Mary Poppins

Lovin' Freecycle....

2012-01-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

I was very kindly given these 6 beautiful solid pine chairs not long ago on freecycle, I really like them....

And have some exciting plans ahead for them. I really love the painted look on chairs like these. I have found so much inspiration online and have my little painted chair board on Pinterest if you would like a mooch. A couple of my favourites....

http://www.yvestown.com/

http://roomenvy.wordpress.com/

http://houseandhome.com/

I just love. Though do you think the look is a bit too twee, not very grown up like. I shall certainly have fun picking out my colours as would like a different colour for each chair. I found a lovely pine dresser on freecycle too, but more about that another day. Do you like freecycle, would love to know your most favourite freecycle item....

X

Pink Ikea....

2012-01-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

I look forward to my little shopping jaunts to the blue and yellow store, though I really do not need half ~~most~~ of the things that end up in my trolley, Ikea always seem to have me in the palm of their hand. I have one maybe two items on my list that I really do need to pick up, but then somehow gradually as I walk round I see things that I think oh go on then, you can come home with me.

Firstly I saw these Rosali fleece throws and knew would be perfect for my Rosali themed bedroom and so made my wayover to pop a couple in my trolley ( that my super helpful 5 year old pushed round Ikea all by himself ). Alas they made my eyes go funny, really funny when I looked at them. Now you can't really tell from the photographs but the rosali print on these is really blurry and I thought maybe I had picked up a peculiar one that didn't quite make it properly through the manufacturing process, but no the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and so on all gave me that same blurry look. My blue eyes couldn't cope so back in their own cart they went to stay....

I was tempted to quickly nip back and just get one but I always think of the motto only buy things that make you smile....and these made me squint so not quite the same. If you see, or have seen them would love to know what you think. I saw a cushion I had had my eye on for a while but was quite pricey I thought, so was very glad to see it had been reduced to only £4.99, I love it, is so comfy and really really big infact. Admittedly not on my list but it had been on my *wish* list, so almost counts yes?

Walking round there were more bargains to be had, and I am a girl who needs her storage so in went a couple of these pretty and colourful storage boxes in the sale....

Magazine files ( for my endless home inspiration magazines that are literally everywhere in this house ) these come in packs of four so hopefully many of my magazines shall find new tidy homes....

I was quite tempted with these as they just looked so pretty, but I had to restrain myself....

Though I did get one or two of the 25p ( in the sale) pretty artificial flowers, I have some glass milk bottles that I think these shall look ever so sweet in.

The 5 year old begged me to pop these 49p I think they were, things in the trolley, I haven't a clue what they are but he seemed happy and he was being rather helpful with the pushing of the trolley....

Candles, yes not on my list but I cannot go to ikea without coming home with a candle or two, and these pink paisley ones I thought very nice indeedy. In a couple went....

As were these lovely napkins, and go perfectly nice with the tray I got from there not too long ago....

Eventually I came to the area that I was looking for and got myself a little fabric that I had needed and had been on my proper shopping list all along. The other things, well they just danced their merry way into my trolley, andwhat could I do but take them home with me ;) Do you have shopping habits similar to mine when you go to the blue and yellow store, it would make me feel a bit better if I wasn't the only one....

X

PS Just a little reminder about my last post where you could get you mitts on a fabulous ( £420 ) smartphone

Fabulous LG Optimus 3D Phone Giveaway!....

2012-01-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Well its that time of year again where the pennies really start to count and I have to get myself into a *do I really need that* kind of thinking when out shopping, believe me, being the shopoholic I am tis hard, very hard. Doesn't one always NEED things that make us smile :) Now what is hopefully going to make you smile is the opportunity to win a fantastic LG Optimus 3D Mobile Phone, ( retailing at £420 sim free ) this is one cool phone, let me tell you a little about it....

* The world's most powerful smartphone with 3D.
* The high-performance smart phone lets you record, view and share 3D content without glasses.
* 4.3" WVGA display provides bright images allowing users to view 2D and 3D multimedia content.

Not bad huh? And here is what this baby looks like....

Getting one of these little charmers sent through the post would certainly cheer one up in these money saving times I would think, and money resolutions is what I would like to ask you about. You could be in with an opportunity of winning this fantastic phone, which has been offered by Tesco Mobile who are promoting their ever popular capped tariff's....

