Progress and pretty things :)

Good morning

And yes it is a very good one today. The reason - I've had my first shoe wearing session outside the house in just over 12 weeks :) I've been to the physio and he'd very pleased with me. However it does mean next week I get more exercises added and more time in the gym. Its a lovely sunny morning here and when we got back I went for a kick in the leaves in the garden;

Its not been a bad week actually. I went out the other day with my MIL - we headed over to Saxmundham for a change of scenery. Firstly I traded loads of old bits of broken jewellery in for a lovely fat cheque. Then we headed down the high street for light retail therapy.

Firstly yarn - my leg gets cold and as I can't fit my boots on yet, I thought I'd knit legwarmers for around the house - after much pondering, I chose some Crofter yarn in a grey/deep pinks colourway. The ribbing proved a bit tricky as my knitting skills are rusty - once I cracked that it was fine - should have one by the weekend!!

A few other sewing essential were bought and then I glanced at the buttons - I spotted these and had to buy them - no plans for them yet though;

I found a wonderful shop that was stuffed full of pretty things - I need to go back there sometime soon as my MIL kept picking things up with wishful looks in her eyes - least now I've some ideas as to what she'd like for Christmas. This ring was too pretty to leave behind - its just costume not really silver/turquoise but very lovely;

My MIL gave me this little vintage OXO tin - she'd found it the other day in a sort out and was going to bin it but she thought I might like it - oh yes;

Time now for one small festive make - I love working in felt and each year make something new to add to my ever growing decoration collection - here's this years gingerbread house;

Do you remember the patchwork square I showed you that was going to be made into a big quilted hanging? Well it was finished and handed over at the party last weekend. My clever friend Lotti from our S&B group got the task of putting it all together - well she's blogged about it now so you can pop over and see the finished result here -  its stunning.

Finally, I had a late night last night - MrVV & I headed to Ipswich for an evening of laughter with Bill Bailey. A brilliant show - my sides ache for laughing so much. I spotted another blogger in the audience - hi Dawn, hope you enjoyed the show too and your ice-cream ;)

Right that's enough for now. I'll be back at the weekend with my first Pause in Advent post - this is organised by Floss - we're now into our third year which means I really need to think about what my themes will be this year.

Oh and I've the contents of a fab swap parcel to share with you too soon AND the results of another months Photo Scavenging!! Does anyone know of a housework fairy - at this rate I'll need one!!

xxx Vicki xxx

Grumpy Wednesday

Morning

This is me today;

 Image via Walt Disney via Google Images

I don't think I got out of the wrong side of bed - in fact I can't as my crutches are always in the same place each night. Perhaps its the full moon tonight that's making me grumpy or it could just be a case of girlie hormones??

I've a feeling that the large lump of metal and purple plaster on my leg is probably the main cause. I can't get comfy in bed at night and often end up in a tangle of duvet and with cramps in my leg & foot.  Just another 12 days to go - hurrah.

Something else that's made me cross is if I am in one of these;

Image via Google Images

And I am out and about with MrVV - I become invisible. Several times we've been shopping - I've put the stuff on the belt and gone to pay only to have the staff ignore me and speak to MrVV. We've soon put them right. Also out & about people seem not to see us and expect us to dive out of the way rather than them just side step. Don't even get me started on all the shops I can't get into - their loss - I'll buy from elsewhere then.

One final grump - this one is a few weeks old but deserves airing. I've done a few reviews now for stuff and have happily recommended stuff to you lovely readers. Well this times, here's one to avoid!! Look at these two pictures and see if you can spot the difference?? 

