Monday 24 April 2017

Weeks 14, 15 and 16

Goodness, I'm shocked how long its been since I blogged!  Well, its certainly been a busy few weeks.

So let me do a catch up; I will be using these posts a memory jogger for me when (not if) I catch up with Project life.

Weeks 14 
Betty got moved this week into her forever home lol.  It took 3 days in all, one day here being dismantled and two days at the little house.  Work continued at the little house on the garden, I can't believe how amazing the chaps are that work there.  The fire was installed this week too. I love love love the oak mantles.

Things that happened here in Epsom, that I loved and made me laugh.  While I shower, I leave the back door open, so the bears can go and come. I keep the gate to the lawn closed; but they have figured out how to open it; which one morning they did; only they don't know how to get back in as the gate opens outwards.  I laughed so much seeing there faces stuck the other side.

Lastly, our lovely neighbour Brenda, made the most amazing cakes, which she shared with us.  I sure will miss our neighbours.

Weeks 15
Well week 15 started really well, sadly it didn't end that way.  So first things first; Simon came home with a beautiful Easter Egg for me, from Fortnum.  The garden was finished this week, and honestly it couldn't be better.  I love it. 

I also packed up my craft room this week, as we need to turn it back to a bedroom. 

My highlight was lunch at the House of Commons.  They open it for a few days each year to the public, and Simon got in early and booked us a lunch.  The food, was amazing as was the venue .... stunning.   The staff too, were so lovely; I asked if I could keep a menu, and she said sadly no ... then she came back and said, if she dropped it, and it fell into my bag, then no one could moan lol.  One for the project life album, for sure.

Now for the bit, that didn't work out well! On Thursday I didn't feel well.  That sure did show itself.  I  got the dreaded Novo Virus.  I have NEVER been that ill; I then sadly, passed it onto Simon.  So that was us done for on Good Friday! We were so so ill.  Not what you want for Easter. 

Week 16

Still, feeling weak this week, but we had far too much to do.  We had a van booked for the Tuesday, and a storage unit too.  Happy, to say its filling up nicely.

Work at the little house is progressing well.  Simon went on Wednesday as the fire installation finally finished; only when he got there, the house had no power! Luckily they fixed it, but not before taking up most of the road.  Simon also installed our new shutters ... I can't wait to see them.

Thursday saw Jo and I take a trip to the Stitch, Sew & Hobbycraft show at Excel.  We usually go twice a year, as for some reason I get sent free tickets.  I will say this was one of the best ones yet.  We both have a new hobby too ... Print Blocking lol.

The weekend was spent catching up on the finishing bits of the house; Painting our back door and the cupboard in the utility room.  Something that has made me smile. UPS delivered some shelving for the little house, and left it with our neighbour as we were out.  Obviously our neighbour or someone mentioned to the driver we were moving; and he wrote the nicest thing on the slip. If you can't read it in the photo.  It says "I hear your moving ... sad times (sad face)"  Yes its going in Project Life.

Ok, I apologies for a long post, and I'll try and keep my blogging more up to date.


Wednesday 12 April 2017

Easter Decor

Give me a season, reason or holiday .... and I'll decorate for it.

So I'm in full Easter mode here and luckily its only days before I can eat chocolate again.  So, let me share with you how I've decorated my home.
I got this little "e" last year from Hugs and Hearts and the wreath from Waitrose
I've had my Easter tree, what seems like forever. 
I saw this candle holder decor on Pinterest last year, and decided to give the little idea a go.  The bunnies, I got from Tiger a few years ago.  I've dotted them all around the house.  The little nest the bunny is sitting on, is a mini wreath, which I cut to make it larger.  I think it was initially meant to be a napkin ring.
I seem to have gone a little Rabbit mad, haven't I.  Funny, but this little chap came from Sainsbury's last year, and nothing to do with Easter.  The nest, was a purchase this year, from Marks and Spencer.
I told you the bunnies, were everywhere!  My little salt & pepper pot, is another I've had fore ages.  The White company candle is new, and oh my goodness, if you've not tried a White Company candle, I urge you to.  They smell amazing, and last for ages, such great value.  Yes, they're a little expensive, but so worth it. 
Finally, my little wreath; I think this came from a garden centre a few years ago, and it will make it to my door on Good Friday for the Easter Holiday, but for now, its making me smile every evening.

