FunkyFairy

And breath....

2012-01-21T09:36:00.000Z

This blog post is going to be a hard one to write, but I also think its long over due.

In June of last year I was struck down with Depression and Anxiety. I was having regular panic attacks and spending most of the day in bed.

I have now turned a corner and I able to drive within my village and do a little shopping in the local supermarket without having a panic attack.

I want to let you know that although I have not been posting I have been reading your blogs everyday, and even on my darkest days they have made me smile.

Ive still got a long road, but I am on the up with the help of medication and CBT.

Well that's enough of that onto the exciting bit....

While I was unwell a friend and I came up with the idea to start sewing. Well this evolved very quickly into a business idea. We set up a FB page and a Folksy shop. We find the sewing, drinking tea and eating cake very therapeutic.

We have had lots of orders and things are going really well. We have even been contacted by a few shops about providing stock :)

Why not take a look, maybe like our FB page and let me know what you think xx

Holidays are coming

2011-12-04T09:50:00.000Z

Its that time of year again. Ive been bury with my friend making Christmas decorations.

I also had a go at making a Christmas wreath. I'm rather please with the end result :) I had a fantastic day making the wreath.

I have also taken part in the Advent swap this year. I was paired with the lovely Pene.

This is what the parcel I sent looked like

Here's the 1st 3 days of Advent swaps Ive received.

Day 1 a lovely felt heart decoration.

Day 2 a very cute mitten decoration, they are both going to be put on my tree.

Day 3 a glasses case with is now holding my reading glasses :)

Thank you Pene, I love everything you have sent.

Oh my what a lovely day.

2011-10-21T14:44:00.000+01:00

Today has been a lovely day of visiting friends, playing with my little man and baking. The sun is shining which always puts me into a good mood. Ive had the back door open, with a little visit every now and then from one of the girls.

Today I baked some iced ginger squares. The kitchen smelt amazing, a bit like Christmas.

The recipe can be found here.

Meet the girls

2011-10-01T09:22:00.000+01:00

Last weekend We where childless. So decided to go to look at chickens, just look. However we ended up bringing 2 home.

We decided to call them Nugget and Paxo.

Our very 1st egg, very nice it tasted too :) We have had 9 in total this week, must have happy hens.

If any of you chicken keepers have any tips or advice I would love you to share :)

I did it!

2011-09-24T15:47:00.000+01:00

I finished my 1st crochet blanket. I'm so in love :)

Magic ball swap

2011-09-21T11:01:00.000+01:00

I was lucky to take part in Lynda's Magic Ball Swap. I was partnered with the lovely Sarah. We sent each other lots of emails and agreed to send the swaps by the end of August.

My parcel arrived and oh my word Sarah really treated me. Would you like to see?

I could not wait to dip inside the parcel to see what Sarah had sent.

There was a also a Dairy milk bar, but my daughter stole it before I could take a photo! Thank you again Sarah I love everything that you sent xx

Lego land

2011-09-20T14:01:00.000+01:00

We booked a weekend away at Lego land. With our bags off we went to the hotel. Oh my word our room was massive.

We stayed in the Millennium Majestic in Reading. Lovely clean hotel, attached to the Reading FC. Being next to the football ground we spotted a few footballers.

Off we went to Lego land, We had not been before so everything was new and exciting. We tried to go on every ride, but failed. We just needed more days, planning to go back again very soon.

There was lots to see and do. I don't know who was more excited by the Lego creations, me or the children.

Spotting little touches as we went along.

The only down side I could see was, everything was a little dirty and dusty.

When life throws blackberries at you....

2011-08-16T16:01:00.000+01:00

....make jam!

While on a walk with the children I managed to pick enough early blackberries to make nearly a pot of jam.

Very nice on a slice of toast :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T16:41:00.000+01:00

Fish!

2011-07-19T17:21:00.000+01:00

A great way to spend a morning!

Cub Camp

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000+01:00

This weekend we attend a family Cub camp. I was feeling a little worried about going away with the children alone. I had no need to be, the camp was very well run.

The children's favorite part was singing songs around the camp fire :)

The past week

2011-06-29T18:03:00.000+01:00

Ive been having real problems with blogger not letting me upload photos :( so here is my past 2 weeks in one post!

Cupcakes made for poorly people

Strawberries and sweet peas picked on the allotment

Home made scotch eggs

Lunch in a beer garden

Yummy cakes from Waitrose

Another lovely beer garden lunch

Pottering!

2011-06-16T15:13:00.000+01:00

My poor little man is ill today. He has tonsillitis :( So we have spent the day watching Harry Potter films. I do love the films, and so wish it was all real! Just me??

Yesterday Jess and I made some Oreo cupcakes for a friends Phoenix card party launch.

I also received my prize from Mary Poppins giveaway :) The tea bags smell amazing, can't wait to try them.

