What's a yummy mummy?

I would give you the whole world ...

2012-01-27T09:15:00.006Z

As a parent, you are always worrying, always thinking about what the right thing to do is..

are they eating the right foods?
am I too soft?
how are they coping?
what does 'this' mean?
if I make 'that' decision now how will it impact on them in later life....?

Obviously, like most of us parents, I want Ethan to grow and thrive and learn and love and continue to be the happy free boy he is...

I 'think' he is doing well,
I 'feel' like he is happy,
that he is content and confident...

But there is always doubt, frustrations, happiness, tears and sometimes anger! (but that story in the supermarket is for another day, lol!).

So it came as a real surprise to both Daddy and I when Ethan announced a few months ago that he had auditioned for a lead singing part in the school play. We are both confident people (the type of outwardly confident people who still have internal anxieties, lol!), both good at public speaking, i guess 'people' person... but Ethan has a shy quality and now and then he can get quite anxious, the thought of being late for school would send him into a tail spin and the one time he was late he was in hysterics! So to know he felt brave enough to audition felt like a big step. Ethan is very confident in his school, with the people he knows. Volunteering answers, information and questions to the teacher, is popular amongst his peers and doing very well academically. But last year, when he did a performance at our local theatre for part of the music festival he was quite nervous and had an 'accident' on stage (not that anyone noticed!). So yesterday, on the day of his big performance, my stomach was in knots and i felt sick.

I was in school in the morning as I now volunteer 2 morning a week for the children who need additional reading support. I dashed home, had some lunch, grabbed the video camera and literally ran back up to school, bagging a front row seat! (Yes i am that annoying parent!).

The show was amazing, all the children did so well, it was one of the longest shows they had done. There were no fluffed lines, superb singing and all the children coped well under the stage lights, standing on the stage faced with 100 eager faces! The school know their stuff as this was their 3rd performance. They had done full (including make up, costume, stage lighting etc) shows for the entire school/faculty on Tuesday and to the nursery on Wednesday. So by the time it came to yesterday and their 'public' performance they were all perfect!

Ethan was wonderful, he belted out his song (he played the tom cat, singing about his lost love who had been swept away by the owl!). At 7 1/2, standing on that stage, singing on his own.. I felt so proud, that burning of admiration and awe. My beautiful boy! Just to add to that he had an additional job of 'musical technician' throughout the show, so multi tasking at his best, and i must say all the music started and stopped where it was supposed to lol!

So basically the point of this post, is not to boast about my amazingly beautiful, kind, boy (don't get me wrong, he can be equally frustrating, tiring and challenging!) haha. But to say that they will always surprise you, surprise you in their ability, their desires, their drive. The choices they make, the paths they choose, and I guess our job is to stand back, watch them, love them and in my case film it :-))

Happy Friday everyone!
xx

2012-01-21T10:57:00.002Z

Hey ya...i am currently stretched out on the sofa, bathed in sunlight from the sun streaming in, wiggling my toes and having a little 'sofa dance' to the radio (something about the Outcast song, that just makes you want to dance!!) ...

Anyway... back to the task in hand....blogging!

I took Ethan back over to Edinburgh again yesterday, and it would of been extremely rude not to have paid a visit to my good friend Cath.. I had noticed on the website that there were a number of fabrics heavily reduced, but they were out of stock .. so I went along to investigate. and oh my!! Oilcloth for £4, cotton duck for £6 and gorgeous patterned cotton for £4!! so I snapped up a couple of meters, mainly for BuzyMums projects (have made a couple of roll up towelling travel mats this week and the oilcloth is perfect to the 'wipe clean' side!), but since it is so cheap I am tempted to go back tomorrow to stock up (I will be going to Edinburgh to collect Ethan anyway!).

I also made a return trip to the bead shop in Comely Bank... this place is a wee gem that i discovered by chance last week after I dropped E off... I bought a few goodies, which were admired by Kelli, a Twitter friend. We decided to do a swap (i am getting some gorgeous knitted mug cosies for myself and Ethan, can't wait!!) and my end was to snaffle some beautiful buttons/beads and I am also going to send down a darning foot as our sewing machine shop sells them v cheap!

Then this morning i heard that familiar 'plop' of a jiffy bag to doormat, and was greeted by some lovely trims, bakers twine and gingham bias binding.. so today i think I am going to have a play with pretty fabric! I have become a bit obsessed with my darning foot, oh my... freehand embroidery... 'such fun'!! Got lots of ideas running around my mind ... lets get creative!!

What more could a girl ask for?

Going HOME!

2012-01-15T12:17:00.006Z

well, survived my first week back...! I know, I have a cheek ... my job is a joy, a pleasure, fun and I am very fortunate... but after 3 weeks off, mostly spent in my PJs... it was a shock to the system!!

I finally finished Ethan's bedroom, and it looks amazing...I spent all day in there on Friday, 'dressing' it and listening to his Disney CDs ... even now, I keep going back in to look at it. LOVE it. I got him a big desk and legs from ikea so he has a lovely space to create, got him a bygel rail and some hanging pots for all his pens and lots of storage.. so hopefully he will stop nicking mine :-) His new curtains (made my me, obvs!!) and paint colour make a real difference, brightening the room and making it feel much warmer ... love the colour yellow, is my fav and best!

Spent the day in Edinburgh yesterday, wandering around old haunts and feeling nostalgic and formulating a plan for moving back ....... Edinburgh is a beautiful city. Bursting with beautiful buildings, bustling with people, bright with ideas and opportunities and always feels very much like going HOME... Stockbridge is a special place and there are so many fab little places to stop and indulge. It really has the feel of a small village... loved being back, exploring, remembering, planning...

But until the day I can go HOME I will have to make regular visits.. to sooth my soul... in fact I am going today!! ha .. I had better get up and get with it!

Here are some photos from my week;

Lotta getting snuggles

Finally getting my mojo back!

Being back at work ... lots of paint... it was a messy class!

On the train...

Skittles tongue!

Beautiful vintage artwork i bought whilst exploring all the nooks and crannies in Edinburgh!

Meatballs!!!!

My beautiful boy ... LOVE!

US!!

Lunch ... it MUST of been Tuesday!

Us again... my boy and me.. forever and always xx (ps.. you will see ethan's fringe, this is it finally growing in from where he cut it himself in august!!!! He has had rest of hair cut in meantime ... lol!)

Right.. better get up and at 'em

xxx

purging ...

2012-01-09T13:44:00.003Z

I am currently mid way through an overhaul of the house ... you know that point when stuff is everywhere, the 'eye of the storm'. Moving from one room to another, 'staging' areas... while you try to get everything sorted. Am gutting wardrobes, cupboards, airing cupboard. Finally getting rid of all Ethan's baby (*sobbbbb) clothes, sorting through towels and bedding...my clothes. Added to this I am also in the middle of decorating Ethan's bedroom, but I ran out of paint, and am waiting until school goes back tomorrow to finish it off .

BUT i see light at the end of the tunnel. I am off to ikea on Wednesday for (meatballs) storage, a play table and a new tv unit for my new living room tv when it comes. A load of baby clothes were picked up this morning and I have arranged for a charity pick up for the rest ... so fingers crossed, this time next week everything should be pristine, ordered and organised and calm will be restored ....

ahhhhh and relax!

x

Christmas photo round up

2012-01-07T16:57:00.002Z

Enjoying the last few days of the holidays, soaking up every relaxing moment, I have thoroughly enjoyed this break and it is so nice to take some time out for once.

Ethan and I blew the cobwebs off by heading down to the park this afternoon, then I had every intention of building my new bed, but I couldn't even dismantle my old one as the screws were too tight ... and i lost the will live. So it will have to wait for my brother to come and help!

But now I am going to put my feet up and snuggle with my boy, so i will leave you with some photos...

enjoy
em xx

2012 ... looking forward to another great year!

2012-01-03T20:04:00.002Z

Well... I got a bit slack there at the end of the year again ... apologies. I was just so swamped with all the BuzyMums side of the business, orders, 12 craft fairs, orders, orders, orders and more orders!!! Not to mention normal family life, teaching classes and getting ready for Christmas!

But I coped, i survived, all orders were delivered to happy customers, a fantastic year and to top it off a fantastic Christmas. I think my best ever Christmas. Just loved it, we had nanny this year. So it was a special family occasion, lots of love and laughter.. special memories. I was thoroughly spoiled, I am very, very lucky.

2011 was an amazing year and I am so looking forward to 2012... now that I have been enjoying a few weeks holiday I have found some time for scrapping, which is lovely....

so I am really looking forward to 2012.. it is going to be great!

I promise I will be back SOON!!!

em xx

It's beginning to look at lot like .....

2011-11-06T19:35:00.002Z

Christmas!!!!

My little workshop and my elves (ho ho ho!) is in full Christmas swing with all sorts of lovely creations under way...

I am launching a new range of baby/children's items as I have started doing the Baby & Children's markets up here, plus with teaching wee ones I get to know what is what and what is needed and what is not, lol. So I have some BuzyBaby dribble bibs waiting to be finished off and have added baby personalised onsies to the custom tee range. Another new range is the 'mummy and me' tote bags, these are made from durable cotton duck so you can get rid of all those carrier bags and help the environment and loot stylish in the process!!I already did a load of aprons and 'tool' tidies last year, these are great and can be used for all kinds of arts and craft stuff, as well as a grown up version for make up brushes etc.. I also need to finish of some tooth fairy pillows as had a couple of orders in and these usually do really well at the craft fairs...

So, lets talk about CHRISTMAS!!! Well, I have 6, potentially, 7 craft fairs coming up.. I am going to be a buzy little bee and have been making loads of gorgeous Christmas creations. I am still doing the personalised stockings and sacks that did so well last year. But I have also added some new ranges... a more 'modern' stocking, Christmas bunting, a Christmas version of my quilted patchwork cushion, a whole load of new feltie friends to join the Christmas menagerie .. and loads more. I am really pleased with progress, although my to do list is still huge.. I am trying not to get stressed.... I still have a load of custom orders to do on top of this, so I am trying to put all my previous time management training to good use!

I realised yesterday, than there leave little time for me to actually get the tree up, and make my house literally look like Christmas's threw up, haha .. the only possible free day is 28th November, so that is when Christmas will officially hit home.. ho ho ho!

I did 8 hours sewing today - so I am taking the night off, enjoying a glass of wine and some sky+ catch up!!

Night all
xx

314 days ......

2011-11-04T09:40:00.003Z

until we are back in Florida ... I moved our holiday forward from October to September, but at £300-400 saving on flights it just had to be done.. I am naughty and will be taking Ethan out of school. But he is still young, and this years holiday was last academic year and next years will be next academic year ... so just have to make sure he has minimal days off this year!! I also bought our flights yesterday ... ok, so i was a little (well a LOT) sick in my mouth when i read out my debit card details, I can tell you ... but at least that is everything booked now!!! I am planning all our dining options (we are staying onsite in Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney were offering free dining!!) .. so it gives us a rough plan for our days .. I have between now and 18th March to finalise this, then I can book all our ADRs (Advanced Dining Requests) .. planning a Disney trip can quickly become addictive... I have read 3 guidebooks and am on the DIBB daily!!! So exciting!! Plus I think Deb, Geoff and Joshua want to go back the following year, kind of think the wish they were coming next year now :-(( so looks like we will be going in 2013 too!!! Bonus... (travelling with my sis = mega cheap virgin flights and an upgrade :-)

I have also pretty much finished my Christmas shopping... bought all the wrapping elements yesterday too. Need to get organised as I have 5 craft fairs so far, so need to spend that time getting organised, whilst still allowing time to enjoy the festivities!!

I am currently chilling with my coffee, before i head up to school for the walking club... the sun is streaming in and making it glaringly obvious that i need to clean my windows .. oh and it sounds like one of the cats has been sick .. o the glamorous life i lead, lol!!!

Enjoy your Friday everyone!!
xx

sanity????

2011-10-24T09:14:00.002+01:00

Ethan went off to school fine and dandy this morning, i was a bit displeased with the dark morning, but we soon got into the swing of it... I now sit here with STUFF everywhere as I have about 10 (no lie) workmen in my wee house doing a massive rewiring job.... they came at 8am, and will prob be here until about 4.30/5pm ... I was hoping to do some scrapping, as I will have no tv/wireless etc as soon as they turn the electric off ... but my wee office has become the dumping ground... i suspect I will be moved from room to room... a little nomad with my laptop (as long as my battery lasts!!) ... pray for my sanity!

oops!!!

2011-10-21T18:55:00.002+01:00

so it looks like it nearly 3 weeks since i last blogged .. sorry .. that is what happened in the holidays, sidetracked!! But forgive me a little, I was away for 10 days of that and the signal is a bit pants up there.. haha!

All is good, we had a lovely time up with Nanny. I got us all kitted out for winter ( i am prepared for full-on snow like last year, so think all new snow gear.. boots, gloves, waterproof trousers, thermals etc).. i also got some nice knitwear and a few more dresses, plus lots of lovely new tights. I am big into navy at the moment, and M&S also had some lovely knitted, ribbed style grey tights, they will be vv cosy! I also managed to get most of my Christmas shopping done, so I am on target, which is great and will hopefully aid a stress-free, relaxed Christmas. I just need to remember to get the flu jag in plenty time, as I don't want a repeat of the past 2 winters :-((

So my new term started back and i have lots of lovely new, tiny babies ... so cute! One of my good friends is also about to pop, i am sooooo hoping she is having a girl (whom i might steal!!). I have also been really busy with all the Christmas stock preparations. I have also been adding lots of children's/baby bits and bobs as I am now doing a series of Children & Baby markets up here, so appliqued onsies to go with my customised tees, dribble bibs, play mats, more aprons. I need to make a start on the lavender cushions as 2kg of the most gorgeous lavender got delivered while I was away and is currently making my airing cupboard smell wonderful and fragrant!

Ethan has been at Centre Parcs with Daddy all this week, i have been getting updates and photos .. horse riding, roller blading, fencing... he is having a ball but i will be glad when he is home.

I am now going to chill for the rest of the evening as i spent all of today sewing and i have now come over really, really tired. I also think it is this new sofa, it is soooo comfy, and we can completely stretch out on it and chill ... looking forward to lots of snugly nights with my boys next week!

Right, I have some Dexter to catch up on. I promise to be back sooner than 3 weeks!!
em xx

Time passes when you are busy doing something else ...

2011-10-02T12:42:00.004+01:00

There i was on a roll with blogging and then i get sidetracked and forget ... sorry! Anyway, I have snatched a few minutes to get it done...

Well, hands up who has been enjoying the wonderful weather we have been experiencing? I had to dig out our freshly packed away summer clothes, it is all very confusing. As long as we don't have a hot Christmas I will be happy. Although weather predictions are that it will snow from late October until February ... ??!!! I am happy in all weathers... I have kind of had enough sun now, and would like autumn back now please as i bought some lovely CK-inspired tights last week and i would very much like to wear them!

Anyway... i have kind of been swallowed up my the BuzyMums creating machine ... Christmas stock is coming together.

But as fast as I am making it, people are ordering it. However I guess that is the point, duh! I also got a commission to make 4 pairs of curtains, lovely rich colours and the most gorg fabric, nice and heavy. Inspiring me to change my mind on the plans i had for my new living room ones, yet again! That is the 'downside' of my job, so much beautiful fabric passes thorough my hands, i am a bit like a child in a sweetshop.....

I have also volunteered to help run the school walking club, children need a minimum of 60minutes exercise a day and all that jazz. We had our training on Friday and took our first group of children out, it was great fun. I even get my own whistle, which took me back to my days as a Rainbow Guide leader .. sigh, i miss that ... do i have anymore free hours to volunteer again??!!? We are lucky here as we have lots of lovely walks right on our doorstep. We have green spaces, the beach, the woods, coastal paths, old cobbled streets, watchtowers, graveyards (spooky!), a wonderful park. The children really enjoyed it, so much so that we actually have a waiting list for places. We start properly the first week back after the October holidays. Can't wait!

The most important event this week, was that my lovely little Joshua turned 3!

It really is a strange thing, how quickly time passes. I always get a sense of this. I mean 3 years really isn't that long. He is still all sparkly and new. But it is a lifetime... how can he be 3 and yet? But then hasn't he always been here? I really am so lucky. He is like my own son and we have a special bond. Small sweet things, I taught him to say 'I love you'... He just adores Ethan, which he can finally pronounce, although it sounds more like 'Efun' .. v sweet. I hadn't noticed this before, but my auntie who was round the night before his birthday and she was commenting on his speech (she is a social worker, with a background in child behaviour/psychology.. so she knows all about 'kids'!) and his language skills etc and that he has a little English accent. My sister in law and my brother both sound Scottish, so he has picked up his accent form me and Ethan! From all the time we spend with him. This made me so proud, lol, how much we have rubbed off on him, the impact we have had on him, shaped him into the perfect wee boy he is! I hadn't really thought about it before... but that was a 'visible' reminder!

