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Monday, 20 June 2011
Sew a little love: Hello Monday!
Sew a little love: Hello Monday!: "Blimey, what a weekend! Thanks to a very frustrating misunderstanding with our internet provider (I understood, they missed!), they decided ..."
Hello Monday!
Blimey, what a weekend! Thanks to a very frustrating misunderstanding with our internet provider (I understood, they missed!), they decided to disconnect our services, only to have to apologize and re-connect it today. Of course this meant that I was cut off from the big wide world out there, unable to update my third and final blog giveaway! I now have a tiny perspective on what it's like to be in an isolation chamber! Nevertheless, I am back, and feel like it's time for a catch up!
First things first, the announcement of the third and final winner of our series of blog giveaways. I have already informed the lovely Heather that she has won the felt strawberry pegs, and I hope she'll put them to good use. Thank you to all of you who have participated and made this last week so much fun by entering and leaving comments. I just wish I could send you all something, so in a way it has been a bit bittersweet!
Well, I'm a firm believer that all things work together for the greater good if we allow ourselves to see the silver lining around those clouds that sometimes drift our way. So, with that in mind, although some things had to wait as I couldn't spend any time conversing with you lot, I had a lovely movie marathon weekend with the kidlets. Our lovely UK weather provided the perfect backdrop of rain, even thunder and hail, so armed with a very large bowl of pop-pop as my two year old says (popcorn!), we frequented the sofa for most of Saturday and Sunday. Although I had to 'suffer' through the likes of Garfield 2, I did manage to sneak in some golden oldies. I just love Elizabeth Taylor in "The last time I saw Paris". Needless to say, the storyline was secondary to the beautiful frocks, hair and make-up on display. Hee-hee...I'm a fickle woman!
The boys also had to suffer through a Doris Day classic. No, we didn't watch "Calamity Jane" again, though if my nine year old had her way we would have! We watched "By the Light of the Silvery Moon", and at the end even Daddy was singing along! (Don't tell him I told you, I'd be in soooo much trouble!)
I just love Doris's hat in the picture above. I have a feeling it will lead to a project for the autumn. I might have to try to make one! Well, it has been lovely chit-chatting. I will leave you with a few nostalgic images from these two classics. As they say in Paris: Au revoir!
The End....and then we all (the royal we!) sobbed! What a tearjerker!
First things first, the announcement of the third and final winner of our series of blog giveaways. I have already informed the lovely Heather that she has won the felt strawberry pegs, and I hope she'll put them to good use. Thank you to all of you who have participated and made this last week so much fun by entering and leaving comments. I just wish I could send you all something, so in a way it has been a bit bittersweet!
Well, I'm a firm believer that all things work together for the greater good if we allow ourselves to see the silver lining around those clouds that sometimes drift our way. So, with that in mind, although some things had to wait as I couldn't spend any time conversing with you lot, I had a lovely movie marathon weekend with the kidlets. Our lovely UK weather provided the perfect backdrop of rain, even thunder and hail, so armed with a very large bowl of pop-pop as my two year old says (popcorn!), we frequented the sofa for most of Saturday and Sunday. Although I had to 'suffer' through the likes of Garfield 2, I did manage to sneak in some golden oldies. I just love Elizabeth Taylor in "The last time I saw Paris". Needless to say, the storyline was secondary to the beautiful frocks, hair and make-up on display. Hee-hee...I'm a fickle woman!
The boys also had to suffer through a Doris Day classic. No, we didn't watch "Calamity Jane" again, though if my nine year old had her way we would have! We watched "By the Light of the Silvery Moon", and at the end even Daddy was singing along! (Don't tell him I told you, I'd be in soooo much trouble!)
I just love Doris's hat in the picture above. I have a feeling it will lead to a project for the autumn. I might have to try to make one! Well, it has been lovely chit-chatting. I will leave you with a few nostalgic images from these two classics. As they say in Paris: Au revoir!
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| Aaaw...young love.... |
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| Check out the dress!
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Friday, 17 June 2011
Sew a little love: Facing my first blog dilemma!
Sew a little love: Facing my first blog dilemma!: "What can I say? I entered the blogging arena, fully aware of the fact that at some point someone somewhere might leave a 'not-so-savoury' co..."
