Cake Makes The World A Better Place

Boo!

2010-08-10T19:41:00.004+01:00

OK, long time no blog, well I'm going to try and ease back in slowly so here I am!!

This year has just gone so quickly and has been so busy. I seem to have had no time for anything.

We've had a wedding and a christening, show and concerts and an amazing holiday in America - specifically North Carolina

and New York,

which we only got back from on sunday and it would appear we are still jetlagged!!!!

C is off to visit all the grandparents soon and Hubby and I are doing up our house and I really want to finish the living room - my deadline is Christmas but there's a lot to do.

I hope to be back to blogging soon and will update some photos too.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!

Anyone still there???

2010-02-18T12:01:00.002Z

Oo, crumbs, erm, I don't know if I can remember how to do this blogging lark... ummm, ok, so, sorry for being away so long but I've just been really, stupidly busy... I know.. no excuse... but I think I lost my blogging mojo for a while and to be honest I'm still not sure it's back...

Well, Christmas and New Year came and went and we all had a jolly time, Christmas Day was just us three and then we ventured through the ice and snow to visit my family - especially our new addition, my totally gorgeous nephew W, son to Sis and Mr Sis, he was born in November.

So it was C, Hubby and I, Mum and R, Dad and CJ, Sis, Mr Sis and W - so it was cosy but it was fun!

Then it was home to celebrate Hubby's birthday and a trip to London to see Jersey Boys (again but wow was it worth it!), this was followed by a quiet NYE with us three and my BF, chinese food, chocolate and champagne - what more do you need?!

Then back to work.... or not, I went in on Monday and was sent home as I was feeling rough, and ended up being off for the rest of the week - I was really, really ill - nasty case of flu which knocked me sideways for nearly three weeks, but I kept trying to keep going - which doesn't help anyone - least of all me!

Anyway then came C's 10th birthday and a fab disco party which she loved and they all look so grown up now!!

So work, school, rehearsals, Governors, snow, flu, wedding shopping (Mum & R), it all keeps going, and I never seem to have any time to blog anymore.

It's not so much that I don't want to, I really haven't got the time and I am conscious that the focus of this blog has become something other than it was, simply because I don't have the time to bake as much anymore and I'm trying to lose weight and don't need the temptation! (That said I am making the wedding cake and W's christening cake so there will be cake...)

I know things change and one of the reasons I started blogging was to pass the time when I wasn't working and now I am - so obviously it has changed and I had considered just giving up but I don't want to give up on it totally.

I have lots of completed projects to show and tell about and a couple of WIP'S that I will tell you about, but I think blogs from me are going to be a bit sporadic for a while longer... bear with me and maybe I will be back more regularly if other things give a bit.

However I am still stitching, still learning to crochet, still singing and still cooking, though it's more dinner than desserts!

I know I still have 300 post prize to send out (Sorry Sharon!) and I am not able to commit to any swaps at the moment. I have lots of things planned for 2010 but am not letting on just yet in case things don't work out.

So that's it... for now... sorry for wittering on... I am hoping to pop up again in the not too distant future....

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-25T07:01:00.000Z

Snowy Weather...

2009-12-18T16:04:00.003Z

Hello Bloggers,

Sorry it's been ages but I have been sooo busy.

Today is the last day of school before Christmas and snow was threatening yesterday evening, but nothing stuck.... until about 4am.

This was our garden at 8am.

Thankfully school was open as the kids wanted to bring all their Christmas stuff home (and I didn't want to miss my work Christmas lunch!)

So school closed early and hubby didn't fancy risking the long drive down the A14 so we are all safe home now

The snow is slowly disappearing but it also keeps falling and more is forecast.

In all seriousness I am crossing my fingers that it is all gone before Boxing Day so we can visit family at Christmas.

We Shall Remember Them

2009-11-11T11:00:00.000Z

image from here

Dulce et Decorum Est

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of disappointed shells that dropped behind.

GAS! Gas! Quick, boys!-- An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And floundering like a man in fire or lime.--
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,--
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.

Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)

I will never forget the bravery of those who fought and died for freedom and I will never let my daughter forget. We are proud to wear the Poppy in their honour and to honour the bravery of those still serving.

I first read the above poem during my GCSE English Literature studies, it brought tears to my eyes then and it does to this day.

Decorating...

2009-11-08T10:48:00.000Z

I've spent most of half term redecorating C's room and it is finished at last!!

Before

During

After

As you can see, she has gone for a more "grown up" colour scheme of cream and gold, I love pink but hey - it's her room!

She loves it and so do I!

Sleepover Swap

2009-11-04T09:11:00.000Z

After some delays (cars, families, work etc etc!) Sharon and I finally met up on Saturday to exchange our sleepover swap parcels.

We met here and it is a lovely place with a lot to see and do.

I made her a customised cross stitched note book

and gave her (but forgot to photograph) a pink CK-esque mug with different types of Hot Chocolate in, some choccies and a DVD of Charlies Angels.

She gave me this gorgeous pink drawstring bag

a lovely padded heart (For some reason I can't load this photo - sorry)

some popcorn (which has been eaten already!)

these lovely cake plates

some smellies and scented candles.

Thank you Sharon, you are very kind!!

Random Acts of Kindness...

2009-11-01T18:16:00.004Z

A couple of weeks ago I asked the lovely Catherine of mollycupcakes to help me with a secret project.

Not only did she agree, but in one of our exchanges she sent me these lovelies - because "she saw them and thought of me"

Thank you sweetie - you are so kind (and thanks for the help ;-))

Christmas Stocking Swap

2009-10-19T16:01:00.003+01:00

I've signed up to this run by Becki

My partner is Vicki - Hello Partner!!! :-)

Things are a bit chaotic in the Cake household at the moment as C is poorly - off school for the first time in 3 YEARS!!! and feeling very sorry for herself.

I've managed to make the Christmas cake(s) today but other than that am feeling a bit groggy (poorly child = very little sleep) and finding it difficult to focus on anything today.

I promise I will get my a*** into gear soon and normal service will be resumed shortly....

Wedding Cake

2009-10-07T10:55:00.000+01:00

I'm sure I haven't told you this yet, so Mum and R are getting married next March!

It's all very exciting!

I am to be Matron of Honour, Sis will be Maid of Honour and C will be bridesmaid.

Dresses have been ordered, church and reception venue are booked and we are having great fun making lots of plans!!!

To that end, I am making the wedding cake and the first part has been done!

They have decided on a traditional fruit cake for one tier and then lots of cupcakes, so the fruit cake has been made and is now maturing nicely...

Lots more wedding news will follow so watch this space...

Car Booty

2009-10-03T10:32:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago on a sunny Saturday, I persuaded hubby to let us go to a local car boot sale.

I have to say I don't do this very often - usually it's too early in the morning but I thought it would be good!

And it was - I got some brilliant bargains

A beach hut shaped storage jar for my bathroom - 40p

2 Christmas plates - 50p the pair

A jar of glass pebbles - 50p

A lovely embroidered tablecloth - £2

2 embroidery frames - £1 for both

11 kids books - £1

6 books for me - £2

Result!!

300 post competition winner

2009-09-30T12:28:00.002+01:00

Thank you to everyone who left a guess about the price of my lovely tea set.

The actual price was.................................................................................................

£5.95

What a bargain!!!

And Sharon was the closest with £6 so some goodies will be on their way to you soon Sharon!

Charity Shop Treasure

2009-09-14T09:55:00.000+01:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Charity Shops - and I know I am not alone in this, but wow! I just love them.

C and I went out for a girly day last week, you know - shopping, lunch and the cinema (Aliens in the Attic - quite funny really!) and we kept popping into various charity shops (as you do!) just before we reached the cinema we went to one and found something so gorgeous and so perfect and such a bargain I could not believe it was meant for me...

I really didn't want to carry to the cinema with me (we were walking) and I decided that if it was really meant for me, it would still be there when we came back...

and do you know what...

it was...

and it was all I could do not to squeal with delight and jump up and down in the shop.

It is, a beautiful, 6 place settings - tea cups, saucers and cake plates in delicate bone china with such a pretty design and in fantastic condition.

Isn't it just lovely

swoon...

I was thinking that I would just tell you how much it was, but as this is my 300th post (how did THAT happen??!) I will do a little competiton and say that whoever guesses the closest will win a little prize (not the tea set - sorry, that's all mine!)

*Mum - you can't enter cos I told you how much it was!

I'll pick a winner and tell you the real price in a week or so...

FRIENDS Swap

2009-09-10T09:48:00.000+01:00

Sometime ago I took part in the FRIENDS swap, where you had to send an item beginning with every letter of the word FRIENDS

I sent

F is for Frame

R is for Ribbon

I is for Inkpad

E is for errr.. I can't remember (I am so bad)

N is for Noah's Ark cross stitch

D is for Drawstring bag

S is for Scented Candle

Sadly I was in such a rush I forgot to photograph everything except the things I made.

Even more sadly - I don't know if it ever arrived at it's destination - depsite making several enquiries to my partner she has never responded and I have never received a parcel either :-(

Sadly it looks like they have both got lost in the post.

I am VERY, VERY sorry to my swap partner,

Please, PLEASE get in touch with me if you did receive the parcel and if not PLEASE let me know so I can send you something else - I really don't know what else I can do. :-(

Kenilworth Castle

2009-09-07T10:31:00.000+01:00

Mum, R, C and I went for a day trip last weekend to Kenilworth Castle,

It is a beautiful, fascinating place and worth a trip for the gardens alone, they have recently been rediscovered and renovated to the layout that Robert Dudley designed for Queen Elizabeth I.

Sadly I wasn't able to take many photos as my memory card was full but I did get some nice ones

PIF's - Done!

