bligger blogger

Blue Skies

2012-01-11T22:56:00.000Z

I awoke this morning to pea soup...could barely see across the road I tell you!

Why the blog title then? Well, within about 30 mins of getting up, the sun had burnt off the mist and gloom to reveal the most gorgeous blue sky day!

View from my back door this morning

Couch to 5k update: day off today, but feeling less achey. HOWEVER, I am due to start week 2 tomorrow! This is up'ing the amount of time I run for...wish me luck!

It rained...

2012-01-08T19:43:00.001Z

...but I still did my Couch to 5k.

I have only one more session from week 1!! Eek

Rest Day...BLAH

2012-01-07T16:07:00.001Z

Am I the only one struggling with this, the first real weekend of the New Year!?

It has felt a real blah day today - the decs were packed away on Monday which forced some housework. Washing was caught up on during the week...so nothing in particular to do (I say that - I can see from where I am sitting at least 3 things that need doing, but have no desire or inclination to do them)...see - BLAH.

Must be time to just sit and chill with these guys.

Cto5K Update - it is a rest day today.

I have run 2 days in a row. I came in yesterday feeling great - had a shower etc and sat down to work. 2 hours later I could barely get out of my chair!!! I guess that is good? The GOOD NEWS is that I don't feel half as bad today so I am hopeful I will feel fine tomorrow when I need to get back out there.

Please don't let it rain tomorrow for fear I might be put off and I can't handle that so early on in this process!

I've started...

2012-01-06T17:22:00.001Z

I don't like exercise but I like to get outdoors

I don't like exercise but I like the way it makes me feel afterwards

I don't like exercise because I am fat and it hurts!

I don't think I have ever made a NY's resolution in my life (or not that I remember), and I am not going to break with that for fear of getting to December and feeling a big failure...

Having said that, yesterday I went for a run...and you know what - it HURT!! (Big surprise there huh!)

But you know what else? For the first time in quite a while - I felt energized ALL DAY.

Taken from Pinterest - originally from http://eisymorgan.blogspot.com

So today, I did it again.

Now I say run...any small child walking at a reasonable pace could have probably kept up with me - but hey (to steal a saying I also saw on Pinterest) I was still lapping everyone on the couch!!

Having confided in my sis (who already runs) what I did yesterday she pointed me in the direction of THIS SITE (it is actually the NHS site and a free set of podcasts to get you from the couch (no exercise) to running for 30 mins (about 5k) in 9 weeks!

So...

I have begun the Couch to 5k with the intention of RUNNING my first Race for Life this year. I have walked them in the past, but this year I want to RUN it.

Happy New Year everyone... x

Happy new Year

2012-01-03T22:43:00.001Z

I know, I know I haven't blogged since June! JUNE I tell you!!!

I don't even think there will be anyone left reading this.

Can't explain it - just NOT got the blogger mojo, so considering shutting this space down...will have a little think and see.

Hope you all (if anyone is reading this) had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year to you all

Close Up

2011-06-01T21:25:00.000+01:00

This little fella was in the garden this afternoon... I went out expecting to sit on the back step and observe, but he didn't seem to mind me being there and I managed to sit on the lawn about 3 feet away!!!!!!

Isn't he cute!

That was until Bella came out and chased him away.....

Twice!

Garden round robin

2011-05-31T22:42:00.001+01:00

After a very dull Bank Holiday weekend, today the sun finally came out, still in my PJ's, my camera and I went on a little tour around the garden/greenhouse as everything is growing!

Foxglove - the bee's are loving these

Strawbugs in the Greenhouse

Peas getting fatter - will any actually make it INTO the house this year (never mind a saucepan)

Spring Onions

Miniature Basil - so sweet and fragrant

Mini Cucumbers - these are a first for us so getting quite excited

Tom's in full flower - we have some small cherry ones and big beefy ones

Lettuce

Our very first apples - these are the Bramleys

More Strawbugs outside this time
(a little experiment and the birds are loving them)

Our mass of Razzers - can't wait for these later in the summer/autumn

Hope you all had a lovely weekend

Calling Bhav!

2011-05-28T17:16:00.001+01:00

POST EDIT: Bhav has now been traced and Dolly will be posted on Tuesday to her new owner Vibha!

OK so I have sent another email to my winner "Bhav".

If i haven't heard anything by tomorrow morning UK Time, then I will draw another winner using Random.org

Watch this space!!!

...

Anybody out there?

2011-05-28T09:19:00.000+01:00

What do I do?

I have emailed my winner, and announced it here, but NO RESPONSE?

We are supposed to get our prizes in the post by the 30th!

Do I redraw? How long do I wait?

Advice please!!!

And the winner is.....

2011-05-26T09:52:00.001+01:00

WOW - I am overwhelmed by the response I have had to my little giveaway!

153 comments!!!

This morning I let Random.org choose the winner and that winner is:

This is Bhav with the comment:

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I will email you ASAP to get mailing details and which name you would like embroidered!

THANKS to everyone who took part in the May Day Giveaway - it was FUN!

May Giveaway Day!

2011-05-22T22:09:00.000+01:00

Sew Mama Sew's May Giveaway Day

So - we have reached the day and I am pleased to say that I have finished my item!!!! This is the first time that I have participated and the first giveaway that I have done (eek!)

Ok so here is my item:

Dolly needing a home!

Closer view of friendly face

Close up of feet due to the cuteness of buttons

If anyone would like to give this doll a home, please leave me a comment by Midnight on the 25th May (Next Wednesday). I'll pick the winner using random.org and put the doll in the post by the following Wednesday...oh and I am happy to ship her across the sea's so anyone can comment.

I am also willing to embroider a name of choice onto the doll's dress for the lucky winner

(like I have done on previous dolls - see previous posts)

If you are not interested in my doll, then do go checkout Sew Mama Sew for a list of all the other lovely bloggers participating in the giveaway! (although you might be some time)

A little daunting...

2011-05-21T23:35:00.000+01:00

A while ago I read a post over on Stash Avalanche... it was about May Giveaway Day held by Sew Mama Sew. I have always loved the idea of Give-aways but not felt that I am crafty, accomplished or daring enough to hold one.

However, for some absurd reason I found myself signing up and then somehow chose to forget I ever did it!!

So today, I have been sewing like a banshee (can you sew like a banshee??)...

I am making another Doll to give away on Monday (although I am not sure who would want it?)

I am a little nervous to say the least!

I don't even have any photo's to show you - as I have been busy cutting, sewing, stuffing, embroidering and worrying. She is almost there...I just have her hair to do and some last minute flourishes. I will offer to embroider a name of choice as I have done for the Twins.

Oh and not only have I been cutting, sewing and stuffing ONE doll...but TWO, as I am also making one for a little girl called Grace! Can't wait to get that one in the post next week sometime!

Watch this space on Monday when I need to post my Give Away!

...

I also baked my favourite cake (not that I needed to psych myself up or anything)

Upgrades...

2011-05-14T10:58:00.000+01:00

I decided the dollies needed a little somethin' somethin'...

They got their names embroidered

...and little collars/necklaces

...cute no?

So that is it...they are finished (promise)

The Twins!

2011-05-07T22:02:00.000+01:00

They're finished....really poor photo as late

Hopefully they will find their way to their new owners soon!

One for Jaime
Photo copyright to Marleyman

One for Millie
Photo Copyright to Marleyman

Happy Weekend

Sock Monkey take II

2011-05-06T17:46:00.000+01:00

...although this chap looks distinctly Gorilla like

(arms way longer than his body)

He has a little felt jacket

Making friends whilst climbing the sofa

Bless really didn't notice how short his little legs were....oh well

Next post will show both dollies finished ready for the girlies... I already have the fabric picked out for another one too

Is it just me or...

2011-05-03T17:26:00.000+01:00

...do the blossoms seem INSANE this year.

We have two bushes/trees in our garden, both of which were here when we moved in.

Can you help identify them?

They are both LOADED with blossoms at the moment and are so lovely, I would love to know what they are...

THIS ONE:

Pale pinky white blossoms

AND THIS ONE:

They look similar (ish) but then what do I know?