Yep one is a red converse hi-top and the other is a white converse lo-top. Well I ordered a pair of the red ones for big son from a company called Rubbersole

  

The first problem the parcel took 2 weeks to arrive - not great for a company promising next day delivery! When it eventually arrived it contained the wrong shoes - the white ones. I contacted the company explained the problem and they arranged to resend my order. Another 5 days passes, another parcel arrives - guess what wrong again!! I managed eventually to find a phone number and spoke to their 'Customer Services' department - useless. They couldn't grasp that it was their error - I'd 2 pairs of wrong shoes and they couldn't promise if we'd a 3rd go it would be right. I gave up - got my refund and ordered elsewhere. The only saving grace was they supplied a free returns label. My advice - don't go there - not worth the hassle :(

Right off to find a cat to kick ;)

Be back when I'm less grumpy!!

xxx Vicki xxx

A weekend away :)

Good morning

Ummmm funny how the sunshine is back today - it seemed to spend lots of time this weekend hiding behind a cloud. However that didn't stop MrVV & I having a great weekend away in Cambridge. We walked miles each day - Cambridge is just that sort of place. Saturday was a mix of tourist stuff and shopping. Mainly kitting out the boys & MrVV who seem to get through stuff so quickly. Yes I did treat myself to a something in CK with my birthday money - shall show you that later ;)

Whats comes into your mind when Cambridge is mentioned??

Bicycles everywhere - these were outside Kings College - can you spot the porter in the distance?

 Punting on the Cam - perhaps one day I'll get over my fear of water and have a go.

 More punters

 Rowing - perhaps these beginners will have more luck than this years Light Blues?

 Willow trees with new leaves and banks of daffodils

More punts and the trees in blossom by one of the colleges (can't remember which one)

I love the houseboats - some are amazing with their on board gardens and collections of random things.

After a full english breakfast on Sunday, we headed back into the city. We walked along the banks of the river, sat people watching, watched some mad people abseiling down the side of the Guild Hall and then walked some more. Once our feet were worn out and our wallets empty, we headed home. I spotted my favourite bicycle parked just near where we'd left the car;

Just loved the leopard print :)

We arrived home mid afternoon and we met with bemusement by MIL & big son - they asked why we were home so early and we replied it wasn't that early it was about 4pm - then the penny dropped - they'd forgotten about the clocks changing!!

I suppose you'd like to see my CK purchase?? Well I saw a postcard at the weekend that said a girl can never have enough shoes, chocolate and handbags!! So true!

I fell in love with this bag at the beginning of the year and finally on Saturday as I had enough money, I gave in.  I might have bought a few other bits over the weekend too but I can't show you today - as they are for swaps and my giveaway (more new on that later this week).

Right the sun is shining and the washing bin overflowing so I'd best go and do something domestic!!

See you soon

xxx Vicki xxx

Sometime last week.....

Good evening

One afternoon early last week (before that news), I spent the afternoon with my SIL in Southwold. We had a lovely wander around the shops, browsing (me) and spending lots (her). I introduced her to my favourite little shop there - Ann Brewster's - which has an increasingly excellent range of CK lovelies. She had a big spend on pretties for herself and her daughter. I was good ;) and just bought a couple of little items that I'd seen online and knew I needed!! I've also spotted a bag I NEED for my birthday next month!!

I love her badges - I have quite a few now and I must say they even survive the wash quite often!!

I was pleased to find this thread tin in stock - I've needed something pretty to store my embroidery threads in - much easier now to find the colour I want.

Last week also produced some excellent CS finds;

A vintage travel scrabble set - just needs a pretty little bag to store the tiles in - otherwise its perfect. It shall end up in our camping box eventually.

A mother cute terrier and her 2 babies. I seem to be drawn now to dog ornaments - odd considering I'm really quite scared of dogs!

Some pretty vintage linen table cloths - the pink one is particularly lovely and I shall use it to cover the tables when I have stalls. The white one is rather small - not sure what to do with that yet.

Right for the first time in ages I have the house to myself - bliss. Off for an uninterrupted soak in the bath.

See you soon

xxx Vicki xxx



Busy shopping, busy making....

Evening

Well so much for going to fireworks today - its far too soggy @ the moment :(. Think we'll try again with another display tomorrow. Thank goodness for Iplayer - it will mean I won't miss Ann & Anton doing the salsa - that has got to be seen ;)

This afternoon before it got too soggy, I went over to Snape Maltings with Dawn. We decided to make a little start on our christmas shopping both for families & bloggy swaps ;).