Baking

2011-06-13T11:26:00.000+01:00

I spent most of a miserable raining Sunday in the kitchen baking.

Lemon Tart. A big hit, all went back for seconds.

Raspberry Oat Bars, Recipe in this months Good Food magazine. Great for packed lunches and taking to friends to have with a cup of tea.

Taking shape

2011-06-11T09:24:00.000+01:00

Since my last post I've been doing noting but crochet.

I'm in love :)

My Friend who taught me the art of crochet handed me a pressie.

How lovely the tools of the trade. Thank you :)

Ive been having real problems with blogger. Ive not been able to comment or post a new post. I have been reading every ones posts though :)

Crochet

2011-06-02T17:13:00.000+01:00

My lovely friend Proby over at Purple Proby spent a evening teaching me how to crochet. She is new to blogging, please do pay her a visit :)

Not perfect but i am getting the hang of it. I can't wait to move onto my advanced pattens! one step at a time Sarah!

May Sampler

2011-06-01T15:53:00.000+01:00

Sticky rhubarb cake

2011-05-30T08:46:00.000+01:00

I've been baking again! This time with rhubarb.

The cake was yummy warm out of the oven. I think it would go just as well with custard or a dollop of cream. The recipe can be found here.

Have a good bank holiday :)

Lunch

2011-05-25T14:16:00.000+01:00

After seeing photos on twitter of homemade sushi I had to have a go!

I now find myself making it most days for lunch :)

Blog award

2011-05-19T12:24:00.000+01:00

A big thank you to BeeBee who has given me the Stylish blogger award :)

I now need to tell you 7 things about myself! Here goes:

1) I got married at 19! Going to be celebrating 13 years of marriage this year

2) I'm addicted to making list. I even make lists about lists!

3) I am allergic to bananas. I cant touch or eat them :(

4) I'm following the Slimming World diet and have lost 3 stone over the past 18 months.

5) Love Doctor Who and tend to over think the episodes. Watching several times to make sure i have not missed anything.

6) I read cookery books like people read novels!

7) I have recently discovers CSI. How I have not watched it before who knows. Im 11 years behind everyone. Im watching 3 episodes a night at the moment.

The rules state that I need to pass the award onto 15 blogs. Im going to find this so hard, so im leaving it open to anyone who would like to take part :)

Remember to check out BeeBee's blog.

Friday afternoons

2011-05-17T17:02:00.000+01:00

The past 2 Friday afternoons I've had a knock at the door.

A thank you from a friend for being there for them.

A thank you from a friend for looking after their son.

Its so nice to be appreciated :)

Take a walk with me

2011-05-14T16:40:00.000+01:00

Thursday morning I went for a lovely walk with my friend around the grounds of Wimpole. We chatted about our weeks and put the worlds to rights.

Hope your all having a good weekend x

Cambridge Clandestine Cake Club

2011-05-04T15:12:00.000+01:00

I was luck to be part of the 1st Cambridge Clandestine Cake Club meeting. I was really nervous as i'd been speaking to a couple of the people attending via Twitter for a while. Now i was going to meet them in the flesh! I need not have been worried they were lovely :)

8 attended with 6 cakes. I did not have breakfast, as I knew I would be eating cake! We chatted and drank tea.

I made a Chocolate - Orange and chilli cake

At the end when we had all been caked out! we shared the remaning cake.

I had a fantastic morning taking about and eating cake. Can not wait for the next one :)

April samplers

2011-05-02T10:32:00.000+01:00

I've seen these on a few blogs at months end. Here's mine.

April Food Sampler

April Garden Sampler

Afternoon tea

2011-04-30T20:35:00.000+01:00

To celebrate the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge we decided to have a English afternoon tea.

Bunting at the ready!

Cambridge Cake Club

2011-04-24T20:18:00.000+01:00

My daughter and I are attending the Cambridge Clandestine Cake Club. I've been practicing my recipe.

Ingredients at the ready. Can you guess what kind of cake its going to be?

Chilli - chocolate orange cake. It tasted good, but needed more chilli! I will be taking my cake along on the 30th.

I also had a go at making Red Velvet cupcakes

Tasted very much like the ones from Hummingbird :)

Things making me smile :)

2011-04-12T16:41:00.000+01:00

Baking bread.

Free flowers handed out at Morrisons!

Dandelions left so I can make dandelion marmalade!

Last of this years Magnolia flowers.

Tomato plants already in flower.

Pretty flowers in the garden.

Seedlings ready for the allotment.

Notting Hill

2011-04-10T08:16:00.000+01:00

I spent a lovely sunny day yesterday taking the train down to London and having a potter around Notting Hill and Portobello Road. Ive not been before and loved it! Streets lined with grand white houses, avenues of pink blossom trees. People stopping and saying hello. Cafes on every street corner, the smells of food being cooked on market stalls. Vintage treasures being admired and sold. Then we came to the shop we had travelled all the way from Cambridge to see.........Hummingbird Bakery!