• Ensuring your monthly bill is never more than the cost of your tariff

• This is done by fixing your tariff so you can only use your inclusive minutes, texts and data

• The ability to top-up your account with a Pay as you go top-up, if you run out during the month

• The choice of Capping any contract on any phone across their whole range – a unique offer in the mobile market

You can also watch and listen a little more about Tesco'c Capped Tariff's here....

What I would like to know is what your new year's money saving resolutions are, and like me how you plan on saving money in this new year. Mine would obviously have to be to just not shop ;) However I have been thinking of one or two little ways we as a family can be a little more money saving, and how we can save money. It began with me popping the occasional loose coin or two in our housekeeping fund tin, and it is amazing how much seems to be in there already. We are nearly ready for the big tin opener to pop by and see exactly how much money that would have been well spent ( on tat as my husband says ) by now is in there....

You have up until midnight 20th January to share your money saving resolution/s with me and a winner of the fabulous phone shall be picked shortly afterwards. Please make sure you have a valid email address so I can contact you and unfortunately on this occasion this giveaway is only open to UK residents.

Good luck
Thank you for all your entries, congratulations to Nicki who was picked out of the hat :)

X

Disclosure: For running this competition on behalf of Tesco Mobile, I received a shopping voucher for Tesco.

Bobble Hat and A Chair....

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

I think at heart I am a traditional girl, I just love things to have that lovely handmade, homespun feel about them. Take this lovely bobble hat that Jesse made for Master Poppins via her folksy shop here I was searching for a handmade hat for him on there, and Jesse contacted me to say she had an idea of what I had in mind and I just LOVE what she came up with. I love watching him bobbing along and the cute bobble having it's own little dance on his head. I often gets remarks on it by passers by that it is lovely to see a traditional looking bobble hat and they all smile when they find out it has been handmade. Who is not smiling however is little Mr. Gingerbread, one of Master Popps' favourite treats. Oh no he is not a happy chappie at all....

They just love biting their little heads off don't they. Talking of traditional I saw this lovely chair that seemed to be going for a reasonable price in the second hand shop. I really liked it and thought would sit in quite well with my interior, though I just couldn't make a decision. I don't know what you think but it was very comfy and I could certainly see one or two of my pretty handmade cushions on it. Though do I really need ANOTHER chair? I do seem to have a thing for them....

Well I left with no chair but now have one of those *wish I had got it now* feelings, but there we are, hopefully it has gone off to a new lovely home and all that ( or else I could just give them a little tinkle and see if it is still there ). The vintage look is so in vogue right now, and I can't see it fading fast. What do they call it, Granny Chic? If so, well I can't get enough of it ;)

Domestic Goddess....

2012-01-04T09:33:00.001-08:00

Here is a little bargain Christmas present I was given ( by myself ) to help and encourage me to be that domestic goddess I crave to be. Nigella is one of my favourites, having met her twice at book launches she has always been friendly to chat with, and her books do look very nice all lined up prettily on my kitchen shelf :)

I think it shall take more than one book to turn me into a domestic goddess, though a girl can dream ;)

X

Love Affair....

2012-01-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Well a very happy new year to you :) I really hope 2012 brings us all many happy times, good health and of course prosperity. I say it every year but doesn't life just fly by, and before you know it another year is upon us. The year 2012....I just can't believe it can you. Talking of what I can't believe, is that after a certain something being on my wish list for what seems like forever, I was handed over one of these on Christmas Day from my lovely Mr. Poppins....

Oh my, I just love playing with it and wonder if I am just the only one who felt this way when they got their first iPhone. I have probably been boring my already iPhone owner friends asking them all sorts of *boring* questions, but I just can't help it. I am sure I have so much more to learn/find out but I certainly am having fun along the way. My poor husband, I think he may be having second thoughts as my new toy is getting all the attention from me right now ;) I too am loving playing around with Instagram and as a keen photographer know shall be a favourite of mine. When I gave my nails a new look with some nail wraps I found very cheaply from the bargain shop, I couldn't wait to take a photograph using the application....

Oh and again when the little Poppins were all dressed up for the pantomime....

And when visiting lovely castles....

I don't know how long this love affair shall last, indeed it may just be a phase and I shall get bored soon, but the fact I can almost actually have a conversation with it ( Siri ) makes it very entertaining. I am loving Facetime too. So, time shall tell if we can keep this relationship up, infact I am like a little girl with a new special dolly who won't let anyone else ( especially those with *little* hands ) hold or touch it.

