The lovely Lee from a Glimpse of Style hosted a giveaway a few weeks back for a copy of Inside Out magazine. A delightful magazine from down under. And, I won. Thank you so much Lee, I love it! You must go check out her blog, she's a wonderful read and always full of beautiful and inspirational photos.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and festive greetings and a Happy and healthy new year.

Goodnight, sweet friends.

Happy Thanksgiving...

to my dear American friends.

Friday 13th - It started like this.

Today. I sat in 1.30hrs of traffic on the school run. Huff. I generally leave the night before and camp outside school just so that we get there on time. Joke. Leave early enough though. Bearing in mind we were half an hour late for school, my guess is the rest of the kids will probably turn up sometime time over the weekend.

Its one of the things I hate. Traffic. Its right up there with telephone/door sales people (sorry to offend).

The Nosh was just awful in the car as a baby. The only baby that would cry in the car. Thats when my school run became a camping escapade. I would leave early, miss the traffic, less screams from a wee nipper in the backseat, park at the school gates, give the Nosh his bottle, sit read the paper. If the car was capable of a moccachino-cappinco we'd all have time for one of those too. From those days, its just grown to habit.

*wondering if you could get a gadget that makes you a cuppa in the car, like a little car Teasmade, hmmm*

There's been no crafting, crocheting or baking this week. I've been ploughing through my new Jackie Collins book. I've never read a Jackie Collins book and doubt I'll finish this one. I dont know whether I'm at the party, going to the party or just not been invited with so many characters to juggle. Oy Vey. Anyway, I'm keeping with it... waiting with bated breath for one of Collins infamous sex scenes. Nothing too explicit yet, I hasten to add. (And, yes, I have read further than page 10!)

*I just thought I'd share some old boyish photos. I hate a bland post without pictures.*

**UPDATED TO SAY: Today has turned out to be quite magnificent. Someone must be watching over us. Can't share the news yet, but Bubela, I'm dead proud of you!!!!!**

Bonfire Night

Remember, remember,
The fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason,
Why gunpowder and treason,
Should ever be forgot!

We waited for dark to fall. The Nosh was so excited. It was the first year that he has really appreciated fireworks, albeit the poor sparkler in his hand. As for the Bubela, whom at 5 years his senior had been there, seen it, worn the t-shirt for years now with a big banging sparkler, was more excited that the back door had opened and he was free to kick a football around.

Seriously, I opened the back door and he was like a tiger being let out to its natural habitat. If he had smoke behind him, I would have choked on it.

The Nosh loved waving the sparkling wands around. He wasn't perturbed in the slightest at the foreign object in his hand. I love the fact that he cant say sparkler, it turned out to be a sort of Schmarkerer sort of word. Awwwwwww.

Evidence in the sidebar shows that the Bubela did eventually join our fun of sparklers, not to mention that the Nosh and I were given safety tips whilst he did so! He asked me where my bucket of sand was to extinguish his sparkler, ha ha.

If you look closely at this picture, its of a tree and its surroundings.

I asked the Nosh today why he's the only kid that doesn't paint at nursery. And, of course I appreciate that he didn't fully understand every word I spoke, he told me that he "does painting at home" so there is no need to paint at school. Fair enough. If he prefers to play with the big toys at nursery than get messy with paint because he can get messy at home, then that's good enough for me.

We put our wellies on today and collected leaves.

Christmas is coming...

I love these ads.





Have you made your list of what your making, baking and gifting this Christmas yet. I'm through the browsing stage. Late I know. I've signed up to Sew, Mama, Sew's Homemade Holidays this year for inspiration.

Just wanted to share

Amazing craftsmen over at Kidtropolis create the most amazing childrens bedrooms. More bedrooms by Kidtropolis here.

BOO!

I have to say, unfortunately, these were disgusting! And, only good enough for the bin.

HAppY HalloWEEn

Today is Breast Cancer Awareness Day

In honour of those fighting the fight and those that have led the way, show support and let us get closer to understanding how breast cancer develops, a prevention and a cure. DoNaTe heRE

What are you wearing today?

In need of a little surgery

A while back MIL gave me her sewing box which was gifted to her by her mother when she was only 13. I received it with much thanks even in the poor vintage state it was in. It was beautiful as it was, just in need of a little repair. A hinge was broken and the interior needed attention!

