last day of may

NO NO NO

2011-12-01T08:03:00.001-08:00

(that's as opposed to HO HO HO)

our week began with some photos. for our christmas card.

but no smiles. not my usual no worries to pose girl.

later on...horrible high temperatures.

a birthday party missed. tears and scary hives.

i had a moment of understanding the children and animals thing.

we abandoned project card!
and there are always 1st class stamps.

i am glad to say that with a lot of cuddles and calpol and time on the sofa together with toy story we are seeing our girl get back to her bouncy self.
and right on time for december...so much to be excited and be well for this month!

tree goes up tomorrow.

day one dairy-free advent calendar. a fairy. (bizarre...with a bare bottom?)
verdict on the chocolate? reject.
but it's only day one. and she has been poorly.

happy december everyone! have you started playing the tunes yet?
my annual treat. a new festive album. this year this one.

FESTIVELY THINKING

2011-11-14T06:08:00.001-08:00

my mind is full of card ideas.

i have started a quilt...the fantastic little forest one as seen here a few years back. looking forward to stitching a few trees each night then hanging it on the wall when we put up our tree. as soon as december comes...can't wait. elsa has already spotted the decorations box. umm it never made it up into the roof...

i feel quite inspired to somehow turn one of the squares into the card. maybe. i am very bad at going with one idea straight off...wondering if i could think of something better.

no picture of our elf this year. but i must get on to sorting out one of the 3 of us to go inside.

have you seen the john lewis advert?

i love it. beautifully filmed and a song i adore. but it also makes me scared...because it somehow is a wake up call to being a grown up. a parent with ercol kitchen chairs? my daughter's spotty dressing gown? original fan of the smiths? step forward target market mummy. oh well i don't think i will get fed up of seeing it on telly unlike all the other commercials.

looking forward to making the christmas cake with my mum this week. how about you?

IRIS + TOAST

2011-11-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

i am loving blue and brown right now.

i did buy yellow jeans but no not for me. too trendy? i don't know but they went back. swapped for iris.

enjoying more drawing today for a special friend's birthday. it feels so good to be doodling again.

boudoir fingers (funny name no?) which are forever to us are known as ben biscuits (my brother's childhood favourite) have been shared out between me and the girl. dipped in coffee for me. nibbled on as a treat for the girl on a drizzly thursday. we watched the piglet movie...a carly simon sing-a-long. elsa is currently enchanted by music. and tigger. her bouncing knows no boundaries.

thank you so much for your kind words about my grandma...it really means a lot. x

NIGHT TIME INK

2011-11-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

i've been putting together a little symbol of autumn tonight. for my grandma who passed away last week.

it feels surreal to say she has gone. she is all around me. this season was her very favourite.

a september birthday. these colours she loved to wear and suited her better than anyone.

i could not have wished for a more loving person to be in my life. she made me feel incredibly safe and inspired and happy just by being there and being with me. even when i was a grown up it felt good to feel like a grandchild...uncomplicated even when things were so very serious.

we are making a bookmark for everyone to keep at the service as a little keepsake. so tonight i am drawing and thinking and enjoying doing something small for her.

BLACK AND WHITE

2011-10-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

a weekend with a wedding. another cushion. a headpiece re-visted.
angry anderson entrance music!
and a first halloween party. our kitten was a little nervous but later found her tiger feet.
two late nights and sugar highs. don't forget the clocks go back.
where did october go?

POM POM PART DEUX

2011-10-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

we got to spend this wednesday with very precious people.
uncle b and auntie s came a-visiting and brought gifts from greece.

elsa now has the most amazing pair of slippers to match their's!

i am naturally feeling jealous and have already sought out the minas website so i can get my feet cosy too and firmly in the slipper club.

AUTUMN FOR REAL

2011-10-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

well hello october!

one week in and our autumn is now back to itself again after a crazy hot start. just 5 days ago my little girl was splashing about in the paddling pool.

now it is tights weather. and i am pleased. time to pack away our summer clothes and get cosy. don't get me wrong it was brilliant to kick the leaves about in sandals and take a picnic amongst the conkers...but with a new season there is something so very nice about different food-clothes-living.

i am knitting scarves for elsa. i am very much a novice with the needles and with a brain that doesn't seem to be able to compute patterns...knit and purl are about my limit. they are also nice and quick and should last her a few years! but is it wrong to think i may be able to convince my husband that he'll look good in a 4 ply tie for christmas?

i plan to sport a knitted headband about the village.

pom-pom making is also a go-go.

are you getting geared up for porridge and soup and stews? have you donned your uggs and lit the stove yet? what a lovely time of year this is. i feel very inspired and glad to be back blogging.

thank you so much sweet kerry...who has helped me by juggling and clearing up my space here. you are a star! a few more corners to dust down but it is a good place to be again.

ok. off to lay the fire and get ready for a weekend of rugby-pancakes-sparkles.

hope you have a nice one too.

the bride loves turquoise

2011-09-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

so i made them a gift...inspired by their invitation.

BEDROOM AND A BOOK

2011-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

elsa’s nursery keeps on evolving as i get time to add decorations and display her little treasures. i like making small sets of her precious things...today i took a couple of photos before the dreaded blackout blind went up! there are so many bits and bobs but these are a few favourite views. and the rabbit poster you see leads me in nicely to an adorable book that we look at together. the fold-out is actually the reverse of the jacket sleeve so you get a bit of wall art to admire too...oh but how i'd love an original print!

so to continue with the tour elsa is the proud owner of lots of belle and boo beauties...her handcut e is from heartzeena...wee wooden mushroom made by my amazing grandfather...and the tiny sitting fawn is a hornsea find.

below is an original painting by julie which i have probably shown before but it is too good to miss out on again...and guarding the owl and the pussycat sits a sweet babette from le train fantome.

that dress on the left up there was one of mine! elsa wore it a few times but now it is too small so it's hanging up to make us all smile along with one of her first matinee jackets handknitted by my mum and another favourite white simple baby dress. reminds me just how small she once was.

my mum made the drapes and blind for this room too. yes i am unbelieveably blessed to have a mother who generously continues to create and give her time unconditionally to me and her grandaughter whenever we ask and intuitively when we don't. a love that i am feeling now and learning from all over again.

pom poms and wooden hearts are from the girl's birthday party back in january.

garland of circles on the wall made by me. the evening before i went in to labour!! and dotted around there are a cute family of russian dolls from janet...my own beatrix potter books...owl print by dee beale...a teeny strawberry shortcake from my obsessive childhood collection...oh and (big) little grey rabbit made by my mum and co-star of the 12 month photoshoot.

wow this is a long post!!! but if you are still with me then we come full circle back to the book below. it is so great...honestly we swoon and laugh at every page. i am dying to get some wallpaper now for the one blank wall in elsa's room. shall i post a few sneaky peeks from inside tomorrow?

more crazy layouts...apologies...am too tired to work out how to do it now. but still loving the big pictures!

BIG SKIES AND THE BEACH

2011-08-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

we just got back from a delightful weekend in norfolk with a precious friend.

always drama to be found in the huge horizon there.

(appearances are rather deceiving as it was actually very warm)

and i was secretly pleased as the clouds rolled in though and felt less fearful of the sun

on our girl's pale pale skin.

now we are home and still feeling a bit weathered!

p.s. please excuse my little play around with the layout here...so glad to make my images big but now need to sort out the other parts.

TICK

2011-08-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

a whole season ago i picked up a lovely old chair from the charity shop down the road. it has since sat in our garage and i have walked past it so many times promising to set to dolling it up.

promises promises.

but now a job i can say i have finished on my long list.
f&b all white eggshell...grey linen seat pad and a black floral cotton cushion for elsa to lay back on and chill...perhaps with her bear friend.

next? photographing quilts. setting up a new shop. finding a cracker of a wedding outfit. haircut. owed emails galore. and more.

now? catch up on the archers and a mega studio tidy. i can just about find my keyboard to type this. it is shocking. wish me luck!

LATE RESULTS

2011-08-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

sorry about that! the tide of the weekend dragged me under...we broke out my box of old strawberry shortcake dolls with elsa. i know i have done it way too early but secretly i wanted to play with them. needless to say she was rather excited...

...but i have resurfaced and must begin with a thank you to everyone for sharing your seven-tales with me. and nice to see a few new faces here too. you are always welcome.

my little draw did take place on friday...in a ceramic pot as opposed to the random number generator! handwritten folded pieces of paper. very technical. but have no fears it was all done under strict supervision from an important adjudicator.

and our little red press winner is...

NELL! who was actually comment number 7. spooky.

nell...i will pop your wee parcel in the post this week. please email me your address when you get a chance.

hoping that your weeks are off to a good start. i have about a dozen projects on the go at once. plate spinning! last night i made a cushion though in a few hours. that made me happy.

SEVEN

2011-08-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

a little while back i bought some lovely letterpress cards from hannah over at little red press...i was so pleased with them as i had a few special birthdays and our own wedding anniversary to celebrate. hannah is super friendly and helpful and if you ever need a unique card in a hurry she's your girl!

there is something i like about seven as a number (and yes as a name too as it goes.) if it means anything special to you please leave a comment and i'll do a little draw on friday 12th august for this card and tag set. and if you'd be so kind hop over for a peek at the little red press folksy shop for more brilliant paper goods.

SATURDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR DANCING

2011-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

ok...so only in the house.
and in the bedroom this evening with my little miss. not getting ready to go out. warm soya milk was the tipple. a white onesie was the look.
yes the photos look calming but we rocked to a little bit of this.
and this. isn't music amazing? (elsa's new favourite word..."am-ay-zing!" oh and "it's broke")
and a few more rhinestones stuck on our wallpaper after her lights out...i am embracing my old life as employee of a disco ballroom latin couturier for the most tan-some folk of the world.

i hope you found some tunes to make you happy this weekend.

tomorrow a wee giveaway.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

2011-08-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

and so as the sticky heat really hits my little corner of the world...today i am very happy to say that i can be found at the cool and lovely place that is leya's blog. curious bird.

a little guest post about my dog days of summer.

leya kindly involved me in sharing her space with a whole group of other bloggers this month while she ups sticks with her wee family. i have loved reading her blog over the past few years and so it is special for me to be there waving hello today.

but i happened to be writing when it was decidedly less warm.

ha! we were down to our bloomers today.
good news is i did wear a top. bosco went nude as usual!
off to find a fan.

MONTH EIGHT?

2011-07-31T14:22:00.001-07:00

already?

we enjoyed the last weekend of month seven making a den outside and welcoming pop's new tractor. it is blue. elsa approves.

it has been a july of play-dates (enjoyed) (e) and diets (bleughh) (k).

and let's just say not enough effort has been put in to the latter.

but august ahoy! i need to make you a healthier month for me. i have just eaten the last fennel cupcake to be sure a fresh start is ready and waiting for tomorrow.

TEAR SHEET TUESDAY :: 016

2011-07-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

my mum and i have been enjoying a return to sewing collaborations of late. in fact we have even got in to a groove of working officially together every monday at her house where she has an amazing (and tidy!) new studio...sharing a big desk space and then continuing on the projects back in our own homes through the week.

i really like the feeling of that bit of structure to start my creative week. by no means is it formal...one of us is usually reading a story to our "helper" or trying to keep her amused with fabric scraps. but at some point we head out for a stroll and elsa naps for at least an hour...which is when we can go mad on our sewing machines and break out all those dangerous things. you know...pins and scissors and metal rulers...the kind of things that every toddler insists they'd rather play with than the wonderful basket of lovingly selected toys that has been put in front of them.

anyway back to my tear sheet talk. and this is something i've been hanging on to for ages. from an old waitrose food illustrated. a recipe for baked trout stuffed with hazelnuts and rosemary. which sounds divine. i adored the delicate colourway of the photo.

and so we are making a quilt to sell. we make so many for friends and family (as there seems to be a non-stop baby boom in our part of the world) and then the odd private order. but we are interested in stocking up a little online shop too and so i think this will be the first to go on the shelf. more details to follow...

AND SO TO BED

2011-07-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

after a sunday of chasing our little one round and round the church green...energy zapped (and an evening glass of wine gone straight to the knees) we collapsed. and i had to smile as we lay there and my husband gave praise to beds of the world!! "isn't it so good how you can just take the weight off your feet and wow...rest your whole weary body". such a pleasure indeed. and perhaps that little giving of thanks made way for one of the best visits to the land of nod we've had in ages. elsa didn't come to join us until after 6am! (yes this is a good nights sleep round here).

so it is more running about for her from now on. and more high fives to the mattresses...frames...pillows...sheets...blankets...those things that make up the heavenly place to drift away. we salute you.

happy monday. today i am quilt making with my mum. tomorrow i shall show and tell you about our projects and plans.

TODAY WE ATE...

2011-07-23T04:04:00.000-07:00

a bit of a lazy post...right down to the photograph above.
but there is more eating to be done and of course tea drinking now it's afternoon.
enjoy your weekend treats!

credit to country living july 2011 who wrote a mighty fine recipe.

A QUILT {AND A LESSON} FOR ME

2011-07-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

i always read about it on blogs and in books...so i have no excuse for not being warned.

from way back in my wardrobe i found a pair of fisherman trousers. the colour so perfect. the fabric so soft. the look. so awful on me. and so never worn never washed they seemed destined to be part of a birthday gift to myself. a new quilt to cuddle up with on the sofa.

and so lovingly each square was cut and pieced and sewn. perhaps i was just too happy with myself and my creation. my washing machine saw fit to wipe the smile off my face and the trousers took their revenge for years of neglect.

i have been told that the yellow streakiness adds to it's charm. a hint at vintage? i do love it nonetheless but it will always be a little lesson for me. and i am just relieved that it wasn't an order for a paying customer. i gave myself a good discount.

thanks so much for the welcome home and cushion love. i am feeling back in my comfort zone being here and seeing familiar faces in my comments box.

and now for a weekender cake...

LUCKY

2011-07-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

today was the anniversary of loss. so i have been remembering him.

and holding his family in my heart and mind all day.

and realising how lucky i am to be where i am and with the people who i love beyond words.

and thinking. and inhaling words from the summer day.

BLOG NAPPING

2011-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

a snooze that lasted a wee bit longer than expected.

i am just stretching out of one of those deep deep ones. where you wake up wondering where you are and it takes a while to get going.

so much so that i just need to type these few lines...to ease in before i come back fully refreshed.

THIS MUCH I KNOW IS TRUE

2011-05-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

today anyway
(inspired by and indebted to miss p)

wearing print makes me happy.

so do painted nails. even if they need re-doing 3 days later.

reading big books is something i just seem to have fallen away from.
i remember enjoying this one so much. i remember i looked forward to my commute every day just to get stuck in to the pages. these days it seems i only dip in to magazines. instant gratification but nothing that works deep in to the heart and soul. i need to find that book to get me hooked again.

cherry yoghurts will always make me think of my grandad. i miss him.

someone is going to have to keep watering our sweet peas when we go on holiday next month. unless the weather here takes a very different direction. a road trip to ireland is beckoning and i'm excited!

finding a new toe tapper is like finding treasure. i have mr sexsmith on loop lately.

it's about time i found a print to go in this frame. any etsy pointers anyone?

every room should have a little bunting.

TEAR SHEET TUESDAY :: 015

2011-05-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

this is a little box frame gift for our friends who got married in new york last month.

it's origins come from a hoarded elle deco article on marie-anne oudejans {she of beautiful design label tocca*} from waaay back. it must be ten years+ old. isn't the lighting lovely in her nyc apartment?

anyway the tear sheets lay redundant in folders and it seemed about time to re~visit the set. so right for romantic wedding paper cuts as the bride had peonies in her bouquet.

tear sheet image credits to elle deco :: photography alexia silvagni

*has anyone tried their scent? i am in the market for a summer fragrance. would love to hear your favourites*

LILAC TIME

2011-05-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

wow the weather is just so good here.

i find myself being a constant bore. trying not to say how fantastic it is about every half hour but not being able to help myself! stitching has been very much an evening job...and i've been enjoying working on a quilt for a new baby girl these past few weeks. the day job includes a lot of chasing about the garden now we have a toddling girl. playing who can race fastest to the bird bath most days.

wishing you a lovely weekend!

SAFE BUNNY BISCUIT

2011-04-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

we have been eating the dangerous chocolate round here but couldn't leave a certain girl out of the easter feast...dairy~free shortbread. {must invest in a proper piping kit}

baked whilst listening to cath kidston's desert island discs. it was so nice to hear the voice behind all that we see {everywhere!} and although i am not a huge fan of the brand i really warmed to her as a person. definitely worth a listen.

NIGHT GLOW

2011-04-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

and so i just found myself hanging out the washing to dry at 8.30pm. not for the first time.

at least it'll be on the line come tomorrow morning. then i won't feel that i'm 10 hours behind a job but super~organised instead!

it has been such a glorious april here. today was especially warm...the kind of heat that makes you feel exhausted when you aren't doing anything. or that might just be the very unsettled night we all had sleep~wise? whatever...slipping out as it was about to turn dark...barefoot on the now~cool lawn was a lovely treat. just like noticing the glow of the garden.

BUSY TALKING

2011-04-14T07:26:00.001-07:00

it's all about words at our place these days

current favourites

"hello cat" ~ translates ~ bosco prepare to be kissed!
"creeeam" ~ emolient elsa ~ her moisturising regime is second to none
"cuddle cuddle" ~ we feel the luckiest people on her planet

photo is of our newish blackboard door
...it is getting lots of chalk action...
today we played name that picture
{these are all words that elsa can + does say now}
...tomorrow it'll be a wipe clean and scribble day...
{so happy with the precious decal by shanna}

FLOWERS IN THE HOME MONDAY

2011-02-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

take a dull start to the week
and an idea you saw here via here
place big branches in an out of reach (for a certain someone) corner
read about the oscar frocks by the light of (mostly more radiant) daffs

GOING OUT TOP

2011-02-27T08:00:00.001-08:00

ladies (and gentlemen?)
...i find myself stuck in a funny place with clothing right now.

my relationship with my wardrobe could do with a little therapy.
having hoarded garments from student days and size 10 days and on a whim days i am parting company with lots of things. no room for sentiment i feel like i want to chuck it all out and start again. ever feel like that?

i have pretty much created my own uniform lately of long sleeved tops plus smock~shirt~vest worn with either a pair of toast jeans (which are actually now too small for me) or brown cords.

i'd like to find that rush of love again as my eyes meet with a thing of beauty. the problem that's been creeping up on me though is having the novelty of a proper grown~up night out and the nothing to wear panic as i frantically flick through the coat hangers i have.

situation solved momentarily when i made a new top. from this book.
and ordered a pair of new boy jeans in the right size. uniform again.
next on the agenda...get thee a dress that you can not wait to show off.
any pointers?