2009-09-03T10:14:00.000+01:00

I have been busy catching up and I finally managed to send my PIF winners their goodies,

Marie (Protect the Cookie)
Sarah (Sarah's House)
and Sharon (Clover Cottage)

were the lucky recipients and they each got a cross stitched magnet of their name

a drawstring bag

and a scented candle, which I forgot to photograph!

Latest Completed Cross Stitch

2009-09-01T09:50:00.000+01:00

You may remember, ages ago I told you I'd finished my latest big cross stitch project.

Yes, you do, remember I wouldn't show you until I'd framed it?

Ok?

Well, here it is

What do you think?

The kit was a birthday present from my MIL and in total it took me just under a year to complete (with time out for other smaller projects) and I am thrilled with it, I love the colours and the modern style of the design, the way it looks like a stained glass window.

Now I have to decide where it should live...

Happy Birthday Granny!

2009-08-30T08:26:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Granny

I love you lots

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Seaside Swap - parcel sent

2009-08-28T18:40:00.004+01:00

Hello All - I know I really must blog more often but life gets in the way!

Anyway I hope you're all still there, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd got fed up of waiting for me!

So, I took part in the Seaside Swap organised by Rachel @ Contented and I was partnered with Amy from Cooking, Cakes and Children (a woman after my own heart!) I posted my parcel to her last week and I know she's had it, so this is what I sent

A set of tablecloth weights suitable for summer tables

some chocolate seashells and a beachy scented candle

A cross stitch picture I made of children on the pier

and a set of hanging pockets in this fab seaside fabric

I am slowly conquering my fear of the sewing machine and I am really pleased with how they turned out.

Ok, I shall be back soon with more updates

Wizard of Oz Gala

2009-08-22T07:30:00.000+01:00

This is my tiny contribution to this event

hosted by these lovely ladies.

I love the Wizard of Oz, I have seen the film more times than I can count, I remember as a little girl thinking that before colour came into films the whole world was black and white!

Hubby, BF and I went to see Singalonga Wizard of Oz a few years ago and it was fab!

I also am very proud to include these little darlings in my Barbie collection.

Enjoy the Gala!

Dear Bloggers

2009-08-20T16:47:00.001+01:00

Please excuse April's absence from blogging, she is suffering from a lack of time and a problem with uploading photos.

Please be patient and bear with her as she has lots to show and tell including

cross stitch
baking
and bargains

She will be back as soon as she can

Love

Lulu xx

Cross Stitch Baby Sampler #2

2009-08-03T11:20:00.000+01:00

Remember this that I made for S, S & H when he first arrived in November?

And remember that Sis's BF Claire got married last September?

Well Claire and her husband were safely delivered of a baby girl - Phoebe Marie a couple of weeks ago and I made this for them

I was dying to be able to do a pink one!

Post permitting it should have arrived safely with them by now and I am sure Sis will let me know if they like it.

Light Sabre Cake!!

2009-08-02T19:50:00.008+01:00

OK, well some time ago my Sis asked me to make a "surprise" birthday cake for Mr Sis's 30th, I said of course, what do you want - and she said, A Light Sabre, so I panicked and then I thought about it and did some research and last week, I started the process,

I decided to make a chocolate swiss roll for the handle and two vanilla ones for the blade, so I used this recipe and this recipe. They are all basically the same, fatless sponge.

So I started beating eggs until they look like this

and then added the flour and sugar and spread them into the tin and baked til they looked like this

and then rolled and ended up with these

added chocolate buttercream to the chocolate one and raspberry jam to the vanilla ones. I ended up making one extra (!)

so we were able to try it out!

I iced them using - fondant icing and food colour spray) red for the blade and black for the handle, which I them covered with edible silver glitter and decorated with fudge writing icing.

After a paranoia inducing journey to the venue (150 miles) I was at last able to assemble the cake and see it in all it's splendour.

I was relieved! and everyone was impressed!

This is my most ambitious cake to date and I am really pleased with how it turned out!!!

Charity Shop Bargains!

2009-07-31T16:00:00.000+01:00

I got really lucky this week with some Charity Shop goodies including this sweet little cut glass fan shaped dish,

It shall be used to look after my earrings

I also got a snazzy skirt for C, a fib finder game for C and a book I've been wanting to read for ages, "The Fall and Rise of a Yummy Mummy"

and this gorgeous pink plate/bowl

isn't it beautiful?

Dolly Mixture Cupcakes

2009-07-30T18:12:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow is Mr Sis's 30th Birthday and we are headed off to St H to help them celebrate with a party (and to retrieve C from the loving clutches/arms of Mum & R and Dad & CJ who have had her for a whole TWO WEEKS - and I miss her like mad and must have her back soonest!)

As well as making the birthday cake (which remains a secret for now) Sis asked me to provide some cupcakes which I was happy to do and using my usual Nigella recipe came up with these little darlings

and here they are with their icing and decorative dolly mixtures

Barbie Collection Part Two

2009-07-22T16:04:00.007+01:00

As you seemed to like my Barbies, I thought I'd show off a few more.

Some of them are displayed in categories, including my Superhero collection

which features, HarleyQuinn, CatWoman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl and Poison Ivy

My Princesses collection

which features Princesses from England, Ireland, Portugal, Japan and Italy.

I have quite a few Barbies that are linked to various films or TV shows including Elle from Legally Blonde, Samantha from Bewitched and Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie

Rose from Titanic

Marilyn Monroe

and my pride and joy - a wedding present from my wonderful sis

Phantom and Christine from Phantom of the Opera.

Off to see the Wizard...

2009-07-12T19:34:00.004+01:00

I found this on Beki-Marie's blog

And will definitely be joining in some capacity

And just as a taster...

This is me, hubby and BF when we went to see Singalonga Wizard of Oz a few years ago

Barbie Collection - Part 1

2009-07-09T08:30:00.001+01:00

I've been threatening to do this for a long time, so now I am going to start showing off some of the Barbies I collect.

I have always loved Barbie. When I was little, I played with the few I had for hours on end.

I began collecting in 2002 (ish) thanks to my brilliant Sis who bought me some for Christmas off EBay.

So, today I shall show you the ones she gave me, but I didn't get them all at the same time - some were the following year.

My favourite ever film is Gone With The Wind, and the Barbies that came first in my collection were the Gone With The Wind Collection

I am showing these in the order the dresses feature in the film,

First we have the green dress from the barbeque at Twelve Oaks

Then the dress Scarlett makes from the drapes at Tara

Then the white dress she wears on her honeymoon with Rhett Butler

and finally the fabulous red dress she wears to Ashley's birthday party.

I also have 2 Rhett Butlers, this one is from the Rescue from Atlanta,

and I couldn't get a decent photo of the other one, but he is in evening dress

That's this section done, there will be more soon...

Cake Sale

2009-07-08T10:50:00.006+01:00

C's school is having a fundraising week for the Jennifer Trust this week involving

a huge raffle,
a sponsored run,
a balloon release,
a wear-something-yellow-day,
covering a HUGE picture of the Gruffalo (donated by the original illustrator) with pennies
and a cake sale...

So I have been baking, I've made a batch of orange cupcakes

and am considering making some chocolate cookies as well (as I've got the morning off from Oliver! rehearsals)

I've also made a Victoria Sponge as Mum and R are visiting this weekend.

Muppet Personality Test

2009-07-05T15:53:00.001+01:00

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.

You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.

Don't worry - everyone knows it's not easy being green.

Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

Busting with Pride!!

2009-06-27T13:52:00.003+01:00

I am a very proud Mummy today as C has this morning completed a one mile (1600m) swim!!

Yesterday she won the weekly football trophy for "best defender"

And last week she came home from Grendon with the prize for the "most well mannered girl"

What more could a Mummy ask for!?

I Love You and am very VERY proud of you
my darling girl!

Wednesday Weariness

2009-06-24T16:46:00.006+01:00

Today is my day off work, and the busiest day of the week,

from hanging out laundry at 7 in the morning,
to taking C to school,
working with Y6 on the school production of Oliver,
meeting with the school secretary to get my head round school finances as CofG,
dashing home to meet a friend who then cancelled,
back out for my singing lesson,
then back to school to bring C home,
making dinner, and
trying to tidy up before the babysitter comes
and I go out to a Gov's meeting and hubby goes off to rehearsal...
It'll be 10pm before I get to relax and there's one of these

and some of this

waiting for me when I do, so I can collapse in a heap and watch the season finale of this

picture from here

But hey - the sun is shining, so that helps the day feel better!

Busy, Bad Blogger!

2009-06-21T19:13:00.008+01:00

Apologies all, I have been so busy this week that I haven't had time to blog.

There now follows a potted version of our week.

C went on the school residential trip this week and was away from Monday morning to Wednesday lunchtime and we missed her so much, but she had a fabulous time and is only just recovering from all the excitement. She came home with a prize for being the most well mannered girl too! How proud am I?!

Monday for me was an extended work day as things are mad busy and I'm trying to accrue some TOIL for use during the school holidays!

Tuesday, hubby and I went out for Chinese - yum!! I haven't told you that hubby has now started a new job, which is going well but involves an hour long commute each way so he leaves the house before 7 each morning and isn't home til 6, which is taking some getting used to as he had been home by 4 every day in his old job.

Wednesday is my day off, but I was helping to organise and set up the buffet for the children coming back off the residential, so my gorgeous new mixer

and I were making cupcakes at 7.30 in the morning, before I went to school in the morning and worked with some of the Year 6's on the school production of Oliver!

