Random Stuff

I haven't blogged for a few days - we have been busy over the bank holiday weekend plus I have wedding invites to get made as soon as possible.  Before I go any further I want to share the latest  Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge and encourage you to play along - remember there are always freebie stamps to be had if you're lucky enough to have your name picked!

It's a really sweet sketch this week and I sooooo want to play but I am back to work tomorrow plus I have to put the wedding invites ahead of anything else.  If I can get a move on I may get a chance to play tho'.  My heart goes out to Claire right now.  She has had manufacturer difficulties and had to almost retract the latest release of stamps - major BUMMER!  It means I will just have to be patient a bit longer to get my hands on these fab stamps but this is the best release EVER in my opinion so I'm more than happy to wait.

We travelled to Northampton on Friday to collect Jess and bring her home for the day - she really needed to be with family and friends for a few hours but it meant an early start and then taking her back late and we didn't get back home again until midnight that same day.  Then because we promised to take the grand kids out for the day on Saturday we were up early again and in for another long busy day.

We stopped off in Colchester first to have a picnic lunch in the park and take in a museum.  The weather was not the best and we ended up sheltering from sudden rain showers several times.  Once it brightened up we headed to the nearest coast and the kids enjoyed this most of all.  They are just fascinated by the sea and could spend hours on a beach.

As chance would have it there was a festival in Colchester park and it was absolutely heaving with people all enjoying the live music, exhibitions and activities but it was all a bit too chaotic and busy for the kids.  I have to say it was a beautiful park with a fantastic play area for kids so we will be making a second trip and maybe take in the castle next time too. Well worth a visit if you're looking for somewhere to go for an afternoon.

Sunday was taken up with church, allotment most of the afternoon and then church again in the evening which is kinda how I like a Sunday to be.  Nothing too strenuous, a good sermon or two - especially if it's thought provoking (which a sermon should be) plus getting some more work done outdoors which I also love especially as it's something hubby and I do together.  Today (Bank Holiday Monday) Dave & I got up early and headed off for a drive to a car boot sale which we also love to do when we can.

I picked up several things but I'm especially please to have bagged a few children's books.  It's hard trying to find character books with just the right kind of picture pages inside and ever since I used my WTP book to make story book bunting for our friend Jo for her new baby nursery, I have been hankering to have another go.  The Dandy and Beezer are probably my favourites but the Sponge Bob Square Pants one should be interesting.

It's fine to have some text on the bunting but mostly you need brightly coloured pictures back and front.  Once I get my invites done I will be cutting these out and sewing them up at my mother's one Wednesday evening.  

I promise I'll post pictures when I do.  They come up so fab and I'm excited about making more so I can't wait to share them with you all when I do.  

Well for now I have to take up the hem of a pair of trousers I'm planning to wear to work tomorrow.  I told myself NOT to leave it until the last minute but that's exactly what I've ended up doing!  Guess I'd best go do it before my eyes get too tired to sew - they're black trousers and it's hard to see black on black at the best of times.

I will be back as soon as I can.  Stay well & happy crafting!

Blessings

Suezie

Strawberry Love

I make no secret about my love for everything strawberry - I have collected for years although I have since reduced my collection and now keep just a few favourite pieces.  It all begins to take over otherwise - believe me I know - I've been there LOL.

Anyhow when my mother and sisters visited for lunch a while back we pulled out the awning and set up a table in the back yard.  All my pretty strawberry dishes came out and I have my sister Gillian to thank since she started me collecting particular ones including the ones in this snap shot - which sadly they discontinued before I could finish my collection.  It all just means I have to have an 'ecclectic' and sometimes 'random' mix of dishes but I've learnt to accept that now that I'm over the disappointment.

As we sat and enjoyed the sunshine and banter it was noted that I didn't have a tea cosy for my strawberry tea pot.  I have been longing for a strawberry tea cosy for like forever!  Well long no more Suezie :-)

Isn't this a beauty?  Best of all it's completely hand made and by some lovely lady who donates them to a local charity shop in our town - how cool is that.!  Wish I could knit like this.  I suspect the shop gives her donated wool which I've heard is usually how it works but whatever the arrangement I'm truly grateful to this lady who remains nameless.