Thanks in advance for ANY help you can provide...

Conquering my fear..

2011-05-02T23:48:00.000+01:00

Over 3 years ago my lovely Nana gifted me a sewing machine. It is a Singer 4525c and has been looming in a cupboard ever since. It moved to Cornwall with us and took up residence in another cupboard just behind where I sit at my desk in the office.

Poor photo - it was so dull the other day - sorry

It has been calling... but I had the fear.

Of what you ask?

Um...not entirely sure?! Messing it up?

This week I conquered that fear...

I have been off all week and my friend's mum kindly gave us the pattern to a "Polly Anna" doll which she had made for her granddaughter this past Christmas.

(it isn't formally called Polly Anna, but SJ calls her Dolly "Polly has a Dolly" and it morphed from there as we worked)

When I say pattern - I think we would be playing a little fast and loose with that term. When I opened the envelope - this is what was inside...cut outs.

THAT. IS. IT!

A couple of phone calls later, and we knda had the idea of what to do and with SJ's model dolly by our side we preceeded to cut away at our chosen fabrics. I decided to make 2 dolls (one for each of my twin nieces).

Work in Progress - this stage wasn't easy

Work area - do I look like I know what I am doing?

Little cap sleeves

The legs and little shoes

Little lace frill

Face and hair less

One finished - just the hair to do on the other one!

I have to say I am pretty chuffed. This is my first foray into sewing with a machine - it was exciting, scary and at times my nerves were shot!

But look how cute she is!

I have a few finishing touches to do so will post the final photo of both Dolls once complete.

Oh and 'cos I couldn't leave my gorgeous Nephew out - I also attempted a Sock Monkey for him

Meet my first Sock Monkey (he is a little wonky in places)

Really bad photo again as it is nearly midnight and I have only just finished him!

So - haven't I been busy!?

Hope you guys all had a lovely few bank holidays.

I have been off for some 10 days and am back to work tomorrow.

What did you do this Easter?

2011-04-28T21:49:00.001+01:00

:: We climbed Trees ::

:: We saw the most amazing Azalea's ::

:: We had 2 Easter Egg Hunts ::

(one at the house - ridiculously early, and one at Trevarno Estate)

:: We saw DRAGONS ::

:: We held hands and strolled amongst the Bluebells ::

:: We played on a nearly empty Beach ::

:: Where we jumped Waves ::

:: Basically we had a BLAST ::

...In the sunshine!

...and I am not even going to apologise for the ridiculous amount of photo's.

Oh - and this one is for you Diane... found at Prussia Cove

Chippy Supper

2011-04-19T21:23:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, when the evening is as nice and warm as it is tonight - we just have to take a drive out to Sennen Cove for a Chippy Supper, sat on the bench in the bay.

Lovely

Waves...

2011-04-18T19:47:00.000+01:00

Hello

It is particularly high tide at the moment due to the full moon tonight...

We popped to Godrevy on a rather cloudy (but warmish) Friday last week for a quick coffee in between a crazy work schedule

Rather spectacular Waves crashing on the rocks

And Mr Seal popped up just off the rock we were sitting on to say "hi"

Then on Sunday, as the Sun was out - we decided to pop there again for a picnic

Turnstone picking through the Mussels

More great Waves...this time with a BLUE sky

This was our view from our picnic spot!

I will never tire of being able to do this...just a couple of days difference and such different landscapes!

Morning Tea

2011-04-17T10:12:00.001+01:00

I woke up a little earlier than expected this morning (7.30 for a Sunday!?)

Seeing it was Sunny outside I couldn't lie in bed any longer... so I got up, made a cup of tea then went and sat outside (with a blanket). We are lucky to live in a quite cul-de-sac so all I could hear were the birds singing! (Dominated by the seagulls of course)

A quick flick through my Mum's Country Living before it gets posted to France ;)

The tree's are really starting to sprout their leaves...soon we will no longer be able to see the sea

The sun just peaking through... the tree's full of birds and the occasional squirrel

What a lovely start the day!

Have a lovely weekend everyone

Whirlwind...

2011-04-16T11:47:00.000+01:00

I did make it there and back I promise...

The weather was LOVELY (read warm and sunny)

We did some night velibbing around the city

See - BLUE skies...

Since coming back on Monday...work has been CRAZY

I finished off my week with a MIDNIGHT finish last night!

Phew - madness!

So sorry these are a little late!

But we had a BLAST!

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

2011-04-01T18:05:00.000+01:00

...um Easter?

I have been working on these little Easter bags for my gorgeous Nephew and Twin Nieces who are coming to visit at Easter.

They came last year, and I made up a little Easter Egg hunt that took them hopping, walking backwards and whistling around the house looking for eggs! They ended in the Greenhouse where the "big prize" was which for some reason they found hilarious.

I wasn't planning on doing one this year (just hadn't really thought about it yet), but I have been informed by my sister that the "hunt" is all the kids are talking about! It is funny the things children remember.

So - I now have my thinking cap on for imaginative ways for the children to scramble around the house looking for egg shaped goodies - and I think the little bags above will be at the end filled with um...not sure yet. I might try some little felt monsters!

We are also planning to go to the Easter Egg hunt at Trevano... weather permitting!

BUT - I have a little trip in between now and then.... PARIS!

Too Excited

I leave you with a picture of our Camellia which has FINALLY come out!

Such a lovely burst of colour at this time of year

This time next week...

2011-03-30T09:25:00.001+01:00

Short post today, not saying a lot as I am just too excited.

This time next week I will be travelling up to see my sister for the night (actually I am doing her filing!?).

Then the following day I will be off to Paris for 4 days!!!

EEK!

Photo taken on a trip a couple of years ago...

Today I have mostly been....

2011-03-27T20:07:00.000+01:00

SEWING!

Seriously - like ALL DAY!

This is just a sneak peak - I will reveal all (but not for a while)

I am so completely in love with the script font above (another delight from The Book)

I have my nephew and twin nieces coming for Easter - this is 1 of 3!

I have the others cut out I just need to sew...but 10 hours is enough and my hands hurt lol

They will be filled with a little tissue paper and some chocolate treats!

But Shhhh don't tell anyone ; )

What have you been doing on this extra long day?

Cat on the roof!

2011-03-20T12:01:00.000Z

Not one of ours luckily - but this was the next project I have just completed from The Book:

Not the best photo I know...but is't he cute1

I have never been a craft book person for some reason but I am so taken with this one

I am already leafing through the book to see what I am doing next...and I have an idea of what I am going to do with the heart too....more on that later!

Yesterday was another lovely sunny day. We decided to go to Levant Mine and take the walk towards Pendeen Lighthouse. The walk was THAT interesting as it took you away from the coast a little bit - but it was nice. Of course we have a little picnic before we headed back!

The sea was just the most amazing colour and we watched lots of Gannets diving for fish.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend

It's the small things...

2011-03-16T10:17:00.000Z

...that make me happy!

Like the sun coming out again after two days of greyness.

And...

Snakes Head Fritillary - so cute!

Teeny tiny daffs

Bella finding a patch of sun

Bilbo snoozing beside her...

What a life...
and that King Size Quilt on the spare bed....made by my Mum! (Love)

My ABC's

2011-03-15T10:55:00.000Z

Got this from my sister so thought I would give it a go:

A. Age: 35

B. Bed Size: King (and a Tempur mattress which we LOVE)

C. Chore you dislike: Ironing (just so boring, so I haven't done any for about 10 years - luckily my hubby likes it)

D. Dogs: No - more a cat person. Had dog's as a child. Overtime I have learned that I like dogs that are trained and obedient, but scatty dogs make me nervous

E. Essential Start to your Day: Waking Up? I guess a cup of tea but I could take it or leave it!

F. Favourite Colour: Green

G. Gold or Silver: Both really - depends what it is. Rings are generally gold, but watch and earrings silver?

H. Height: 5'7"

I. Instruments you play/ed: I learned Oboe at school but I was kinda crap. Also played the Cornet in the local Silver Band... get bored too easily (bad)

J. Job Title: Strategy & Planning Manager

K. Kids: None

L. Live: Penzance in Cornwall, UK

M. Mum's Name: Hazel (Mum or Moomin)

N. Nicknames: Clarabelle (aren't nick names supposed to be shorter?)

O. Overnight hospital stays: One night when young for suspected appendicitis

P. Pet Peeves: People not clearing up after their dogs (literally a Pet Peeve)

Q. Quote from a Movie: "Woah Dream Big" (from Juno)

R. Just noticed there isn't an R in any of the links I followed from sisters post?

S. Siblings: One older Sister Vix (Vicki). She has lived very far away for a lot of our ADULT life, but now it is my turn. I live 5 hours away but at least in the same country. I so wish I was closer but we do love it here. Please someone invent teleporting - PING and I would be there!