THE WONDER OF THE SUN

2011-02-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

some new revamp~restoration projects...

the sweetest little person chair. £4 from our local hospital charity shop.
the plan...rub down...then either wax or paint {i am currently favouring albany wimbledon}...new cushion and upholstery. to match in with the sitting room...which still needs finishing. shameful.

cabinet for the hallway. £10 reduced to £5 from my favourite auction overspill in st ives.
plan...rub down...paint {perhaps?} in grey. perfect for the phone and key bowl and a flower to greet you. oh for an anenome in an urchin. it is {definitely} to sit in front of another project...an out of use hallway door to be painted top to toe as a blackboard. but there is work to be done before we can all doodle messages and i can indulge in a decals.

this much i know. i am good at envisaging possibilities. less good at getting them going these days.

i am thinking that spring will be an inspiration as far as colour schemes and motivation goes. and as that's about 3 weeks away then it suits me perfectly. i'll probably decide on what to do 19th march.

i am unbelievably slow these days in starting let alone completing jobs. and that's the nice jobs as well as the mundane! but i have to say that today the sun came out. i sat in it's warmth...one i'd almost forgotten...and whilst my baby girl napped in the fresh air i drank a cup of tea sat on our bench...noticed the buds on the lilac bush and thought ok. i'm ready. bring on the manifesto!

C&Z

2011-02-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

you know the website?

the combination has often intrigued me. so now we are on a cake roll with elsa and in a slight change to the original...i present cocoa & courgette! {trust me to subtract any glamour going about here.}

baked with a certain girl in mind {you get the picture...no eggs-milk-butter-etc} they probably were more of a hit with the grown ups...well me...{and i would have liked the addition of real chocolate chips please} so it is back to the drawing board with the recipe for these buns. watch this space though...i aim to revisit and share once i get baby approval.

POST 200

2011-02-01T02:30:00.001-08:00

so i'm a month late with the wishes?
happy new year (minus 1 month) folks!

well well well...things continue to be rather picklesome here.

but a first birthday brightened up january...and there were plenty of other high notes to enjoy last month. spring flowers hit the shops. festive food bit the dust and new cooking ideas are afoot in our kitchen. i'm quilting again...when not indugling in pom pom make-a-thons!

ahead of her turning one i was given a brilliant cake recipe by the lovely miss percy for elsa. no eggs. no (cow's) milk (oat instead). no soya. (we have been bonding over allergies.) i got to bake at long last for my girl and joy of joys she is now team leader of the sweet tooth gang that twas founded by me and her daddy.

THE FIRST NOëL

2010-12-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

we wish you a merry christmas
(that's from me and my elf)

i hope that yours is filled with joy
and warm times with loved ones

xXx

(elsa's hat made from this super book)

EASTERN PROMISE

2010-12-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

festive baking.

and may i recommend this recipe? the little rose nuggets stay delightfully chewy in the almond-y rounds. i have tested too many already!

next cookies in the oven. cranberry and white chocolate.

what are you making?

DECORATIVELY {OUTDOORS + FRONT DOORS}

2010-12-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

for the most part it really has been easy to stand back and watch mother nature's beautifully creative work outdoors...there is little need to add anything to the icy treasures surrounding our home this winter.

but i have enjoyed making an addition to the festive prettiness out there in the form of a christmas garland for our front door. i had a nice crafting hour to myself last night. if it wasn't for the late light i would have endeavoured to do a step by step...but trust me it was a doddle. using a wire floristry wreath form i wrapped some light wadding and then some strips of fabric around it. in my usual style it was an organic project...i didn't really have a finished version in my head but just used things i have to hand. the ivy is from the garden {grabbed in the freezing evening air with a torch!} i bound it on with some sweet brown paper string and then wound a little right round the garland...tying up at the back. {jingle bells from the decorations box} total cost to me...£1.50 for the wire form.

IT'S BEGINNING

2010-12-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

to look a lot like christmas.

LISTINGS

2010-11-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

i am such a stranger here lately.

i feel quite convinced that there will soon be no one about to greet me should i make it here to post photos or kitchen ramblings or baby reportage or even (hold your horses!) creative projects.

there has actually been quite a handful of those goings-on in my real life but for tonight i just made it this far to make a list. so on the eve of what is sure to be an incredibly cold december i think i will just note a few current loves and happenings.

these wonderful stirrup socks...and as a knitwear (wish i could knit) fan i am still enjoying this handmaker's shop of delights.
way back i took out a subscription to a new magazine. i waited. and waited. issue one of anthology was definitely worth the wait. i'd recommend it for lots of ooo's and aaa's.
i'm planning on baking a birthday cake for my dad's 60th. should i go fancy or make his old favourite?
the american...i actually got taken on a date to the pictures! it was very beautiful.
i am working on a commission for a wall hanging with my mum. one of our 1st pieces since i had elsa. luckily it is a loose deadline...getting back in the swing of it has been trickier than i thought. but it has been good to put pen to paper and be designing again.

tired eyes will return. please check back!

EMPTY BOOTS

2010-11-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

afternoons are so dark here now. autumn time-shifts have me turning on the lamps post-lunch and hitting the heating switch. still...it's nice to get cosy.

my mum took e off on an adventure today. just grandma and grand-daughter...the first time they've strayed further than a stroll out in the pram together. it was kind of nice being able to get on with things at home. i washed the windows and had chance to put a bit more heart and soul in to sorting out the house. but it felt a little strange. i missed my girl and it just seemed quiet here.

making a coffee and pulling up a chair to sit and read my 3191Q seemed the height of luxuries. and the new issue really is beautiful. as is the new toast christmas catalogue that dropped on the mat today.

after a couple of hours though i found myself peeking out the window checking for the car more than a few times. and of course when they got home together i was not the favourite...now i know how her daddy feels when she doesn't go to him for a cuddle. grandma's girl.

this morning my cousin had her 4th baby...a boy...at 34 weeks. he is so tiny. she has had a very difficult pregnancy and a very complicated operation to keep them both safe which thankfully they have both come through ok. she has always been a little toughie and i think he must take after his mummy too. my thoughts are filled with them recovering in different wards tonight. i pray they'll be able to be close soon. just a few hours without elsa by my side today and i can hardly begin to imagine how my cousin must be longing to be with her baby.

FIRST 1ST

2010-10-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

we had the loveliest afternoon. me and my girl at a party. it was a joy to watch her slowly loosen her grip on my shoulder and go to play with the other bambinos. clapping and crawling and chatting. oh and new toys to share.

elsa wore her top {saved for best} by belle and boo...our sweet friend mandy sent it for us when little miss arrived on the scene. their new collection of clothing is so very adorable. in particular i am coveting this coat!

so many firsts coming up...it scares me to think hers will be one of them. but there is a 1st christmas to come beforehand so i don't have to think about it just yet!

photos of the card for the birthday girl today. i can't get my printer to work so my usual photoshop/stitchery combination was un-do-able. i actually quite enjoyed creating one with just a few doodles and hand stitches though.

COCO SMOCK

2010-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

i have felt beyond happy to sit in my new 2 desk workroom and sew a little top for a girl celebrating her 1st birthday tomorrow.

oh the joy of 2 tables! one for my computer and one for my sewing machine...it feels like the ultimate luxury. plus the feeling that i feared had slipped through my fingers to cut out pieces of fabric and create. see me grin.

adapted from a vintage pattern and made with vintage fabric and lace...i am hoping that it fits the new owner. and i hope...no i promise to make another for my girl too.

i think this would look adorable over a stripey top with jeans. i quite fancy one myself.

MUSIC FOR MONDAY

2010-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

paint and paper are go around here. in the kitchen we present green blue. turns out arsenic wasn't right. right for something...i loved it but not for the walls. i'm glad i tester-potted! i have lived and learned from past experiences and disappointments.

and music to enhance productivity today...nashville blues. i dare you not to say yee-ha.

TEAR SHEET TUESDAY :: 014

2010-10-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

we are lucky enough to have a decorator in the family and on sunday he is hopping on a plane {with brush in hand-luggage} from across the water to stay a week with us and whizz round our house to do most of the rooms. i am a little overwhelmed to say the least at the necessity to make multiple decisions on paint colours + wallpapers. i am a hopeless decision maker. so as usual i am leaving it to the very last minute to choose.

i have many many samples {see above} that are currently taped around the house. for the kitchen...our bedroom...and the sitting room. i am loving the prospect of a wall of pattern in these rooms. i am also hoping to learn the art of papering from an expert. top left is so very abigail..are you by any chance freelancing for marimekko miss percy?

paint though? all i know is i am very drawn to f+b arsenic in the kitchen.

a few before + afters will be in order. watch this space.

oh + thank you for the image size guidance comments...i will have a go!

