Friday 20 March 2015

Ten Things.......






































Thing One: 

I realise that if I put my mind to it, ignore my children for 2 days (save stick a bit of food in front of them 3 times a day and nod my head when they talk) I can get 60 sunshine day motifs made. Score. Granted, my eyes are a bit boggly, and my fingers are happy for a rest, but that's a mammoth motif session. My blanket might actually be ready by Easter, and at a size I am sort of happy with.

Thing Two:

I have yet another cold and I am like a bear with a sore head. They are a waste of time. End of.


Thing Three:

I realise I don't have a great memory.


Thing Four:

I am loving the magical properties of a Hoodie. I have NEVER been a hoodie wearer. Last month, as I was leaving the house to do a school run, I realised I had walked out of the house without a coat, and it was a tad chilly. Running late I grabbed the first thing off the hook, which was a hoodie. It was HUGE on me but the colour was 'winterberry' (if you are a big 'Friends' fan you'll get it) so I thought it didn't look too out of place on me. Actually, it was brand new and the fleecy lining inside was snug and cosy. I did the school run and on the way home popped into my local shop to pick up some food with Baby Bear. A bottle of wine was in amongst my groceries, and I was promptly asked for ID. I thought they were joking, and laughed a bit, until they just sat there waiting for me to produce some sort of ID. I thought it must be the hoodie. The snugness factor of said hoodie has meant I have adopted it, on 2 other occasions I have bought food with an age related product in my shopping basket, I have been asked for ID. This is one magical hoodie.Who'd have thought, all that face cream buying over the years, and all you need to do to knock 15-20 years off your age is buy a hoodie. I'm sold.

Thing Five:

I am loving fake candles. As an avid candle burner, I do worry about naked flames. I was over at my mums recently and she had some candles burning. I commented on how nice they looked and she told me they were fake ones. They looked so real and so cosy on. I found some and I think I might have to add to the collection. They are timer ones. They come on at 5pm and go off at 11pm daily. I don't have to worry about naked flames or leaving the room. They look so real, a couple of times my heart has been in my mouth when I have seen my mothers day cards close to them, then I remember it's 'A' okay. Who knew fake candles were my newest love?

Thing Six:

I've been feeling very mercurial recently.

Thing Seven:

Having thoughts about my blog space here. One minute stick with it, the next, lay it to bed, see.... mercurial. I always thought it would be a lovely thing to revisit in years to come. To remember the lovely bits of life amongst the not so lovely. I remembered when I was a kid and had diaries, I did the same thing, then re-read them a year or two later and chucked them in the bin. A waste of writing time. All rather boring. I wonder if I am heading the same way here. Blog wobbles.

Thing Eight:

I've discovered Rhubard and Custard  Jam. My taste buds screen 'more more more', my waistline screams 'are you kidding me?'


Thing Nine:

I went to a shop this morning and was given a free coffee. That was nice I thought. I then picked up a beautiful bunch of flowers, and the flower lady gave me a free same bunch to go with them. What a sweetheart. Then I saw a pretty crochet blanket. It was totally my style, and it was ready made........... and I happened to have vouchers.......so it was technically free. What a nice start to the day. Things like that don't happen to me. I forget......maybe I was wearing the magic hoodie???????


Thing Ten:

Nothing beats a good drink, a bit of crochet, and an itunes list of all your favourite songs at the same time. NOTHING.




xxx






52 comments:

  1. Magical hoodies, must get one. :)
    Anne xx

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  2. I'm laughing about the magic hoodie, I really must get one of these. Sorry about the blog wobbles, I hope you enjoy looking back at it all one day. Wishing you a lovely weekend. CJ xx

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  3. Totally agree with you about number 10 (and all the others really). Going to look out a magic hoodie - but am doubting it will have the same effect on me!
    Can I ask where you found candles with timers on - that sounds perfect for me. Thanks
    Have a great weekend, and I hope your cold does the considerate thing and disappears. x

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    1. Hi Sara,

      I got them from a local Garden Centre. I have thrown the packaging away so I could not tell you the make off them. I am hoping to get some more soon, so if I do, I shall post what they are called on here for you! It might be checking out your local Garden Centre if you have a decent one. I know several of the ones near me stock different kinds of these fake candles so it might just be worth having a check x

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    2. Thanks Vanessa - I shall take a look at the weekend. x

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  4. I am wondering about a hoodie, at my age anything helps...