Wednesday evening I went to audition to join a new G&S group based in Wellingborough (hubby has been a member for the past few years) we have recently parted company with the Northampton group - after 10 years of membership, and hard work on the committee, there was a very harsh cull of existing members and hubby and I did not make the cut! C'est la vie, I have now been accepted to Wellingborough and really feel we are all better off out of it - especially as BF has joined us too YAY!

Thursday and Friday were very busy with work, school and Governor stuff and on Friday evening C did her trial for Northampton Swimming Club and we are waiting to be told which squad she has qualified for.

Yesterday was quiet, but today has been very busy with taking hubby out for a well deserved Father's day lunch.

I have also made some strawberry jam

and a chocolate fudge cake.

Finally, I want to wish my lovely Dad a very Happy Father's Day too

love you lots Dad
xxxxxx

There but for the Grace of God...

2009-06-13T18:10:00.004+01:00

I found this link via Jellybelly*jellybrain.

Please take the time to read it - it's a bit of a wake up call.

Thankfully on this occasion there was no harm done, but you can never be too careful

Boiled Fruit Cake

2009-06-12T19:23:00.008+01:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I last blogged, but I have been busy - I made this cake last week and forgot to blog about it! It was very yummy!

When I was little my Mum used to make this brilliant Boiled Fruit Cake which was a recipe that a neighbour had given her and it was on a scratty bit of paper for years and eventually got lost (as things do) and I had been wanting to make one for ages but not had a recipe.

So when we were in Bath and found this book,

which I was very tempted by anyway - on flicking through and finding a recipe for Boiled Fruit Cake - I was sold!

Boiled Fruit Cake

225g/8oz sultanas
175g/6oz currants
200ml/ 7 fl oz water
10ml/2tsp mixed spice
115g/4oz margarine
175g/6oz caster sugar
225g/8oz self raising flour
2 eggs - beaten

Method

Place fruits, water, spice and margarine in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, turn off heat and allow to cool completely (leaving it overnight works really well)
Sift flour into a bowl, add eggs and fruit mixture and mix well
Pour mixture into a 20cm/8in lined and greased tin
Bake for 90 minutes at Gas mark 4/175C
Cake should be firm to touch when cooked
Leave to cool for 10 minutes in tin and then turn onto a wire rack and allow to cool
Enjoy

Catching Up...

2009-06-05T19:12:00.003+01:00

Ok, well it's finally Friday!!!

Before I went on holiday I managed to get round to sending off my 200 posts prizes to Marie and Lise and they received them and were very pleased with them, but in my haste to get them posted I forgot to photograph them so you will have to pop over to Protect the Cookie and The Chocolate Cat to see them.

I am working on my PIF giveaways, and my FRIENDS swap and hope to get a lot done this weekend.

I have also signed up to the seaside swap and have plenty of ideas but haven't started any of them yet.

I've always signed up for this one

with Thrifty Mrs which really sounds like fun.

A few weeks ago I finished my latest BIG cross stitch project, but I don't want to show you until it's framed - so you need to wait a bit longer....

So once I catch up with myself I need to find another big one to do, oh decisions, decisions...

Enjoy your weekends everyone...

I went to the Fair

2009-06-04T18:33:00.011+01:00

On the way back from our holiday we went to the Legendary Vintage and Handmade fair

the brainchild of the lovely Michele (Cowboys & Custard) and equally Jayne (Country Cottage Chic). Oh wow, it was wonderful. The place was packed, and it took me several turns round the hall to see everything.

I met Michele and Jayne, the Super Sal (of Sal's Snippets) and the delightful Catherine of mollycupcakes, it was so nice to be able to see them and hear their voices, after reading their blogs for so long.

Ok, so now I'll get to the important stuff, what did I buy, well I have to admit I went a bit mad and spent more than I intended, but in my defence, usually the fair is too far away for me to go, so I had to make the most of it.

So I got one of Sal's brilliant craft boxes

packed full of loveliness and one of the cute Russian Doll needlebooks, which you can't see because it's tucked in the box!

I got a ditsy daisy badge

A lovely pink tablecloth, pink and white striped pillowcase, some fabric jam pot covers and a pink vintage hanky

2 lovely corsage brooches from Hen House, a pink summery one

and this one will look gorgeous on my red winter coat.

I got a magnetic heart and magnetic pegs too, these are from Lucy Bloom

this beautiful milk jug and sugar bowl set from Jayne

and some pretty pins

An Enid Blyton book from Michele

and, please welcome Lulu

Isn't she beautiful - she stole my heart and I had to bring her home.

All in all I had a FAB-U-LOUS day!!! Thank you ladies and I do hope to see you again.

What we did on our holidays

2009-06-03T11:46:00.017+01:00

Oh my, where do I start to tell you all about our holiday! Well firstly we were staying in a converted Methodist chapel in Paulton (near Bath & Bristol),

the weather was mostly gorgeous - just one day of rain.

Saturday - arrived, settled in and went for Fish and Chips in Shepton Mallet

Sunday - gorgeous hot day, We went to Wookey Hole Caves, which were beautifully cool, tried our hands at making handmade paper, had some yummy homemade ice-cream and played crazy golf badly and watched the children of the Circus school perform

Monday - another lovely sunny day. We went into Bristol, headed first to Explore @Bristol which was great and I loved the planetarium

then Bristol Cathedral,

then the Georgian House Museum,

and finally to the SS Great Britain which was brilliant and we stayed to watch the paper boats

Tuesday - Sunny again!! so we headed to Bath, which is full of lovely, pretty shops full of goodies!

A trip to Sally Lunn's House was a necessity and well worth it, the Sally Lunn Bun is delicious and I had the best cream tea I've ever had.

Then we went to Bath Abbey which is stunning, especially the stained glass windows.

Onto the Roman Baths, which were very interesting, if a little crowded and having sampled the water, I definitely didn't like it.

It was getting quite late in the day and starting to rain by this point, but there was one more stop I had to make - Cath Kidston of course!!! but I was very restrained and only bought this

Wednesday - Rain all day, but no matter so we headed to Wells,

did the cathedral and some more pretty shops, but it was really too wet to do the market and so we headed off to Cheddar.

Well the natural spectacle of Cheddar Gorge is breathtaking, sadly the rain and the mist meant the views weren't too good, however overall I thought Cheddar was a bit too "money-grabbing" tourist-y and not in a good way, so we didn't stay long, we then drove through the Gorge to Glastonbury to have a little wander, again the weather meant that doing Glastonbury Tor and Abbey was pretty much a non starter, but I do love the shops in Glastonbury.

Wednesday evening we found a fabulous fish and chip restaurant in Shepton Mallet (called Whitstones) which I would HIGHLY recommend - absolutely delicious!

Thursday we went to Weston Super Mare, it was a little cold by the sea, but C & I still went for a paddle

and we had a go on the Weston Wheel, then off to a Shopping Mall near Bristol that I can't remember the name of and dinner at TGI Friday's

Friday we went back to Bath, Sally Lunn's again! (for another cream tea)

the Fashion Museum where C tried on some vintage Victorian Sports wear

and the Jane Austen Centre and once more back to Shepton Mallet for those fab fish and chips!

We passed the Gaymers Cider plant several times during the holiday and I couldn't resist getting a photo of this.......

Yup! The Babycham deer!!

Saturday it was time to come home via this

but that deserves a post on it's own!

4th Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-02T18:15:00.006+01:00

Hello! I'm back from our fabulous holiday and I will blog all about it very soon, but today is Hubby and mine's 4th Wedding Anniversary so that takes priority for today.

The traditional gifts for 4th anniversary are books, fruit and flowers with electrical appliances as the modern equivalent!

I bought hubby 2 books - "Diary of a Nobody" and "They'd none of them be missed" as books are always a popular choice with hubby!

He bought me

2 vocal scores, "Wicked" and "Phantom of the Opera" to cover books

Mango and Cherry Blossom bubble baths to cover fruit

Gorgeous red roses

and a Pink Early Learning Centre toy mixer!

I was thrilled and told hubby I was very glad he hadn't spent all that money on a real mixer.......

.............but.......

.................then I went down to the kitchen and saw....................

......................a big box with a pink ribbon round it.....

......................which was a PINK Kitchen Aid mixer!!!!!!!!!!

I burst into tears and told him how bad* he was

*bad = wonderful!

I love you my darling Hubby - here's to many more happy years together. xXxXx

Tag! I'm off on my holiday...

2009-05-22T16:31:00.006+01:00

1. What are your current obsessions? Cupcakes, pink and vintage ladybird books

2. Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often? Winnie The Pooh top - I throw it on over everything

3. What's for dinner? take away Indian

4. Last thing you bought? books for my holiday

5. What are you listening to? hubby vacuuming

6. If you were a god/goddess who would you be? I've always fancied the idea of being Terpsichore or Diana

7. Favorite vacation spots? Vegas Baby!

8. Reading right now? I don't know how she does it - Alison Pearson

9. Four words to describe yourself - Busy, crazy, loving, loyal

10. Guilty pleasure? Krispy Kreme's

11. Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak? Harry Hill's TV Burp

12. Favorite thing to do in the summer? Sit in the garden and listen to the sounds of nature - especially at dusk

13. Planning to travel to next? Bath on holiday tomorrow!!

14. Best thing you ate or drank lately? Baileys and white chocolate cheesecake

15. When did you last get tipsy? My birthday

16. Favorite ever film? Gone With The Wind

17. Care to share some wisdom? think before you speak - especially if you don;t want your children to drop you in it!

18. Favourite song to sing? Art is Calling for Me!

19. Least favorite part of your day? getting out of bed

20. What was the first car you ever had? never had one

Rules of the meme.

Respond and rework.
Answer questions on your own blog.
Replace one question.
Add one question. (I didn't, I think 20 is enough!)
Tag 8 people..... I am going to tag everyone who follows me!