NURSERY SUPPER

2010-10-04T05:48:00.001-07:00

it's nice now we can all eat the same thing for our dinner. today a butternut squash + chicken risotto with sage. whizzed up a bit + enjoyed by elsa. then seasoned for me + c {with additional parmesan for us dairy eaters!} lovely comforting creamy rice in a bowl. perfect for evenings that are creeping in earlier + with an added chill. i really think it could be any day now that we light the woodburner.

fry half a diced onion in olive oil with a chopped chicken breast.
add a small diced butternut squash + 4 chopped sage leaves.
throw in about 200g of aborio rice + stir to coat until the grains start to cook.
add hot stock {i actually just used water today as i didn't have any homemade-non-salty-baby-friendly ready + it still tasted lovely!} stirring little by little as it cooks + turns creamy.
i test the rice for bite + it usually takes about 20-25 mins to cook through.
season + sprinkle with cheese {cheddar is good too}.
enjoy. wipe behind ears {that's just elsa you understand}.
get cosy!

{experimenting with photo sizes...seems only square ones come up as big as i'd like. any ideas?}

GO GO GO

2010-10-03T10:55:00.001-07:00

thank you kindly for a warm welcome back. i must say that my time away from this space was completely unintentional...i have been consumed with spending time watching and helping our girl and learning alongside her. and i have to say that time has taken on a completely different meaning these days. i still feel like i am sat in the aftermath of a tornado most evenings once little miss is settled in her cot!

the last few weeks i have become what i can only describe as a human climbing frame. we have delighted in the ever evolving crawl and standing circus that our wee one performs for us daily. it takes a fast foot to catch her now. it makes me smile thinking how she must see my legs like tom + jerry in the cartoon...but then she's hoisting herself up and firing me looks of love that melt my heart and practically running up to my shoulder. it is all go round here.

2010-10-01T08:05:00.001-07:00

{click to enlarge}

BONNE NUIT

2010-07-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

fabric for a big bed quilt...ours! this year has seen a conveyer belt of baby quilts work slowly through my sewing machine...i have some more to look forward to making at the end of the year when a new batch of 4 special bambinos are due to arrive. but for now i am looking forward to making my 1st grown up quilt. no doubt it will take me forever but i am quite happy to fit in a stitch here and there in order to finish up with something to snuggle under come the winter.

a while ago i made a couple of pillow slips for our bed. very simple. i was gifted the vintage fabric {so soft and i'm guessing 70's} and the colourway fitted in perfectly with my fairly new-found love for yellow. now that i don't have a great deal of time to get stuck into projects this brought me a hit of satisfaction and had me all happy to make the bed so that i could rest my head on the cool cotton print with a smile.

i bought the brilliant anna maria horner dobby dots pastry voile from super online fabric emporium saints and pinners. the tones are perfect. i've enjoyed a bit of wobbly sashiko...inspired by this post...check out a great tutorial too! for now i have no master plan but i'll pop back with updates. i know i'll be using a fairly lightweight cotton batting and would like to end up with something that'll sit aboard just the top of the bed.

and i have someone very happy to road test the result {she who now rolls on to her tummy to snooze!}

LIME + HONEY FAIRYCAKES

2010-07-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

jamie's recipe.
mary's plate...i just remembered i need to return it to you!

a bit of bedtime baking to eat today. i find it best these days to just wait until e is settled to sleep before i set to any recipe following. during the day it is just too tricky keeping one eye on her + the other on the oven. that said i managed to burn one tray of these sweet buns last night whilst trying to catch up on emails simultaneously. will i learn the lesson?

250g unsalted butter
125g caster sugar
125g clear honey {i used eucalyptus}
2tsp finely grated lime zest
juice of 1/2 a lime
few drops of vanilla extract
4 medium eggs
25og s.r. flour

preheat oven to 190c/gas5. beat the butter + sugar until pale and creamy. beat in zest-juice-vanilla. still beating add the eggs slowly one at a time. then add the flour and beat gently to combine. bake in cases for about 15 mins until golden on top.

honey butter icing made with more unsalted butter {3tbsp} whisked up until very pale then gradually adding lime juice {3tsp} zest {2 tsp} and honey {125g} gradually so the mix doesn't split.

TEAR SHEET TUESDAY :: 013

2010-07-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

there's a bit of l'amour in the air here. some friends just got engaged. my cousin is getting married next month. oh and i've been sorting through my wedding magazines which i romantically cling to...not for the want of another do but just because i fell in love with so many of the stories in them and can't bear to part with ideas that are a joy to flick through in a ringbinder.

these are a couple of my favourites. both ms naturally.

laura normandin {pictured top} has a blog which is just gorgeous too...i had no doubt that her wedding would be delectable. see the flags on their bicycles? and her lacey basket.oh my. then there's the groom's tie...awesome. more here.

tear sheet two is sophie + jason...you can find more here. in a vaguely stalkerish moment i just googled the bride to see if she may have a blog or website because i'm sure she has a creative background but i only found her on facebook. it seemed so weird to be able to just peek into someone's life like that uninvited...so i just took a little look! for me it's her dress that captures my heart...and those beautiful table linens. picking poppies for her own bouquet too and hydrangea petals tucked in her sandals. heavenly.

on my to do list. i'm going to wear something from my wardrobe instead of buying a new outfit...i can after all have fun picking something for the girl. a new headpiece may be in order though. crikey i'm even tempted to try to post a tutorial!

MAKE MINE A DAIRY-FREE

2010-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

our family in ireland were thrilled to see elsa. and we were so pleased to introduce her at long last to them since they'd only been able to make her acquaintance via the power of skype-facebook-email...which is no substitute for the real thing!

for me it was so sweet to see my c as a proud daddy showing off his wee girl to all his relatives. we had a great few days in holiday mode. trips to the sea. ice creams. lots of tea and chatter and laughter as there always is round the kitchen table at my in-laws.

but on the morning of our 4th day there i fed elsa some formula milk and she took a severe reaction to it. within about 20 minutes of her finishing the bottle we noticed hives appearing on the side of her face...then suddenly massive lumps on her head. my heart was racing with panic. when her lips and eyes and fingers started swelling we knew it was serious. we jumped in the car and drove straight to a+e.

that journey seemed a lifetime. in retrospect we probably should have called an ambulance but our instinct took us straight to the wheel. arriving at the hospital and elsa was horribly quiet and floppy. after a shot of adrenaline and oxygen we got an instant cry. and i can't tell you how happy we were to hear it.

so we were told it was an anaphylactic reaction. blood tests showed us later that it was due to an allergy to dairy. hard to understand when she had been exposed to it since birth through my breast milk and then ordinary formula but apparently what happened is that she built up a sensitivity to it that just came to a head that day. we had to spend two days in hospital and since then she has been on the mend.

for a while she was pretty unsettled though...i imagine going through something like that sets a little body back for a time. but today she is a very contented kitten again. we're now feeding her soya formula and have an appointment with an allergy specialist next week. it may be that we need to carry an epi-pen with us in the future but let's hope it's just for peace of mind and that we don't have to use it.

oh my. i guess we've learnt that life is going to be fretful as a parent...but as much as we are duty-bound to worry we also get to have our hearts melt on a regular basis with many giggles and gurgles and new tricks every day which is about as awesome as it gets!

no ice-creams at the beach for elsa this weekend! we start weaning next week when she'll hit the six month mark...looking forward to introducing her to new tastes and a spoon!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR?

2010-07-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

the good news first? or the bad?

i'm going to start with good. it goes in date order and it gives me a little longer to delay writing about our holiday drama.

last day of may. my birthday. and day one of our holiday road trip to ireland. we took things easy...packed a picnic for the journey and made a stop off in beaumaris on our way to catch the ferry from holyhead over to dublin. it had suddenly occurred to me the day before that we'd be driving a stones throw away from janet's gallery so i wrote a spontaneous email to see if she'd be about and hey presto the next day we went to meet the very lovely janet + her husband!

i have been in touch with janet through this network of blogs for a few years now and got to know quite a bit about her from reading her posts and exchanging emails. janet likened it to a grown up pen pal scenario. brilliant.

it felt funny-strange to be chatting and saying "oh yes i remember when you did that" or "i loved those shoes you bought" when we had never met in real life. but for me it felt like greeting an old friend too. she was just the same warm and sweet girl that i've got to connect with via my keyboard. sitting together in her back garden in the sunshine was pretty much the icing on the cake for my birthday. my normally shy self didn't feel one bit anxious about stepping out to say hello to her and i hope we'll get together again as we make more voyages over the sea over the years!

so if you ever get the chance to spend some time with a fellow blogger i would heartily recommend that you do. i suppose that the foundation is already there for these friendships through our little community online...and it still makes me so happy to sit and join in with this amazingly massive thing that exists through the internet.

ok. i will talk of the bad news part later. when i've got the laundry sorted!

clue :: it involves hospitals and our girl. {there is more good news though...she is ok now + napping in her own cot upstairs...but she gave us a big fright on holiday}