We had a lovely evening celebrating his birthday. Lots of special people, bubbly and of course I was the one running around the garden with all the kids in the dark and teaching them the 'bean' game on the trampoline .. their favourite was 'baked beans' go figure, lol! I love evenings like that. Laughter, love, friendship and family! xx

I am now on 'holiday' for 2 weeks, well a holiday from classes, not sewing! A much needed holiday as i really haven't stopped since we got back from Florida! Our new furniture comes tomorrow, I haven't organised this very well as we are getting the whole house rewired .. so more upheaval... Anyway, it will all be beautiful in the end. Then I am a parent volunteer for Ethan's school trip on Tuesday and then it is Parents Evening on Wednesday. I am looking forward to this. I love to hear how he has been getting on, to look in his drawer and see all his work, lol. Thankfully Daddy is coming to as he always remembers to ask the important things. Then on Thursday we are going up to my Nanny's for 10 days! I am beyond excited about this. We just LOVE it up there. It is glorious. The scenery, the trees, the space, the garden, and most importantly my nanny... we LOVE her. Can't wait. She is then coming back down with us and staying here for 4 days.. so lots of extra Nanny time. Ethan is going to Centre Parcs, so I can have her all to myself mmwwahahaha!

So, I had better sign off now as i have an order of 6 cushions that i need to get done and delivered for tomorrow.... and I really should get dressed! And in case you were wondering is is 369 days away ....
em x

it's dreich out today ....

2011-09-16T16:25:00.002+01:00

If you are Scottish you will know what this means ;-) .... safe to say that is is autumnal here today and as i type this from a warm and cosy spot on my living room sofa I can see all the leaves on the trees... green, yellow, orange, some even red... beautiful! But dreich!!

I have been sewing up a storm all day, working on the Christmas bunting. I like to do it in stages ... first cut out all the pennant fronts, then the backs, then pin, then sew then all, then make the bias binding, then sew up the bunting ... I prefer to do it all this way as it means less stopping and starting.. although some of the stages are a tad zzzzzz .. yesterday I cut out over 200 triangles!! But it is all starting to come together and look beautiful. Orders keep flooding in and I am so glad that I started now.

Daddy picked Ethan up from school, so I didn't even have to leave the house, popping in for monkey and a change out of uniform. He is coming back post Dr Who tomorrow as Daddy has another run.. so we will get to spend another Sunday together. I can't wait. Think we will head along to St Andrews with friends, explore the beach, make use of our very neglected Historic Scotland passes and have tea in Pizza Express!

Tonight I am going to chill, eat lovely food, catch up on my Sky+ and have a wee glass of wine. Got a customer coming round in the morning to look at fabric samples for an order, then it will be back to the sewing...hohoho!

Right, I have the school uniform to iron (yes it is washed and dried already!!)
Em xx

Very lucky

2011-09-14T09:13:00.005+01:00

yes, as the title says I am a very lucky girl .. no I didn't win the euromillions jackpot (over £120 mill!!)... lots of small things. But the sweetest in the early mornings when I have been up with the sun and creating into the wee hours the night before, is that I don't have to do the school run in the morning!

Recently (pretty much anytime I need it) Ethan has been getting picked up by Lucy (well, not literally Lucy as she is only 7, lol!) on their way to school. This is fantastic, a huge help on the mornings when i am teaching or when we have Joshua... this morning I have a very special meeting at 11, so I am still chilling in bed with the laptop. I have been up since 6.00 and saw to Ethan getting ready, prepared a nutritious packed lunch and delicious breakfast. Have done 2 loads of laundry and cleaned the bathroom .. but it is just nice to do it and not rushing around like a banshee!

It is great to have a small support network of mums at the school. It is reciprocal too, for 3 days this week we have had Lucy after school. Today we are going into town as I need to take Ethan to Clarks for new wellies and some yummy M&S foodhall goodness. So I said I would take them to the bad place (McDonalds!).... I have lots of issues with children eating here. I swore when E was born that I would never take him, and i managed to stick to that until he was nearly 4... but it is hard...they lure children in. BUT it isn't a regular occurrence, and day to day he has a very healthy diet...so a little bit of badness isn't going to kill him! (he made me laugh yesterday. I get his packed lunch organised the night before, except fruit/yogurt and sandwich , which i do in the morning. and i was asking him what fruit bar he wanted as we had just been to the health food shop to stock up. I also got some lovely sugar free fruit lollies as a treat and he said one of them. I said NO, that you couldn't take sweets for break...my argument is that at 10.30 it is too close to breakfast for sweets! he then told me that everyone else has crips, chocolate, sweets like wine gums etc, some even have mini bottles of fizzy!!!!! ... and there was him with his 100% dried fruit snack, lol... I suddenly got flashbacks to my childhood... everything brown. Brown rice, brown bread, brown pita bread...nothing refined or processed! So today as a treat I let him take some crips - baked crips, so at least they are not THAT bad...! So i am still the hippy farm girl at heart. I guess I have my parents to thank for that!).

This week also saw the anniversary of 9/11... we all remember where we were ...! It is still so raw. So shocking. I still gasp, sobbing big fat tears of sorrow. So painful. All those people.. those mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends ... people who just never came home! It has been really hard trying to explain it to Ethan. As it really doesn't make any sense.. still. But we need to remember, it has changed the world we live in... a scary, sad world... hard to explain that to a child without frightening them .. . But it is a day we should never, ever forget!

I have been really busy making Christmas stock this past week. I don't want a repeat of last year, when my every waking moment was spent sewing and getting stressed (although thankful for the orders). So I have started early. I want to get the samples done so I can take pictures and start promoting... but once again facebook is an excellent tool... I already have orders for 4 personalised tees, 2 sets of Christmas bunting, 6 personalised decorations, 2 Christmas cushions and 2 Santa sacks... and i literally only put a few sneak photos..ho ho ho ...My very own Santa's grotto!

I am also taking part in this craft event this weekend ... it is all online - so pop along and have a look. Lots of beautiful things to tempt you! (blogger not letting my upload the photo - will try again in a mo!)

Right, I had better shift it..have a great day everyone. The sun is out here, so I am happy!
Em x

Windy Wednesday

2011-09-07T14:05:00.002+01:00

... I really shouldn't of bothered doing my hair this morn, as I looked like a banshee by the time we had been blown up the road to class ... ach well.. I shall just call it my 'autumnal look'! Despite yesterday being v wintery, today is actually nice and sunny, albeit V windy.

Joshua has just fallen asleep on the sofa, I will let him nap for 20 mins or so.. while I do some blogging and sort through my recent photobox delivery. As well as more photos, I also got a beautiful photo-book, that i made using some (i have over 700!!) photos from Florida! It is lovely, a real coffee table book and i am definitely going to be making more of these as it is a great way to preserve and present the memories!!

That is me finished teaching for the week, although I still have some design work and some sewing bits to do. I have also been commissioned to make 200 invites, so need to get cracking on that... but just now i am enjoying sitting here and enjoying the sunshine...It is bound to turn colder soon, so tomorrow I am off to our new and improved M&S to stock up my autumnal wardrobe as they have some gorgeous dresses and knitwear in .. and I do so love Markies :-)
I am also looking forward to Friday, my first day of all-to-myself peace for over a week! Much needed, and then on Friday evening Ethan and I will have one of our 'family-date-nights'... we try and do these every Friday that he isn't going to his dads... Basically at suppertime, so when he has had tea, is bathed and in pjs.. we prepare a wee feast and some cocktails (me, wine. Him a made up concoction of freshly squeezed juice and ice) and snuggle under a quilt and watch something like Miranda or Outnumbered, which are our 'family' favourite comedy sitcoms!

Love these daft wee traditions!
Right .. need to wake my little monkey
Yiasu
xx

Sunday snuggles

2011-09-04T14:39:00.012+01:00

Afternoon everyone

I write this from my sofa, snuggling next to Ethan while we (well mostly he) watch Alvin and the Chipmunk's (the squeekquel)... it has been really nice to have this sneaky little extra day with him, as we have been really busy and had Joshua all last week.

So sometimes it is just lovely to have some one on one time with my boy. Daddy was running the great Scottish run today, so E came home post-Dr who (how scary was that!!?) last night and we have very much made the most of today!

We had snuggles this morn and then went down to the park to blow the cobwebs away, obviously since it is nearly autumn, the sun is out in full force today and it is lovely and sunny with clear blue skies! Then we came home and got creative. Part of his homework (and he has LOTS .. writing exercises, word wall, reading, maths, spelling test) was for their medicine project, to create a magical medicine. Design something and create a 3d model and write up some information on it. Obviously Daddy and I both do homework with Ethan (although Daddy to be honest does more than me as homework is from Friday to Tuesday, so it falls on his days!) but whenever there is a creative element this is strictly my job! So today we created 2 magical medicines .. Mr Muscle (which makes you strong) and Army (a medicine which helps you to grow extra arms!)... this kind of exercise is great fun, Ethan has an incredible imagination and he is extremely creative (wonder where he gets that from?!) so it was lovely to work with him....we are currently waiting on some glitter drying and then we are going to adorn some buttons with hot glue!

Then we did the regular Sunday packed lunch bake off (he actually prefers to take in my baking to things like kitkats, bless!), made some chicken soup, pear and apple crumble and some scones... i did all the boring bits like ironing. Tended to our tomato, chili and herb garden (blooming and fruitful are two words that come to mind!!). We read some of our Roald Dahl books and now we are having a much needed chill.

We get Joshua again tomorrow, until Thursday so another busy week. But I finished off and delivered an order yesterday. So that takes some of the pressure off.. which means hopefully it wont be so frantic and I can (fingers crossed) get some scrapping done. I need to catch up on Document 2011 and LSNED ... am also waiting on my Studio Calico kit, this months looks lovely so can't wait to get to grips with it...

Right, I need to get off here and get back to some boy cuddles.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
em x

Connections ....

2011-08-31T21:59:00.005+01:00

I live in a fairly large town .. but sometimes it seems so small (partly probably due to living in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen in the past). Small in the sense that it is always amazing how connected everyone is to each other - in a 6 degrees of Kevin bacon-kind of way...everyone knows each other. This is also highlighted because of my job, you would be surprising how pretty much everybody I have taught has some connection to someone else I have taught ....

Part of me loves that feeling of connection I have to people .. friends and obviously family, places, memories. I am still friends with a lot of my school friends, (my sister-in-law being one of them), and this week I have been fortunate enough to meet up with two of my longest and best, one lives in Madrid and one in Yorkshire.

There is just something about being with someone that has known you, and i mean every side of you, since you were 12/13 ... good and bad, warts and all...pre-dating children, relationships. It is funny to reminisce .. see yourself through their eyes (I was apparently viewed as an arty, confident free spirit , when in my head i was an angst ridden - ugly duckling) , get their recollections, their interpretations on the past .... their memories of my mum (the coolest mum, hip, pretty, young...but to me she was Adena to my Saffy....a nightmare!) .. they all remember Nanny, they all remember my parties ( I had legendary parties...!!) ..

Maybe it is because I am a sap, maybe because of my childhood ... but memories and connections to people are so important to me...bonds, loyalty...love. All these things which shape us....

But then there is also the part of me that likes to isolate myself from those all-knowing connections ... I am a firecly independent and self reliant person, so sometimes i like to duck out and keep my head low ... something which can be hard to do in a town where everyone knows your name ... lol!!

Friends old and new are important .... friends keep us sane... and I love all of mine. Thank you xx

Footsteps ...

2011-08-26T10:34:00.006+01:00

Nothing really major to post .. it is Friday morning and i have my first day off this week. Although I have just had a couple of new sewing commissions in, one for a load of items for a soon to be born baby boys nursery.... super cute and bound to make me broody!

I had a new baby start at class this week, although he was 10 weeks old, he was so small and precious and i got to snuggle him for ages at coffee time! I really do love children, I have been like this since i was a little girl. I am the oldest of many grandchildren in our family and i have always had the mothering role. I know I wanted to be a mummy from about the age of 6. Since i was a child, anywhere and everywhere i go, if there are ever any children, they all seem to gravitate towards me. I just love interacting with them, making them laugh, getting down on their level and communicating with them.. a combo of Mary Poppins and (kind version of) the Pied Piper... which is why i love my job. It is like i have all these extra 'babies' ... some of my very first babies are all starting school nursery. I feel so proud and grateful for the time i have had with them, but sad to see them grow up and move on. Luckily I have made a great many friend through teaching and still see lots of my little ones regularly on a social basis... so fear not!! I know that I am very fortunate, I have a job which means I can work it around the needs of my family, i can devote myself to Ethan and Joshua, but when I am working it is fun! I love all the laughter, their imagination, their innocence. Yesterday I had Ethan, Joshua and Lucy (every 3 weeks I have her for 3 days after school) ... they made 'dens', jumped off the sofa onto piles of cushions, we baked, planted seeds, they told me funny made up stories! Granted I am exhausted by the end of the day, but all that doesn't matter. It was FUN! (I am not saying I am perfect, far from it!! I get cross, I get grumpy, I am tired, I do let ethan watch TV sometimes, I do bribe with chocolate, lol! But I know that they are only 'mine' for a short time and I want to savour every moment with them, before they go off to make footsteps of their own!).

There is a crispness to the air today (although that may be partly due to the fact that on our way home from the school run a mummy friend and I stood chatting until 10 ... so i was a bit cold when i came in!!) .. and it is making me thing of making pies, hot chocolate and new winter clothes.... I love the change in seasons, all the associated traditions, the new phase. The only thing I don't like is the dark nights and mornings ... makes the whole day seem shorter. But it also means lots more time for snuggling under a handmade quilt, cosy time together.

I do feel all 'fuzzy and happy' at the moment .. every now and then I stop and feel the happiness wash over me, nothing major, nothing outstanding .. just life. As I have said so many times before it is the small things.... But there are also lots of big things coming up. Lots of friends are having babies, which i am SO looking forward to. Then Halloween, holidays (going back up to Nanny's in October!!), Christmas. But it is also just stopping to take a moment to enjoy! Enjoy your family, enjoy your life, enjoy making your footsteps, whether they be big or small!

Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day class starts in September, I really enjoyed doing this in the past. (and i really did learn lots about myself!)... so need to do some prep work on that today!

So, I hope today is god to you!
em xx

Older

2011-08-18T10:52:00.006+01:00

I have had a birthday .. i am now on the wrong side of thirty as my lovely friend Katy put it, cheers doll! LOL .. Ethan is also now in P3.... I feel older, i feel time passing.... but I guess older and wiser and with lots more adventure along the way!!

So this is the sight that greeted me on the morning of the first day back at school

Apparently Sam (from iCarly) had cut her own hair and this inspired Ethan to do the same!!!! Thankfully with some hair wax, I was able to transform him into this, more presentable and appropriate for the first day of new school term!

So schools (well in Scotland) are back, I have had my birthday ... that can mean only one thing..... planning for Halloween and CHRISTMAS!!! I am dying to put up all the lovely decorations I got when in American and at Disney. It is sad to see a year fly bay so quickly, but it I think back, lots of great things have happened and I am sure the next 4 months will bring just as much!

I have a much needed day to chill and craft today, am waiting on a host of deliveries and have some much needed scrapping to do! I FINALLY got my Florida photos developed...

So I am off to sit at my desk, and probably get side-tracked by Disney planing, only 416 days until we go, lol! Here is a photo of the boys to warm the cockles ... (for some reason it is not letting me add this photo .. will try later!)

Love
em xx

Lazy summer days

2011-07-30T11:52:00.001+01:00

Oh I do so love the sunshine!
Just chilling out, catching some rays. Everything seems better in the sunshine! We have been really lucky with the weather up here recently (watch this, I've probably jinxed it and it will rain tomorrow! Lol!). The sun is just so positive, it makes me happy, invigorated, feeling free....I know I sound daft.

But I am all about being outside, I love exploring. Trees, walking in the woods, strolling along the beach, chilling in the garden, playing in the park. We do that in all weather, literally, sunshine to snow. But I prefer sunshine the best!

But I know that these lazy summer days are drawing to a close, which makes me sad. I love the relaxed pace, I love just hanging out with my boy. I so don't want him to go back to school. I want to keep him with me. That's one more (school) year gone... But at least it's not long until the October holidays, haha!