Oh dear, seems I have been well and truly *iPhoned* ( people who fall in love with their iPhones ) please tell me I am not the only one....

X

Christmas Eve....

2011-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

From my little corner of the world I wish you a very safe, warm and happy christmas....

I love christmas, especially having a young family, it brings me so much joy to see the excitement in their faces on Christmas Eve, and reminds me of the anticipation and excitement I had as a child. I couldn't help but share these words about children and love which I find very inspirational. Sometimes it is not easy being a parent, especially at Christmas when there may be so much pressure and the need to give our children what they want. I have learn't this giving as such doesn't have to be of the materialistic kind, yes, my children shall be unwrapping one or two presents on Christmas Day, but personally I belive the greatest gift you can give them is love....

Merry Christmas one and all....

X

Innovative Christmas Tree....

2011-12-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have a very crafty friend who I think has just come up with a brilliant take on the traditional christmas tree this year. This christmas tree is unique in a good way, very space saving and I have to say very, very pretty with the twinkling lights. I am someone who likes to think out of the box and I just felt inspired to share with you her christmas tree.

Ingredients required were :

Some Plywood
Green Acrylic Paint
A saw ( and a strong arm )
Pretty Christmas Lights
Drill
Decorations For Hanging

After a template of a simple Christmas tree shape had been cut out and painted, it was time to drill 100 holes and get poking the pretty lights through the holes....

It is actually a lot taller than it looks and is so pretty with the twinkly lights....

I have to say I just love it. I may just get her to make me one next year ;)

X

Plaited Fabric Necklace....

2011-12-22T05:35:00.000-08:00

Now the holidays are with us, I find it really relaxing to have a little play with pretty fabrics and get round to making some little things for myself. I always like to wear something handmade on Christmas day so thought I would get round to making a fabric necklace. I needed it to be a quick easy make, so opted for a simple plait design. I gathered some pretty fabric strips, 9 in total about 35" long and around 1-1.5" wide, though really I wanted this to be almost thrown together so didn't really stick to proper measurements....

I simply started by plaiting the first 3 strips together ( I enlisted the help of a child to hold the end whilst I plaited the the strips, makes it much easier and quicker to plait )....

As I wanted the edges as frayed as possible, I gave them a little fray as I went along....

Soon, after I had plaited each of the three strips together I was left with 3 long and very pretty fabric plaits....

After each of the 3 strips had been plaited I sewed both ends of each one securely on the sewing machine ( though of course this can be done just as easily by hand ).....

Then I sewed all 3 finished plaits together....

And simply sewed altogether to form my necklace....

And voila, a pretty necklace to wear on Christmas Day....

I really like the pinkness of it and perfect for this lovely sunny day....

The Little Experience Stitch-It Kit Review....

2011-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite as nice as settling down to some afternoon christmas television whilst doing some Arts And Crafts with the children. I really liked the look of The Little Experience Stitch-It Lucy & Alfie Kit that was sent for Miss. Poppins to have a little play with and to see what she and I thought of it.

This kit includes everything you would need to make up your very own Lucy & Alfie figures, along with a very stylish handbag. You get fabric, stuffing, scissors, a needle, thread and all of which come packed in it's very own adorable pink polka dot mini suitcase.

I have to say everything was of such high quality and I was very impressed with how it looked, really child friendly, and with an age range of 6-12 yrs, it really would make a lovely gift for any little girl who enjoys arts and crafts. Indeed my daughter who especially loves dogs, couldn't wait to get everything out and follow the easy instructions....

We both really liked that Lucy and her oh so cute dog Alfie are printed onto organic cotton fabric....

With really simple cut it....then stitch it instructions....

So, how did we ( or should I say my daughter ) do? Well she really did find the sturdy needle and thick thread a doddle to use and so, so simple. You literally cut around the edges of your figures and handbag, then place together and stitch along the dotted lines. It even tells you when to start and stop, ready for stuffing. She couldn't wait to get going on Alfie the dog, so I left her to do all the cutting, stitching and stuffing, and I have to say, Alfie has turned out superbly.

He really is rather sweet....

She got a little distracted with christmas preparations so didn't quite finish Lucy and the handbag, but now she knows how quick and simple it is, I am sure Alfie won't be without his owner for very long.

