FICKLE ME

I have welcomed February with open arms, with Spring bulbs about to bloom, my snowdrops, crocus and hyacinth will look cheerful against their grey background, tiny buds appearing on bushes and trees and the birds busy making nests along side a family of squirrels collecting their hoard from our garden tell me the light filled days I have been longing for will soon be here breathing new life into this past dreary month.
I had lost my voice a little! I just felt the need to hibernate from the online & news world. It is so soothing being a little childish occasionally putting your fingers into your ears saying ....LALALALA.... I cant hear you! I did start wondering though.... is my silence not a form of acceptance? And accepting this unhinged crazy I will NEVER!!!
So I have come out of hibernation reminding myself  to focus on the positive, happy, creative and good  in social media and ignore the rest!!!
I have awoken with a new sense of purpose. You'd be forgiven for thinking that I've fallen out of love with my  projects, with crafting, but I haven't at all.
I have learnt that when you feel like you have nothing left in the tank because you give everything you have to everyone else, you have got to find a way to claim something for yourself. It is the best gift you can give yourself and in turn is actually a gift you are giving to your family because they have a healthier, happier you.

I decided I need to start claiming one day a week for myself, I do however have a Thursday when I craft for a few hours with my cousin but we see to drift off on a tangent and never really get much done, so I will keep this day and discipline myself to extend the hours, which is perfect as I don't need to cook as it's take away night. It will start off as an experiment to claim some extra me time.

For a while now  I've been making Ellen my daughter scrambled egg or warming a pain au chocolate on  mornings when she has a late shift but almost never allowed myself the pleasure. I recently realised how ridiculous that is so I will happily savour this every Thursday morning. It will be the perfect time for me to plan my projects for the year and  have been finding lots of inspiration in the Spring/Summer collections (I will be sharing my favourites with you). I will be looking for Interior inspiration,  fabrics for my soft furnishings projects and lots of craft projects to keep me going just for now.


These are important for me to remember so that I really will feel fulfilled on my me days:
-It's okay to put yourself first sometimes, you actually need it for a healthy attitude.
-If I honour myself in this way, my family will follow suit. Everyone in my family will know  don't mess with the Me Day.
-I have learned that when I open myself up to creativity and give myself the time to think, dream and make, that I will be so filled with inspiration that I can't wait to get up in the mornings and make something.
-Only you can make you a priority.
-Let me just add that I am very fortunate to be able to hold sacred, what is essentially 6 or 7 hours a week just for me, during this season of my life. Maybe you are in a different season, have a different schedule or different needs. Remember find some time just for you, with NO guilt and honour the fact that you deserve it and are worth it.

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Looking Forward

I had every intention of sharing some wonderful festive goodies with you my friends but my personal & family life took a bit of a wobble thus thwarting all my Christmas plans. It's been a tough three months, and I will admit I am still digging deep to find inner peace.
My online voice has been quiet as there are just some journeys I guess we have to take alone.
Without going into too detail, I had a health scare, concern for my family, my mother in law moved in with us and 5 days before Christmas we had to pack up the entire contents of our home and move in to rented accommodation until our house has been renovated.
Christmas celebrations are personal traditions and often disruptions seem amplified,
If you are at peace and surrounded by those that you love, it's a magical time. A day of happy togetherness. If, for whatever reason, all is not well with your world, it's a real toughie. . .
I said goodbye to 2016 and welcomed in 2017 with a lighter heart, Heady on this welcome lightness of spirit, I de-Christmassed and cleaned like a woman possessed! Oh but it felt so good. I didn't make any resolutions it's pointless I'm useless. Instead, I am choosing to look forward and focus only on the good things that I shall be taking into 2017.
As for my little business I have a few projects that I want to concentrate on. I know I will never win business woman of the year, never make millions and am completely crap at organising my time! But you know what? I get to spend quiet moments doing what I love!