So the past few weeks have all been about summer and home. As well as getting out and about enjoying the holidays, we have been chilling at home, which has meant lots of baking! Mmmm, in the run up to the holiday, my baking sessions had lessened (bikini!!!) but now that has passed, I am free to bake (and eat!!). Our next trip is all booked, 7th October 2012 (am in full planning mode, and a tad addicted to DIBB!), but I've got plenty of time to indulge!! It is also about this time of year that I start to think about all the home projects that need doing.....I like to get the house all revamped and beautiful for Christmas..so am busy with curtains at the moment!

I am also a bit addicted to re-watching my Mad Men box-set, so I am currently wearing one of my beautiful vintage 1950s housecoats that I picked up at a fab little shop. It's that step between pjs and a dress, you feel relaxed, but still glam! Think I might just pop on my pearls for that added Betty Draper vibe!

Right my loves, I had better get on.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

remember to relax!

2011-07-08T11:36:00.002+01:00

I think that is defo something I need to listen to, to remember and try and adhere to .... I am not the type pf woman who can just sit and do nothing, aimlessly watching hours of tv (I do watch TV, but usually whilst doing something else at the same time. I am an excellent multi-tasker!) .. there are always jobs to be done, things I feel guilty for ignoring (like washing up, ironing, cleaning my windows etc ...) so when I do sit down to relax, it tends to last about 10 minutes, then I think 'I will just quickly do X or Y' ... I am defo NOT a couch potato....life it way too short! But since we have been back from Florida, I literally haven't stopped. Now the holiday in itself (which was AMAZING!), wasn't exactly relaxing ... Disney is full on. Long, HOT days, lots of walking... the HEAT ... the walking etc etc ... but all worth it. But I don't feel like I have actually caught up with myself. Caught up on the 9 hour night flight, the jet lag ...

When we got home it was straight back into teaching for me and the last few days of school for Ethan. Then my nanny came to stay for 3 days, then nanny and Ethan went and then Joshua came for 4 days, then I was teaching, then it was Ethan's 7th Birthday (more on that later!) .... and then we are off to Nanny's for 10 days tomorrow! So today we are just chilling...think we will spend the entire day in our PJs. I still have laundry, ironing and housework to do ... but I will (try) and do it at a more relaxed pace. Just to let my body catch up!

I am also looking forward to some crafting projects coming up. I got lots of lovely fabric in Florida, and then Dunelm have a sale on, so got some gorg fabric, including quite a lot of soft furnishing fabric (need to make many new pairs of curtains!). I am making a baby quilt for a friends wee baby girl, I rarely do girly things, so this is very exciting. I am also redecorating Ethan's bedroom. So want to make him some new curtains and finish the quilt for Joshua's bed. As they were gearing up for 4th July when we were there, lots of the shops were selling US stuff. I found some wonderful little craft shops in Celebration (which is a beautiful little 'village' near Kissimmee) and got some mini US flags and some larger ones which I want to make into patchwork cushions and bunting for his new room. We are also getting a new sofa, a lovely L shaped one, so I am contemplating redecorating the living room while I am at it. I love the current colour, so maybe just a new coat to 'freshen' it!!

I am so in love with my wee house, me baby (big 7 year old) boy, my little life.. I just enjoy being here, for me it is all about the simple things... the vases of yellow and dark pink roses in all the rooms (gift from nanny), the smell of my yummy yankee candles burning (I bought loads in Florida, and then Debbie gave me two 22oz ones on return of her latest trip, to Orlando, lol!) ... a pile of fabric waiting to be cut up (bliss), the bowl of cherries I am currently munching or the smile from by brown eyes, gappy toothed boy ..... of course there are lots of things I would like, like winning the lottery ... haha! But I know that I am happy, Ethan is happy and loved and secure, my home is filled with love. And that is more important than anything else.

I think spending so much fantastic time with just Ethan on holiday made me fall in love with him all over again (not that i stopped loving him, if you get me!?), he is my greatest accomplishment... I can hardly believe he is 7. But I look at him, all brown and sun kissed like Mowgli from the jungle book, tall and skinny and stretching out with knobbly knees and missing teeth.... and I feel blessed! But I am conscious time stretching out in front of me.. he will be 8 and in P4 when we go to Florida next year ... time is passing so quickly and I don't want to to go by so fast ... just like the past 7 years have ... yikes, soon he will be 14!

So, I am going to try and remember to relax .....

have a great Friday everyone!
xx

Caught the Disney bug ...

2011-07-02T10:41:00.002+01:00

well .. we are home, from an utterly amazing holiday.Everything was fab, we loved it, amazing. I have so much to share and so many photots... but this will have to be a quick post as I have Joshua (Debbie is back off to Orlando, sob, sob!!). School finished up here yesterday, so Ethan is off down to London with his dad for the week. I will next see him on Thurday, when it will be his 7th Birthday!!!!

The sun is shining today, so we are off to the park with friends later. I am doing a quick bit of final research as Ethan and I are returning to Florida next year, and I have found a great deal on a Disney hotel ... whoop!

Anyhoo, I will be back soon with photos and a better update!

Em xx

Excited much???!!!

2011-06-05T15:18:00.005+01:00

I can't quite believe it is here ... that in a weeks time we will actually be flying to Florida.... yay!!! I have been so busy recently, and doing all the pre-holiday planning; what clothes to take etc.. that I had stopped the actual 'on trip' planning... There is a fab website that I am using (Allears.net) with loads of helpful tips and advice... from what to take, tips for toddlers, surviving the park and ALL the menus and prices of park dining (which is V helpful, and also not as horrifically expensive as i had previously thought!). I also have my guide book and the fab app for my iPhone. So it is time to get down and make some touring plans!!With 11 of us going, and not everyone taking a 14 day pass to all the Disney parks, there will be times when it is just E and I going to one of the parks (which is fine by me, as I do love time just me and my #1 boy!!). Chances are we will all spend lots of time together, and Debbie is keen to do some character dining with Joshua... But as a born organiser, who likes to be well prepared (in advance) I have booked some character dining for E and I; just in case!! Breakfast at WDW (Walt Disney World) where we will meet Pooh, piglet, tigger etc and lunch at Epcot where we will meet Mary P, Ariel (squeal), Belle (double squeal), Snow White, Cinderella etc ..... this has just made it very real and i am a tad excited!

I have so much still to do this week, but after last week and the craft fair yesterday I am doing nothing but chill today. Here are a few photos from last week;

J just after he got his stitches out and didn't flinch or cry.. brave boy!Some photos from (a very hot) Sports day!The boys snuggling post bath, pre bed watching UP!Joshua and I chilling, watching UP (again) whilst we waited from Mumma to get back from Japan and me teaching J to say 'cheesy balls' ... probably the funniest thing I have ever heard, lol!My stall at the craft fair yesterdayLast nights (much deserved) pizza and wine!!

I love the days I get to chill, today I slept until 11 and am still sitting in bed with my PJs, making plans! I plan to do a little scrapping later, catch up on Sky+ and more relaxing! There is no school Monday and Tuesday of this week, so E is having a long weekend with Daddy. I have classes on Tues and Wed and then it is final holiday prep for Thurs and Fri ... getting $, spray tans (so sad, and so Essex... and I know I go brown in 2 days... but I have a friend who runs a beauty business so she is coming to the house to spray tan me, deb, Geoff and Debbie's mum, hahahah so sad, lol!), relaxing massage, nails, waxing... ahh i am so good to me :-)

Right; I am going to make a coffee, munch on some fresh pineapple and make some more lists!

enjoy

Em xx

Spring cleaning ....

2011-05-29T11:28:00.007+01:00

Well i know it isn't Spring and it isn't Summer yet either ... or is it still Spring..?

O I am confused; anyway I have been having a mega clear out. Clothes, toys, jewellery, paperwork, cupboards ... general crap. I phoned my local charity collection and they are coming to pick up the lot tomorrow. Some went in the bin, ie broken jewellery/paperwork etc. It felt extremely therapeutic and my mind is clearer ... still have more to do, but all the dust began to go for my nose/throat and I had to down a gallon of liquid Piriton!

This week has been v busy; Joshua ended up having emergency surgery on his beautiful wee face on Monday, requiring a general anesthetic. Lots of drama, including Mumma making a mad dash off an immanently departing plane for Miami and hot-footing it back to Edinburgh just before the ferocious winds and ash cloud stopped all trains/cars/planes coming over the bridge ... phew! It was torture waiting to hear the news that he had come round ... felt sick with worry but it went amazingly and he is recovering well!

Ethan and I also had a 24/48 hour bug ... nothing specific just feeling groggy/sick and generally unwell. Then right as rain after ... v strange. I managed to get a lot of sewing done as E had the bug first and was off school and sleeping lots, which gave me time to get some stock made. Then when I was feeling better I was craving a Subway; so went into town and indulged. Also got my hair cut and did some more shopping. Some lovely new jewellery to co-ordinate with holiday clothes, new wash bag, gorg new black wedge sandals from M&S that I spent all yesterday breaking in whilst wearing them with tights or socks around the house, lol! I want to get another pair of shorts, as I am not 100% keen on the ones I was going to take with me. Am off to Edinburgh tomorrow with Debbie and Joshua to get his stitches out, so will have a look in the shops then.On Friday I pottered/tidied/crafted whilst waiting for the magic 5PM to place my Studio Calico order ..... success! The kit, will hopefully, arrive just before we leave for Florida, so I won't get to play with it until i am home... :-( I also booked our tickets to go up to visit my Nanny in July, with a family rail card and booking in advance it is sooo much cheaper. I love a great bargain!

I am also sort of packed; just wanted to see if it would all fit in my bag, which it does... hooray! Even with my mini kitchen scales, measuring cups and balloon whisk, lol. I want to be able to do some baking (well, pancakes and cinnamon rolls) for breakfast while we are away. Cooking for me is entirely therapeutic and I will probably me doing the majority of cooking, if we are eating in, which I am entirely happy with. I will just NEED appropriate equipment, lol!

Debbie forwarded me the email with our Virgin ticket info on it, which has the 'dress code', as our party is likely to be upgraded so we need to dress appropriately; no shorts, no t-shirts/vest tops/crop tops (LOL, unlikely!), no mini skirts (again, unlikely!), no flip flops, trainers, no beachwear, no sweatshirts, football tops, tracksuits, no ripped jeans etc .... have to be business casual. My outfit is appropriate, they are more relaxed with kids, but they are still not allowed to wear shorts! Just as well I have a lovely new pair of navy trousers for Ethan, pretty much a longer version of the shorts I had planned, so his outfit will still 'work' hehehe!!

As it is getting closer, it is becoming more exciting, more real...so much still to do non-holiday wise. I have a craft fair next Saturday (4th) so lots of stock still to do fot that, as I was ill I never finished the questionnaire for the parent council, we have Joshy from Tuesday - Friday next week and Lucy Tues-Thurs after school .. so lots of fun and games. But it will help the time to fly in!

Right my loves, I am going to get a bit of sewing done and then move some paper around! Enjoy a great Sunday!

em xx

PPP ... preparation, plans and packing

2011-05-22T11:31:00.003+01:00

Three weeks today we will be in the air, 35 mins into our 9 hour flight (we leave at 11am GMT) ... I am so, so looking forward to this holiday for many reasons. I love flying, love plane food, love the weeny wine bottles, or cans of coke...love tray tables, love the excitement, buying make up, snuggling into Ethan! Not too sure about 9 hours though, the longest I have flown is 10 hours when we went to Greneda, think the Dom Rep was 9 too. But I did both of those without children... I am sure we will all be fine. Ethan did a 12 hour flight with Daddy last year, so at least he is prepared... we are all a little concerned with how Joshua will fare. But with us all there to occupy him, plenty of snacks and new toys, I am sure he will be fine!

Did some more holiday shopping this week... dam Debenhams for having a 25% off sale and dam M&S for having some gorgeous boys clothes .... but got new make up, a lovely outfit for Ethan to fly in and at the last minute decided I needed new luggage. My current suitcases were a bit battered after 11 years traveling the world and the stop-gap suitcase I bought has done 2 trips to Greece so was also looking a bit battered and not at all befitting! Debbie and Geoff have also bought new luggage and D mentioned that Debenhams had some amazing deals... luggage reduced from £140 to £40. So after some deliberations, estimating sizes with my tape measure and looking at LOTS of different combinations I decided on this;

with 11 of us travelling space for luggage is going to be an issue, despite us hiring a mini van and a run-around Jeep. So I thought a hold-all type bag would be less structured. It is nice and girly and also has wheels, for dashing through the airport. Ethan already has a kids suitcase, which I think I will bring too and pack with our overnight/London stuff so I don't need to rummage around in the big bag and disturb my packing!

I am really enjoying working out all these little details, like co-ordinating our flight outfits... lol sad.. I would say 'compliment' rather that co-ordinate... think nautical; navy, white and red. My last mission is to find some new PJs, having decided that I NEED new ones for evening-poolside-lounging at the villa! Am going to do some Internet shopping this afternoon as I am running out of time for 'real life', lol. They need to be comfy, but modest (my brother and Debbie's dad do not need me flashing!), but also lightweight...this should tide me over until I can start packing!!

Getting Ethan and Joshua later on, a busy week of school activities and a parent council event event. A couple of playdates with friends and am also getting my eyebrows 'threaded' for the first time....! Also have to finish off some admin work for the parent council and work on stock for the craft fair in 2 weeks. Yikes, what the heck am I still doing on here?!

See ya soon
em xx

Official countdown ....

2011-05-14T10:38:00.005+01:00

I have realised that I mostly seem to post on a Saturday or Sunday ... must be because I usually have a bit more-non little boy demanding - free time, to sit and chill with the laptop in bed while I drink my coffee!!

Anyway ... the official countdown is here ... 4 weeks today we will be flying down to London, staying overnight/dinner then flying out to Florida on the Sunday ... I think 4 weeks is an acceptable amount of time to start the 'official' countdown. Hehe!

I am pretty much organised. All toiletries bought (except Palmer's cocoa butter as i couldn't get the one i wanted in Tesco or Boots), Visas sorted, all clothes bought. I have been very careful with selecting my holiday wardrobe this year. Not for baggage reasons as flying with Virgin, and because we will be upgraded I know weight wont be an issue. But I just wanted to streamline it, and make it more of a 'capsule' wardrobe. So that everything could kind of go with everything. So it has ended up with a real nautical theme. Lots of red, white and blue and stripes, lots of belts. Also got some gorg new sandals (in fact I love them so much got them in 2 colours), and a couple of pairs of wedges. Bought a new pair of my Cath K pumps as last years were worn to death and so comfy, and obvs need my CK flip-flops for chilling by the villa pool. Lots of maxi dresses, these are my new favourite thing to wear. I am still taking some of my favourite flowery dresses, as well as some new additions! But the main thing is i know what to pack!!

My holiday reading is sorted, 3 new books were delivered this week (The Postmistress, Whatever You Love and Every Last One) and I am also taking the Kindle, which will be great for reading by the pool! (I keep a huge reading list on my iphone and every now and then i buy 3 or 4 off the list as well as adding 3 or 4 to the list, so as you can imagine it is v long! I have always been a 'reader', i love books. Thankfully Ethan has inherited that passion and is currently in the top reading set in his class. It really does bring a tear to my eye seeing him read!). The Park tickets have bought and delivered, also bought our lanyards and everything is in my gorg CK travel wallet/passport cover/luggage tags, haha CK overload ... NEVER!

Beauty treatments underway...when have I been known not to love a BIT of pampering, haha! So it has been body scrubs, massages, facials and paraffin wax galore. Thankfully I know an amazing beauty therapist who has tailored a beauty holiday plan.. lots of chilling out. Apart from the foradic on my tum muscles ... ouch! Then saving the worst bit until the day before we leave ... waxing ... OUCH! As for the bikini diet, haha well ... sort of. I also bought a gorgeous 1950s inspired swimsuit from Frost French. This is predominantly so I don't accidentally flash people at the water parks...but it is stunning on. As a 'curvy' girl (I have 32G boobies), i was a bit apprehensive about strapless, but this suit is amazing on and it also comes with halterneck straps if you so wish.... so i have a feeling that I may be lounging around the pool in this too!

I have been doing a lot of scrapping and sewing too - mojo is certainly back in the house. My Studio Calico kit came this week, think this is my favourite so far. Although I was looking at the sneaks of the next kit this morning and I LOVE them and want at least 2 of the add-on kits, hahah!!