The first part we went into was the Antiques centre - lots of lovely things at some rather lovely prices. We both were happily taking pics - think we've managed different items. It was only as we were leaving we spotted the 'Don't take photos' sign - ooops. We exited quite quickly giggling like a pair of teenagers!!

This spinning wheel reminds me - there's a new series on BBC2 on Monday night with Sue Perkins & Giles Coren, they are living the Good Life to celebrate the programmes 35th birthday!!

Loved all this floral enamel - I know there are lots of other bloggers that love it too.

You can't beat a bit of blue & white cornishware - I have a small collection of this that I've built up over the years. Fortunately at prices far less than they wanted today.

Did I buy anything? Of course I did but not in the Antiques centre but in several of the other gorgeous shops that are there;

Sorry - can't show you the contents - some of its for my SS swaps and also for pressies for a couple of others that read my blog ;)  Think the boys will love this years candy canes for the tree  :)

Lastly I've been frantically cutting out and making as I've booked a table @ little sons schools autumn/christmas fair next weekend - I did quite well @ their summer one so thought if worth the little outlay. Still got quite alot to make but so far so good - I think I can easily fill the table;

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post :)

Have a lovely weekend - don't forget the final part of Downton Abbey on Sunday.

xxx Vicki xxx

Vintage Fair Saturday

Good evening

Bit quiet everywhere tonight - guess lots are watching ITV for some reason ;)

Not here - no-one is interested. We've watched Doctor Who & the boys have watched the Confidential programme too.  I was going to sew this evening - have another dress ready for the machine but instead I've been taking pictures of some of the items I got in Woodbridge today.

Country Girl & I headed there this afternoon - for the Vintage Fair but also to have a good look in all the wonderful shops that Woodbridge has.  It didn't disappoint - one or several items came home with us;

Four reels of vintage cotton on gorgeous wooden reels - one of the many CS's - just £1 :)

Another ladybird book - again the CS's - just 50p

Totally gorgeous oversized rose ring from one of the little boutiquey shops in Woodbridge.

UJ wrapping paper - far too posh for pressie wrapping - fits the frame in the summerhouse perfectly.

We did have a good look around the vintage fair - saw lots of lovely items but I didn't buy anything - mainly coz the things I coveted most were beyond my budget :(

We did have a good afternoon - weather was kind to us and its nice to have a good natter without children/husbands/dogs etc getting in the way!!

Got home late afternoon - just in time to catch MrVV cutting the grass - Dawn he says he won't forget you making him jump out of his skin when you beeped at him - apparently 'heffalumps don't forget' whatever that means!!

Tomorrow we're off to a belated 60th birthday party for my Mum - a big family gathering - I think almost 30 of us! My littlest sister has offered to host it in her garden - between us sisters (all 6 of us) we're doing the cooking, so I shall be up earlyish in the morning.

See you soon

xxxx Vicki xxxx

WIP, Vintage Cath & a hint of crafty stuff

Good afternoon

How is half-term going for all those with school people?  So far so good here - though the awful weather (except yesterday) has meant the boys have been indoors more than I really like.

Work has continued on my doll and as of first thing this morning she looked like this;

Anyhow back to yesterday - it was a gorgeous spring day here in Suffolk - ideal for getting out & about.  I took myself off out for a few hours & caught the train to visit my oldest friend.  She lives in the lovely town of Beccles.  For once as we'd no children to please we decided to meet in town & have a potter & lunch.  The pottering naturally took us round the shops. Despite the town having a huge amount of charity shops, I found no bargains jumping out at me :(  However it also boasts a wonderful wool shop, a superb sewing shop and a few other great places.  I didn't come away empty handed;

(an EB beaker - currently holding pencils)

(more ribbon, some self-cover buttons & knitted card toppers)

(red, white & pink buttons which were then crying out to be put into jars)

We've busy here again baking as today we've had visitors for lunch - one of my sisters & her 2 children.  Little son appointed himself chief-cake decorator;

My nephew who is 5 rather looks up to both boys but especially big son.  Usually they play upstairs with lego or other delights dragged from the back of the boys cupboards.  Today was different, nephew has discovered Nintendo and the wonders of MarioKart, he was determined to beat the boys at this (amazingly they didn't even notice the camera - though looking at the pic I'm wondering if I forgot to switch the flash on!!);