It cost a mere £3.49 which I feel is definitely way too cheap but then again I guess people just don't use tea pots so much these days never mind use tea cosys.  I for one am encouraging Jilly to get out her little old tea pot and cups and saucers when I visit her - why shouldn't we treat ourselves to something special.  Why the whole thing has been known to make us both giddy with excitement - silly pair of girls that we are - at least when we get together that is.  I don't know.  It must hark back to our school days together I guess but it just brings back the carefree days of childhood and we get positively giddy on it.  Ha, ha - have I told you I love visitin' with Jilly?  

Don't you just love charity shops?  You just never know quite what you'll find and you just have to feel better knowing you did something all in a good cause.  In fact charity shops, flea markets, car boot sales,antique sales - I love em' all.  I love to see something old being given a new lease of life I guess, being cherished all over again and I've always been a firm believer in one man's trash, another man's treasure.  Society is far too wasteful as a whole so give me old fashioned and a bit well loved any day of the week.  Hubby and I refer to it as 'having character' which most modern things seem to be sadly lacking these days.  Okay, I'll get off my soapbox LOL!

Sending you all blessings

Suezie

Just Updating

Just updating since we're now back from our trip.  We both really enjoyed the break from it all and especially getting out and about together. Just being able to have the time for Dave to help me go walkabout was the best bit for me.  I have been stuck indoors for far too long. Of course there was also far too much eating out so the diet was off the radar!  I figured it would be but I got right back on it the very next day we were back in a bid to undo any damage I may have done.  I see the nurse this coming Saturday and I can cope with staying the same but I have never yet gained so I'd be really disappointed if I did now.

We've stayed in a few places whilst Jess has lived in Northampton and she kindly booked one for us that was about a 15 - 20 minute drive away.

It was in a place called Broughton and was surprisingly quiet.  It was on the edge of a newer housing development so I don't know how long that will last but we had a nice stay here and the drive back and forth to pick Jess up everyday was no trouble.  We put a whole lot of miles on the car in a short space of time.  The lack of exercise was beginning to really bug me so I lapped up all the fresh air and open space and now I'm getting ready to return to work and looking forward to the walk home each day.  I don't yet know if I can handle it all but I'm hoping hubby will help me work on that in the next few days - things are looking pretty good so I'm hopeful.

We didn't have anywhere specific in mind to visit so we just grabbed the map every day and picked somewhere.  I had never been to Lemington Spa so we went there for the day and were pleasantly surprised.  I would definitely go back there again.  And when we went to Banbury (as in ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross) we found a flea market and Jess bartered for this lovely wooden basket for me.  I love things like this and it will look nice out on a worktop with inks or something inside.

We found several charity shops and picked up a few bits - sadly no fabric but I did get 3 of these pretty Weck jars at just 50p each.  Hopefully you can make out the strawberry design on the front and the lids.  I had cupcakes in a jar in mind but since I collect strawberries I'm not so sure I will be able to part with them when the time comes. LOL.

I did manage to purchase some new fabric so I have been cutting out aprons.  I want to make one for Jess so I can get a 'thank you' package into the post for her.  I always try to send her a little something to say thanks when we visit.  She usually treats us to a meal out - in fact she finds it hard to let us take a turn but we do insist.  She is always very good to us and she loves getting packages as much as I do so I try to spoil her in return.  She can't protest at a package if she doesn't know it's coming now can she?

So far I've cut out 3 aprons and have two more to cut out but I've run out of white lining fabric.  The cherry fabric is Cath Kidston and matches dishes I gave Jess for last Christmas.  The two floral fabrics aren't CK but they were such a bargain that I had to have them - only £5 per metre and they look every bit CK to me so I wasn't going to pass that up.

While I'm here I might as well share my retro sewing bag which you might've caught sight of in the background.  I know it's at least retro by the 'St Michael' label inside (sorry it's upside down in this shot).  I know that this label was first introduced in 1928 and by 1950 virtually all goods were sold under this label.  Because of the box around this label I guestimate it's around about the 70's mark which must make it 40 years old if not a bit more.

 I have been looking for a suitable bag to house my machine for several months and didn't want to pay the sometimes hefty price in the sewing shops (up to as much as £50).  Besides I wanted something with character that I would enjoy looking at if it sat out for any length of time.   This bag makes me think of the show Pan Am that was on not too long along and followed the lives of several air stewardess' on those early flights - you know when there was luxury on board, lots of leg room, personalised service with a smile etc..