I could not believe it such a pretty shop all pink and brown, I was here :)) We lined up not knowing what we wanted, quickly decided it had to be a mix of 6 cupcakes. Much to hubbies disgust i did not let him have one until we got home and I could take photos before diving in! Do you want to see?

My favorite was the red velvet.....Divine.

Wordless Wednesday - Pretty Pink

2011-04-06T13:01:00.000+01:00

March Photo Scavenger Hunt

2011-04-02T08:12:00.000+01:00

A Lion - This is the Lion Yard shopping centre in Cambridge

A Rainbow - no real ones this month, so a rainbow in paint colour form!

Something Green - My new cushions.

An empty chair - This is a chair from my dinning room

Something sentimental - A photo of my daughter minutes after she was born

Peeling paint and a Shadow - This is my front door and the shadow is of my phone!

A collection - My Doctor Who DVDs

A ring - This is my wedding ring

A fancy gate - This belongs to the Wildlife Trust which is based in my village.

Something as old as you - My lovely husband!

A lamb - Sorry!

I had such fun this month finding all the things on the list. Thank you to Postcards form the PP for posting the lists.

birthdayness

2011-03-31T12:09:00.000+01:00

Well what a fantastic time i've had :) I was very spoilt by all my family, friends and the ladies taking part in the birthday swap. I've visited all the blogs and left a little thank you with all the ladies who sent me presents x

I loved everything you all sent thank you so much ladies :) xx

I also got lots of lovely things from family and friends.

I also got a Smeg dishwasher! I have not had one before, no idea why as I'm loving it :)

On my birthday my husband and I did a fudge making workshop at the Fudge Kitchen. I've got loads of photos, so will post them in another post and tell you all about what we got up to!

We went for a meal at The Rupert Brooke

Thank you again everyone who spoilt me :))

Just as I was about to publish the post, postie knocked at the door with 3 more parcels!

Thank you ladies, I love it all :) I'm now off to visit your blogs to leave a little thank you xx

Quick before they are gone!

2011-03-24T11:02:00.000Z

On Monday I placed a order for the new Cath Kidston charity t-shirts. They arrived yesterday :)

I found it so hard to narrow it down to a few! They are such a good price and helping people too.

I don't think they will be around for long!!

March Monthly Make

2011-03-21T11:30:00.000Z

I've tried my hand at making earrings.

I've got a lot to learn, but they came out ok :)

Bake along!

2011-03-20T09:24:00.000Z

While chatting to my friend Andrew over at That's Champion we came up with the idea of a bake along!

Whats a bake along? well we picked a recipe, set a date and time. Web cams at the ready we baked. It was so much fun, you should all give it a try. You could do any kind of craft along!

Chocolate marble cake :)

What Sunday's are made for.....

2011-03-14T14:54:00.000Z

.....a roast!

Centre parcs

2011-03-13T08:59:00.000Z

A couple of weekends ago we went to Centre Parcs for a long weekend. My parents came along too, it was so relaxing. The best part was the wildlife, so much of it!

These fellows knocked on the door every morning for some food!

Then the open fire, it was so nice to have one and made me realise i need a house with a open fire!

We are already looking to go back :)

A little bit of Cath

2011-03-10T12:50:00.000Z

I visted the Cath Kidston Factory shop this morning and took some photos so share with you all :)

Such a lovely way to spend a morning!

Monthly Make

2011-03-03T11:19:00.000Z

Better late than never!

Its not quite finished as Ive been away on holiday (will blog later) Pretty bunting for my daughters bedroom :)

macaroons....how I love you

2011-02-24T13:44:00.000Z

Bargin at £1.50 from Tesco! Ill have a go at making them one day, if im brave enough!

Happy Birthday

2011-02-23T15:52:00.000Z

To my lovely daughter Jessica.

13 today, a teenager at last! How time passes so quick!

Fingers crossed she won't turn into Kevin now he he

The simple things!

2011-02-21T12:57:00.000Z

My mate Andrew over at That's Champion keeps talking about fish finger sandwiches! I Finally caved and made some today :)

Very yummy they were too!

Win :)

2011-02-18T13:29:00.000Z

I was the lucky winner of Heartfelt handmade Valentine's giveaway. Look at the lovely goodies I received.

Thank you Marie xx

This weekend

2011-02-13T08:39:00.000Z

I have been decorating a little gift for the children. Would you like to see?

Kitchen

Living room

2nd bedroom

Main bedroom

Bathroom

Yes we have given the children a flat! Not any flat, its in the same block that my husband and I first lived in. It feels like going home and I would really like to move back in! Its in the centre of Cambridge. The plan is we will rent the flat out until our eldest ( nearly 13) wants to move it. She then has 5 years to sort hereself out before our son (now 8) might want to move in! although he says he wants to live with us forever hehe

Hope you all had a good weekend xx

Ive been tagged!

