My Place...

Crochet Minion Hat Pattern

2014-01-15T17:13:00.001+00:00

The generosity of some people still amazes me! Thank you so much for this awesome FREE pattern, once I find a good yellow I'll be giving it a whirl :)

Crochet Minion Hat Pattern

:)

2013 summed up

2014-01-14T12:57:00.000+00:00

As we turn a page into a new year, and a new chapter, most of us reflect on the year behind us. It's rarely all good; but rarely all bad either. Here's a few high and low lights of my 2013.

January signifies birthdays for 3 of my boys. January of 2013 they turned 11, 15 and 19. My first born turned 21 in July! How time flies.

March was the month we decided we'd had enough of our excess fat. I joined Slimming World (once again) and the much more determined journey began. Gavin joined in at home and we made progress immediately! By November we had both lost 3½ stone (49lbs/22kgs) each!! Dropped a few clothes sizes and began to feel 'normal' again. We wouldn't have done it without the solid support of each other... and of course and my fab Slimming World consultant who kept me focussed when I needed it (Thanks Sam! x).

We had a few new members of the family arrive during 2013 too! In April our nephew, Hunter was born! July welcomed our great niece, Annabel and very soon after in August, our great nephew Milo joined us! ☺ Lotsa babies!!

June. Gavin and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! I love him so much! ♥

August was my birthday. My 40th birthday to be exact!! I had a great day; as I was determined to do so. I had my 'OMG I'm going to be 40' melt-down shortly after my 39th birthday, so it was well out of the way for spoiling things. I loved every minute of my day ☺♥

August was the beginning of a short but nerve-racking experience. I had a recurrence of some sensory/nerve issues earlier in the year and was sent back to my neurologist for some further tests. September, I had nerve conduction studies and an electromyography, neither which were very pleasant! Followed by the all important MRI scan. October had me going back to see the neurologist for my results. I was told I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). I blogged about this HERE if you missed it ☺

September saw my youngest son move from primary to secondary school! This has happened way too soon...lol. It doesn't seem that long ago that he was starting school!

October found me in a new job! ☺

And November gave me good news about my back. I've had pain in my back for such a long time but an MRI (yes, another one) showed nothing of any concern. It's definitely a muscular issue and not nerve or skeletal which is good for me as there's no surgery involved just hard work trying to get it working properly again.

...and that's about it. That sums up my 2013!

So what are my 2014's resolutions?

To try and be more optimistic or is that less pessimistic?
To get fit. Starting with a swimming membership in January.
Learn more about MS.
Crochet more....heehee!

Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year!

Gold heaven

2013-12-31T19:07:00.000+00:00

A long lost taste of nostalgia! My Nana always had these Elizabeth Shaw chocolates at Christmas time. Haven't had any for such a long time so when I spotted them at the local shop I just HAD to have some!

Does anyone else remember them?

☺

Toast love!

2013-12-31T17:54:00.000+00:00

Enjoyed a simple but delicious breakfast this morning. Sometimes it's the little pleasures in life that are truly enjoyed.

☺

Sprouts!

2013-12-29T11:32:00.003+00:00

Sprouts! Love them or hate them you have to have them at some point during the Christmas holidays! Today is our day!

Crocheting Christmas

2013-11-14T15:34:00.000+00:00

I've decided to do it old school this year and make a lot of Christmas decorations instead of looking at what's 'trendy' in the shops. Of course the easiest way I can accomplish this is by crocheting! Here's a few bits I have at the moment...

I only have a few of these made so far, but I have about a dozen or so smaller ones in a different style.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I tried this Christmas tree first of all as a sample. I made it 2D so I could hang it like bunting but I'm not sure I really like it yet.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

This one I made 3D and without the trunk. I think I like the plumpness of this one. Maybe a few more and different colours and I'll decide!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Hmmmmm, I wonder what else I could make? Any ideas fellow followers?

Autumn

2013-11-14T15:02:00.000+00:00

I just love the warm colours of autumn. Here are a few snaps I took a couple of weeks ago in Pavilion Gardens and at The Slopes. I think it might be time for a revisit to see the colour change :)

New MS blog I'm following

2013-11-05T11:48:00.001+00:00

My MS Odds

I thought this blog had an easier understanding of MS and who it can affect :) x

Finally a diagnosis

2013-10-18T11:57:00.000+01:00

OK so here we go. Yesterday I had to go back to my neurologist to get my results from my brain /cervical spine scans.

