Look what is growing in my tomatoes

Are they heart shaped clovers?

Dolly visits the hairdressers

The sun is shinning, the tulips budding and I've dropped the youngest off at nursery.

The older one is upstairs working on a school project and I've a few hours to myself. I'd love to put my feet up with a cuppa, scoff a cake and watch Austraia's Biggest Loser, but Dolly neeeds attention... After giving her hair and a face I thought with the sun shinning gloriously out there we'd have a photoshoot. She is by no means finished, but thus far I'm quite pleased.

Love the new dress, much better than this one. I just need to buy lace and trimmings to add to the apron and bloomers.

Any suggestions for names yet?

In what would have been the prime of their life, enjoying retirement, watching their grandchildren grow, tending to a flowered garden, soaking the sun abroad...

Im sad that such a loving couple were unable to share the rest of thier years together. The mighty Lord had other plans.

What would have been their 38 wedding anniversary. Now, what would be the etiquette of marking an anniversary to the widow left behind?

Mummy, I love you. x

Letters home

Once upon a time there lived two young girls.

If they were bad at school, they were worse outside.

They giggled and connived together at Mrs Kavaghner in class and called out the window to the boys that met them from school in their cars. They had pyjama parties at each others houses and snacked on sweets as they watched old movies. They journeyed they're first bus ride together, then their first drive together after passing their tests. They holidayed in the sun together and shared stories of their first boyfriends. They laughed and cried, they fought and hugged. Their friendship spanned decades.

One day, one of the two girls decided to go travelling for a year. This was not an end to a friendship, but the beginning of a penpal correspondence.

Week after week, I would open letter after letter, laugh at clippings cut from the newspapers, pin photographs she sent on my walls, listen to her tape recordings. Week after week I would receive the sports pages to keep up to date with the football scores. Week after week I would send letters and share my experiences of life abroad with her. I wrote about the foreign army soldiers, the boyfriends and breakups, the tours and trips. I wrote about my calamity of a week in the army, the terrifying and memorable mountain climbs, the backbreaking work in the factory and the labour of picking mango's.

Oy vey, if I was sweating, she was sweating with me.

I shared her news of being a first time auntie and enjoyed the photos she sent. Her news of her engagement, the time in between and the break up. College, University and making new friends. Tennis coaches, holidaying on boats and a million parties I felt like I was at.

Those were the days when there was no Internet, no email, no mobile phones. I just had a pad of airmail paper, a good pen and an AT&T calling card. Being the sentimental type, I kept every single one of those letter, cards, tapes and newspaper cuttings. And, I'm delighted they have just resurfaced.

Memories. I've had a ball tonight. Thank you.

Put your high heels on and come join the party

5 minutes for mom is holding a blog carnival in the way of an ultimate blog party. Its my first party with 5 minutes for mom and I'm very excited to be here.

OK, so whatcha wearin? Im in my PJ's, but thats ok, right? In blogland anything goes, right? Help yourself to a cupcake and let me introduce myself.

I'm Estee. Im a mother to two wonderful boys, the real sunshine of my life. I'm busy to-ing and fro-ing all day long on school runs, grocery shops and gym work outs. I'm married to a lovely man, and fall in love more each day. We met in our teens, but didn't really fall in love until our twenties. We're very proud of the family we have built.

When I'm not filling my days running in the fast lane, I love to knit, crochet and sew. All of which are self taught, with a slight exception to sewing. A couple of years ago, I took a course at the London College of Fashion in Pattern Adaption. I absolutely loved it, even though I'm still intimidated by the invisible zip!

I've been blogging for 5 years now. Read my blogaversary story here.

******And, don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY******

Friday Footwear

*****Click here for the Blogoversary GIVEAWAY*****

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How do you store them? Shoes, that is.

One of my passions is purchasing shoes. Im more partial to a wedge than a flatty. All of my shoes are stored in their original boxes at the bottom of my wardrobe. However, they are starting to climb the walls, and its impossible for me to give them a spring clean and (dare I say it) chuck out. *gasp*

They have this recycler bag at the dry cleaners where you can donate your shoes to the third world. And, I've often chucked the kids and Hubby's shoes in there. I think its a fantastic idea, but would you chuck your Miu Miu heels in there. Would they need Miu Miu's in a mud hut in Rwanda?



Ive been looking at the Hunter boot recently. Its an all year wear, isn't it?

Last week, whilst shopping in Staines, I actually spoted someone wearing a conservative black Hunter book teamed with a denim hotpant.

I love these boots. They're on my wish list!!











The Fitflop. With all its rage to miraculously muscle tone and get you fit whilst you walk. The range are attractive and to suit all tastes from sparkles to shimmer to plain jane classics.

But, they are hardly the workout I crave from a spinning class.



Havaianas. Are they the best rubber shoe in the world?

I love 'em.








But the wedge will always be my winner.

Loving these Jessica Simpson's. Looks like they're hot on my wish list this year.

Have you started shoe shopping for spring this year yet?

*****Click here for the Blogoversary GIVEAWAY*****

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Guess who made it onto Cuteable?? ME!!! Take a lookie here.

Sowing the seeds

*****Click here for the Blogoversary GIVEAWAY*****

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Wasn't yesterday a glorious day? Where's that gone? I had a great day, both atmospherically and productively.