2011-02-09T12:07:00.000Z

The lovely Nicola at Woodbank crafts has tagged me to answer a few questions.

Here goes!!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a nanny ( Mary Poppins is my favorite film ) I trained as a nanny, but never became one as I became pregnant with my daughter. I am a childminder now though!

What do you like most about where you live?

I live in a village that's only 10 years old. Its been very well thought out. Its a lot like living in Center Parcs all the time!

If you could only rescue three things from your house what would they be?

Well it would have to be my husband and children. Then our beloved Hercules.

What's your favourite book?

I don't really read, all I read is magazines and cook book.

What's your favourite room in your house?
Has to be my kitchen, Love it! I mind the children in the kitchen dinner, so I spend alot of time there.

What's your favourite joke?

I can never remember jokes!!

What would you most like to change about your house?
For it to be detached!!

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I don't know about that one!

I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you would like to play along then please feel free x

Thank you

2011-02-02T13:46:00.000Z

Postie popped my giveaway win through the door this morning.

Inside the wrapping was....

I love it, I'm wearing the necklace and the keyring has popped onto my bag. Pinks my favorite colour :)

Excuse the big scratch on my neck, hazard of working with children!!

Thank you Again Jenny xxx

Monthly Make

2011-01-30T07:50:00.000Z

I've joined in the monthly make challenge.

This month I made a cupcake picture for the kitchen. I had a bare wall that needed cheering up.

What do you think?

Sorry about the photo I could not get a good one as the glass kept reflecting the flash :(

Cake Boss

2011-01-27T11:31:00.000Z

My family and I are addicted to watching the goings on, on the family run bakery show Cake Boss. For Christmas my lovely mother in law gave me the book.

So I decided I just had to have a go at making the Cannoli Carlos are famous for.

Mixer at the ready, dough mixing then chilled for an hour.

Cannoli once they are out of the fryer and cooling.

My finished Cannoli. Very yummy! One day I hope to visit Carlos bakery to taste the yummys myself.

Lunch made by the children

2011-01-23T11:50:00.000Z

This morning the children said to me they would make me dinner. I was presented with the most lovely meal!

Butternut squash soup and bread

Rocket salad

Baked potato with chicken curry.

And to finish cheesecake.

Don't you just love Play Doh!

I Tag you!

2011-01-20T10:57:00.000Z

Ive seen this on a few blogs and thought I would join in!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6.30! I have children arrive at 7 to be minded.

2.How do you like your steak? Medium rare!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Toy Story 3 and yes I did cry!

4. What is your favorite TV show? How I Met Your Mother, So funny.

5. Where would you like to live if you could choose anywhere in the world? Cornwall

6. What did you have for breakfast? Fruit and Yogurt

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Anything!

8. What foods do you dislike? Blackcurrants or anything blackcurrant flavor!

9. Favorite place to eat? The resterant in the hotel we visit lots!

10. Favorite dressing? Mayo

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? A Mazda 5

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Italy.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full.

15. Where would you want to retire? Fingers crossed to Cornwall

16. Favorite time of day? The bit between school drop off and pick up hehe

17. Where were you born? Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? F1.

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Anyone can join in!

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? I reallly dont know!

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Everyone, its great to read peoples answers!

22. Bird watcher? No, seems a little borning to me.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning!

24. Do you have any pets? A rabbit Hercules

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I do but cant share it yet!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A nanny, so I trained. Im now a childminder.

27. What is your best childhood memory? Growing veg with my dad.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Cat.

29. Are you married? Yes, 13 years this year!

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes always.

31. Been in a car accident? 2 neither were my fault.

32. Any pet peeves? People not using manners, they cost nothing!

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? anything hot and spicy

34. Favorite Flower? Freesia

35. Favorite ice cream? Cant eat it, im dairy intolorant

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonald's I worked for them for 5 years as an admin!

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Passed 1st time!

38. From whom did you get your last email? Beaver leader. Meeting tonight with the run through.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? John Lewis!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Not really me!

41. Like your job? Yes, but I am stopping in July and becoming a lady of leisure!

42. Broccoli? no, more of a Cauliflower girl!

43. What was your favorite vacation? Has to be Spain last year :)

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Hubby on Tuesday!

45. What are you listening to right now? Jamies 30 min meals from last night.

46. What is your favorite color? Pink Pink Pink!

47. How many tattoos do you have? None, but keep thinking about getting a tinkerbell!

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Anyone who wants to take part.

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 10.48am

50. Coffee drinker? No, wish I was as I love the smell!

whoopie!

2011-01-17T10:09:00.000Z

On a dark, wet, cold Sunday whats a girl to do? Bake! I made whoopie pies.

They are so yummy and recommend anyone to make them. Hubby's put in a request for more !