Facing my first blog dilemma!
What can I say? I entered the blogging arena, fully aware of the fact that at some point someone somewhere might leave a 'not-so-savoury' comment. I love to hear from all of you out there, and I love your insight and the contributions that you make. Last week however, I opened my mailbox to find a nasty, prickly letter from a disgruntled reader. I was slightly taken aback by it's very personal, venomous attack, and didn't hesitate to delete it straight away. After all, the last thing I want on here is the use of profanity. I have mulled it over in my head, wondering what the best course of action is to take. Do I ignore it, or do I address it here?
Well, I have decided on the latter. After all, I am my father's daughter, and I cannot imagine him ever burying his head in the sand. I feel I need to get this off my chest. First of all, it said that 'what I do on here is rubbish (I have paraphrased as I'm terrified of having my mouth washed out with soap again!), that my life cannot be that perfect, that I should give it some thought and do something useful.' Well, that's me told then, hey?
So, how to respond to that? All I can say is that I never once claimed to have a perfect life. What is the perfect life anyway? I do however, have a very BLESSED life, a life where I count my blessings every day as I am very fortunate to have a beautiful family who surround me with love. I have a support network of friends who bring me much laughter, joy and who bless me everyday. I enjoy certain things in life, and as I believe that no man is an island, I'd like to share those passions of mine with those that share the same interests. I am far from perfect, but God's grace is sufficient for me. His strength is made perfect when I am weak.
As for giving it some thought and doing something useful...I have thought about it, and I shall but carry on as I am. I am who I am, and I will make no apologies for that. If I offend you, I will, if I upset you , I will, but I will make no apologies for enjoying the life that I have been given. I merely want to sow a little love.
Phew, with that out of the way, let's get onto the more important stuff! The deadline for Blog Giveaway 2 has come and gone, and the winner has been selected from the top hat. So, who's it going to be...?
The winner of the handmade heart garland is....Leandra Carcary! Congratulations! I hope you like it, and that it will bring some love and cheer to your happy home! Have a super day and be blessed!
Well, I have decided on the latter. After all, I am my father's daughter, and I cannot imagine him ever burying his head in the sand. I feel I need to get this off my chest. First of all, it said that 'what I do on here is rubbish (I have paraphrased as I'm terrified of having my mouth washed out with soap again!), that my life cannot be that perfect, that I should give it some thought and do something useful.' Well, that's me told then, hey?
So, how to respond to that? All I can say is that I never once claimed to have a perfect life. What is the perfect life anyway? I do however, have a very BLESSED life, a life where I count my blessings every day as I am very fortunate to have a beautiful family who surround me with love. I have a support network of friends who bring me much laughter, joy and who bless me everyday. I enjoy certain things in life, and as I believe that no man is an island, I'd like to share those passions of mine with those that share the same interests. I am far from perfect, but God's grace is sufficient for me. His strength is made perfect when I am weak.
As for giving it some thought and doing something useful...I have thought about it, and I shall but carry on as I am. I am who I am, and I will make no apologies for that. If I offend you, I will, if I upset you , I will, but I will make no apologies for enjoying the life that I have been given. I merely want to sow a little love.
Phew, with that out of the way, let's get onto the more important stuff! The deadline for Blog Giveaway 2 has come and gone, and the winner has been selected from the top hat. So, who's it going to be...?
The winner of the handmade heart garland is....Leandra Carcary! Congratulations! I hope you like it, and that it will bring some love and cheer to your happy home! Have a super day and be blessed!
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Sew a little love: And the winner is...
Sew a little love: And the winner is...: "Wow, what a week it's been! My head is still spinning from all the excitement and busyness! I have not had much time to blog as we've had th..."
And the winner is...