So, a really lovely high quality product that in my opinion would make a perfect gift for a special someone. I think it is just the sweetest thing for a child to handmake something of their very own and and in this case when Lucy & Alfie have been made, the child's imagination really can run wild as these new handmade toys come to life and go on little adventures with their maker. I also think the suitcase is such a lovely idea and is a cute item in its own right, perfectly pretty and useful storage that I know any girl would love to keep her treasures in.

A range of crafts kits for boys and girls from The Little Experience are available at alexandalexa and the site offers free worldwide shipping and returns on all orders. UK customers that order before the 21st of December and select express shipping, can still receive orders before christmas and all orders come in beautiful packaging free of charge.

X

Christmas Wrapping....

2011-12-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

I say it every lead up to Christmas "I shall be far more organised this time". But here we are not long left to go till the big day and I still have so much to do....including lots of wrapping. I thought wrapping these little teachers gifts would spur me on and I have to say it has a little....

So my night shall be spent wrapping and wrapping and wrapping....I bet unlike me, many of you have Christmas all *wrapped up* ;)

X

My New Baby....

2011-12-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I have a little someone new to the Poppins house who I would like you all to meet....

Our lovely new family member is an adorable Border Terrier and oh my we have just fallen in love with him. He has only been with us a couple of days, though settling in well. He is 2 and a half years old, and wasn't getting on with another dog who he lived with in his previous loving, family home. Once a female dog moved in next door it caused all sorts of issues I believe. As much as I can understand how upsetting it was for his previous ( lovely ) owner to see him go, she knew it would be far easier to rehome him, than the other one who was being somewhat of a bully. She has told me it makes things a little easier knowing how much happiness he shall give us, and how much he shall be loved. I have to say those eyes of his just melt my heart....

He came with a little name of his, though we may just give him a little nick name, though are undecided. He kind of answers to anything anyway, especially if it involves food ;) I am quite new to the breed, so any tips/advice greatly appreciated. He has been to the vets and is a thoroughly well and healthy dog and he recommended me thinking about using one of these whilst he settles. Though would love to know if they actually work. We have been searching for the right dog for a long, long time so are over the moon with this little fella. I hope he settles in well, and can't wait to take him on the lovely long country walks we have near us....

Little Treats....

2011-12-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

Whilst in Chorlton at the weekend I spied a lovely little Vintage And Craft fair....

Of course I couldn't resist a little peek inside, apologies no photographs, though they do have a Facebook page where you shall find some. I couldn't resist bringing these two little vintage brooches home with me and not bad for only £2.00 each me thought....

I just love Daisy's....

And pink....

So cute....

Of course when I saw the pink frontage to this shop some doors away, had to have a little nose inside too....

Well worth a little visit if you are in the area. Hope you like my little treats, and you have indeed treated yourself lately. Well, it is christmas :)

X

Christmas Tights....

2011-12-10T16:11:00.001-08:00

So don't laugh, although I was doing much laughing when I actually handed over my money for these. You know when you see something and you think....hmmmmm, maybe. Well, I spied these not too long ago on a mannequin in the window display of a store. I enquired and was told they had sold out, that I would find them very hard to find as were selling like hot cakes, and that all the stars are wearing them. Being somewhat of a savvy shopper, I am indeed not one to give up on a *sold out* item, and duly found a pair in Tesco....

I am talking about these Pretty Polly tights....

Yes, yes, yes, I know I shall probably look a right plonka in them, that is if I actually decide to wear them.... I mean they are a bit risqué aren't they? And at my age, blah blah. But there could be an occasion where I may just have a little try on in the comfort of my own home, where no one can see....

Gosh the more I look at them, the more I think WHAT WAS I THINKING OF....But then I think about that little cheeky side of me that whispers into my ear, oh go on, get them on. With the right, classy outfit they could almost look fun and kinda cute even. Then the sensible side of me takes over again, Hellllooo.... I am supposed to be a sensible mother, and should I really be thinking of wearing things such as these, and then at that, even leaving the house in them....

Who knows what I shall decide, which side of me shall win, but I didn't half chuckle when I bought them, and hey the husband, for some reason seems to like them ;)

X

Decorations....

2011-12-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

I am pretty sure I packed them away in order. Nice and neatly, all in their own little boxes. But, when I found this box of decorations, alas it seems I did not, they just tumbled out, all entwined....

I have a feeling I am going to be here forever sorting through this lot, *sigh*....

X

My Vist To John Lewis....