Poppins you say!

2011-01-12T13:39:00.000Z

My favorite film of all time is Mary Poppins! Its just magical :) Jumping into drawings to find a whole world, whats not to love!

As a childminder I find myself using her phrases all the time, Now spit spot! (sad I know lol )

So when doing a spot of surfing I found this, I had to pop it into my basket

Now who's for a chorus of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Chocolate cake and Tiffany!

2011-01-10T11:54:00.000Z

Well we are back into the swing of things after a lovely Christmas break. The house seems so empty, I really don't like the first few days back :(

On Saturday we went to visit hubby's parents. It was his dads birthday so we baked him a chocolate cake!

It was yummy :)

Just after Christmas hubby had mentioned to me one of my presents had not been delivered. It arrived on Saturday and oh my was I shocked!

A lovely Tiffany necklace, I am a lucky girl :)

Hope you all had a lovely weekend x

New years resolution

2011-01-04T12:07:00.000Z

Mine this year is to crack crochet. Ive been trying for a year to learn and have decided enough is enough! This is the year I am going to be able to crochet!

Imagine my delight when I spotted this in Morrisons this morning. I grabbed one quickly as it was the last one left.

Watch this space :)

Happy new year!

2011-01-01T12:32:00.000Z

I would like to say a big thank you to all my followers new and old. You have all been fantastic this year :)

I am a lucky thing!

2010-12-29T12:27:00.000Z

Ive had a lovely Christmas spent with family being silly. I got lots of lovely things including

Lots of CK

A mixer I've been after for ages and some Molton Brown

Lots of books I cant wait to try out :)

A lovely mug with my children on.

Hope you all had a good Christmas xx

PS sorry about the quality of the photos, I cant find my camera!

Bargin Cath

2010-12-17T12:35:00.000Z

On the way back from Costco yesterday we popped into the new Cath Kidston Factory shop. Oh boy was I glad I did. Everything was 25% off or more. I picked up a few things and this

Marked down to less than half price! Has 2 badges missing, would have been rude to have left it ;p

Its beginning to feel....

2010-12-10T16:49:00.000Z

......a bit more like christmas!

The tree is up. Decorated by the children with things they like and have made over the years.

Ive been sewing!

2010-12-08T14:46:00.001Z

I made this lovely mini bunting with a kit from Patch Fabrics. It was so easy! Is not perfect, but I like it that way :)

I gave it to my friend this morning and she loved it :) I'm off to make some for myself now.

This years advent calandar

2010-12-06T13:25:00.000Z

Im enjoying this years advent calandar. Its a little snowy village. Every day the children are taking it in turns to make a house.

Im hoping if I pack it away well it will come out again next year x

Scrap booking

2010-12-03T16:43:00.000Z

Ive been having a big wobble recently about my babies growing up. They are growing so fast and I'm never going to have this time again. Its making me very sad.

Ive been doing some scrap booking and taking trips down memory lane.

Have a good weekend everyone xx

Whats making me smile this week

2010-11-22T10:16:00.000Z

Lego creations dotted around the house.

Chilli plant still giving me chillies after 3 years!

Orchid keeps producing such pretty flowers.

My Doctor Who Collection!

Flowers given to me by hubby because he loves me :)

A photo of Hercules sticking his tongue out

Quick and easy tea

2010-11-20T08:28:00.000Z

I made this a lot for the children as its quick, easy and filling.

Scone based pizza

Base
200g SR flour
50g Marg
100ml Milk
Salt and pepper to taste
I double the mixture as I have lots of mouths to feed!

Topping
1 Onion
1 Clove garlic
1 big tin tomatoes
1 teaspoon tomato puree
salt and pepper and mixed herbs

Preheat the oven to 200oc gas 6

Rub the marg into the flour and gradually add milk until smooth and a dough is formed. Turn out and shape into a flat round.

Prepare the topping by frying the onions, crushed garlic and tomatoes, puree salt and pepper. Mix well. Spread all over the base for the pizza.

Top with cheese and what ever you like. I make mine plan as some of the little people are fussy!

Bake for 15 - 20 min

Enjoy :)

This week ive been craving....

2010-11-13T08:10:00.000Z

An open fire. So hubby did some detective work, and found me a pub with an open fire.

We sat and chatted all afternoon, I love stolen time with hubby. Seems so naughty!!

Millions of Quinces, Quinces for me!

2010-11-10T10:33:00.000Z

On the drive home from my friends last week, I passed a house selling Quinces for £1 per bag. I slammed on the breaks and grabbed a couple of bags. At the weekend I made Quince jelly.

First step is to cut them all up, keeping in the core and skin on. Place in a pan, cover with water and boil until soft. It took a couple of hours.

Once boiled and soft leave to strain for 24 hours and collect the juice. For every pint of juice you need 1lb of sugar.