There you have it friends, my Easter decor, this year.

Something that is defiantly new this year, is this gorgeous Easter Egg, and box of chocolates that Simon came home with yesterday.  Oh I know, I'm spoilt and these are my absolute favourite chocolates.  Happy Me, for sure.

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Tuesday 4 April 2017

Week 13

Its been a busy week at the little house, but more on that later.

At this end, I had to pick up my new reading glasses during the week from Kingston, and I may have done a little shopping, while at it.  I've been after one of these pom pom throws since before Christmas.  Initially I've been after the grey one, but they sold out almost instantly.  Well after much umm'ing and aaahhh'ing, I ended up going with the cream, as will fit in with the new house.  Now just keeping it wrapped up for our move.

I also, started putting out my Easter decorations (still faffing, this week, and I have in mind a new blog post on that)

I also ordered some cards of the bears, and these came .... oh they're perfect. The lovely thing about ordering from small businesses, is the personal touch you get.  She included two bono's for the bears.  

I've also started going through boxes and boxes of photos, that I have.  Most of them were Mum& Dad's, and it was lovely to be reminded of such happy times.  I also had a wonderful chat on messenger with my cousins in Australia, about them, as I kept taking photos of certain ones, and sharing them with them.  You've got love the power of social media, that I can still talk with my family even when they're so far away.  That was truly the highlight of my week. 
Another highlight has been all the work that has started at the little house.  Its all happening so fast, and I can't fault the dedication of the workmen, one bit.
What you see above is obviously that work on the garden has started. They've taken up all the old concrete and paving stones, and fixed new fence posts.  They've also done one coat of black paint on the fence; and started the wall for the raised seating area.  Also, they've built my little raised flower bed.

We've had two days of work on the fireplace too.  With the holes being made bigger to accommodate a larger wood burner; and also new fire sounds.  They've removed the old (which was put in wrong by our original builders) and will be back this week to fit the new stove.

Also, we had a lot of damp in the house.  Our original builders while making the openings bigger, removed and forgot to put back a lot of the damp course; so we've had damp specialists in, and they've been doing that.  Again, another 2 days of work needed on it. They have to work in sections, allowing bits to dry out.

So there you have it.  It's been all go go go ...... Betty gets installed at the little house this week, so we had our last Sunday dinner on her here, then she got turned off for the first time.

Thank you for sticking with the long post, have a great week friends.

Monday 27 March 2017

Week 12

Goodness, what a week its been.  

Lets see, Monday saw me doing a spot of babysitting for a friend, followed by a lovely delivery from Susie Watson with some goodies for the little house.  

Wednesday was an awful day.  London was hit by a terror attack and, my heart breaks for the families of those taken from us and those people effected.

Simon went back to work after a weeks holiday, but over did it with his leg braces.  Which resulted in him unable to walk, as it was too much to soon and put his hips out of alignment. So a trip to the doctors for some serious pain killers and anti inflammatories, has helped him. 

I also had a coffee meet up with my cousins and some old family friends; a truly fabulous time, with lots of reminiscing about mum and dad and the "old days".  I'm just annoyed that I forgot to take a photo of us all .... oh well, we'll just have to do it all over again. 

Friday was our first proper session with the dog behaviourist; she's a zen master an a miracle worker lol. I have high hopes for her, but I think its more us that needs training, rather than the bears.  

A trip later to Loaf, to look at a new sofa for the little house and then just filling more of the skip for me. 
Sunday saw us clearing out the little house, as the first of the tradesmen are starting this week.  First up are two days of the fireplace people starting; and then the landscapers are due this week too. Its all very exciting, if not a little scary.  I did have a little glimpse of what our life will be like, as we had a few people pop in while passing ... well, 10 to be exact. 

I wish you all a lovely and safe week. 



Monday 20 March 2017

Weeks 10 & 11

Happy International day of Happiness .... well that is, if you're reading this on Monday 20th March.