I found several bags during my search but just couldn't settle on one until I found this beauty.  I just love the handles, the hardware, the colour and design - everything in fact and it's very deep and roomy enough to take patterns and fabric as well as my sewing machine.  Best of all it was a mere £3.99 in a local charity shop!  You simply can't beat that kind of price anywhere!  And a saving like this just means I can spend my money on something else which is just how I like it.  

Well now I guess I need to get the machine out of the bag and get busy with those aprons :-)

I love going away but like most people it's good to be home.  Hope some of you have managed a nice break  this year.

Blessings

Suezie

God's Green Earth

Today was a good day!  To start off with it was a Sunday so it was a lazy morning followed by church.  After 15 years at an Anglican church we needed a change so we now attend Bradfield and Rougham Baptist Church or BRBC as it's known and service starts at 11.00 am which is so much more civilised.  It's surprising just how much difference an extra half hour can make.  We spent a couple of years at a baptist church in America and really enjoyed it then.  We are loving this new church.

Then it was home for lunch and down the allotment to enjoy the sunshine and it's one of the few times I get out into the fresh air right now so I especially enjoy it.  Dave helps me out of the car and to the plot and once I get my cushion and hand tools I can sit or kneel at a box and weed away merrily - and boy is there ever weeding to be done.  It is never ending!

But isn't it all just looking green and luscious?  I'm loving that Maddy and Grandma have a herb and flower garden down the centre this year.  The other long, thin box (with green netting & bottles) is full of peas but next year it will be turned over to more flowers and more herbs I think so we can make use of fresh herbs and attract more bees, butterflies and ladybugs.

To the far left of this shot is the potato box, then peas down the centre, then hidden behind the corn is the squash patch with turnip, leeks, chard & celery around the edges.  In the fore ground is the pumpkin patch on the left, our flower garden down the centre and then the salad patch on the right with cucumbers, tomatoes & lettuce.  In front of this (and out of shot) is the green beans and then Maddy's box on the left, the zucchini box with beets and then Kaleb and Zach's boxes.  All in all it's a busy little plot.

This is our bean teepee.  Our neighbour had these on her plot last year and I admired them so much I was determined to try this myself.  There are both climbing beans and bush beans in this box plus we added celeriac in between since it probably won't be ready until just as the beans are finishing or later.

This is the pumpkin patch and although you can't see them yet, you can just about see a touch of yellow flower peeking through.  There are lots of iddy biddy baby pumpkins lurking under those lush leaves.  We also have some lettuce around the left side (out of shot) plus our first sweet potato plant and pepper plants.  We decided to mix things up in each box for a change to make better use of space.  

Dave and I revamped the plot this year thanks to a couple of generous donations of old bricks and some freebie offcuts of wood from work.  Hubby makes bespoke cabins and garden sheds at work so he gets to work with the smell of wood all day long.  There are now lovely brick paths to walk along so the kids don't get muddy boots plus having everything in boxes makes it easy to tackle a box at a time.  All this hard work has paid off since it's now even more of a joy to work on it.

And this is the sweetcorn patch which is coming along nicely and getting lots of lovely sunshine as you can see.  Vicky came along and helped out for a few hours and then later on the kids came along and helped water everything.  

By the time we were done it was about 4.30 pm so it was home and cook dinner with a nice fresh picked salad on the side and then back to church this evening.  We're having a series of teachings on Proverbs 22 and 30 sayings on how to live as a child of God which have been really interesting so far so I don't want to miss any.  Then it was home, a few last minute chores, a bit of blogging and catching up with family via the net and then I'm about to head off to Bedfordshire and call it a day.

For me this is an ideal Sunday, except that we passed on a chance to all have a meal out together as a family and let Vicky and the kids go without us.  I chose instead to stick rigidly to the diet today and cook something simplE and low calorie and that's just fine.  The weight won't go if I don't help it along now will it?  Besides - a little sacrifice now will all be worth it in the end.

