Baby Showers and Spring Flowers...

Good Morning all you lovely people. I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend and have all been well. Sorry for my disappearance lately...I could tell you why but then I would have to add a moaning tag to the post and this post is far too pretty for that!

It has been a bit crazy in these parts lately, there have been family visits, school holidays, baby showers and men in uniform...yum!

Lets start with flowers. Nowadays I buy fresh flowers ALL the time. In fact it is rare that I go shopping anywhere and not bring some home with me. I love them. But this wasn't always the case.
Each time I am in my little kitchen snipping, and pruning a new bouquet or two and gently and precisely adding them to jugs or vases my husband always like to remind me of when we first met and the opinions I had on bought flowers.
"A waste of money, all they are going to do is die! I would rather have something I can keep!"
Yes! That was my opinion back then, but like I say to him now,
"that was before my depression hit rock bottom and I realised that flowers are a beautiful way to brighten up your day, natures very own anti-depressant!"

This is exactly why flowers are now so important to me. To walk up my path and have a cheery colourful bouquet greeting me in the window is uplifting and immediately makes me smile, even if I have had the crappiest day. I am home and my home is lovely and filled with the simplest, lovely things.

Now on to something that has really brought a smile to my face. My best friends bump!

I always think when someone so close to you is expecting you travel with them on each step of their journey. You comfort them when they are going through dreaded morning sickness that makes them look like death.

You call them fatty as the bump grows larger and larger. Moan when said bump doesn't kick on demand, and gently try and persuade them to add your name to bumps when they arrive...no? just me then?!?

Obviously as a friend or sister you can't go through everything with them, it is their journey and it is happening to them, but we get all the fun bits and can make the journey a little more joyous and exciting.

That is why I love the idea of baby showers. A new concept to these shores but a fab gift from our friends over the pond.

And of course I jumped right in...no silly games though, we are all far too interested in cake to be bothered about games :)

This is the fat one...no this is Becky and she is positively blooming and nowhere near as fat as I was hoping thinking she would get ;)

We went with cute pink tea party and it was a big success. We had a fabulous time, cooing over baby clothes and little gifts, baby names and bump.

I love my friend and I was so happy that I could do this for her, and hopefully it will be something wonderful she can treasure. A very pretty and yummy step on this journey xxx

Happy Sunday xx

Making the Best of it...

Hi there. So what about this sunshine? I don't know about you but when that sun is shining I am filled with ideas and excitement before I even open my eyes, which is why it really, REALLY sucks to have the crappiest immune system ever!

Guess What???

Yep!

I am ill again!!!

This is getting sooooo boring. My house has so many messy spots which I am noticing more and more every day. I have redecorated at least 10 times in my head since being laid up.

I have spent thousands!

I have won the lottery, all different amounts and planned how to spend it and deliberated on how deserving family and friends are and how much they will get.

I have been on about 20 different holidays, some with kids and some without...

I have bought so many pretty things that in reality I can't afford. I have made Pinterest boards which display these desires...even made a holiday one(a girl can dream).

I have made soooo many cakes(and eaten them) and my decorating skills would put Cake Boss to shame hehe!

Obviously in reality I have been lay in my bed or on the sofa, feeling sorry for myself, crocheting and moaning. I have been drinking tea and eating out of boredom!

I have been enjoying marathon programme catch up. Mainly Call the Midwife and Sewing Bee, that has been one good thing. I am longing to learn to use my machine and Sewing Bee doesn't help this longing!

I think it is safe to say I am a little worn out with my own company. 

I have been popping in and out of blogland and seeing all your lovely posts but I am so worn out that I get through some and then doze off again.

I have made a concious decision this morning after waking up without the ability to swallow and discovery of white spots on the tonsils, to spend the morning typing(albeit moany typing) on my little blog and upload some of the photos I have been snapping away at.

My little bug. We went to the cinema over the weekend(I started feeling really poorly half way through Muppets Most Wanted) he had to take Fluffy and Mickey with him and they thoroughly enjoyed it.                                             

Something that has been a source of mindless entertainment...it gets boring very quickly!

Some flowers to cheer a girl up :)

The garden is getting a mini makeover. Just something to make this very small and ugly yard a little less of an eye sore!

More bright, beautiful flowers.(both bunches were reduced and count as medicine for sure)

New wool storage...

Cute retro Pop bottles...little in love...

So there are some of the nice things about the last few days.

I haven't been too bad with my frugal March.

I have looked for bargains everywhere. I spent a lot of money on my food shop, but I managed to buy enough for over 2 months for £400. I know that sounds like a lot but for a family for 2 months and it includes meat and all cleaning/household products, I am quite chuffed!

These pop bottles are a sparkling £2 each from Tesco, which is a bargain I think. They have a lovely range at the moment with all this gorgeous coloured glass and some stunning pastel cookware(which definitely did not become part of my March)

Wilkinsons also have some gorgeous coloured glass products including Kilner jars. Again I haven't indulged as they really couldn't be justified.

