Whose Been Playing With My....

Thank you for the lovely, lovely comments on my during photograph, just waiting for the paint to dry and then perhaps I can leave the varnishing for another day and show you all a little after photograph....

In the meantime someone has been playing with my buttons....good job Master Poppins is at school is all I can say ;0)

Gives me a good excuse though to have a little button playtime....

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During....

Halfway there....

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Take One Chest Of Drawers....

These very sturdy and in very good condition chest of drawers were kindly given to me by a lovely friend who no longer had any use for them. It is well known in my neck of the woods that I like to take on people's unwanteds to shabby up and prettify, as I call it. So I was given first refusal, and of course I kindly and graciously accepted....

BEFORE....

To be continued....

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My Tesco Experience & Money Off Vouchers Giveaway....

Thank you for your comments on my last post, I am slowly finding my own balancing act on the www and my internet time management use. I shall get there, hopefully. So, we know I like the internet and we know I like shopping....hmmm sounds like a plan!!! The crew at Tesco must have known this as I was offered a voucher to use off my shopping bill with them and review their online service at Tesco.com and do a Tesco Grocery Shop online. They have also offered money off vouchers for 10 of you too for your first online visit. So keep reading if you think this may interest you.

 I have never bought groceries off the internet before. Bags, shoes, clothes, fabric, etc, etc, etc, etc, yes, but not groceries. I wasn't sure if it would be as much fun as shoe shopping, but I was in for a lovely surprise. I had some advice beforehand from avid online grocery shopper friends of mine of what to expect, little tips and found that very useful. One thing that excited me about the shop was that I could do it online, at my time, my pleasure and in the comfort of my own home. For me, and being a late bird, my online shop took place at around midnight. I shan't tell you what time it was when it was all completed ;0) The Tesco website was so easy to navigate, even as a first time user I quickly got used to it. There were some great 3 for 2 offers on many of my items, I got quite into it, thinking I was some sort of contestant on Supermarket Sweep.... I shall have one of those, two of those, oohhh that looks nice....


I couldn't believe my shopping would be with me technically the same day, I even enjoyed choosing a slot, I choose 4-6pm as I knew the children would have fun seeing the little lorry turn up, and see our man and our bags of shopping....( We lead a simple life ). Club card points get popped on too and any substitutions you don't have to take, and can be refunded there and then.
I haven't got onto my driver yet have I....COR!!! is all I am going to say. He was also helpful, friendly, chatty and a delight to welcome into my kitchen to help with my bags. Yes I did plum for bags, perhaps won't on my next visit online, thinking of the olde environment and all that....

So, a really enjoyable first time experience for me, and even if I couldn't get me some handbags and shoes, it's not all about the food, as I found myself some super day cream, and a bargain at half price, £5.10 from the original price at £10.20....

( No getting old jokes please, I bought it because my mother always tells me off for not wearing face cream, so there you are mum, probably my first face cream I have bought in about 10 years ) I was an avid wearer of Nivea for my face in my youth, couldn't get enough of the stuff. Anyway, I digress. If you would like £12.00 off your first online grocery shop when you spend £50.00 or more, all you need to do is let me know you would ike the voucher by comment here. I have ten money off vouchers to giveaway so if there are more than ten of you, then I shall pop you in a hat and choose ten winners. I shall send you over your special code which is valid from the 28th February for a shop delivered on or before 11th March. Winners shall be picked just before Take Me Out ( embarrassed icon ) on Saturday 21st February.

Seemingly I have to let you know about these too....

Terms and conditions

£12 off your online grocery shop when you spend £50 or more. Code is valid from February 28th 2011 on a single grocery order, delivered on or before 11th March 2011. Customers must spend & have delivered £50 or more of groceries from Tesco.com/grocery Purchases from Wine By the Case do not qualify. £50 minimum spend excludes purchases of tobacco, infant milk formulae, prescription medicines & the service charge. Valid on purchases from  Tesco.com/grocery groceries site only. Valid for first-time Tesco.com grocery shoppers only. Cannot be used in conjunction with other coupons. This coupon is and shall remain the property of Tesco Stores Limited and is not for resale or publication.

Good luck and happy shopping!
 
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Is It Taking Over....