The Nosh and I sowed our carrots into the new vegetable patch. I'm a tad worried about those tiny weeny seeds as I didn't cover and protect them over with any netting. I'm worried the birds will peck at the seeds.

*note to self* Fix netting. As soon as!!

We also planted a couple of the tomatoe seedlings outside in pots. Again, I'm worried about those too. The wind was blowing those babies from left to right. One of the little seedlings is over hanging the pots edge - like he's run a marathon (or two). Now the wind has died, I'm hoping that that baby will be able to regain composure.

Oy, the worry veggies give you!

Lastly, we planted strawberry seedlings. We planted those straight into the ground alongside the fence. They were a spur of the moment purchase so I hope they turn out to be a good investment. Strawberries are a winner in this house. Just wondering whether to do blueberries too.

HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY - GIVEAWAY

Five years! Oh vey, such a journey.

If you dont want to read the shmultzy stuff and just get straight to the GIVEAWAY - scroll to the bottom of post!!!!!!!!!

Its started back in 2001. The doorbell rang and a big heavy box was delivered. No, noone jumped out of it, just my first laptop. It was the start of my connection to blogland. I found a huge community of talented people, of people that shared their passions and creations with the world. I found fantastic inspiration and a craving to learn to create and make.

A few years on, after a ball of acrylic and a Teach yourself to knit book, Sweetpeaknits was created.

My blog journey has seen me through many handmades, some good - some bad. Gifted - and frogged. Learning curves - and mis-perfections. My proudest moments - one being my contribution to Knitty with Bobblicious .

This love of knitting spurred a craving to learn more a craft. There was a period of home dyeing yarn, which proved too messy for my kitchen. There was my teach myself to crochet and the many crocheted blankets and granny squares that came out of it.

Then, receiving of my vintage Singer and learning to operate it - to creating my first garments. Not to mention the opening of my Etsy shop.

Sweetpeaknits, I've loved every moment of you.

This blog has grown up alongside me and my family. We've shared some wonderful holidays. We've laughed at treasurable moments. We've cried at the saddest of times. Best of all, I've made some wonderful friends in blogland and we share common passions. Bless you all.

To mark this occassion I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY.

A Sweetpea4kids T-shirt of your choice.

All you have to do is state your favourite t-shirt in the comments section and follow my blog. View the whole collection here at my Etsy store.

Seedling Cam

Here's a glimpse at just a few pots of seedlings. There are a few pots of peppers on the left and tomatoes on the right. We're growing! And, they are coming along lovely.

I'm particularly proud of my cucumber and corn. I love 'em! I'm hoping to plant a few more in pots this weekend. I'm hoping this weekend will be dry for at least a few hours for me to plant seeds into my raised beds. I'm slightly nervous about letting those seedlings out just yet as I fear it may be just too wet at present.

Hello Dolly

A girl can never have enough dolls. I have beautiful memories of me and my dolls. I loved all of them. So much so, I used to make sure they were ALL comfortable and tucked up well in bed (MY BED) for the night. And me, I would sort of find a place to squeeze in and get a nights sleep.

I love this little rag doll that I've made. She wasn't difficult to construct and I had the stuffing here from previous projects that I've made. In fact, the most difficult part is making a dress for her that suits. This dress is unfortunately too small and I'm not sure its the right fabric either. It looks more of a kimono than a pretty dress for a rag doll.

I hope to complete her shortly and show her off in all her glory.

Dreaming

Everybody has a dream. Be it a dream job, dream house, dream man. We all have dreams.

Ive had many dream jobs. Apart from the obvious get rich quick job, I've dabbled in the dream of a librarian where I could sit and read books all day. And the dream colomnist job, where I could write endlessly and have fans follow. The fashion designer. The dressmaker. And, there was even a matchmaker of recent times.





As you can see, my dreams dont stop at one.

The dream house. There is only one. Its sits on a hill and has a stream running out in the back garden. You can see sheeps from the back window and even a passing cow. There are chickens being raised in the coup outside and the vegetable patch next to the greenhouse. There isn't anther house for miles, but I'm not lonely, as hubby and I are just fine laughing and watching our old home movies of the kids growing up.


Dream man. I got him. See. Dreams do come true.

But seriously, I wish I would stop daydreaming and get on with all these WIPS. I've had a knitted cardigan here to knit up for months.

Home grown produce

Im told there is nothing like eating your home grown produce. I'll let you know when our crop is ready for consumption. At present there is a tiny, incy wincy sprout poking through the soil in a few of the cups on the window sill.

Oy, the excitement of a sprout!

I know. Me. Growing veg. Even with my years' kibbutz experience in the Mango fields. I appreciate slightly different both in climate and surroundings, but never the less those green fingers are back. So, let me tell you all about my seedlings.

We now have this little patch at the back of the garden encased in sleepers and a perfect site for growing veg. Sort of a raised bed, 'cept its not raised. Guess its not a raised bed after all. Anyway, you get the gist.

All lined up on the window sill are little pots of tomatoes, corn, cucumber and peppers. And the tomatoes have sprouted. YAY!!!

Do you home grow? Shall we share photos. OK. I'm going to take photos tomorrow and share.

Shhhhh

*Creeping back into blogland*

Hey All.

Just popped in to say hi and slowly resurrect my neglected blog.

Hope you are all well.

Drop me a line and let me know what y'all been up to. Id love to hear from you.

Much love, as always.
Estee

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.