T. Time you Wake Up: Usually around 8am (I know shout at me now all those with children (see K) but I do work funny hours into the night...

U. Underwear: Er yes, always?

V. Vegetable you don't like: Artichokes...seriously what is the point

W. What makes you late: I hate being late

X. X Rays you have had: Ankle (bad sprain) and teeth I guess

Y. Yummy Food you make: Lasagne, Sour Cream Coffee Cake - (I was a chef for years)

Z. No Z either... Zzzzzz are you all still awake?

Learn anything? Go on - give it a go

Azure Blue

2011-03-13T18:24:00.000Z

No touch ups here....just look at the colour of that sea

We woke up to superb sunshine this morning. The biggest and bluest skies we have seen in a long time. We were up early (for us) and Kenny made some fresh Sausage Rolls and Eccles Cakes for our picnic.

Spring board type rock...very scary

Also in our picnic were apples & cheese and hot coffee. We walked in total about 6 miles we think from Lands End to Gwennap Head - very up and down so my legs and butt are aching a little now.

Chough - Kenny managed to get quite close.
He was making such a lovely noise!

...and having a little scratch!

Wheatear - a bit blurry as this is incredibly zoomed and cropped (couldn't get close to these at all!)

What a day....we are so so lucky!

First little project from The Book

2011-03-12T17:16:00.001Z

I have flicked through The Book several times now and the below heart jumped out at me each time. I haven't done any cross stitch for a good while... so I think I would get something going to get me back into it. That is why I love this book so much I think - that instant gratification thing! (well not quite instant but two short evenings work)

Excuse the crappy photo - the light is bad but I didn't want to wait!

This is worked on 18 count Aida, with a kind of dark raspberry colour (Anchor 1019)

I popped to Truro today, and managed to find some Linen (32 count) in a dark natural colour.

Now - what shall I stitch next!

Look what we found!

2011-03-10T22:33:00.001Z

Coffee and Sour Cream Coffee cake at Priest Cove

Yesterday was lovely and sunny so we packed coffee and cake and went to Cape Cornwall. I would have blogged about this yesterday...but I was way too excited about The Book.

Look what we found

Apparently this is a "spiny starfish"
Corrections on a post card please

Close Up - the colours were amazing

Amazed at how they move!

I love rock pooling...amazing what you see!

Soooo excited - who would have thought it!

2011-03-09T17:02:00.000Z

So readers will know that this is not a craft blog. I skip around and flirt with the world that is craft quite a lot and often have grand idea's but some how they don't seem to come to fruition? Honestly I have no idea why?

Am I too lazy?

Do I think it is silly?

Do I think I will turn into my Nana overnight?

Erm... No, No and No

(hee hee well kinda yes to the last one but that is going to happen anyway right - and if my Nana is anything to go by - or my Grandma then bring it on I say - AMAZING/INSPIRING WOMEN!)

Today, however my creative tendancies have been tickled in quite a serious and unexpected way! I am EXCITED and can't wait to look in more detail at the below book that has just plopped onto my doorstep!

A Rainbow of Stitches

I like small projects - I have learned with the crafts that I have started/tried/abandoned..that I am an instant gratification kinda gal. Things I can do in a night or a week (if I can see progress) are great for me. I clearly have the attention span of a small kitten!

THIS BOOK IS PERFECT!

I have been looking online for a little while for little motif patterns for Cross Stitch which I can use for Cards, Gift Tags etc... I haven't been that lucky. Then - last week MoonCalfMakes posted THIS POST. I immediately and spontaneously visited amazon and delved into my pocketses and made a purchase.

It is chock full of little designs, motifs and ideas that can be added to pretty much ANYTHING

(hubby better not sit still for too long)

Now I need to find some monies for some fine weave Aida/Linen so I can GET STARTED!

Postie goodness

2011-03-03T17:24:00.000Z

Back in January I saw THIS POST on the blog of the very talented Bagladee. Emma was posting about some pressies she had made for Christmas - iPhone covers in leather. Now I don't own an iPhone - but I had just received a Kindle (love love love my Kindle, a whole post on it's own). I had been looking for a cover for it, but most from Amazon are of the folding variety and for me they defeat the object of the kindle being such a delight to hold when reading! Most of my reading happens either at home (don't really need a cover) or when I am away - so I wanted something to protect the screen when I slip it into my handbag (all manner of things can happen in ones handbag!)

So I swiftly contact Emma to see if she could "adapt" the iPhone cover to become a Kindle Cover. I sent the dimensions etc and we had a few discussions about what I wanted on the front - we settled on a little row of beach huts - entirely Emma's idea and just PERFECT for me!

Kindle Cover #1 was received with great anticipation that swiftly turned to frustration as the Kindle wouldn't fit - it was just a little too tight :( Try as I might I just could not get the Kindle to go in! Very difficult to make a cover for a gadget you don't actually own! Emma VERY kindly said to send it back and some additional measuring was done and Kindle Cover #2 was under way! She also very kindly said she would make the first one into a little zip purse - YAY!

Well....I recieved Kindle Cover #2 today and IT IS PERFECT.

and here it is with its little zip purse (this just happens to fit my camera in perfectly)

It has already been on its first outing. Today has been glorious sunshine so we decided to go for a picnic on the beach (perfect Kindle outing). Marleyman had already made some Eccles Cakes this morning so they were packed along with some fresh coffee and off we went!

Coffee and a Sausage roll on Newlyn Beach
(Eccles cake was eaten after and quite without thought of a photo)

Honestly, I didn't think I would LOVE living here quite as much as I do!

Really?....It's March already?

2011-03-02T21:00:00.000Z

I can't believe it is March already. Not only that it, is the 2nd of March!

Work has been busy and the weather has been a little grey recently so we haven't ventured out that much.

I did however have a lovely girlie weekend with my 3 friends up in Manchester last week. It was a belated Christmas Party that we were supposed to do in December when we had all the snow, also it was my Travel buddy's birthday on the 16th (another reason for a cocktail)....OH and my other friend finished Chemo and Radiotherapy just after New Years - so all in all, many cocktails were prescribed!

We started out at a Champagne bar called Epernay where we had a couple of very nice cocktails and some olives! I say started - M and I had already consumed a Kir Royal at her house getting ready...but ssshhhh!

I tried a new cocktail called a Polish Princess (it was yummy and had three blueberries skewered on a cocktail stick...but I can't for the life of me remember what was in it....Ginger, Vodka....and then it all gets a little vague)

From there we walked a little ways to Room... the food was good, but the music was too loud and it was all just a bit "I am here to be seen" kinda style... not really my thing. But we had a laugh giving out our Secret Santa gifts in Feb! Here I had a couple of Cosmo's...I was missing the Polish Princess though....yep you guessed it, after dinner we ventured back to Epernay (and got VERY wet on the way as it had started lashing it down) All in all a LOVELY night. On the Saturday M and I hit the Trafford Centre in style for a spot of retail therapy and met C for lunch too! I have to say since moving to Cornwall, large shopping malls are a little overwhelming, but I managed a few purchases!

Apart from that - not a lot. We have had a few nice afternoons weather wise, and Marleyman has cleaned the greenhouse and started the first lot of seeds!

Take Care

A good end!

2011-02-21T18:00:00.000Z

Most of today was dark, dreary and wet wet wet!

But at about 15.00 - the clouds cleared, the SUN came out and for the first time today we could turn the lights off!