I found this on Our Aussie Half Dozen, please feel free to join in.

We're off to sunny (I hope!) Bath tomorrow, so I'll be back in a week or so xx

Vote for Me!

2009-05-18T18:32:00.002+01:00

I've been nominated for a Dorset Cereals Little Blog Award!!!

If you'd like to, you can vote for me here

Award Sharing

2009-05-17T18:43:00.004+01:00

I recently received this lovely award from Sarah

so thank you very much Sarah and I am passing it onto seven other blogs

Beki - The Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy
Catherine - mollycupcakes
Kim - Ragged Roses
Rachel - Contented
Kathirynne - Evolution to Simplicity
Mary Poppins
Anna - All Things Lovely

I hope you are all ok and had lovely weekends, we had the annual Eurovision party last night which was fun and it was great to see the UK make a good showing!!

I made my usual Baileys and White Chocolate Cheesecake and it went down a storm as usual!

Sunday evening seems to roll round too quickly these days, but right now I am counting the days until we go on holiday to Sunny (I hope!) Bath next week and with any luck will meet some of you at the Vintage and Handmade Fair on the 30th!!!

I really am looking forward to a break as there has been so much going on lately and I really feel I need some time out...

Sch... you know who!

2009-05-15T16:06:00.003+01:00

Something to make you smile....

Courtesy of here

Seaside Swap

2009-05-12T18:25:00.002+01:00

Rachel @ Contented is running a Seaside themed Swap and there are still a few days left to sign up.

Click here for more details

picture from here

Chocolate Orange Cake

2009-05-10T16:32:00.003+01:00

I am well aware that there has been a lack of cake on here lately, and now I am correcting that!

I was feeling very "domestic goddess" today, so I changed all the bedding and got it blowing out on the line, made a Roast Chicken and this cake

It's one of Nigella's recipes and she calls it a store cupboard cake as she usually has all the ingredients in the house! I had to send hubby out for the chocolate and the marmalade.

It is delicious, very rich, dense texture but the bitter orange of the marmalade really holds up well with the dark chocolate.

It is really easy to make and is all done in one saucepan.

As it is so rich I served it in very slim slices with cream and it was gorgeous!

Trashy's meme

2009-05-09T11:01:00.003+01:00

What are your current obsessions?

cupcakes, stripes

Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often?

comfy black trousers and t-shirts

What's for dinner?

Left over Chinese

What's your greatest fear at the moment?

Losing people I love

What are you listening to?

Hubby hoovering

What are your favourite holiday spots?

Las Vegas! Places with lots of things to see

What are you reading right now?

The Chimney Sweepers Boy - Barbra Vine (only read 2 chapters so too soon to say if it's any good)

What is your guilty pleasure?

Licking the bowl when I bake before C claims it as her right!

Who or what makes you laugh?

Hubby, C, BF & Sis

What is your favourite spring thing to do?

Watch my garden come back to life and see Jamie cat re claim his favoured sunbeam spot

Where are you planning to travel next?

Going to Bath in 2 weeks

What is the best thing you ate or drank lately?

Blossom Hill White Zinfandel

When was the last time you were tipsy?

My birthday dinner

What is your favourite ever film ever?

Gone With The Wind

What is the biggest lesson you've learned from your children?

Never be afraid to try something new - C is totally fearless

What song can't you get out of your head?

"Sherry" - The Four Seasons

What book do you know you should read but refuse to?

Charles Dickens - can't stand him

What is your physical abnormality/abnormal physical ability?

My ankle gives away at random times and I fall over

What is your favourite colour?

Pink!

Thanks to Trashy for this!

Inspiration...

2009-05-08T19:22:00.003+01:00

... has struck!!

No, I'm not telling as so far it is all just in my head, but it will involve further treatment in my "stop being afraid of the sewing machine" plan and a use for some gorgeous jelly rolls I was sent as part of a swap not so long ago

Hopefully I will end up with something I think you can never have too many of

I got home today to find one of those cards from Royal Mail - sorry we missed you... well I couldn't think what it could be but Hubby drove me to the sorting office after we left C at Youth Club and it was....

The first package from my subscription to "The Art of Crochet" (because I will not be beaten)

Eagerly I opened the box and found a letter saying

"Due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to cease publication of
The Art of Crochet. We apologise for any invconvenience
and enclose Issue 2 free of charge by way of apology"

Oh well - I got some free pink yarn.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend

Old Fashioned Advice

2009-05-07T17:43:00.007+01:00

I treated myself recently to a pair of fascinating books

They are reprints of all the information leaflets issued by the Government during the war about healthy eating, growing your own veg etc and being economical with fuel, clothes, fabrics and pretty much everything.

They have a brisk, no-nonsense tone but are chock full of practical advice, that is still relevant - and in some ways even more relevant to us today.

Whilst I have no desire to return to powdered eggs and using coupons, some of the recipes in "Eating for Victory" are quite tempting, particularly some of the pies and biscuits (which I may try out).

I can't say that the idea of painting my legs with gravy browning and drawing a seam up the back thrills me, but the practical techniques for darning, letting out clothes and alterations are very useful and well described in "Make Do & Mend".

These books are in no way patronising, but they were accessible to everyone and much appreciated by the public - especially women at the time.

I enjoyed Jamie Oliver's recent series Ministry of Food, but like everything else, unless the back up is there, these things have a very tough time.

The Government today spends/wastes* a lot of time and money on telling us what to recycle, what to eat, when to exercise etc etc but I can't be alone in finding the current Change 4 Life campaign insulting and deeply patronising - can I???

60 years ago, the Government had these campaigns because they were needed, and they worked because people accepted it and worked together - how would rationing be viewed today?

The practical, efficient tone, that seems to me to be a no-nonsense Cookery teacher or District Nurse has been replaced by a patronising attitude where it is assumed we none of us know what is good for us -what a shame!

*delete as appropriate!

21.41pm NOTE!!!

Ooops!! Thanks Pearly Queen I hadn't noticed the alteration to the picture - correct one is now in place!

I can't draw...

2009-05-03T16:41:00.000+01:00

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Rules for Today

2009-05-01T18:15:00.002+01:00

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

HOW TO STAY YOUNG ?... ...

1. Throw out non-essential numbers.

This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why they get paid.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle. ?'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things

5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with her/him !

6. The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.

If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love, that you love them

- at every opportunity.

11. Share this with someone.

BF sent me this today and it made me smile - so I am sharing!

Have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend - I hope the sun shines for you

PIF Lovelies

2009-04-30T20:23:00.006+01:00

I received a lovely parcel of goodies today from Becki-Marie (the ramblings of an everyday mummy) which cheered me up no end as did these lovely tulips

I got a lovely vintage style postcard

A delightful little bookmark

and a gorgeous shiny green button heart

Thank you so much Becki, I love them!

My choir conducting went really well and we finished 3rd, so thank you for all the positive thinking you were sending.

I am now completely shattered and as tonight is Hubby's opening night as Francesco in "The Gondoliers" for WABGSS and C is in bed, I am going to collapse in a heap and watch this

I may even push the boat out and have some chocolate!

HELP!...

2009-04-29T22:49:00.004+01:00

I'm failing miserably at the moment (and that took three attempts to type right! - I must be really tired!) at everything I attempt.

I got The Art of Crochet just after I broke my arm as I have been struggling/attempting to teach myself and thought the DVD demo might help...

.... it didn't...

... While I had previously thought I was getting the hang of the foundation chain and needed to relax my tension, having watched it - I now can't do it AT ALL!

Help!!!

Please!!!

I can't get my head round the way you're supposed to hold the yarn for it to "flow evenly through your fingers"

If any blogger is prepared to come and give me a tutorial, I'll make them a lovely afternoon tea???

Bribery???

Anyone???

I'm still trying to overcome my fear of the sewing machine - but slowly that is getting better - but I still need to have hubby (excellent dressmaker) close by

I bought plants for my garden last Saturday and haven't had time to plant them yet, rain has not helped...

I sang in the Northampton Music Festival on Sunday and was delighted to come 3rd in the G&S class - BF won and I am so proud of her! Tomorrow the 2 school choirs are competing - including the one that I run and I will be conducting for the first time EEK!!

And finally, we're going on holiday at the end of next month to a lovely looking cottage near Bath, I haven't been for a long time and am looking for handy hints and tips from anyone who knows Bath as to where to go and what to do...

Ok, that's enough wittering for now... good night.

Hearts Given...

2009-04-24T19:49:00.007+01:00

Well, I finally managed to complete my parcel for mollycupcakes heart swap and sent them off to Jenny @ Gingerbread House. She has told me she's safely received them so I now I can show you what I sent.

A big red wooden hand painted heart

A teabag holder with hearts on

Some heart ribbon and a mini cross stitch kit and a pen with hearts on.

A card with a Lavender heart on

Another of my Hanging hearts

A quilted heart (my first attempt at this quilting lark and all part of my grand "stop being afraid of the sewing machine plan"!)

and my personal favourite a cross stitched (by me obviously) Union Jack heart

I am so thrilled with how this turned out I may have to make more!!

Ok now I just need to finish my Blogaversary gifts and then I can do my PIF - coo look at me catching up with myself!!

Hope the sun is shining whereever you are, have a lovely weekend.

Happy St George's Day

2009-04-23T17:08:00.004+01:00

You can find out all about St George here.

Have a great day in the sunshine!

An Award for Comments

2009-04-19T12:34:00.002+01:00

The Lovely Andrea at Indigo Blue passed this award

to me a week or so ago and I haven't had chance to share it, so very sorry! and I will now pass it on to all my followers and anyone who leaves me great comments, it's great to know that people actually read my musings and take the time to comment on my nonsense!!