I'm playing catch up again, so here are two weeks worth of happenings.  As you can imagine, life is pretty chaotic at the moment.  Trying to get both homes ready; don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it, but I don't feel I have as much time for blog reading or writing at the moment.  Still, I know we're all busy people, so I just need to get on with it, and stop faffing.  So, here it is

Week 10
I finally got my act together and painted the walls of the utility room.  Now at least the walls are all the same colour throughout downstairs.

I met a few friends this week too, first up was my lovely friend, Jenny, whom I first met at a gardening class we did.  We had a lovely catch up at a garden centre and later that week, I also went out with the "WOW's" (Women of Walsingham lol, which is the name of our road).  Anyway, we had such a lovely evening at a local Thai restaurant.

I also managed to do a little project life catch up, with the help of Bertie. Who shockingly didn't actually grab everything in sight in my craft room.

It was Crufts this week and it was lovely to see a Lakeland in the final. He didn't win, but we were cheering for Alan.

On to week 11
Simon had this week off as we had a lot of appointments.  First up, Simon got his leg braces; its going to take a while for him to get used to them as they're so so different and quite cumbersome.  We spent some time at the little house too, seeing more tradesman and we also got our loft boarded out.  The decorator will be starting soon, so we did a little trip to Farrow & Ball for him.

Now one of the huge huge highlights for me was that Simon surprised me, and ordered me the original artwork from the woman that is making cards out of some of my instagram photos.  I can't tell you, how happy I am with them.

Also this week, we had a new trainer for the bears, well not a trainer of sorts, oh no, they've only now got a dog phycologist lol.  She was here for 2 and half hours, and I was shocked at how well she managed to get them to behave, so I have high hopes.  Staying with the bears, they had a trip to the groomers
I just love that the groomers, takes photos of them. 

Finally, we have a super duper new coffee machine. Oh my, it's amazing. Seriously, the best coffee that I've ever tasted.  

Ok, that's it from me for tonight.  I'm hoping to try and get back to blog reading.  As you know, I'm a big believer in if you blog, you should try your best to get around to blog reading.  Its an amazing community and I love it, but you only get out of it, what effort you put in.  So I apologies that I've been lacking in that department.

Monday 6 March 2017

Week 9

Lots of plans were made in week 9, from which wood burning stove to have installed, to choosing decorators and landscapers.  Like the tv show used to say .... I love it when a plan comes together. 
Other things this week, included Pancake Tuesday, followed by Lent starting on Wednesday.  I've given up chocolate this year, and already suffering.  We tried a new local restaurant, not one to rush back to though, and finally, I'm back to wearing my Fitbit. 

Wishing you all a lovely week, I've got a nice social week planned this week, and really looking forward to meeting up with some friends.
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Thursday 2 March 2017

Garden Design

I think Simon and I are just those type of people that will always be making changes to our home. The latest, is of course the little house.  As I explained in a previous post, it needs just a few bits to make it more an everyday home, and not a holiday home.  We're also having these changes done before we move in, in other words, easier without the help of bears. 

So, let me share with you the first of our ideas .... The Garden



Simon has drawn these plans up on sketch up for me.  So the idea is to change the patio from the old slabs and gravel, to sandstone blocks.  We're also removing our old decking step, to larger sandstone blocks, and having a little gazebo built.  The borders to are going for a makeover, and are going to be a little more "bear proof" and built up, so less toy digging (hopefully).

A new fence along the waters edge, with a gate put in for when Simon gets his boat, and also a little fence at the side, so that the side gate can be left open for visitors and the bears won't run out. 

Of course, Pinterest has been a great source of inspiration for me, and I've lost many an hour on it; here are a couple of ideas I've pinned regarding the blocks
Image from Peter Bird Designs
This is the style for the patio, and we're extending the old decking step, so that the garden table and chairs can sit on it, nicely. 


Image from London Stone
And then these smaller square blocks for the paths  

I'll leave it there, but be back with more posts on my ideas for the garden, and the rest of the house.  

I apologies now if I've been bad at blogging or reading blogs.  I didn't realise how much I need to get rid of in our home, as it certainly won't all fit in the little house.  





