Pink Plastic Flamingos....

I am a lover of pink, and I love the look....

Though as I am considering buying some of these. Am I taking things a bit too far?....

I really, really likey....

Are they a love 'em or hate 'em kind of thing? Are they really that tacky? And I do wonder if on an environmental level, should I really be bringing more plastic into my household, or garden rather.

Though are very me....

I was really taken by the words of Tom Shawcross who talks about them here:

"Then there is the matter of, how shall I phrase this, good taste. One man’s Petit Trianon is another man’s Pink Plastic Flamingo. The PPF, by the way, was invented by Don Featherstone, who sculpted the original Pink Plastic Flamingo, as well as an estimated 600 to 800 other products, including ducks, garden gnomes, penguins, and about anything else one can think of. Actually, there is no consensus on the Pink Plastic Flamingo. To some people, the PPF epitomizes tackiness. Others think they are hilarious. "

And as Don himself says: “I'll bet 90% of the people who buy them just really like them. They feel like I do, that an empty yard is like an empty coffee table – it cries out for something. . . And I'll tell you something about people who put out flamingos: They're friendlier than most people. Remember, they don't do it for themselves – they're doing it to entertain you.”  
 

 
 
So, as for the pink plastic flamingo I shall just have to follow my heart on this one....
 
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My New Adorable Duvet Cover....

Oh my, how much do I love my new duvet cover....

Quite a bit actually....

Rather a lot infact....

Quite frankly I adore it....

I love the cheery, playful, pretty look of it....

And of course, I LOVE the flowers....

When I lie on it, reading my romantic novels, I feel so girly, so feminine, and I certainly feel like 21 again....

Primark, even though you are hot, sticky, busy and also have queues the length of the world, maybe, just maybe, you and I could be friends after all....

P.S. Mr. Poppins having been with me for many years is quite used to my love of florals by now....AND he likes a quiet life ;)
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National Geographic Kids Magazine....

I don't know about you, but as a parent I am SO easily led when it comes to purchasing magazine's for my children. I always think, well it shall keep them occupied on long journeys. Invariably they have no substance, offer a freebie that although looks good on paper, breaks within a day, has about 7 pages and yet the magazine itself has cost me a small fortune.

It made for a lovely change to find this highly inspirational magazine aimed at children from National Geographic Kids and my children ( and I ) thoroughly enjoyed our read....

Taken from the NGK website it goes on to say....

 "The magazine is a monthly magazine, which brings boys and girls a whole new way to explore and in every issue, readers will go on a journey of discovery, with interactive articles about nature and the environment, world cultures, science, space and lots more. With fun puzzles and quizzes and exciting things to make and do. National Geographical Kids is irresistible to readers and a great resource for children, parents and teachers. Jam-packed with fantastic features and amazing images. Every month, readers will come face-to-face with exotic wildlife, discover ancient cultures and civilizations, explore the wonders of the natural world, read about their favourite stars, and get creative with exciting things to make and do. Lets get kids excited about their world. "

And I have to agree with every word, a high quality read for all the family, and I very much enjoyed reading it along with the children. Miss. Poppins loved learning how to think like a tiger....

And Master Poppins loved learning about the penguins....

And I was quite happy having a little read about Harry Potter....

So, a really excellent read, and much more what I have in mind for my own children to read. There is also a 50% offer on a subscription, which you can take advantage of here and works out at less than £2 an issue. Well worth it I say, and much better value that the other magazines I normally get.

Oh, and the freebie wiggly worm is still going strong after many plays with....

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Whose Afraid Of The Dentist....

ME....

 I have been very pleased with the service I have received from my dentist over the years. Maybe it is the fact I am paying for it, but things are always explained clearly to me and being a nervous patient I am always well looked after. I think my nerves of the dentist go back to when I was perhaps about 10 or so and I was with a different dentist and had to have 4 teeth out. No explaining what was happening to me in those days, and I just remember being in that infamous chair, and the gas mask literally being strapped to my face, I am sure there was lots of kicking and struggling from me ( I was so scared ) and they practically forced the mask on me, I fell asleep and woke up with 4 less teeth. hmmmmm not a happy experience I have to say.

Maybe if I sat in a chair like this, I would feel a little calmer, although just looking at the photograph of one, yes even pink, gives me the heeby jeebies....

I had to have orthodontic work when I was younger and wore a fixed brace, I also had to have the head gear to be worn at night. I even used to brush my teeth at school, and this drawing done by our very arty form teacher when we were in the 5th form, has me clutching an oscar and indeed brushing my teeth.