Wow, what a week it's been! My head is still spinning from all the excitement and busyness! I have not had much time to blog as we've had the most wonderful weekend being blessed by the Watoto African Children's Choir from Uganda. They did a concert at Crossways church in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire on Sunday, and it was truly amazing! All of these children have been affected by losing their parents to disease, AIDS or war, but, their lives have been changed by the love and care they receive from Watoto, an organization focused on rescuing, raising and rebuilding these young children into the leaders of the future. I couldn't help but think that they are already leaders in their own right as young children, based on the wonderful example they set to all of us by their joy, love and respect they show to all those around them! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house after they shared their story with us! As my family were very blessed to have a few of the children stay with us, we got to know them a bit better. The love we felt emanating from them, when in the world's eyes they have lost everything, was something I will never forget. If you would like to know more about Watoto, visit their website at http://www.watoto.com/
If they are ever visiting your area, don't miss out!
So, onto business! Some of you are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner of Blog Giveaway 1! Thank you to all of you for participating and leaving such lovely comments. It was great being reminded by all of you of what a great joy the summer is with all it's wonderful delights! My favourite thing is hearing children playing and laughing outside, after being couped up indoors after the long winter months! It's a great time of year when , at the start of spring, I get that bubbly feeling of new beginnings and adventures on the horizon! Well, enough rambling on! The wait is over, the numbers have been jumbled, the winner has been decided. Drum roll please...
And the winner is...Char! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your prize which will be in the post very soon!
Now remember, there is still time to enter Giveaways 2 and 3 if you haven't already done so. All the best!
If they are ever visiting your area, don't miss out!
So, onto business! Some of you are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner of Blog Giveaway 1! Thank you to all of you for participating and leaving such lovely comments. It was great being reminded by all of you of what a great joy the summer is with all it's wonderful delights! My favourite thing is hearing children playing and laughing outside, after being couped up indoors after the long winter months! It's a great time of year when , at the start of spring, I get that bubbly feeling of new beginnings and adventures on the horizon! Well, enough rambling on! The wait is over, the numbers have been jumbled, the winner has been decided. Drum roll please...
And the winner is...Char! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your prize which will be in the post very soon!
Now remember, there is still time to enter Giveaways 2 and 3 if you haven't already done so. All the best!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Sew a little love: Blog giveaway: Day three
Sew a little love: Blog giveaway: Day three: "Well, they say good things come in threes, so here it is! Another giveaway! Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to all of you for leaving suc..."
Blog giveaway: Day three
Well, they say good things come in threes, so here it is! Another giveaway! Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to all of you for leaving such lovely comments. It's nice to know that my voice is not disappearing in the internet abyss, but that some of you have taken the time to join in a bit of frivolous fun!
Enough said, let's get to the important stuff. A while back I featured my new Welsh dresser, graced with some cute felt strawberries on pegs that I turned into a little garland. As some of you have commented on it, I have decided to give a set of these away. I have fashioned them into a decoration, but they could serve many different purposes. As they're on pegs, they could be useful for keeping paperwork tidied and together, or they could be hot glued to a frame or noticeboard to turn into a memo holder. These are just a few ideas, but I hope you'll like them as much as I do. And here they are...ta-da!
To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment below. If you have any quirky ideas as to how to put the strawberry pegs to use, do share! Otherwise, just say a quick hello. Would love to hear from you. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of Friday, 17th June, and will be notified shortly thereafter. This giveaway is open to readers worldwide, so have a go! Also remember that this is the third giveaway in a series of three. Do check out the previous two posts if you haven't yet done so, as there may still be time to enter those as well! Remember to include contact details. Have a super day, and a super weekend!
Enough said, let's get to the important stuff. A while back I featured my new Welsh dresser, graced with some cute felt strawberries on pegs that I turned into a little garland. As some of you have commented on it, I have decided to give a set of these away. I have fashioned them into a decoration, but they could serve many different purposes. As they're on pegs, they could be useful for keeping paperwork tidied and together, or they could be hot glued to a frame or noticeboard to turn into a memo holder. These are just a few ideas, but I hope you'll like them as much as I do. And here they are...ta-da!
To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment below. If you have any quirky ideas as to how to put the strawberry pegs to use, do share! Otherwise, just say a quick hello. Would love to hear from you. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of Friday, 17th June, and will be notified shortly thereafter. This giveaway is open to readers worldwide, so have a go! Also remember that this is the third giveaway in a series of three. Do check out the previous two posts if you haven't yet done so, as there may still be time to enter those as well! Remember to include contact details. Have a super day, and a super weekend!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Sew a little love: Blog giveaway: Day two
Sew a little love: Blog giveaway: Day two: "Hello me lovelies! Well, day one has seen the launch of my very first giveaway, and day two has now arrived, scratching at my door like an o..."