Oh and before I go I just wanted to share a really lovely song we had this evening - one I haven't ever heard before.  It's called 'Father, I place into Your hands' by Jenny Hewer.  I thought the words and melody were just perfect to round off today.   I found a video recording and lyrics here if you want to check it out.  It's a bit of a kiddie version but it's similar and you'll get the idea.

Well I hope you all had a lovely Sunday.  Wasn't the sunshine glorious and so very welcome after so much rain - even if it does mean a whole round of watering trips from here on.  Maybe we will still get a summer after all.  Share with me your perfect idea of a Sunday if you feel like it - I'd love to hear what you do.

Suezie

Keeping Positive & a Recipe

It takes work sometimes to keep positive and today I'm doing my best.  For those of you who may not be aware I have been on a diet for the past 7 months and my last weigh in was 3 weeks ago.  Today I saw the nurse only to discover that in all that time I hadn't lost a single pound!

It is perhaps to be expected since I'm not able to get out and walk right now due to labyrinthitis and I have to  admit I spent more days lying around this past week that I cared to but every now and then it creeps up on me and knocks be back a bit.  Besides I am supposed to rest and I usually don't so that's most likely why it hits me harder when it does.

But I am determined to remain positive this time around - I know it will eventually go - it's just a matter of when and so I can say the same about my weight loss too I guess.  I know it will all eventually go and I also know that the longer it takes the better off I'll be when it comes to keeping it off.

That said I have EVERY reason to remain positive.  Firstly I have stayed the same so while I didn't lose anything I never gained either!  I AM HOLDING GROUND!!  Secondly I have lost well over 50 lbs since the beginning of January and can technically stop after another stone or stone and a half.  It's most likely I won't since I'd really like to reach my doctors goal for me but even that's only another 2 stone so I'm doing well.  I have set a 6 month target to do this last bit so I can slow down some anyhow. And if I'm absolutely honest with myself (and with all you out there too) I did kinda pig out last weekend when I made carrot cake for Jilly's birthday.  My carrot cake with cream cheese frosting has NEVER been low calorie - quite the reverse and I'm not tellin how many pieces I had in 2 days! Chances are I'd lost a pound or two before that - you know cos you feel it - literally!  But of course I didn't confess all to my nurse LOL.  And finally I have come down 4 dress sizes so far so I don't have to go to the 'fat girl' section ever again if I don't want to.  Shopping for clothes had become somewhat depressing - until now that is.

Anyhow I thought I would share my new favourite low cal & super healthy breakfast with you.  I don't eat or drink anything before seeing the nurse for a weigh in ( I always take the 8.30 am  appt) so I especially enjoyed this today when I came home positively gasping for a cuppa too!

I have taken to eating Alpro soya yoghurt - plain rather than vanilla since it's fewer calories and I sweeten it by adding fruit anyhow.  Since I'm vegetarian and on a reduced diet I worry about getting enough protein sometimes so just a switch to this yoghurt can make a big difference.  I add half a chopped banana usually ( I save the other half for a snack mid-morning) or sometimes I add prunes or apricots instead.  Then I crumble in one of these scrummy-licious home made muesli bars.  They work out at only 140 calories each - are packed with fruit, nuts, seeds and all important oats for slow release to keep you going longer too.  I discovered them years ago when I purchased a healthy heart cookbook and hubby and I have enjoyed them on and off over the years ever since.  I stop making them every once in a while cos he can eat on them like they're going out of style and then I'm making up a new batch every week!

The whole breakfast only amounts to 230 calories and is yummy, chewy and delicious - and believe me I'm not a real lover of yoghurt but I've acquired a real taste for this.  If I don't have it for breakfast some days then I've been known to have it for lunch :-)

Don't they just look jam packed full of goodness?  I took some this morning to share with nurse Aimee and I know my doctor loves these two - she happens to be away right now or I'd have shared some with her as well.  So here's the recipe:

Muesli Bars

2.5 oz (65g) unsaturated margarine
6 fl oz (180 ml) liquid honey (warm a few seconds in microwave to run easier)
2 oz (50g) brown sugar
8 oz (200g) rolled oats
4.5 oz (130g) sunflower seeds (I mix sunflower and pumpkin for variety)
4.5 oz (130g) wholemeal flour
2oz (50g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
6oz (160g) chopped dried fruit (sultanas, apricots, dates, prunes, raisins, cranberries etc)
1 oz sesame seeds (sometimes I use linseeds too)
1 - 2 tblspns wheat bran or wheat germ (optional but I feel better for adding this)