2011-12-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

When I couldn't make a John Lewis blogger event that was being held in London in the Summer, I was contacted and asked if I would like a little personal guided tour of my local John Lewis in Cheadle Now I know this store very well and being the shopper I am, I am often in there browsing the many lovely departments. I also knew my local John Lewis had not long ago had an multi million pound overhaul and among other things it had received some new fancy merchandising, a beauty retreat, a waiter/ess restaurant and new room sets in their home department. How could I resist....When I turned up, I was greeted with a lovely new and very stylish window display....

Then it was time for me to meet the marketing and pr co-ordinator for John Lewis Cheadle, who was a pleasure to meet and certainly knows her stuff....

( Photograph courtesy of John Lewis )

It has to be said, when I first stepped into the new look John Lewis, I felt as though I had landed in a brand new store, and it took me a little while to get my bearings. I couldn't wait to see the new Beauty department....

So swish, and the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a little pampering. You can enjoy a 30 minute facial in the Elemis spa pod, and Elemis even offer a power booster facial for men. I like the sound of their Laura Mercier make up master classes, perfect for groups of friends. What is great is you don't always necessarily need to book an appointment for many of the treatments on offer, so if the shopping all gets a bit too much, you can wander over to the beauty clinics and see if you can have a treatment straight away. The ladies are just the friendliest, and were more than happy to have their photograph taken....

Just outside of the beauty area is the new haberdashery department, and a department I love it has to be said....

Lots of lovely new fabrics to drool over, and I am so tempted to buy one of these as a spare machine, I just adore all the colours....

Oh my, something just so pretty caught my eye, and we made our way over to have a look....

On my christmas list...yet again. Oh I just love it. A visit to John Lewis at christmas has you greeted with many lovely gift ideas and treats for loved ones. Champagne....

Chocolates....

Lovely country style gifts....

Then it was off to home accessories, so sweet....

And we made our way past the infamous jelly fish....

A design concept to highlight many of the wonderful prints, furnishing fabrics, trims and accessories on offer....

Then we went for a little browse around the children's wear department. A department any little fashionista would love....

And I couldn't resist a little mooch at the children's Hunter's....

For me, the toy department, did seem to have shrunk a little, though as it is now on a brand new floor, it could be just the new layout I needed to get used to somewhat....

I fell in love with Hugo ....

And I think a great cause to give one a new home as 25% of the selling price is donated to the RSPCA. I also think their store bear was rather cute....

Women's fashion was indeed a highlight of the evening....

The new display area for the women's bags was very eye catching....

Even menswear caught my eye, I do love a man in pink....

And quite a choice in the shirt and tie department....

Christmas decorations galore....

This seemingly is one of their best selling christmas trees, very minimalist in my opinion....

I however, like much more of a traditional number....

And there was a great choice of christmas stockings to be had....

I have to say my greatest like of the evening was to be found in the homewear department and boy I just loved it....

So, thank you JL for a super guided tour, I had a fun time and spied some very lovely things I may just go back for....

X

CK Pretties....

2011-12-02T06:12:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share with you what I spent my saved up pocket money on at the Cath Kidston store when I was in Manchester the other day. Though I think you may like some pretty photographs of the shop first perhaps. I can be a little fickle over CK. Sometimes, I just can't get enough of it and then at times I find it can be a bit too sugary sweet etc. Though especially at Christmas, oh boy, I just can't get enough of all those pretty things, so cheerful, colourful and utterly lovely.

I fell in love with this wallpaper....

Oh and this little chair....

I could have had a little rest here, not sure about the company though....

So, what came away with me? More pretty wrapping paper....

Oh and some tissue for the *special * gifts....

And a pack of their charity christmas cards....

Christmas gift ideas....

Oh and don't we all have to have a special Christmas mug at Christmas ;)

I have already used the floral candle holder, and popped one one my CK candles in it that were a gift from my mum....

Am all intened to give these Provence Rose ( one of my most favourite prints ) tea towels as a gift, though am quite tempted to keepsie ;)

I have got plans to make a pretty lining for this bag.....

And I had to bring this little reindeer decoration home with me...sooooo cute :)

So that was my little haul, and have to say all pocket money well and truly spent!

Oh by the way have to share the cushion too, bought from Tesco for a song, I know there are so many *LOVE* cushions out there, but this one really took my fancy....

And I guess we all need a little love in our lives....

X

Personalised Child's Book....