I really wanted to give you some sort of explanation for my absence without going into too much detail. So here I am sashaying my way back into Blogland. I've missed this little space of mine.

Note to my family... I love you all very much xx

SEPTEMBER GARDENING

September

Lawns:

• New lawns can be sown or turf laid.
• Worn areas can be resown.
• Set the blades of the mower to a medium height.

Bulbs:

• Spring flowering bulbs are now available. Buy early for the best choice, chose large bulbs for better flowers.
• Plant Daffodil and Narcissi bulbs.
• Pot up bulbs for indoor flowering.

Flower Border:

• Dead head perennials. If desired cut down dead stems or leave over winter for an architectural look.
• Dead head roses and tie in new shoots on climbers.
• Divide and transplant rock plants if they are spreading too far.
• Begin autumn planting of shrubs, trees and hardy plants.
• Water Dahlias when necessary and support.
• Plant out Carnations and Pinks and pinch out growing tips.

Vegetable Patch:

• Harvest Onions and Shallots and allow them to dry naturally.
• Pick French Beans and Runner Beans.
• Lift main crop Potatoes.

Fruit Gardens:

• Pick Apples and Pears.
• Watch out for Peach leaf curl, burn any diseased leaves and treat the tree with copper fungicide.

Link-http://www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk/

Squires calender 

AUTUMN FASHION IDEAS

Chic basics for women over 40. I have put together a few ideas for a stylish casual wardrobe.
I will be wearing them all x  

  

DRIED POMEGRANATES

Knowing how to properly dry fresh pomegranates is an important first step in using them for lasting, seasonal decorations and dried floral arrangements. In spite of being among the more succulent fruits, pomegranates tend to dehydrate well when prepared correctly. Once they are dry, you can add the pomegranates to your home's decor or decorate them for a more formal effect.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh pomegranates
• Toothpick or pin

• Wire rack or baking sheet lined with wax paper
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Metallic gold or silver spray paint (optional)

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• Select whole, fresh pomegranates that are smooth and firm. Make sure there is no sponginess or bruising on the rinds.
• Puncture the rind multiple times with a sharp toothpick or a pin. The finished result will be more attractive if this is done in vertical and parallel patterns, rather than in a random fashion.
• Place the pomegranates on a wire rack, and allow them to air dry for three weeks or more. If you do not have a rack, lay them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. If you choose this method, be sure to turn the fruit over every two to three days to ensure that the pomegranates dry evenly. Once dry, the fruits should be about one-third their original size and more brownish pink than red. They should also feel very light.

A TOUCH OF AUTUMN

Autumn is a time of stunning natural beauty with decorating ideas just waiting to be discovered. I could spend many happy hours gathering the best in Autumn decor and decorating ideas. From lustrous gourds and breath-taking Autumn foliage to pine cones, birch bark, dried leaves and twigs, it’s easy to  create a stylish, cozy and memorable setting for your home. Nothing is as inspiring as the fiery colors and inviting textures that Autumn captures. If your feeling particularly artistic Create a stunning centerpiece with gilded pumpkins, soft candlelight and hand blown hurricanes filled with dried pomegranates, nuts, cranberries and leaves. Vintage wood trays can be loaded with various sized pine cones and fall foliage. Fill empty spots with a striking array of Autumn leaves. Fill the table with earth-tone serving pieces and linens with Autumn inspired napkin rings. Use wreaths and other holiday decor throughout the home. Mix formal and rustic to create a relaxed yet elegant setting. Chase away the chill with cozy accents that warm the soul and invite relaxed and easy conversation. Finish the warming effect with soft throws in subtle harvest shades from wheat to cranberry.

This arrangement is all fake branches from Hobby Lobby 

This simple but rustic centrepiece will last through to Winter

Decorate pumpkins.... paint them any colour to suit your decor... add glitter touch of gold or just plain white

Pink Pumpkin Story

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Large pumpkin
• Assorted pinks, reds & cream flowers
• Sharp knife
• Bottle of acrylic paint
• Medium flat paintbrush
• Heavy duty wire cutters

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut off the top of the pumpkin.
2. Paint the pumpkin white.
3. Arrange artificial flowers on pumpkin, cutting off ends to create desired height.