In a large bowl mix oats, seeds, nuts, fruit and wheat bran if using it.  Melt margarine over medium heat then add sugar and honey.  Bring to a gentle boil and then simmer for 5 minutes longer.  Pour over dry ingredients and mix quickly blending well.  Press into a large 10" x 15" greased pan.  NOTE: I use the best quality pan I can, heavy weight, non-stick and about 1" deep.  I also use a 1 calorie spray and they simply slip out every time - I'm sure the non-stick pan makes all the difference here.  I find if I wet my hand under a warm running tap and then press the mixture into the pan it's less likely to stick to me and presses in much easier too.

Bake in a 350F or 180C or Gas 4 oven for just 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Cut into 30 bars at 140 calories per bar or into 40 smaller squares at 104 per square.  We like them enough to have bigger bars per serving even though that means less overall.

They will keep stored in an airtight tub or container for at least 2 weeks - maybe even longer but I wouldn't know about that.  They've never stayed around in our house for any longer than that - and there's only the two of us LOL!!  Shame, shame on us.

Why not see if you don't enjoy these half as much as we do.  In fact I may make another batch next week to take some to Jess.  I'd like to see what her trainer makes of them and I know she'll enjoy them too.

Sorry for the long post - next up is a craft one honest!

Blessings

Kiss Me Kate!

Well they did it - they tied the knot and 2 kisses!  Wasn't it a beautiful ceremony - did you watch it?  I ended up watching it all on my lonesome cos my mother and sisters (4 of them) all got together and forgot to tell me - SERIOUSLY!  I rang my mother to see if she'd enjoyed it and I could hear everyone in the background.  I was like - 'what and you didn't think to call me so I could join you!' 

If I have any disappointments of the day it's now that I missed out on the 'party'.  And my 'funny' mother (not) even started telling me what food they had - including the vegetarian stuff!  Thanks mother!  See if I invite you to my next party!!!

But really - it was a great day and 'one' (cos I was on my own LOL) was made to feel so very proud, very patriotic and also very pleased for them.  And because I was on my own I could shed a tear every now and then and not worry who was there to see me cry.  Yes I was a big girls blouse!  I cried!  I was overcome with emotion - I couldn't help it.  I really can cry at the drop of a hat - oh don't get me started on some of the hats! (I can think of at least a couple of princesses who are probably crying looking back at themselves now - well they should be).

This picture was posted on the net (not my photo I hasten to add) so I hope it's ok to share it.  They made such a lovely couple.  There were moments of almost shyness - who wouldn't be a bit shy in front of that many people - and little 'shared' moments, a look, a smile or a few brief words between them and the whole thing was amazing.

And this is my snapshot - taken off the telly - how sad is that?  Well it's what we all wanted to see isn't it?  Everyone else had cameras out didn't they?  I don't know what came over me I guess - I sat poised and ready and before I knew what had happened I'd clicked LOL! Hey - it's a moment in history.

She did have an air of 'Grace Kelly' about her as did the dress - both were stunningly beautiful and such elegance!  Grace Kelly was a commoner who married a prince, same as Kate - clearly it can work.  I think Kate had great dignity and grace and they were noted as being a very sensible couple.  I think she makes a stunning princess and he's a very lucky prince to have her!

Congratulations to them both!

Suezie

Bunny Cakes

I saw this idea on the net and had to try it for Easter this year.  Actually my daughter made up the cakes for me and a batch of frosting - under my instruction of course LOL! All I did was pipe the frosting, cut out and add the card stock ears and the mini white marshmallows for tails.  How cute are these?

The kids thought they were fun and of course they were yummy-licious too!

I think if I try them again another year I just might try to look out for something else for the tails though.  Maybe some white fluffy candyfloss - I don't know - but I'll know it when I see it.  Besides I can't eat marshmallows.

And here's Maddy tucking into her one.  I resisted the temptation to take a photo of her with the frosting on the end of her nose after she'd bitten into it LOL!  It was fun watching her enjoy it tho'.