Place the juice, sugar and the juice of one lemon in a pan and boil until you reach setting point. This took about 20 minutes.

While the juice is boiling sterilise your jars in the oven.

The finished jelly is a fantastic orange colour. Tastes lovely with cold meat and cheese. Only thing is 18 Quinces only made 2 jars!

And the winner is......

2010-11-08T18:13:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone that entered my giveaway and to all my new followers.

All the names went into the bowl

Jess picked out the winner.

Well done The PatchWork Heart you are the winner. Could you please email me (Sarahansell22@hotmail.com) and I will post your prize.

Giveaway reminder

2010-11-04T13:44:00.000Z

Quick reminder only a few days left to enter my year of blogging giveaway HERE

Busy sewing

2010-11-01T11:38:00.000Z

Over the weeks half term i've been busy sewing. What do you think of my efforts?

Don't forget you have a little less than a week to enter my giveaway for a year of blogging HERE

Trick or Treat

2010-10-29T12:53:00.000+01:00

We have been busy decorating the house and baking ready for Sunday.

Halloween win

2010-10-28T17:02:00.000+01:00

I was lucky number 7 and won the giveaway over at Chez Sophie. I got home from a morning shopping in Cambridge to find my prize on the mat :)

Thank you Sophie, the Hand gel and candles smell so nice.

We've also been doing lots of Halloween crafts. I will post more about them another day !

Blogging for a year = a Giveaway yay!!

2010-10-25T12:51:00.001+01:00

Ive been blogging a year tomorrow so thought I would do a little giveaway.

A little Cath Kidston Kid bag

A lovely set of smellies

A heart to decorate and 15 meters of sequins

And a set of Note cards with yummy images

How does all that sound?

The rules to the giveaway are simple. Please could I ask that you are a follower of my blog. If you put my giveaway in your sidebar or blog about it ill put you in the hat again (please let me know!) Could I also ask that you are contactable, so if you don't have a blog please leave an email addy.

So Leave a comment below and ill pop you into the hat. Giveaway closes Sunday 7th November and Ill post the winner on the 8th. Oh almost forgot, UK entries only please.

Good luck xx

NOW CLOSED XX

Take a walk with me

2010-10-23T16:26:00.000+01:00

I went for a walk this afternoon with the children. So I took some photos to show you. Its a new village only 10 years old.

Towards the end of the walk it started to rain.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend xx

Postie knocks at the door

2010-10-20T14:26:00.000+01:00

I received my prize today, from the lovely Vanessa at Coco Rose. Would you like to see?

What lovely paper and butterflies.

All so beautifully wrapped up with pretty pink paper, my favourite colour!

Thank you so much, its all so lovely :)

2010-10-18T20:10:00.000+01:00

My mum use to be a dinner lady at my upper school, which was cool as I use to get extra chips! Not only that I have a copy of the school recipe book. Tonight I made Chocolate Crunch for the childrens lunch boxes. Do you remember chocolate crunch with pink custard?

Recipe ready

Ingredients

Great as a snack with a tea

Or as supper with a glass of milk

Cath Kidston Christmas

2010-10-16T19:49:00.000+01:00

While browsing the Cath Kidston site, as I so offen do ;p I came across a Christmas section.

Now what to order??

Freebie

2010-10-13T10:19:00.000+01:00

While in Morrisons I spotted a freebie in the November issue of Easy Living. Its a Emma Bridgwater tea towel worth £8.

Grab it while you can ladies xx

Nigella Cheesecake

2010-10-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

Have you all been enjoying the new Nigella series? I have and thought I would have a go at the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake from the 1st show.

It tasted yummy, only thing was I had chunky peanut butter and the recipe needed smooth. I could tell why!

Playing with felt

2010-10-03T08:15:00.000+01:00

I came across this site and though I have to have a go they are so cute!! So I ordered all the bits I needed and had a go yesterday. It's the first i've done any sewing since school. I made mistakes and found doing the eyes hard. What do you all think?

Jess then asked if I could make a heart, so I had a go!

I#m having another play today so i'll show you what i've been upto soon xx

Slimming World

2010-10-02T08:23:00.000+01:00

I seem to have lost my slimming mojo at the moment. I think it might be the cold weather and dark mornings. How ever this week I lost 2 and half pounds :) Made me think whats not to love about being able to eat food like this all syn free and loose weight!

I seen to have found my mojo and i'm really enjoying the cooking and learning how to make new things.

Have a good weekend all xx

What a lovely idea

2010-09-30T12:45:00.000+01:00

While looking on the DotComgiftshop site I came across these....

They also do a Bedroom, Kitchen and Bathroom. Not a bad little stocking filler for £4.95

Afternoon of baking

2010-09-26T08:16:00.000+01:00

My son and I had very much enjoyed watching the Great British Bake Off. Josh was very keen to make the Cornish Pasty from the show. So yesterday we gathered all the ingredients and had a go.