So all in all everything is good here. Lots of fun and games with the boys, catching up with friends and lots of chilling! Also had quite a bit of work to do for the Parent Council, we are organising a family quiz night, running a maths workshop and also I am writing a questionnaire for the entire parent/faculty... so quite a bit to do. But it is all for a good cause, and hopefully will continue to make Ethan have a positive school experience!

Right, I had better get up. My bro and sis (in law) are having a party tonight ... so I have an outfit to plan and nails to paint as well as my SC kit to play with!

Oh and I am totally addicted to this!

Enjoy your weekend.

iSD Challenge 2

2011-05-07T15:14:00.001+01:00

Hello again!

Am really enjoying the day and it's a great way to use up my April kit as well as some older stash!

So here it is, Shimelle's 2nd challenge of the day, my interpretation 'Eat more cake'!

Enjoy!
X

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy National Scrapbook day!

2011-05-07T12:43:00.001+01:00

I hope you are all enjoying a fun scrappy day and playing along with some fun challenges! I have done this first challenge over at Shimelle.com, to use patterned paper as background, rather than cardstock! I used a whole sheet (the reverse is the strawberries) from my April SC kit (just as well I have doubles as got the PP add-on!). Loved this challenge, as it inspired me to scrap the photos of the wonderful mothers day card (and poem!), that I got from my beautiful boy this year!

Right...I'm off for some more fun and games. Will be back for an update on past few weeks later...

Have fun!
Em xx

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:19:00.004+01:00

I hope you are all enjoying this sunny Sunday and not stuffing your faces with too much chocolate...? I have none, through choice as I am trying to be good and eat well in anticipation for our holiday ... 7 weeks today we will be on plane to Florida!! So I bought our suncream, some more holiday clothes this week, most importantly I bought our PARK TICKETS!!! Mega excited, is beyond words. Spent a good part of yesterday researching the parks, the rides... just sort of working out some kind of plan ... as I am all about plans! I have a new guide book, and subscribed to the website, which also gives you an iphone app with crowd size etc ... how fab is that!!? Deb, Joshy, Ethan and I are off to Edinburgh tomorrow to have a mooch around and do some more holiday shopping .... yay!

So it has been a lovely week, the pressure of work was lifted as I completed 4 big orders, just have a cushion, and a couple of Tee's to do, so was able to get stuck into my SC kit. I am so back in love with scrapping, I think that because I have so much (good stuff) going on, scrapping is my way to relax and do something just for me... and I am loving it, I am especially loving Studio Calico. The kits are awesome, such a great mix of papers and embellies... really inspiring!

We are back off up to Nanny's on Thursday after school, as E has Friday and Monday off school. My Nanny is also a lover of the Royal Family, so decided to spend it up there, we will watch, admire, clap and hopefully have a tea party in the garden! Also plan to do the last of my holiday shopping when I am there as the shops in Inverness are fab (Nanny doesn't live in Inverness, a small village near there!).

So that is my week ahead; I will leave you with a selection of pics from my week. I am loving Instagram for this, as without really meaning to, it compiles a great wee snapshot! Perfect for Document 2011!!

Okay my lovelies
speak soon
em xx

Spring fever ...

2011-04-17T12:06:00.003+01:00

Another glorious day ... yesterday was lovely too, although had a nip in the air. Today I have no tights on and my pasty wee legs are loving it... I am trying to be v good, food wise .. as it suddenly dawned me that in 8 weeks we will be flying to Florida and that means in 8 weeks I will be sitting around the pool at our villa, in a BIKINI!! So need to 'try' and be good .... but for every good step I take ... a cupcake accidentally falls into my mouth!! I have been doing so much research on park tickets... was my only job as Debbie has already organised and booked out BA tickets to London, airport hotel, Virgin (obvs) flights to Florida, our Villa, 2 car hire (we need to cars with 11 of us, a people carrier and a run-around!) and our flights home to Scotland....now not that I want to spend my entire 14 days at the parks, I would like a couple of days at Disney, a water park, universal and islands of adventure (and HP world!!) ... the most cost effective way was to get 14 day unlimited passes... this is only going to be about £150 more than passes for a couple of days at each, bought in the US and it gives me (.... and Ethan) the option to go more. But the park tickets are prob the single most expensive element of the holiday, costing £560 for me and Ethan .but it will be worth it!! The good thing about going in a big group, and one that includes my brother, sister in law, Joshua and Debbie's mum and dad.. is that there will always be someone wanting to go/do different things, so even if I don't go everyday... Ethan can have his full!! So I am buying the Park tickets this week. Ethan's new passport came through this week, super quick service... think it only 5 days to process! I have also been buying holiday clothes and toiletries and also thanks to a special discount code at Cath Kidston I am waiting on delivery of a pretty new travel document holder, passport cover and luggage tag! Getting into the holiday spirit now .... just need to stop eating lol... Also been working on lots of orders, my poor sewing machine doesn't know whats hit it .... but she is holding up well! Right it is a lovely sunny day... all the windows are open and the sun is streaming in, so I am going to play with April's Studio Calico kit that arrived on Friday... finally! Enjoy your sunny Sunday peeps. em xx

Home Sweet Home

2011-04-11T10:12:00.011+01:00

Well we are home from a lovely week up at Nanny's, was amazing as always. That is my special place, it is the one constant I have had in my life. I am so close to my nanny and she has lived there for over 40 years, so it has always been my safe place. Not having a mum or dad in my life, Nanny is all of that for me and spending time with her always makes me happy. I am so glad that Ethan now has a strong connection to the place and memories that will last his lifetime. There is so much history in her house, such a connection to 'family' walls lined with photos, china that was used in my mums childhood, memorabilia from my Nanny's childhood in Africa, being there makes me feel centered, at peace, loved! But it always makes me reflect on the future... at nearly 89, I always look around as i am preparing to go and wonder if this will be the last time...so I always cry. The tears spring from my eyes and I went to hug my Nanny, 'oh you are still a little girl' she said and swept me into her arms....... Love you Nanny!

The tears dried, and we made it home.... a glorious journey at the best of times through the scenic Scottish highlands, but on a wonderful sunny day the views were amazing... sadly ScotRail were unprepared for the sunshine and so had the heating on full blast, with no trolley service. So we were a bit tired and wilted at the end .... but we are HOME! Ethan is off to his Daddy's for a few days as his Grandmother G is up from London, so I have a couple of days of peace to chill and scrap before the new term starts, and we start the countdown to Florida!!!!

Here are a selection of photos from my lovely trip;

the finished invites, which were collected last Sunday ... marking the start of my 8 days off!!

a highlight of having a well travelled SIL is that I get lots of gorgeous goodies from the US, this is another from Anthropologie to add to my growing collection, as well as two more yummy Yankee's... a gift from 'Joshua' for having him while they were in Vegas (baby!)..

This is actually the inside of my Mothers Day card... brings a tear to my eye.. Love you bubba xx

Ethan was entertained on the journey with a new DSi game from D&G ... Star Wars III, he is hooked!

Until he fell asleep, at the exact spot he falls asleep, EVERY time we take that trip ... so cute!

Super sunny, bought new sandals and had a mani-pedi!

Gorg vintage mug I found while out thrifting, also got a nice tea set, some scarves, crystal butter dish and retro lemonade bottle!

These pictures make me chuckle ... my Nanny's house is filled with photos of all our family, but in these two I think me and my brother look just like Ethan and Joshua!!

I also (stupidly) washed Monkey while we were there, which made Ethan VERY sad (BAD mummy) ... here are the stages; Sadness and anxiety

excitement that the wash is nearly done!

Joy at having Monkey back! (Sorry Ethan, I wont do it again for another few years, lol!)

Having a lie in and getting brought a coffee in bed ... bliss!

Eating ..... everyone loves cake ....! BUT diet for Florida time now!!!

So that was our trip ....

Hope you have all been enjoying the school holidays?!

More soon

em xx

Lie-in FAIL!!!

2011-04-02T09:22:00.004+01:00

Morning... So this morning I was minus 2 little boys and you would think I would enjoy a lie-in, but no, my stupid body-clock decided to wake me at 7.30!! Hey ho, on with the day... We had Joshua all last week, and i know I say this all the time, but he is a wee cracker... so funny, with the funniest hysterical laugh.. esp when you tickle his knees, lol.. He is a right little chatter box, and it is great to be able to have proper two-way conversations with him. The way he pronounces some words makes me chuckle.. love it.. esp Clock, which he pronounces without the L!! So it is now the school holidays up here. Ethan is away with Daddy until Sunday and then we are off to Nanny's on Monday for a much needed week off.. not that it will be very restful, but it will be great fun, we love going to spend time with Nanny. Plus there are great shops up there so I will get Ethan's Spring wardrobe sorted. It is Mothers Day this Sunday, Ethan made a card at school... which is beautiful. He gave it to me yesterday, as I wont be with him on Mothers Day morning, and he said he will give me my present when he gets home ... cutie. He wrote the loveliest message inside the card, made me cry. LOVE my boy so much xx: "you give me hugs when i feel sad, you make me laugh when i feel sad, you tuck me in when bedtime comes, I'm really glad that you are my mum" Right... better get on, have a commission of 150 invites for a 40th Birthday to finish!! Enjoy your weekend. em xx

Lovely sunny Sunday

2011-03-27T13:12:00.005+01:00

It is beautiful here today... Spring is definitely here, there is blossom on the trees, the daffies are out (i have an abundance of vases full all around the house... I love daffies as they remind me of my Nanny!).... I have done 3 loads of washing, made dinner, tidied the house and it is now time to chill, get some scrapping done and build excitement levels in advance of the 5pm Studio Calico reveal!!! I was at a craft fair on Friday and Saturday, it went really, really well. Lots of orders, lots of sales and met lots of lovely people... The cot-bed memory quilts were a bit hit, got a few orders for them and also one woman went nuts for the Amy Butler quilt, so need to get ordering more fabric. Also have lots of custom orders, 2 canvases, 3 sets of roman blinds, 10 aprons and 4 bib/harnesses for a wee girl in a wheel-chair, and some personalised adult t-shirts .... it isn't just the kids who like their names on their t-shirts, lol! So today I am chilling, and also tomorrow as we get Joshua tomorrow after school as my bro and sis in law are off to Vegas (baby!) ... so we have Joshy until Thursday (or Friday, I forget)... then the schools break off on Friday for the Easter holidays! We are off up to my Nanny's for a much needed weeks holiday on 4th .... ahhhhhhhhhh bliss!

Right, I need to shift it and get ma scrap on :-)) Hope you are all enjoying your sunny sunday?

em xx

Do something funny .... for money!

2011-03-18T09:51:00.002Z

Happy Red Nose Day everyone!!

I love Comic Relief....love the excitement, the spirit of the event, the amazing organisation that goes into it and also all the good it does. I spent 7 years working in PR and Events for National charities, loved my job immensely and i would go and work for CR in a shot! Ethan's school (and us on the parent council) have had a week of activities to raise money for the charity... the culmination being today... Ethan very excitedly hurried off to school with his red nose, red nose pirate t-shirt, dressed as a pirate; complete with beard and spiky red hair! We are really looking forward to this evening, snuggling in the sofa with our favourite munchies to watch some amazing people do some amazing things for an amazingly worthwhile cause!

If you haven't already done so; please text HELP to 70005!

Enjoy your day!
em x

exciting times ....

2011-03-08T12:26:00.011Z

well it has been the culmination of lots of heard work from me and my lovely designer Cathy at Slim Creative. (If you are ever needing any design/web, or just general design work done then she is your woman... lovely, lovely talented woman, extremely helpful and didn't mind all my daft questions/requests!) ..... anyway ... drum roll please ....... I am so proud to announce the launch of the new BuzyMums website ...... love it! I have loads more stock going up over the next few weeks and I am always doing private commissions... so if you have something in mind give me a shout!!

Next stage of my master plan is the new BuzyKids website .... this is too in Cathy's hands.... keep watching!

Right, better dash. Have to get back up to the hall for Baby Sign :-)

em xx

Bright eyes and bushy tailed ....

2011-03-05T11:16:00.004Z

Happy Saturday blog-peeps!

Ethan away with Daddy last night; which left just me and my littlest monkey... who delightfully woke me at 5.15 this morn!! Luckily I was able to get him to sort of snooze until 8. But with him talking to me, trying to open my eyelids and the cats having a disco ... i didn't get that much extra sleep ... but as the saying goes, we are both 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' this morning!

Debbie is on the shuttle back from London, having landed from JFK this morn.. so i will be monkey-less ... ahhh and relax! Well until Sunday, when E comes home.. then we get J back on Thursday... but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Didn't get as much done this week ... the downside of having a toddler since Wednesday.. but in the sacred nap time I have been able to get some work done on the website and do a few bits stock wise ... all coming together nicely!

Another exciting point this week as that my Studio Calico kit and all the extras were shipped ... so I will be stalking the postie next week! I also signed up for my 3rd OU course, which starts in October... still undecided on final degree... but it is getting close to crunch time. Current favourite is English Lit, perhaps with creative writing specialism or Humanities with philosophy. The Creative Writing course should help me finally decide. Will start the philosophy unit in Feb 2011...yikes!

Right; J is having problems with my iphone .. so i am needed!

Enjoy the weekend
ems xx

Could it be ......?

2011-02-24T14:13:00.004Z

I daren't say it ..... scared I will make it go away ... but we have the most glorious sunshine here today. Feels so lovely and warm. Making everything feel happy and positive (i do generally feel that everyday) but something about the sun just intensifies it ... fingers crossed SPRING is here!

I have had a lovely day so far; went into town after school run to collect some parcels. One for me, an awesome collection of KI Memories calendar paper for my Document 2011... thank you to Sally for tracking them down and getting them from America!! I did a bit more shopping, went to Dunelm Mill for some 'bits', got the stuffing for the boys beanbags and loads of zips (just because!) and some beautiful fabric (as i can't help it!). Then I met Joshua and Debbie for lunch, did the dreaded supermarket shop and then home to put my feet up and read this fab new mag!

Need to go and get my boy from school, and show him all the goodies I got in town for him... i love buying 'stuff' for Ethan (clothes, bug magazine, new reading books, fancy plastic wine glass so he stops using mine, star wars lego).... will maybe love it less so when he is 18 and the 'stuff' he wants are cars and flats, lol!

We have a big parent council meeting tonight, so better look out my notes and sharpen my pencils. The new headmaster of the local secondary school is coming to talk to us; will grill him on exam results, lol!

Right, need to put some flowers in a vase...
em xx

Wet Wednesday

2011-02-23T12:53:00.004Z

Well ... it isn't really raining here .. but has that cold, grey look about the day.... how i wish for some sun! Think it is about 15 weeks and I will have some Florida sunshine on my back and Disney in my heart..... excited ... oh yes!!

Had a great week, did a lot of work (class, OU and making new stock for the shop), had my wee monkey Joshua, went to Ikea and caught up with friends.
Ethan is back from Centre Parcs, he had a ball... but think he is keen to add rock climbing, archery and fencing lessons to his after-school activities..hmmm rock climbing I can organise but not too sure where I can source archery or fencing, hahah! He was so cuddly when he came home, he brought me a lovely bracelet and a 'valentimes' cupcake ... sweet!
Been busy with the 'Brand' for the shop and my classes, doing some work revamping the websites and generally making them much more professional. Have a fab designer working on new logos, doing the website, stationary etc for me... have to say it is all looking fab and can't wait to relaunch it all!!! Watch out Lord Sugar!!

Right, I am off to watch new Glee (the one where they write an original song!!)...

see ya later
em x

Creative Sunday

2011-02-13T20:35:00.001Z

Evening all;

Is is Sunday already?! Here are some pics from my week;

Well today was my 2nd day sans Ethan who is off to Centre Parcs for the week with Daddy....missing him v much. He phoned me earlier and having a ball, so I know he is happy :-)

I had a tutorial yesterday and did some work on the 2 assignments I have due, also caught up on my Sky+ backlog!! Today I have had a v chilled and scrappy day, sorting through stash and getting creative. Also did a spot of baking (what's new I hear you asking, lol!?).

Going for a lovely massage in the morn, then some work (yawn) and some play with Document 2011.

I'm hungry, so going to make some homemade flatbread and garlic prawns.... Yum!

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend?!

Em x

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blissful weekend ...

2011-02-05T13:34:00.003Z

Afternoon everyone

Having a lovely chilled weekend with Ethan as his daddy is working down in London, so I have a very rare weekend with my boy. We are just waiting on Lucy and her mummy so that we can go to the local soft play centre... I HATE these places; noisy, dirty, parents neglecting their children, who then run around wild hitting other children, greasy unhealthy food... arrrgghhhh the list goes on... BUT the children like it, the things you do for your kids, eh?! I have some wine chilling for later!