I printed off the ears from a freebie at 'one charming party here so go check it out.  There are lots of other fab party ideas too.

Hope you all had a good Easter.  Wasn't the sunshine just lovely?

Blessings

Suezie

TGFW! A Post for Family (with love)

Thank Goodness For Weekends that is!  I don't know how we'd get anything done if it wasn't for the weekends.  And this one was a typical busy one.  True, I may have been left out of a few things (still not walking good enough just yet) but when I could join in I did and I enjoyed the chance to get out of the house.

Hubby drove us to the allotment for a family BBQ and some outdoor fun as well as hard work.  Okay so I pretty much sat in a chair and directed everyone but hey - somebody had to do it LOL!  Besides it makes up for the last time when I had to sit at the tap and scrub the plastic bottles clean.  What an exciting job that was - not!

Our eldest grandson had a footie game in the morning while everyone else was at church (I missed out on both) which is why he was still in his gear but it didn't take him long to get stuck right in.

It wasn't hard to find jobs for everyone either as there is always lots to be done.

We have lots of seedlings that are ready to go into the ground so I even managed to find a job that mummy and Maddy could do together while I sat and gave advice.

Maddy looked really pretty in her cropped jeans, floral shift top and those bright pink wellington boots!  Perhaps not quite garden wear?  She really enjoyed making the holes for the beetroot that we're running down between the beans and peas this year.  See how clean those bottles are?  We have some good friends who keep these for us and they're like little mini green houses as well as protection from pesky birds.

I have even put my sewing skills to good use by sewing channels in poly plastic so we can run thick wire through and use 'home made' poly tunnels to protect plants.  Pull the wire out and fold the plastic up and they store away each year real easy.  That's my gardening 'top tip' for the day LOL!

I have been after hubby to put a small bit of patio onto the plot for the last couple of years but until now he hasn't.  He pretty much had to do it this year if he wanted me to be able to sit and keep him company.  I needed a flat surface so I wouldn't feel so giddy but it made a nice space to have lunch - BBQ'd hot dogs.  We have teh chairs and the mini BBQ so all we need now is a table!  Taking a break helped us keep the kids busy for about two and half hours good work. Not bad going I'd say.  Dave can use all the help he can get since I'm not much use so far.

Hubby also built me a 'salad box' this year.  Part of the whole 'ethos' of having an allotment is to make and do.  No matter how 'pretty' I'd like it to look - it just doesn't work that way.  This single shower door was inherited when our daughter got the plot and it's only taken 5 years to get hubby to make it into a salad box LOL!  But it's made from scraps of wooden decking and I love it.  He even took the paving slabs along the front to make it easier for me to sit and work in it.  How sweet is that?

And Zach kindly watered my babies for me :-)  Hey they may look small right now but give them a couple of weeks and this box will be full.

 And later that day we narrowly missed a trip to A & E when Kaleb fell out of a tree - he was sore but VERY lucky.  It meant that we had enough daylight hours left to go to Jilly's to drag her tent down from the loft.  Dave is already thinking 'camp prep' - August is only 4 months away and we need as many tents for the youth as we can get. 

Again, I sat this one out (seemed to be worse by evening) and just directed these guys - both of whom are my best friends and I just love that we all get along so well and have done for many years.  They were sooooo funny to watch - you'd have had to be there but it was a riot - especially watching  them struggle LOL!  Shame on me I know.

The thought of anyone in this bright orange and yellow tent was funny too and those dated 'yellow nylon daisy' curtains - well - need I say more?  Well it made us all laugh but hey it may be an oldie but it sure was a goodie!

Jilly's dog Barney was a big help - not!  He thought it was great fun having so much excitement in his back yard - until the tent was up that is.  I think once the tent was up he was a little unsure.  He took us all by surprise - especially Jilly when he jumped up onto her lap! He seemed to need to sit with her for a while.  Dave's teasing couldn't have had anything to do with it could it? - he's a sucker for a dog!  Sometimes I'm really sorry we don't have one when I see him having so much fun with Barney.



All in all I lapped up the good company and the fresh outdoor air - even if it did come with limitations and truth be told I think we really love our busy weekends too - always have. Bring on the next one I say!

Sorry the post is so long.   Hope family back home enjoy!  Big HUGS

Suezie

On The Telly!