2011-12-01T04:39:00.001-08:00

I was so over the moon with the personalised book that arrived from Unique Editions As I was reviewing the book I was able to chose the style I preferred and I really liked the look of The Enchanted Garden Personalising the book and uploading images was really straightforward and it didn't take long at all for the book to arrive. I was almost tearful when I took a peek, he shall love it!

In the book your child, ( accompanied by a sister, aunt, or parent etc ) discovers the delights of the garden and all it's flowers, animals and insects....

So cute....

And I love the one of his big sister....

Oh, and as for the snail....

And the caterpillar....

In my opinion this is a really high quality personalised book for your child. I have ordered personalised books before when the children were very little and they where nowhere near as lovely and professional looking as this little number. It shall encourage his reading, and is so nice that both himself and his big sister are in there together, with their names too. Hopefully he shall just adore it! I have wrapped it up, and am going to give it to him on a certain day this month ;) There is also a Facebook page you can visit to keep up to date with all the Unique Editions going's on.

X

Happy Days....

2011-11-30T15:34:00.001-08:00

Today has turned out to be a happy day. Although at first it was a day I was building myself up to with fret and worry. It was the day of Master Poppins' check up heart scan to see all was well after his cardiac ballooning when he was three months old and, as he was a very premature baby, a little over 7lbs in weight. I was so proud of how good he was during the scan....

And happily all is well. Although his cardiologist would have like to have discharged him, there is a little leakage which is common with the procedure he had when he was a baby, so he shall be keeping his eye on him until he is 18. So, we shall be back again in 3 years for his next check up, but I have been assured he is as fit as any 5 year old, can do competitive sports, has a lovely, healthy colour to his skin, and I know I need not fret or worry. But hey us parents, it is par for the course I guess. I am just so very grateful that clever cardiologist man, whose arm you can see there fixed my son and I can never ever thank him enough.

So as we were all in happy spirits we trundled off to Manchester...We were all going to go on The Wheel though two of us backed out ;)

So we mooched around the Christmas Markets The Poppins children loved this sparkly little stall....( and I did ;)

I had to have a little spend of my pocket money here....

Of course I am sure you would just be bored silly with my sharing what I bought....;)

Hope you all had happy days too....

X

Memory Foam Pillow....Could It Be The Answer?

2011-11-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

I am somewhat of a poor sleeper, actually although I say that, I can sleep for England when I want to. On trains, comfy sofa's etc....But when it comes to my own bed I often struggle to get comfy and my neck often aches a little on waking. I have tried hard pillows, soft pillows, 1, 2, and sometimes even 3 pillows ( wouldn't recommend the 3 by the way) but just never seem to feel I have found the perfect pillow. Sleep is so important, so what we sleep on must be just as important. When Bedstar sent me a couple of their memory foam pillows I was very eager to try them out....

Well the models on the packaging certainly look comfy enough. On opening you do get this in my opinion quite strong plastic-y smell, I don't know if this is the packaging or normal for memory foam but after a quick spray of my lavender pillow mist it did seem to get better. The first thing I wanted to do was pretty them up and so popped one of my rosali pillowcases on....that's better.

So, a couple or so night's sleep later what did I think? To be honest I did find the memory foam a little on the hard side for my liking and although I slept well, was aware of it being harder that my normal pillow. I may get used to it of course and I did find it perfect for propping up and having a good read. Quite possibly it is the best pillow I have used for sitting up comfortably in bed. So, all in all quite a nice pillow and as memory foam is quite new to me it has been interesting trying it out and it has certainly got me looking at other memory foam options that are out there. So I shall keep with it and soon maybe all those little aches on waking may be a thing of the past. Or, perhaps I shall wake up to the realisation that those little aches are just me getting dare I say it....getting old ;)

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

X

Pretty Little Press Release....

2011-11-28T11:21:00.001-08:00

It was really lovely and very flattering to see this little blog of mine mentioned in Popular Crafts magazine that I picked up from the newsagent over the weekend....

I always maintain this blog has always been a creative outlet for me in many ways, I love writing, crafting, taking pretty photographs, talking about my family, and of course I love to shop. So this blog is kind of like a documented journey of all things I enjoy. So very lovely that others have enjoyed it enough to spread the word.....Thank you

X

Jingle Bells....

2011-11-24T14:47:00.001-08:00

I think making these pretty christmas hearts for my Folksy shop is getting me all festive....

