Callie's Cottage

A perfect Day...

2012-01-29T21:46:00.000Z

I Love Sundays.....

For so many years-especially when my step children were small- my Husband has worked on Sundays...

So weekends were snatched here and there,he spent Saturday with the children while I managed a shop- then worked in my own shop...And I spent my Sundays alone (happily) or with the children (not always happily-but mostly!)

A routine that over the years has changed beyond all recognition...

My Husband now rarely works the evenings,nights or weekends that he used to, the children (adults now) are away at University, so....

Sundays have become the most perfect day!

The days usually begin with breakfast in bed....

Followed by...

Papers-also in bed...

Then some of this.....

I love to read and at the moment have some of my Christmas books still to read...

So spent most of today curled up with this....

And have thoroughly enjoyed it, it is a love story but it is also about the power and beauty of books.... and the way they can shape us...

Next on the list...by another Cally AND about Christmas- got to give that a go!

Next on the Sunday to do list is this...

With a glass or two of...

After which we both feel rather.....

Ah its a hard life....

We commented today how lucky we are to have our weekends...

Back to the real world tomorrow!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

In praise of friendship.....

2012-01-26T07:44:00.001Z

A VERY good friend of mine has a Birthday today!

As she is a 'crafty gal' and we get together on Thursday mornings at the Studio for our 'craftiness', I put together this for her...

I filled the jar with some crafty bits,ribbon,lovely tape ,wooden hearts,little signs for card making and I made her a card that says

'The way to a friends house is never far'...

And on top of the jar stuck a little heart that says

'Happiness is time spent with a friend'....

She has been a wonderful friend,never judgemental of me or my tastes and choices-always supportive but honest too...

Happy for me when things go well and sympathetic when they don't...
She values my thoughts and opinions but is confident to voice her own too...
She appreciates anything that I ever do for her or give to her,never takes advantage and often brings me little gifts for no reason,a bunch of flowers, a plant..

She has made me see what friendship really should be..

It makes me appreciative of the wonderful friends that I have,two of which are having a hard time of it at the moment so I send my Warmest Love to them...

So lets be grateful for the good friends that we have...they can make all the difference.

I am off to bake the Birthday Girl a cake!

Warm Wishes,

Callie

Brown paper packages....

2012-01-22T13:59:00.002Z

Well to be precise it wasn't a brown paper package tied up with string,rather a white tissue package tied up with ribbon...

I follow a blog called The Vintage Amethyst and like me she has an online shop filled with lovely goodies...

So I decided to treat myself to a few...

This lovely magnet board....

A Home Sweet Home sign and of course something Festive-I will buy Festive goodies at any time of year!

Alison is a girl after my own heart,her blog and website are a feast for the eyes and she always packages her parcels with such care ...

If you fancy dropping in her you can find her at

www.vintageamethyst.co.uk

Now where to put these lovelies...

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

Recycling/Reusing.....

2012-01-16T14:20:00.001Z

Over the Festive period we found a lovely scented candle to burn and have since bought a couple in the sales...

But the jar itself is lovely quality so I decided to put it to good use....

After a good soak in very hot water-as a cotton wool container as part of my new skin care regime...

Along with lots of other jars being re used over at the Studio...

Good job my Beloved likes his jams!

And lastly as everyone seems to be on their new weight loss/health regimes at the moment a piccy that always makes me smile...

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

Starting as I mean to go on.....

2012-01-09T15:31:00.000Z

Well now the house is completely clean and de-cluttered I thought it was time to turn the 'de-cluttering'towards myself!

Having gone through every drawer and cupboard in the bathroom and kitchen and thrown away ANYTHING that was not as natural as can be I have been re-stocking with products that are!

Starting off in the bathroom-with some of my favourite goodies from a favourite company....

Look what arrived this morning...

Ooh goodies to unwrap....

I love Liz Earle products....

If you have never used her range she now does little 'tasters'of things so that you do not have to buy something in a larger quantity that may not suit you-but having been a fan for a long time I stocked up on the goodies that I will use wisely and sparingly- probably cheaper in the long run than all the false economies I made last year buying products that I never used because I didn't like the smell!

Next on to the kitchen-if you read my blog you will know that I am a real foodie and I love to bake and cook- but following some health issues last year (that I will not bore you with) I decided that my diet and cooking methods could also do with some extra scrutiny...I

Armed with this reading matter- (both books are brilliant)-time to make some adjustments to what is already a pretty healthy diet ....

Continuing with lots of fruit and veg but with some added help from;

green tea-no more highly caffeinated black teas.

manuka honey-I don't use sugar much anyway but did use sweeteners-no more!

Rapeseed oil-we use olive oil a lot but decided to get some additional oils into the diet-this oil is delicious drizzled on soups and salads.

One or two supplements and some oil for the skin called Betty Hula,that I have been using since before Christmas and think is fab!

So with all this good stuff going in my body and on my body I am hoping for a Healthy and Happy 2012!

And wishing the same to you...

Warm Wishes,

Callie

x x x

Love is in the air.....

2012-01-04T21:55:00.000Z

Well, having cleared everything 'Christmassy' away at home and about to change the ' shop' window at the Studio I was wondering what to do next in the window as a display...

So while I was unpacking a few new bits and bobs I got a bit of inspiration...

While putting some new bits on the 'Wedding Dresser'..

I thought that as it is only a few weeks until Valentines Day- may be a heart theme?

Emma Bridgewater Heart.....

Heart Clock.....

Cherry Heart....

Live, Laugh, Love Heart.....

Floral Heart.....

Country Heart Cushion.....

Lavender Hearts.....

To show just a few- so I don't think doing a Heart window is going to be a problem!

Off to the Studio tomorrow so will take some piccies when it is done.

Then I think that I will get on with one of my Christmas gifts...

I had seen some kits that were LOVELY by Jan Constantine but the prices were a bit out of reach so my ~~Darling~~- Father Christmas!- found this one instead and it looks fun!

So I am going to surrounded by all things Heart shaped over the next few days....

Warm Wishes,

Callie

x x x

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful year....

2012-01-01T11:11:00.000Z

Sending all the lovely people in blogland a sincere wish for a

WONDERFUL

year ahead...

May it be all you wish for...

Warm Wishes,

Callie

Festive Goodies.....

2011-12-28T13:30:00.002Z

Well I have been very lucky - I think that Father Christmas thinks I have been a good girl this year as he left such lovely gifts under the tree and in my stocking....

crochet kit,candle making,sewing,baking-lots to keep me busy while sipping a sloe gin!

Hoping that you all got some lovely goodies too...

So almost another year over!.....

I wonder what 2012 will bring?

Here's wishing everyone reading this a year when all your hopes and dreams are fulfilled whatever they may be...

Warm Wishes,

Callie
x x x

The Gentle Art of (Festive) Domesticity.....

2011-12-20T13:01:00.001Z

I feel like that that old advert of Cadburys Caramel- do you remember? When the lovely sultry Mrs.Rabbit tells Mr. Beaver to 'slow down and have a Cadburys Caramel'- not that I am lovely or sultry!It's just that I am a little perplexed by peoples attitude to the Festive Season.....

Why is everyone running around in such a bad tempered fashion??