OH TO SIT + SIP

2010-07-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

it's fair to say it's been a while.

and i find myself about to write an epic post...but friends...i fear this would not be good for you nor me right now.

there is much to say about the highs + lows of june + early july. this evening though i am taking a simple step back to the land of blog...then a cup of tea has my name on it {unfortunately with a side order of ironing i might add!}

the subject :: have you tried these floral black teas?

i have to say that they are a true delight to sip. i have been all too fond of the coffee pot lately...topping up with {dare i admit it? oh just did then} instants to keep me perky when sleep hasn't been of the generous portions i dream of. so it is good to reacquaint myself with something a little more elegant in my day. rose garden is my favourite. perfect for now. a little bit english country garden twee...a little bit middle eastern exotic. i have tried it accompanied by both battenberg and a date...both are incredibly right.

i have been experimenting with the new design feature on blogger...have you been tempted? i am not too happy with my meddling ways and feel a compulsion to sit and get it properly sorted but that's a job {indulgence} for another evening.

hope you're all enjoying high summer. i'm looking forward to sharing nice tales of a real life meeting with another blogger...a summer ball...creations that i have actually finished stitching...japanese craft books to make you beam + how our wee girl continues to steal our hearts and break them a little more when she gets poorly. back soon folks. x

SOMETIMES

2010-06-14T12:57:00.001-07:00

you just need your mum. today i really needed mine. even if i got up this morning thinking that i could cope and that somehow i'd plough on with a headache from hell. sometimes there is nothing better than just having your mum with you and telling you it's ok to have some help.

so thank you mum for letting me nap for an hour. to soak in a lavender bath. for taking elsa for 3 walks. ironing the holiday laundry. and making her a beautiful skin-friendly-cotton cardigan. i am a lucky daughter indeed.

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

2010-05-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

thank you so much...

to every one of you who left a comment or emailed me regarding the last post. all of your thoughts and suggestions made me feel that bit more reassured...we shall be trying out things {so many things i'm sure} over the next few weeks and i fear months ahead. elsa's skin continues to be up and down...one day it looks like it's improving and that we've turned a corner and then it looks worse than ever.

but tomorrow we are heading away on holiday. over the waves to visit the family in mayobridge...ireland. tomorrow a road trip lays ahead and a ferry ride then more driving. the volvo is bursting at the seams with luggage. i am filled with excitement and nerves in equal measure. time away with a baby. away from the security of our home enviroment. but how wonderful to be introducing our girl to all her gorgeous gorgeous relatives who have patiently waited 4 months to see her. i am thinking that i'm probably not going to get quite my quota of cuddles as she will be passed from grandparents to aunts to uncles to cousins to nieces and nephews!!

and another good thing is that we'll be able to see how she is in a slightly different climate...no mr b...softer water...and hopefully more relaxed parents! i shall be back to report on our adventures in a few weeks. in the meantime cheerio to may and once again thanks so much for your concern and kind words xX

PLANET ELSA

2010-05-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

one of the hardest things i'm finding in the vast expanse of the parent-galaxy is the feeling of helplessness when it comes to your little one's health. the sheer responsibility of making decisions on what to do and what not to do in order to keep your precious baby content and comfortable is downright hard.

here is my latest quandry. baby eczema.

when elsa was born she had the most perfect soft skin. rubbing the little bridge of her nose was {and still is} an addiction. so seeing it change over recent weeks to being dry and rashy and obviously irritating has left me desperate to make it better. poor sweet e has had many trips to the doctors and potions and lotions applied...she is just finishing a course of antibiotics to clear up an infection where she'd broken her skin from rubbing it. the mention of steroids and antibiotics freaks me out quite frankly when it comes to such a tiny new body...but i feel compelled to take the advice of the experts and try to help her feel soothed whatever it takes.

this time last year we had just come to the end of our 4th round of ivf. and you know how the story ended of course. but thinking back to that whole build up to the miracle of a positive we got i very much remember how controlled i felt in the process. not at that moment when we were placed in the hands of the laboratory but in the days when i could eat well...have accupucture...take supplements...sleep!..knowing that i was doing the right thing to help. now i am struggling with direction.

we have a skin specialist nurse booked to come and see the girl. in the meantime i am trying skin food from weleda...baby salve from organic babies...sos cream from barefoot botanicals...{all suggested via various forums and friends} having already gone down the path of aqueous creams and bath emolients that made the problem worse. hydrocotisone has been prescribed. today it was suggested that we try switching to dairy-free formula. i use surcare for all our laundry. the heat doesn't help...water turns her skin to flakes and nightime is when it's worse. it is on my mind but i can't bear to think it could be mr bosco.

fresh air is good. that i know. but i can't keep her al fresco all the time...so i'd be grateful of any ideas or experiences you have dear readers.

p.s. i have to add a footnote to say that elsa is actually very happy and chubby and drooly and coo-y too...and this time next week she is off across the sea to meet her relatives in ireland!

THAT'S NOT MY KITCHEN

2010-05-21T04:29:00.001-07:00

oh that it were.

it is mr peacock's. he who wears saffron moleskin trousers teamed with a floral shirt. in fact i do believe it was a suit. charming. i could happily have photographed every nook and cranny to share with you had i not had a wriggling four month old on my lap!

we read about peacocks in country living this month. it's not that far from where we live and it was lovely to find a little gem that's so close by. i would heartily recommend a visit if you happen to be anywhere near ely.

and so three girls took tea together. {devonshire...with two freshly baked scones and clotted cream} my mum had a little dance with elsa whilst i finished off my earl grey. another day we fancy returning for their set tea of pink perfection...sitting by the river under the wisteria in the may sunshine was a little piece of heaven this week.

and 72 different teas are served there. perhaps i shall work my way through the list? i feel drawn to number 47 {pleine lune} what is your favourite blend?

MONDAY SEW

2010-05-17T08:23:00.001-07:00

just the binding to hand-stitch. a nice job that allows for a bit of telly-watching with a cup of tea.

BRING ME SUNSHINE

2010-05-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

in your smile.

my favourite month...you are halfway through. this year you brought sadness and yet all around you are still beautiful. the bluebells and the lilacs and the tiny flowers on the rosemary.

i plan on enjoying the simple things even more so before the last day of may. yesterday a spontaneous family lunch by the river. elsa smiling in her buggy with her grandma and grandpa. today making lemon curd. and time to read the sunday paper...well the arts section and magazine anyway!

tonight...clean {ironed...yes i am quite impressed with myself} linen on the bed.

this week. meeting a best friend. a trip to a tea room. sewing. wear a skirt and sandals.

so much joy you can give...to each brand new bright tomorrow.

OUR SNOW BABY

2010-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

she arrived in the middle of a very cold winter. a lot of snow fell in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and in the first few weeks of her life on the outside. dee beale's snowy owls seemed the perfect reminder of the season of elsa's arrival.

{now i just need to think up a story in order to buy the sleeping foxes and spring wrens!}

find dee's beautiful work on etsy and folksy.

IN THE CORNER

2010-05-11T11:37:00.001-07:00

knitted grey rabbit by grandma {mum}
butterfly box by julie avisar
{my old} books by beatrix potter

MUST. FINISH. NURSERY.

2010-05-10T03:35:00.001-07:00

this week i'd like to share some corners of elsa's nursery with you...

...it is still a work in progress as you can see!

but today it had a very special addition. this adorable painting came across the miles from israel. beautifully painted by julie avisar. i had a little tear when i opened up the package to see such a thoughtful and personalised gift. i know that e will love it too...she's already been staring intently at it from her cot. looking forward to telling her the story. and that could well be bosco sat next to the owl in the boat! {do click on the image to see the lovely detail}

if i had a little sail boat then it would most definitely be pea green. the world is a better place for that colour!

i'm now on the hunt for a nice big frame to put it in.

more snippets to follow. and then maybe...just maybe...i'll be inspired to reveal a finished room in a few weeks.

HERO

2010-05-01T13:24:00.001-07:00

today my grandfather roy passed away.

i have written and deleted and written this post again so many times. i can't believe that he has gone...and in some ways i just wanted to put up another jolly post about cakes or clothes but i can't start back to that without some words about a man who i hold so dear.

my cousin once called him his hero and i couldn't agree more.

he really meant the world to me. family meant everything to him and he made us all feel loved. what better legacy could a person leave? there are so many memories i'll cherish of him. and what makes me really happy is that he loved my husband like a grandson and that he got to meet his great-granddaughter who he knew was our little miracle.

all around our home there are pieces of his beautiful woodwork and touches of his kindness. he helped to decorate the nursery. buds on the roses he gave me over the years are beginning to peek round the kitchen window. he bought elsa's pram. old photographs. new photographs. eating cold crumble just the way he loved to...how lucky and proud i am to say that he is my grandad.