Remember a while ago I posted about Julie Hickey and her visit to YTOC?  Well I happened to hint at something that Julie shared with me she said was in the pipeline and today I got this update in my e-mail box so thought I'd shout out her good news with you all.  She is such a sweet lady that you can't help but be pleased for her.

She is set to not only appear on QVC but to have her very own show!  How cool is that?  I remember her telling me about having had her 'screen test' and how nerve racking it all was LOL!  She has been the face of Craftwork cards for a long time now and demonstrating for years - she is sure to be an instant sensation on our TV screens. 

The date: Monday 9th May, the time: 12-1 pm.

All the best Julie!  :-)

It Arrived!

Well my dream package of PTI goodies arrived this morning along with the wall paper border for my room.  Maybe now hubby and I can turn our attention back to the room which has sadly sat idle for a while now.  He's been way too busy getting potatoes in the ground at our little plot anyways.

This has to be one of my bestest orders - full of lots of things I've been drooling over for some time now.  I only regret that I'm not having a good enough day to really get to playing with these today.  I've checked a couple of the dies work ok - and they do - yay!  And I've stamped a couple of individual stamps but I don't have what I need to get down to business with anything crafty today. 

Maybe I'll just have to console myself with some of the yummy Reece's Peanut Butter Cups that my sister-in-love added when sending my package and a movie today and be done with it.  Trust me - I don't feel cheated one bit LOL!  Besides all this lovely lot will still be there tomorrow and I plan to make some goodies for various people who are very much in need of a little goodie package all of their very own just as soon as I am able to play.

Hope you're doing something crafty today!

Hugs

Suezie

Clearly Bored!

Well I am clearly bored now and super tired of not being able to get out of the house under my own steam.  So today I did the only thing that would satisfy me!  I shopped on line at the Craft Emporium for some scrummy papers from October Afternoon.  At only .69p a sheet - for double sided papers no less - they're a must have and I've been drooling over them long enough.  Besides I have almost given up hope of my package coming from America any time soon (sorry Deb) so this way I get a package in a few days time to look forward to. 

I just lurve packages and I need a bit of cheering up right about now.  Despite seeing a few of you when I dropped in at YTOC this last weekend - when I actually managed to walk from the car, to the door and then to the table almost like normal - first time ever!  I am now right back where I was again, staggering and tipping all over the place and that is as much as I'm saying or it'll depress me.

I'm havin a bit of a non-starter day today despite having chocolate for breakfast - most unhealthy I know but that's where I'm at today and I make NO apologies for it.  I'm sick so I'm allowed.  I might get up the gumption to craft today or I might just veg it with a movie - who knows?  For now I'm going to soak away my blues in a nice hot bath tub.

Hope you're all doin something nice today.  Forgive my ramblings - I'll get over it tomorrow - today I've just had enough already.

Blessings

Suezie

Am I Bad?

Am I bad to open a birthday pressie early? One was delivered to me today and I was home alone, just havin a PJ kinda day, with just the internet for company and feelin a bit useless so I opened it.  Right or wrong (sorry Pauline) I was soooooo glad I did!  I couldn't have had a nicer surprise so I feel really blessed today and I have my work colleague Pauline to thank for it.  She has been off with a foot injury so we're probably now both feeling a bit out of the loop.  How sweet was she to remember my birthday?

I just HAVE to share what she gave me.

First off when I opened the package this is what greeted me.  A dainty crocheted doily and I am left wondering just who might've made this.  Was this made by a lady with hidden talents?

I just adore doilies and crocheted lace.  Seeing this has reminded me I brought some back hand crocheted lace from mom's house that I can incorporate into my room.  This one is going into my craft room too.  I was just thinking the shelf was crying out for something like this.  I am the kind of person that has a crocheted runner on my dressing table, antique doilies draped over the mirror, lace trimmed shelving, lace table cloths and even a lace draped tester over our bed.  I love, love, love doilies!  So old fashioned but I love an older era - bring em back please!  I think this is why I love Michelle Wooderson's (PTI DT) crafting so much.

The doily alone would've been fab but there was MORE!  She had given me this sewing book - 101 great ways to 'sew a metre' and who doesn't have a metre of fabric sitting somewhere un-used?  How cool is this book?   I love it too!!!