The pastry was a nightmare, I was not happy with it at all :( However once baked some magic happened and they turned out amazing.

None of us like Swede so I put in a few bits of carrot instead. The recipe can be found here with a helpful little video on how its done. Have a go they taste yummy :)

Crisp Art

2010-09-25T11:14:00.000+01:00

By Joshua aged 8 years

Have a good weekend everyone xx

Thank you

2010-09-23T11:20:00.001+01:00

Thank you to the lovely Vanessa at Coco Rose Textiles for The versatile Blogger award :) I did a happy dance when i read you had award it to me.

If you have not visited Vanessa blog pop on over and have a look. Her blog is full of colour and pretties.
The rules state that I have to link to the person who award me and state 7 interesting facts about myself. I've been thinking over the last couple of days so here goes...
1. I don't own a Microwave, Dishwasher or Tumble Dryer. I've never felt the need, although when I was looking after 8 children and feeding them all tea I nearly caved!!

2. I love SiFi and am very into Doctor Who, but I don't just watch and enjoy. I watch over and over again pick at it and analyse the episode.

3. I can play the Flute, but I've not played in 15 years. I often think I should take it up again.

4.My full name is Sarah-Jane and I'm named after Sarah-Jane Smith of Doctor who fame. I think SiFi must be in my blood!!

5. I'm a Beaver leader. Every Thursday night I help with 16 boys full of energy. I'm going to start my training soon and feeling very nervous!

6. I write down everything. I have note pads and post its everywhere. Hubby laughs at me because I can't do anything without writing it down 1st!

7. I'm dairy intolerant and sadly soya too. Makes me very ill for days if I eat any :( I've found it very hard over the years but have found Green and Blacks do a very good Vegan chocolate :)

Now for the hard bit. I have to pick 5 blogs to pass the award onto. The blogs Ive chosen I love to visit and read. If you have not come across them I would recommend you click and have a little look.
Chez Sophie
Hookin' with LaaLaa
Salt and Chocolate
AreWeNearlyThereYet
Life on the East Coast
Thank you once again xxx

Cupcake week

2010-09-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

In honor of National Cupcake week my friend and I had a cupcake baking day. We had lots of giggles, drank lots of tea and managed to make these...

They had a lovely runny chocolate centre.

My son approved!!

Morrisons

2010-09-12T11:41:00.000+01:00

Look at what I found in Morrisons today :)

Jam making

2010-09-10T16:03:00.000+01:00

On a visit to my friends new house I notices plum like looking fruit on a tree. They turned out to be Bullaces and make very good jam.

My 1kg of fruit made 6 jars of lovely yummy jam :)

Oh and my Cath Kidston order arrived....what do you think?

CK

2010-09-07T12:58:00.000+01:00

What do you think of my Crush mug rail?

It makes me smile everytime I walk past :)

Im back!

2010-08-30T11:30:00.000+01:00

I had such a lovely time on holiday with my family. The 24 hour boat crossing was a fantastic way to travel. No waiting around in an airport, straight on and off the boat. Best part was we got to take the car.
The Spanish roads were a dream we did not get lost once.

This is the view from our apartment

The children spent most of the week doing this...

And this..

This is my and my hubby on our first day..

I can now see after our 1st family holiday abroad why people look forward to their holidays so much. I can not wait to book another for next year :)

Im off on holiday

2010-08-15T19:33:00.000+01:00

Hi all, I'm off on holiday to Spain on Tuesday for 2 weeks. We are going across by boat and taking the car, should be a good adventure.

Have fun while I'm away, I'll fill you all in on the fun when I return xx

This week I am saving up for...

2010-08-13T13:54:00.000+01:00

Ive seen the large jug in the Sarah Raven catalogue, but never seen other items in the design. Im now saving!!

I also liked the love blankets

The lovely things people do...

2010-08-09T15:16:00.000+01:00

I woke up this morning to find a letter on my mat. I opened it to find this inside.

A child I mind was very lucky and met Jamie Oliver at the weekend. She told him all about me and look what he wrote. Im so touched that she thought of me.

My Week

2010-08-08T10:16:00.001+01:00

Hi all and welcome new followers. Thank you for stopping by :)

Monday

We had a lazy day and cleaned out the playroom. It was shocking the amount of toys we found. I managed to fill 2 black sacks with broken toys and games with lost pieces.

Tuesday

My sister and family came to visit. Her boys and my children played in the garden for 4 hours. It was so lovely seeing them all getting on so well :)

Wednesday

I went to Bury St. Edmunds and visited my Nanna, had lunch with my mum and went to see a friends new house. I also had weigh in and had lost a pound this week so was very happy. 2 stone in total :)

Thursday

I had seen a house for sale in my village ( a new build ) so the children and I cycled to see the developer and get some details. Sadly the house was not right, but we will keep looking. When we got back we took a trip to St. Neots to visit the post office and bank. We walked past M & S and it would have been rude not to have popped in ;p. We then went to a very dear friends for a play. She happened to mention she was doing a car boot on Saturday......