{soundtrack}

BLUE {FOR A BOY} BISCUITS

2010-04-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

today i had the honour of holding
a teeny tiny newborn baby boy in my arms

precious william

we took him a quilt and some biscuits

{mix together}

4 tbsp rolled oats
30g cornflour
110g s.r. flour
85g caster sugar
110g unsalted butter
splash of milk

roll in to little balls
{makes about 20}
flatten a little and place on a lined or greased baking tray
in to a pre-heated 190 degree or gas 5 oven for 12-15 mins

cool then dip in melted chocolate
you need about 100g
{prettify with a crystallized violet}

adapted from a jamie o magazine recipe
{his version is perfect for a girl}
white chocolate with pink peppercorns

THREE MONTHS {PEN ON PAPER}

2010-04-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

inspired by jackie's post today i am featuring my handwriting...this was very much grab a marker and scribble quick before photographing e! handwriting is most definitely an interest and a passion for me. jackie got me thinking right back to classes at junior school when we actually had handwriting lessons. we had to draw a guideline on the pages of our books with pencil and a ruler so that we could get the letters all at the same level. i loved that kind of lesson!

i am fascinated by left-handers. when i worked at the post office i had the ideal spot for watching folk scribe. one man in particular had the most exquisite writing. i would see him join the queue. i would try to hold myself back on occasion but found it impossible not to tell him how in awe of his handwriting i was. he would always be embarrassed but equally he always thanked me for noticing. he always used sepia ink and obviously a fountain pen. seriously it was like the stunning calligraphy you see in places like this and this. beautiful. he was probably in his 60s and if i see him about town he will most probably think i'm stalking him!my most favourite style has to be french handwriting. as you may have noticed i have a bit of a thing for amandine at the moment. i even try to imitate it sometimes but i don't think it works unless you really are french!

please do join in.

THE SPRING PARTY

2010-04-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

ochre shoes by naughty clark's
{this is no clue to how i'll be voting...decisions decisions}

this week i am re-jigging my wardrobe as laid out in the spring manifesto. packing away the winter things and discovering some old pre-pregnancy friends...hoping they will fit! selling my maternity clothes on ebay and looking forward to making some new tops and skirts. a hair cut is needed too. radical chop or safe trim? i have tried so many but when do you know you've got the right style? i think it could be the safe trim. long hair is good for my gemini tendencies...up or down.

ONE WINNER + THREE

2010-04-19T03:32:00.000-07:00

{and no it wasn't rigged because we share a name!} the weekend draw revealed kelly to be the winner of my springtime giveaway...i shall parcel up some treats for you along with the prints this week.

i also have 3 little packages for gemma...lynn...and hazel...just because i love a comment girls!

if you could email me your addresses then i'll pop your prizes in the post.

TEAR SHEET TUESDAY :: 012

2010-04-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

spring flowers in the home...my weekly treat. these local tulips could do with a little miss p-ing but i am lazily just leaving them to do their own crazy thing in my kitchen. that way they surprise me with a new arrangement all on their own when i open the door in the morning!

it's been a while since i did a tear sheet post and today's are actually photocopies from way back when. in another life i used to sit in the campus library in manchester and pour over the magazine called view on colour...i don't even know if it's still around but it used to be an amazing source of inspiration to me. perhaps with the evolution of the internet it is not such a necessity now but the pages of this expensive forecasting publication along with trend union were a true sanctuary for my poor student self.

anyway it seemed fitting to share these with you this spring and i'd love to make them in to a giveaway package. i think they'd actually look wonderful framed up. they were taken by dutch photographer leendert blok in the 1920s. can you imagine how beautiful they must be in reality as he produced them in a super-large format.

known as autochromes...basically the earliest means of colour photography...red blue and green transparent starch grains were baked in a wafer-thin screen on the emulsion of a glass negative. wow...sure kicks the bum of digital doesn't it?

take a second to have a look at these daffodils and hyacinths too...just stunning.

if you'd like this set of tulips and a few extra spring treats just leave a comment over the next few days. {i'll do a draw on saturday 17th april at 12noon bst}

DELICIOUS

2010-04-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

i do believe that i could survive on baby elsa and bread alone...and most days that is my life right now. not quite the home baked stuff that i resolved to try but the best ready to eat i can get my hands on. a good life with cups of tea and tired eyes and singing and hair that rarely goes near a brush. we are getting in to a bit of a good groove lately though. sleeping well. eating well. heart melting smiles. drools. and ok quite a lot of crying too...i will not pretend that it's all rosy but we are working out what most of the cries mean at least.

i heartily recommend a slice of this. and of course a baby cuddle if you can get your hands on one!

DRIP DRIP DROP

2010-04-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

little april showers on the way
{and how lovely does that sound in french?}
clap clip clap, petite pluie l'avril
tombe du ciel en jolis diamants
clap clip clap, petite pluie d'avril
ta mélodie est un enchantement

so as i often find myself getting sidetracked...this post is actually about money boxes. the one in the photo is my own. {bought for me by my paternal grandma} it has only really just come back in to my hands after sitting on a shelf in my parents home for years. funny how a gift given so long ago {30+ years} is perhaps only just being really appreciated...and how i would love to be able to actually tell my grandma brenda how happy it makes me to own it now.

and now we find ourselves looking for a money box for our girl. i do believe she has £11 pocket money already : ) and it sits in a little pile in her nursery. her daddy naughtily borrows from it to pay for his football club and then sneaks it back. i am on a mission to find something to fit colourwise with her room...or maybe just plain white. i may try and hunt down another one by the same craftsman to match...i think he made some owls too?

my rye pottery rabbit is by david sharp. i wish i knew where she bought it from. as a child it never occurred to me to wonder who had made it but now with the power of google it's a joy to learn about the artist...what an amazing tool we have at our fingertips. magic. my grandma would really have thought it was magic.

GOODBYE MARCH

2010-03-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

so another month bites the dust.

i can't quite fathom just where it went. days for me seem to blend in to each other right now. i was beginning to enjoy the early morning wake-ups with elsa...believe it or not 5.30am was quite bearable watching the sun rise with the first feed of the day. but changing the clocks has put us back to a dark start which still feels like night time...sigh...not much longer though and i am hoping that she'll sleep in a little later or failing that i know that as april rolls on it will get lighter so it's a win win.

a bit of a refresh here for a new season. next i feel the need for a spring manifesto.

THE CLAN

2010-03-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

just keeps on growing!

our new nephew charlie was born on march 21st : )

TULIP AND NETTLE

2010-03-19T00:01:00.001-07:00

i'm sure i've posted here before about this company and their lovely clothes designed and made in northumberland. but the collection of childrenswear always has me all a flutter so i am revisiting...and wishing that a lot of it came in adult sizes too. that said i don't think i'd be brave enough to sport primrose hotpants...but how gorgeous do they look with tights and wellies on a little person? every detail has me really inspired in terms of clothes i know i'll like for elsa when she's bigger...denim:cord:calico:cotton lace:velvet:tiny prints:picot trims...kitten jackets and yum yum dresses and scholar smocks...sigh. surely she won't have other plans in store to become a pink princess?? we have lots of time to wait and see and enjoy her in babygros until she reveals her taste in outfits!

TODAY'S QUESTION

2010-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

as i sew little patchwork pieces for another baby quilt i ask myself do i actually like the scent of narcissi?

2010-03-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

FOR BABY HARRY

2010-03-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

{born on tuesday}

i am still trying to work out if he is my second cousin or cousin once removed? whatever...he is gorgeous and will be a sweet friend for our elsa. we are off to meet him on monday armed with gifts in exchange for cuddles.

there is quite a baby boom going on around me right now with lots of new additions for friends and family. getting around to making cards and presents has been quite a challenge as a new mummy. at last though i feel i'm making a bit of progress and i can tell you it feels really great to be getting back into a creative groove again. i've adapted the horoscope card this time and i like the direction it's taken.

so with my girl bouncing in her chair beside me i am now going to spend an hour with fabric and scissors...unless of course she has other plans?!

FABRIC I NEED YOU

2010-03-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

we all love a bit of v&a don't we?

then how's about some v&a quilting fabrics??

it's been quite a while since i stepped through their doors but i always like a visit to their website and they have these lovely fabric prints for sale as fat quarters or by the half or full metre along with other nice ones to celebrate their new quilt exhibition starting on 20 march.

{i think they could make for some very cute baby bloomers come the sunny summer months}

i am tempted to jump on the train with elsa strapped to my chest but that would be just way too brave right now! if you go do tell me about it...for now i shall just praise the internet for allowing me a way to shop these days!

SPRINGWATCH

2010-03-01T03:52:00.000-08:00

i spied spring today.

hello march. hello monday. hello sunshine.

what could be better than a stroll out with my girl? we heard woodpeckers. needed sunglasses. waved to grandpa flying overhead. spotted new buds and at last got to thinking that the cold cold winter might just be behind us.

and then back to our messy house with daffodils in the kitchen. a cup of earl grey and several mini eggs. not quite ready for the spring clean yet...just getting the bed made seems enough for now before supper!

THAT DARN CRICK

2010-02-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

today elsa is one month old. she's changing so much all the time and it's not until i look back at photos from the first few days that i realise.

i love the series of photos that bloggers like ali and marta and nicole have taken of their little ones each month for one year...and i definitely want to do the same to keep a record of the wee girl as she grows throughout 2010.

so i dressed her in a special outfit this morning...she's normally in plain babygros but today she donned the sweetest polka dot black and white babycord trousers with a little lavender handknit cardi {by grandma g naturally}

all i can say is we had a calamity jane moment in the nappy department before i could put a hand to the camera. if you know the scene then you'll know what i mean.

my plan is to cheat a little and take the photo this week sometime instead. and for now here's a little pic of a quieter scene.