I have Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

MS in a nutshell is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms), my diagnosis being the former.

Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely; however, some may remain permanent. The last time this happened to me was in 2007 which left a slight numbing of my left little and ring finger. My recent attack which was about 6 months ago has all but gone away now just leaving my hands feeling very slightly numbed, this may/should improve but there's nothing to say it will disappear for good. There are many symptoms and variations of MS which seems to be affecting me in the sensory aspect as opposed to motor (which is good for me).

There is no saying when this will happen again or if it will happen again. There are no clear cut rules as there is no known cause. My neurologist did say that there is no need to be pessimistic about it and that there is no reason I can't live a normal life. He also believes that my back pain may be unrelated and is now sending me for another scan on my lower back!

Although it would be nice not to have a diagnosis that's with me for life, I do think it could have been a damn sight worse! If I have issues to deal with I guess I'll deal with them; I can't change things. I will have the support and information I need from an MS nurse should I need it. I know I have Gavin too which is a great support!

So there we go. No more poking, prodding and needle jabbing!

Would love to win this for a lovely lady I know x

2013-10-14T21:18:00.001+01:00

Post by Naughty shorts.

...part deux

2013-09-26T22:12:00.003+01:00

...well I found one! An older pic of myself that's a little more than head and shoulders.

So, part two of my comparison pics so far...

Weight loss comparison photo

2013-09-21T09:30:00.002+01:00

Just a little comparison photo I made; for my own benefit but I thought I'd share it with the world.

On the left was taken October 2011 and on the right just a few days ago; September 2013.

I've lost 3 stone so far which also converts to 42lbs or 19.05kg

I'm currently trying to find a full length photo of myself for another comparison. Thing is; when I've had a pic taken and I didn't like it I've deleted it; digital photography at its best!

Pizza heaven!

2013-09-01T12:24:00.000+01:00

This would go down VERY nicely in our house! :)

Bakewell Bank Holiday

2013-08-26T18:23:00.001+01:00

We made a last minute decision to go to Bakewell today seeing as though is was a Bank Holiday and the sun was shining! The bus ride there and back was horrible though! Packed with standing room only a lot of the time and VERY rude, impatient travellers. But... we had a lovely day :)

I took my camera! Here are a few snaps:

Magic with hook and needles: Flower Applique

2013-08-25T16:22:00.001+01:00

I found a new site today.

Gonna have to try this for starters!

FLOWER APPLIQUE

Birthday goodies!

2013-08-22T21:23:00.000+01:00

I finally got a new camera for my birthday! WOOHOO! (Thanks babe ♥)
It's a Panasonic Lumix LZ20...

I also got a digital photography book to try and teach myself as much as I can and a large SD card so I don't have to worry about camera storage. I got jewellery, money, gift voucher, flowers, a plaque (about cats), a coaster, a lovely chunky cardigan and lots of cards. I got a balloon too! I've always wanted a balloon for those 'special' birthdays; and now I have one!

A few pics I've taken....

♥

2013-08-13T21:15:00.000+01:00

A little birthday present to myself...

... a symbol of the love I have for Gavin; my husband, soul mate and best friend to whom I am completely devoted to and adored by ♥

Time

2013-08-05T21:13:00.000+01:00

Where has it gone? Time. Where has it gone?

I remember my mum saying to me when I was a little girl “just wait until you’re older; time will fly!” boy she was right!

I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately. It’s probably due to the fact that my 40^th birthday is just over a week away. Thinking about mum and dad. Remembering family times and holidays, mushroom picking, climbing trees and running through the long grass with Rinty our mongrel mutt. Christmases, tragedies and triumphs, spending my summer holidays in Skegness with my nana. Being dependant on someone not having so much responsibility; something you know nothing about as a child, but looking back on it kinda makes you realise how much was done for you that went unappreciated.

I miss mum and dad.

I married young and eventually divorced and have four sons as a result. The eldest being 21 still amazes me. I don’t feel much older than that myself; mentally anyway. My ‘baby’ being almost 12. Again, where has time gone?!

Finding and marrying the love of my life and soul mate has to be one of the best experiences of my life. I’m so lucky and thankful! Also for the family I’m now a part of; the family that treats me like their own without making me feel like the black sheep! I love them all.

There are things that I would change in my past but as I see it, if I changed one thing in my past would I still be where I am today? Probably not. I have made lots of poor decisions but there’s nothing I can do about it so there is no point wasting time with regrets. There is no point wasting time on feeling bitter or hatred either.