Monday 27 February 2017

Week 8

Week 8, saw us starting making the changes needed to put the house on the market in May.   So I emptied the utility room, ready for painting.  Simon has now taken down the shelving, so I can start painting.  It also means that I did more trips to the charity shop. 
It was also a lovely social week; were not only did Maria pop in for a coffee, but I also went out with a couple of other neighbours, Brenda and Moira; and then grabbed a quick coffee with Jo, before the hairdressers. 

This week, we had a visit by storm Doris, we got off lightly, as she only took out most of the glass from the greenhouse with her but its all fixable. 

I also had a visit to the hairdressers, actually I had two visits. The first one, was to have my colour redone, only I came out rather blonde! its so unlike me to actually complain, but I honestly didn't think I could live with it, so the following day, they managed to tone it down a bit.  

Finally on Sunday, Simon and I took a little trip around Kingston, where we had breakfast out, and then such a happy surprise to find they've opened up a Kikki K shop there.  Of course, I had to buy this candle with my 2017 word on it. 

Lots of plans again this week, although no coffees (other than my normal R&D with Emma), but I want to crack on with house plans, and also get some work done on blogging, and blog reading.  

Have a lovely week friends. 





Monday 20 February 2017

Week 7

Week 7 was Valentines week and Simon got me some lovely chocolates and a Master Plan notebook! Couldn't be more perfect for me. 

I also started boxing up some bits; I need to change my craft room back to a bedroom. So I'm moving bits over to the little house slowly. 

Simon had a couple of appointments this week. On Valentines day, he had an appointment for his feet. He's in a lot of pain, and they don't really want to operate, so they are fitting him with richi braces, and he had to go and get his feet and ankles moulded for them.  On Friday, he had a 2 hour dental appointment. Poor chap, he's certainly going through it all.  It will be so much better when he can retire, and not walk around from meeting to meeting in London. 

We spent the weekend at the little house where we met some people to get the ball rolling.  First was the Aga people, of course we've got to take Betty with us.  So she'll be going at the end of the kitchen counter.  We also then had a landscape gardener visit to quote for some ideas we have.  

I'll be back with a post on our garden design soon. 
Have a lovely week dear friends.

Monday 13 February 2017

Week 6

Thank you all for your kind comments on my last post (well, apart from Jo's lol), its all very exciting and scary at the same time.

Ok, so week 6 was just wonderfully social and I think I must have been enjoying myself so much, I actually forgot to get photos of them, but I got to spend time with a few of the lovely ladies that live in my road. I will certainly miss them, but I had a coffee with Moira, Debbie popped in for a cup of tea and Maria came over for some cuddles with the bears and a cup of coffee or two.

I also met up with a lovely friend that I first met on a quilting course many years ago; we then connected again through IG and this week met at Gorgeous Gerties in working for a coffee, cake and long chat. It was lovely.

We also went out for a curry with Colin & Maria on Saturday night ... so you can see why I say it was social.
Also this week, Simon surprised me with this gorgeous little wooden terrier for my collection.

Also we started to sort through our loft. Goodness, I'm a hoarder!  I found all my old baby clothes, my tiny tears dolls, and every card that Simon and I ever sent each other.  Also was my old scrapbooks of interiors that I'd cut out and keep, dating back to the late 80's.

We just won't have the space and I think even if we did, I really need to let go of some things; not everything, but those memories don't diminish just because I don't have the actual item (seriously, I'll be just fine without my tiny tears doll) lol.   I'll never live a minimal lifestyle, but at the same time, I don't want to have things in boxes which I'll never never look at.

I need to do some more serious sorting and charity shop drops this week, wish me luck.

Friday 10 February 2017

Week 5

I know this post is so late, but goodness, its been one of those weeks.

Well, week 5!!! it sure was a big week for us.
So here's the run down. 

It started of in a fabulous way .... it was Simon's birthday and yes, that is him with his birthday present! A Lego Wall-e, and he loves it. Like any kid, its kept him quiet for ages.  We celebrated it at the little house and had a lovely day out in Faversham. 

We came home, to a couple of parcels; first was a new lead for Molly. I actually won it on an Instagram competition. Next, was a new cushion from Plum & Ashby, with the perfect name of Bertie. 

Also this week, the bears had a trip to the groomers, and I attended an embroidery class ... and had a blast. 