Pink Glitter Pumpkin

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Any size pumpkin
• Bottle of baby pink paint
• Medium flat paintbrush
• Bottles of glitter, gold & pink

DIRECTIONS:

1. Paint the entire pumpkin using the baby pink paint.
2. With the paint still wet, shake gold and pink glitter on just the top portions of the pumpkin. Allow to dry.

Pink and Gold Dipped Pumpkin

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Pumpkin
• Bottle of gold acrylic paint
• Bottle of baby pink acrylic paint
• Medium flat paint brush

DIRECTIONS:

1. Paint the entire pumpkin pink and allow to dry.
2. Paint the bottom half of the pumpkin gold. Allow to dry. Repeat this step.

Floral Arrangement

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Large pumpkin
• Assorted pinks, reds & cream flowers
• Sharp knife
• Bottle of acrylic paint
• Medium flat paintbrush
• Heavy duty wire cutters

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut off the top of the pumpkin.
2. Paint the pumpkin white.
3. Arrange artificial flowers on pumpkin, cutting off ends to create desired height.

Jeweled Embellished Pumpkin

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Large pumpkin
• Bottle of oatmeal chalk paint
• Medium flat paint brush
• Assorted adhesive jewel embellishments
• Jolee large soft pink flower

DIRECTIONS:

1. Paint the entire pumpkin using the oatmeal chalk paint. Allow to dry.
2. Place the adhesive flower in the middle on the side of the pumpkin.
3. Arrange the assorted adhesive jewels in scroll patterns on either side of the large pink flower, mixing up the different jewel tones.

Glitter Gourds or mini Pumpkins

To take the creativity factor one step further, this idea doesn't involve any carving. Take these glittered pumpkins: A great centerpiece, an unexpected Halloween decoration and a charming wedding favor. Better yet, these sparkling gourds can be made weeks in advance without shriveling up.

The process is pretty straightforward: Just brush the pumpkin with glue, then sprinkle with glitter. But to ensure success, follow these editor-tested tips:

Elevate the pumpkin. To reach trickier places with ease (and allow excess glitter to settle), create a "pumpkin platform": place an old cooling rack atop a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Let the glue dry beforehand. In this craft, tacky is good. For maximum adhesion, let glue dry for 30 seconds to one minute before applying glitter. -

Use nice glitter. There's nothing wrong with standard glitter, but it can be a little chunky. For the most sophisticated sparkle, try a finer glitter. I like Martha Stewart Glitter.

HEART KNITTING PATTERN

Make someone smile with this simple knitting pattern to make these adorable knitted hearts. Stuff them with lavender, trim them with flowers, or just keep them simple.

If I have any wool left over from my other projects, I will knit a few of these for my daughter some will have Lavender for her wardrobe or drawers

 the rest can be used to hang on hooks or drawer knobs.

Heart knitting pattern

Small heart: Small amount of 4-ply yarn; 2¾mm (No.12) knitting needles.

Medium heart: Small amount of DK yarn; 3¼mm (No.10) knitting needles.Medium-to-large heart: 1 x 50g ball of DK yarn; 4mm (No.8) knitting needles.

Large heart: 1 x 100g ball of DK yarn; 5½mm (No.5) knitting needles.

All hearts: Selections of narrow ribbons, rosebud and beads trimmings (optional). Stuffing.

Abbreviations
K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; tog, together; skpo, slip 1,

 k1, pass slip st over; up1, pick up loop lying between sts and k into the back of it;

 ss, stocking stitch (k on right side and p on wrong side). 

Small heart knitting pattern

Using 2¾mm needles and 4-ply yarn, cast on 2 sts.