I've learned that it's best to just look forward and do the best you can to get where you want to be, and treat people the way you expect to be treated and things should be OK. We have our goals and I look forward to them every day, trying to stay focused on them during the bad days especially. I know we’ll get there eventually!

Back to my looming birthday. I’ve never been one for having parties; I only recall one in my entire life when I was either 8 or 9. I don’t remember anything about it at all! Now this year is a milestone I guess and I have decided that I don’t want to let it slip by unnoticed. By unnoticed, I mean for me; not the whole world. I will not spend the whole day in the house doing chores and playing games on the laptop or even crocheting. I will in fact make a point of going out for the day, unsure of where yet, but out! I am also going to have dinner out at my favourite Chinese restaurant. We can’t do this often due to finances, but I made sure this year that that problem won’t get in the way. My birthday present is also going to be a little more extravagant than normal! I am treating myself to a little present too which I’ll have in a couple of days, you’ll have to watch this space if you want to know more.

2013-08-04T20:06:00.003+01:00

SNOW!

2013-01-27T16:31:00.000+00:00

I love the snow! Well, let me rephrase that. I love the snow as it's falling, whilst I can photograph it undisturbed and especially during Christmas. Once it's here and I have to walk through it day after day, trudging and slipping, mopping and drying floors and shoes, struggling with 4 pairs of socks and trying to pull my boots off with no help then you can keep it! When it's melting and it's all slushy and dirty it's disgusting!

But... I do love snow!
OK?

Yeah you believe me ;)

A n y w a y . . . here are a few pics I took over the last week or so.

Ok... more than a 'few'. The last one is Ethan and George playing. This was SO cute. George was purring because he could see Ethan playing in the back yard; he ADORES Ethan! Ethan then started throwing snow around and ended up throwing snowballs at the window and George was trying to catch them. He was purring and meowing... super cute!

x

Wool Winder

2013-01-18T21:19:00.001+00:00

After receiving a gift certificate for Christmas (thank you very much again) I just HAD to buy for my crochet addiction. I decided on a wool winder, I was a little dubious at first as to whether it was worth it or not. I soon found out. It's GREAT!

OK, so wool is already wound right? Well yes, in a fashion. Once in a project I am forever yanking on the ball of wool to loosen some free whilst watching the rest of the ball roll off into the middle of the room so then I have to get up and fetch it. This is a real pain when you're concentrating. When I have hooks, needles, stitch markers, notepads, pens etc. balanced all around me on the sofa.

The wool winder is a marvellous piece of equipment that allows you to re-wind it. The ball of wool is then compacted and the wool then feeds from the inside of the ball instead of the outside, therefore preventing the ball taking a walk around the lounge; usually closely followed by a cat (or two in my case).

This is how the wool looks when I buy it...

This is how it looks after being rewound...

This is what I've done so far...

It's really quite addicting! I have quite a few more balls to wind yet but once they're done it's going to leave me SO much space in my storage cupboard that I might have to buy some more!! WIN WIN!

If anyone has any doubts about buying one, I would say YES! Go for it :)

x

INFO: How to Soften Super Saver Yarn

2013-01-13T11:31:00.001+00:00

Craft Sauce: How to Soften Red Heart Super Saver Yarn:

by Katie Stevens

Manners cost nothing

2013-01-12T08:01:00.001+00:00

Well it's a hot honey and lemon tea day today. There are so many germs going around and working with the public doesn't help. This has been coming on for a few days with various mild symptoms; so the medication has already commenced!

I'm am sometimes amazed and completely bewildered by the complete disregard that people have towards others. Adults that cough and sneeze without a thought of covering their nose and mouth; spreading their infectious germs. It's a scary epidemic when you think about it. Their parents either didn't try or just didn't try hard enough to teach them proper manners. They will probably have children, if they haven't already, and do the same to them and so on and so on.

I grew up with the knowledge that manners cost nothing, how true. It was also great to hear as a parent how well-mannered my own children were when they were young. Yet we suffer due to the ignorant and inconsiderate.

Rant over. Time for work!

Birthday owl

2013-01-10T19:07:00.001+00:00

This lil lady was made for my boss' birthday today.
It's my favourite so far and she loved it! I especially like the big flower button I used, it's surprising what you can pick up on a market stall.

Girlie Owl

2013-01-02T18:30:00.001+00:00

Oops, I did it again...

Pattern from HERE