I understand that time is a precious commodity but really!We ventured out on Sunday to the 'shops'- something we NEVER do- Sunday is for papers in bed and a roast lunch!But we had had a problem with our beloved vehicle on the Saturday so with a courtesay car at our disposal- (Thank you!) we went off on Sunday morning....

Feeling 'Merry and Bright'!

What an experience...,everyone that I said 'Merry Christmas'to looked rather shocked and hardly anyone said it back- apart from a lovely young lady on a checkout at Sainsburys and one lady in Marks and Spencers- everyone shopping seemed so bad tempered...I don't understand why?

Especially when online sites can really help with ensuring that you do not have to venture onto the High Street if you do not wish to....

Munchkin has NO intention of going anywhere....

We were glad to get home and indulge in a bit of Christmas Spirit! Carols and Mince pies- not gin- though I am partial to a bit of Sloe Gin at this time of year....

I still believe that Christmas is absolutely what you make of it and I still find it the most JOYFUL time of the year and no-one needs to be a slave to 'commercialism'...

My intention this Yuletide!

I really do....

Do you remember that wonderful quote in Miracle on 34th Street?

'I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanour. You know, I... I... I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt.'

I first heard that years ago and it always stuck with me...

Another saying I have always loved on this tin that I treasure ....

Once home I decided to get Festive and make some cards....

Mincemeat and Mincepies...

I adapted the mincemeat from a recipe by Mrs.Beeton that has no suet in it and NO sugar- just honey- it was DELICIOUS!!

And I put some vanilla essence into the pastry mix too.....mmmm.

After all that activity there was only really one thing to do....

Sit back and have a ~~Cadburys Caramel~~- I mean a cuppa and a cinnamon rock bun...

We are off to Totnes Late Night Christmas Market tonight which is usually FULL of Festive Cheer!

Wishing you all a Festive Holiday with lots of Love and Laughter

and

Have Yourself

MERRY AND MAGICAL

time...

Warmest Wishes,

Callie- Noelle
x x x

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......

2011-11-19T12:03:00.001Z

....Here at The Gathering Room-(my little studio)...

The Thursday craft morning is very enjoyable and we are making all sorts,Christmas Cards,Christmas stockings,Festive scented Pot-Pourri....

Cards in the making....

Crafty bits ready to use....

Christmas Decorations have been arriving....

'Tis the season....

As well as Christmas Cards...

Wrapping paper...

And gift tags....

All from our favourite artist- Sally Swannell....

We have a few Christmas Markets to attend over the next few weekends so I am off to get making...

Hoping your preparations are as enjoyable as ours!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

Halloween Greetings.....

2011-10-31T21:02:00.000Z

Happy Halloween!!!

Have a Good One...

Warm Wishes,

Callie

x x x

Keepin' Crafty.....

2011-10-22T15:09:00.000+01:00

Well all is going well at The Studio.....

The craft mornings are fun,fun,fun, though until this week we still needed a fan cooling us, but not this week! Heating required! Has Winter arrived?

We are doing a mix of sewing and card making...

Feelin' Festive....

A couple of Handmade cards and craft goodies.....

' Before and After'- an angel stitchery I fancied trying.....

And some 'freestyle stitchery' to keep me busy on the darker evenings...

We are busy adding things to the website and we will be adding a Handmade section to the online shop with all my Homespun goodies in the next few weeks- so I better get making!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie
x x x

Up and Running.....

2011-09-27T22:43:00.000+01:00

Well we are finally there!

My other blog,craft studio and web site are up and running...

The Studio is ready for its first craft morning this Thursday....

Jars of goodies....

Some Crafty bits and bobs....

Ribbons and Hearts...

Card Making.....

And the website is ready too...

www.merryandmagical.co.uk

So pop over and have a look...

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

2011-09-11T19:21:00.000+01:00

Well we are getting there.....

Merry and Magical is coming along....

www.merryandmagical.co.uk

It has been hard work getting The Studio (which now has a name) ready...

We thought it was an appropriate name for a place that I will be crafting in with friends and family....

''The Gathering Room''

I happily chose The Studio because it is up in the eaves of the building- not really considering the fact that it is two flights of stairs to get to the view and peace!!

So my back is feeling the results of that decision! As is my ever supportive Husbands'....

Anyway here are some photographs of our progress so far...

General View....

Feeling Festive....

Country Dresser....

Red and white Area....

The Pink Corner.....

My Husband is busy working on the Website and on-line shop- which he is doing himself-I think it looks lovely and I hope that you will like it too.....

Still lots more to do before the 27th September when we will be open....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Callie

x x x

Lavender Lovelies....

2011-09-01T16:11:00.000+01:00

Well as Autumn seems to have arrived here I have come in from projects in the garden to projects in the Craft Room.....

I have been busy making things for the studio....

Lavender Sacks.....

Lavender Sacks...

Lavender Hearts.....

And ANOTHER Lavender Sack.....

Needless to say I am feeling very calm after working with all that lavender!!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie- Noelle

x x x

What to do when Autumn returns.....

2011-08-20T17:15:00.000+01:00

Mmm,well when the skies look like this....

and the garden is a little soggy....

Growing well- but a bit too damp to be out....

What do we do?.....

Mitsie says play!!

and play.....

Millie on the other hand.....

does not wish to be disturbed.....

My solution.....

Suits me best!.....

Hope that the sun comes out again soon....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie- Noelle

x x x

What a Week.......

2011-08-12T19:56:00.000+01:00

Well, I intended to blog about leftovers and my new studio..... But in light of what has been going on this week it feels a little selfish and silly?....

I cannot imagine how I would feel if my home or business had been attacked, looted or burned (well, I can - I would be devastated - it is bad enough when we hear of floods and fire that take away peoples homes and livelihoods - but to have it done by fellow members of 'humanity'???) I was appalled when the students rioted for a cause - how can violence EVER solve anything?? Peaceful and forceful protest, yes, but thuggery and vandalism - never....

I was listening to a debate on the radio this week when it was suggested that the looters were doing so out of need and poverty - when the phone lines MELTED with people saying if that were the case they would have looted food, not widescreen televisions....

But in between the sorrow and bewilderment I felt hope - hope that ordinary, caring and hard working people are standing up for themselves and their communities and saying that people with no social conscience or willingness to be part of a community should no longer be ignored and tolerated -

BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN GOOD PEOPLE DO NOTHING....

It is tragic that people have died as a result of doing just that and I understand that their families may be wishing that their good people had not stood up for their communities, but we all need to do our little bit.....

So where do we begin???

The Desiderata.Max Ehrmann

I have this up on my wall....

Maybe that is where we start - with ourselves - in the hope that if we are better, the world will follow?

I thought I would end this post by attempting to make you smile....

On my wish list with Amazon.....

Another few images that I hope will make you smile....

Just Relax....

This image always makes me smile....

Sending HEARTFELT good wishes to all those that have suffered this week...

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie-Noelle

x x x

What we have been up to.....

2011-07-24T10:27:00.000+01:00

I thought that I would show you one of the things that we have been busy working on recently.....

www.merryandmagical.blogspot.com

Why not pop over and take a peek?

Just click on the address..

We are also busy getting our craft studio set up....photographs to follow as we progress.

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie

Christmas In July.......

2011-07-08T08:42:00.002+01:00

I know, I know - how dare I mention that word in July.....