 Beginning with a k row, ss 2 rows. 

1st increase row: K twice in first st, up1, k1 - 4 sts. P 1 row.
2nd increase row: K1, up1, k to last st, up1, k1. Repeat last 2 rows,

 8 times more - 22 sts.

 Ss 3 rows, then work 2nd increase row again - 24 sts. Ss 4 rows. 

Dividing row: P12, turn and work on these sts only. 

Next row: K1, k2tog, k9. P 1 row. 

Next row: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1. Repeat last 2 rows, twice more - 5 sts. Next row: P1, p3tog, p1 - 3 sts. Cast off. 

With wrong side facing, rejoin yarn at inside edge to remaining 12 sts and p to end.

 Next row: K9, skpo, k1. P 1 row. Next row: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1. 

Repeat last 2 rows, twice more - 5 sts. Next row: P1, p3tog, p1 - 3 sts. 

Cast off. Make one more piece. Join pieces together, leaving an opening. Stuff firmly and close opening. Make a hanging loop at centre of heart. Add trimmings.

Medium heart knitting pattern

Using 3¼mm needles and DK yarn, work as given for small heart.

Medium-to-large heart knitting pattern

Using 4mm needles and two strands of DK yarn together, work as given for small heart.

Large heart knitting pattern

Using 5½mm needles and four strands of DK yarn together, work as given for small heart.

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CROTCHET CUSHION COVER PATTERN (PATONS)

                                              

This Patons pattern is perfect for beginners in crotchet.
And these are cosy Autumn colours.
Please message me if you would like the pattern Emailed to you x 

A textured, bobbled pillow is a comfy way to bring vibrant color into any room! Easily crocheted in Patons Canadiana yarn

MATERIALS Patons® CanadianaTM (3.5 oz/100 g; 205 yds/187 m) Tangy (10628) or Raspberry (10413) or Fool’s Gold (10610) 5 balls Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge. 20" [51 cm] square pillow form.

Abbreviations
Approx = Approximately
 Beg = Beginning Bobble = (Yoh and draw up a loop. Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 5 times in indicated stitch. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook.
 Ch = Chain
 Dc = Double crochet
 Pat = Pattern
 Rep = Repeat 
Rnd(s) = Round(s) 
Sc = Single crochet 
Sl st = Slip stitch St(s) = Stitch(es) 
Tog = Together 
WS = Wrong side 
Yoh = Yarn over hook

MEASUREMENT Approx 20" [51 cm] square. 
GAUGE 14 dc and 7 rows = 4" [10 cm]. 
INSTRUCTIONS FRONT and BACK (make alike) 

Ch 68. 1st row: (WS). 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc). 1 dc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 66 dc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 3 dc. Bobble in next dc. *1 sc in each of next 3 dc. Bobble in next dc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in each of last 2 sts. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each st to end of row. Turn.
4th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 5 dc. Bobble in next dc. *1 sc in each of next 3 dc. Bobble in next dc. Rep from * to last 4 sts. 1 sc in each of last 4 sts. Turn. 
5th row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each st to end of row. Turn. Rep last 4 rows for pat until work from beg measures approx 20" [51 cm], ending on a RS row. Fasten off.


Edging: Joining Front and Back: 1st rnd: With WS facing each other, join yarn with sl st to any corner st of Pillow. Ch 1. Working through both thicknesses, work sc evenly around 3 sides of Pillow, having 3 sc in each corner.
 Insert pillow form. Complete rnd of sc. Join with sl st to first sc. 2nd rnd: Ch 1. Working from left to right, instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

HEMA

When Hema opened a store in Kingston upon Thames in 2014, I was delighted!

I will always pop in, on Sundays when my Daughter and I  shop in Kingston maybe to browse or to buy some treasures... which I will show you soon.

