Hello lovelies,
It's cold, our skin is dry and in need of a beauty-hug (?)
So I'm going to share one of my favourite beauty recipes of ALL time ...
This is easy, cheap and VERY effective. The lovely, the luscious
*** Rose hip Oil ***
Wednesday 20 November 2013
How to make Rose hip anti-aging moisturiser - Part 1
It's cold, our skin is dry and in need of a beauty-hug (?)
Friday 15 November 2013
'Taste of Provence' by Lily Flame
This smells like Pine forests to me ... it's officially Marjoram, Rosemary, Tarragon and Thyme and as scent is personal it might smell like loo-freshner to you but I love it. They usually RRP around £8 which isn't bad for a good candle these days. If you'd like to buy you can do so here. They do another on called 'Mistletoe kisses' which I also love but I always save that for December.
So there you have it!
Have a lovely weekend
JM x
Thursday 14 November 2013
AHC is in the Press!!!
I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself (I have man-flu) when 'Home Sewn Magazine' came through my letterbox. Well, I say 'came through the letterbox' but in reality it was yanked out of the postman's trembling hand by a flying Jack Russell. Once I'd wrestled it from Ralphy's vice-like grip I was jumping up and down ...
Why?? because I have a full 3 page spread in it!!!
♥
(If I could speak I'd be squealing with Joy right now ... )
I'm so chuffed I had to share it with you. I started A handmade cottage in July 2013 (only 5 months ago) and I'm just so pleased I did. I've had two articles published this month which I'm over the moon about (it's so much fun being all *Carrie Bradshaw* in Costa Coffee) but more importantly I'm meeting some really lovely people, readers and bloggers along the way.
Friday 8 November 2013
Decorating your home with Autumn delights
Autumn - Simply my most favourite time of the year.
The milky light, the rainbow of colours on the trees, the slight chill in the air which of course means fluffy socks, hot-water bottle and milky drinks! ... but before thoughts turn to winter, it's worth taking a moment to savour these glorious days. If we learn anything from Autumn it is to enjoy things while they last.
Monday 4 November 2013
How to have a stress-free Christmas
I LOVE Christmas and I strongly disagree that Christmas is just for kids. I'm 35 but I still revel is it's magic ... the crackling of fires, mulled wine, stockings (not the sexy kind) and I still put a mince pie out for Father Christmas (and he eats it!) and I still listen out for his bells (and I'm convinced I hear them). It saddens me to know not all share my enthusiasm so in the true spirit of Christmas cheer, rather than show you how to make a stocking (of course I will, but nearer the time) your Christmas fairy would like to offer some possible solutions and suggestions to help you achieve the Christmas you want, and deserve. I know it's only November but you'll be making plans soon so read on ...
Problem: Christmas advertising ...
In my humble opinion, the constant bombardment of advertising stresses us all out and has the potential to spoil all that's good about Christmas. I resent being told what food / presents / clothes I need and don't get me started on the Iceland adverts. The Christmas I want isn't anything like the Iceland adverts! The kids see all the new toys and games coming out, and it all gets added to their Xmas lists! It's the adverts we're sick of, not Christmas ...
Solution: Turn it off / dump it?!
We dumped our TV in a skip. It may sound extreme but life is far sweeter without it. We still watch films / TV series via our laptop, we just don't get dictated to in-between. Now if this is too extreme for you perhaps get a virgin / sky package that allows you to record programmes and fast forward in between. When you're not watching turn it off. This way it's not constantly dictating to you and the kids also won't see EVERY single new toy that comes on to the market.
Problem: The huge expense
Christmas is a huge expense for most families. Once upon a time we were overjoyed by a simple orange in our stocking! Now it's quantity over quality. We think the more we buy, the more it shows we care. In my family, we used to buy each other SO many presents that we'd spend the ENTIRE day opening presents, with a quick break for dinner. No time to play, relax, fall asleep. All emphasis was on presents; most of which wouldn't get used, the kids would start shouting 'next' and worst of all we probably all got ourselves in debt to make that happen!