But please forgive me, I am a complete Christmasaholic, I have tried various remedies but alas nothing can cure me...

So.......

On a recent wonderful trip to our beloved Cotswolds we took a little detour to.....

The Christmas Shop!!!

I have known about this place for some years and dearly wanted to go, then on our trip we realised we were much closer to it than we thought so decided to take a trip to Lechlade....

We were just driving into the town when I said to Mr.F that when we found it I would probably - large squeal- (we found it!) have an episode! To which Mr.F said that some warning of the squeal would have been appreciated, but there you go - I cannot contain my inner child whenever anything Festive is concerned....

Shh,Santa Claus is coming to town...

One of the displays....

I didn't take too many photographs inside as there were quite a few people enjoying their visit that I didn't want to spoil with my camera flash going off....

We had a WONDERFUL time in the Cotswolds,on this trip we did Chipping Sodbury and Tetbury too,which we hadn't done before- I especially liked Tetbury....

So now we are home I am working on a little Christmas project of my own- more to come over the next few weeks......

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie-Noelle

x x x

Everythings coming up roses...

2011-06-05T12:45:00.001+01:00

......well not just roses, though I do have a couple...

Despite our back garden being a 'postage stamp', I have been inspired over the last couple of years to still do as much as I can with it and plant into pots as many plants as I can afford, which at times has meant seeds and a lot of potting on!

But it would seem that the fruits of my labour are now showing, plants that have previously struggled seem to be flourishing this year, maybe due to the early warmth I don't know... but the pleasure of sitting out watching the birds and the bumble bees, listening to the river - well stream at the moment -trickling by - truly is one of life's pleasures ....

Surfinia, Viola, Nepeta, Bacopa......

Eucalyptus, Ivy,Sweet Peas....

The bees LOVE Bacopa......

More Bacopa, Ivy, a Japonica that has loved being re-potted and a Clematis that I moved and is now thriving.....

So Pretty.....Alyssum...

A shady spot, caught in mid yawn....well, it is exhausting...

I love Nepeta in pots and baskets and it seems to like the window box....

And lastly Homegrown strawberries outside for pudding - they are delicious!

Happy Gardening!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

"Pretty Posh" Shopping Fair......

2011-05-19T14:53:00.000+01:00

Well Sunday was the Pretty posh Fair that we booked up last year,held at Exmouth Pavillion...

And here are some pictures of what we took....

Goodies......

Rosie Posie Rag Dollies....

Hearts,CK set and a vintage trio...

Homemade Lavender Sachets,cards and more hearts....

Homemade Wedding cards and gifts.....

Blessings Angel Card.....

It was a lovely day and all our goodies went down well which was even better!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Callie-Noelle

x x x

Holiday- Part One....

2011-05-10T20:08:00.003+01:00

Hello!

Well we are back from a Wonderful Week off....

I took my new camera on our travels so forgive me if there are a few too many photographs for this post and the next- I couldn't help myself!

We have been here.....

Do You Know Where It Is.......

Step in with me and have a look around.......

The Otherworld was just opening.....

A Beautiful Day!

So Picturesque.....

And Again!.....

My Ideal Home!.....

And Finally Here..... THE WITCHCRAFT MUSEUM...What a Place!!......I had heard some conflicting reports, ''some say tis a dark and evil place'' - but I thought it was fascinating.....

My Special Interest- Herbs....and so many of them!..........

The other internal pictures haven't come out very well as you are not to use a flash inside, so they are rather dark and mysterious...

So any ideas where we were?

Yes - the BEAUTIFUL Boscastle...

We had a truly Magical Day....

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Gardening Bliss.......

2011-04-27T20:42:00.001+01:00

Well with Easter over, I have a Fair to get ready for.....

The Pretty Posh Fair

http://www.prettyposhlocal.co.uk/

but as the weather has been so beautiful I have been getting on with the garden too......

As some of you already know we only have a postage stamp garden/terrace out the back but it is coming on year upon year.....

This year the Easter Bunny bought me a Wisteria......

and a Lilac Tree.....

which made me a very HAPPY BUNNY!

Finally managed to get the gravel re-done.....

Sweet Pea, Hydrangea, Ivy, Heart's Ease and Bacopa - all flourishing.....

Ditto.....

Sadly a neighbour died last year but before she died, knowing how much I love them, she asked me to pot up some of the Lily of the Valley that was growing in her garden - I didn't hold out much hope - they have a reputation for only growing where they want to - but, as you can see, they are happy in their new home!

Lots of exciting news coming regarding my online shop - but you'll have to wait for my next post for that!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend

Happy Easter.........

2011-04-22T21:55:00.002+01:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Well the weather this week has been GLORIOUS here in Devon......How lucky!

Especially as Mr.F had a week off!

So our time has been spent pottering around this beautiful area and doing some gardening- as well as eating out in the garden most evenings..

The garden has had some updating and the Easter Bunny brought an early gift- of a wisteria and a lilac- both of which I have been hoping to get- so photos to follow.....

I hope that wherever you are this Easter the sun shines on you and your loved ones!

Pretties,Projects and Finds.....

2011-04-14T21:16:00.001+01:00

I had an opportunity this week to visit some local haunts that I haven't been to for a while...and a couple of new ones that have been on the 'to do list'....

There is a little market town a couple of miles away called Ashburton which is lovely and I have wanted to visit Sew Enchanting....

www.sewenchanting.co.uk

Where I picked up some pretties....

Lovely material.....they have oodles of it!!!

I have no idea what I am going to do with this ribbon yet, but I couldn't resist it!

Anyway the reason for my mission to buy material and ribbon was to get 'making' for my next fair in May.......

Some of the goodies that I will be selling ....

A bit of red and white....

Love Dove Hanger......

Now on to making lots of cards, hearts and pot-pourri.......

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend......

Happy Mothers Day....to all.....

2011-04-03T14:16:00.000+01:00

Happy Mothering Sunday to all......

Whoever you are a 'Mother' to.....children, grandchildren, pets, friends,colleagues,strangers-

Anyone who takes time, time to listen, time to care, time to nuture,

Here's to you !!!

With Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

HAPPY SPRING.......

2011-03-20T07:39:00.000Z

Sending you all Happy Spring Wishes......

I know it is not Easter yet but I couldn't resist this Happy Bunny.....

But it is the Spring Equinox today so it is officially SPRING......

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Cookery Course Completed......

2011-03-19T19:39:00.003Z

Well I did it......

And here's the proof......

I got a certificate!!!.....

It was MUCH harder than I thought it was going to be, being on your feet in a kitchen from 9.30am until 5/6pm for a week is a different kind of hard work from digging,planting,potting on etc....though the staff were there from 8 most mornings doing all the prep,so I shouldn't comment!

I cannot praise ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL enough and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of one of their courses- ( it was funded by a government initiative)- I have learned so much.....

If you or anyone you know ever needs to know anything about cooking this is definitely the place to go.....

Wonderful premises,exceptional chefs,tutors and staff and the most incredible ingredients...

These people really follow through on delivering the BEST quality products made with the BEST and LOCAL top quality ingredients....

As you know if you read my blog,I am a real foodie and I love to cook and bake but I learned SO much from these WONDERFUL chefs this week.....