50 Random Questions...

2009-04-19T12:10:00.003+01:00

I found this on Our Aussie Half-dozen and it appealed to my randomness...

1. Are you wearing a hat?
No.

2. Bottled water?
Sometimes, but usually I re-fill the bottles with filtered tap water

3. Do you have a crush on someone right now?
Acceptable celebrity crush - John Barrowman/David Tennant
Less acceptable celebrity crush - Marcus Brigstocke

4. What kind of computer do you have?
Dell

5. Do you prefer writing in pen or pencil?
Pen

6. Who was the last message in your inbox from?
friend giving me her new email address

7. What’s your favorite season?
Autumn or Spring

8. Does your best friend have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
No

9. Do you like Tea?
Not really - prefer real coffee or herbal/fruit tea

10. Favorite radio station?
BBC Radio 2

11. Type your name into Google. What's the first site that appears?
Design for Living (Interior designer)

12. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
All time Favourite song is "Norwegian Wood" by The Beatles, but favourites at the moment include "Don't you worry about me" by The Four Seasons and favourite to sing is probably "My Ship" as I did so well with at the last festival I did

13. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke - but not diet

14. Favorite subject in school?
History/Music/Literature

15. Last concert?
"Jersey Boys"

16. Next concert?
Hubby is in "The Gondoliers" in 2 weeks

17. Last magazine you bought?
She -but it was lacking in content

18. Last book you read?
"All Inclusive" - Judy Astley

19. Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Genuinely have no preference - I love dogs and cats

20. Is there someone you want to punch right now?
I couldn't possibly comment...

21. Favorite sports team?
Saint Helens (Rugby League)

22. Country you most want to visit?
Italy - I want to go to Rome

23. Are you a Blogger addict?
Probably... a little bit...

24. When do you shower?
Mornings to wake me up - and bath at night

25. What’s your dream job?
Running my own posh cake shop - and one day I will

26. What kind of car do you drive?
I don't drive

27. What word in the dictionary best describes you?
Cuddly

28. What’s your blog address?
if you're here you know it

29. Worst TV show at the moment?
Eastenders - I haven't watched it in years - having literally got so bored during one episode I turned it off - it is just so depressing!

30. Are you a better talker or better listener?
Listener

31. What your favorite color?
Pink! of course

32. What is your favorite animal?
Giraffe or Penguin or Tiger

33. Are you afraid of the dark?
No.

34. Is there something lacking in your life right now?
No - I am content with my lot

35. What do you miss most about childhood?
the ability to do a handstand against a wall

36. How many times did it take you to pass your drivers test?
never taken it

37. How many kids do you want?
Just the one I've got

38. Are you good painter?
No

39. Can you cook?
Oh yes!

40. Are you a cheapskate?
No, I'm very generous to my friends and family - and I do believe you get what you pay for in terms of quality

41. What would you do with a million dollars?
Buy a house, set up my cake shop, help family and friends

42. Have you been to Disney World?
Yes!

43. How man days a month are you online?
Most days

44. Last time you went bowling?
February for C's birthday - I was rubbish!

45. Hot or cold weather?
Cold as you can always get warmer

46. How many pairs of shoes do you have?
Lots!

47. Are you a shop-a-holic?
No - get impatient too quickly

48. Where were you yesterday morning at 10:30?
Sitting at my dining table drinking coffee with my BF

49. Are you afraid of the dentist?
Not afraid - but don't like it

50. Were you bored or entertained by this survey?
Entertained.

There you go - feel free to play along, but let me know so I can be nosey!

Birthday Bonanza!

2009-04-16T22:08:00.012+01:00

I had a fantastic birthday yesterday - thank you all for your good wishes! I also have to say Happy Birthday to my Mum, because our birthday is the same day!!

Cupcakes seemed to be general theme of the day - which is fine by me, starting with some lovely cupcake cards

especially this one from Sis and Mr Sis which I just love!

I also got this lovely cupcake hook from Mum & R

a Cupcake bag from hubby

and hiding in the bag, cupcake bookmark and these...

cupcake knickers!!! Tee hee ;-)

Dad and CJ sent me the "Wicked" CD Which I will be singing along to soon!!

Sis and Mr Sis got me this stunning pink beaded bag

and in addition to a fabulous Peter Pan pop up book, Mysterious Cities of Gold DVD (a childhood favourite of mine) and some CD's Hubby & C bought me these

Barbie Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat and this stunning Barbie for my collection (which one day I will tell you all about in detail!)

photo from here

I was taken out for lunch and then we went to see this

picture from here

at the cinema and it was really funny - much better than I was expecting as it was C who really wanted to see it.

All in all I had a great day and tomorrow we have BF and S S & H coming for dinner, so that should be fun too!

Easter Stuff

2009-04-14T18:55:00.007+01:00

I hope you had a Happy and Peaceful Easter. We had a lovely time.

I made a lovely Easter display

my very rich, but yummy Easter chocolate cake

an Easter basket for C

and was very pleased with my place holders for Easter Sunday dinner.

There were 6 of us for Easter Sunday, us three, BF and Mum & R, we had breaded Camembert with salad and Parma Ham, followed by Roast Beef with all the trimmings and then Chocolate Cake.

It was a really enjoyable, if tiring day.

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I'll be back to tell you all about that then *grin*

Pay It Forward...

2009-04-11T16:37:00.003+01:00

I'm following the lovely Beki-Marie of The Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy and doing one of these

as I think I made it onto her list! (but even if I didn't I still think it's a good thing to do!!)

So the first 3 people who comment on this post will get a little handmade gift from me, the only requirement is that you continue the giving. As soon as you comment do a Pay It Forward on your blog and pass it on...

Heart Swap Goodies Received

2009-04-10T18:47:00.011+01:00

Earlier this week, I received a lovely parcel of heart shaped goodness from Jenny of Gingerbread House as part of the Heart Swap organised by the lovely mollycupcakes.

Look at all these parcels

I got these tiny little hearts

a heart shaped soap

a heart shaped cookie cutter

some heart confetti

a postcard with hearts

some larger felt hearts

a pack of plasters with hearts on

These gorgeous heart shaped clips

and some more felt hearts

Thank you so much Jenny, they are all so lovely

The Blink of An Eye!

2009-04-09T15:32:00.004+01:00

That's what this week feels like.

It's just vanished.

We went up to St H on Saturday for Dad's birthday and we left C up there to stay with, well everyone really.

First she was with Dad and CJ, who delighted in taking her to CJ's farm to see all the animals, especially Elvis the Goose, who has been poorly of late but is now recovering and of course, the horses, Katie, Patch and Harvey. Harvey took a particular shine to C and she loved riding this massive shire horse.

On Tuesday she went to stay with Sis and Mr Sis, who had invited Mr Sis's niece and nephew for a sleepover as well and on Wednesday they went here and C did the highest level and despite being scared and a bit tearful, she completed it. What a brave girl!!

Today she is swapping to Mum & R, who will be back from their conference, and a brief aside here while I say how proud I am of my mum for being featured on Radio 4's Today programme which is here. Well done Mum and I totally agree.

So, what have we been doing while C has been away, well on Tuesday we went to London to see this

Jersey Boys

and WOW!! It was AMAZING, I would recommend it very highly and I have been singing Four Seasons hits ever since.

Yesterday we went to Ikea to get a new desk for C's room, but more on that another time and tonight we're off to see this

and then to my favouite Chinese restaurant!!

Album Cake

2009-04-08T10:35:00.001+01:00

It was my Dad's birthday on Saturday and CJ had planned a party for him and she had asked me to make a cake.

Of course I was delighted to oblige and spent ages trying to think of the best design.

My Dad is and always has been a music nut - and that's when it came to me, make a cake that looks like an Album, that's those big black plastic things we used to play before CD's and MP3's - you remember, don't you????

So that's what I did.

A simple Victoria Sponge, covered with fondant icing, then I painted it with silver icing powder, added a label of white icing, complete with hole in the middle!

I used some red gel writing icing to do the numbers in the middle (shame he wasn't 45! LOL!!), then I used an extra"ribbon" of white icing to make a banner with his name on, and decided to finish it with a silver star, topped with edible glitter!

He loved it and I was really pleased with it.

Sis has asked me to make the cake for Mr Sis's 30th - but that will take some thinking about... tell you later...

Yellow Submarine cross stitch

2009-04-06T19:03:00.002+01:00

Do you ever get a case of

"I saw this and thought of you?"

Well I did with the latest issue of World Of Cross Stitching Magazine. They had a big section on transport patterns including a Yellow Submarine.

Yes,

A Yellow Submarine

and with my Dad's birthday less than a week away at that point I just had to do it.

So I did, and I gave it to Dad on saturday for his birthday and he loved it.

And here it is for you

Playing catch up

2009-04-06T16:18:00.009+01:00

Way back in the mists of time (about Christmas) I celebrated my 200th post and had a giveaway, well thanks to life, work, broken bones etc I got very behind with all my crafting, but finally I managed on friday to post off the goodies to the very patient winners, Mary Poppins and Michele Cowboys & Custard.

I have heard from both of them to say they've had the parcels - and were both surprised as I wasn't organised enough to tell them they were coming!!!

Anyway, now I can show off some pictures of what I sent them

Mary Poppins got this little cross stitch mannequin

A notebook with the cover of the vintage Ladybird Cinderella book

A little hanging heart

a hand made gift tag/mini card

and a chocolate Malt-Easter bunny - seriously guys I can't recommend these highly enough - they are delicious!!!

Michele got a little crafting sign

A wooden flower

Some Cath Kidston stationery

A mini card

and a Chocolate bunny

I am very glad that they like them so much. I am now working on finishing my Heart Swap (Sorry it's late Jenny!!) and my giveaway for my bloggy birthday - I will finsh soon - honest!!!