Solution: A family discussion
My family had a discussion and agreed that Christmas isn't just about gifts (even if the TV keeps telling us it is). We decided that in order to get our Christmas back we'd agree to only get each other one big present or three little things, maximum. Three thoughtful little presents rather than 20 random stocking fillers. Now we have a lovely day and the children are no longer brats and appreciate their presents more. Also ... the reason I have never been in debt at Christmas is because I'm not afraid of buying from charity shops. Most of what I buy is in brand new condition but at a fraction of the cost. If you're not used to charity shopping read my guide The art of thrifty shopping and you'll be a master in no time!
Problem: Cooking for the 5000
Don't be a martyr. If you've got 15 people coming over to you for Christmas dinner, or even 6 then make life easier for yourself and ...
Solution: share the load!
If each couple brings a dish you'll have it covered easily and no-one has the stress of doing it all themselves. Family will be more than happy to help (cos they can do the same when it's their turn!) One brings starters, one brings desert etc ... OR get them involved on the day. It's nice having Uncle knobby peeling the spuds while Aunt Doris rear-ends the Turkey, and you can put your feet up while hubby washes up!
Problem: Ever expanding gift list
Every year my gift list grows. Not just family but friends, acquaintances etc it's never ending. So when it comes to groups of friends, a simple way to ease the burden on everyone is ...
Solution: Secret Santa!
Suggest a £5 / £10 / £15 limit, all put your name in a hat and each pick out one person to buy for. Everyone gets a gift and you're not all in debt. Remember, everyone struggles at Christmas so people are relieved to hear solutions like this so don't be afraid to suggest it. Another fun solution ... agree to pay for yourselves to all go an outing instead!
Problem: Dividing your time
So many people run around like crazy on Christmas day, trying to see everyone so they don't actually relax and enjoy the day themselves.
Solution: Alternate
We used to struggle seeing Hubby's folks AND my folks on Christmas day so we just told them we'd rather relax and have quality time with them so from now on we are going to alternate. This year we'll spend the Xmas with one set (and the other shortly after) then visa-versa next year. They're happy with that as they get more time with us too.
Problem: Lumbered with Mrs Miggins
At Christmas many of us often end up spending the day with people we don't particularly like, or want to be with. Now this is the tricky one as Christmas is a time for charity and kindness. HOWEVER, it is also your Christmas and if you'd rather spend it with just your close family then you shouldn't feel guilty about doing that. There is a solution ...
Solution: The 'happy' sandwich
Try this. You'll find it useful in ALL aspects of life. When you want to get out of something try the 'happy sandwich' ... say something nice, say the bad news, then say something nice. You don't need to offer an explanation. When I wanted to get out of something I always felt I needed an excuse as to why I couldn't make it, then hubby pointed out you don't actually need an excuse. Simply say "I'm afraid we can't but thanks for inviting us!" Back to the happy sandwich ....
For example; 'Mrs Miggins we love having you over at Xmas but we're going to do something different this year, however we'd LOVE to have you over for dinner in the New year if you're free?'
Also Share with siblings! If you always have your parents / grandparents try saying to your other siblings .... For example; 'We always get to have mum and dad at Xmas so we thought it's only fair that you get to spend Xmas with them too! Let's alternate and we'll take them next year!'
Ultimately, our happiness is in our own hands. I love Christmas because I choose too. I make the most of all the lovely aspects of it, and try to ignore what I can't change.
I truly hope this helps some of you to have a better Christmas.
Your crafty Christmas fairy
x
Friday 18 October 2013
The knitting and stitching show at alexandra palace
SO, last weekend my fellow crafters and I took the coach to The Alexandra Palace knit and stitch show. I was so excited I hardly slept the night before ( I know - I don't get out much). We sat on the coach and made our crafty shopping wish lists.
Saturday 12 October 2013
AHC welcome video!! - feat special guest
Morning lovelies!
I have a special treat today ... it's my FIRST video! It's a video of myself (and Ralphy of course) introducing A handmade cottage while giving viewers a bit of an insight into what AHC is all about.
I hope you enjoy it! if you do feel free to comment and share with friends and other like-minded folk.