Here are a few of the things we made......

Bread Rolls......

Risotto.....

Then we took these ingredients to make....

Pesto!!!.....delicious and an all time favourite here...

Of course we had to make our own pasta to go with the pesto.....

Tortellini too,which was a bit fiddly but I soon got the hang of it and brought some home for supper......

And puddings too of course!...........Creme Brulee- my all time favourite....

Chocolate Pots.....

As well as, lamb cutlets- .chicken and pork- (all cut by us in the kitchen) the most wonderful steak, sauces, stocks, dauphinoise potatoes, vegetable prep and cooking, poached eggs,- we learned SO much- I was happy to go to work today and be potting on plants and be peaceful!!

The only thing that I struggled with was the fish dishes,I grew up in France and remember well the smell of bouillabaisse (fish stew) bubbling away on the stove for hours - that I think it has put me off the smell of fish for life! So I did struggle,I couldn't handle gutting a mackerel as it smells quite strong but I managed a plaice and some scallops- but completely fell at the smoked haddock hurdle- eeugh!!

So Thank you to everyone that I met this week - It was a WONDERFUL experience.....

They do a one day Patisserie course....brownies, pastries, etc.......mmmmm....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week ,

Lucky Me..Part Two.

2011-03-13T18:06:00.002Z

Well, after a weekend of watching the most appalling pictures of Japan I thought that I would share Part Two of 'Lucky Me' with you all ....I know that it may seem trivial in view of recent events, but apart from anything else I thought a blog on a happier note may cheer me up!

So as you know from Part One I am lucky to have a loving home etc, but also last year I found my perfect job!!!

After closing the shop and needing more of an income than craft markets can provide and having tried various jobs out in the work place with terrible and hilarious consequences....

(Those stories would need a whole other post - I can tell you!)

I was lucky to find a job here...

The Dartmoor Chilli Farm

The Main 'Barn'...with one of the polytunnels in view....

The newly planted orchard....

Strawberry Fields.....

The kitchen room, where all the products are made....

The Chocolate room.....yes,Chilli Chocolate!

Spring making its presence felt....

One of my lovely 'helpers'....

Two more 'helpers' - they really don't!...but we love them anyway...

So I spend my time up there in the company of plants, animals and birds with the occasional humans ie; the two wonderful people I work for, who are truly living 'The Good Life'....

Power is generated via solar energy and a turbine, there is a bore hole for water and rain water is collected in tanks. Farming is done Biodynamically, NOTHING is killed, not even slugs and snails!

We have recently put in gooseberries, tayberries, rhubarb, strawberries, raspberry canes and an orchard - so that the wonderful products they make and sell can contain more and more homegrown produce - with no food miles! The products are WONDERFUL and my Husband is a complete devotee to 'The Beast' chilli sauce as well as chutneys and jams and not a week goes by without him asking me to bring home a bar of chocolate!

And of course the polytunnels are currently filling up with CHILLIS!

All sown by us, I spent the day yesterday potting on varieties such as: Apricot, Banana, Cayenne, Cheeky, Fairy Lights and Satan's Kiss - to name just a few!!

So if that wasn't 'good luck' enough, due to my working within Dartmoor I have been awarded a place on a cookery course.....

HERE!!

The famous Ashburton Cookery School!

So for the next week I will be learning, among other things, how to make:

Stocks, Sauces and Soups

Risotto and Pasta

Breads and Pastry

Hot and Cold Puddings

Ice Cream

Oh dear - I can see my Weight Watchers regime going out the window this week...

Wish Me Luck!!!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week ......

And my continued love and thoughts are with the people of Japan.....

Lucky Me.....Part Two...Postponed.....

2011-03-11T20:29:00.002Z

I had a Part Two all ready but in view of what is taking place in Japan today I don't feel it would be appropriate to do a post on luck.....

I cannot imagine the devastation that is taking place...

losing homes and loved ones....

The pictures I have seen today are truly heartbreaking...

My heart goes out to everyone affected...

I am not a religious person, I do not pray - but I do send my deepest sympathy and most loving thoughts to all those people who never saw the wave coming- may they rest in peace.

x x x

Lucky Me....Part One...

2011-03-06T16:43:00.002Z

As the HUGE clear out is now pretty much completed it has given me some time to contemplate on all the good that I have in my life.....as some of you know I had a health scare late last year and while biopsies and tests are done it gives you cause for contemplation...

I am happy to say that my tests and biopsies came back clear of the dreaded cancer but it certainly set about a chain of events in my life that has been for the better...

So I thought that it would be good to do a post on all that I am grateful for....

Firstly I am blessed with a wonderful Husband, that's not to say that during our 16 years together (and ten married) there haven't been difficult times!! - but we have talked our way through and I find myself loving , respecting and appreciating him more each day...

Secondly I have my health! NEVER underestimate that!.....

Next I am grateful for my home....it may not be big and it may not be perfect but I LOVE it!!!

Kitchen....

A treasured possession...

The Bedroom.....

Part of the tiny back garden...

Another View....

I could go on with photos of Home and Garden as I love both...

I am also a complete ' Cat Woman'...

You may adore me....

I don't pose for anyone....

.

I would pose but I am just too comfortable....

The joy that these three gorgeous girls have brought us over the years is priceless...

Then of course there are good friends, good food and good wine that should also never be under estimated!

So whatever you are grateful for, family, friends, health or love let's raise a glass together for all the good that we are blessed with...

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week

Cake Inspiration...

2011-03-01T19:50:00.001Z

The Lovely Blog LissyLou and the 2 little boys has been talking a lot about cake recently!!

And it's not that I am easily led in this department but I decided yesterday to make her winning one;

Carrot Cake....

Here's the ingredients....

Mmmm and here's the cake....

Once that was done I decided that , as the weather has turned a bit wintry again here,I would make some warming soup....

So took some of these.....

And made some squash and sweet pepper soup- delicious!.....

And with what was left, cubed it,coated it in honey (only thinly-I am still on Weight Watchers!)

then roasted it in the oven for a salad of spinach,chicken and squash- again delicious and ok points wise for Weight Watching!

Which CANNOT be said for the cake- I was HORRIFIED when I saw the points in it...Oh well a treat every now and again won't do too much harm and I was working outside all day today netting up the strawberry beds where I work, but I did take the rest of the cake up there and we had it at teatime....ooops!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

The clearing continues.....

2011-02-25T18:18:00.001Z

The Spring Cleaning bug shows no sign of going away!

I am so thrilled with my wonderful new creative space that I have continued 'fine tuning' it and have started a few other projects too....

Firstly though some more sorting in the craft room....

Some ribbons sorted......

Buttons, from this.....

To this.....

With all this wonderful clearing and sorting I thought I would mention a great service- if you don't already use it- FREECYCLE....

It is a great way of making sure that your un-needed items go to the people that do need them!

And you may even find something that you need too...

ALL FREE!!!

While taking some bits to a charity shop I confess that I did bring a little something home,I know I am supposed to be clearing - not cluttering, but look....

You would have brought her home for £2 too wouldn't you??

I already have a few pieces of this pattern of Emma Bridgewater and this little Love Dove has been lit every night since she arrived....

Well having now done the loft and the cupboard under the stairs too, I think a break may be in order so I think a less strenuous activity may be the thing....