So, maybe I have always had this thing with teeth. I do get nervous before an appointment, though the work itself is always not so bad, I do not need sedating or anything like that, but I certainly do not look forward to my appointments put it that way. Only yesterday I had an appointment and had to have an extraction on a tooth that was very wobbly and needs crowning. Root thankfully saved ( is a root filled tooth ) and hopefully a crown is still an option but the thought of being toothless even right at the back makes me quite upset. I was well looked after and as a nervous patient dealt with incredibly well, it was clearly explained what was going to happen, and was in and out, before I really knew what was going on.

I am cross that I haven't looked after my teeth as well as I should have done, even with the school time brushing. I have THE sweetest tooth, and even though I probably shouldn't, but I do, I kinda judge peeps on their teeth. Of course the cost implications of keeping ones teeth healthy really does come into it, my last filling was £94, so it is not a cheap affair to keep those teeth looking sparkly. Also I believe genetics come into too, no matter how well one can look after their teeth, genes do play a part.

So, I may never have the hollywood smile, ( not that I would want one ) but I am making a much more concerted effort to keep my peggies healthy, and strong. My children luckily have no fear. Because of mine, I know how these things can rub off on ones own children, and there is no way I would ever want them to feel like I do, so we make it an almost enjoyable event, and I am so proud of them.

Are you happy with your smile?

Who Wants A No1 Teacher Toblerone Bar....

Oh yes, when it comes to chocolate I am gal who likes to share, and so too it seems does Toblerone who are offering 3 lucky giveaway winners one of their special Toblerone bars that they have had created and aren’t for sale in shops. Seeing as the end of term is fast approaching, these super bars have a teacher theme, so if you would like to go in the hat to win a No1 Teacher Toblerone bar to give out at school, or to a special teacher you know, or even if you are a No1 teacher, give to yourself ;))

So, a nice quick giveaway, please feel free to leave a comment if you would like to go in the hat, I shall be picking 3 winners from the pretty hat about the same time tomorrow and forward winners details over to toblerone, who shall send out your bar in time for the end of week....yum yum!!

Edit: Thank you for joining in, 3 lucky winners have now been chosen from the hat and have got some lovely toblerone on it's way!
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A Busy Girl's Guide To Sewing....

One of the books I am enjoying reading and reviewing is The Busy Girl's Guide To Sewing which is due to be released in August. I am a busy little bee and I really enjoy sewing, though sometimes I am too busy doing the real life things to get on with the sewing, and likewise am too busy sewing to get on with the life stuff. So when I was sent this book to have a looksy at, I thought would be perfect for me, my love of sewing and my busy life.

Really beautiful and inspiring introduction....

I loved the way the chapters were set out....

1....30 Minutes Or Less
2....1 Hour Or Less
3....4 Hours Or Less

Some wonderful sewing machines to drool at....

And I love the Hippy Hoopy Wall Art. Infact, I have been having a go at doing my own wall of hippy hoopy wall art at home, I just love the look....

I really like the idea behind this book, that has been written by Carrie Maclennan, who is the main creative mind behind The Made In The Shade Maisonette, a shop/gallery/crafty hangout, promoting off-beat design, creativity and vintage lifestyle in Glasgow. Many crafters, including moi, just find there is never enough time in the day, and these fun, quirkily styled projects can be completed in a day, or spaced over a few weekends, so crafters can have the satisfaction of finishing, ( I like the sound of that ) as well as starting, projects. It also includes advice on sourcing fabric, upcycling, blogging, joining online communities and more for the ultimate experience for busy girls who sew. Yay! So I thought I would get on with a little project from the book and as I have a mountain of hardback notebooks, that I cover in various ways ( though does take time ) I thought I would use the books tips and project to quickly cover a notebook, real easy and real quick. You could infact make a stack of these and give out as gifts.

One thing I would say when following projects is I like real photographs, you know, as you go along, they just in a way make things easier to follow, and make the project in my opinion more appealing. Though I have to say the tutorial for covering a notebook in this book, was simple to follow and was indeed quick to whip up, no need for a lining, or interfacing. So, I got my simple ingredients together....

After some simple measuring and ironing of the edges, I chose a pretty decorative stitch on my machine to decorate the edges....

Yes, I kinda likey....

 
Then it was simple case of  wrapping the fabric around the notebook until there were equal sized folds inside the front and back cover. When happy you pin in place and then using the same decorative stitch, sew along both long sides of the cover, stitching the folds in place as you go. And voila....
 
 

 
 
A pretty notebook cover for a special princess. Honestly, this really has to be the simplest notebook cover I have ever made, and is perfect for covering those inspiration books, diaries etc you may have, these covers are just a lovely little make. So thumbs up for this cool, crafty, inspiring, book, a perfect craft book for a busy gal like me.
 
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Chad Valley Toy Review....