I also have some delicious salt and pepper bread sticks all ready to bake ... mmm i just love baking, as i especially love food!

I am also doing another batch of brownies and Ethan wants to do some biscuits as I bought him a cute set of dinosaur cookie cutters ... so we will defo be stuffing our faces this weekend!

This week was busy, but achieved a lot, which is great, next week looks set to be the same ... but following that Ethan is off with his dad, from Saturday to Saturday, as they are going to Centre Parcs, so I can chill then!

I will leave you with a selection of photos from my week;

Right;
I better shift it!
em x

Dress-up!

2011-01-30T12:59:00.004Z

Afternoon everyone,

Hope you are all enjoying a lazy Sunday........?!

I was up v early, so have already done the weeks ironing, made rhubarb crumble, got everything ready for the roast, done a LO and currently waiting for my lunch to be ready .... a chorizo and chilli rice dish I recently adapted/invented and it is LUSH!

Had a really busy but very fun week, we had Joshua, lots of scrapping, cooking, baking and sewing and buying pretties for my house; one of my highlights was finding Cath Kidson bedding in TK Max, I bought one set and pillowcases for me and one to use as fabric to make pretty things for me and the shop.

But next week is shaping up to be even better. My second OU course started on Saturday, so lots more studying. I am making another batch of the award winning brownies to take to the SANDS/SCBU sale tomorrow, we have Joshua for 2 days, Ethan has two playdates with Lucy, I am getting my 2 new pairs of glasses, my printers block alphas (I ordered 2 E's and a W) should come form the lovely Sally and the vintage dress I bought from Gizi Erskine should be delivered (I have bought a few from her before, she has exceptional taste!)...

Which takes me onto my current passion ... DRESSES!

I have always been a dressy girl, love to dress up, wear heels and my pearls. But I recently decided that I am ONLY going to wear dresses, completed my mission this week, and on Friday night I gutted my wardrobe and got rid of all separates, except for one 19650's skirt that I love ... and some vest tops to protect my modesty on low cut dresses.... I have NO trousers, NO jeans, NO tops ... feels very liberating. I HATE jeans, wish a passion!

So, looking forward to my dress wearing week ahead!

Yaisu
xx

Ooooommmmmmmmm!

2011-01-24T12:14:00.003Z

Afternoon everyone!

Apologies for the serious lack in blogging, oh dear....

I have just come from a very relaxing Indian head massage, the best and I am now totally chilled. I have a course of 4 and today was the 3rd, great way to start a Monday!

So; what has been happening? Well, Christmas, New Year, getting all my BuzyMums orders done, we had the most snow I have EVER seen in my life and we also had a very, very, very bad case of croup (E) and Flu (me) ..... but we are now both raring to go and throwing ourselves full on into 2011 ... 2011... cripes, where have the years gone? My boy is 7 soon ... *gulp*

So, mojo returned and I have been bust scrapping, is so nice to have a bit of time to chill and potter (and not feel ill) before the madness starts again..... My 2nd OU course starts on Saturday, this one is more full on and a LOT more writing, but i am sure I will cope. Been getting V good grades so far, so v pleased (85% for last one!!). Also been planning lots of new stock for the shop and all the Spring craft fairs coming up.

Now my appetite is back (I didn't eat for 10 days!!), I have been doing lots of cooking and baking, is so nice to be able to enjoy food again, so have been indulging before I have to start dieting for out Florida holiday .... 19 weeks!!!

So, i am off to have some lunch and do a spot of scrapping and chill before I go and get my beloved boy.

Have a great Monday!

Em xx

New beginnings

2010-12-31T20:15:00.001Z

Well, I meant to post the entire Christmas holidays.... But time ran away. So a quick one to wish you all a Happy New Year.... I will be back in 2011 with a holiday round-up!

Xx

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Snow Days, JYC and time to chill

2010-12-01T08:51:00.002Z

Morning all

Well we are currently on an unprecedented Snow Day #3 up here... there are no planes, no trains, no buses... no post, no milk in the shops.....! I have also had to cancel all my classes this week as no-one could get into town. But all in all it is amazing and we are having so much fun! Luckily I have done all my Christmas shopping {apart from getting my tree :-( } so I can sit back and enjoy the snow .....

There is however the small matter of food! I always have a fully stocked larder and freezer and could probably live off the contents for about 6 months (and it looks like we might have too, lol) but when it comes to milk, bread and fruit etc .. this is where problems arise. Supermarket deliveries have been cancelled as the vans can't get out and it is impossible to drive, hard to walk on food and all my wee local shops are running, or completely run out ....

But hey hoo, it all adds to the excitement!

And with that, it brings us to 1st December .... it is really here! Most importantly it means the start of Journal Your Christmas ... v exciting!

I had better go, as I need to hunt down some milk and be back by 10.45 to watch It's a Wonderful Life on Sky Christmas Movies .... could life get any better?!

Em xx

it's begining to feel a lot like

2010-11-27T20:21:00.005Z

... Christmas!

Yes, we have snow!!! I got such a surprise last night when I looked out of the window to see all the snow... so exciting, where has this year gone ...? December has just crept up on us, but I love it. I am all set; Christmas shopping is all done, baking and store cupboard goodies under way, Christmas Eve panto tickets bought, tree coming tomorrow (love my bro!) and I can't wait!

Between now and then though I have 4 craft fairs and and lots of orders to get through ... but come 21st December, I will be off 2 weeks and boy will I need it! The craft fair went really well last week, it was lovely to meet all my new 'colleagues' as well as getting lots of advice on running a craft business.

I had a chilled start to the week, as I have been so busy I needed to listen to my body and just have a few days to recharge and rest. Ethan and I did some baking, had dinner out and I also found some time to do some for shopping. Found some more lovely vintage fabric, some I am keeping for me and some I am going to use in future projects for the shop!
I also got some really good news this week, it just keeps coming and coming, from a friend who is a TV producer. They are developing a new property make-over show and asked me to do some design work/consultancy... so fingers crossed, we will see where this road leads me! Here are a few of the projects I have been working on this week!

On non Christmas/crafting related news we have found THE villa in Orlando, it is AMAZING... I have never been to the US before, (been to the Dominican and Grenada a few times), so I am mega excited... also V excited to go back to Disney, the real one (been to Paris before) and also can't wait to go to Harry Potter world!!! We are going in May next year, it will be me and E, my bro, Deb, Joshua, my SIL's parents and some friends, so 10 adults and 3 kids in one huge villa, think I will need an extra suitcase for all the shopping I am going to do!!

Right, I have been working hard all day, so I am now going to have some supper and chill with a glass of wine and watch some cheese on TV!

Have a great evening
em x

all packed up and ready to go!

2010-11-20T23:41:00.002Z

well I have been at it crafting, creating and sewing my little *heart* out all week. Today I started at 10am and kept at it until 8pm, I didn't even make it out of my PJ's! I didn't get as much done as I would of liked ... but then I am unrealistic about what I can actually achieve in 24hours, lol ....

But I have a good selection, so we will see. I will take lots of photos as I really need to get the website up and going ... depending on the signal at the venue I may even try a little craft fair blogging! So wish me luck for tomorrow ... I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the members of the craft guild and to see all their work.

Then next week it is back to making up all my orders, some studying and then making LOTS more stock for the 3 day craft fair in 3 weeks! I got my results back today from my first assignment and I am really pleased and got some great positive feedback from my tutor. On a downside Lotta, the kitten has an upset tum, YUK!

With that little bit of exciting news I will leave you ....
Night peeps
xx

My own little Santa's workshop!

2010-11-15T19:47:00.001Z

Well I am truly in production mode right now.... Have glorious fabric coming out of my ears.

Thank goodness I recently upgraded my expedit storage unit....
I have recently had additional orders for a quilt, 3 Santa sacks and a stocking as well as a lot more personalised stars, that is as well as making all the stock for the craft fair next week!

I predict very little sleep next week....

Right... Why am I still sitting here... Have sewing to do!

Xx

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tiredness ...zzzz

2010-11-08T20:50:00.003Z

Tonight I reached new levels of tiredness. After waking a few times in the night (think the noisy wind was waking him up!), Joshua was awake at 5am this morning, I managed to get both the boys back to sleep in my bed (an arm around each of them) until 7am .. but that 5am wake up had taken it's toll. By the time 7pm rolled around I was a crumpled mess .... but both boys were fed, watered, bathed and happy in their pjs, and giving me a lovely cuddles when Debbie got back from the airport...

I have been really busy today, and managed to get quite a bit of work done around J's nap time, I have been making felt Christmas decorations, and while I was putting him down for his nap I got a great idea for a penguin one, so when he was asleep I quickly knocked up a sample.

Things have been going really well, I have loads of orders already, all through facebook and good word of mouth. Since Friday I have had orders for 15 personalised stars, 2 personalised Santa sacks, some Christmas bunting, 2 cushions and a canvas ... yikes, and that is without the shop being up yet!

I submitted my first assignment last week, so fingers crossed for the results. I have another tutorial on Saturday, so hopefully find out then.

Right, Spooks is on soon .. so as long as I can keep my eyes open!

Night night
em xx

It's all go!!

2010-10-28T09:31:00.002+01:00

Morning,

Well, despite the fact that I could of had a lie-in this morning, my stupid body-clock woke me at 8am!! Ethan is off with Daddy, exploring Scotland in a camper van, until Sunday. I am V jealous.. I love camping, I love road-trips, I love Scotland ... especially Mull.. We went there when E was 10 weeks old. Beautiful place!

Anyway .. i have a few days peace to get some work done... like studying, I really should be studying... I have Joshua tomorrow, so will try and get as much done today as I can.

I also got some good news yesterday, so I blogged before about how I have been asked to join the local craft guild and do some craft fairs ... which is great. But yesterday the woman emailed me as asked if I would like to take part in a WEEK LONG Christmas Craft Fair in December. She said they really loved my work, it was beautiful and of such a good quality (I had to send over samples/portfolio type of thing, as they have a sort of 'kite mark', and they need to make sure whoever becomes a member adheres to the standard etc!) ... I felt to proud/shocked when she said that. I mean, I like my stuff, but you never know what other people think!!

Since this 'arm' of the business, really seems to be taking off I decided to make it more official. I have set up a new website/folksy shop/Facebook group and also spent a few hours yesterday working on new marketing materials with the printer I use for my Classes... so I now have 2 different sets of business cards etc ... could get confusing, lol!

I have been really busy sourcing stock, getting ideas, making samples. It is a really exciting time... to think that this literally came out of nowhere is what makes it more exciting. I am so blessed to have these opportunities, to be able to 'work' the way I do, at my own time, doing something I love and being there for my family. I am very lucky!

I have also done a lot of 'thrifting' recently ... I have a passion for vintage tea sets, dishes, glasses etc and can't resist an old bit of china. I got a lot when I was up visiting Nanny and am pleased to say have even managed to use a few bits since we have been back. I don't know what it is, I just love miss-matched, chintzy, vintage pieces.. my idea of hell is a square/modern/ikea plate ... (shudder!!) ...

We also put up our Halloween decorations yesterday, they grow every year, with a few additions... I especially love decorating my front door. I have a funky wooden Witch that hangs on the front and I cover it with spiders webs and tiny spiders ... spooky! We have quite a hoard of pumpkins, one of which Ethan got very attached to, carrying it around and names it Zombie John .. so sweet!

Anyway, I need to get moving. I still have to finish my first assignment, which is due next Friday.

Enjoy this lovely Thursday
em x

Snowy Scotland!

2010-10-20T22:29:00.001+01:00

Evening all

Apologies for the slack blogging of late.. Had a busy few weeks recently with life (Ethan, Joshua, my OU degree, the school fundrsiser ) but I am now happy to report that I am enjoying 2 weeks holiday!

BUT I have been far from putting my feet up! We are up with Nanny this week. Love spending time with her. Been doing lots of cooking, baking, tidying, cuddling, shopping, basically having a great time. Eking out the last of the fruit and veg from the garden. Made a lot of compote with the apples and spent today making green tomato chutney and relish. Have even managed to squeeze in some sewing (orders from the school fundrsiser) and studying as my first assignment is due in a few weeks! I got an email while i have been away, from the chair of the local craft guild asking me if I would like to join and also do another craft fair in a few weeks! Obviously I said YES, so been buying bits and conjuring up ideas! Looks like this might be turning into a proper arm to the business!!

I have also pretty much finished my Christmas shopping and made a start on all the prep (started new decorations, my JYC album)... I love Christmas, cant wait!

I am really getting in the Christmas spirit, helped a lot by the snow today!!!

Right, it's getting late and we are off out tomorrow and I need to pack for our journey home on fri!

Em xx

Time ... slow down!

2010-09-30T09:21:00.003+01:00

Well, firstly I can not believe how quickly these last 2 years have flown past ... but then again I can't imagine or remember Joshua not being here (well I can remember, but you know what I mean!!)...

Happy 2nd Birthday Joshua!

I never thought I would be able to love anyone as much as Ethan, but my wee cutie pie J is just like my 2nd son. I love him, he is such a huge part of our lives and keeps us smiling! Can't wait to see him and give him big slobbery kisses!

I am procrastinating a bit this morning as I should get my head down and do some studying. My second first year course starts on 29th January 2011, so I will have 4 months of multiple assignments and I am going to try and get as much of this course done in advance, as i can! I need 120 credits per year (each course is 60 credits and you need 360 to get the degree), so rather than wait and it take agessssssss (you all know I am not one for waiting!), I have decided to start the 2nd before this one ends. I am sure it will be fine. I managed my first degree (got a 2:1) no bother, lol ..... with a lot of late nights, hangovers, partying... missed tutorials! So I am sure, now I am older and wiser is will be fine ...?!

I am also totally up-to-date with LSNED... a first for me, the project finishes to day and I am so pleased with the end result (will post pics later). I think the fact that I kept it simple and didn't use photos on every page, and for those I did used my instax camera (LOVE it!!), it was really easy to keep on top of it! Very much looking forward to Journal Your Christmas, I am going to do it in a similar format!
right; time to hit the books!
Em xxx

pencils at the ready ....

2010-09-22T22:02:00.002+01:00

Evening all

This is just a quick one before i hit the sack ... we have Joshua with us at the moment and he has made the jump to a 'big boys bed' (he has been in one for a while now at his own house, i was just too scared to do it before now!). But he will be up with the lark. Very much like Ethan in that respect ... so I expect to be woken around 6/6.30 am tomorrow!

It is very strange seeing a baby-gate on Ethan's bedroom door again, especially so as he never needed one at this house .. throws up all kind of memories. Isn't it funny how an object can do that?! Also, food can do that too .. I had a PB sandwich on white bread the other day (we never have white in this house!) .. and instantly i jumped back to 1982, watching new 'new' channel on TV , channel 4, which only showed about 5 programmes, but it was still amazing .... sigh!

Anyway, lots going on. We have a fundraiser coming up at school, not only am i organising it (been working on designing the posters, tickets, raffle tickets etc this evening), I am also making lots of crafty bit to sell!

I also have lots of exciting stuff happening with my OU degree, got my tutor this week and a list of all my tutorials. Have my first workshop in Edinburgh this Saturday and am also go and see the Cezanne exhibition as my 3rd assignment is on Cezanne. I am v excited and raring to go. The course hasn't started yet, but I have been making a start on my studying. Doing Cleopatra at the moment .. very good!

Right peeps, I need to get to bed.
Sweet dreams!
xx

Lovely day!

2010-09-15T19:20:00.001+01:00

I realised today that I have loads of energy.... This may not seem a big deal, but I have spent a lot of time this year feeling washed out..... The fall out of swine flu. Feeling tired, lethargic, just generally not perky at all. But I realised today that I'm no longer knackered all the time, I feel like I have lots of energy, great, raring to go!!

Phew! Just as well as next few months are going to be full-on!

A great and very wise friend came to see me today; when she left I was feeling very positive and uplifted and excited about the future. I know I am on the right path, life is good!

Lucy came for tea with Ethan after school, we made gingerbread people. My two wee chefs were great, followed instructions and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Ethan and I make gingerbread a lot as it's quick, easy and they are delicious and chewy once baked (in fact I usually make double and keep a batch of dough in the freezer!).

Here is a pic of Lotta fast asleep on some of my Uni reading. She is a sweet wee thing and always comes to chill on the desk when I'm working...

What an incentive!

Right, a glass of wine is calling my name!
Xx

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Lists, lists and more lists ....