Some reading matter for the weekend.....

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Heartfelt Wishes.....

2011-02-24T17:28:00.001Z

To all those in and around Christchurch...

and to their friends and families all over the world....

Sending Heartfelt Good Wishes.

x x x

Mission Accomplished....

2011-02-23T20:13:00.001Z

Well, I did it! Rather we did it - I had a LOT of help from my lovely husband...

Drawers still need some fine tuning....

As you may have seen in my last post, I was going in to have a huge sort out of the craft room.

Do you ever have a job that you put off because of the sheer enormity of it? My craft room was one of those jobs,so FULL that I didn't know where to begin....( an accumulation of my previous career as a shop keeper then market trader...) added to which we live in a doll's house anyway so where was I going to put everything while sorting it all out?

Well I decided on a 'biodynamic' approach (no I have not lost my mind!) but here is a quick explanation:

I am lucky enough to work part-time at a local chilli farm,where all the produce grown, chillis, fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown according to the cycle of the Moon - an ancient way of farming that many farmers and producers swear by....

But I have also wondered if it can be applied to other areas of our lives - the idea that you do 'new' projects etc when the Moon is waxing and 'clearing' projects when the Moon is waning, so as the craft room was such a huge task in my mind (and heart!) I decided to wait until the Moon was in a favourable position.....

And all went well!

It all happened much easier than I thought it would, I usually find chaos and mess rather distressing but apart from one mishap with a nail in my thumb I am now sitting writing this in a well-organised space!!!

Moon Power??? Who knows, but I like to think so....

Sewing Books....

Material.....

and more material!.....

Knitting shelf.....

More knitting and crafting goodies, little paper flowers, ribbon reels and ribbon bits
that say Mr and Mrs for sewing onto hearts....

Talking of hearts.....

Sewing Boxes....

When not needed for Marmalade the jars come in handy....

Girlie Goodies for the website.....

Phew!
Exhausting work but so wonderful to do!

I really feel a huge release from getting rid of anything that was no longer needed and also saying goodbye to lots of stuff I had kept from my shop - sad but we all need to move on...
Funnily enough, I feel a little bit like I have just come out of a tunnel - not dark or depressing - just claustrophobic....We have had a difficult couple of years but strangely I feel that it has all happened for a reason, I have learned a lot about myself and others and hope that I have come through a better person, definitely a more grateful person - grateful for all that I have - it is too easy to focus on what we lack and forget to cherish what it is front of us!

So with all that baggage 'bagged up' I feel lighter and brighter and ready for Spring!

Whatever your baggage may be- emotional or physical this is a great time of year to get rid of it!
And I wish you all lighter and brighter days ahead.....

With Warmest Wishes,

Wish Me Luck....

2011-02-17T22:19:00.001Z

Ok - I am going in!!!

I can put it off no longer , I am going to sort out my craft room!!!

I dream of some wonderfully organised space...

Like this......

But all I have is a mess!

So the time has come for some major sorting ,clearing and organising ....

Wish Me Luck!!!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend.

x x x

Valentine Wishes.......

2011-02-12T11:28:00.000Z

Where did January go???

I cannot believe it is almost Valentines Day...

...Which is a bit of a special day here for the Frasers...

As it is also our Anniversary!!!

I know, silly old romantics got married on Valentines Day...

Anyway enough of us, I have also got some 'Valentiney' Goodies ready...

Lovely Teddy Bear and Handmade Bag and Heart...

Scented Hearts- Lavender or Rose Geranium....

Not forgetting the Handmade Cushion...

Now to get them on the web site...

Heres wishing you all a Special Valentines Day....

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend....

A busy start to the year....

2011-01-15T13:11:00.003Z

Hello!

Well I have finally managed to get the website done...

So now my little market stall is accompanied by a website/on-line shop!

It is very much in its infancy but I hope over the next few months to be making and adding lots of goodies to it....

But for now here are a few tasters....

'Bluebell Box'...
SOLD! Thank you kindly...

Smells Heavenly!It has a handmade fabric heart,Cath Kidston goodies and a handmade bluebell scented soap,all in the prettiest oval gift box- lovely for Mothers Day .....

Sweet Little Vintage style journal.....

Home Sweet Home Plaque....

Millie Dollie.....

Mollie Dollie.....

So by Monday we will be open for business!

Plus I will be starting at Topsham Market again from February 5th so I better get busy!

Wishing you all a Healthy and Happy start to the year....

Happy New Year.......

2011-01-08T12:05:00.000Z

To you all!

Here's hoping that you had a Wonderful Christmas and that the snow did not hamper your plans at all!!!

We had no water for a while which was interesting....

Wishing you all a Wonderful 2011.....

We Wish You A Merry Christmas........

2010-12-19T13:17:00.000Z

And A Happy New Year!!!

May Your Stockings be filled with Happiness.....

See you all next year.

Warmest Winter Wishes for a Wonderful Christmas.

x x x

A 'Twinkling' Day......

2010-12-14T20:36:00.000Z

A busy weekend here!!

Saturday was my last date at Topsham Market before Christmas so we went with as many Festive Goodies as we could.....

AND

I had a visit from a lovely lady called Pip who is one of the very talented ladies who runs the wonderful Craft Hub in Exeter....

They had organised a Christmas Fair that I had hoped to be involved in but sadly it was fully booked ages ago so I contended myself with the idea of going as a shopper instead of a seller this year....

www.thecrafthub.co.uk

Then, Fab news - they may have a spot for me!!!

This was confirmed on Saturday afternoon, so I had to get busy to be back in Topsham by nine o'clock yesterday morning !

So I took Millie and Mollie, a Hot Chocolate Set and some Handmade Lavender Sachets.....

Some Handmade cards and Hearts.....

More Hearts and Ruby Rag Dolly.....

The photographs above are from the day before not the day itself - I didn't take a camera!!!! But

I made the display look Festive with eucalyptus and pine cones, a tree and some lights.

And plenty of Festive treats, handmade cinnamon soap in gift bags, guardian angels and handmade hearts:

Guardian Angel......

Cinnamon Soaps in bags.....

Handmade cinnamon soap giftbox.....

Handmade Hearts.....

It was a wonderful day!

Great atmosphere, lovely people, mince pies, mulled wine and a wonderful selection of gifts.

I cannot think of a better place to do your Christmas Shopping.....

Warmest Winter Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

x x x

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......

2010-12-10T22:54:00.002Z

BAKING MAKING AND DECORATING!

The elves have been busy here,baking has been done, marmalade made to put in the mincemeat and then the mincemeat made too......

But also some festive decorating has taken place too!

The kitchen window inside.....

And from the outside.....

The Mantlepiece.....

And the tree!.....

The tree isn't drunk- I think I must have been when I took the photo!

So we are off to Topsham in the morning to sell our goodies- Hopefully!I have been busy making and will take pictures for you to have a look at.....

Warm Winter Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend ,

Birthday Goodies.....

2010-12-04T20:46:00.001Z

I hope that everyone is warm and well as you read this!!

We have only had a small sprinkling of snow here though the moors have had icy roads.

I don't remember it being this cold so early- it is my Birthday at this time of year and it is usually pretty wet and windy!

Talking of Birthdays- I must tell you about the cake I made this year....