I even took my merry self off to hunt out the christmas decorations, ( doesn't it just seem like yesterday that they were all being packed away ) and yes I know is verrrry early but one or two decorations have even gone up, like this giant polka dot christmas bell....

Having quite a traditional husband who likes the decorations to go up on Christmas Eve, I just can't wait that long, and bit by bit they go up until I have taken up almost every space in the house with either a christmas candle, bauble, fabric heart or some kind of christmas decoration ;) I do it subtly, each day just a little something here, something there, and so on.... By Christmas Eve they are all up looking all shiny and beautifully christmas like.

Is it far too early for you, or, like me, is there a sneaky little christmas decoration hiding in a corner of your home?

Cute Soaps....

2011-11-20T04:34:00.001-08:00

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback on my little makes, I think you can guess rather than dreaming of a white christmas, it is quite a pink christmas I dream of here in the Poppins household ;) So, having mentioned the book I am really enjoying in my last post, I had to get on with just a ickle something inspired from it. We have somewhat of a poorly household here and so need to do something pretty whilst playing nurse and also getting myself better. I couldn't help but just wrap one or too really cute little presents for christmas....

I was inspired by this photograph in the book of soaps wrapped up as little gifts....

Cute huh? And not many pennies would need to be spent I am sure. Good quality packs of soaps can be picked up cheaply from the supermarkets, and when I spied these pretty and very inexpensive soaps at a local craft fair, well, I couldn't leave the poor things behind could I?

Of course I couldn't, and I just thought they would look the prettiest little things all wrapped up in their Christmas coats....

Oh yum!! I love the velvet ribbon and am not sure I could bear to unwrap them. Wouldn't they look so cute on a little vintage dish. However much I love these they are not for keepsies and I shall be wrapping lots more to go to lovely friends and family this christmas, I may even make up special little christmas bags packed with delicious little pretties. Here is one I made a start on....

I am sure it is normally well into the christmas month before I start getting all festive, and think about presents etc etc. Maybe my organisational head is taking over, maybe it is the pretty christmas paper I use that just makes me yearn to wrap presents. The realisation that my dear mother in law, who loved christmas, being around people she loved and who loved her shall be missing this christmas makes me sad, but also makes me realise how very much we need to enjoy life, live for the day. I am so grateful and blessed to have my family around me, and for me christmas time is not just about pretty presents, but a time of quiet reflection too....

Are you feeling any christmas flutters yet?

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Homemade Christmas....

2011-11-18T10:17:00.001-08:00

At this time of year, one can often find me beavering away at the craft table making pretty decorations for christmas. I don't really go in for the traditional in the sense when it come to christmas fabrics, but I like more of the quirky, unusual and in my opinion quite girly fabrics....

I have to have some pink in there....

And I really enjoy making christmas stockings for special little ( and sometimes big ) people....

I love this christmas tree fabric, so pretty....

So many peeps are handmaking these days rather than going and buying the factory produced stuff and I really think this is brilliant, giving a handmade gift just can't be beaten. I have to say I am really enjoying my new book Homemade Gifts Vintage Style

So many different and lovely handmade ideas in there, all I need now is the time to make them ;)

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It's A Tea Towel Thing....

2011-11-13T03:59:00.003-08:00

We all know I have a thing for tea towels so when I was asked by the team at All Tea Towels if I would like to choose a couple of tea towels from their delicious website to try out, of course I couldn't resist. They have such a big range on there, and found it very hard to choose. So I got little Miss. Poppins to help me out and I let her choose one for herself. As we are a family who don't own a dishwasher, and all washing dishes duties are done by hand, I think it may encourage her to help out with drying the dishes a little more if she has her very own tea towel. Of course I knew she would want to choose something animal related, and wasn't at all surprised when she opted for this cute white terrier tea towel....

I have to say it has done the trick and she happily helps out when I call her to help me with the dishes. These are really good, high quality tea towels, I have been very impressed, and they wash really well too. When it came to me having a little choose for my very own tea towel, being the old romantic I am, and having honeymooned in wonderful Paris, I went for this pretty number....

Oh my, I just love it and whilst drying my pretty dishes am taken back to happy memories of a snow covered Paris, and walking hand in hand with my new husband along the Champs Elysées.... So if you are thinking of bringing a touch of tea towel magic into your kitchen , I would say this lovely website is well worth a visit.

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