Excuse Note...

2009-04-05T20:38:00.003+01:00

Dear Bloggers

Please excuse April for being a rubbish blogger this week!

I have been so busy and have got loads to tell you and show you, but have just been too busy and am too tired tonight to start but I will be back - tomorrow hopefully!

In the meantime, the lovely Jo, of JoJo Designs gave me this award

this week and I am going to share it in the hope that you will forgive me my rubbishness!!

These are the rules

Link to the giver
link to the ones you give to, and give them to at least seven bloggers.
Notify them of the award.

I am giving this to

Back Soon!!!

What Part of Spring Are you?

2009-03-29T12:28:00.001+01:00

You Are Kids Playing

You are a free spirited soul. More than anything else, you are often just happy to be alive.

You are always laid back and cheerful. You enjoy whatever happens to come your way.

You are spontaneous and zany. You're the kind of adult who still runs through the sprinklers.

You don't take life too seriously. You try to have fun at all times, even when you're working.

What Part of Spring Are You?

Counting My Blessings

2009-03-27T17:54:00.008Z

Ok, it's Friday, it's the end of what has been a much less busy week, although it has still had it's problems. I'm tired and still coughing a lot, but you know what?

I'm here, safe, warm and happy in my own lovely home, with my gorgeous hubby, beautiful daughter and crazy cats.

I know we all moan and complain, but I've been thinking about a friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with MS and a friend's wife who is currently in hospital after what they think might have been a stroke and I just wanted to take some time out and think about how lucky I am and what is making me happy today

There are the big things

Hubby
C
Family
BF
Friends

and I am grateful for them every day but there are the silly little things like

Hubby offering to get Chinese takeaway for dinner

The bottle of wine I'm going to have with it
The hot bubble bath I intend to have

The sponge pudding and evaporated milk, I suddenly had an irresistable nostalgia burst for (I know I could make my own, but it wouldn't quite fill the nostalgia gap!)
Getting my new computer at work

The beautiful Lilies hubby bought me

and the big bag of my favourite pistachio nuts hubby bought for me

This weekend, (for a change!) stretches ahead with very little planned and I am going to relax and enjoy it with the people I love best and I hope you all do too.

My Blogging Station

2009-03-26T18:17:00.004Z

A Thrifty Mrs has posted today about where she blogs and has asked us to share, so here is where I do my blogging

Tucked away in the corner of our lounge/diner between the back door and the dining table. The shelf above my head contains all the crap, sorry, vital information I need to be CofG!

Still close enough to everyone to be involved, I can try to shut out the sounds of iCarly or H2O, Just Add Water that C is watching.

I am right next to the back door, which means that the cat see me as their personal slave (oh silly me, I am their personal slave!) but I do like being able to look at my garden for inspiration.

I am also only round the corner from the kitchen so I can be blogging and baking!

Anyway, that's me for now... must get on with all my WIP's

Back Soon

Salted Caramel Tartlets

2009-03-25T18:45:00.005Z

I am a huge fan of salted Caramel, the Hotel Chocolat Salted Caramels are my favourite and I was distraught when I found out they'd been discontinued before Christmas. So imagine my delight when I found this recipe in the new issue of Tesco Food Club Magazine.

Salted Caramel Tartlets

Ingredients

375g ready rolled shortcrust pastry
150g (5oz) caster sugar
1 tbsp cold water
100ml (4 fl oz) double cream
100g (3 1/2oz) unsalted butter (diced)
Good pinch sea salt flakes

Method

Take the pastry out of the fridge 40 mins before use
Pre heat oven to gas mark 6/200C
Unroll pastry and cut out 12 discs with a 7cm cutter
Press each disc into the indent of a bun tin and weight down with a ball of kitchen foil, cook for 10 mins or until just firm, remove foil and cook for another 5 mins until crisp, leave to cool in tin
Make the caramel, by gently heating sugar and water in a heavy based non stick pan until dissolved
Leave to bubble gently for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally* until it becomes a rich caramel colour
Remove from heat and pour in cream and butter
Return to heat, stir and simmer for 3 mins
Stir in salt and spoon into cases
Cool until set
Enjoy!

*stirring seems to cause problems - read on!

Seemed very straightforward - I thought and assembled the ingredients for my day off today.

My first problem was when I unwrapped the ready rolled pastry, it looked like this

so I had to re-roll ready rolled.

Then I cooked the pastry shells and followed the advice of putting balls of foil in each one to stop them rising, well it worked - a bit, but the shells came out quite rustic - no problem, things don't have to be picture perfect.

Then I made the caramel, followed the instructions to the letter as I've never done this before, all was going ok so I left it for a minute, and then it looked to me as the water had just evaporated and I had dry sugar again, so I stirred as advised in the recipe and it made matters worse. So I added a little more water and it went back to being a sugar syrup, so I carried on, but looked up other recipes for caramel here and here.

So I looked at it, and swirled it round a bit, and looked at it and resisted temptation to panic (again!) and swirled it again and eventually it started to look like caramel - "Great!" I thought and carried on, adding the cream and butter.

Then I attempted to pour the caramel into the shells and realised that the wells weren't deep enough, so I filled what I could and luckily we had a pastry case in from the last time hubby made Lemon Meringue Pie (his speciality!) and poured the left over caramel in that.

I chilled them, not really expecting it to set as I was convinced by now they weren't going to work; but set they did and very nice they look.

Unfortunately, they weren't quite a success, as when I tasted a small one the over-riding taste is... burnt caramel.

However, serving them with some cream takes the edge off this and I haven't tried the big one yet, so, a bit of a learning curve today, but I will try them again and

not panic about the caramel
make larger wells in the pastry shells
possibly add chocolate on top
Maybe add a little more salt

Oh well, live and learn!

Happy Mothering Sunday

2009-03-22T17:00:00.006Z

Today is the 4th Sunday in Lent, Mothering Sunday, the middle Sunday (and generally acknowledged these days as a day you can "take a break" from what you have given up for Lent).

For me this meant being taken for lunch at Bella Italia, where I could enjoy Garlic Bread smothered in Mozzarella, Deep Fried Mozzarella, Meatballs & Spaghetti, (with a liberal helping of Parmesan) and a very indulgent Chocolate Mousse Torte - go on then, guess what I've given up...

Seriously we had a lovely lunch and I have been truly spoilt with 2 beautiful cards that C got for me

a big box of my favourite chocolates

(do I eat them all today or save them til Easter?)

and an adorable cupcake purse and keyring set

So I have had a truly lovely, relaxing day which was just what I needed after an exhausting week.

The return to work is going really well, with everyone glad to see me back, lots of work for me to do and the announcement that they have decided to make my post permanent!! Yay!!!

So Monday was work and then a Chair of Governors (CofG's) briefing, Tuesday was Open Day at school, so I was there all day (having switched my day off), Tuesday evening was a C0fG's training course, Wednesday was work and a Governors meeting, Thursday work and a Gala Group singing rehearsal with BF, Friday was work and Saturday was a Governor's Conference. I was shattered and fit for nothing last night expect sitting in front of the TV watching "Gosford Park"

This week is a lot quieter!

I want to say

Happy Mothers Day
to my lovely Mum and my lovely MIL

and to all Mum's out there, especially those who for whatever reason do not have their children with them.

To all those who are not yet Mum's, but wish to be,
I hope that this is the year your wish comes true.

I haven't forgotten...

2009-03-17T15:30:00.000Z

... that I was having a giveaway to celebrate my blogaversary - just hadn't got round to picking any winners.

Anyway I have now and they are...............................................

(drum roll please)

..............................................

Marie @ Protect the Cookie

and

Lise @ The Chocolate Cat

Well done ladies, send me your addresses and I'll get round to sending out some goodies - honest, but first I have to finish Mary Poppins and Michele's (Cowboys & Custard) goodies from my 200th post - this broken arm really threw a spanner in the works!!

But all better now and I am making progress!

Spring Sunday

2009-03-15T17:00:00.010Z

Dare I say it - is Spring approaching at long last?

After feeling pretty down all week what with one thing and another, I feel I have come back to normal now. This could be because I had a lovely night out with BF at the cinema on Friday to see "The Young Victoria" and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone, it is an excellent film and the costumes are gorgeous. Spending time with BF always manages to cheer me up anyway (thanks sweetie, Love you lots xx).

However yesterday was MIL's birthday and this meant we were off visiting, so it was off to sunny Telford to meet MIL, Bro-In-Law and favourite nephew for lunch at Frankie & Benny's which was gorgeous!! Then we went shopping!!!

TK Maxx, where I found this beautiful pink jug

this pretty spring bowl

and these lovely egg-shaped plates

All for less than £10 - so I was delighted!!!

Recently I treated myself to this shortbread mould from Lakeland and today I tested it out

At first I thought there was too much mixture, but a bit of firm pressing and it all fitted

4o minutes of cooking later

and 2 hours of cooling, here it is

It smells delicious, but we haven't tasted it yet

I'm back at work tomorrow as my arm is much better so I will leave you with these pictures.

The spring flowers are bursting into life in my garden and I couldn't resist brining some Spring indoors with these daffodils from my garden, in my new jug.

Do Something Funny For Money

2009-03-13T17:10:00.001Z

C sporting "Wacky Hair" for Comic Relief today.

Sticky Lemon Cake

2009-03-10T09:48:00.003Z

I am finally able to make cake again after 3 weeks of incapacity due to my broken arm (which is very nearly fully recovered) and as it is Lent and I have given up chocolate I turned to my next favourite flavour - Lemon and made a Sticky Lemon Cake

I used my usual Nigella recipe but adapted it by switching the vanilla for the juice of a lemon and once it had cooked and cooled, I made some buttercream with unsalted butter and icing sugar and then added a generous spoonful of lemon curd and the juice of half a lemon. This made a lovely, smooth, lemony buttercream and I used this and thick layer of lemon curd to sandwich the two cakes.