The Hema store is a lovely bright store with a glass front and is set over two floors. The store is split into sections, starting on the left with fashion accessories like earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hair bands and beauty products such as fashion coloured nail polishes. On the right is an abundance of candy, cookies and specialist ingredients all beautifully packaged. Through the centre of the store is a lovely range of kitchen goods from bang on trend geo printed napkins, to pretty pastel spot bowls and a whole host of cake decoration tools, sprinkles and fondant icing. Their are shelves and racks of cute printed paper plates, bunting and matching paper flags and cocktail umbrellas. Next to the stairs is an array of pretty coloured candles in a variety of sizes with coordinating candle holders.

Upstairs on the back wall is a kids section with clothes, toys and party ware. A craft and stationery section filled with rolls of washi tape, pretty printed pencils, pastel coloured pens, splashes of neon filing accessories, rolls of cute printed paper, sweet stamps and paper punches, ditsy floral book covers and stylish printed storage boxes to name a few! A bathroom section filled with colour themed towels, storage racks, candles and my favourite, a lovely neon cross first aid tin.

I love this store for...



I love these Copper colour candle holders they will play a part in my autumn scheme
Along with the Bamboo flower pots that will  be used for an Autumn flower display.

Why not pay HEMA a visit or shop on line
Link- http://www.hemashop.com/gb

SHADES OF AUTUMN

Autumn offers a wealth of inspiration, with its burst of beautiful colours evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. Echoing the earthy amber and burnt orange shades seen on falling leaves and the rich shades of red and purple of seasonal berries, they are tones that are inviting and well-suited to use indoors, as seen here in these autumn decorating ideas.

I hope you find a little Autumn inspiration x

Autumn Spectrum color palette.

 I can't get enough of the color autumn peach

autumn colors, bright yellow, burgundy, color of wine, color solution for fall, magenta, pale purple, repair colors
 

beige, brown with a shade of green, brown-green, colour of fog, colours of autumn, light-marsh colour, marsh colour, olive, palette for an autumn, palette of colours for the interior, selection of colour solution for repair,










 

NORDSTROM

An unerring eye for what's next in fashion. A relentless drive to exceed expectations. For more than 100 years, Nordstrom has worked to deliver the best possible shopping experience, helping customers possess style—not just buy fashion. 

Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer offering compelling clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, children and the home Since 1901, we've been committed to providing our customers with the best possible service—and to improving it every day. 

Nordstrom serve customers online in 96 countries through Nordstrom.com. 

As the weather turns cooler, it's a perfect time to spruce up your bathroom with linens that reflect the changing seasons. layers of darker colors and rich patterns are trending everywhere this season -- including in bathroom decor! Stay stylish with luxurious towels inspired by Autumn.
Soft, sumptuous towels cannot fail to impress family and friends! I love these seasonal-inspired colors from Nordstrom at Home and Bed Bath Home. They look thick, soft, and inviting without being a typical autumn cliche. 

                                                   




Warm up your bathroom visually with rich, warm colors. Reds, oranges, browns, purples, emerald greens, and dark yellows are very trendy this Autumn. Pick two or three hues to layer together and really make your bathroom pop.

Shorter days mean less light. Incorporate candles and other ambient lighting into your bathroom decor to set a warm atmosphere. It will look thoughtful and cozy. Plus, with great scents like cinnamon and apple spice, it will smell like Autumn too.

                                      

                                                       

'Japonica - Goji Tarocco Orange' Large Embossed Jar Candle

The Voluspa Japonica collection is filled with gorgeous floral designs and creative fragrances that take inspiration from the beauty of Japanese art. Each coconut wax candle is housed in a beautiful embossed glass holder and features a cotton wick for a clean, fragrant burn.
Goji Tarocco Orange boasts a fragrant blend of goji berry, ripe mango and Tarocco orange.


'Japonica - Baltic Amber' Large Embossed Jar Candle
Baltic Amber features the bold notes of amber resin, sandalwood and vanilla orchid.

Links-shop.Nordstum.com