Turkish Delight and Rosewater Cake.....

It was DELICIOUS!!!!

It may sound sickly sweet but because of using dark chocolate powder in the sponge and then melted dark chocolate on the top it really cuts the sweetness of the turkish delight....

So a simple chocolate sponge has cut up GOOD turkish delight added into the mix, then baked.When cooled, melt some dark chocolate over a bain marie then add rose water and pour over the cake- I topped it with rose creams- again dark chocolate ones so not too sweet!

It didn't last very long and I DIDN'T eat it all...

In between cake baking and celebrations I also got some lovely goodies.....

I think people know me quite well.....

After celebrations were over time to get preparing for Topsham Market, I am doing an ordinary one and a Christmas one so time to get busy.....

Here's Millie.....

And Mollie.....

And a hot chocolate gift set.....

I was up until late last night sewing and decorating festive hearts- photographs to follow!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Making Merry.....Happy Hearts......

2010-11-16T17:13:00.001Z

Project today....Making heart decorations!

I was thinking of putting the ribbon that says Merry Christmas on them too but I think they look quite nice as they are...maybe I will do a few of each.....

The 'pot pourri'I am making is in a big wooden 'vat' with essential oils, rosehips, mini cones and cinnamon sticks, I am going to leave it until the first week in December then put it in cello bags and decorate.....

Off to a friends tomorrow to have a Christmas Card making morning!

Then next on the list- Sewing!

I am going to have a go at making some little gift sacks out of some of the huge amount of Christmas material I seem to have collected over the years....

Any tips for doing the drawstring bit?

Warm Wishes,

Making Merry.....

2010-11-15T19:52:00.001Z

Festive preparations are in full swing here, with three Christmas Craft Markets to go to...

So I have been busy making and doing...

First job on the list- making Lavender soaps look festive.....

Scandinavian Style.....

Country Style.....

Christmas Style!.....

A ready wrapped gift solution....all handmade and homspun with no plastic packaging in sight!

Next job on the list...

Pot-Pourri!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week...

2010-11-06T19:34:00.007Z

Market Day.....

Hello, as some of you know I have been doing Topsham Craft Market once a month for over a year now, so in the lead up to Christmas I thought I should try a few others too.
So on Thursday this week I did Chudleigh with my Handmade Soaps and Pot-Pourri...

And today- another new experience- Newton Abbot Market!!

Learning to self promote!.....

Table Overview.....

Roses Galore.....

Handmade Lavender Soaps.....

Baby Shelf.....

I couldn't resist a little bit of Christmas!.....

The weather was lovely -COLD- but lovely....

The website is taking shape so hopefully there will be some goodies there in the new year too!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Halloween Pictures....

2010-11-05T11:46:00.000Z

Well as you know we rather like Halloween around here so I thought I would show you some piccies!

Jolly little fellow isn't he?...

The birdhouse outside has some new residents....

Autumnul Welcome....

Carved pumpkin in the window.....

Witchy Cat.....

Halloween Tree.....

Door Wreath and sign...

I have taken down all the witchy things but have left all the fir cones and pumpkins to keep things looking Autumnul...

Can you believe we will be decorating for Christmas next???

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend.

Happy Halloween...................

2010-10-29T15:30:00.001+01:00

Hello and Happy Halloween to all........

Thought I would show you some piccies.....

Or some know it as.....

But however you know it or celebrate it-

Have Fun!

With Warm Witchy Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend!!!

Autumn Blessings - part two....

2010-10-20T20:59:00.001+01:00

Hello there!! Well long time no blog! I have been rather poorly so the computer and craft room have been off limits....but I am feeling better so thought I would pop in to say a quick Hello.....

I managed to get out into the garden yesterday to potter about a bit and Autumn is making its mark- leaves everywhere!!But the sun has also been shining and I have also managed to get my Halloween decorations up too- we love Halloween here- photos next week......But thats enough for now, hope that you are all well and I am looking forward to catching up with all your blogs,so until next week...

To you and yours.....

Warmest Wishes,

Autumn Blessings.....

2010-09-03T12:11:00.001+01:00

Hello! Well it is all change here in Devon, it seems that with the new school term beginning the first leaves on the trees are beginning to fall.....

And Autumn breezes are beginning to blow...

This is my favourite time of year, I have found myself 'nesting' and generally getting ready for the Winter, tidying the sheds-( what a job!!) sorting out goodies for the winter markets, making sure the cupboards are all tidy, filling the pantry with flour, raisins and baking ingredients and generally looking forward to warm suppers and cosy evenings...

I have been growing herbs over the summer and am now drying them and reading all about how to use them in foods,teas, soaps,shampoos and medicines...

It is wonderfully interesting and rewarding....but I still have so much to learn! A lifetime of learning ahead I think....and a new career interest??

I hope that the summer has treated you all kindly and I send you many.....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend...

A Magickal Home.....

2010-08-10T13:08:00.002+01:00

Well as I said in my last blog- WHERE is the sunshine??? I feel so sorry for all the parents trying to occupy children, I hope that all your summer hols are going well despite the lack of sun. As the weather has been a bit miserable I have been doing some more ' Homework ' and the bathroom is now finished.

Just one photo, as I took so many last time.....

I have been going through the home recently and have completed lots of those niggling little jobs that you never get time to do! But now I DO have time, I am relishing it!! I still have the office/craft room to do- which will probably take a week...but one step at a time.

The only thing now is that I seem to have caught a nasty cold and sore throat so thought that I would do some 'virtual nesting ' by curling up with some books and films....

This is a lovely book.....

I wonder if, while we are living in such uncertain and sometimes difficult times ,our homes really do become more important, a place of safety ,somewhere to relax, create and be ourselves.I know that my Husband ,who has had some difficult times at work over the past few months, really appreciates the 'sanctuary' and relaxation our home gives him and I love having the time to give him that!
It may sound a bit 'Stepford Wives' but it is how we feel......

While curled up I watched a favourite film of mine....

The Movie.....

The Book......

My Dream Home.......

When I first saw the film I fell head over heels in love with the house- sadly it was created for the film on a plot in Friday Harbor- but I still love it and dream that maybe one day.....

But until then I try to create a little bit of Magic in our home everyday..

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful (and Magickal) Week,

Market Goodies........

2010-08-03T20:55:00.003+01:00

Hello! Well this weekend was my stall at Topsham Market... and I thought I would show you a few of the goodies that I took with me...

Cath Kidston Soap Gift Cards......

I often make these, they are a lovely little gifts......

Some of the rose goodies.....

I scent all the rosebuds with a rose and geranium oil which is heavenly.....

The lavender soaps and dried lavender.....

The beautiful Phoenix Cards are starting to sell well.....

It was a good market this time which I was pleased by, as it has been pretty quiet recently - I would like to find a regular spot locally but it is not easy! Anyway I have managed to secure a spot at Topsham in October, November and December! So I must turn my attention to making things for that time of year next......The Phoenix Cards Christmas Catalogue is currently on its way to me and I have had a preview of the selection - WONDERFUL!!!

When I got home there were some beautiful roses on the patio table waiting for me....

In a jug with some fresh Rosemary.....

With some geraniums from the garden....

They don't look quite real.....

All left by a lovely neighbour!!!

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Keeping Busy.....

