No Time For Blogging

I can't believe that I haven't had time to blog at all during October. I think that it has been a combination of decorating, half-term(not getting to the computer) and Josh being ill. I think that I've just about got rid of the dust after the kitchen refit and I feel ready to go again. Blogging wise that is. I still can't comprehend the disruption caused by re-fitting such a tiny space but at last I seem to have conquered the dust and hopefully I'm back now and can spend more time with my lovely bloggers. The kitchen is now complete, except that I haven't chosen a blind for the window yet. I am trying to be tidy but I know that the clutter and charity shop finds will find their way back in there but I just can't cope with minimalism. There is no particular theme for my post today, so I'll just show you a few things we've been upto. Well, there was a bit of baking over half-term week.



There were a few decorations for Halloween.




I've started collecting the Christmas editions of my favourite magazines.(Yes, I am still a magazineaholic).



I've also been very naughty and bought some new cookery books. (I think I ought to own up to the fact I am a bookaholic). I do love watching Hugh FW and believe he's back on t.v. on Thursday evening with a new River Cottage series - pure comfort t.v. for me.



Today, I'm cosying up in front of the fire



enjoying using my new favourite mug. (Yes, I am a mugaholic too). Perhaps I ought to show you my collection one day!


This Saturday was an incredibly important one for Mr F. His football team reached the 1st Round of the F.A Cup for the first time in their 133 year history. Not only that but it was a home tie against the mighty Walsall, five divisions above us.



However, a trip to Wembley is not to be this year, as we lost the game 1-0. Perhaps next year will be The Glassboys turn for glory. Oh, yes and Mr F. was able to buy a commemorative mug for the occasion. I'm sure you'll be disappointed to know that I couldn't photograph it today as it is sitting proudly in his lunchbox as a reminder of Stour's glorious cup run!

Refuge

Oh I've missed being here the past couple of weeks. There has been dirt and chaos everywhere! Never mind, all that remains to do in the bathroom is the electrical work and then we can paint and most importantly I can titivate. I'm not sure of the correct spelling of titivate - but I like titivating when I get chance and there hasn't been the opportunity to do that in the past few weeks. The guys doing the work in the bathroom have been great workers and also made themselves at home. Their first job in the morning was to boil the kettle ready for coffee!



My refuge from all the mess has been my little shed at the bottom of the garden where I've been able to sit and read my magazines and my latest book 'the Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - It's one of those books you really really don't want to put down and I know I'll really feel bereft when it's finished. A couple of weeks ago I discovered a great new shop in a local village called 'Talulah & Blouwsie' - I nearly fainted with excitement and pleasure - in fact I had to go in twice just to take it all in. Next time I go I might pluck up courage to ask if I can take a few photos. It was crammed full of vintage loveliness, old and new items that made me wish I could take you all shopping with me. There was jewellery, French storage jars, vintage clothing, linens and more - it was heaven on earth. I was very controlled (well I did have Mr Funky with me) and bought just the one item - this pretty, sparkly, girly, crystal necklace.


I couldn't put it down for days. I unwrapped it from it's pink spotted tissue paper, wrapped it back up again, decided I needed to look at it lovingly and unwrapped it yet again. Just look at all the pretttiness going on with the light reflecting all those colours. Mom-in-Law got to hear about my excitement for this wonderful shop and ecstay of ecstacies - she produced all of this gorgeousness for me. This time, a double row of crystals

and three sets of pearls, which belonged to Mr Funky's grandmas and an aunt.

There was also this piece which looks very modern I think but is definitely a vintage necklace. I am so lucky and I can't wait to wear them. I love the ones from my new favourite shop but don't you think it's even better to make use of something that a member of the family has treasured?

Cheer

This morning seemed darker and wetter than ever. it has been confirmed, what we already knew, that we are in recession. We've been told at work, that there are no job losses for this year but next year...who knows. Well, I'm fed up with trying not to spend money, the darkness, rain and the bloody economy. So when I saw these little beauties I threw caution to the wind, spent some money and provided a little cheer for my home.



Aah! I already feel better for little hint of spring that these precious green shoots bring. Hopefully, in a few weeks time the heady scent of blue and lilac hyacinths will waft through the house and provide some much needed colour and cheerfulness. Something else that cheers me up no end are these little coffee and walnut cupcakes.



I found the recipe for these little cakes in this wonderful book by Kate Shirazi.



There was an article in last April's CL about this lady, who runs a cupcake making business from home. If you pop over to her website cakeadoodledo.co.uk you can see the wonderful creations that she sells.



Her gorgeousl little book has a range of cakes from 'low-faff' (my level) up to 'high-faff' cakes which look far too good to eat. Just take a look here(these two photos are from the book, not my creations sadly.)



and here

...........yum. Well they certainly add a little cheer don't they? (As well as a few inches, but we won't go there).

Listening to this wonderful man perform last night certainly lifted my spirits. Please let me introduce you to Mr. Martin Simpson, winner of the best album in the BBC Folk Awards last year with 'Prodigal Son'.


He was absolutely superb last night. I tried to upload a video for you but alas, Youtube and Blogger don't seem to be talking to each other at present. Martin's song about his father 'Never any Good' took the folk world by storm last year. As the video won't load I'll give you the link here Martin Simpson 'Never any Good'. It's an honest song, not sentimental, but it will give you goosebumps!

I'm off to listen to his album now - that will cheer me up even more!

Have a good weekend everyone.

Christmas Treats

Despite knowing that I've bought an awful lot of magazines this month, Rob has indulged me by surprising me with two gorgeous Christmas books. I've been drooling over this one in the shops for several weeks but at the price of £25 thougt it was far too expensive to buy at this time of year. Fortunately The Book People came to the rescue with the bargain price of £10 and it was in my eager mitts within a few days. It is full of gorgeous ideas for decorating with flowers



gorgeous decorations



and delicious ideas for food.


A less familiar book was this one, although equally lovely and well laid out. It is full of ideas for decorations, food, table decorations and making presents. The theme throughout is a 'green' Christmas and thrifty ideas for homemade gifts.


How about yummy marshmallows?



Advent stockings?


Or how about these fabulous edible tree decorations?



I look forward to finding something to read at Christmas. Rob always insists that the has to read a Dickens novel at Christmas. For me, well for some reason Harry Potter always makes me feel Christmassy but this year I think I will indulge myself with something seasonal from Miss Read. I think my great treat this Christmas on t.v. will be a feature length Christmas edition of Lark Rise to Candleford. It is my one weakness!