Blog giveaway: Day two
Hello me lovelies! Well, day one has seen the launch of my very first giveaway, and day two has now arrived, scratching at my door like an over-excited puppy! I have decided to sew/sow a little love, and have on offer this heart garland, handmade by me. I adore hearts, in any shape or form, and if like me you have an affinity for these too, then this giveaway is for you. I have made it in some gorgeous red and white fabric, and I can imagine it gracing a fireplace, a bed headboard, a lovely spot in the garden, or just about anywhere you like!
To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is become a follower of this blog by clicking on the Follow icon in the sidebar, or you can leave a comment below. Don't forget to include your contact details so I can notify you if you win! This giveaway is open to readers everywhere, and will run until the 16th June 2011. The winner will be randomly selected, and notified on the 17th June. Remember, if you haven't yet entered the first giveaway, you have until the 15th June to do so by leaving your comment on that blog page. Good luck!
To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is become a follower of this blog by clicking on the Follow icon in the sidebar, or you can leave a comment below. Don't forget to include your contact details so I can notify you if you win! This giveaway is open to readers everywhere, and will run until the 16th June 2011. The winner will be randomly selected, and notified on the 17th June. Remember, if you haven't yet entered the first giveaway, you have until the 15th June to do so by leaving your comment on that blog page. Good luck!
Sew a little love: Hooray! First Blog Giveaway!
Sew a little love: Hooray! First Blog Giveaway!: "There is nothing more exciting than gifting! As a little girl I used to look forward to my birthday and Christmas with such anticipation of ..."
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Hooray! First Blog Giveaway!
Apart from receiving lovely gifts, there is only one thing that I find more satisfying. Giving a gift to someone, and seeing the pleasure on their face as they unwrap it! So, with that in mind, I have decided to host my very first blog giveaway. I might not be there when it's received and unwrapped, but if you enter to win, it will surely brighten up my day! For my first giveaway, I have decided to do it over three days, so three giveaways! And what better way to kick it off, than with a bit of Cath Kidston? Today you can enter to win this gorgeous floral tin packed with 18 spools of sewing thread, along with this quirky apple pin cushion made by yours truly!
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| Giveaway ending 15th June |
All you have to do to enter is tell me (in short!) what you most like about summer. Just leave your comment, along with your name and contact details (email) below. All entries must be in by the end of Wednesday, 15th June 2011, and the winner will be randomly selected and notified on Thursday, the 16th. This giveaway is open to readers everywhere.
Don't forget, this is the first of three giveaways, so do check in tomorrow for the second installment. Be blessed, and look forward to hearing from you!
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Sew a little love: Thrifting for fashion
Sew a little love: Thrifting for fashion: "Have you ever looked at a full wardrobe of clothes, and thought 'I have nothing to wear?' This has been a regular occurrence in my life on a..."
Thrifting for fashion
Have you ever looked at a full wardrobe of clothes, and thought 'I have nothing to wear?' This has been a regular occurrence in my life on and off over the years, as I find myself in what I call a style rut from time to time. I get into a routine of wearing the same things over and over again, until I get so fed up with it, that I claim I have nothing to wear! As we've slowly shed the layers of a very frosty winter and are making a steady transition into our British summer, I've taken a long hard look at my wardrobe and it's contents as shared with you a couple of weeks ago. Inspired by the very lovely Casey over at Casey's Elegant Musings , I've thought about all those closet orphans that have been unused, ignored and neglected for a very long time. Casey did a 30 day challenge by Kendi wearing just 30 items in 30 different ways. It inspired me to look at all my clothes in a fresh way to perhaps try and wear them in new combinations that work, and to resurrect those items that had been banished to Narnia at the back of the wardrobe! (I still have to learn how to limit myself to just 30 items! Casey did it so well!) It served it's purpose, as I'm wearing the things I really love, I've got rid of all the things that I love but that don't love me back (don't fit!), and I'm finally embracing the vintage styles I adore so much!