These photo's don't really do it justice, but the sun was lighting up the tree tops at the bottom of the garden as it peeked over the tops of the houses.

Oh and at 18.00 - IT IS STILL LIGHT!

See....a GOOD END to the day

Picnic on the beach

2011-02-19T21:17:00.000Z

Awoke this morning to sunshine. Went to do the shopping and the car said 16c!!!!!

Naturally - picnic supplies were purchased, coffee made when I got home and off to the beach we went!

First picnic on the beach without a coat, hat and scarf this season

LOVE IT

Happy Weekend Everyone

Happy Valentines

2011-02-14T20:33:00.000Z

What a lucky girl I am!

Look what arrived in the post today from a lovely blogger!

(Excuse the poor photo's)

Thanks so much Alex!

er...the chocolate hearts have already gone!

Thank Crunchie it's Friday

2011-02-04T20:55:00.001Z

This week at Chez Marleys:

:: Work has been CRAZY busy ::
(working long and very late hours has taken its toll)

:: The weather has definitely turned - I can hear the wind whistling down the chimney tonight ::

:: We both have colds. I started on Monday and am beginning to feel a little better (ish), Marleyman's started yesterday.. sniff sniff...cough cough ::

:: We finally had a milk delivery!!! ::

(many phone calls and a £10 compensation credit later and I was asked to try again)

:: We are working our way through bags of Clementines in the hope that the Vit C will help with the colds ::

:: I took delivery of a new kitchen bin ::
(I will try not to sound too excited but I love it!)

That is it - too much work and feeling very under the weather has meant no walks and nothing much else really. But hey - it is Friday and we have a visitor on Sunday for the SUPERBOWL!

Happy weekend!

2011 Big Garden Birdwatch

2011-01-30T18:00:00.000Z

I was ready...

This is what I saw in my hour:

(counts are the most at any ONE time in the garden - not total)

3 Blackbirds

4 collared doves

1 Song Thrush

2 Jackdaws

5 Starlings (goodness they do squabble)

7 Chaffinches

3 Magpies

1 Great Tit

1 Black Cap

9 Rooks

1 Grey Wagtail

1 Herring Gull

(just after my hour was up we had 5 Long Tailed Tits but those didn't count)

Milk Shortage...

2011-01-26T12:22:00.000Z

It is official... we are "non deliverable".

Anyone would think I lived up some back alley or out in the sticks...not just off the A30!!

On my THIRD attempt at getting milk delivered, STILL NO MILK!

DairyCrest/Milk&More - you are offically RUBBISH

(at least in this area - I know people reading this have very good experiences with them, which is what introduced me to them in the first place.

I am so dissappointed - do I have to put up with those hideous plastic bottles forever.

More investigation needed!

Milkman do-over

2011-01-25T18:36:00.000Z

I am not about to start bashing my local milkman... rather I am hoping I will see one for the first time!

Back in May of last year I registered with Milk&More to get our milk delivered in "proper milk bottles". However things were NOT meant to be (see this post...and this one)

I was so fed up of seeing THIS in the kitchen (quite a large % of our recycling seems to be plastic milk bottles and it is one of the few things our door step recycling service does not take, so build up till we remember to take them to our local recycling centre)

Excuse the very unsophisticated and rather ugly recycling solution

Well, I am STILL FED UP with those plastic bottles so I am going to try again. I have phoned Milk&More and discussed how unhappy I was with trying TWICE to get milk delivered. They have very nicely called me back after investigation and assured me my service should go ahead with no problems

So hopefully I will see one of these on the doorstep tomorrow morning...

Image courtesy of Milk&More website

Fingers crossed....

Friday Lunchtime...

2011-01-23T11:33:00.000Z

This is where we popped for some lunch on Friday (the coffee and pasty from the previous post are said lunch)

Aren't we lucky!!!!

Catch Up...

2011-01-22T18:47:00.000Z

This week has been mad at work and I haven't felt like blogging. So here are some pics to catch you up!

It has been LOVELY sunny weather here in Cornwall all week. Cold, but endless blue skies. So we popped out a couple of lunch times to grab a breath of fresh air (and a coffee & pasty on one of the days)

The sky in the evenings has had SO MANY colours. PINK this evening

The great garden clean up began today. The whole garden seemed to be blanketed in deadness - leaves and general GUNK. We filled the compost heap, and it is looking a lot tidier now we have a lovely home made layer of compost on the top!

Came in and after a hot shower (it was cold cold cold out there) I baked some Banana Choc Chop muffins. Slightly overdone :( but tasted yummy all the same

So.... that is about it. I am now sat in front of the fire - the dinner is in the oven and I am about to pour myself a glass of wine!

Happy Weekend everyone!

It's days like these...

2011-01-09T17:30:00.000Z

...that remind me why we moved here. It is tough to be so far away from family and friends sometimes - more so in the winter when the weather is bad and plans have to be altered due to snow etc.

But when you wake up to a day like today, make yummy bacon butties to start the day - before tightening the laces on the walking boots ready to set off...what a glorious day!

Lands End (walking to the left) - in the distance is Long Ships Lighthouse

Always wanting to walk just to the "next cove!"

We even did a bit of rock climbing (read clambering).
It was rather steeper than we realised on the way back up!

Right up the TOP on these pictures are our coats, bag etc...

About half way back up!

Kenny taking pictures!

After all that, we needed a coffee and some Lebkuken

What a great day...

What have you all been up to day?

2010

2011-01-05T20:50:00.001Z

Had some fun with Wordle

Slightly bizarre that one of the largest words is SAUSAGE?!?!

(seems it is only picking up words from the first page of the blog and not the whole thing...)

Mirror on the Moon?

2011-01-04T21:09:00.000Z

I am addicted to a BBC 2 programme on for 3 nights called STARGAZING LIVE hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain

Very feeble attempt at star photography - must try harder!

Did you know - we left a mirror on the moon, and every night - someone in Texas (well maybe not an actual person you understand) shoots a laser at it to determine how far and fast the Moon is moving away from Earth (drifting away 3.8cm per year by the way in case you won't be able to sleep at night)

A . M . A . Z . I . N . G

A break in the cloud...

2011-01-03T14:51:00.000Z

Looking at the weather forecast last night - it looked like we might get at least a little brightness today, so I got the last of the sausage meat and a packet of Puff pastry out of the freezer.

This morning still looked promising, so I baked some fresh sausage rolls, along with using the last smidge of mincemeat to eek out 4 mince pies.

We packed them up, as well as ourselves and headed to Cot Valley.

Photo copyright to Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

It was a little cold, but so nice to sit and breathe in the sea air. It feels like we have been inside for such a long time (when really we haven't).

The warm sausage rolls and mince pies were rather nice too!

Happy New Year fellow Bloggers!

2011-01-02T10:11:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone.

My 2011 bring you health, happiness and good fortune!

We've been invaded!

2010-12-30T21:03:00.000Z

But in the BEST possible way...

My sister, BiL and their three GORGEOUS children arrived on Monday evening - and have left today.

We didn't have the best weather - we had great plans for walks on the beach etc etc, however the FOG kept us in somewhat. Tuesday was only a little grey - so Sis, I and the kids went to Tehidy Country Park

William FINALLY plucked up the courage not to drop the peanut and the squirrel played nice!

This is a lovely country park - where the wildlife chase you round the lake for food. If you are scared of birds then I wouldn't recommend it (think of the movie The Birds). At the end of your walk - if you sneak a look behind you - there can be up to...well HUNDREDS of rooks, jackdaws, gulls and ducks following you down the path!!

Millie kept waggling it a little too much! She got there in the end though - it was just a bit too quick to catch on camera.

The kids just love feeding the squirrels - as some will come and climb on you and take nuts from your hand!

They even did a spot of tree climbing...

It turned out to be a lovely morning - the sun came out so made for a beautiful walk.

This is actually a shot hubby took almost 1 year ago at Tehidy

I love that you can take bread, nuts and seed to feed the wildlife with the kids without fear. Even the swans are VERY well behaved. The don't come out of the water or fight (I guess cos they know they are well fed?)

Spot the bread competition - there were LOADS of these Black Headed Gulls (in their winter plumage)

Season's Greetings

2010-12-24T14:12:00.000Z

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A little Christmas Baking...