Do you ever feel you spend too much time on the www, and not enough time in the real world. I have grown to enjoy the www, and all that is has to offer, the inspiration it offers, the lovely people I have *met* online, but this article that many of you may have read really got me thinking....

I sometimes think I shouldnt be actually sitting on my derriere whilst surfing/tweeting etc, I should actually get off my derriere and get busy organising my life into better order. Yes, I do do alot of interaction on the www regarding the selling of my handmade pretties, I have a busy Facebook business page, where I post lots of  photographs like this of the things I make and sell online....

But do I really need all the inbetweeny stuff. Sometimes I only come to check an email or two and then get easily distracted and find myself on various social networking sites talking about my fascination with chocolate/shoes/handbags/ blah blah....

Is it all too much. Is the internet, especially the social networking side of it taking over our lives. I keep seeing these words in front of my eyes when I begin to tap away....
" Stop writing about your life and start living it"
Many of us have internet on the go, so we really can socially interact 24/7. I guess it is a balance, I don't want my children staring into the back of my head whilst I am busy 'networking' though I do feel this is my time, my playtime as it were.

Are you happy with the amount of time you spend online....have you got the balance just right?

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Nature Valley Review....

We love cereal bars here, although Master P does need a little persuading at times to try them, I think they must look too healthy looking for him ;0)  Nature Valley  kindly set us some of their Granola Crunchy Bars to try out. Which are, I have to say very yummy. Being a mum on the run as it were, these are perfect for popping into ones bag on the way out and certainly satisfy my hunger pangs during the day.

They also sent a very nice pair of soft navy gloves, with a little diamante detail, which have already been snapped up by Miss. Poppins.

Being members of the National Trust, we are always packing up little picnics to take here, there, and everywhere, and I thought how very pretty and useful this V&A vacuum flask would be on our days out.

Which, along with the Granola bars and gloves were beautifully presented in a sweet little jute bag. This, shall also come in handy on our days out too.

I also like to browse Nature Valley's Secret Spots escape to nature website, where one can put ones pen down, or in my case my needle and thread, get out of the office, or in my case the house, and escape the hustle and bustle for 5 minutes and discover nature in places one didn't think existed. I feel so fortunate to live on the doorstep of some beautiful countryside, The Peak District, Lancashire, Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia and The Pennines. And know as a family I wish we took more time out to visit these beautiful places. Though when we do, we shall be sure to stock up on some crunchy Nature Valley bars when hunger comes a calling.

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Palmolive Vintage Style Handwash Review....

These beautiful hand soaps were offered for us to test as are new to the market, and we all know my love of all things pretty so couldn't refuse and was delighted to be able to test them out. The hand soaps are made from natural plant extracts and aromatic fragrances, and come in two gorgeous varieties, Lavender & Chamomile and Bergamot & Verbena. As well as a lovely pampering session for ones hands, which leaves them refreshed and lightly fragranced, the vintage styling of the new range will also look so elegant in any any kitchen or bathroom.

These new and very lovely handwashes were made for people like me. I don't really do soap in a dish, and always opt for the handwash if there is a choice. Athough we always have soap in a dish as well as handwash at our bathroom sink, I notice the handwash goes down much more than the soap and these new aromatic handwashes from Palmolive are in a word very pretty.

Bergamot & Verbena
Is Refreshing & Aromatic, you get yourself an instant mood boost with the refreshing Bergamot and Verbena handwash, infused with zesty bergamot oil from Southern Italy and verbena extract.

Lavender & Chamomile
Is Caring & Aromatic, and an experience of the scent of a country garden with Palmolive’s caring Lavender and Chamomile handwash, infused with soothing natural lavender oil from Provence and chamomile extract.

They really are a bargain price too at an RRSP: 250ml of only £1.99, and the best bit is the gorgeous vintage styling they have, perfect for me and my love of all things vintage chic. I can't quite decide which one I prefer. These handwashes I believe are currently only available in Sainsburys and shall be out in Waitrose in March.

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Jungle Speed Review....

There has been great joy, fun and laughter in the the Poppins house playing this wonderful game, which was sent for us to try out.

In Jungle Speed, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand which can be hard to keep up, especially for me during all the fun!! The little wooden Totem had us baffled for a little while ( we are a family who doesn't really do instructions, we just like to get stuck in, not always the best way ) though soon realised that it sits in the middle of the table, waiting for the player with the fastest reflexes to snatch it up and win the game.