As I'm getting older, and hopefully getting to know myself a bit better, I know that I'm definitely a vintage girl at heart. If I could travel back in time, I'd get on the fast train to the 1940's/1950's! It was a time when femininity and glamour were embraced by women everywhere. Nobody did it better than these ladies:
I love the way women dressed in shapes that accentuated their femininity, using fabrics and styles that painted beautiful silhouettes. Hair and make-up also had a definite flair and glamour about it. So, drawing inspiration from all these beautiful, graceful women, I am having loads of fun expressing myself by incorporating a bit of vintage influence where I can. Of course this new found passion has led to a bit of a thrifting spree, and I have found a few beauties to update my spring/summer wardrobe. The best part is that I have achieved this without breaking the bank! I would love to share some of my finds with you. In my ideal world I would love to replace my whole wardrobe with sumptuous vintage dresses, but let's face it, reality rules! As a mother of three young children I have to be practical, as most days are spent chasing my two year old down a steep grass bank or up a ladder! Not easily achieved in pouffe petticoats and Mary Jane heels! But, I will try to sneak in a bit more glamour where I can, and where the budget allows!
Now, I'm by no means a purist (yet!) when it comes to sporting true vintage style, and I can only stand amazed at ladies like Fleur de Guerre, who pull it off so beautifully. I'm trying new things though, or should I say old? Below is a dress I purchased in the sale at, wait for it....our local supermarket! I paid pennies for it, purely because I waited for the sales to start, and it paid off! I've teamed it up with my favourite puffy crinoline petticoat, Cath Kidston plimsolls, and a favourite cardi. The lovely yellow vintage brooch was a thrifting find. This outfit is so comfy, I managed to do some chores in it, and even took the kiddies to a local farm for a day out without feeling overdressed! The hairstyle is one I've been playing with a bit after watching a tutorial by Casey (Edwardian inspired braided side bun), and I'm getting there slowly. This look is definitely a fusion of different era's, with a 1950's silhouette at the core and a romantic Edwardian inspired hairstyle! But, I think that's why I'm having so much fun with it, taking from the buffet of vintage fashion those things that wet my appetite, and hopefully marrying them in a look that works for me!
Shirt: Closet orphan!
Skirt: Thrifted, charity shop
Belt: New addition, firm favourite!
Shoes: Thrifted, charity shop
Bracelet: Thrifted
This, I hope, will inspire you to be braver to try new things when you perhaps stare at a full wardrobe and feel like you have nothing to wear. Try something different, team old favourites up with new ones, and don't be scared to mix it up a bit! I know I'm having fun, and hope that you will too! I would love to hear from you, so do drop me a comment below.
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| The very beautiful Maureen O'Hara |
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| Rita Hayworth |
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| The very glamorous Elizabeth Taylor |
Now, I'm by no means a purist (yet!) when it comes to sporting true vintage style, and I can only stand amazed at ladies like Fleur de Guerre, who pull it off so beautifully. I'm trying new things though, or should I say old? Below is a dress I purchased in the sale at, wait for it....our local supermarket! I paid pennies for it, purely because I waited for the sales to start, and it paid off! I've teamed it up with my favourite puffy crinoline petticoat, Cath Kidston plimsolls, and a favourite cardi. The lovely yellow vintage brooch was a thrifting find. This outfit is so comfy, I managed to do some chores in it, and even took the kiddies to a local farm for a day out without feeling overdressed! The hairstyle is one I've been playing with a bit after watching a tutorial by Casey (Edwardian inspired braided side bun), and I'm getting there slowly. This look is definitely a fusion of different era's, with a 1950's silhouette at the core and a romantic Edwardian inspired hairstyle! But, I think that's why I'm having so much fun with it, taking from the buffet of vintage fashion those things that wet my appetite, and hopefully marrying them in a look that works for me!
Skirt: Thrifted, charity shop
Belt: New addition, firm favourite!
Shoes: Thrifted, charity shop
Bracelet: Thrifted
This, I hope, will inspire you to be braver to try new things when you perhaps stare at a full wardrobe and feel like you have nothing to wear. Try something different, team old favourites up with new ones, and don't be scared to mix it up a bit! I know I'm having fun, and hope that you will too! I would love to hear from you, so do drop me a comment below.
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