2010-07-24T17:23:00.002+01:00

OK where did the sunshine go?? Who's got it and can we borrow it back for a week or two please?
So with the sun in short supply I decided that I would do some jobs around the home that have been waiting patiently to be done for a while...Starting in the bathroom...

The picture on the door...

Some of my dried lavender above the window-(keeps flies away)

A charity shop find from last year- above the bath.....

Two pictures.....

My soap and White Musk collection- I love both!.....

Another bargain- this canvas cost £1!.....

The tiles used to be beige with brown swans- yuck.....

Bath time now do we think?.....

I still have a few 'finishing touches' to do this week but all in all I am happy with it, the main job still to do is make a curtain for under the bath but I cannot find any lavender/botanical style material so that will have to wait...

Well after all this activity and MORE rain I thought I would carry on and do some jobs in the sitting room.....it is quite Scandinavian themed and is red and white all year- not just at Christmas!

The Love Wall....

The canvas in the middle was a gift from a dear friend who knows that I have a thing for hearts and love the Scandinavian look so she very thoughtfully gave me the canvas for my birthday but it has sat in the craft room since waiting to find a home.It looked nice when I put it up but a bit bare so I thought I would mirror the theme and put some of my heart collection around it.....

I also love angels.....and hearts.....

And doves.....and hearts.....

My little dresser ...I have to admit to keeping the fairy lights up all year....

More hearts and a lop sided photo- I was sober honest....

After all that I thought it was time for some r and r so a lovely friend and I decided that we would get together but rather than go out and be tempted to spend money we don't have, we would do a 'swapshop'

As she is incredibly knowledgeable on the subject of herbs and as I am growing, drying and learning all about them she brought along a wonderful selection of herbs for me to pick out and she left with a little selection of hearts (surprise surprise!) and a lovely Jim Shore figure that she collects- so cake was eaten and we both ended up with lovely things and no money was spent!

All labeled and on top of the dresser.....

So many interesting ones from good old lavender...

To Calendula, Chamomile, Sandalwood and White Sage.....

We enjoyed it so much that we are going to do another one at the end of August with a few more people, we will all take along things that we make or sell and swap them ...no money changing hands and hopefully I will start my 'Christmas Shopping'....(I know- I can hear your cries of anguish at me mentioning Christmas in July!!) But QVC are having an entire weekend of Christmas Shopping this weekend which is when I usually start putting things away for presents but as we can't afford QVC this year it will be 'SwapShops' n' Charity Shops' ....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

Everything's coming up Roses....and Lavender....and Thyme....

2010-07-09T18:58:00.002+01:00

Hello There! How are you? Hope that all is well with you and yours....All is calm here and life has taken on a very lazy, hazy summer pace - or at least I have!! No news on the Weight Watchers front - still a one Stone and 1lb loss - I think I may have plateau'ed this week! So will have to try extra hard next week...no more lazing about drinking Iced Tea!

I thought that I would take you into the garden, as that is where I spend most of my time at the moment....

Mmm, now where's the cream?

The first of the cherry tomatoes......

The Lemon Thyme that the Bumble Bees adore!....

The Rosemary is coming on well.....

Roses and the first lavender harvest....

I know Harvest is probably too strong a word for my few plants but still, I did grow it and am now drying it ready to bag up and sell on my little stall at the end of the month...

I have also started selling PHOENIX CARDS on my stall, I have been a trader for a while but have taken a while to get some pennies together to buy some cards - they are SO pretty and I took a few last month and they sold, so here is a little selection of what I will be taking with my homemade goodies this month....

A few of my favourites.....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend,

A Little Bit Of What You Fancy.......

2010-06-29T15:00:00.001+01:00

Hello Again ! Well ,we have had a wonderful week off..The weather has been fantastic here in Devon - I hope that the sun has been shining on you too... This is the first Summer that I haven't been worrying about window displays getting bleached by the sun, orders not arriving, candles melting in the heat etc!! Don't get me wrong, I loved having my own business, especially my little shop and craft cabin but now that I am 'free' - I don't know how I did it for so long.... I do miss the customers and the creative side of things but being able to enjoy a real taste of Summer sure is sweet....

We have done another stall at Topsham Market which wasn't very well attended due to the fantastic weather but we enjoyed it anyway and stopped off for a bit of lunch on the way home here...

Wonderful.....

When shopping we also managed to find something that I spent most of the Festive season looking for to no avail...

Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Delicious.....

And very much enjoyed by my lovely Husband. I was also in for a treat, as you know I am on Weight Watchers (another pound lost- despite a few treats during the week- phew) but still want to eat and drink well with a few goodies now and then...

Well this is unbelievably good Hot Chocolate.....

If you like real,good chocolate then this is the drink for you, really thick and not too sweet...I put some low fat whippy cream on the top and sprinkled some cinnamon on...mmmm.

Well with all this wonderful weather and indulging its back to normality this week, cloudy skies and a pile of ironing! Ah well ....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Weight Watching and Warm Wishes.....

2010-06-15T14:44:00.005+01:00

Hello, I am a very happy bunny today! I am now in my seventh week of Weight Watching and I have lost...

......Drum Roll Please......

.........Exactly ONE Stone........

Hee Hee...

So one stone gone, (I think another two to go realistically), but I am aiming for a stone a time and will see how I feel when the next stone is gone. If you are wanting to lose weight I really think that 'Weight Watchers Is The Way'...

As you know I am a real foodie and love to cook, bake and eat, so any form of deprivation is just not going to work for me, can you believe that I can still eat this?

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cake..mmm...

Of course I have made some adjustments to my eating but I really think that not working full time anymore is the answer for me, being able to prepare all my own fresh food is a luxury that I am SO grateful for! And not only do I get to be pretty thrifty but I get to lose weight too!!

So let's hope that the next stone is as fun and delicious to lose too....

Warm Wishes for A Wonderful Week,

By George I think She's Got It........

2010-06-06T18:30:00.002+01:00

Hello - I hope that you have all had a lovely half term and that the weather helped!! We have had some lovely sunshine here which I have been able to sit out and enjoy - wonderful.....

I had the pleasure of going to Topsham this weekend for a walk about - as you know I do my little market stall there each month but it was nice to visit without a car to unload! We popped into the market, as it has different stall holders each week I fancied seeing who is there when I am not! It was very busy and business was brisk....I just picked up some Sweet Williams, they are a £1 a bunch and they last well.....

Then we had time for a wander and we took a photograph of "my house by the sea"....I often walk by and dream of what could be........

Isn't she gorgeous???...

After all that daydreaming it was time to go and have some lunch and have a knitting lesson! I have wanted to master knitting for ages but I seem to have a complete block everytime I look at a knitting pattern!

My main skill learned yesterday was how to cast on!!! I know, pretty basic but I had a really hard time remembering how to do it; I was fine knitting but could NEVER remember the casting on bit.....

Well, that mastered, I was well away and even learned how to make some little basic flowers...

So pretty.....

I think I am going to play safe and make a scarf.....

Though it may end up being quite a long scarf - I don't know how to cast off yet......

Warm Wishes for A Wonderful Week,

Off To Market.....