Each player is dealt a hand of cards, which are shared out and in order to win you must be the first player to get rid of all of your cards. On each turn, all of the players reveal one of their cards, and if two cards are identical, those players must make a grab for the Totem. The faster player then gives their cards to their opponent. To make this game a little more difficult ( Oh dear mummy does really do do difficult ) certain cards are almost identical, which can trick one ( mostly me ) into grabbing the Totem by mistake. This is a real fun game, enjoyed by us all, a little too tricky for the four year old, but he had had fun grabbing the totem anyway!! I can only praise this game, which is fast, furious and trains ones quick thinking and lightning reflexes to outwit opponents. It is aimed at 7+ and I know many adults alike, enjoy this fun game, especially over a nice cold glass of vino. I can only imagine the game having a little extra fun to it ;0) The game can be purchased from many lovely independent retailers that can be found here at Find Your Game Store or indeed over at Amazon

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Because Sometimes....

You just need a little treat, and like Lissy Lou I saw this lovely £8.00 CK esque bag here and even though it has a chain strap that I am a little unsure about....

It really did whisper to me in the softest of voice....




BUY ME!!!!

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Remembering....

I have not long heard the very sad news about Amanda Holden and the loss of her baby. According to news reports the Britain's Got Talent Judge, who was seven months pregnant, went to Hospital in London on Tuesday when she noticed the baby had stopped moving. Despite the best efforts of doctors, the baby boy was stillborn.

I admit I was very upset when I read this, and my thoughts were not only with Amanda, and what she and her husband Chris must be going through, but also very much made me think about my own experience of loosing a baby late on in pregnancy. I thought of my special little man, who I crave every single day of my life for just one more cuddle. Those early days after the loss of my baby, were quite surreal. It was like I was floating around, not really with it. We had a funeral to sort. I went with my husband to various places we thought may be appropriate for a special little get together to remember Joshua, and this whilst milk meant for him, my darling tiny son who I was burying,  was literally pouring out of me, like tears. The hospital offered me the choice of taking some medication to stop my milk coming in, but in my thinking I wanted to feel close to him and wanted proof that yes, I had had a baby, he was not with me, but he had existed, and was a very real person who was created out of love and the hope of a wonderful future for him. It was a long long time till his milk went, like him I didn't want to let it go.

I would never dream of telling Amanda and Chris how to cope, what to feel. We all react very differently, and we must do what works for us. It helps me to talk about my experience, get my feelings out. Does this mean I haven't got over it. Well for the record, I shall never get over it, never forget, possibly like Amanda won't. Of course, things DO get easier and I had so much love and support from people around me, who for just a little while carried me along whilst I got emotionally stronger and I know in my heart although is sad my baby is not with me, I am happy I experienced carrying him and giving birth to him. I don't know exactly what Amanda Holden is going through, but do know that when you lose a baby, one unwittingly joins this club of women who only each other knows what it is like, and the pain it brings. Of course the fathers too should never be forgotten about in all of this. Sometimes women and men talk about their experience, sometimes they don't. No right no wrong.

For me I had wonderful support from Sands  They have a very moving and gentle book, called A Star for Bobby aimed at brothers and sisters in the family and has a special place in Miss. Poppins' bookshelves. Sometimes, we feel like we want a little read of it, and are always touched by the story. In my next pregnancy the best information and advice I could hope for was from Tommy's and I went on to have my own special hero, Master Poppins, born at 29 weeks. It was not an easy ride, but he fought all the way and is the most charming and wonderful little four year old, who my love for grows stronger and stronger all the time.

So my heart goes out to Amanda and her family, I do think it must be quite hard going through this in the glare of the public eye, but she shall have so much support and love of all those around her.


* Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments on this post, I have been very touched and moved by them *
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I Love A Little Ladybird....

I don't know about you, but I love an old book. I love it even more if it happens to be a child's old book, with pretty pages and sweet nostalgic text. Yes, I am a Ladybird book fan, the older the better. I know for collectors, condition and things like editions, series and dust jackets are very important, and can increase the value somewhat, though for me I am not interested in value. They have far more sentimental value to me and I certainly don't mind them looking a little sorry for themselves.