2010-09-14T16:47:00.004+01:00

Evening all

Well it has turned very Autumnal the past few days; but I love it. I love this time of year, the colours, the snuggling inside, the hot chocolate, the cardigans, the food......the anticipation of CHRISTMAS!!! I am a total Christmas addict - love it. I am panning/shopping/making/organising for Christmas already!

Time management is going to be a key factor for e now and I seriously need to make up a timetable of how I am going to manage all my time over the next year as all my OU course material arrived yesterday.... a HUGE/HEAVY box crammed with CDs, DVD, and books upon books...

I was a tad stressed out to start with. But I just needed to get my head around it, get organised, get to grips with it all. I looked at my timetable, my assignment list (one every 4 weeks between October and May!!) and I began to feel better once I had printed off a few things, added dates to the calendar and ordered all my reading list from Amazon.

So now I am really excited, a tad nervous, but mostly excited. I have to read Dr Faustus first, and get stuck into a few chapters on Cleopatra, but I will be fine!

I have recently ordered and received lots of yummy stash, but no idea when I am going to find the time, heheehee (hence the need for me to draw up some kind of timetable!). I have also been doing quite a bit of sewing this week and I have the craft Fair coming up and need some stock to take along. so for the next few months Lists are going to be key to my survival....

Right, I need to fold a bit of laundry and then get dinner sorted (beef stew and dumplings tonight, followed by plum crumble mmmm!).

Yaisu peeps
xxx

Thank you, thank you!!!

2010-09-08T12:45:00.002+01:00

well... I can finally breath again and also get some rest and not be living with this worry!

For the past 4 weeks, we have been living with the fear that Ethan might of had cancer. He has a hernia, which needs surgery (he has an appointment in October), but while we were in at the Dr he noticed something 'up' with his lymph nodes.. so we had to come back, then were refereed to paediatrician.. last week we had to go to the hospital. Ethan was so brave and as hard as it was, coped very well. He did so well that Daddy and I took him to the shop to buy a new toy. He was delighted. Still got some bruising on one of his arms, but it is all the pain is forgotten.

We finally got the all clear results on Saturday. He has to go for follow-up in December, I got his referral for that this morning... but phew. It has been a really difficult time, and not one i would like to repeat...

Ethan is now very much looking forward to his hernia surgery as he knows he will get a huge toy!! Funny boy!!

So I can now, once again look forward with hope ad optimism!

We have Joshua now for 4 days, he is currently having a nap, so the house is filled with laughter and lots of cuddles. J has recently discovered a love for everything 'Toy Story' much to mine and Ethan's delight as it is one of our fav films and E has ALL the toys :-)

J and I are off to Edinburgh tomorrow, once Ethan is safely at school as I want to do a bit of Christmas shopping (YES I have started planning for Christmas already!), I also have my eye on a Cath Kidston raincoat!

Better go and quickly eat some lunch while J is sleeping!
More soon
Em x

Waiting

2010-09-03T15:03:00.001+01:00

Waiting, waiting, waiting for news!!

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Stash monster!

2010-08-28T21:40:00.000+01:00

A spot of retail therapy is a great thing!

I have been a bit naughty recently and have been getting lots of stash, storage, fabric and crafting goodies. Got a beautiful Martha Stewart punch and new CHA Cosmo C papers this week and am also waiting on lots of new Jenni B, MME, Maya Road, Prima, Lots of stamps, some more Thrift Shop papers as used up all my last for gifts, a new glue gun, chipboard.... More storage jars and some boring basic things like cardstock, dst and pva!

I am buying all this as I'm doing LSNED and clearly NEEDED it :-) really looking forward to getting stuck in and kick starting the old mojo.

Was at my brothers birthday BBQ this evening; I brought Joshua home with me so mummy and daddy could let their hair down. Looking forward to lots of cuddles with my smallest boy tomorrow!

Right all, get some sleep! And gold star to Hils for FINALLY blogging!
Xx

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Dr Dr

2010-08-26T22:49:00.000+01:00

It's been a long time coming, lots of ideas been whittled down (nursing, midwifery, interior design, psychology, PGCE). But I can finally reveal that I'm studying again (well apart from continuous studying of BSL, and other training for my job)..... I'm going back to my routes with art and English.

I love being self employed, running my own business and the opportunities it's given me. But I really miss using my brain, putting the years of studying, my passion and using the experience I have into practice.

Running my own business is extremely rewarding but current developments have made me really consider the future and what I want out of it.....

So October sees me returning to education (whilst juggling motherhood, BuzyKids, Joshua, Parent Council, Scrapbooking etc etc etc ..... Phew!!) I'm so excited. I've bought all the books off my reading list and looking forward to eventually getting my Phd, just call me Dr Whyley!! hehe... (I'm also following in family traditions as my mum had 2 degrees and a post grad degree so finally I have a good role model!!).

I'm also in great company as ironically my bestest Katy is adding yet another string to her bow, I'm in awe! (She will be running her own design consultancy before we know it!!) Let's get stuck into our student discount!!

Dr W
Xxx

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Lovely Lotta

2010-08-25T21:32:00.004+01:00

she has been named.. Ethan went along with my gently encouragement on the name (if you read Charlie and Lola you will get my theme!). So I would now like to proudly welcome Lotta to our family. She is a very sweet natured wee cat, although considering she is only 10 weeks old (born 12th June) she is v brave and hasn't hidden away at all, been busy exploring, playing, cuddling and sleeping.
I gave Ethan a hughe surprise and went to collect him from school with Lotta hidding in my Cath Kidston day bag (seriously!!).. to say we were a hit in the playground is an understatement!

Charlie and Lola have been looking at her and observing, we have had a few hisses, and attempted nose snuggles so I am sure they will be adopting her into their sibling clique fairly soon.

Her addition to our family has helped to take my mind of some recent news, news which I am trying not to dwell on as it is all still very uncertain and at the moment I have my life in the hands of something beyond my control. But I am praying that all will be well, for i dare not think otherwise!!

But to leave you on a positive note, here is some more Lotta pics;
Love and prayers
em xx

As yet un-named!!

2010-08-25T13:54:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post... yesterday I had 2 cats and as of 11.30 today I had 3 ... one top-speed dash round Asda for kitten bits later and this lovely little lady is making herself right at home!

Can't wait to see Ethan's reaction, for her had no idea she was coming, as did i ..

more later

em xx

Fabric overload

2010-08-22T17:08:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I've been busy making corsages and hair clips for the craft fair, when I thought I would have a look at my other fabric. So I decided to organise all my fabric and basically reacquaint myself with it all...hmmmm considering I'm still waiting on 2 fabric orders I don't think I need to buy any more; for a while lol!!

Here is a sample;

Xx

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Sleckeroooo

2010-08-21T10:08:00.003+01:00

Apologies for being so slack on the old blogging front ... but it has pretty much been non-stop-flat-out since we got back from holiday.

I had Joshua for two 4 day spells, getting Ethan ready to go back to school and a new term of classes ... so it was HECTIC! In there I also celebrated my 35th (yikes!!) birthday, had a lovely days shopping in Edinburgh (ohhhh dear, was v bad in Cath Kidston, John Lewis.... in LOVE with Tanya Wheelan Fabric ... and Jenners... treated myself to lovely Bare Minerals/Bare Escentials make up). Started planning for the Parent Council fundraiser in October, started decorating the house (hall is finished ... duck egg blue..thank you for the colour Kirsty yummy!), made some beautiful wire-button hearts, altered a canvas, baked up a storm and had a lovely ladies luncheon. Good times...

But school is back now, Ethan is now a big P2, with 2 missing front teeth and is nearly as tall as me (seriously, at 6!!).... so we are back into our familiar routine and it is great.

I need to get making, making, making as I am selling lots of my crafty/homemade bits at the school RelaXmas fundraiser.... I kept meaning to develop this as a sideline... but never motivated myself, so when someone approached me to have a stall, so I said YES!

Here are a selection of random photos from the past few weeks;

Right, enjoy your Saturday
em xx

Fresh starts

2010-08-03T22:38:00.002+01:00

well, we are home.. relaxed, energised and refreshed.

What a difference two glorious weeks of Greek sunshine can do to a person! The holiday was fab (photos to follow!).

This week I am back to work, with a new term of classes, which started today. Loads of new starts as well as lots of familiar faces. I had a 4 week old start today, soooo tiny, cute and perfect. I love babies.... which is why I teach them, lol!

I am also cracking on with decorating the house, top to bottom... to be all done in time for Christmas! I actually want it all done by the October holidays as we are going away, and it will also leave me with enough time to actually start getting organised for Christmas itself, lol. So I have been trawling through interior design magazines, paint charts and various online shops.... mmmmmm so many beautiful things...... I have lots of orders waiting to drop on my door-step, just ordered a very fetching set of flying ducks for my wall installation!

Ethan's daddy and I took our boy to see Toy Story 3 tonight. It was AMAZING, but also tugged at the heartstrings. We shared many a poignant moment over the top of Ethan's head and our 3D glasses!

Right, I am off to work my interior planning magic!
xx

Petra here we come..

2010-07-15T20:01:00.002+01:00

well Ethan is now 6! My big boy, my super smart (sometimes pain in the but, lol!), cheeky wee monkey. He had a lovely day with friends and family at the Safari park, then local family restaurant for dinner, cake and presents. He had a ball!

I am now sitting, totally knackered in bed... having packed and sorted everything for out holiday. We leave for Manchester tomorrow and fly early on Saturday morning... to say

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

.... is an understatement!

So goodbye for now,
xxx

2010-07-04T11:30:00.000+01:00

Morning all,

Well today is less summer-like, but I am forgiving the weather as all the gardens up here need a jolly good watering!

I had a lovely chilled weekend, a spot of crafting, housework, catching up on Sky planner, and also been busy stocking up the store cupboard.

Those of you who read my blog will remember that I make my own jams and chutneys. My store cupboard is always full of yumminess; I still have some mincemeat and pickled pears from Christmas as well as the last few jars of preserved victoria plums, damson jam and green tomato chutney from Nanny's garden. I am always inspired by seasonal produce and tastes and flavours I have had on my travels. So this weekend I was preserving cherries. These are a Greek recipe and lovely over yogurt in the morning. Ethan loves them over breakfast pancakes. Preserving fruit is a great way of having some sunshine in the winter months; I love opening a jar of sunshine gloriousness on a cold winter morning...

My favourite fruit to preserve is quince. This is another Greek dish. I will be stocking up in a few weeks when we make our annual trip to Petra as quinces don't come into season until around October!

I get Joshua back this afternoon, Ethan on Tuesday, then it's Ethan's birthday on Wednesday and we are off to Nanny's on Thursday. What a great week!!

Right peeps,
Time to get crafting
Xxx

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School's out!

2010-07-02T13:07:00.002+01:00

well it is officially SUMMER!!

this means lots of fun in the sun and no more early mornings, no more packed lunches, no more school ties ... well for 6 weeks anyway!

We have had Joshua with us since Tuesday, it has been great fun but having them both is full on; Ethan is going on a wee holiday with his Daddy tonight and Joshua is going to his Nana's tonight so I will have a much-needed few days peace until I get them both back.

Then Ethan is 6 (!!!!!) on Wednesday, with 2 wobbly teeth and his first year at school finished he is growing up fast, so fast ... to fast.... please slow down a little Grandfather time!

Yesterday when I was out with Joshua in the buggy I looked down at him playing with Woddy .. and for an instant I thought it was a toddler Ethan. In that instant all these emotions flooded through me; happiness, sadness, joy, wonder.

Memories, memories, memories.

His sweet little fat hands touching my face, his soft wispy hair, the smell of his head after he has woken from a nap. It is so hard to think that those days have gone, my little babbling Ethan, toddling along in his nappy, dragging monkey by the arm.

My sweet boy!

But he is growing into such a smart, sweet, loving, helpful, considerate beautiful boy. I can't complain, but every now and then I will look back and remember!

This summer is going to be great fun, quality time with my family. Creating so many more happy memories!

Right, I can hear the boys stirring..

em x

Life is ....

2010-06-27T14:10:00.000+01:00

A big bowl of cherries!

So summer is here, Ethan has one week of school and in under 2 weeks he will be 6!

Got a really busy week ahead with parties, birthdays, meetings, planning and list making. On Tuesday i get joshua for 7 days as Geoff is off-shore deb is on a Hong Kong/Sydney, but he fits in perfectly! After that i am on holiday for 4 weeks, a week up at Nanny's and then off to Petra!

Still waiting on my broadband, after my switch to Sky. But thankfully I have my iPhone to tide me over. I got the new iPhone 4 on Thursday. It is amazing, love, love, love it!!

Life is good, sweet and delicious; just like a big bowl of cherries!

Xx

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Twinkle toes

2010-06-05T11:09:00.000+01:00

Morning all,
Well it's a lazy one for me. Despite being woken at the crack o dawn by the postie (bringing me lovely things!!), I am still lounging around in my PJs. Been sorting through summer clothes, drinking coffee and eating pain au chocolat, painting my toe nails, wrapping gifts, reading and generally chilling out!

Ethan is down in London with Daddy for 5 days as it's in-service days up here next week. I do love the peace, but am also missing my wee munchkin!

Am off to a BBQ later, then having Joshua at night so that D&G can have a night out.

Also realised that my cold, was infect hayfever!!!!! I have Bern suffering with it since I had ethan, but not this bad for a good few years. Am off to the dr on mon to get some decent meds!

6 weeks today we will be on the plane, soooo looking forward to it, we will have an amazing time!! Need to start writing lists and cracking on with the sit-ups!

Right, better get a shift on!
Enjoy the sun!!
Em x
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Cough, cough, splutter!!

2010-05-30T14:51:00.000+01:00

Well yesterday and today I have mostly been doing this;

I have a cold, it came out of nowhere and is most unwelcome! I had lots of creative plans for this weekend!! I spent a bit of time with my sewing machine, but felt too tired and groggy. So spent the rest of the weekend snuggling, sleeping and watching DVDs. I can HIGHLY rate The Kite Runner and Anything For Her!

Right, I'm going to drink my tea and watch Glee!

Xx

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Pretty shoes

2010-05-20T14:36:00.003+01:00

Afternoon peeps,

Just a quick post before I collect E from school... it was the school toy fair today. we were asked to bring in any old (good condition) unwanted toys this week to sell and raise money for African orphans .. so I am eagerly awaiting the tat that he is going to bring home!

It is a lovely sparkling sunny day here and it is only 8 weeks until our glorious Greek holiday, so to celebrate I bought some (more) summer dresses! My latest Cath Kidston order came today another keyring, a pair of pumps, flip flops and some spotty ribbon... I have been switching between my 2 pairs of shoes on and off all day hee hee. Which ones will i wear for the school run...?

I have also finished another 3 cushions... have photos of the last 2....

I have another 4 to make for my sofa, and the Amy Butler quilt to finish. I am going to pop in for some fabric tonight while E is at Taekwon-do, then I think I will give sewing a rest so I can get some scraping done. I did a cheeky wee stash order yesterday as glimmer mists were a bargain price .... so bought 12 bottles!! Also now have 4 6x6 box frames, and 4 12x12 box frames to go with the 2 big 'E's' I have for my bedroom wall installation!! Better get cracking on the home decor too ....

Off to pick my shoes!
xx

Busy bees!

2010-05-17T11:56:00.004+01:00

Morning all,

Well it is a lovely sunny day here... long may it continue. I had a few days last week where I had to turn the heating back on, but it is banished now ...!!

I have had a busy week again, lots of fun. We had Joshua for 4 days last week. He is such a wee cutie. He loves coming to work with me and I am so thankful to be my own boss, in that I can work around Ethan and Joshua!

My new sewing machine came last week and I have been showing it much love. The sun has been inspiring me to get creative on the home front and I have been really busy working on lots of creations. Here are a sample;

Ethan has his sports day this week, and is also starting Beavers tonight. This is going to be a test run, as he has drama class from 4 - 5, and Beavers is 6.15 - 7.15, so we will see how he handles it. A few of the primary 2's he is friendly with go, so he is really keen!

Right, I am going to watch The Tudors and do some more applique, it is my current favourite thing to do at the moment (and I mean proper hand stitched applique, lol!).

xx

Down on the Farm

2010-05-09T18:49:00.004+01:00

Well it was a lovely sunny day here so Ethan, Hils, Struan and I all headed to local farm for a fab day out. It is a great place for kids (and adults who like to be kids, lol), there is a scrummy cafe and superb farm shop. I bought loads of lovely food bits and stuff for home. Was tempted by lots of cushions and decor 'bits' .. but I kept thinking 'I can make that'. So I have just been scribbling down some ideas and will hopefully get busy with my sewing machine tonight. We will defo be going back again soon and lots during the summer as it has PYO fruit, yum and perfect for making summer puddings and my essential store cupboard stock up on my jams etc!
We get Joshua tomorrow and have him until Thursday, so lots of fun and giggles. I had him Friday night and Saturday during the day so my bro and sis could get out as G is back off-shore tomorrow, he is such a wee honey and thankfully so at home here with Ethan and I.
Ethan had drama tomorrow after school and has some prep work to do, so I had better get on. But will be back soon to show you all my recent creations!