2010-06-01T11:42:00.002+01:00

Well it is the time of year again to start the rounds of craft markets and fairs, it is lovely to see the wealth of talent that is around- I am in awe of their skills!! My little stall is growing and changing, I hope to add handmade soap to the goodies this year and as soon as my knitting and crochet has improved maybe some of that too...but in the mean time this Saturday was Topsham Craft Market....

A few of the pretties I took.....

I always take this plaque for a giggle.....

Some scented lovelies....

Hearts and A Love Dove.....

I made some bags of scented rosebuds, one was from a lovely piece of rose patterned silk, filled some pretty little voile bags with rose bath salts and decorated them and did a few bags of pretty ribbon rosebuds for sewing and craft.We were rose themed this time as I have run out of Lavender, hopefully some more is on it's way as we speak- all my own has been used up.....

It went very well and I sold a good amount ,which was very rewarding- so now down to preparing for the next one....

After the early start and hard work it was time for a treat....

My monthly magazine treat- and cake of course!

Country Living even set the scene.....

This is my own recipe- I call it Hedgerow Cake.....

It is a vanilla sponge- made as any plain sponge- but with vanilla sugar,then topped with vanilla icing and filled with icing and my own Hedgerow Jam- it is quite a 'tart' jam so it cuts the sweetness of the vanilla...yummy....

I know you are going to be thinking- WEIGHT WATCHERS?!?!- but I have NOT fallen off the wagon- five weeks in and I am TEN pounds lighter- and VERY happy....

So I CAN have my cake and eat it!.....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Unexpected Surprise.....

2010-05-26T20:23:00.001+01:00

Having enjoyed the wonderful weather recently and having not left the house much, it was time to venture out in the world today and do 'the supermarket shop' to restock the freezer and the pantry, so off I trotted at 6.30am- (I HATE crowds!) to do the necessary....All done and back home, what do I spy from the top of the path ? A red box sitting next to the mail box- ooohhhh......I haven't ordered anything- (my pledge is still in force!), it is not my birthday- what can it be???

This is what was inside.....

It was a giveaway that I won a while ago from the lovely Victoria over at Florence and Mary!

I knew it was Ponds Cream, but there are three jars of gorgeousness!!!

THANK YOU so much Victoria.....

What a lovely addition to my day.

Warm Wishes,

Sunshine, Happiness and Gratefulness.....

2010-05-25T19:53:00.003+01:00

I hope that you had a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather over the weekend...It was 'scorchio' here and I have loved it!! A chance to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet this weekend, no sorting, no car boots, just us and a couple of good books, Mr.F devoured the The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo AND the next two in the trilogy by Steig Larsson ...And I read The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris and Garden Spells and The Sugar Queen both by Sarah Addison Allen...... brilliant and very much enjoyed....

What a lovely way to start a day.....

The wonderful weather has meant that everything is suddenly blooming.....

The Aubretia is putting on a stunning display.....

And talking of stunning displays....

Someone didn't want to be left out.....

So I told her she was gorgeous and she said 'who me??'

Oh now you've embarrassed me.....

And to add to all the loveliness, two very thoughtful friends gave me thoughtful, lovely gifts...

Firstly some sweet basil and Nigella to plant out.....

Then some of my favourite flowers- Lovely Lily Of The Valley.....

Thank you both so much!!!

Quite a lot to be grateful for.....

Hope that you have lots to be grateful for this week too.....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week,

Weight Watching and Warm Wishes.....

2010-05-18T22:14:00.003+01:00

Well as you may have read previously I joined Weight Watchers a few weeks ago.....

Hee Hee.....

And I am pleased to say that three weeks in and I am six pounds lighter!

I am amazed at the foods I am able to eat and adapt from my own recipes, the only thing I really have had to give some attention to is my butter habit! I bake my own bread a few times a week and freshly baked bread with unsalted french butter - oooohhhhh.........BUT no-more...

Anyway as I took so many photographs last week I though I would post some images and pictures this week....

I thought I would send you all some....

And heres wishing you some....

And for good measure lets add a bit of....

Just in case anyone needs it....

And Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Week...

Hopes and Herbs.....

2010-05-11T11:26:00.002+01:00

Hello, my husband has gone back to work today after a pretty blissful week off -despite being called into work on one emergency- ah well...and now I need to get back into a routine again!My injuries from my riverside gardening have healed quite well though I still have a bruise on my leg the size of a pancake and a wrist that isn't quite right but I have been healing with the help of herbs and oils...

I realised that I didn't take any before shots of the riverbank so you won't be able to see that it was six foot high in brambles.The story of the riverbank is that it is a patch of land across the river from our postage stamp garden that I decided last year to try and make a wildflower garden for bees and birds, BUT the seeds haven't been able to take because the brambles had completely taken over- so I recently decided to scale the twenty foot drop,wade over the river- while it is low- and give the brambles a bit of a trim so that the sowing of seeds can begin again.

Bluebells saying hello....

It may not look like I have done much,but it was a jungle...

It is so tranquil....

Someone came to help...

Ah, duck for supper?

I was even inspired to get the bunting out!

So now that it is a bit clearer and our view is better- what seeds to sow? I have been reading up on shade loving ,woodland plants that will also attract birds and bees, so hopefully this time next year we will have more wildlife than ever...

In the meantime I am growing herbs to use and dry in cooking and medicinally and they are coming along well...

Sage and Thyme.....

Good old mint.....

Oregano and Thyme.....

Rosemary and Strawberries-( I know Strawberries aren't a herb!)

The tomatoes and geraniums in the kitchen window...

I always thought that I would never be able to grow all the things that I wanted to because we don't have a big house or acres of land but it is great experimenting with pots and window boxes to see what I can grow despite living in a dolls house!

Potions and Possibilities!

I still have a long list of herbs and plants that I want to try and grow but slowly ,slowly...

Well, while I am learning at least....

Wishing you all a Wonderful Week,

Beltane Blessings...

2010-05-03T14:58:00.004+01:00

Hello! I hope that everyone has had a wonderfully relaxed Bank Holiday weekend - and for those who celebrate it:

A WONDERFUL time of year.....

My husband always tries to have this week off from work so we are having a lovely time here, we did Topsham Market at the weekend which was unexpected and lovely! But apart from that we have been able to relax and unwind - bliss.....

From a Weight Watchers point of view all has gone well - as you may know from previous posts I am a keen cook and baker so I really was not sure how this new regime would work.....BUT week one and a 4LB LOSS can't be bad can it??

Especially when I have been able to adapt recipes such as these:-

Spice Biscuits

100g plain flour
50g sugar - I use my vanilla or cinnamon sugar
tsp of cinnamon or mixed spice
75g butter
50g raisins

So these.....

become these.....yum.....the big one is not for me!

And all for a point a biscuit- which if you are a weight watcher I think you will agree is pretty good. I have tried the WW cookies in the past but they give me terrible indigestion and don't really taste of anything, so to be able to have something homemade is lovely.
And of course we have the lovely refrigerator biscuit cake from a previous post to munch on too.....

All for 2 points a piece - less if you cut it up smaller!

So - so far so good! I am able to adapt a lot of my recipes so I do not feel like I am on a diet so we will see how things go.....I will keep you informed and keep my recipes in case anyone fancies trying any of them.

So I hope that if you have had some time off work this Bank Holiday you have been able to enjoy it with your loved ones.....

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week