Now, for the most important news of the week, and one that's both got me super super excited, and terrified at the same time. 

We're moving! Yup, we've decided to sell our home and move full time to the Little House.  Also, and this is huge ... Simon is taking early retirement, although this will take pretty much most of the year to actually happen.  We had meetings with Estate Agents and our financial advisor, and this seems like the perfect time, for a fresh start.  So over the next few months, we'll be busy, getting our home ready to put on the market.  Apparently May is a good month, so we're aiming for that. We also need to put some work into the little house as although its lovely, its been a holiday home, and we need to do some renovations to make it our main home.   Of course, I'll be sharing this journey with you all. 

So there you have it! As you see, week 5 certainly was an eventful week. 

Thursday 2 February 2017

Lagom

Last year I wrote some posts on Hygge, and how I wanted to try and bring into into our lives more, you can read the old posts HERE but for 2017, we have a new Scandi buzzword - Lagom.

Hygge is more "here and now", in the moment, if you like.  Candles, hot chocolate and cosy socks. I know, thats a very basic explanation and of course there is a lot lot more to it. So much so, I'm still embracing Hygge this year. I even thought about using it as my 2017 word.

Now sadly Lagom, is not quite as cosy as sitting in front of a fire and eating as much chocolate as you can, but its something that I think we can all get behind.
Its all about making simple changes in your everyday life - be kinder, think about our food, and eat foods in season.  Think more about of your spending habits, picking up reusable items and reducing food waste etc.,  So not just easier to pronounce but Lagom, is more about a sustainable way of living; achieving a good work/life balance.  Its not about denying yourself things, not at all, but buying better if you like.  Quality over rubbish, being kinder to yourself and those around you.

IKEA  are running "Live Lagom project, click the link and you'll be about to read more about it, but its helping you to save money on bills etc., anything from LED lightbulbs to recycling bins.

I think both Hygge and Lagom go hand in hand really, and I for one, can get behind it.
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Tuesday 31 January 2017

Week 4

Another fabulous week, the main highlight believe it or not, was one I forgot to take a photo off.  My friend Susan came back from France for a visit and I got to catch up over coffee with her.  Maybe we were talking too much that the whole idea of a photo, just slipped my mind. 

We started the week at the little house, and the thickest most dense fog, I've ever seen.  The workshop is coming along really well.
I also decided this year that I wanted to use my huge selection of cook books more.  So I'm going to try and cook something new each week, and this week I started on that plan.

Also this week, I downloaded my first proper kindle book.  I've had my kindle for years, as I got it in a black Friday sale, but I'm a proper book fan.  So I never really got around to downloading, and then this week I did. I downloaded my favourite author, Nora Roberts, and I haven't put it down yet.  Maybe I'll give my kindle ago again.

Back at the little house again for this weekend, and more work on the workshop.  I'll admit the last picture was taken today (Tuesday) its coming along so well.   Oh and guess what! I'm actually up to date on project life 2017 ... yes, I know its only a few weeks, but hey, I'm taking it as a win.

Have a great week friends.

Monday 23 January 2017

Week 3

What an exciting week 3 it was for me.
It started out with the loveliest of surprises. As you know, I've been having coffee with my friend Emma now each week for must be 10 years, and its funny how we can still chat for England. Anyway, as I sat down at the table she handed me a beautiful plant and said it was for me. She'd seen it, and thought I'd like it.  I more than liked it.

Now the next part of my happy week had me jumping for joy.  My new sewing machine was available for me to pick up.  A quick background on it; I've been looking to change my machine for a couple of years, and keep going back and forth as to which model. So I spoke to a few people that do projects that I have planned, and one suggested I look at the Juki. I'd never heard of this brand before and was sort of leaning towards Janome. Well, I was blown away by it (and by the local shop that sold it to me).  Its a brand that is used more on the industrial side, but are now branching out to home sewers. Its got lots of buttons and gadgets that come as standard, so now I just need to read the book and practice, practice and practice some more.

Also this week, my cocoa daisy kit came; I downloaded my first proper book to my kindle (yes, I've had my kindle years, but never really got on with it lol).  The bears got mail, in the shape of new collars and leads and I went with my friend and neighbour Moira, for a coffee and cake.  So all in all you can see, I had a fabulous week.

