Friday 20 December 2013

My favourite fings - Switching off

 photo ff.png


Nowadays almost all of our daily activity involves technology of some sort. Now I don't want to sound like ole Miggins over the road, "we didn't have all these fancy moblies in my day",  but I have to admit that occasionally I find it HUGELY satisfying to switch it all off.
Some of you might love the thought of turning off all phones and putting laptops out of sight, whereas others will have started to sweat at the prospect of not having 24 access to facebook.


Switched off, on a cottage holiday.


Well yes at first it is quite strange. You'll keep going to check your phone or when faced with a question to which you don't know the answer you'll panic when you realise you can't ask google. But after a day or two it's just SO lovely. I feel refreshed, free, and more relaxed than I ever thought was possible. We are utterly consumed by technology. So I find from time to time that it's a good idea to give your brain a break and your loved ones 100% of your attention.

So even if it's just for a day, perhaps give it a try ...
you might love it so much you won't want to switch back on!

JM
x

"I'm not answering that phone ... I'm on 'oliday!"


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 13 December 2013

Snow globes and old christmas ornaments.


Snow globes. I'm simply a sucker for them. But not any old plastic-made type of snow globe. It has to possess a charm, giving you the feeling it's been on a journey and looked out onto many Christmas scenes in houses over the years. I'd rather have only a small handful of well-loved sentimental ornaments that come out of a dusty old cupboard year after year, than new freshly bought bits and bobs. Like antiques, our old things seem to have a soul of their own and it's a lovely feeling when we come across them ... almost like remembering old friends.


Old fashioned snow globe



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 12 December 2013

Rustic DIY christmas decorations


I am never happier than when I'm decorating the house for Christmas. It's such a lovely time. I make a huge mess, eat loads of mince pies and gradually transform the house into a magical rustic wonderland. I've experimented with various ways of decorating over the years and have found the following creations really bring the house to life, yet they are really easy to make. They would also be perfect for a winter wedding. When it comes to style there is no right way. We just need to create a lovely warm space that reflects us, and the way in which we want to celebrate. I love rustic traditional decoration but hopefully these tips will inspire you whatever your sense of style. 


Natural christmas decorations

Decorating with nature

When it comes to Christmas decorating (or even interior design) I find it's easier to transform one little area at a time. We can use all sorts to make a feature - decanted Sherry or Port and pretty glasses on a tray are a lovely feature, as are nuts in a rustic bowl. Perhaps pick some Ivy / evergreens / berries from the garden and scatter them. Ivy looks lovely wrapped around picture frames. It lasts a long time and dries green, not brown. I've literally covered my house in it.



Christmas pinecone garland

Fireplace decoration

I like sparkle as much as the next girl but the traditional log cabin vibe just says Christmas to me. I bought some really cheap long plain garlands (they're not real) and I simply laid along the mantle, added pine cones and berries. You can add real greenery or sparkle / baubles to it as well. Pine in the house smells wonderful ...


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Monday 9 December 2013

Good gift ideas for hard-to-buy-for types


Oh my, I've had such a lovely week my little festive readers. I made some delightful Orange and cinnamon stick decorations and I picked up my tree yesterday! While decorating it I ate almost all of my mince pies and watched repeats of Vicar of Dibley (pronounced 'Dimblebee' if you're my dad). 

Now when it comes to present buying every year I always get stuck for what to buy my big brother. Like many men, he has everything he wants and he has expensive taste so not the easiest person to buy for. However this week a friend told me about Good gifts www.goodgifts.org. The Good Gifts Catalogue was born 11 years ago and is a refreshing alternative to conventional unwanted presents.


Charitable christmas gifts for hard to buy types
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 6 December 2013

Orange and cinnamon stick decorations


We're putting our deccies up on sunday!! Eeeeee I am so excited. It's killing me just walking past the boxes. I have been wearing my santa hat around the house though, and just because I don't have a tree (yet) doesn't mean I can't prepare my deccies for it! I make these every year. They're SO easy, quick and very rustic. 

You will need:

Oranges
Two contrasting ribbons or brown string
Cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon powder (optional)


Orange and cinnamon stick decorations

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Monday 2 December 2013

Autumn leaves knitted scarf


I have FINALLY finished my Autumn leaves scarf. 
I've been desperately trying to finish it while it's still Autumn ... and I did it! well, just.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 29 November 2013

My first crochet blanket ... a labour of love.


The ladies at my craft club taught me to Crochet ... and I LOVE it. 
It's easy, addictive and portable. It's a tricky to get your head around at first, but do push on as it soon clicks, then you're away!  I started a blanket of granny squares (a granny square is basically a small crochet square) and I thought I'd share my progress with you ... then I'll HAVE to finish it.


Just so ya know it looks messy as it's not sewn together yet!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 28 November 2013

Christmas craft in the community: Sparkly tree decorations

Well since it's a bit cold and gloomy outside my window, I have two cheery things to brighten our day. The first -  it's 4 WEEKS TILL CHRISTMAS!!! (I love Christmas. I think you know that now)
and the second - the evening I spent with the 

Our display of deccies for their towns Christmas tree

Me and my crew of crafty merry men (well, ladies) headed down to spend an evening with the group which is run by the lovely Katharine Collis and Sandra Embleton. 
Our mission?? to take a simple craft project that would appeal to everyone.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Monday 25 November 2013

How to make: Rose hip facial oil with Lavender & Rose - part 2

Morning all! So here are the instructions on how to make a basic anti-ageing

 * Rose Hip Oil - with Lavender and Rose *






Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 22 November 2013

My favourite fings - Tea, pastry and a great big mess


Hello Friday lovelies!!!

Well for todays edition of FF Friday I was planning to share a beauty product. 

However, I then started to sort out my fabrics and have a tidy up of my sewing room ... then things escalated. With the edition of tea and pastries I made a big mess and rather than tidy I had a play on my sewing machines. 

Yes I am hugging the machine ... and I talk to her (Bertha).

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...