Have a lovely weekend,
JM & Ralphy the dog x
Please note: no Jack russells were harmed in the making of this film : )
If you don't see the video you can click here to view
Sunday 6 October 2013
How to make sloe gin - 'the wintry tipple'
Well last weekend I successfully made my first tipple of Sloe Gin! It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday and I can't WAIT to taste it while my chestnuts are roasting on a chilly December eve. Christmas will never be the same without this lovely wintry Liqueur and it's a lovely way to enjoy our bountiful hedgerows. It's far more satisfying to enjoy something you've gathered / made yourself than to get it from Tesco and I've no doubt this autumnal ritual will become a firm favourite in our household. It's easy to prep, easy to make AND you can blot out Xmas with it! (if need be). So get the kids off their phones, grab your baskets (guys - your plastic containers) and enjoy a day in the wilderness together!
Note - Sloe gin is a sweet berry liqueur and can be enjoyed on the rocks OR with a mixer ... perhaps Soda water or sparkling wine Kir Royale-style, so don't be put off if you don't like Gin. I don't but I do LOVE this drink.
Tuesday 1 October 2013
A thrifty guide to growing plants & flowers for free
Good Morning autumnal lovelies, I just spent a lovely day in the garden, getting it ready for Autumn. I filled my brown bin to the brim and woke the neighbour's baby several times after walking face-first into spiders webs. But before the summer comes to a close I wanted to share some tips on filling your garden with beautiful flowers without spending a penny (literally that is). While some of you may relish an afternoon traipsing around Homebase, others may not (myself included) - and the following will not only save you money, it will also give you a far deeper sense of satisfaction and you'll love your garden all the more for it.
Sharing flowers with your neighbours
Now before you head out into the garden and start cutting back all your plants - (which I'm sure has therapeutic benefits and often reminds me of cutting Hubby's hair) stop, and take a look around. More often than not, ole Mrs Miggin's next door has let her plants go wild and they're clambering all over your side of the fence. But rather than hacking away at her prize Geraniums, why not entice them into your garden instead? For example - my shed was looking pretty bare and I really wanted a 'Santa's grotto' vibe so I enticed Mrs Miggin's straggly old bush onto my shed. I didn't even need to hold it in place (it had suckers!) and now it's almost completely covered and I didn't spend a penny.
More tips for accumulating new plants for free
Collecting seeds ....
At this time of year flower heads dry up and their seeds fall out or fly off in the wind. If you collect these carefully you can store them (in pretty little packets!) or sow them in Autumn and you'll have have a flower-filled garden come spring! For more info check out this BBC Gardening article.
Sharing seeds ...
Did you know there are seed swapping / sharing events? check out http://www.seedysunday.org
Or browse the Internet to find one near by.
Transplanting ...
Or as I like to call it - Pulling them up by the roots out of your mums / mates garden and plopping them in yours, Easy peasy! Autumn / winter is a good time to move plants as they're dormant, but not all plants can handle a move so have a google beforehand to make sure.
Dividing plants ...
Certain plants get so big it helps them enormously if you divide them into smaller plants (chives for example) and not only does it help them, you also multiply your plant! Again, autumn is a great time to do this. However you might not want four of the same plant so why not do a swap with friends to get some new shrubs into your garden?! I've swapped a few plants this way so it's a win win all round. But do check beforehand as dividing doesn't work with all plants and some plants will look at you aghast!
Further reading ...
With a little thought we can easily save pennies. I love making arrangements just from wild flowers and plants I find in the hedgerows all year round and will be posting on this later in the year. In the meantime if you feel you need a little help in the garden I suggest 'The Thrifty Gardener' by Alys Fowler. I don't usually recommend a book if I haven't read it but this girl knows her stuff so we're in good hands. But for now, get out there and start luring in your neighbours plants!
JM x
Note: Please note, I cannot be held responsible should you get into trouble for luring your neighbours plant into your garden. I suggest you only work with plants that are already hanging over your fence (so now your property) and refrain from pulling them over at 4am in the morning : )
Monday 9 September 2013
The cottage guide to BLACKBERRY picking!
I LOVE this time of Year! When blackberry picking time comes around I get so excited. I do love summer but I love autumn more. It's such a beautiful time ... the colours, snugly blankets, fires, hot chocolate and BLACKBERRY AND APPLE CRUMBLE! we're also allowed to get a bit fat as we need the warmth : ) I realise I haven't talked about craft much lately but I'm just too distracted by the pick n' mix of berries in our hedgerows at the moment. Thanks to a glorious summer the bushes are jam-packed (see what I did there?) with fruit this year which means? ... 'one for me, one for the basket, one for me ...'
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