Major surgery was indeed needed to make this sewing box perfect again. So, with a mini re-upholstery job, I re-padded the lid with bating and staple-gunned in new fabric. The original beads were used to decorate the petals of the sunflower and I used the original tape binding to glue around the edges to hide nails and staples.

I love my new sewing box. Thank you MIL. xx

Excuse the book which managed to creep into the first photo. I was browsing through for a cookie recipe for Halloween. We're making pumpkin shaped cookies, but more of those in my next post. The cookies are made, we just need to ice them.

Oh, and the crochet granny square blanket is still very much in progress. Photos to follow.

In other news:

MIL had surgery today. We all wish you a speedy recovery. x

Following the success of wallpapering my downstairs toilet, I am in the process of adding accessories. I'm deep in search for the perfect table. Once the room is dressed I'll share photos. Next room - Lounge... watch this space ;0)

Milestones reached. The Nosh, at 3, can now tackle puzzles of 35 pieces. He's so clever peh peh peh! And, the Bubela, at 8, is still a high acheiver in school and in all the sports he plays. Oi! I'm kvelling at how proud I am of my two boys!

When god watches from above and rewards you with a miracle.

As many of my longtime readers will already know, 6 years ago, Hubby and I embarked on a long, difficult, emotional and draining roller coaster. IVF. Two clinics, 3 cycles, and a belly full of pin holes later we were blessed with our little miracle. I will not pass this off as the easiest hurdle jumped because it wasn't. There were the medical hurdles of my initial infertility, the hurdles of science in the lab and the hurdles of mother nature.

The first unsuccessful attempt was shattering. The only way to pick ourselves up was to step right back onto the roller coaster. Unfortunately, the unsuccessful second attempt was an even lower drop. A fall so low that was fortunately saved by already being a mum to the Bubela and I wanted to be the best mum with no more distractions. I was now fully focused on the Bubela.

Two years later I was ready to attempt IVF again. I was stronger, alternative medicine and therapy aware and fully able to deal with any obstacles. Far more difficult hurdles and obstacles were to arise however these were overcome and we were successful.

That moment when a pee on a stick is your little wink from god. A euphoric moment I'll never forget.

Three years ago, on the delivery table holding my baby, I thanked god above *and winked right back atcha*.

Everyday I thank him.

Happy birthday our little Nosh. xx

A personal note

Bubela -

May all your wishes come true - over and over again... We love you, M&Dxx

*the Mont Blanc unedited version sits scripted in your card upon the fireplace*

I decided to bring a little French boudoir-esque into our home. More specifically, our downstairs loo. I thought of giving our guest rest room the luxury touch it deserves.

That in mind, today was wallpapering day. And here I give you the before and after photos.

I love it!!

Though, it was after much vocal waltzing and convincing eyebrow quivers, I managed to convince the Hubby that me doing the wallpapering would save us a stash of cash. That part he liked. The part which took the convincing was the "me" "wallpapering" "by myself" part. I do a wicked eyebrow quiver and I think it was that that won me a full Strictly [Come Dancing] 10 10 10 10 score.

*bouncing with joy* because he didn't think it would turn out so good - and I think I've done an alright job..... **UPDATED TO SAY HUBBY'S JUST COME HOME FROM WORK AND WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED, WHEN AM I STARTING ON THE LOUNGE**

With my heels parked at the front door and my lip gloss topping a tissue on the kitchen counter -Sinatra playing in the background- I was set to do the job in hand. Arms laden with Bucket, paste and brushes, and two delightful accessories (my ladies stepladder and my dear 82 year old grandfather -whom I hasten to add right here- was a better gig than Sinatra any day). And I was wallpapering!!

It was a great day. Paste EVERYWHERE mind. I'd definately attempt it again.

I'm wallpaper-ing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come smell the cake

I love the smell of a Jewish kitchen in action. The Friday night chicken soup, the New Years baking of honey cake and freshly picked flowers.

The honey cake was delicious and moist, my usual recipe. But, it was my honey cluster cookies that were the talking point. Everyone loved them. They're a cross between a scone and a cookie.

Here's the recipe, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Ingredients:

125g butter
80g caster sugar
80ml sunflower oil
300g plain flour
150g self raising flour
25g chopped walnuts
160ml orange juice
250ml honey

1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually beat n the oil.