It got even better, as we've been spending the weekend at the little house.  The sunsets and even sunrises have been stunning.  Its been very very cold and lots of fog, which has also mean cuddling around the log burner.  We also had a big delivery of kitchen units for our garage/workshop which is on the side of the house.  That's all part of my exciting new create venture for this year.  I'll share photos when its finished.
Have a lovely week friends, and I'm hoping to be back this week with a couple of ideas I've got for the blog (all thanks to Emma)

Monday 16 January 2017

Week 2

As I write this post, I've just turned to Simon and said, "have you only been back to work for one week?" .... Goodness, it feel like forever.  Yes, I've really missed having him at home.

Ok, so what happened this week.
I know its not everyones idea of happiness, but it is mine .... snow arrived. Not for long sadly, but it bought big smiles to our faces.  We also had lots of texts and calls from the flood alerts about the little house. Luckily it was safe and they shut the flood gates. 

The fire has been burning here a lot this week, which the bears and I love. We also had a new delivery of logs, so I see more fires in our future. 

I managed to get hold of a magazine I've been after for a while now. My cousin got me the planner for Christmas and I love it, so I thought the magazine would be wonderful, and I wasn't wrong ... its a great one. 

Ive also started sorting my craft room in order for me to start being able to get to things easier.  My sewing bits were in the corner and difficult to get to, so I shifted everything around and it feels good.

I'm also still on my quest to be better organised and that means having less clutter, so another visit to the charity shop happened this week, and I've a bag full already to drop off this week, from my craft room sort out.

Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your week friends xx

Friday 13 January 2017

IKEA Hack

If you're as obsessed with Pinterest as I am, you may have seen lots of IKEA hacks. In other words, things things from IKEA that have been changed slightly.  Well, here's our IKEA hack.

We've had our floating shelves in our living room, for well, it seems forever. Maybe 10 years or more, absolutely nothing wrong with them, but I felt like they're slightly dated.
This was how they looked. Like I say, nothing really wrong, I just felt they looked harsh. 

Simon, took them off the wall, and down to his workshop, where he fitted architrave around the outside edges, with wood glue and nails.  

I then got to work with the paint, and voila.

All done, and back in place. 

Tuesday 10 January 2017

Week 1

I loved the first week of the year, and if that was anything to go by, I'm going to love love love 2017.

So here are the highlights
We saw the new year in at the little house, and stayed a few days longer as Simon had the whole week off. We took the decorations down there and then back home, to take the decorations down here.  I also cleaned and cleared out my craft room, ready to start creating.  Which seems to have worked as I managed to do week one of my project life 2017 album.  

I also wrote up all the Christmas cards that we received, in my mums old book.  I've never been this organised before (its a worry lol)

I also attended the first crop of the year, and even managed a layout there ... what is happening to me! 

I'm trying to catch up with blog reading, so I apologise for any of those that I have missed over the past few weeks. 

Thursday 5 January 2017

My Word for 2017

I loved my word GROWTH last year, I kept it in my sights at all time, even now I'll still think about it, and its breakdown, I'm sure I'll still use it this year, and I'll share with you in a later post how I used it helped me in 2016. For now, I'd like to share with you the word I've chosen for this year.

It was a word that kept coming back to me, even when I thought about others.
As before, I'll explain my thoughts behind my choice  I've not just picked this word for crafting reasons, although yes that will come into it, in a big way.  No, I want to use my word in many ways, here are a few of them.

I want to CREATE more of a home in the Little House, so we can actually live there properly for longer periods of time. I'm looking to CREATE a little venture for myself (more about that in a later post). I want to CREATE a healthy lifestyle, by looking at what we eat, and how much exercise we do. I'm really looking to CREATE a happier me and more chilled out and calmer me. One that doesn't analyse everything and worry as much as I do. I want to CREATE a better blog, one that I really want to grow and explore my interests.

A word I did toy with as a word for the year was HYGGE, but again I can CREATE a hygge life.

There you have it ... I'm going to (hopefully) CREATE a life to be proud off in 2017.