2010-12-23T21:01:00.001Z

Apart from getting up early in the morning to go pick up the Turkey from the butchers - I think we are just about set! So this evening, some baking was in order - if nothing else to make the house smell even MORE festive!

Mmmm mince pies - lovely sweet crust pastry... with a sprinkle of demerara sugar on the top!

...and of course some little jam tarts to use up the rest of the pastry (these have already been consumed you understand)

If I don't blog again before the big day -

Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ •。★Christmas★ 。* 。*
。 ° ˚* _Π_____*。*˚★ 。* 。*。 • ˚ ˚ •。★
˚ ˛ •˛•*/______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛★ 。* 。*★ 。* 。
˚ ˛ •˛• ｜田田｜門｜ ˚ ˛★ 。* 。*★ 。*•。★*

Santa Claws

2010-12-21T21:51:00.000Z

I love Simon's Cat. This is his new video for Christmas 2010!

Walking on the beach

2010-12-18T14:36:00.000Z

Unlike most of the country it seems, we are NOT covered in snow. We have brilliant sunshine today so decided a bracing walk on the beach was required. We packed our mugs of coffee and a couple of chocolate digestives and off we went...

Godrevey Lighthouse

I am off to do a spot of tidying/cleaning and then a little baking I think!

Happy Weekend everyone - not long now!!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

2010-12-11T21:02:00.000Z

We put our Christmas Decorations up today... I think I might even have to crack open some mulled wine!

Excuse the poor quality of the photo's - the light was terrible...

Twinkle light above the dining room table

Twinkle lights through to the Front Room

Don't twinkle lights just make you smile?

...and of course the TREE

Mittens & Tea

2010-12-07T17:51:00.000Z

Don't hands just look alien when photographed?

My attempt at "proper" knitting - by which I mean actually knitting with a purpose!

Made up pattern - cast on 30 stitches, knitted with Chunky Wool

Love them!

There was a Christmas Local Crafters Sale in Newlyn on Sunday - so I popped along.

Found this lovely little "Gadget Cosie" from the very talented Poppy Treffry

My new camera (Panasonic Lumix FP3) loves it!

Hope you are all staying warm in this cold snap!

Just a picture...

2010-12-06T18:26:00.002Z

Sat on the wall at Marazion Beach...

POST EDIT: I have just finished my first pair of fingerless mittens! More on that tomorrow when I have some light to take a photo!

Butterflies!

2010-12-03T14:36:00.000Z

Back in this post- you will have seen that we have recently renovated parts of our house since we moved in! To finish it off, I treated us to our first piece of "art!" This was somewhat of a risk as I had never EVER seen the artist for "real" but seen her work in Ideal Home a couple of times, and also on the web and fallen in Love. I plunged in and commissioned a piece I had fallen in love with...and have been waiting with baited breath ever since (some 5 weeks ago)

Well....today it arrived!!! ...and I am SO SO SO PLEASED.

Colour is a little washed out - due to the snowy conditions! - this wall is actually quite green!

It is called "The one that got away"...see the little pink rascal top right?

All in situ above the new fireplace!

This is by an artist called Cissy Cook - and I am so happy!

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-02T20:02:00.000Z

The snow from Monday had almost gone yesterday and my trip to Manchester was looking favourable. However - this morning we awoke to this:

Our Front Steps...

and this...

Our back garden...love all the little cat prints and bird prints in the snow

We live on quite a steep hill that turns around a corner at the top... needless to say I thought it wise to stay at home today. I probably could have got out - but there was no telling how I would have got on and I am just not willing to take that risk! We probably didn't see more than about 25 cars coming and going all day - as it just hasn't really stopped snowing! One of those vehicles was a SNOW PLOUGH! The buses certainly decided the give it a miss

So I borrowed the neighbours kids and we built a little snowman (he was actually about 4ft high)

I leave you with a pic of Bilbo warming himself by the fire!

Hope you are all keeping warm in this cold snap!

Looking fairly festive!

2010-11-30T18:00:00.000Z

View from our Spare Room on Monday morning!

Most of the snow has now disappeared... a little left on the grassy area's.

Don't think we are in store for any more - I hope not as I am off up to Manchester on Thursday morning! Fingers crossed

Chilled Sunday...

2010-11-28T20:18:00.000Z

Coffee just fills the kitchen with a comforting smell....Mmmm

On Friday night about 11pm, we had the biggest hail shower I have EVER experienced. It lasted a good 20 - 30 mins!?! and ended with a very dramatic and very FINAL flash of lightening and loud clap of thunder! When it was over - we were left with about 3cm's of small white balls EVERYWHERE. Sometime in the middle of the night we had a light dusting of snow too - so we awoke on Saturday morning to a thin blanket of white - all be it mostly ICE and not actual snow!

Last night we walked to some friends - or should I say slid/skidded to some friends for dinner... it was quite an amusing journey!

So...today was definitely a Sunday to just brew some nice coffee, and spend a little time in the kitchen.

Home made muesli!

I made our Muesli for the week...

Baked a gooey gingerbread, and had a stew bubbling very slowly in the oven all by 3 o'clock! Very satisfying .

The fire is now lit and I am not moving away from it (we are due more snow tonight)

Happy Sunday everyone - Stay safe in the snow if you have some!

In the garden...

2010-11-23T18:22:00.000Z

Goldfinch on the teasles

Growing up, and even now I love visiting my Nan & Gramps house, as they live in a Bungalow on quite a large plot of land and get LOADS of wildlife (birds, squirrels, hedgehogs, foxes etc etc). Now - we pretty much have the same - who knew I was such a lover of bird watching (man it is SUCH a time waster)

When we first started looking for houses in Cornwall - we looked mostly in town. We (read I) fell in love with a lovely old 3 storey town house, but it wasn't to be. All of these houses had one thing in common - NO GARDEN to speak of. We initially didn't think much of this as you had a sea view.... I mean a sea view - what more could you want???

Cute little Bluetit. I did have one of the Coal tit - but it is just a BLUR

Well.... now we have moved into the house we are in (slightly aware from town and the seafront - but we do have what estate agents call "a sea glimpse") WOW how important is the garden??? Er VERY! We love our garden. We are lucky enough to be only Semi-attached (end of terrace) and also on a corner of the road so our garden just happens to be one of the biggest!

Spotted in the garden today:

Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tail Tit (so so cute)
Blackbirds (Mr & Mrs)
Magpie, Jackdaws, Rooks
Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch
Black Cap
House Sparrow (Mr & Mrs)
Dunnock, Wren
Robin
Pied Wagtail
Collared Doves
Herring Gulls

Wow - that is quite a list!!! Here are a few photo's (varying quality as they are quick little things)

Female finch of some kind?

Paris - you have my heart...

2010-11-15T21:12:00.000Z

...especially at this time of year.

My very good friend and I usually take a little girlie shopping trip to Paris this time of year - at least we have for the past 5 years of so. This year I have not managed it, due to all the house demo and decoration. Don't get me wrong - I love that we have done the house, but now it is getting close to Christmas I am beginning to miss our little trip.

I will miss our visits to Fauchon, Laduree and Le Bon Marche

(all food related you might notice)

All the inviting and somewhat extravagant window displays, the sparkly Eiffel Tower and just the general feel of the city in Winter. We have made several trips at other times of the year also... but it is not the same and we have now most definitely settled on Winter visits.

Oh and eating in our most favourite of restaurants La Terrasse

Ho Hum - I have just lit the fire, so that makes up for it!

(I have change my background just so that I can get the feel)

It's not even Christmas yet...

2010-11-14T19:12:00.000Z

I have very satisfyingly kicked my Christmas list's BUTT this weekend, all thanks to the world wide interweb! I love virtual shopping - the crowds are so considerate and you don't have to queue for a coffee. Don't get me wrong - I do like a spot of "real" Christmas shopping too - but I have seriously got Christmas more under control now after a little virtual retail therapy! I am heading to Manchester to see Biffy Clyro in concert with a good buddy early December so I will definitely get my Christmas Shopping fix then (at the Shopping Gigantor that is the Trafford Centre).