I then made quite a thin lemon icing with icing sugar, juice of half a lemon and a little water, poured this over the top because I wanted it to dribble down the sides and then decorated with those little lemon jellies.

It is delicious - although it could be stickier, so I may add more lemon juice next time.

In Print

2009-03-09T13:26:00.002Z

I am so very proud today to see C featured in our local paper as part of an article about Roald Dahl.

She was one of four Year 4 children interviewed about their favourite Roald Dahl book and here is the picture.

Ooh I Say!

2009-03-09T13:09:00.003Z

If, like me you enjoy silly (and little bit rude) jokes like this one or this one,

then you might want to check out this blog which is full of them...

well they make me laugh...

if you're easily offended then don't...

oh go on...

you know you want to...

Colours

2009-03-04T21:50:00.007Z

picture from here

What is Pink

What is pink? A rose is pink
By the fountain's brink
What is red? A poppy's red
In it's barley bed
What is blue? The sky is blue
Where the clouds float thro'
What is white? A swan is white
Sailing in the light
What is yellow? Pears are yellow
Rich and ripe and mellow
What is green? The grass is green
With small flowers between
What is violet? Clouds are violet
In the summer twilight
What is orange, why an orange,
Just an orange!

Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

I found this poem printed in an old newspaper ages ago, and it really appealed to me, so I tore it out and kept it.

And promptly forgot all about it until I was clearing the computer desk area on Monday and I found it and decided to share.

Hope you like it.

A Smile from Heaven

2009-03-03T22:21:00.004Z

My BF sent me this lovely picture today and I just wanted to share it with you because it made me smile.

xxx

Oriental Goodies

2009-03-02T11:56:00.003Z

Last week I was lucky enough to win Sal's Chinese New Year giveaway by suggesting Year of the Cupcake! (What else?!)

I won this lovely oriental tag album which arrived today

and this beautiful fabric - thank you so much Sal

As my arm is still very stiff, I still can't manage to do any sewing, but as I was very bored, I decided to customise one of my notebooks with some stickers

I'm really pleased with how it turned out and may take this further at some stage.

My darling hubby bought me this

as a present last week as I am still struggling with crochet - I am hoping that the DVD will help everything become clear!

Did you see this lovely story over the weekend - a lovely tribute to a lovely man.

The Pink Penguin Strikes Again!

2009-03-01T12:19:00.016Z

I saw this on Emma's Blog (Jellybelly*Jellybrain) and it made me laugh so much I just had to do my own,

Simply add your real name to the following name suggestions - April

Witness Protection Name (mother and father's middle names)

picture from here

Mary Anthony

Secret Spy Name (your first name spelled backwards)

picture from here

Lirpa

NasCar Name (first name of your mother's dad and father's dad)

picture from here

Arthur Bernard

Detective Name (favourite colour, favourite animal)

picture from here

Pink Penguin

Soap Opera Name (middle name & county/state you were born in)

picture from here

Marie Merseyside

Superhero name (2nd favourite colour, favourite drink preceded by THE)

picture from here

The Purple Cocktail

Fly name (first 2 letters of your first name and last 2 letters of your last name)

Apoe

(like Emma I have no clue what a fly name is!)

Street name (favourite ice cream & favourite cookie)

picture from here

Toffee Oatmeal Raisin

Rock Star (current pet, current street)

picture from here

Jessie Edith

Porn Star Name (1st pet, street you grew up on)

picture from here

Belle Peel

Gangsta Name (first 3 letters of your first name followed by IZZLE)

picture from here

Aprizzle

Goth Name (black and the name of one of your pets)

picture from here

Black Kafka

Stripper Name (name of favourite perfume and favourite candy)

picture from here

Chanel No 5 Malteser

Please join in - and let me know so I can come and read them.

Jellybelly*Jellybrain is having a giveaway...

2009-02-27T11:03:00.003Z

...so if you go here, you'll see this

and then she'll know I told you about it - but don't enter cos I really want to win that gorgeous watch - and you can't have it in gold!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

2009-02-26T15:44:00.008Z

I can't quite believe it, but today is my 1 year blogging anniversary!

picture from here

I've been looking back at some of the posts and comments over the past year and I am so pleased I "took the plunge" to join you lovely bloggers and share my musings and meanderings with you. I have found your support invaluable over the good and bad points of the last year and I am looking forward to sharing more with you over the coming year and beyond...

Thank you so much for reading and commenting and being so welcoming, you are all so lovely.
picture from here

Despite my current incapacity and the list of UFO's as long as my (broken) arm I am still having a giveaway to celebrate this milestone, however there may be less made items in this one...

So, leave me a comment and I'll pick a winner or two in a week or so...

picture from here

Just as an aside, has anyone else noticed any problems with their followers? I seem to have lost a couple recently...

Fat Quarter Swap

2009-02-23T18:24:00.007Z

I signed up to this

in order to fuel my FQ addiction! I was paired with Erna from here and sent off these to her

along with some little pretties.

And I received back from her, these little beauties

and these

I especially love the Dutch fabric. Thank you so much Erna & Katy for organising this fun swap.

Now I need to decide what to do with it...

What does your taste in music say about you?

2009-02-22T16:55:00.002Z

Your Taste in Music Says You're Cheerful

Your musical tastes are upbeat and conventional.

You are an easy going, optimistic person.

Family and friends are very important to you.

You enjoy caring for and helping other people.

You thrive in a tranquil environment, and you do your best to keep things peaceful.

You enjoy your life. You have your priorities straight.

What Does Your Taste in Music Say About You?

back soon...

Encouragement....

2009-02-20T16:37:00.003Z

The wonderful Beki-Marie has passed this award onto me

which has really cheered me up as I am still in quite a lot of pain with my arm*

And I am going to pass it on all my followers and anyone who is struggling at the moment, whether it is with blogging, health, work, family or life in general, with lots of hugs to you all xx

*UPDATE from the fracture clinic -

It's a non displaced hair line fracture coupled with severe bruising, no need for plaster so I now have a tubigrip bandage all the way up my arm and a foam collar and cuffs sling and last night had my first decent night's sleep in a week!! The Doctor is very pleased with how well it is healing and thinks I've got a good range of movement so far and shouldn't need any physio! Yay!

An award for friendship

2009-02-16T12:41:00.002Z

The lovely Sarah has given me this wonderful award

Thank you so much Sarah.

The rules:-

The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in proximity in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandisement. Our hope is that when ribbons of these awards are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give your kind attention to these writers.

Now I have to deliver this award to 8 bloggers who will then choose 8 more and include the above cleverly written text to the body of the award.

My nominations are

Marie @ Protect the Cookie
Anna @ A Room of one's own (welcome back sweetie! xx)
Alex @ Pink Feather Paradise
Emma @ Jellybelly*Jellybrain
Julie's Little Joys
Generally Gemma
Bekimarie @ The Ramblings of an everyday Mummy
Josie @ Skyessillysite

Thanks for all your good wishes about my accident and just to keep you all up to date, it still hurts, but it's getting better sssssllloooowwwwlllyyy!

Valentine Swap goodies sent

2009-02-15T18:23:00.006Z

These are the goodies I sent to Julie as part of Thrifty Mrs Valentine Swap

A cross stitched bookmark and key ring

A hearts wall hanging, this is a prototype that I hope to develop more once I can use both arms again

A blackwork initial card

And a reel of hearts ribbon and a little cross stitch kit for Julie to do.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T13:47:00.003Z

To my darling hubby, who is totally spoiling me and looking after me at the moment.

I received these

as a combined Get well/Valentines gift and I love them, also got the "Mamma Mia" DVD so am looking forward to watching that.

Happy Valentines Day
to you all

I hope you can spend it with
those you love best.

xxxx

When life gives you lemons...

2009-02-13T14:50:00.002Z

Nan has given me this fabulous award, so thank you Nan, you're a sweetie!

This award is given to those bloggers who show great Attitude and/or Gratitude, and I'm very grateful for her choosing me.

The Rules of this award for recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

My nominated blogs are

Valentine Swap parcel received

2009-02-13T14:35:00.005Z

Thank you all for your sympathy following my accident, I'm still in a lot of pain and frustrated at not being able to do anything for myself!

However, I received a parcel this morning which was my Valentine Swap parcel from Julie (Julie's Little Joys) and this is what she sent me

A strawberry cupcake candle

a heart shaped bath bomb

Some summer berries covered in white chocolate

and a beautiful hand painted heart mug

Thank you so much Julie, I love them.

One handed typing is tiring and frustrating, so what I sent to Julie will have to wait for another day, but a huge thank you to Thrifty Mrs for organising this swap.

Ice 1, April 0

2009-02-11T14:24:00.003Z

Well, I fought with the ice this morning and lost.

Slipped on a patch of ice on my way into work and have broken my right arm.

I am in a LOT of pain at the moment, which the painkillers don't seem to be touching and feeling a bit sorry for myself!

No plaster for the moment, just a sling and signed off work for three weeks, which would be great, but I can't do anything fun!

HUGE apologies to Mary Poppins & Michele (Cowboys & Custard) as I was working on your 200 posts giveaway prize - but can't do sewing!! Will get back to it as soon as I can!

Normal Service will resume at some point...

Real, Proper, Full on Snow with School Closed & Everything!

2009-02-05T18:40:00.009Z

Well, the weather forecast was for more snow for us last night but we were more than a little skeptical... but we woke up this morning to that almost eerie light and silence that you know means heavy snow has come, and BOY had it come, the whole street covered in snow.