Last but by no means least, Melmel mentioned on her blog about vintage cath stuff and the wonderful wishing books.  I've had a quick hunt through the cupboards & dragged out the oldest ones I can find - Spring 2005 is the oldest one I have and I've completed lost the 2008 ones - am wondering if someone (MrVV?) has recycled them :(.  Trying hard to rack my brains as to my first CK purchase - think it was a classic rose pinny in the blue colourway.  I always wear a pinny when I'm cooking, cleaning and doing stuff in the house and sadly this pinny has worn out completely - and been replaced with a strawberry print one which is also now showing signs of wear :(

I wonder what others will find and blog about??

See you soon

xxxx Vicki xxxx

Shopping Saturday - Vintage Fair, CS & High Street :)

Good afternoon

Have had a lovely day at with my friend Country Girl. We've been to Woodbridge which is a lovely little market town here in Suffolk.  We headed initially to the Festive Vintage Fair on the hill.  As ever this was very popular with a wonderful selection of stalls selling vintage and handmade items.

We spent a long time looking round whilst sipping big cups of hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows - well chocolate comes from a bean so must be part of your 5 a day????

I treated myself to a pretty crochet brooch from Peonie - if you look down the r/h side of her blog you can see the wonderful items she makes.

As you can see it looks rather good on the dress that just jumped into my arms in Peacocks! Along with this t-shirt that is perfect for a party we're having with the kidlets at work this week;

We then headed into the high street and went into so many lovely little independent stores and charity shops.

I have plans once the hols have started for a baking session and need some more cutters - I got a great selection in the kitchen shop - a couple of trees, a star and an angel. Also inspired by Kirsty, I bought some red edible glitter!  Whilst having one final look around there, my eyes were drawn to a festive Cath mug in a tin - another item that just threw itself at me!!

We had a good look around the charity shops and one in particular came up trumps - 4 more Ladybird books for my collection @ only 40p each and a pretty button bracelet (which I've forgotten to photograph) for only £1;

Whilst us girls were having a shopping morning, our smallest children were once again playing with their school band. My VV was tasked with taking some photos - here's one of little son with just a glimpse of young country boy in the right hand corner!

More festive stuff :)

Another day and more preparations for christmas.  Once the boys had safely left for school, MrVV and I headed off to Ipswich for christmas shopping.  Armed with a list and determination that this was to be the only trip there between now and January!

We walked the length of the high street calling into so many shops and hearing the same music over and over - however after 2 hours, we'd finished :) (actually except little sons pressie - that needs collecting later in the week).

Once home it was time to hide the pressies away and hunt out the advent calendars. 

This one I bought when big son was very small - every year the pockets get filled with chocolates, sometimes small pressies and sometimes even treat vouchers.  So far this year its only got a few sweets in there as I forgot to buy any santas or snowmen today in town!

I have my own calendar - only a little one and just pictures behind each door;

Last but not least, I forgot yesterday to show you what little treats I bought myself in Aldeburgh - some gorgeous union jack paperchains which could be used all year round and another notebook (just look at the cover - one of my favourite childhood stories :) )

Right off now to start making christmas cards - am thinking of doing them in batches of 10 - ever wished you'd started preparing for Christmas in August??

Oh remind me next time to show you my new sewing room - lots of work in progress there too.

The CK parcel is opened ;)

Yep - once the boys had left for school this morning, I got the parcel from its hiding place and battled throught the miles of parcel tape to open it.

(at this point there should be actual photos of the opening and the contents - however my camera had other ideas the the SD card has died :( )

So tonight for one night only - I've had to copy pics from the CK site instead.

I bought;

My Mum is buying this for me for Christmas :)

Can't have Christmas lunch without crackers - as if you're having crackers they might as well be pretty ones ;)

I always buy and make a few new decs each year - this year I could not resist these Stanleys.

Last but not least - for my soft little son who loves knitted toys as much as his Mum;

Hopefully by the time I next blog my camera will have a SD card - kind old MrVV is buying me one tomorrow :)