This weekend we looked after our friend's little girl - she is SO adorable and was VERY VERY good - she should most certainly be on Santa's Nice list! So when some of my hard earned Christmas loot arrived courtesy of Amazon on Saturday morning - the box was just too good (and BIG) to pass up...

Busy with the felt tips!

Peek-a-boo

Hubby had to take a rear shot to get his handy work in (The Chimney)

Aren't the boxes always the best part at that age... ok ok - any age - we have fun too!!

My first wrist warmers...

2010-11-08T21:31:00.001Z

I am calling them wrist warmers as I would certainly be playing a little fast and loose with the words glove, mitten or even fingerless gloves - but I am giving them a go. This all started with a trip to M&S with my mum where we saw these lovelies. They were super soft, super snugly but also super expensive. Now you can tell my brain has started to turn crafty when the next words out of my mouth were "that is crazy, they would be so easy to make!!"

So - next stop is my local knitting shop! ... 45 mins later (quite what we were doing I don't know) - I purchased some King Cole Mirage 872!

The gloves didn't have thumb holes, or fingers. Basically just a knitted square sewn up one side with a hole left where the thumb sticks out! So here I go....I have started!

I love how subtle these colours are...

I have done a few rows of rib at the bottom (my first RIB STITCH ever!) and then plain stocking stitch.... I will finish off with a final few rows of RIB I think.... watch this space, it may take me a while

Learning to Crochet...?

2010-11-02T20:59:00.000Z

A bit of a question here really...I would like to learn to crochet, can anyone recommend a beginners book? Not sure if it makes a difference but I am left handed. All suggestions GRATEFULLY received...can you tell I have been watching the BELOW??

Kirstie's Homemade Home

2010-11-02T20:16:00.000Z

This has just started on Channel 4 - so that is me set for a little while...

Is this a food blog?

2010-10-31T18:21:00.001Z

...I think it might be? Recently my posts all seem to be about food - and I am not sure I am sorry about that!? Not sure if I have told you that I trained at college as a Chef and worked as a Chef for a good few years. Ever since I gave it up as a career I find I enjoy cooking, entertaining and baking far more than I did when I did it all day! Funny that!?

All last week I was away at my sisters looking after my 6 year old nephew and twin 4 year old nieces! I came back suitably tired but also full of warmth! They are so adorable especially first thing in the morning when they come and snuggle in bed!

Anyways, today we had friends around for Sunday lunch - Roast Pork and all the trimmings (it was a little like an early Christmas dinner). We also BOTH made puddings on account of my friend wanting to try the Nigella Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe and her hubby not liking peanuts! - so I made my no cook lemon pie (easy peasy)

Here is the Nigella Cheesecake - made by my Friend Linzi

I have to say it was LOVELY. Not too sickly sweet and a lovely texture (I do like a baked cheesecake). I would definitely serve this again!

And here is my no cook Lemon Pie (can you spot the bit of crust missing!)

I can't really call the Lemon Pie a recipe - it is too easy, but here it is (yummy if you like fresh sharp lemony flavours). My sister kindly gave me this recipe and I believe it was originally from Betty Crocker?

Ingredients:
200g Digestive or ginger biscuits (I have used either)
60g of melted butter

1 tin of condensed milk (497g tin)
150 mls of double cream
2 lemons (grated zest of 1 and juice of 2)

Whizz or bash up the biscuits and add the melted butter to make the base. Press into a dish and chill.
Combine the condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice and double cream in a large bowl and stir until well mixed.
Pour over the crumb base - and refrigerate.
Serve Chilled!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

POST EDIT: My sister informs me this isn't from Betty Crocker at all... still yummy though (might have to go have another slice)

My new favourite utensil

2010-10-08T17:10:00.000+01:00

Am I that far behind the times? Do you all use these?

I saw this suggestion on the Barefoot Contessa

My new Ice Cream Scoop
(that goop is destined to be Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins)

It scoopes the PERFECT amount into each muffin case with NO MESS!

SEE! No mess and all the same size ready to go in the oven

Fresh out of the oven - all nice, plump and round!

And all the same size and shape - OK now I just sound a little anal?

I have posted the recipe on my recipe's page

Talking of Autumn...

2010-10-07T20:02:00.000+01:00

Couldn't resist...

Loving our new fire

My fav Season...

2010-10-06T20:27:00.000+01:00

I love Autumn... especially on days like today. It has been SUNNY with Blue Skies all day today. A little windy at times - especially as we were eating out picnic lunch down by the sea - but had remembered my bobble hat so I was fine :)

It also signals changes in the kitchen... like Breakfast:

Mmmm Porridge with sultana's and a little dash of Golden Syrup

We have just moved to our "winter menu" so soups, stews, pies and other yummies are all to look forward to.

Drinks are different too... swap the summer fruity wines for this:

Stones Ginger Wine - Straight up with lots of Ice

Admittedly a rather large glass (but there is lots of ice honest). YUM

...and just a little anticipation building for Christmas (but we won't shout about that)

It was supposed to be raining...

2010-10-01T21:33:00.000+01:00

We have had forecasts of high winds and lots of rain for the weekend. Today has indeed been raining a lot of the day. However, at about 4pm - the clouds cleared and the sun came out.

Ever the opportunists - we decided pack a coffee and head to Sennen Cove for the evening.

See - GORGEOUS!

We did some rock hopping till the sun went down - then headed home.

YIPPEEEE

2010-09-22T17:25:00.000+01:00

This is how I am feeling RIGHT NOW.

Dad had his operation today

He is out, in recovery and all went well!

Fingers crossed he gets to come out tomorrow

Now my fingers are crossed for my friend Clare - who has her 4th Chemo session tomorrow. Only 2 more to go after that!

SHE IS AMAZING

Happy National Cupcake Week!

2010-09-17T20:20:00.000+01:00

I found out about National Cupcake Week from Ali over at With Love, Cupcakes & Biscuits. She posted an invite to take part - so here I am.

Cappuccino Cupcakes

In cute little brown spotty cases

...and a little chocolate coffee bean on top!

Mmmmmm!

Randomness.... and THE SCARF!

2010-09-15T19:02:00.000+01:00

So... here is the second scarf I have knitted with the Rico Can Can wool. The first was opened (with delight apparently) by my good friend Clare yesterday for her birthday - that one was Charcoal Grey!

:: A bowl of raspberries ~ freshly picked from our garden this evening as ready

for a dollop of ice cream ::

:: A cappuccino - in the cups Mum & Dad kindly bought for us for our anniversary ::

:: Perfect afternoon beverage ::

:: Kenny playing with his Macro lens again - Bilbo couldn't resist modelling ::

:: Happy Wednesday ::

Blowing out the cobwebs...

2010-09-12T22:30:00.000+01:00

As you may have read, we have been doing some renovations over the past few weeks, then had my Mum and Dad to visit for a lovely week! The day they left I started a cold and felt pretty crappy all last week, so we really haven't had the chance to be out that much this week - despite the weather being uncharacteristically sunny!

So today - we packed a picnic and headed out. The coastal path beckoned on such a lovely day. It was HOT!

We walked through some fields with rare breed cattle - they were lovely
...and Kenny got to try out his new MACRO lens (he is quite pleased)

Most of the butterflies didn't want to know - but this one chap was very accommodating!

He even posed - so we could get some "underside" shots of him!

All in all a GOOD day! My cold is still here so I struggled a little more than usual, but so worth it.

PS: With reference to my last post about the Rico Can Can wool - I have now finished TWO scarves!! One is already in Manchester, waiting to be opened by my lovely, cancer battling friend Clare on Tuesday, and the other is waiting for the ends to be sewn in and the weather to turn a little colder :)

Visitors & Knitting...

2010-09-05T19:20:00.000+01:00

My Mum and Dad have been here for the past week - and luckily it has been LOVELY weather. Mum was desperate for a "paddle" in the sea - and we have managed it twice!!

We have had a lovely week - I have been working during the day, but we have managed a trip to Truro - with a lovely lunch, a couple of visits to the beach in the evenings, and some fish and chips on the sea front - what more do you need?