I know you may think that these bottles can't be but they can I just can't go into details...yet!

(My crochet ta-dahs can't be shared right now either :( )

But a sneaky peek wont hurt ;)

ooooo and another little tip. Right now we are in garden stuff season. Now, if like me you are not the greatest gardener but still find yourself browsing these aisles then despair not.

Garden paraphernalia is usually a lot cheaper than pretty indoor decor.

The bucket I am now using for yarn storage is a gorgeous pastel green and has the wooden embellishment on the handle. It was £4 in the garden section at Tesco!!! £4! If this was an indoor decorative item you would be looking at upwards of £10.

I also use a lot of string in my crafts and for wrapping and twine is perfect...gorgeous twine holders are EVERYWHERE at the moment and they are really reasonably priced.

Keep an eye out people x

Happy Tuesday xxx 

Smile Worthy Delivery...

I have had a huge smile put on my face today. 

It started with a suggested page on facebook a while back. I get lots of these on my newsfeed, some good, some ridiculous(how to lose weight by eating frogspawn...well that kind of thing!) but this suggestion was right up my street. It led to a page filled to bursting with colour and creative wonderment.

I was hooked. Like was clicked and with each new post came an ooooo and an ahhhhh.

Falling in love with each new design, each new product. 

The page was Caroline Rose Art

Her Etsy shop is filled with gorgeousness.

Caroline creates collages using mixed media and illustration, the effects from the paper cutting add so much depth and fun. It reminds me of being young and learning all about textures and making art fun and unique. Of course I really only managed cotton wool sheep and triangle and square houses hehe! 

I have been longing for some of her colourful art for such a long time, but with moving and decorating I just didn't have the right space for it.

Then I saw the piece that was just right for me and my little bug.

With the man heading back to the Royal Navy soon we are decorating the bugs room with boats and sailing thingimabobs. This piece would be absolutely perfect I thought, and I am right(of course).

I saw it, I loved it so I ordered it and now I have it...

So exciting when, even before you open it you get a glimpse of the brillliant colours and designs. Silly postpeople putting a sticker over a mini piece of art.

Here it is! Isn't it simply gorgeous?

Look how bright the colours are. You can see all the tiny paper cuts, so small and so detailed. This is just a print and yet you can still see the shadows of the 3D effect this kind of art produces. Caroline has made me fall in love with art all over again. The bright, playful images just speak to me. 

This is so perfect for a little bugs room. 

He will pretend he is in that boat, knowing my little bug that fish will be on a lead not a hook and will be his friend(that is what he is like).

He will tell me that he is just like Daddy sailing his boat, being brave in the stormy seas.

This has come on the right day. After my moan and grump yesterday I am still feeling deflated. I have taken a day out and am resting and gathering my thoughts, letting the negative go and letting the positive back in.

To have this splash of colour land, plop! on the mat is a burst of positive cheer.

I urge you to take a look at this talented ladys work if you haven't already. Even just browsing will put a smile on your face I guarantee it :)  

Thank you all for your wonderful comments yesterday. They meant so much and really made me feel so much better and secure that I can be open about the bad as well as the good xxx

Happy Wednesday xx

Baby Cakes...

Hello there. I have been very busy over the last few days. I have been in the kitchen baking and making away. The smell of cake has been storming its way through the house. There have been so many drooling mouths and growling bellies at the smells. MMMMMMM! It has to be one of the best smells in the world.

Those bellies and mouths remained empty though as the cakes rising steadily were not for us. A friend had asked me to supply some cakes for a baby shower.

How exciting! I don't do cakes very often as the strain causes a lot of back ache and stress on the old hips, but how can you say no to such an exciting occasion? At one point it looked like the little fella was putting a stop to the shower by coming early but thankfully he decided to let Mummy have some cake before his arrival...It is a boy btw hehe!

So without further delay here are the fruits of my labour...

This is the large cake(state the obvious Emma!)

I was really pleased with this and the cupcakes. It isn't very often that I am pleased with my efforts but I like all this lot :)

And of course you wanted to see every picture I took hehe!

All this cake has made me desperate to eat some but Alas! The diet says no! So I guess it is grapes for me.

I hope you are all having a great day.

Happy Friday x

Special Delivery...

Hello.

I hope it is cold enough for everyone Brrrrrrr...

and hi to all you lucky people living somewhere sunshiny and warm right now x

Well this morning was a mixed bag. 

I had a visit from my CPN who happens to be one of the loveliest ladies I have had the pleasure to have in my life. It is so important to have a Dr or nurse that you can trust and have an open and honest relationship with. I am truly blessed.

We talked a lot about my improvement in mood and how I will need my medication to be reviewed soon. We laughed and I almost cried...almost! 

