Kazzys blog has been a favourite of mine for a long time.

Again i love her home and her beautiful sweetpea. She is a wonderfully gifted lady who always makes me smile.

Junkaholique

This is one super stylish blog. I love her photos, her style and her fabulous camping trips.

Attic 24

The colours on this blog are so cheery. I love Lucys makes.

Belle and Boo

I am a huge Belle and Boo fan. This blog keeps me up to date with the happenings of Belle and Boo. I can't wait for the Christmas collection.

Cozy home chronicles

I have followed this lovely lady from the beginning of my journey in blogland. She always has great makes and wonderful ideas.

Dottie Angel