LOVE BOAT

2010-02-14T05:58:00.001-08:00

happy valentine's

using lyrics as inspiration {as inspired by miss pickering} i did find time to make a card and borrowed these words to say i ♥ you. no pink hearts involved. no flowers required this year. cheese on toast for dinner and perhaps a sip of wine before the zzzs take hold.

36 YEARS :: 3 WEEKS

2010-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

today is my c's birthday...happy 36 mister mcc! truth be told i really have been bad on the gifts front for him this year. and i am quite ashamed that i shop-bought him a card. that is not to say that i don't like cards from shops...there are some gorgeous ones out there and we have been lucky enough to receive so many different ones congratulating us on the arrival of our baby girl. i guess that i have made a rod for my own back when it comes to handmaking cards...for the first time in a very long time i just didn't have time to put sewing machine to paper. oh yeah...i do have a good excuse though! and i think her papa knows he already got the best present ever.

elsa is 3 weeks old today. she and me celebrated with a stroll round the block. wrapped up to the max...it felt good to have the stingy chill on my cheeks as i pushed her pram. she slept soundly under a pumpkin coloured blanket that her grandma knitted...getting her out when we came back inside she was toasty warm and even more perfect for cuddling.

somehow i managed to squeeze in a baking session today and tonight i'll pop a candle on the cake for the birthday boy. we shall dine on butterscotch layered sponge with cups of tea on the sofa and no doubt be in bed early...catching as much sleep as we can! a very early start this morning. but what is sweeter than watching {be it bleary-eyed} your two most precious people snooze alongside you in a warm bed?

OH MY!

2010-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

...thank you all so very much for the sweet and kind and lovely words left on the last post. we were truly touched to read every one. i'm planning a little scrapbook for elsa to record all the special things that were given to her in her first few weeks and that includes those precious comments too.

so today was our due date and i'm beyond happy that she's already been here 12 days. it kind of feels like she's always been here really. there's a lot to write about but for now i can't quite bear to stay here when i could be stealing another chubby cheek kiss...photos will have to speak my words for now. XxX

WEEK 39

2010-01-26T07:37:00.001-08:00

i just had my regular email telling me what's to be expected at this stage of the pregnancy...too late though babycentre...our little one is already here!!

elsa may mcclorey
born on 21st january
at 1359
weighing in at 7lb 10oz

more pics and the story soon...we're all doing really well though and are happy to be back home together as a family. ciaran and me are totally smitten!

BLUE MONDAY?

2010-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

i refuse to let today be a down day...it's my brother ben's birthday {big hug to you} and so it has to be a happy one!

and whilst i'm on happy notes...did you know that 2010 is the year of turquoise? according to pantone anyway...i couldn't agree more. although every year could be for me. it's one of my favourite colours. i'm definitely a bluey-green-girl. always drawn to the same hues as my wardrobe will testify. if you fancy a five minute time waster take a peek at their colorstrology site {i am grasshopper green}.

there is something very calming about turquoise and it always looks good with so many other colours. the gorgeous button above is one of 6 special screen printed lovelies that my friend bought me a while back. i've had them pinned up to look at for ages but this year they need to further their careers by adorning something and step outdoors...it's making me really look forward to making more clothes in the coming months and basking in the beauty of colour!

FRIDAY'S POST

2010-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

...is brought to you with flowers and cake.

may i offer you these varieties of ranunculus and marmalade loaf whilst you have a read?

i am most definitely craving springtime in scent and taste and sight and i intend to carry on indulging in all things citrusy for a while to come. there is something so uplifting about it and i really feel a need for it's powers on these drizzly dull days that we have right now.

further mood elevation has been found for me in other places this month and i very much recommend them to you too...

jenny writes about life with her young family in new zealand with the perfect blend of humour...frankness...warmth and {even though i know her from way back} i always come away from reading her posts feeling inspired and like i've sat down for a chat with an old friend. oh and it's summer over there too so i promise you'll come away with a smile and feeling like the sun has touched you on the shoulder! you can find her {newish} blog jenny jane rudd here.

snacking on toast and lemon curd...especially good in the afternoon with a cup {and saucer} of tea.

new tunes by charlotte g and beck.

cloud nine fabrics... now available at saints and pinners. i'm coveting their new collection beyond the sea which comes out in march.

getting that haircut i promised myself.

what are you doing to perk up your january days?

happy weekending folks Xx

WAIT PAINT

2010-01-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

a 10% off day lured me to homebase at the weekend...in need of some paint for nursery furniture. but the dulux mixer was out of order and the range of eggshells on the shelves was totally uninspiring. the temptation of the discount and an eagerness to start the project almost led me to make a reluctant purchase but i was strong willed and decided to hold out for another shop and another day.

so i have one coat on already and am super pleased to have found another paint outlet. john lewis have this great sanderson mixing station with...wait for it...a choice of 1352 shades. yes...you will not be surprised that it took me a while to make up my mind!

NORWEGIAN BAKING

2010-01-10T04:32:00.000-08:00

{or can anyone give me some bread making advice please?}

i'm just sitting here having eaten 3.

they took me an age from start to finish so i am savouring the result sans guilt.

as you may remember learning to bake with yeast was a new year resolution that i put in writing and i fully intend to keep at it. today's attempt was slightly troublesome but if i can try try and try again i may just get a bit more confidence as i go.

i made these cinnamon buns from nigella's dg book as i have done lots of cakes and sweet treats. halving the quantity because there's only 2 of us chickens here and had i have gone for the full monty i myself would have definitely eaten most of the 20. this way i'll probably eat about 8 of the 10!

anyway my dough did not turn in to the dough i thought it would. too runny by far. i'm glad i could call on c to keep adding more flour as i got in a very sticky kneading situation! i then remembered i had a dough hook attachment on my incredibly old braun food processor so gave it a whirl in that. still so sticky! i probably lost about a 1/4 of the dough to the work surface and the bowl and the processor all in all but eventually got something that looked kind of right and popped it in a bowl to do it's rise and shine thing in the airing cupboard.

they turned out fine but i feel well short of my artisan ambitions. maybe next time i should try a simple loaf. i see some fine examples on blogs of bready heaven so any suggestions would be most welcome. are you a by hand or with machine baker?

{p.s. edited to add...i just found this video tutorial for sweet dough and it's given me some tips}

RECIPE LEGACY PART ONE

2010-01-06T03:24:00.000-08:00

did anyone see the hairy bikers programme last night? i just watched it on i-player whilst ironing cot sheets. now i must admit i'm not really partial to a hairy biker but i liked the angle of the show...mum knows best. such a lovely sentiment...the thought of a family recipe making it's way from one generation to another. i'm sure it's something we all do but i now feel compelled to actually put pen to paper and make it a proper project this year to collate what i can from my own family.

both my grandmothers were brilliant cooks. they really loved their food. neither was a by the book recipe cook but the sort who could measure by eye and we all had a favourite thing that they would make. never wasted anything. cooked simple hearty family dinners.

brenda {my paternal grandma} made an amazing yorkshire pudding. not your little individual ones but always a gigantic one pan version. very eggy. sliced in to portions...tradition would have it that we'd always eat it on it's own with leeky gravy before tucking in to the sunday roast dinner. i remember my granddad always put lots of pepper and vinegar on his! she also made huge jars of pickled vegetables which my dad loved. he bought me a book on lost crafts for christmas which includes a chapter on pickling...this year i am going to attempt to perfect the recipe for him.

mary {my maternal grandma} made crumbles and scones and tarts and dumplings. her freezer was always full of precious handpicked fruits that would make their way slowly through the year in to puddings various. she would make them super quick...no scales required...and if there was any crumble leftover my grandad would delight in eating it with cold custard the next day. i always loved that she started adding oats to her crumble topping after i came home from school and showed her one that i'd made in class. i miss watching her in the kitchen.

to be continued...til then i'm thinking about the cheese pie and rumpy-pumpy soup made by maureen on the tv!

GREY RABBIT

2010-01-05T05:27:00.001-08:00

{knitted by grandma-to-be}

the fabric shopping was a success and now it's just down to the making which my mum is ever so kindly helping me with. i really don't know if my pre-pregnancy brain could tackle the workings out of a roman blind let alone in it's current state and so i am beyond grateful and very very blessed to have a mother who is a whizz at such things. which gives me time to get on with a wee quilt...i am much better with teeny bits of fabric. the seven and a half metres of curtain material sat to the side of me on the desk are scaring me quite frankly!