Friday

My Mother in Law took my children for the day to Guliver Land. I ripped the house apart looking for things to sell at the car boot, priced them up and packed the car.

Saturday

Car boot day. We arrived at 7.45 put up the pitch and made our 1st sale within seconds. Altogether we made £46 after the pitch fee. Im very happy with that for our 1st car boot and planning to do another when we get back from Spain.

I ment to take photos of the week but forgot, what am I like lol

Hope you all had a good week

Sarah xx

Stress upon stress

2010-07-31T09:14:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday Night a neighbour knocked and pointed out that our roof was not looking good. We had a look, what we saw was shocking.

4 paving slabs had slipped and were hanging on by a inch! We contacted the police as its was a hazzard, but they did not want to know. They just told me I needed a very long ladder and a builder. So we blocked the area with bins and cones. So fingers crossed nobody would walk under it. The house opens straight onto the path and is a town house so very high, not good. The next day hubby contacted the NHBC as the house is only 7 years old and should be covered. They could not come out until the 17th Aug to access. So next door contacted Wimpy the company that built the house. They could not have been more fantastic. Within less than a day they had put up a tower and re-attached the slabs. They are now bolted on and fingers crossed will not slip again. Maybe time to put the house up for sale????

With the rain came.....

2010-07-27T15:10:00.000+01:00

Today its rained most of the day, but with the rain came....

.....a double Rainbow. Does that mean I could find 2 pots of gold??

Time goes by....

2010-07-15T12:53:00.001+01:00

Ive been so busy working 55 hour weeks ive not even been on the internet for 2 weeks! Ive been checking emails on my phone and tweeting, but have not had time to blog :( Im looking forward to the 23rd July at 1pm when I finish for the 6 weeks holidays.

Ive put some photos of what ive been upto.

Eating lots of fruit from the allotment.

Cath Kidston orders arriving :)

Picnics with the children

Bathing Hercules

Warning if you see these they are moreish and yummy!

Baking bread with the children I mind

Bumper harvests from the allotment.

Normal blogging service will be back after the 23rd please all bare with me xx

Lazy Monday

2010-07-03T10:06:00.001+01:00

On Monday my friend and I went to Grantchester for a walk alone the medows and a tea and scone in the Orchard Tea Garden.

We walked for miles along the Cam.

Then we stopped for a lazy afternoon of chat and eating!

This little fellow had his eye on my scone!

We are going to do the same this Monday if the weather is good. So think of me sunning myself in the orchard :)

Ive used the sewing machine!!!

2010-07-01T14:44:00.000+01:00

This week I had a go with the sewing machine. Ive not used one in 15 years! I managed to remember how to get it working and made this.....

I made lots of mistakes but not bad for a 1st go. What do you all think? Please be kind!!

This weekend I have been mostly at the allotment

2010-06-27T21:22:00.000+01:00

Ive taken some photos of the vegtables at the allotment for you to see. We have had it 4 years now and this has been the best year so far.

First time ive managed to get carrots to grow, they are my babies lol

This years 1st broad bean, yum yum.

I planted out my cabbages, i hope they are going to be ok.

Hope you have all been enjoying this lovely weather, long may it last xx

Sewing

2010-06-20T08:52:00.000+01:00

I happened to mention to my sister that I have been looking for a sewing machine. Did she know anyone who was giving one away. She turned to me and said "i've got one that ive used twice and you can have it on long term loan" You should have seen my face! I've been waiting 3 weeks to get my hands on it as my Mum and Dad had it in there spare room, yesturday I picked it up!

Hubby its taking me to John Lewis today to get all the bits I need to make my first make. I don't know what its going to be yet. I'm to excited!

Shed love...

2010-06-14T12:40:00.000+01:00

We have had two very busy weekends. Last weekend we moved the fence in my garden giving me so much more space. This weekend we moved a shed.

My neighbour at the allotment is sadly giving her plot up and offered me her shed. How could I say no! Now came the not so simple task of moving it from her allotment to mine . It took 3 strapping men and 3 lovely ladies a morning to move.

My plot now seems to be more complete somehow, she even threw in a bench so I can go up and do some crochet in the sunshine and peace.

My daugher took these photos while we were busy working! We also found this little fellow!

The 1st strawberry of the season and boy it tasted good :) Like sunshine in a mouthful.

Were we put the shed we had to dig up a couple of rows of onions, they are not fully grown but will still taste good.

Hubby has the day off on Weds so we are going put to refelt the roof, fingers crossed for good weather.

Trip into Cambridge

2010-06-03T16:08:00.000+01:00

No words just photos!

And to finish a photo of pretties xx