This is my garden at 7.30 this morning.

I got up fully intending to check local radio and council website to see if C's school was open and was greeted by an urgently blinking answerphone containing 4 messages from the Head, desperately trying to contact me to get my agreement as Chair of Governors to declare school closed for the day - I never knew I had so much power!!!

Duty done I attempted to let the cats out, well they've never seen snow this deep and quite frankly they didn't know what to make of it. Jessie took a couple of tentative steps and couldn't quite understand why her feet kept sinking into this cold white stuff! Jamie attempted to use the pawprints already created by his sister but gave up and came back in. Jessie perservered for a while and then gave up.

So C was home for day, as was hubby - just me then... I tried to phone into work to see what was happening but no answer... so as work is in walking distance, I bundled myself up and set off through the deep snow, which was lovely because it was still early (ish) and mostly undisturbed!

All was going well until I slipped and landed square on my backside (at least there's plenty of padding!) but no damage done so I continued - even more cautiously.

I arrived at work - footprints going up and down the path, so I continued, got to the front door which has one of those key pad thingys and found the keys still in the lock - which I admit freaked me out a bit, but I went in and the whole ground floor was deserted and in total darkness, a little nervously I headed up to the first floor to find the same, and then headed up to the second and saw another person - hooray! It was someone I work with and they were his keys!

We both assumed other people would try to make it in, so I went down to my office, put on the lights and radio and started work, managed to get some stuff done but no-one else turned up, the Boss rang about 11.30 and said I could go home so I did!

On the way home I spotted this fantastic snowman in the car park of an NHS clinic

and at the end of the road, I slipped again and this time I went down with a right bang and still feel a little fragile!

Hubby and C had been building another snowman and having a snowball fight

so all in all a good snow day has been had and I've been busy catching up with my projects.

My Fat Quarter swap parcel is nearly ready to go, as is my Valentine Swap and I am working on the goodies for my 200 post giveaway winners - by the way Michele (Cowboys and Custard) I don't have your address can you email me please!

Thank you all so much for your good wishes and commiserations following hubby's job news, I know many other people are in the same boat but it does help to know people are supporting you.

Scones

2009-02-04T12:09:00.003Z

A huge thank you to the delightful Anna of All things Lovely for her fantastic scone recipe!

I love scones, but always had problems making them -but no longer

I saw Anna's recipe the other day and have just made a batch

Aren't they gorgeous?

I could not resist and have tried one while still warm... just with butter

and it is yummy!!!

This means a trip to the Co-op after school to buy some cream to have with them later tonight.

My darling hubby is need of some cosseting and comfort at the moment as he has just been made redundant... yes the recession has hit!

We had a week's notice that redundancies would be coming and yesterday he was told that after 24 and a half years loyal service, he was no longer required.

He is at work until the end of the month and has started making contact with people who know where jobs may be in his area ... so if anyone knows of someone who wants a Sys Admin (no I don't understand what he does - just that computers quake in fear of his name...) let me know!!

Snow...

2009-02-02T16:10:00.002Z

Not much to report, I'm afraid, so just a photo of the snow in my garden

and the valiant effort C made at building a snowman

It is still snowing, so who knows what will happen tomorrow with school etc..

Bye for now

What Kind of Muffin Are You?

2009-02-01T18:28:00.002Z

I am a Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin

You Are a Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin

You are smart, sophisticated, and savvy.

You love taking risks, and you are the first to know about new trends.

You are curious about the world and tend to have many interests.

You also are very talented. It sometimes seems like you are good at everything.

You are very social and inclusive. You'll be friends with anyone.

Even though you're very cultured, you're not a snob.

What Kind of Muffin Are You?

Apron History

2009-01-30T19:03:00.003Z

My sis sent me this and I thought it was so lovely, I wanted to share it with you

"I don't think our kids know what an apron is

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven

It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came. those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids

And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden it carried all sorts of vegetables.

After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the Autumn the apron was used for bringing in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company came up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields for dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that old time apron that serves so many purposes.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her home baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaugthers set theirs on the windowsill to thaw.

The powers that be would go crazy now thinking about the germs on that apron - I never caught anything from an apron - except LOVE."

Teapot cake

2009-01-28T09:56:00.003Z

Well, this is the cake I made for the After Show dinner raffle.

This is the second year I have themed the cake in line with the show, see here for last year's show cake.

The teapot is very important in the story of "The Sorcerer" as that is how the love philtre is distributed to all the guests, the prop teapot was huge, and it had sparks and exploded with glitter and then it flew as well - some nights these effects worked better than others, but it was very effective!

Full credit must go to S, in his role as John Wellington Wells - the Sorcerer himself as he had to manipulate all these props, which wasn't always easy!

"The Sorcerer" - 2009

2009-01-27T19:05:00.015Z

Wow, what a great week, one of the most fun shows we've done in a long time.

Audiences were not as big as we would have liked as this is not one of the more popular G&S shows, but those who came loved it!

A synopsis of the show can be found here.

We perform at The Royal Theatre, and it is a lovely venue for G&S operettas, and this is the view of the auditorium from the stage.

This is stage left (Sir Marmaduke's mansion)

and this is stage right (the tea tent)

The costumes were stunning, especially for BF as Aline (the female lead) whom I laced into not one, but two gorgeous dresses each night.

The music is great, lively and entertaining. I had great fun as a dancing maid

The props were dramatic involving pyrotechnics, flying and glitter spraying giant teapots!

A great week was had by all.

So here's a few more photos for you

The dancers' dressing room

and all the dancers' dresses.

These are the flowers I received for the first night from Sis and Mr Sis, Mum and R and Dad and CJ which were a lovely surprise (xxx)

We also have a tradition within the group that end of show gifts are themed to the show so here's a selection of the ones I was lucky enough to get

A tea for one set from Hubby

and a lovely teapot covered hat box also from Hubby

A strawberry jam note box from Mr Bun The Baker (my on stage partner)

Funky teapot and tea cup earrings from BF

and this GORGEOUS mini cupcake shaped teapot also from BF!!

I'm now trying to catch up on everything that didn't get done last week and will be back soon with some more stuff for you all...

Chcoolate Hedgehog Cake

2009-01-21T12:14:00.004Z

This is the cake I made for C's birthday

- my only instruction was "chocolate", so I made a chocolate fudge cake and added large amounts of giant chocolate buttons to make a somewhat stylised hedgehog, but she loved it! (BF and I had great fun removing enough chocolate buttons to make room for the candles too!)

C had a fantastic birthday and I must show this photo, that just about sums it up really - I can't believe she is so grown up! (the guitar was a Christmas present, but she got a guitar book for her birthday!)

The show is going really well and I will tell you all about it when I've got a bit more time, but this is my in my lovely costume - complete with mob cap and bloomers!

Fab Blog Award

2009-01-18T10:20:00.005Z

Just a quickie to thank you all for your Birthday wishes to C, she had a lovely day which I will fill you in on later.

Today hubby and I are leaving C in the capable care of MIL who is staying for the week as... It's Showtime!!!

Yup, the time has come and the day long tech and dress rehearsal looms ahead of us...

One more thing before I love you and leave you, the fabulous Vintage Kitten has given me an award!!

Thank you so much sweetie, you are very kind.

I am passing this one onto a few of my favourite blogs...

Mollycupcakes
Jellybelly*jellybrain
Chocolate Cat
Mary Poppins
I'm a Ginger Monkey
Ragged Roses

have a lovely Sunday and I'll be back soon...

Cake Makes The World A Better Place

Boo!

Anyone still there???

Seasons Greetings

Snowy Weather...

We Shall Remember Them

Decorating...

Sleepover Swap

Random Acts of Kindness...

Christmas Stocking Swap

Wedding Cake

Car Booty

300 post competition winner

Charity Shop Treasure

FRIENDS Swap

Kenilworth Castle

PIF's - Done!

Latest Completed Cross Stitch

Happy Birthday Granny!

Seaside Swap - parcel sent

Wizard of Oz Gala

Dear Bloggers

Cross Stitch Baby Sampler #2

Light Sabre Cake!!

Charity Shop Bargains!

Dolly Mixture Cupcakes

Barbie Collection Part Two

Off to see the Wizard...

Barbie Collection - Part 1

Cake Sale

Muppet Personality Test

Busting with Pride!!

Wednesday Weariness

Busy, Bad Blogger!

There but for the Grace of God...

Boiled Fruit Cake

Catching Up...

I went to the Fair

What we did on our holidays

4th Wedding Anniversary

Tag! I'm off on my holiday...

Vote for Me!

Award Sharing

Sch... you know who!

Seaside Swap

Chocolate Orange Cake

Trashy's meme

Inspiration...

Old Fashioned Advice

I can't draw...

Rules for Today

HOW TO STAY YOUNG ?... ...

This includes age, weight, and height.Let the doctors worry about them. That is why they get paid.

The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.Never let the brain get idle. ?'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with her/him !

Endure, grieve, and move on.The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self. LIVE while you are alive.

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.Your home is your refuge.

If it is unstable, improve it.If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

PIF Lovelies

HELP!...

Hearts Given...

Happy St George's Day

An Award for Comments

50 Random Questions...

Birthday Bonanza!

Easter Stuff

Pay It Forward...

Heart Swap Goodies Received

The Blink of An Eye!

Album Cake

Yellow Submarine cross stitch

Playing catch up

Excuse Note...

What Part of Spring Are you?

Counting My Blessings

My Blogging Station

Salted Caramel Tartlets

Happy Mothering Sunday

This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why they get paid.

The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain get idle. ?'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self.
LIVE while you are alive.

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.