2. Stir in the flours, nuts and juice and mix to a stiff dough.

3. Place dollops of mixture onto baking sheets and bake in oven 180C for 15-20 mins.

4. Heat honey and dip the warm cooked cookies into he honey to coat. Allow to dry over a wire rack. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

What September brings

As summer closes with the windy wet weather, it brings so much celebration and joy ahead. Hubby and I have just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. Whoop!!!! 10 years! My heart warms as I reminisce what 10 years has brought us. From the joys of passion and young love to the romantic trips abroad and wonderful family holidays. We are forever thankful for our two wonderful children, our happy family and a perfect unit for them to grow up in.

Happy ten years my sweet beau.

Next month we will be celebrating our birthdays, The Bubela turning 8 and the Nosh, 3. Hubby and I will fall into our late thirties, just tipping over the 35 mark. Oy Vey! Parties, cakes and other surprises ahead - keep tuned!

However, the first baking for this quarter of the year starts with Honey cake for the Jewish new year. Always well received alongside the honey clustered cookies. I'll be baking those tomorrow, so I'll be sure and show off some photos in posts to come. Whilst I am here, may I take this opportunity to wish my Jewish friends a happy and healthy new year.

There is something about this time of year that makes me bring out my yarn. I've been crocheting granny squares again. I'm making a blanket to cosy up to over the Christmas period. Yes, I'm already thinking Christmas. Nothing like cosying up with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a good old musical under a granny square blanket, or having a handy blanket to cover up those snoozing bodies after a big Christmas lunch.

So, whilst my hook is out and my stash in use, I thought it would be a great idea to put the old vintage sewing machine in for a service. Apparently its never had a service in its 40-something years. Oy vey. Once it comes back, I'll be able to sew together some childrenswear for the shop. No more skipped stitches!

Along with the falling conkers and crisping of leaves, September also brought the start of school. As you know, the Bubela started a new school and he has settled in well. He looks a treat in his smart uniform, smart kid. The Nosh, bless him, bounced straight back into his school regime too. Turning 3, is it too much pressure to tell him to put his own shoes on?

I love September with all it brings. What does September bring for you?

Our Summer

One word.

Wonderful.

Jam packed full of activities. Days outings. And, all we can say is "We're castled out!". If you know the Bubela, he's a real castle geek. Loves a bit of cavalry on the battlefield. And, If I climb another turret I'll.... arrrghh.

It wasn't all castles and turrets. We enjoyed a visit to one of the famous English University towns. We also had to pet and feed each and every animal in each and every surrounding farm and zoo in the vicinity. And, great fun at a couple of the local beaches. Everyone loves a beach, right?

Check out those beach huts.

A great summer - Im going to miss them when they go back to school.

Sewing?

I promised you decoupage, Darling

and decoupage is what I give you, Darling. In all its glory, let me introduce you to the Peppa Pig letter A. I love it. I'm already cutting out football pictures for my next letter.

Im not going to lie to you. It was messy, but I somehow liked it. It was a waiting process, but that somehow flew by. And, I destructed the Nosh's magazine but he likes this so much better.

Many thanks to the lovely Jellybelly-Jellybrain for her great tutorial here.

We're going on a beach hunt.

We're going to find a big one. What a beautiful day! We're not scared.


We visited a beach this weekend, a beach we have visited before. A beach on the edge of the Blackwater estuary and comprising only shells. Its Essex best kept secret, hidden deep in the depth of the Dengie Peninsula, Bradwell Nature Reserve. And, right next door the Bradwell Nuclear Power Station! This had been a working power station until it was decommissioned in 2002. Needless to say that my fears of dipping in the Blackwater passed visions from the Film Cocoon or that we would end up glowing green by dusk or something.



We collected buckets of shells and cockles. And this was the largest of the crabs we found. We threw muscles back into the water and competed who could throw the furtherest stone.



And lastly, we found a ladybird graveyard which we put to rest.



We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rose. One of my kids favourite books.

In my younger years. Those that were carefree and under parental reins. Those of the perm and shoulder pads, the days of sexy and single. Well, single anyhow! My bedroom's shelves were filled of books and videos, my two passions. I couldn't even estimate how many 1950/60s musicals I possessed. I just know that I didnt scrape the surface of Marc's collection (boy a few streets away). His advantage was the video shop he worked in.