NURSERY RHYMES AND REASONS

2010-01-03T09:56:00.001-08:00

i have taken what seems like forever to decide on colours for the nursery. you know i've had so very long to dream about what it could be like and yet faced with the reality of actually being pregnant i have somehow not dared to make a start.

but something started to kick in over the last week {panic?} and finally we have a painted room and have furniture {umm...on order anyway...let's hope it'll be here in the next few days!} so now i can start to visualise our baby's room taking shape.

the nursery itself in painted is cracked clay 2 by dulux. kind of a pale peachy pink...a bit like calamine lotion and i'm really pleased how nice it looks against the white woodwork. so with a fairly neutral and warm base i am looking to use some bolder orange tones and pale greys with it. maybe a hit of greeny-blue too...just because me and ciaran are big fans!

the lovely artwork from tollipop has been really inspiring. having admired many of the prints i was lucky enough to receive an original watercolour of a sweet little girl from ciaran for christmas and she'll be on the wall for sure. do have a look at kirsten's etsy shop...adorable.

so i have a mood board. i have a quilt plan. and tomorrow i am going shopping for curtain and blind fabric with my mum...things are starting to happen! i'll be sharing updates over the next few weeks as it all comes together.

NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

how lovely to wake up to sunshine and frostiness on january 1st.

a lie in and porridge was followed by a walk in burghley park. cheerful people and very cute dogs were plentiful and everyone we passed said hello. infectious happiness. lots of sheep and deer and christmas bicycles to spot. we wrapped up so warm but our pink noses needed a thaw out later by the fire at the george and we sat and drank hot chocolate enjoying the sight of lots of big bellied men {to rival my appearance!} in bright jumpers merrily come and go.

we chatted about how quickly a decade has come and gone. this one the first that we've seen through together and as {kind of} grown ups...making homes together...different jobs...marriage...travelling...all those life adventures that just happen but now we can look back on them and see how they shaped us in to us. it's nice. and it makes me even more excited about the next ten years.

so resolutions. i have just a few. some deep and some simple...

to learn to bake bready things {i.e. conquer my fear of cooking with yeast}
to curb my faffiness and be more of a do-er...too many lists and not enough ticks in 2009
to make our baby a quilt of her very own
to let go of the anxiety of the unknown. to welcome advice. to have faith in instinct
to keep journalling be it with pencil...keyboard or camera
to discover and share a whole new side of life with the ones i love close-by

...oh and to get my hospital bag packed. and my hair cut. it could be a month tomorrow!

LAST DAY OF THE YEAR...

2009-12-31T03:04:00.000-08:00

and i took a little time this morning to reflect on what 2009 meant to me.

when i try and go over it bit by bit i can hardly believe the path it took...so much of it feels like a dream. a whole lot of it does seem self-centred with a sole focus on the journey for our baby but to have come this far fills me with a gratitude that i can't put in to words and i shall keep that memory dear in my heart as the best thing of the past twelve months.

the year has brought us a lot of happy times. times with family and friends and very special times together as a couple. it brought sadder days too for my loved ones. my grandma in poor health and difficult decisions to be made. losing my granddad just a few weeks ago too brought home just how important my family is to me. next year i want to give more love and support to them. and see more of my brother...or at least speak to him more on the phone!

all in all it was definitely a year of hope. and as 2010 draws closer i see a year of wonder about to begin. i always love new year's day with that sense of a fresh page. tonight we'll be seeing it in with some lovely friends...sharing a meal in their home. tomorrow i may just pop back with a few more resolutions...until then thank you so much for reading along and i wish you all the very best new year adventure wherever it takes you. XxX

CINEMA CONTRABAND

2009-12-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

{just click the image to see the recipe enlarged}

our christmas guests have gone. there are a whole load of needles laying under the tree. i can't quite get my head around what normal food to cook. finding that these in-between days can be strange as we head towards new year.

but we are still on holiday here so the housework can remain in limbo until tomorrow and treats will remain a big part of the plans whilst c is off work. tonight we're off to the pictures to see sherlock. and rebels that we are we will be sneaking in homemade popcorn and hell yes...a chocolate orange!

IT WAS CHRISTMAS EVE BABE

2009-12-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

wishing you + yours a wonderful one Xx

CLEMENTINE LOVE

2009-12-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

it began with my christmas cards. i have a real thing for clementines this year. it's the colour...i love it with blue. and today i made a few gifts of clementine curd {recipe found in jamie oliver's magazine...but can also be found here as i'm too lazy to retype it!} i did hear of the clementiny being introduced this year in supermarkets but never found one...too cute!

we're gearing up for the festivities nicely here. my folks are coming to stay tomorrow and we're going to eat our christmas feast on christmas eve night which is an old family tradition. i am seriously looking forward to the food but i know i'm going to have trouble with my eyes versus belly!!

FROZEN ROSEMARY

2009-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

i'm watching more snow twirl it's way down from the sky. it almost looks like feathers. crazy big flakes are dancing this way and that. the kind that don't really stick. a lot stuck last night though and we awoke to the dry crisp white stuff that is like icing sugar and satisfyingly crunchy underfoot.

the garden looked so pretty as the sun came up. and only the birds and the bosco had put their prints in. venturing into the town later and the sight was not so bewitching...grubby slush and a lot of folk making their way gingerly along the pavements. the council merrily gritting a bit too late.

but we're in for the day now and with plenty of wood to keep the stove going. tomorrow we're going to get our tree and officially declare it the holiday!

TABLE GIFTS

2009-12-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

just got ten of these little sets of button magnets ready for my dad's christmas work do tomorrow evening. table gifts for the ladies going along...to hear the men talk shop about flying no doubt!

i have a couple of extra sets should anyone need a stocking filler. they're in the shop now and i can get them to a uk destination in time for christmas.

today is the chilliest i've felt it...there is even talk of snow on the way here in the east of england. luckily i am home and have nowhere to go...a stove to light and jamie on the telly later!

COME SHOP WITH ME

2009-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

i heard on the radio that today is a big big shopping day on the internet. instead of facing the rain outside i joined in with the virtual hustle and bustle and filled my basket with a few things from the comfort of my desk with a hot chocolate for company. thought i'd share some finds with you if you happen to be stuck for gift ideas. it makes me very happy to buy handmade where possible and support some of the amazing talent around. if i were a little more organised i would extend this to overseas artists but i fear that posting dates may have come and gone...so these are all uk based with time to arrive**!

first up is julia smith ceramics...i love her little sugar pots and spoons...filled with some homemade vanilla or cinnamon sugar perhaps?

hannah madden makes these sweet hand printed notelets...i think my favourite is this festive cyclamen set. it's always nice to have some blank cards around and receiving a handwritten word has to be one of the best treats around these days.

i bought from dolly knits last christmas and am pleased to see some new additions to the collection this year...a ball ball brooch would make any hat or coat look very merry this season and i particularly love the 1920s inspired slipped pom pom hat too.

wouldn't it be nice to find a scandi set of magnets from screenprinter summersville in your stocking?

charming prints and cards from little doodles are birdy and funny which is about a perfect a mix as you can get for me!

abigail*ryan have at long last let us in to their wonderful world of homeware delights and in particular their tea towels...having some of abigail's fine artwork hanging on my kitchen radiator would bring a smile to my face. and how about wrapping a gift in one instead of paper?

**edited to add a pdf...i'd forgotten about the joys of the download and how it doesn't actually matter how far away the seller is! the wee wonderfuls store have so many nice crafty projects like this fairy embroidery pattern for sale which packaged along with the materials would make a lovely gift for someone creative.

and last of all i couldn't resist adding pam's recipe book to the list too. not strictly handmade i know but as we probably all have asked father christmas for something from toast this is a very good budget buy and full of lots of delicious irish dishes. i'm planning to listen to their podcasts whilst wrapping gifts by the tree.

phew...time to refuel on mince pies now before i head over to jamie oliver {and free p&p} for some other bits too {yes i must come clean and report that i'm not 100% handmaker-friendly!} but a good combination of the two is pretty good in my books.

MY SORT OF MATHS

2009-12-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

maybe it would all have made sense at school had the pie charts in the books looked like this?!

{a mid-week smile via nigella loves}

i'm off to make pastry! Xx

DECEMBER FIRST

2009-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

a frosty beginning here to the new month. clear skies and the start of busy days ahead balanced with time to enjoy the good things. a fresh calendar has been printed out and lots of dates penned in to look forward to.

today i am happy i've worked out what direction our christmas cards are going to take.

got the mincemeat made {i include the almonds}.

discovered this sweet festive quilt project.

thought i might make this little tipple as a gift for friends who can indulge.

and fell for these charming birds {via tea for joy} who may just make their way in to someone's stocking.

yesterday i spent some quality coffee shop time with the very lovely miss pickering in stamford. drank a festive blended tea and talked blogs and flowers and long hair and babies. the hot topic of the morning was furniture revamp issues...how life is too short for tester pots and why do paints never seem to dry out the same as the shade card??

START THE CARDS

2009-11-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

today we received our first christmas card in the post...and still 5 days 'til december!

but i completely understand why this one winged it's way here at warp speed...being from our nephew seán and designed by the boy himself i'm sure he and his mum couldn't wait to premiere them to the world!

as for me...well i'm not nearly as organised as those folks in school. but i did order my card and it arrived today. sitting on my desk with ready to go stamps. i'm actually looking forward to getting going with a design. then i plan to enjoy the creative rhythm of the production line whilst listening to a spot of this and surrounding myself with the scent of winter. (ok definitely not that candle...but the diffuser oil instead which is more in my budget at £5!)