It is easy to get very emotional when you get the chance to talk about how you are really feeling and how life is affecting you and especially how the crappy bi-polar is.

After she left I had a 2hr phone call as part of research that I am taking part of to improve healthcare for parents with mental health problems.

It was emotionally EXHAUSTING! I honestly felt like I had run a marathon mentally when it was over. Talk about drained, but I am so glad I have the opportunity to help with this fundamental research, as a lot more does need to be done to help families who have these problems and concerns.

Whilst I was on the phone though I had two wonderful deliveries!

Firstly the man came in with flowers! YAY!

LOTS more daffodils. I love daffodils, they are full of promise and induce happy and warm feelings. Excitement for spring, all things new, ever growing and opening like glorious sunshine. Pretty impressive for such a simple flower...(and of course they remind me of home, Wales)

And you can just see on the windowsill Tulips. Purple and deep pink tulips. I couldn't get a great pic because the weather is just dreadful today.

I struggle with tulips, they are absolutely beautiful and one of my firm favourites, but...There is always the worry of the droop! 

I think I have it covered. I have dropped a couple of pennies in the water and put a pin hole in all the stems. Is this right, or am I just deluded??? Are there any other bits of advice on offer for this little issue I have with these pretty flowers?

And just look at my second delivery, this one from Mr Postman...EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!

NEW WOOL!!!

I have been out of the yarny world for a while, wrapped up in my little world and I am way out of the loop when it comes to yarns etc. I use to frequent different yarn stores, was always reading blogs and magazines, but for a while I haven't done much of any of that, so I am a bit behind.

In many of the blogs I am reading lately I am seeing this Drops Merino a lot. I had a look online and I HAD to have it.

There on the page was the EXACT light teal colour I have been searching for, for an age! 

Of course the trouble with online shopping is, that you don't actually know what the colour is for sure until it arrives.

It is PERFECT. I am so happy that if I could physically do it I would be jumping up and down still.

This a better picture to showcase the teal colour. Isn't it divine? I have a hundred different plans for this wool but until I am completely, 100% certain what I want to do I am just going to gaze lovingly and stroke tenderly(we yarn addicts are a crazy bunch...I know you all do it ;p )

I also have a little extra item on the little unit.

The man painted an old wooden tray for me and I filled it. I have to say I really like the look it has created.

I happily wound yarn into balls this morning whilst waiting for the nurse and after an hour or so I had this lovely collection.

To me it is a piece of art. I mean, I have just admitted to lovingly gazing at yarn, well now I can do it all day and not look like a crazy lady staring at a basket hehe!

So even though I was drained, I am so, so happy today. My little world is starting to get all better and my little house is becoming more of a home everyday.

Happy Wednesday xx 

Home Comfort Creating...

Didn't know what else to call this post. Sometimes the title is the hardest part! Well, remember yesterday when I said I had a busy morning? Well that project has now been completed.

My plan for today was to do a little shopping(for absolutely nothing important, just all pretty, flowery and yarnful things) but sadly after the cleaning mission I went on yesterday(which a few years ago would have been a fraction of days cleaning and I would dance whilst cleaning too, but that is by the by) I was in too much pain to go walking :(

So instead I decided to finish the project and make the lounge a little prettier.

It is really hard renting. I owned my own home for 10 years from being 18 but sadly had to sell up and with the recession and needing a quick sale I didn't make enough to buy a new home and had to resort to renting. I find you can't really make it completely home.

The house I rented in Manchester was an ex council property and the house I am now renting is the same(It is actually a few doors up from the home I owned and the house I met my husband in...also where my cat was born!) I moved back here for the people. I have the most incredible group of friends here, but these types of houses for someone with my creative mind just don't fit the bill when it comes to all things vintage/crafty but I try my best.

WOW! That was a lot of waffle that no-one is probably interested in, but there it is.

I am so happy with what I have achieved so far(Oh and in this house it is an uphill struggle as the landlords are like the chuckle brothers and this is the house that Jack built...again another story)

This is an old oak unit that has been handed down from my Grandma. It is a little battered and a little old fashioned, which I don't mind but I wanted it looking a little prettier.

First coat after sanding. I have never attempted this before. I have a few pieces of furniture that I have acquired or purchased through the years that are all waiting for a little TLC, I just haven't been brave enough to pick up the brush. 

 TA DAH!!!

I am not sure if I am completely happy with it. I don't know if I have actually achieved a shabby chic look or I have made a mess! I think this is because there are no other pieces in my home like it.

Anywho it made me want all the lounge sorted so I cracked on...

There it sits, actually matches a bit now :)

Oh and have any of you got a gazillion DVDs stacking up? I have sooooo many and when I first moved they took up 8 LARGE boxes. Then my Brother told me what to do and when I moved again they only took up 2 boxes.

So obvious really! Box sets and Disney films are all still in cases but this is such a needed space saver so I thought I would share x

Happy Monday x