Every Sunday afternoon, I would loll around in my bedroom on the sofabed watching back to back videos of my favourite films. Calamity Jane, An American in Paris, Blue Hawaii, Girls Girls Girls, The Sound of Music, Pillow Talk, White Christmas, GI Blues, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma... OMG its endless.

Sadly, Hubby, two house moves, the DVD recorder, two kids and Sky Plus under my belt, we no longer possess a video. Yet, I somehow feel compelled to still hang on to these fabulous movies. And, even though I would love to swap my collection to a DVD collection, nowadays I rarely get a chance to sit down to Eastenders let alone High Society.

High Society came off the shelf alot. Starring the forever gorgeous Grace Kelly. And the King of the Christmas Crooners Bing Crosby. Not forgetting my Favourite Legend, Frank Sinatra. A musical featuring the hit True Love and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Whats your favourite all time movie? What's the movie that you know all the words to? The one that makes you smile as you recollect. The feel good factor movie.

In other news:

I've been designing t-shirts for the Autumn/Winter collection to be released in September.

I've tested my hand at decoupage. Its messy. I'll blog all about it in days to follow.

Summer camp finishes on Friday, so we'll be out and about on our summer adventures. Keep watching.

Bubela and Nosh. Updated photos in the sidebar.

Town Mouse & Country Mouse

I often read the classic fable, The story of The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse to the kids. Its a story with so much depth and meaning. And, just like Toby Town Mouse, this weekend we packed our suitcase, locked our town house door and went to visit family in the country.

3 hours into our journey, the scenery greened, the roads thinned and the petrol prices rose.

First stop was to feed the horses.

What a beautiful village the family lived in. Their house 300 plus years old. A garden which met the horizon. A neighbour 2 miles down the road. Two dogs, a duck and a flock of sheep. Thats what you call the real countryside.

We were welcomed with warmth... and a glass of wine.

As I sat and unconsciously rubbed my handy bag sized anti-bacterial hand sanitizer into my palms, the surrealism spasmed my mother-in-law into hysteria. I'm sitting sanitising my hands as I watch the two dogs, Shorty and Trixie, Duck Duck (the duck!!) all of whom they share their home with, walk around the house freely playing with my boys. Dog hairs coated the seat of my trousers, the duck eating out of the dog bowl, the sheep eating bread in the garden... and I'm worried I've got germs on my hands, let alone dog hair in my cake. OY VEY.

The Bubela was in awe of Duck Duck. Constantly trying to pick her up as she waddled away quack quack-ing. He searched the garden for mis-laid eggs (he found two).

More photo's of our weekend here

The hotel we stayed in was magnificent. 600 plus years old. Our room was glorious, albeit the floor was of an inclined radient as steep as the Malvern Hills which overlooked us out of the window.

Seriously, when in bed we rolled clockwise. Me into Hubby and the poor little Nosh in the Zed-bed couldn't keep himself in the bed. We had to make a ditch of pillows for him to roll into. I couldn't relax and sleep for fear that he would roll under a bed somewhere never to be seen again.

School's Out.....

Wordless Wednesday... except this is all about words

This is an email that my Bubela received from one of his friends...


Dear Nathan you have been such a nice boy


and amazing at beeing a good,nice,caring,dilightful friend.



And you are so smart you are quit good at a lot of things



BUT YOU NEVER,EVER IN YOUR LIFE LEAVE ANYONE OUT!


LOVE AIMEE


... brought tears to my eyes

My Folksy Store is having a half price sale.

...Just popping in

to introduce some weekend finds.

I love this silhouette family. You can make your own here.

Whilst procrastinating the blog scene, I came across some beautiful blogs. First up, there is French Charming. A funny, bright and exuberant blog which will have you yearning for those fabulous finds.

Then, let me introduce you to Soph4Soph. I met her over at Twitter, she's a real sweetie and she'll always put a smile on your face! You must check out her amazing childrens line too, she and her sister make amazing girls dresses.

And Miss Matilda. I just love the 1940's era and Ive spent hours and hours perusing this blog. The post-war Fashion, the movies, the songs, Sinatra and Bette Grable. Check out Matilda's AbleGrable design here.


I'm also very excited about the new Selvedge Shop which has just opened in Archway. I'll defently be slipping a visit in there this summer.

Im already a great lover of the Selvedge magazine, the photos are always incredible and oozes inspiration to another level.