Thanks for your lovely comments and feedback on my previous post, I know deep down Master Poppins shall be fine, but I think worrying comes with the job title of being a mummy I guess. Like most four year old boys, he loves toys, and his eyes certainly lit up when he was sent the Chad Valley Emergency HQ toy to have a play with.
 

He couldn't get into the box quick enough, and as you can see I had to cellotape areas back up to take these photographs. What is it with boys and their toys. Anyway on getting it all out, we decided to put it all together so he could have a play.

 I am not the best qualified when it comes to putting things together, so handed over to Mr.P who well, IS good at putting things together. Soon, we had a fully functioning toy. Whilst Master Poppins was having a little play, we noticed one of the garage doors wasn't pulling up properly. Though Master Poppins really did not mind at all, and it didn't take anything away from his enjoyment of the toy, I thought I would let Chad Valley know, as the garage doors are quite integral to the toy itself. It was just a little mention to them really as I was reviewing the toy with Master Poppins, and I felt it right and proper to let them know. Being the professional toy brand that they are, they straight away sent out a replacement, that arrived promptly, and was in perfect working order, garage doors all lifting like butter through a knife.

So, it was back to play, and Master Poppins loves it. He so likes playing with the vehicles that came with it....

 The light effect and sounds are a real hit, and he loves using the lift to transport his vehicles to get up to the helipad....

The Emergency HQ shall also be available in the new Argos catalogue that comes out on the 30th July. And with a little boy who has a birthday coming up, I think I shall be hop footing it to get the catalogue myself.

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Emotions....

Sometimes when you have thoughts and feelings trying to escape, you just have to let them run free.

I don't know what it is.... maybe it is the film Marley & Me that I watched last night that's making me a little emotional. Though I think it is perhaps the thoughts of Master Poppins having to stay on in reception just a little longer next term. I just think of him queing up in the reception line again and being his Mummy, it just makes me a little emotional. I am so lucky to have him here, 11 weeks early, and a long time in hospital when he was born. He is still only 4, and a young one at that....

Maybe it is my fault, I do mollycoddle him, I can't help it, my love for him is just so intense I cannot even put it into words. I know it is just going to be for a term, maybe a little longer, and I of course know it shall be in his best interests, he shall have double the friends, and he shall catch up, but I can't help get a little emotional about it.

I am so proud of how far he has come....

His quirky sense of style and personality is just adorable....

More than anything in the world I am proud of his achievements, but the achievement I am most proud of, is his fighting for his own life. He is my little fighter, who was resuscitated 3 times at birth and went from strength to strength. I should probably be more concerned with his schooling, his academic progress, his grades, but I am just happy he is here, that he is a socially happy and healthy little boy. Shouldn't that be enough. Miss Poppins sails through school, is on the YGT register, loves to learn, enjoys school and although I don't want to map her life out, I know she shall do well in anything she does, and I am so proud of her, I really don't know where she gets her brains from. Master P however I feel shall have to work that little bit harder. I guess what I am waking up to, is that you can actually have two children born of the same parents and who are, and can be, quite very different in many aspects. We just have to go with it, and adapt to their differing needs.

So, he SHALL be alright, he won't be made fun of, and I think, maybe just maybe, I shall be alright too....

Thanks for listening

X

What Is It With Us Girls And Ikea Candles....

 I went on a little trip out to Ikea and I think I went a little candle crazy.....

I just couldn't resist....One pillar candle wasn't enough, or two, or four, or seven.... I don't know why I needed 40 church style ones, but I did and I do....And even though we have electricity in our village, that works very well and no talk of any power cuts on the horizon I needed these candles. Maybe it was the fact that they were all in the sale, maybe it was just the delicious colours that drew me in, like a bee to honey....

Whatever it was, I love them and when I love something, really love something, one just isn't enough. I guess I have one of those kinds of personalities, one cupcake is never enough, or just one piece of chocolate, oh no, I have to have the bar. If a see a pair of shoes (cheapish) and I really love, I have to have a pair in every colour. I am also a gal who loves her candles, I love to watch the bright lights flicker on dark nights and I instantly fell in love with these gorgeous candy colours and thought were so summery.

As for the Rosali curtains and throw I saw.....well they kind of fell into the trolley too. More about that another day....

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Trying Out New Things....

I think if you are someone who enjoys craft, it is nice to try out new techniques occasionally. Sometimes doing the same things all the time for me, can be a little, well, boring. It is easy to get into the routine of same old same old, and I get bored easily, I always have done, and crafting is no exception. I like to experiment all the time. So, having remembered I chose the particular model of sewing machine that I did because a, it came with a darning foot, and b, you can also lower the feed dogs, so I bought it with the intention of trying out some free motion sewing.  Kirstie Allsopp having a go at it also inspired me and I have to say, it just looked so jolly addictive. Yes, I did a little when I first got the machine, excitement at having a new toy meant I just wanted to play, but the darning foot was quickly packed away again and my dogs raised. So, I got my trusty darning foot out, and decided to have a little play....