Em x

88 Reasons

2010-05-06T12:38:00.003+01:00

Well, it has been a hectic-worrying-happy-fun-laughter filled-accident prone few weeks..... basically my Nanny fell down a flight of stairs at my aunts last Friday and we spent the weekend at the hospital, taking various turns, ups and downs ... medical changes ... worrying moments. But she is one amazingly strong woman, with thankfully only a broken arm and collar bone (not the heart attack that they originally thought.... or even bleed on the brain, eeek!). She was out to enjoy a surprise trip to Les Mis with Marion, Jody and I on Monday and a family meal to celebrate her 88th birthday on Tuesday. I made her a lap quilt for when she is siting in her chair at home and it was also my regular duty to make the cake. However this year I decided to do a massive raspberry Pavlova, yum!
I think it gave us all time to reflect and remember that she is fragile....but her spirit and force of life is so strong...I am in awe and just hope i have her strength when I am 88!

Ethan and I have just been to vote, he is really interested in the whole process, so it has been a great learning experience for him!

I have a lot of work to catch up on, so better get cracking. Will be back soon, I promise!

Come on Gordon!!!

x

Will power!

2010-04-06T10:12:00.001+01:00

Morning all,

Well it's April, which means Deb, Marion, Jody (not that Jody needs to, skinny minny!!) and I are on the countdown to the holiday .... 14 weeks and we will be in the glorious Greek sunshine, so healthy eating from now on. So lots of will power required!

Ethan has been at Daddy's since Saturday, back Wednesday. So I have been chilling, scrapping, reading, catching up with friends and just generally enjoying the peace and quiet. I've had a bit of a bug the last few days, just sort of washed out and tired. But on the mend now. I had Joshua yesterday, love having my lil monkey. He has started saying 'mema', which melts my heart. I am so blessed to have my two beautiful boys. They mean the world to me and bring me so much joy.

Easter is a time for reflection, I have spent a long time thinking about life, my life, the future, where I want to go from here. I am so thankful for my little life, I am very lucky. It is the simple things, my family, friends, my home. I feel so complete, happy, settled, strong. Life is good. Some things I wish I could change, not for me, but for those I care about. I have a friend Katy, she is my bestest friend. She is so amazingly strong, inspiring, funny, daft. But very, very kind and loving. But sometimes she has bad days, days where I wish I could take away her pain, days where I wish I could reach out and pick her up, make it all go away. I can't, but I can love her, make her laugh and share our joy of the world around us!

So here is to the simple things, love, friendship, family and laughter!

Xxx

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a whole new world

2010-03-29T15:52:00.002+01:00

Afternoon peeps,

well firstly it has turned totally wintery here again ... chilly, windy, rain and we also have snow on the way, sigh.. I am going to turn my heating back on!

One more week of school and then it is the Easter holidays. Ethan is off to his Daddy's for 5 days and then we are going up North to my Nanny's for 8 days... 8 days of bliss! After Easter Ethan will have his LAST term as a primary 1, then that is his first school year FINISHED ... where o where has this year gone??

So things have been really full-on on the old work front. I am having a 're brand', got a new website and trying to sort all the domain name/email routing malarkey ... it is quite complex! My business is called BuzyKids and I own the www.buzykids.co.uk name, but until I can redirect that to my current page, the website is www.buzykids.webs.com.... fingers crossed it should be complete this week! The website is still under construction, but it will do for now. I also need to sort new logo etc..... it never ends! I had a meeting with my business advisor today, all looking really good. But still loads to do. I have been buying soooo much new equipment and dealing with loads of enquiries/bookings, local demand has been great.

Got Ethan's school Open Day tomorrow, his class is doing a dance recital and there is loads on throughout the school. We also have a 'meet and greet' with the Parent Council, so I have to be on hand to look charming and inviting for new parents, lol. We are also in the midst of fundraising and planning the school Talent Show, so as you can imagine things are all go at the moment! Thank goodness I have 2 weeks off at Easter!

Right, I am off to crank up the heating!
em xx

A Spring-setback

2010-03-22T10:56:00.002Z

... so the weather has turned all grey, windy and cold again ... jut when I turned the heating off. I am hoping this is just a temporary blip as I was enjoying the longer sunny days!

Joshua is having a wee nap just now, so I am doing a bit of work, checking emails, sorting lists etc. Have done all the laundry, sorted the beds, hoovered and have the butter out softening to make a lovely lemon cake later!

We had a fab day yesterday, Marion and I took the boys down to Largo, it was a bit chilly but they totally enjoyed them selves and Micha had a ball running around like a loon. Then we went to the local farm shop/cafe to warm up and for some yummy cakes. The farm shop and nursery is amazing, I got lots of lovely veg, eggs and some bread, will defo be going back soon. Then we went for a wander in the woods, que collecting lots of sticks from Ethan... what is it with boys and sticks?! Then we headed home, i nipped in for the boys PJ's and the travel high chair and then we went down to Marion's for a nice family tea with the boys, Jody and Graham... they had some more time running around the garden and we all tucked into a delicious roast pork dinner .. mm yum, complete with organic apple sauce made with apples from the farm shop!
Will take some picks of the sewing projects later as it is really gray today and the light isn't good!
I am off to drink my coffee

TTFN
xx

Nothing like a nice cup of tea

2010-03-21T10:18:00.005Z

ahhh and relax!

I have one little monkey sleeping and one big monkey watching Tracy Beaker, so I have 5 mins peace. I have Joshua for 5 days, as well as Ethan this weekend, so it has been toys everywhere...! But we are off to the beach later, then while Ethan is at school tomorrow, Joshua and I are off to soft play with other mummy friends and he is coming to class with me on Tuesday.

I managed to fit in some good sewing time yesterday, during nap and sleep time. I finished the top panel of Nanny's quilt, made a new cushion for my desk chair and also made two quilted pot holders for the kitchen, will take some pics later... as we are trying to be super quiet just now, so not to wake J, lol!

Will be back later with pics.

Off to drink my tea and snuggle with E.
xx

As promised...

2010-03-11T13:55:00.002Z

Well,

It is a lovely day here.. I have been to M&T this morning and since then been scrapping my little heart out, inspired my Shimelle's new class to use up all your old stash.. and ... ahem.. I have a lot... so better get cracking!

Anyway, here is some of the crafty things I have been working on the last few days!

Bye for now!
em xx

Nothing much

2010-03-09T12:23:00.001Z

to write about in this post as I am just flying out the door to class. I have just been out to take some recycling, and brrrrrr man is it freezing again, but on the upside very sunny and the days are getting longer so I am happy!

Have some great personal news brewing, which is also putting a smile on my face and plans for Messybugs coming along nicely!

I will be back to post more, and photos of my recent crafty work soon.

em xx

crack cake

2010-03-04T13:16:00.002Z

Afternoon,

well.. I am hoping... praying... pleading that this is Spring .. is it ... can I start to consider peeling off the layers, the jumpers, the cardigans .. putting the hats, gloves and scarves back into storage?? Please make it so!!

I had a lovely morning, went to M&T with Deb and Joshua and another friend and little imp ... M&T is great fun, I really enjoy going and getting stuck in to the fun, the toys, the songs... to sit and drink coffee and chat without having to actually run the class. Plus I get snuggles from my little J, who is the cutest, most handsome little monkey (who isn't a 5 1/2 soon to be 6 cutest, most handsome big monkey!!). We have J for a sleepover tomorrow night as G is offshore and D is off to Vegas (baby!), so more snuggles then!

I got more stash this morning, it is sitting, pleading with me to get the glue out. But alas I have lots of work to do. Currently working on marketing, designing posters, talking to the printer, sourcing children's aprons, ordering shed-loads of pva, glue sticks, paint etc etc .. the list goes on.

But I am happy ... the sun is shining, all the windows are open, I have a dress on ... lol .. and I am making a lemon drizzle cake (aka crack cake as it is A.D.D.I.C.T.I.V.E!!) in a min!

A big shout out to my bestest K, she gives herself such a hard time sometimes, but she is doing so well and I am so very proud of her, I hope the sun continues to shine on her pretty little head!

Yiasu
xx

at times like this ....

2010-03-03T10:44:00.004Z

I am so glad I am my own boss and when I am not teaching I work from home....

My boy is sick, so he is currently snuggled on the sofa with his quilt, monkey and Dr Who and I am able to do some work developing my new class programme. I am sure he will be fine soon, after school yesterday he just lay motionless on the sofa (Ethan is never still!), didn't want his dinner (couldn't even manage a jelly or an ice lolly, again unheard of), complained of a sore throat and tummy, was very hot with a temp of 38.4!

So today he is home with me, getting some TLC! March is proving to be a hit of a month so far... it finally looks like Spring is here, and I have been very busy with work. I have been developing a new class programme for a while and finally decided to launch it after Easter. It is called Messybugs, a craft and messy play class for children 1 - 5, so works well with my existing classes, and the Messybugs name is a play on 'Jittabugs' get it, lol! I am also developing it so that it can be sold along with the other franchise packages and thus making me much needed moula, hee hee!

So, I had better sign of, I am sensing that the patient needs a snuggle from mummy!
x

We have some order...

2010-02-27T11:08:00.004Z

Yessssss!!

I had a very successful trip to Ikea yesterday with Kim, and a very expensive one too! Who knew about the Ikea breakfast, soooo yummy and only £1.69, will defo be going back to have breakfast again soon! Well they didn't have the cocktail glasses in that I wanted and I didn't buy any fabric this time, and I saw some lovely children's prints and some to make lots of lovely 'home' bits, not that I need an excuse to go back!!

During the week I had made a list (checked it twice, lol!), sketched what I wanted the area to look like, how much storage I would need ..... and I am so pleased with the end result. It is great to have everything to hand, but in a non-cluttered way. It has also freed up masses of space in my fitted wardrobe, which is great.

I also got a pole to hang the pens/tool pots from, but typically my drill was out of charge last night, so I will do it today. I got 6 cushions, the plain filler ones in different sizes to make lots of new cushions for my bedroom and I am also going to make two with the remnants of Deb's curtain fabric, for their bed.. hmmm what else? Some new wine glasses (so I can keep my CK ones for 'best'), these ones have the same sort of vintage feel, a new curtain pole for the bathroom, photo/picture frames, a mirror, curtain tape...hmmmmm there is something else but can't remember... and finally, while I was waiting for Kim to bring the car round I just had to get some bits in the food hall mmmmm!

I was planning to go down to the farmers market today, but when I opened my curtains this morning, I realised that we have deep snow. So I will give it a miss and stay in and play with my new stash (had a bit of a splurge on the new Maya Road chipboard, the new Thickers and some prima pebbles and swirls) ... I am in embellishment heaven!

Have a great day!
em x

and it just keeps rolling ....

2010-02-22T13:46:00.001Z

Afternoon everyone,

well it is a lovely sunny, albeit freezing day today and I have been unleashing my creative streak once again ... am scared it will run away again, ha ha!!

Am off to have a coffee and chill for a bit before it is school run time, we also have guests for dinner, so lots to do!

xx

Mojo's a rockin'

2010-02-21T17:00:00.003Z

Well I don't know where it went, and why it has come back, but I hope it never leaves! I am loving this little boost of creative energy, although I am getting a little heartsick to get back to my sewing!! Got a really good week ahead, and am looking forward to Friday. Kim is making over her bedroom and is really into the shabby chic/vintage look, so I am taking her to Cath Kidston, mwwwaaahhaaaa, I may well have to buy a few more bits! Also, we have just booked tickets to see Les Mis in May for my Nanny's birthday, really looking forward to it. There will be a BIG family meal, the next night at our favourite restaurant on her actual birthday (I will make the cake again, its my job, hee hee!). She will be 88, so she deserves the fuss!

I have just done all the school ironing, polished the shoes, sorted the gym kit and his school bag, all I need now is the boy to come home!

ta ta
xx

Saturday Kitchen

2010-02-20T12:04:00.004Z

Morning all,
It snowed again last night, just a light dusting of snow, but it is still here this morning. I had hoped we had seen the last of the snow....

Anyway, I have just whipped up a scrummy lemon drizzle cake. I have made it before, but my recipe uses ground almonds and I had run out. So I tried the Tana Ramsey one (which doesn't use them!), much easier, looking forward to diving in!
I also did another 2 LOs yesterday, mojo definitely home, really enjoyed it and today I am hoping to play some more (in between eating cake!!).

Enjoy your Saturday!
Em x

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Something amazing has happened!!!!

2010-02-18T13:47:00.002Z

Guess what?? It is spectacular. Wonderful! Amazing!!

My mojo (scrapping mojo as have plenty of sewing mojo, lol!), has shown it's wee face!! I've been working on my team CJ last few days and that sort of kick started it. So today I looked through some old photos got out some stash and hey presto! I love this photo of me, I can remember it being taken. I was so proud in my pretty 'for best' dress! The funny thing, looking at it now, is how much I look like Ethan!

Excuse the photos, they were taken on my iphone!

I'm going to make a coffee and do some more!!!

Em x

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Waiting....

2010-02-12T16:28:00.001Z

Afternoon,
I am writing this while I wait for my bro, Deb and Joshua to come and pick me up, I am going to theirs for dinner tonight, I may kiss my lil monkey to death!
Just been painting my kitchen pinboard red and adding some lovely red gingham, lovely!
I had a great 5 days up at my Nannys, it was very strange to be there without my boy, but very nice to chill, relax, chill, eat and shop with Nanny. We also did a bit more work on our family history. I have been getting her to write down information for a year or so now and it is really intresting. My family lived/worked/were born all over the place; Canada, Greece, Africa, India, Egypt, America. We have a Lord and a Sir, 3 nuns, a playright, 4 artists and an auther! We also sorted through lots of boxes and found old telegrams from significant family events, ration books, letters that were sent when from my great great grandmother in Tangier to my great grandmother in Egypt and one letter written to my Nanny from her mother 3 days before she died, very sad, but great to have as part of the family history!
We also had a great day shopping, what a laugh. I do so love my Nanny, she is one very special lady! I got lots of lovely bits, 2 new dresses, georgous patent black high heels, clothes for Ethan and Joshua, stuff for the house. The highlight of which is my CK wine glasses, cutlery and more mugs, I do love a bit of Cath Kidston!
Anyway, better find my shoes and get ready!
Oh yeah, Ethan is back on Sunday, can't wait!
Xx
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Home sweet home

2010-02-04T12:03:00.001Z

Morning everyone,
I'm just back from Mothers & Toddlers with Deb and Joshua, great fun. He is such a wee honey, I love how he reaches for cuddles, snuggly boy. When we got back here he was looking for Ethan, do cute...they really love each other and Ethan is very excited that J will be on holiday with us!
Deb had a look at Ethans quilt which is finished and being much loved by Ethan and the cats! We discussed fabric options for Joshuas quilt, so hoping to get cracking on that soon. My beautiful sister in law brought me 2 lovely yankee candles from NY, have them burning away now.
I've finished quite a few of my sewing projects, made the cath kidston padded placemats, reupholstered my dining chairs and desk chairs and working on 2 canvas' and cushions for my bedroom....busy, busy!

Ethan is off to Florida on Fri (they fly sat am), so I am heading up to my Nannys for a few days. I am really going to miss him, feeling sad already!

Well I am off to stalk the postman as am waiting on stash and more fabric!
Xx

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Happiness is .....

2010-01-29T20:03:00.004Z

Nothing really to post .... just that life is good, small things make me happy. Spending time with my boy, sewing, sewing and sewing, icing gingerbread men, drinking coffee and making lists, chatting to Katy, watching Glee, planning, laughing, smiling... cuddling with Ethan... doing laundry....organising ....

All these normal and sometimes mundane things make me happy, I love my life, I love my boy, I love my house... I love life!

Plus I have just bought loads of stash, and my Cath K order came today and I made my first of 4 place mats with some yummy CK fabric!

Could it get any better?!
xx

I am a total Gleek!