Yesterday Mum and I went into town for a bit of a mooch around (mainly to the knitting shop in town called Knit-Wits). They had just got a new yarn in called Can Can by Rico. It looks more like a mesh bias tape - but the lady showed us how to knit a lovely ruffle scarf... it looked easy enough (and you don't even need to cast on normally) so I took the plunge and bought two balls of it and have so far knitted about 3 feet!!! Here is a link to a YouTube video. I bought a lovely Teal colour, and loved the Charcoal Grey - unfortunately they didn't have any Grey left apart from the one they were using as a demo - they very graciously gave me £1 off if I was happy to take the already started one!!! (for me I would have added a £1 on to have got me started!!!!)

One down...one more to go!

2010-08-28T16:55:00.000+01:00

Been another busy few days (and more ahead my knees fear!). Work is now complete in the living room and we have almost finished putting it back together.

The floor complete - dance anyone?

The fireplace complete

The new porch door, and furniture back in

Another shot of the finished front room (you'll get bored soon)

A gratuitous shot of Bella - enjoying a bit of sun

The sofa all ready for cost evenings (typically the sun has been glorious the past few days)

The stairs - free of scary glass (handrail sat waiting to go up though LOL)

The Fireplace...

2010-08-22T17:30:00.001+01:00

We have had a weekend of sanding, filling, more sanding, gas leak fixing (well that wasn't exactly us) and painting....LOTS of painting.

We now have paint on the ceiling and all the walls in the Front Room, as well as the fireplace uncovered for its first (draft) reveal... just imagine no rubbish in the way and skirting boards finished.

Most of the room is painted in a fairly neutral taupe (actually Natural Hessian to be precise) - but we chose to paint the chimney breast and alcoves in a mossy green (weirdly called "expectation") It looked VERY bold to begin with but I have quite fallen in love with it!

...and as an added bonus it sets the fireplace off nicely.

Still lots of furniture under covers, and cardboard on the floors, but we are getting there...

PS - what is it with names of Paint Colours... hours of amusement in B&Q laughing at paint names. Hmmm just me??

Lounge Floor Complete..

2010-08-18T19:43:00.000+01:00

Still a little dusty...
No peeking at the fireplace still....
On the agenda this weekend: well it is our 11th Anniversary and I think we will be decorating...but what a gift!

Renovating again...

2010-08-16T20:23:00.000+01:00

We have started the Lounge and Dining Room... This is a shot of the Entrance to the Dining Room from the Lounge before we moved in...

This is the Lounge - Note the Gas fire (didn't work and looked a bit scary)

This is the dining room...

After day one - this was the entrance way - all the thin scary glass has gone. The Laminate flooring is all up to reveal these delightful chequered tiles! Game of Chess anyone?

The fireplace and all the brickwork has gone - all chased out ready for the new fireplace! Hearth in too.

Skip ahead to Day Three and the floor is being laid... I do can't wait for the floor to be complete - LOVE IT. Still lots of decorating to be done - but that is our job!

More scary glass gone...

So - coming on nicely...

Not a bad place to stop for lunch...

2010-07-23T22:20:00.000+01:00

It is due to rain this weekend... so this morning we decided to go for a walk and make the most of todays GLORIOUS sunshine.

Not a bad place to stop and have your lunch huh?

We are very very lucky.

It was a few miles to this secluded cove, a new walk to us heading out left from Cape Cornwall. There are LOTS of old mine shafts on the way - you really do need to stay on the paths.

We WILL be going back for sure.

Lots of butterflies were out today - not many of these wanted to stay in one place for very long though.

A bowlful of RED and more Cupcakes

2010-07-21T22:06:00.000+01:00

:: Not alot of words in this post ::

:: Freshly harvested Cherry Toms - just look at the colour of those beauties ::

Oh and they taste divine too

:: Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins ::

... about to be eaten!

:: UPDATE ::

2010-07-16T18:14:00.000+01:00

I am as high as a kite right now... in the best possible way

Dad's bone scan results came back CLEAR

YAY!!!!!!

So - just the Prostate Cancer to battle. He has made the decision already to just have the Prostate removed, so that is the next step - just waiting for the appt to come through

What a great start to the weekend!

FINGERS CROSSED!

2010-07-15T21:56:00.000+01:00

I have so many things crossed right now I have cramp

My dad gets his MRI and Bone scan results back tomorrow to see if the Cancer has spread anywhere else. Just typing this is making me anxious and teary

They have just spent a (hopefully) restful few days here, leaving this morning to go back to my sister's (near the hospital)

I can't seem to post about anything else at the moment, doesn't seem important (sorry)

So... fingers crossed that the Prostate Cancer is ALL he has to fight and that the fight can start SOON

P.S I found out this week that my friend's MRI and Bone Scan's where all clear, so although she is now facing INTENSIVE Chemo now for the Cancer in her Lymph nodes, it THANKFULLY has not spread anywhere else right now! Lets hope this is the week of GOOD NEWS!

Back from Boston...and Lemon Cupcakes

2010-07-04T18:22:00.000+01:00

Well - I am back from Boston....and my luggage eventually followed! It was great - lots of shopping, eating and the consumption of Cosmo's. The weather was HOT HOT HOT and VERY humid too. Our last day was particularly hot so we headed up to Marblehead and had lunch in the harbour there.

So this week I have been catching up. Today I did a little baking:

Lemon Cupcakes from Rachel Allen's BAKE

Kestrel, Nature and I am off....

2010-06-22T22:12:00.000+01:00

We went and sat on the rocks for lunch today... and look what turned up....he was quite close so a GREAT opportunity for photo's

He was hovering for a while - amazing site

Soaring - looking for his next morsel

He was eventually rewarded - sorry this is a little blurry but he flew past us with his lunch

(not sure why I am calling this bird a "he" ??)

Then we got home and nature was at work again in the greenhouse. A small bee had got caught in a spider's web.... he only actually has one leg caught, but it is caught good. As far as I know - he is still fighting.

Nature is an amazing thing - and to catch in on camera is one of hubby's favourite things

P.S I am off to Boston tomorrow - so see you when I get back

If you go down to the Sea today...

2010-06-18T21:21:00.000+01:00

We treated ourselves to fish and chips at Sennen Cove tonight...and we saw

:: A shark ::

...or two. They were quite far out, so pictures aren't that good but here is evidence.

We also saw:

:: Two pairs of Gannets ::

Diving for fish for their dinner too

:: One very small baby fox ::

On the side of the road - he quickly dove into the hedgerow so we couldn't get a photo

:: A Buzzard ::

Lots of life - which was lovely

Coming along nicely...

2010-06-15T21:16:00.001+01:00

Today, hubby fixed the wires for our baby apple tree's...well one of them anyway.

This is our Braeburn

The Bramley is not quite big enough...but does have two apples on it!

This Sunday I have been...

2010-06-13T19:18:00.001+01:00

:: Making Muesli ::

This is actually the 4th batch I have made in the past few weeks and we are LOVING it.

So now the story behind the muesli:

Over the past few months, we have been on the search for a muesli we both like. We bought some of the mainstream brands, but found them either FAR too sweet, or too much dried fruit.

One day, we were both wandering around our local Farm Shop and spotted a rather scrummy looking muesli - full of oats and nuts and seeds...this was what we have been looking for. So we picked up a packet and along with our lone jar of Red Onion Marmalade made our way to the till. £10 later....yes £10 people!!!!! we were walking out the shop dumbstruck.

The Muesli was lovely (it bloomin' should have been for £7.50!) but we couldn't help but wonder how difficult it was to make ourselves...we certainly couldn't afford another packet of that...EVER!

So with a little research on t'internet... I came up with a recipe (and it is VERY close to that which we paid a small fortune for)

Recipe:

100g Butter (or oil)

2 tbsp Honey

2 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup

300g Oats

about another 100g of mixed seeds and nuts. I use Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Brazil Nuts (chopped) Almonds (chopped or slivered) and Pecans (if I have them)

Some recipe's include sugar also, but we don't like ours too sweet

Melt the Butter and syrup/honey

add all the other ingredients and mix together so it is ALL coated really well

Toast in a 160c oven for about 10 mins - keep an eye on it and stir mid way through

Remove from oven and leave to cool completely...it will crisp up. Once cold, transfer to your vessel of choice.