It's frustrating I can't actually manage to do anything with it just yet but I can occupy my mind looking at all the lovely projects there are in here - all 101 of them LOL.  Show me a crafter, seamstress, knitter who doesn't like drooling over a craft book or magazine - I dare ya!  I am ear marking several pages Pauline.

I'm thinking I need to get me one of these small ironing boards to hang on the back of the door for pressing new seams - it's the only time I love to iron but how cool would a designer cover be?



I had actually been thinking about making something like this for the room already.  Hubby had put some rods up previously for my reels of ribbon but these are no longer on show (looked way too messy so they had to go) however, I kept them with a view to hanging fabric pockets from them so this has inspired me further.

I'm super excited about some of the bag ideas in here.  I wanted to make my daughters bags but ran out of time as well as inspiration.  I picked up some really cute transfers back home for a 'Christian Chick' in a lovely pink and brown bird design but never got around to a bag.  I know I can find one of these to do - and aren't the fabrics just divine?  Even the detailing on some of the pages is scrumptious.

There seems no end to the amount of inspiration and useful ideas for projects in this book but it may be hazardous to my health (just kiddin') - I love to use up every scrap and co-ordinate EVERYTHING - so something tells me I'll be making several projects to match.  Am I getting too excited about this book already?  If I can't make anything right now then it makes me want to rush out to my nearest book store and see what other great sewing books are out there - I haven't bought a sewing book in YEARS!  Just look what I've been missing!!!

Whew! Catch my breath a minute!  And then to top it all off Pauline had made me a lovely hand made card as well.  I just love getting a handmade card because I know someone has thought enough of me to take the time to make it and because they are all so different.  None of my photos here are great so I apologise for that - do you know how hard it is to aim a camera and keep it still when you can't stand up straight?  But if you look closely you may just see embossed roses on the deep pick scalloped circle.  I actually didn't notice these until I manipulated the photo but they're a really pretty touch.  Normally I would stage my shots a bit better but I just wanted to get these uploaded so I can go look at my new book LOL!

So the doily is going on the shelf that hubby put up last weekend, the card is going on the wall unit to enjoy looking at and the book is now coming downstairs with me for a nice visit with a cuppa and I am feeling thoroughly spoilt (and very blessed today).  It's already a good birthday and I haven't even got there yet and despite still suffering the Labyrinthitis I can tell I am feeling much better today than I have for months and it feels pretty good let me tell ya.  It's good to be back :-)

Blessings to you all

Suezie

Christmas Shopping

Stuck in doors with a cough and cold this year I missed the post-Christmas sales.  For the past few years now I have hit them up to get a head start on next year.  This may sound crazy to some folk out there but the first year I did this and then got really poorly it saved my bacon and I've been doing it ever since.  It also means I can purchase nicer gifts because the reduced prices fit my budget easier too.  Who doesn't like a bargain huh?

I consoled myself with a bit of internet shopping - something I don't do very often and I ended up on the Cath Kidston site, oh dear - need I say more?  I simply couldn't help myself but then it's for Christmas 2011 right so it's ok yeah?  Well that's what I tell myself anyways.

I have also joined a Christmas sewing challenge blog this year (link logo at right of my blog) which means each month we have to make something for Christmas and I purchased a bit of CK fabric so I could start with that.  I had such fun with last years fabrics.  Now if I could set myself a few personal crafting challenges too I just might get a head start on that this year too - yeah right - like that's EVER gonna happen as well LOL! I'm only ever semi-organised and that's a struggle!

Merry Christmas to All

Just wanted to stop by and wish all of you out there a very Merry Christmas and to convey it with feeling (hard to do on the internet) I found a picture to share - from me to you - hope it warms your heart.

I will be absent for a few days over the holiday - but I still wanted to wish you all good things (all the happiness your heart can hold) and many, many blessings for the holiday season and the coming New Year.

Hubby has a job to go back to in the New Year - God continues to provide - so already we have hope that 2011 will be a better year.  Hopefully the same is true for all of you.

To family back home - we love you all.  Please know we are there with you in spirit and we're thinking of you this first Christmas without our beautiful Mom.  We will talk real soon - promise!

Big HUGS & much love to you all

Suezie & family