2010-01-27T17:25:00.001Z

Evening all,
Well I am very tired this evening and I have a evening baking marathon ahead of me. The PTA have arranged a coffee morning tomorrow to raise money for Haiti. Ethan is very excited, he loves my baking, and I am sure (like last time) he will make me buy it all back again!

I have also been planning to overhaul my office/craft space. As it is one end of my living room I want it to be sleeker and more self contained. So giving in and getting an Expedit and lots of co-ordinating boxes and baskets from Ikea. Currenly looking for new storage for 12x12 papers, any suggestions?

The new season ranges were launched at Cath K, total drool fest! I have already placed an order online as was too impaitent to wait for my trip to Edinburgh on Friday.... My sewing obsession is growing and I NEED more fabric!

I have finished the top section if Ethan's quilt, going to get the backing and wadding tomorrow. I love it, I've already spent 15+ hours on it, so lord knows how long the quilting will take as will probably have to do a lot by hand!

Exciting holiday development today, Geoff, Deb and Joshua are coming too, we are booking tonight....wooo hoooo!!

Right, I am off to re-watch the entire series of Glee (for the 3rd time!!!), I LOVE it!

Don't stop believing
Xx

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2010-01-24T11:33:00.002Z

Morning all,

Well it is a rather grey Sunday, a sort of nothing weather day .. no rain, no sun...no wind ... just a bit grey. So I am cheering myself up by playing with vibrant colourful fabric.

A great high point of this week is that we look pretty close to booking our holiday.. hope to get it sorted this weekend, as it is a lot cheaper at the moment. We are going back to Petra (where else, lol).. I can't wait and neither can Ethan, I think this is our 6th year. This year will be a little different, as well as the usual suspects, me, Ethan, my aunty, my uncle and jody and her friend, another 4 family friends may be coming, all the way from Texas...yee haw! Will be great fun, lots going on, but still plenty of time for quiet/chill-out/peace ... totally bliss, I can't wait!

We had a great few days with Joshua, he is a delight to have and I am so lucky that we get to spend so much time with him, it is so important to me that I can be the one to take care of him when my bro and SIL are working, we are creating very strong bonds and happy memories. Being his aunty is one of life's highlights, and Ethan and he adore each other. I love watching them together, they are so close and cute.

I am now going to do some more work on Ethan's quilt, while I have a quiet day. I love Sundays...
Have a great day everyone
em xx

Karate kid!

2010-01-20T14:31:00.003Z

Afternoon everyone,

well i have just deposited 3 new fish into Ethan's fish tank, they are swimming happily with 2 curious cats looking on. I wonder what Ethan will call them... he didn't know I was getting them and the tank has been sitting empty and desolate since the last fish died last year... so good luck to the 3 newest additions!

As i said in the last post it is all go at the moment and I am craving a moments peace to get stuck into my projects. I have made quite a bit of progress with Ethan's quilt, having bought a new rotary cutter (thank the lord!!!) and a new acrylic template. I also got 2 other patterns of fabric, so that makes 6 different styles, and so far it is looking really good. The only drawback, and one that has seriously hampered my crocheting is my bad wrist/hand has flared up. I get it worst in my right hand/wrist and I know that in time I am probably going to get really bad arthritis (as well as failing eyesight and not being able to see close-up, I am going to do really well as a crafter, lol!). The last time it was bad my dr said i would need a steroid injection, but I really don't want to go down that road, so am currently slaving it in ibuprofen gel he gave me last time and am looking into alternative treatments and have an appointment at my local herbalist/alternative therapist!

In addition to Ethan's football and swimming and my drama classes, he has also recently started taekwon-do lessons, which he is loving. I think it is important that in addition to team sports, he also do something one on one, and taekwon-do is a great confidence/discipline builder... so far so good! So we are pretty busy around here, thank goodness I am organised and have a fully functioning schedule/diary as otherwise I have no idea where we would be.... chaos!

Tomorrow we have Joshua coming to stay until Saturday as my brother is back off-shore and Debbie is off to New York. I am going to try out a local mother and toddler group with him, which has had great reviews, plus I can drum up new custom, hee hee!

Right, I had better go and get him from school then home for quick tea before football training and the PTA meeting for me!

Em x

Sun, sun, sun, FINALLY

2010-01-17T11:30:00.004Z

Morning all,

As I sit writing this the sun is streaming in through my window... finally the snow has gone, finally we might start to get some hint of spring starting to peek through... I am desperate to see green! (However it is also highlighting that I need to get out with my ladder and squeegee and clean them!)

So I am very VERY proud of myself.. yesterday I FINALLY got around to attacking the dreaded hall cupboard. I took everything out and dumped it in the living room floor, put in all the storage and slowly started sorting through and reorganising. So after 5 hours (YES 5 HOURS!).. it was all finished and looking beautiful. Shelves, drawers and baskets for everything, all within reach and clearly labeled (I LOVE my label maker, love, love it!). During the clear out I found all Ethan's baby boxes, first shoes, drawings, his baby book, all the cards etc ... was lovely to have a wee reminisce and think about my baby!

Speaking of my boy, his dad and I finally told him yesterday that he is going to Florida in 3 weeks, he is very excited. They will have an amazing time, and as sad as I am that I will miss seeing his excitement and joy and pleased that they will have the experience and the memories to share. (Plus I will give them a list of things to buy!).

So, what should I do today... I might go for a wee run as it isn't long until I have my first 5k run of the year, so need to get back into my training now that the snow and ice has gone. But I have a stack of fabric I would like to dive into .... choices, choices!!!

Kim and I went to Ikea on Friday, hilarious...! So much fun, she is so like me in many ways and there is something about the familiarity of being with a friend you have known for sooo long, like an old shoe, lol! I have known Kim for 22 years, and been through it all with her. In some ways I don't feel at all old or grown up, but then the reality is we will be 40 in 5 years time ... how did that happen .... SHOCKING! BUT the highlight is Ikea fabric ..... who knew?! I spent a fortune, AND we are going back in 2 weeks .... HELP! 'My name is Emma and I am seriously addicted to buying fabric...it is my new love'! So get compiling another list for me Katy, you know you want too, lol!

I have so many projects on the go at the moment, a quilt for me (using gorgeous Amy butler fabric) a quilt for Ethan (using 4 kinds of fabric I got at Ikea) and I am also going to make a quilt for Joshua. He will be moving into a bigger bedroom soon and then a bigger bed, I would love to make him a keepsake, something he can keep and have when he is all growed up (sob sob). Deb loved the idea, she had already been looking at quilts and fabric in Pottery Barn (she spends LOTS of time in NY with her job!), so jumped at my suggestion. We are currently researching fabric and old sentimental clothes of Joshua's to incorporate into the quilt. Apart from quilts, I also have kitchen curtains, table mats, pj bottoms and 5 cushions to make, as well as a pair of curtains to shorten for Deb.... better crack on and stop writing this, lol!

So, get out and enjoy this lovely sunny day!

em x

So much for a quiet life!!!

2010-01-12T22:32:00.001Z

Just when I was getting used to the peace and quiet, the next few weeks look set to be very busy. All good stuff; friends visiting, new sports, play dates, family fun, childminding, girls nights out, meetings, shopping trips (scouting for furniture and extending my fabric warehouse to accomodate project list lol!). The list goes on!! Looks like my projects might have to wait a few days!
Now if only I could stop walking into the post at the end of my bed (my hips and legs are soo bruised!), everything would be perfect!
I have class in the morn, lots of new starts, then a girly coffee morning (I will get to crack open my glorious new cake stand!), so better hit the sack!
Night all!
Xx

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New Year .....better blogging!?

2010-01-09T16:25:00.003Z

Hellloooooo....!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am fine and well, lol. We had an amazing Christmas and New Year, lots of fun, food and giggles. We also had family staying, and a dog to look after so that all left very little time for blogging! I received lots of lovely things for Christmas, snug, amazing, never off my feet Ugg slippers, lots of tantalizing powders and potions to luxuriate in, a godsend in my Tassimo coffee machine, which goes perfectly well with the liters and liters of Starbucks syrup direct from US (it is at times like this that I love the fact my SIL travels so much!), Yankee Candles you could literally eat mmmmm. Ethan was also a very, very lucky boy. He MUST of been good!!

But, 2010 is here and most importantly I am feeling much, much better. It is amazing how great feeling great can feel when you have been ill for a long time. So refreshing, so glad I have energy again, that I can enjoy food again, that I no longer randomly fall asleep, hee hee!

So life got back to normal this week; the schools went back and my new term of classes started back. Lots of familiar little faces, but also lots of new ones. That is one of the best things about my job, getting to see all these little babies grow up. Now I am running a different range of classes, as they get too big for one, they progress to the next. I also have a long list of projects (how unlike me, ha ha!). The first thing was my bedroom, which has always been the 'staging area' as I sort the rest of the house. But with the kitchen and bathroom now complete, the time came to spend some time and love on my boudoir. Yesterday I got a new bed (LOVE IT!!), bedside table and tv, and have spent today researching the rest of the bedroom furniture. Finally decided on a chest of drawers and taller chest for the tv to stand on. Typically one piece of furniture will take 28 days for delivery... grrrrrr!

I also have alot of sewing projects to do; feeling very inspired in the sewing department recently. Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I am a fan of anything homemade; food, decor, craft, cards, furnishings... If I can make it, then I will. Quite interestingly, this seems to be very 'in vogue' at the moment and quite frankly, watching Kirstie and Nigella recently, they totally copied all my ideas, ha ha (well I am obviously in great company!!). My bestest Katy and I are always drooling over some fabric or another, people may think we are sad, but our homes are glorious as a result! I recently discovered some amazing Amy Butler fabric in one of my favourite shops during a trip to Edinburgh, so stocking up mmmwwwaaaahhhhaaa!!

Here are a selection of photos from the holidays (excuse the quality, my camera was soaked on coffee recently and need a new one, these were taken on my iPhone!);

I am off to watch Come Dine with me and compare wadding versus batting, lol!
Em xx

We are in our way!

2009-12-11T14:54:00.001Z

Ethan and I are going up to see Nanny this weekend (we are currently on the train!), back Monday, so lots of cuddles and laughter!

I'm now all set for Christmas, all presents are bought and wrapped (except the ones I'm waiting on from amazon!) and have caught up on all my cooking/store cupboard prep/creativity!

Ethan finishes school Friday lunchtime, so in annual tradition we are off to Edinburgh to see Father Christmas in Jenners and visit the Winter Wonderland (mmmm mulled wine, although my new discovery of Winter Pims has knocked mulled vino off the top spot!). This year Debbie and Joshua are coming with us, so lots of new family traditions starting!
Right, the trolly is coming past and I'm feeling peckish!
Em xx
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Three steps back!

2009-12-04T21:19:00.000Z

So I obviously did far too much yesterday. Today I have been physically exhausted and felt really, really groggy. Slept for ages on the sofa, though managed to strike 2 things off my list!

Did my big Christmas online shop and after school ethan and I made gingerbread men to hang on the tree. The house still smells lovely and festive, I love the smell of gingerbread and ethan loves eating them off the tree! (i made a double batch of dough to keep half in freezer). He even managed to forgive me when I shut his fingers in the kitchen drawer!

I'm off to bed now as want to get up early with lots of energy tomorrow, lots of projects left to tackle!!

Night night
Em xx

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Getting things done!

2009-12-02T13:14:00.000Z

So December rolled in, I still can't believe how quickly this year has progressed, and I decided I was fed up with being housebound, sleeping all day, feeling ill! Christmas is my favourite holiday (apart from our time in Petra!), so I have many, many plans, exciting things lined up, to celebrate the holiday. Some small (baking, collecting holly from the woods, hot chocolate and marshmallows!) and some more elaborate (annual visit to the german Market for mulled wine, meeting father Christmas, ice skating, a trip to the pantomime!), but all of them seemed almost impossible, as I lay there, feeling wretched! But my lovely and ever supportive friend Katy encouraged me to get up, baby steps, one day at a time..... And do you know what?? It worked, she was right!

Yesterday I made all my Christmas cards (granted not as elaborate as last year as I didn't have weeks to sit up making them!) and last night, while watching Delia I wrote and addressed them all.

Today I started on goodies for my Christmas store cupboard, made leek and potato soup and an apple pie!

Now, I am still tired out by the littlest thing, still have a sore head. BUT I'm getting there and I'm not letting Swine Flu spoil Christmas!!!

Em x

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Countdown...

2009-12-01T13:38:00.000Z

Ethan practically jumped out of bed this morning, a little later than normal which I was very thankful for, as today is the start of chocolate for breakfast!!

Well, not breakfast, but the joy of an advent calender! Ethan has two this year as not only did I make him one, but his Aunty Marion (or yaya when we are in Greece, lol!) bought him a high school musical one! Last year, the fab and extreemly talented Beckie made an advent calendar out of match boxes, stunning! So I recreated it for ethan, thankfully I managed to get this done before swine flu struck. Ethan loves it, he is always so delighted when I make him things, especially mini books!

So, December is here and today is my first day out of bed and out of pj's (thank you Katy for the motivation!). Bring it on....although I may need a nap later, lol!

Em xx

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It's coming .......!!!

2009-11-29T11:02:00.004Z

I can feel the excitement.... as I lie here in my sick bed, my mind is whirring with all the things I still have to do, projects to complete, goodies to bake/make, the fun we are going to have ...

Christmas is coming everyone!

Fortunately I am beginning to feel a little better, but it is highly deceptive. You think, 'oh I feel better today, lets get up' (not dressed, for I am still in PJs, but get up!). However even trying to do the simplest thing is extremely tiring. I looked at the floor yesterday and almost passed out (note: it wasn't bad, I am a clean freak, so a couple of days without the hoovering of 2 cats and a small boys mess makes me twitchy!). So I started to hoover, but it got too much and I felt donr in, but I couldn't leave it half done, that would bug me just as much. I had to finish it.... and I did, but then I had to sleep for 2 hours!!!

Lying in my bed all day, sleeping, thinking, I have had the chance to take a step back, reflect, analyse and ponder. I feel like I have fallen back in love with Ethan, or rediscovered him or something (not that for a moment I had stopped loving him or forgotten him). He has been so special, so sweet, so loving, so funny and amazing these past few weeks, while I have been ill. He is a joy, a treasure and I am in awe of him, how he is growing, changing, learning. He is so much fun, 5 is certainly a magical age. He is loving school, fascinated with learning, keen to learn. In fact he often asks at 6.00am (yes 6.00am!!!) if he can do his homework, his numbers or his letters!!! There has been less time spent in front of the TV, more time being creative, playing with play dough or moon sand, in imaginative play, reading, doing homework ... there has been lots of laughter and harmony in the house, and it really makes me smile.

I feel it is my job to support his attitude to school, make it a great positive expereince for him, take part, get involved. I am (well pre swine flu!) thoroughly enjoying being involved with the school through the PTA, it is great and I get to know what is going on, form a better relationship with the teachers, head, and other parents. Lots of things to organise, which suits me, lots of baking, crafting, chatting and generally getting stuck in! Ethan is enjoying the fact that I am so involved, but ask me again when he is 10, and due to my involvement, know exactly what he has been up to at school ... then it might be a different story!

But back to Christmas .... he has a school nativity (he is the narrator) so lines to learn, costume to make and songs to sing. As well as the traditional songs, they are also singing 'Step into Christmas' by Elton John, so on Friday I downloaded a couple of Christmas CDs for him (and me, lol!) so he could practice, dance and be merry!

Ethan is really excited about Christmas this year, I think at 5, he is at the perfect age, it is magical, he is understanding the message, the traditions... so I am embracing that (any excuse) and Christmas is going to be BIG this year...

Roll on Thursday when I can leave the house ..... I have a long list of things to do.. I just hope my body can take the frenzy of activity... here is a small selection of the things I still have to do;

get the tree
make Christmas cards
finish felt garland
make mincemeat/stuffing/baking
finish sewing table runners
make skirt for my desk
finish gift buying
collect holly from the woods
wrap
make more chutney
December daily
finish painting bathroom

there is so much more ... but I am exhausted now ... time for a nap!

em xx

Oink oink!

2009-11-26T16:19:00.001Z

Well........I have swine flu! Been feeling really, really ill since last thurs, went to doctor and with tests, he confirmed it. Started taking tamiflu last night, so fingers crossed. I've been sleeping huge, huge amounts and not really eaten in a week, so that along with vomiting I am sure to be a size 0 by end of house arrest next Thursday! Friends, my neighbour and family all really being amazing, pitching in to help me get through it and cope with Ethan. A special thanks to katy for keeping me sane!!! Love you, thanks for making me laugh!

Right, that has used up last of my energy. So off for a nap!
Take care
Em xxx

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