Here is my little ladybird collection.... ( click on photograph if you want a closer nose )

Do you recognise any you may have....

I think they look so charming gracing  Miss. Poppins' shelf....

She loves to read them, we especially like Danger Men....

Well yesterday, a lovely friend of mine lent me her copy of Homes & Antiques.

As I was having a very pleasurable read I stumbled upon this article all about Ladybird Books. It talks about how these highly nostalgic books are now collectors items with ( in some cases ) a big monetary value too.

As for my little collection, I couldn't help get a little excited and checked out my editions to see if I had any of the higher value items ( what was I saying about them only being of sentimental value ) though of course only for interest, I doubt I would sell any of mine. Tiptoes got me a little excited as the 10th edition ( 1954)  fetches around £45.00. I have Tiptoes and eagerly checked out its credentials. The article goes on to say about how to check out your collections....

How to see if yours is a first edition. Apparently there are dozens of pointers. You need to establish the publication date, and not to be fooled into thinking the 'first published' date on your title shall give you the answer, as this does not guarantee your copy is a first edition. Key dates help, in 1961, the ladybird logo changed from an open-winged bird to the plan view that is more familiar. In 1965, dust jackets were abandoned in favour of matt board covers. And the article goes on to mention many more interesting facts. If like me you love to know the history of your ladybird books you can pop along to Ladybird Fly Away Home  a super place to learn all about your Ladybird books. Or The Wee Web


As for my little collection, one or two have been given as lovely gifts, some from even my own childhood and most bought at no more than 20p from thrift shops and carboots. I have noticed however that even charity shops are popping a couple of pounds now on these sort after items. Quite an increase from the half a crown they used to cost. So, check out your collection, you never know you may have the 'holy grail' of Ladybirds ( if it still exists, as none are known to ) a special run of the 1971 version of  The Computer, approximately 100 copies were produced for the Ministry of Defence with special covers so they didn't looks like children's books. By far the rarest Ladybird book. If you find it, remember me won't you ;0)

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A Mary Poppins Week....

Thank you so much for your wonderful and inspiring comments on my florals post and the wearing of them. I thought the comment from Shabbily By The Sea  was very touching...." If a hundred year old walled garden can can wear roses then why can't we? " So true Kristina.

Well I have been nosing at fashion magazines and actually it seems, florals are the *in* thing at the moment. Many of the catwalks have pretty florals gracing them and I enjoyed reading this post on Fashion Urbia  Hey blogettes, maybe we have started something with this floral thing ;0) As I mentioned, I love to wear the floral cardigan I photographed in my last post, and here I am wearing it. I don't post photographs of me often, so please be gentle....

I was featured in a lovely magazine that is local to my area and surrounding towns and villages. The article was about blogging and my love of handmaking what I call my pretties I use the word a lot, I think I first used it on my blog here gosh one of my first posts back in 2008. I really enjoyed chit chatting with the friendly editor of the magazine at my home, and I have to say, I have had lovely feedback ( even my super postman said he enjoyed reading it ) I was quite tickled that my photograph, on the contents page, was bigger than Sir Alex Ferguson's  ;0)

It actually has been somewhat of a Mary Poppins week, first my little article in this months Tesco magazine, then on the same day as this magazine's release, I was on the television. It was the repeat of my Bargain Hunt episode, where I appeared as a contestant with my lovely friend  in 2009. I didnt realise it was on until it was nearly over, and some people who didnt get to see it first time round, said they really enjoyed it and it looked like we had a ball, we certainly did !! We even made it on to their 25th anniversary edition last year, those bloomin' candleabra's are famous I tell you....

So after all the lovely attention I have had, I am hoping for a quiet week, in my own little world, making pretties and getting on with life and all that it brings. I have been getting into more of a sunnier disposition, and holding off buying that light box as the sun has been a peeping on occassion, and very much lifting my mood. Though she is obviously a little shy and hasn't been back since. Come on Sun I miss you....
 
So back to the chine it is, I enjoyed making these pretties....:0)


Pretty cushions....
 

Sweet fabric covered notebooks....

And Oh so pretty bags....

Is it wrong that I want to keep everything I make ;0)

Hope you are having a good week whatever you are up to, going to go for a blog moochy to see what your news is....

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