There are many people out there who are beautiful free motion sewers, and in all honestly I like just playing at it, but as I thought, it is very addictive. Being a free spirited personality it actually suits how I like to work, not too many straight edges, lots of squiggles and swirls and just very free....

Letters I thought would be trickier, but enjoyed playing and look forward to having a go at joined up writing.

I liked the simple flower design, along with the special personalised touch....

So, what would i turn it into, of course, a sweet little girl's tote bag to hold all her special things and keep them safe....

A little ribbon perhaps....

Cute! I enjoyed my little play and can't wait to try out some new designs. Is good for the soul I think to learn new things. Have you been be playing, and tried out any new crafty work?

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Car Bootylicious....

Oh me oh my, I do love a car boot, though the year has just gone so quickly and Sunday's have been busy days with lots going on, and I just haven't had the chance to venture out to one. Until now that is....

I have to say on first looksy I didn't think I was going to find much ( you know things all very nice'n all, but just not really my cup of tea ) And as for what peeps were charging, I would have thought they'd have been better off at the auction houses ;0) Anyway onwards I went with my pennies in hand, I am a gal who likes to spend her 50p's, maybe a pound here and there, and if something is extra spesh, maybe £2. Anyway a woman on the lookout for pretties never gives up, and so I thought I would share with you what little treasures came home with me....

If ever I see a pair of pretty glass candlestick's, especially at a pair for a pound, I am a happy gal, and these three pairs were beautiful....

And then I spied some pretty beads and a cute bracelet in my kinda colours, all for 50p....

When I saw a little floral sewing bag for £1, I thought yes, I shall have that thank you. Nice surprise to find the little sewing and knitting extras in it were also included....

I collect little shot glasses, and when I saw this set of 5 ( probably were originally 6, but hey I am not fussy ) beautifully etched vintage floral ones at 20p each, I thought a pound well spent....

I just fell in love with the pretty floral design....

I hot footed it to the table when I saw this stunning 1920s/30's ish beautiful rose pink opaque bowl on a silver stand. I just adore it, even with the small crack inside the glass, which isn't that noticeable, and doesn't take away any of it's beauty. I think if you fall in love with something, you have to have it. Of course I always want a bargain and actually enjoy the bartering, so was very happy when I got it for £1.50. It has a lovely art deco design....
 
 

And think it is perhaps a pudding/fruit bowl, or even perhaps a pretty place to keep ones necklaces....
 

I loved the charmful look of these 20p boys story books, and think shall look lovely on Master Poppins' shelf....

One was even given as an award....

Ohooo spied another glass bowl, I likey and bartered the lovely gentleman down to a very good price....

I loved the detail....

You can never have enough pretty vases, and for 50p, well, alright then, you can come home with me....

You can probably tell I am quite a passionate shopper, and I know what I like when it jumps out at me, and boy, did these unused and sealed cocktail sticks jump out....

Don't you think they are just delicious, and a pound well spent in my eyes. The original price on too....

I loved the old enamel jar, and a bargain at £2....

 
Beautifully clean and tidy inside....
 
 

 
 
And I love a bit 'o character....
 
 

 
 
I loved the feel and look of this angora cardigan, even on a boiling hot day I knew I would have a use for it someday, 50p well spent....
 
 

 
Seemed to be a colour I liked as I saw this not long after....
 

 

 
Any ideas....
 
 

 
 
It is very similar to my 'Lusty' Lloyd Loom laundry bin I was kindly given via Freecycle, the freecycle one has the original, I think, gold colour to it, and looking closer at this tangerine coloured one, it certainly has the gold underneath.
 
 

 
No marks or labels though, but after a little bartering, I got it for £1.50 and it shall be tarted up ( probably a different colour ) and go next to Master Poppins bed.
 
 

 
 
This has to be one of my favourite spends of the day, and for £2 I love it!
 
 

 
 
And classed as a vintage one too I think....
 
 

 
 
I am not sure what era, and it is a Kangol.... 
 
 

 
 
And in perfect condition. Would you like to see what it looks like on....
 
 

 
 
Oh, dear, far too serious! Something a little jollier don't you think....
 
 

 
 
I even wore it as I went around, lots of head turning and many a conversation was had about the hat with onlookers ;0) I can't wait to wear it to a do, a wedding even.
 
Of course I couldn't leave Master Poppins out. Batman is the favourite in the house, Spiderman is just so passé so for £1, he was more than happy with his little haul....
 
 

 
 
Hope you enjoyed seeing what came home with me :0)
 
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