Monday 27 June 2016

Week 26 ... The week that was

Eventful.


Without a doubt, week 26 was monumental.  So lets see what else happened other than the EU vote.  Maria came over which the bears loved, they also got to talk to her over the fence. We had dinner out at Prezzo's and although I'm not really someone who has a lot of alcohol, I probably have a glass of wine every few weeks, and the odd Pimms or Aperol spritz, I ordered a G&T, but it was made with Gin, Apple juice, and Elderflower and a sprig of Rosemary.  Goodness, it was so lovely that I'm going to try it at home, especially as I'm slightly obsessed with Elderflower water at the moment.

Also, my sale goodies from Emma Bridgewater turned up. We bought the bears a football, which lasted all of a few minutes, before teeth got to it. We also took them to the park and had a fabulous time, even met another Lakie, and they were off lead for ages. Well, until they started following another dog and his owner and not listening to coming back when called lol.  Simon  fixed the new lights up outside, and we visited some garden centres, so I've started planting my tubs.

But of course the biggest news of the week was the election.  Simon stayed up all night with the bears, not that they were interested in keeping him company.  The news and outcome that has followed, has kept Simon gripped ever since.

Today is the first day of Wimbledon and although its dry so far, its certainly very grey, and I believe today is meant to be the best day of the week! Come on summer, where are you?

Have a lovely week all xxx

Saturday 25 June 2016

A New Chapter

As I explained a few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted my blog to evolve into something more than just crafting, or posting about my week that was. At first, I thought, maybe start a new blog based on my home and decorating plans, but really that's crazy.  I've lovely friends here, and I feel comfortable .... so with that in mind, I'm growing this little space of mine.
Hopefully not only will I blog more now, but it will encourage me to make the changes to our home that I have planned. 

We're certainly starting off on a good foot.  Simon has wired up some lights for the garden, and I must say, they're looking lovely.  We also did a little garden centre shopping today, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain will stay away long enough for me to plant up my tubs. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, I hope you'll stick with me with this little change, and I'll be back on Monday with my weekly pictures as normal. Of course, when and I won't say if, any crafting takes place, I'll still be sharing that with you. 




Wednesday 22 June 2016

Kitchen Remodel

I've shared with you the finished dresser, now to show you the other side of the kitchen and the painted units.

It took me over a year to finally come to the nerve to paint our kitchen.  I umm'd and ahhhh'd and worried that I might spoil it.  After all, I still loved our kitchen, it was just the one day, I could count 4 different shades of oak, where the sun had bleached it.  Plus, Simon installed the kitchen over 12 years ago, and we felt that it was looking a little dated.

I'm pleased though that I initially picked a shaker style kitchen and one with simple lines, as now it's painted, I love it even more.
Let me share with you some of the before and process photos.






There you have it, my process.  I will be sharing a little post later on, about how I painted it, you know, tips and tricks I picked up, just in case anyone wants to have a little go at painting their units, and also some more of the finished look. 

I hope you're all ok with the few changes, I've been making on my blog, I do hope to be getting back to crafting more soon and of course that means a craft room clear up ... yes AGAIN lol xxx


Monday 20 June 2016

Week 25 .... The week that was

Filled with Shopping and most of that shopping was done online.

So here you go, firstly, and of course ... Aga pans and a lovely new kettle.  Seems a waste to use an electric kettle when the Aga is always on.  Next was a book I got of Amazon Marketplace and guess what ... It was 1p.  It was also the Emma Bridgewater online sale, sadly I missed out on something I was after.  It had gone by 9.45.

Also, purchased was a new dryer to go over Betty, this means that I won't need to use my tumble dryer as much and so save energy.  Next was some quilting fabrics from a wonderful little online shop called. You, Me and Mabel, her service and help are just amazing, and if fabrics, quilting and patchwork are your thing, do pop over and take a look.  She's also on IG, and her account is so lovely.  I'm hoping to join in with a sew along which starts in August by Lori Holt, Bee in My Bonnet, and finding the templates and fabric in the UK, was difficult, so I was over the moon, when Sally, said she would be stocking them.  