Enjoy! (I like mine with a little milk and a chopped banana)

Today...

2010-06-12T14:26:00.001+01:00

:: I have done a little gardening...weeding to be precise! ::

We think those enormous plants are teasels - we didn't plant them.... any idea's?

:: We picked more of our lettuce ::

This is about the 4th week we have had fresh home picked lettuce, and we are loving it. Yes - I said WE, Kenny is even having some in his sandwiches. Time to sew some more I think

:: We admired our growing crops... Tomatoes ::

:: Green Beans ::

of the dwarf kind

:: Spring Onions, Chilli's, Sweet Peppers, Strawberries ::

(all in there somewhere)

:: Baking ::

Sour Cream Coffee cake

I did it...

2010-06-08T21:37:00.001+01:00

:: I raced for life ::

:: I raced for my friend Clare ::

who sadly has ANOTHER operation next week

:: I raced for my Dad ::

who has his MRI scan in a couple of weeks and will find out what treatment he faces

:: I raced for my friend Linda ::

who has been "clear" for a good few months and hopes she stays that way - and whom I will see in a couple of weeks when I visit Boston.

:: I raced in the memory of my mother in law ::

who sadly lost her battle 8 years ago

it wasn't a record time - but I did it and I will be doing it again next year

Thanks to EVERYONE who sponsored me. Along with the HP Company Matching scheme I raised £370

Coincidence? Fate? Is someone trying to tell me something...

2010-05-08T19:54:00.000+01:00

As I posted HERE a few weeks ago - I have signed up for my very first Race For Life

I have been meaning to take part for around 3 years now...but it is one of those things that I just haven't "got around to" until a few weeks ago, when I found out that one of my very good friends has Breast Cancer! This seemed to jolt me into action. So here I am trying to raise money like a loon and praying that my friend will get through the next few months....when

MY DAD HAS CANCER!

There I said it - They had come over from France just for 2 weeks over Easter and haven't left yet! He went to the docs for a few tests....and then a few more.... and finally the result. My dad has Prostate Cancer.

My Mum and Dad came to visit last week for a little R&R - and THANKFULLY while they were here we at least had SOME good news. He had a CT scan shortly before he came to visit to check on his kidneys - this seemed to really play on his mind (almost more than the Cancer Result). On Friday, we were at Godrevey Lighthouse eating pasties and enjoying the seaside when he got a call letting him know the CT Scan was ALL CLEAR.

This is my dad celebrating his results

So now we wait for a little bit...that is the worst bit huh - the WAITING! The next step is an MRI to check the Cancer hasn't spread anywhere else in his body (why is it you always spell Cancer with a capital "C")?? Then we will know the battle that lies ahead and he will be given the options for treatment.

On a purely personal note - this has been my first "big test" of living far away from my family. When we decided to move down to Cornwall - that was by biggest fear/worry. As most of you know, my parents live in France most of the time, so it is not like they are close, but at times like this I wish they were close.... in the same country would be nice! I also wish I lived closer to my sister - But then it does make the time we spend together all the more special.

So there we go - we have a tough few months ahead, but we will fight this....and so back to my Race for Life

...my Race for EVERYONE that has been touched by Cancer

...my Race for my friend who is battling HARD

...for my Dad who will need to do the same

...and for my Mother in Law who lost her battle several years ago.

I Race for YOU.

I know most of you are strangers to me...but if you can spare ANYTHING in sponsoring me - I have put a linky link on the right. My aim is to raise £250, but I at least want to get to £150 as then the wonderful and generous Company I work for will match my donations!

Loving Spring and the Sunshine

2010-04-17T20:34:00.000+01:00

Our Apple Tree...bless - it is only young

I love the colour of these tulips...

Teeny tiny daffodils... three heads on each stem - CUTE

Got Milk?

2010-04-16T19:24:00.000+01:00

Registered on the site on Wednesday for my first delivery today, however today...NO MILK

Phoned them and a mistake was made - now needs to start Monday

Need to go BUY milk now

Race for Life...

2010-04-15T10:21:00.000+01:00

This week I found out that one of my dear friends has Breast Cancer...this has shocked me, not sure why so much as it touches so many people every day, but it has spurred me into action.

I have just entered RACE FOR LIFE

Feel free to sponsor me - I have added a linky link widgety thing to my side bar on the right, or you can go to my sponsorship page here.

Also because the Company I work for rocks - they will match what I raise, so PLEASE help me!

THANK YOU

Roll on Friday...

2010-04-14T21:23:00.000+01:00

Thanks to this post by Mrs B at After All the World is a Beautiful Place (a blog I have recently discovered and LOVE along with The Big Stove) I have just GOT A MILKMAN!!! His name is apparently Steve!!

More on Friday when I can expect my first order!

!!!!YAY!!!!

BTW If you want to do the same then visit HERE

Sunshine!... that has to be a morning in the garden then.

2010-03-27T19:05:00.000Z

Since we moved down to Cornwall we have faced the challenge of COMPLETELY different soil to what we had in Hampshire... don't get me wrong, it is clearly fertile and good soil (by the taste of our local veggies) but it is full of clay here and digs up in CLUMPS... so we have been working over the winter to improve it - making our own compost (see earlier post). Now some of that lovely black stuff is ready - so we have put it to good use!

This is today's work.. Kenny had dug over this bed a few times before (back braking initially - so today we planted it up with plants which had been in the garden before and a few additions.

You can also just catch a glimpse of our shiny (cleaned) greenhouse which we inherited too! So far we have tomato, spring onion, pea, pepper and cress seedlings in there...no clue what we are doing really but it's fun!

So there is the Greenhouse in close up. It has been completely dismantled, moved, new base, new foam insulation, new glass in some area's (actually acrylic) and new clips etc...oh and cleaned within an inch of it's life of course! (I can't take credit here - Kenny did it ALL)

Something like Perfect...

2010-03-17T18:44:00.001Z

We woke up on Saturday to GLORIOUS weather, we also both woke up early (for us). So - with the sun out we were in Lamorna Car Park by 9.30!

We hadn't done this walk before, but had come at it from the other direction a few times (if that makes sense). Well...it was TOUGH. The path has clearly been arroded over time and is perilously close the edge of the cliff. There are also MANY obstacles to be clambered, climbed and sometimes helped over... But the scenery is FANTASTIC. There was literally NO ONE about for most of the time - apart from the birds that were nesting in the little nooks on the side of the cliff.

We even found ourselves a seat (even if it was left there by a giant)

This is the view from our seat (from where we ate chocolate buttons)

When we arrived back at the Cove, it was 11.30 and the little cafe was open, so naturally we had to have a spot of brunch - lovely toasted teacakes and very good tea! (Translate very good into strong - as we like it)

....this is why we moved here

Appreciation...

2010-03-07T17:02:00.000Z

A few things I am appreciating/loving today:

1. The sun is out for the 5th day in a row! Yesterday was supposed to rain alot, but whilst it was a little overcast at times, we saw no rain and we DID see the sun a bit so that counts too in my book!

2. Pub lunch here overlooking St Michaels Mount

3. The walk on the beach afterwards

4. The lawn being mown for the first time!

5. The greenhouse is finished! We inherited a greenhouse when we moved into this house, hubby has been taking it apart, cleaning it, and building a new base for it over the past few weeks, and now it is all finished and looking like shiny new!

6. My new Hokey Cokey sign in the freshly decorated porch (enough with the decorating for now)

...Oh and a particularly yummy cake that I have been wanting to make for ages, but haven't for fear it would not live up to what I had in my head... SO glad I took the plunge - it is so good.

Porch Makeover

2010-02-24T20:10:00.001Z

Our latest little project has been to make our porch more welcoming (and to try to warm it up a bit). So, having had all new doors and windows installed last week - we decided to paint the porch and put down coconut matting. So we have gone from this (previous owners stuff - only original photo I had)

To This... pale blue to match the landing and stairs (can you tell we had some paint leftover)