And, lastly. A special mention to my big Bubela. You make me a proud mummy. Good report kiddo! I guess you earned that lego set you were saving for ;0)

... and the finished plaque

Bloggers block has been the cause of my absence. I apologise.

I've two dress orders to complete and my quilt to put together, a new venture Im toying with and too many late nights. All, keeping me away from my love of writing to you.

School is almost out. I don't know who's more excited, the Bubela or me. Actually, I'm a little sad as its the end of an era for the Bubela. Come September, he'll be attending a new prep school.

*welling up*

I could go all shmoltzy here and let you know about the treasured friends I have met at school, and the continuing love with friends watching our kids grow together in the playground, or the nachas I've had as the Bubela has come home singing those Jewish songs.

*sigh*

So, to close the end of an era, I'm working hard on the teachers present which I hope she'll like. I think it'll look cute hanging in her classroom. I just need to glue my children and wire the plaque.... voila.

And, how could I not share this photo of the Nosh wanting to be just like his Daddy. Awwwwww.

In other news:

I was really lucky to see Take That in concert. Incredible!

I'm back weighing at weight watchers. Gained a pound this week. Too many nights out!

Featured....on Shop Handmade UK.

Read my interview here.

Appreciation photo

I love it when you mummy's let me have photos of your gorgeous children in Sweetpea4kids clothing.

Thank you!!!

Dusting down the quilting foot

I've take out my 1/4" foot and attached it to the Old Singer. Yes, Im finally quilting.

I bought the quilting foot months ago, (who am I kidding, I bought it over a year ago) and it has remained in the packet since it dropped through my letterbox. I had always had good intentions, however the Sweetpea4kids clothing range just got in the way and I didn't get the chance to make the intended quilt.

Now, with things slowing down in the shop, and before I release my new Autumn/Winter range, I thought I'd slip in a little "me" project and try a quilt. I didn't realise how quickly it would come together.

Take a look at this fabulous value quilt tutorial.

Happy Fathers day

Ubba. Everyday remembered.

This is me and my father on an obvious day! One of my many fonder memories. "I love you, Ubba"

My father passed away 2 years ago this summer. It was a deeply painful time to remember. Fortunately, the fonder memories are able to cloud over the pain, yet a tear somehow always escapes. I often wonder whether he can hear me, or see me. I have so much to show and tell. I hope you can see and be proud of the family I have created.

Your guiding hand on my shoulder will be with me forever.

Here is Hubby and the boys. The photo was taken yesterday on a breezy, grey and cold summer's day.

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.
- Sigmund Freud

They say the cutest little things

When the Bubela was a little shnippet, just months short of turning 2, he would always talk about the Dugaloo. Raised eyebrows and smiles, Hubby and I would of course agree "yeesss, dugaloo..." as one does when engaging in conversation with a toddler. "Haven't a clue what your talking about but I love you... dugaloo, yay".

The Dugaloo became a regular word in the Bubela's everyday vocabulary and considering the Bubela's vocabulary was vast at his pitzeler little age, we still had no clue what the Dugaloo was. The Dugaloo had a house. The Dugaloo, at times, was scary. The Dugaloo ate. And, the Dugaloo was ween*?? It wasn't until after having his room decorated to the animal print wall paper that it became apparent what the Dugaloo was.

A crocodile of course!

Please check out the website of DJ Emma B, youshouldwriteitdown, a place for parents to record the cutsie things their kids say.

What cute words does your little one have?

*green

Go Handmade

Open publication - Free publishing - More sewing

Leanne of Seethewoods is the amazing brain behind Go Handmade magazine. Have a flick through the talent you will find on Folksy. My very own Sweetpea4kids has a feature too!

Wordless Wednesday

The Bubela - most mornings before school.

What's for dessert

The boys made their own desserts today (because naughty mummy has been so busy sewing she didn't buy any for the fridge).

But, this is so much more fun than a chocolate pot from Cadbury's.

I love my store cupboard. Amongst my ingredients are a few packets of Angel Delight for such emergencies, A packet of cake mixture for those "I've got no time to bake a Victoria Sponge" moments, carton of custard and a box of trifle mix.

Angel Delight whips up with milk into a dessert in 5 minutes.

Kids.

One.

Two.

Three.

Let those sprinkles go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!