Also last week, I decided that I'd give my fitbit a rest for summer. I've had it since 2012 and pretty much worn it every day.  Pre bears, I would struggle to do 8k steps, but since then I'd say my average would be in the 12 to 13K range.  I will go back to it, but I'll also look for a prettier bracelet to house it. I will say, that it does feel strange not having it on, and I keep thinking, I've dropped it along the way.

We also had Maria and Colin over for dinner on Saturday night ... such a fabulous time, and I got a lovely lovely gift, of a Aga cake book to welcome Betty into our home.

Lastly, I've decided to start yet another clear up of my craft room.  This time, rather than sort it out and move things around, find pretty boxes for storage etc. etc., ... I'm going to write out what I actually want in my room and what is and isn't working.  Something needs to change, as its just a dumping ground and getting in there to actually create isn't much fun as I need to move so much to find my desk each time.

Ok, so that's it for now ... goodness, the weather outside is dreadful and I really don't think a certain two bears want to go for a walk, or is that just me.

Have a lovely week friends.

Friday 17 June 2016

Aga Demo Day

Yesterday, Simon and I attended a "How to use your Aga" cooking class day, and I have to say, it was amazing.

I went along to one before I had Betty Blue, ... yes, I have named my Aga, please don't judge me too harshly lol. Anyway, I don't think I could take it all in last time, or maybe now that Betty is here, I've so many questions.

Its such a different way to cook, but I'm having fun experimenting.  So, I thought, you might like to see some photos from the day.








In fact, tonight, I made one of the meals we had from the day.  It was such an easy dish ... Salmon fillets, with chorizo sausage (sliced up) and bottle red peppers. Just popped in the roasting oven for 15 minutes and it was done.  So tasty.

Wednesday 15 June 2016

The Bears are 18 months old

Goodness can it really be! That means not only 18 months old, but we've had them for 16 months ... and they've truly turned my world upside down and inside out.
So I thought I'd share a few photos of them growing up.

I'm totally in love with them, but its not been easy at all.  Firstly, they're Terriers (enough said), next they're puppies, and lastly litter mates.

Now, I never took any of this into account when we got them, and part of me is pleased I didn't.  I read all sorts of things about litter mates not bonding with their owners, well that couldn't be further from the truth.  Yes, they adore each other.  Molly follows her brother everywhere, but when it comes to cuddle time, Molly is a Daddy's girl, through and through.  Bertie on the other hand is a Mummy's boy and my little protector.

We have hit adolescence now and boy when the books say, adolescence is worse than puppy hood, they're not kidding.  We're getting there, though and I wouldn't change it ... well, maybe some days lol.

So here you are ... a little throwback of photos for you .... I apologies now, for so many photos, but I did really struggle to keep it low in numbers.
















 















I did say, there were rather a lot lol ... and this was after I whittled it down. 

I promise to share more of the bears with you on my blog in future.






Monday 13 June 2016

Week 24 .... The week that was

social

Yup, I met up with a few friends this week, and that was so lovely.

Firstly, I met up with a friend that I made a few years ago, when I attended a gardening class. She's one of those people that always looks on the positive side of life.  So when I see her, she always has me buzzing with creativity.  Which was handy, as the other friends I got to meet up with this week, were my scrapbooking friends.  I attended my local crop, which I don't think I've been too since January, so that was lovely.

Other things this week, were that we started back at dog training classes .... yet again, Bertie wouldn't stop barking.  The bears also had a haircut this week ... looking gorgeous.

A mixed bag of weather; lovely sunny days but when it rained, boy did it rain. A lot of baking was done, and I finally finished ironing all my summer clothes and can see the bed again lol.  I also carried on with my decluttering and feeling really pleased with how its going.

Sadly the weather isn't meant to be great this week, so its walking the bears and hoping not to get caught out in the rain.

Have a lovely week friends



Wednesday 8 June 2016

Goodbye May .... Hello June

How is it possible we're already half way through the year.

So how was May? Busy, Productive and Happy.

I got all my project life photos into the album, now just to faff; we had some lovely sunny days and some very heavy rainy days.  I had coffee with friends including, Emma, Maria, Moira and the neighbours.  I painted the dresser and got a lovely new plate rack, and some new plates to go in it. Time was spent at the little house and Dad's birthday was celebrated.  The Sewing Bee started and Castle came to an end.

All in all, another fabulous month. Looking forward to seeing what June holds.