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  5. Don't stop blogging - I love popping by and seeing what you're making. I think we all wobble and I'm going to have a break for a few weeks but I love looking back over what I've made and what's been happening in my fairly ordinary little life. I'm definitely going to search for fake candles as I'm spending a fortune (when the £1 shop is out of stock)! Love your ikea pots with primroses - I'd never have thought of them being indoors and they don't seem to last very long outside. I've just had a major planting session in the garden so hope that everything will spring into life now it's fairly officially Spring. Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. I think I might just take a long break for a while and see how things go on the blogging front. I had thought of maybe just keeping it up but doing it privately. I still don't know. I just wonder if it's all a bit boring for people sharing it publicly.

      I am LOVING these fake candles. They look so real. These ones I got from a local Garden Centre. They weren't the cheapest ones out there, but they have a very real flickery wick and they have the timer which is a real bonus. Luckily, they were buy one get one free so it worked out a little cheaper. They have different sizes so I'm thinking a couple more would be nice. It's so great not to think about fire hazards, yet still getting a really cozy evening glow. I'm real lazy too, so the timer is fab!!!!!!! ha ha! xxx

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    2. your blog is sooooooooooooonot boring……..we love it :) Pls don't; stop!

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    3. are you able to share the pattern for the white lace crochet blanket??? it is absolutely beautiful :) your blog is so inspirational

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    4. Thank you Michelle for your kind comments. The white lace crochet blanket was not one that I had made. I actually bought one for a change! It was surprisingly nice to have a whole new throw to put on my bed without having to wait a few weeks for it to appear! x

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    5. thanks anyway…..it is so lovely….enjoy it!! :) I truly get so much pleasure and inspiration from your blog….it really is a gift to others…..and a gift that we really appreciate :) xxx thank you

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  6. If hoodies equal lovely freebies, I must get one.

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  7. The hoodie story really made me giggle 😊 . The first and only time I have been IDed I was well into my twenties.

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    1. I have been laughing so much! I don't actually think they look at my face though. I think they take one look at the hoodie and just assume I'm some teenager!!!!!! Funny though.....and I'll take whatever roundabout compliment I can get at my age!!!!!!!!! x

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  8. Aren't you lucky having such a transformation in years with the magic hoodie! If only mine had the same effect! Selfishly, I hope you won't give up on your blog - I love peeking into the lovely things you show on your blog.

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  9. Such a fun post! I smile at your mantle as I love your white flower pot holders and recognize them as being from Ikea. My son works at the Ikea that is just 10 minutes from me and I love poking around there! I am a new reader of your blog and love visiting.
    xoxoxo

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    1. Oh I LOVE Ikea. It's one of my favourite places to visit. I get stupidly excited to visit it. Silly really!

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  10. I am SO going to get a hoodie - sounds brilliant. DO NOT have anymore blog wobbles whatsoever !!! I'd miss you too much.
    Lovely photos as always,
    Kate xx

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    1. Awe thanks Kate. I'm still deciding about the whole blogging thing. People keep telling me to go back to Instagram, but I'm digging my heels in on that front. I know it's 'THE' thing to be on right now, which is exactly why I don't want to be on it again. I wanted to stay blogging and rally for the underdog. I sometimes think though, that it must be a boring read, so I should just do it privately for myself without it being public. I don't know. I might just take a long break and see how I feel in a couple of months. Eeeeeek xxx

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  11. I like the idea of a fake candle that very much looks like a real one. I love having candles around the house and this artificial
    one is a good alternative. I also liked what you wrote about the day in the shops, with the coffee and the flowers and the crochet blanket.
    It is so nice when lovely and unexpected little things happen to us and make our day!
    Have a nice weekend!
    Tina

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    Replies
    1. It was such an unexpected morning, but so nice! It's nice when that happens, especially as it never happens to me! x

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  12. Love the idea of a magic hoodie! I love mine because they are very cosy around the house on colder days and good for inbetween weather when out and about, but have never given any thought to magical aging properties of them hehe

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    1. It's taken me FOUR decades to try a hoodie!!!!!! x

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  13. Your blog is beautiful, your crocheted blankets are beautiful and truly an inspiration!

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  14. I need a magic hoodie!!! It's a been a looooooong time since anyone asked me for ID. I have absolutely loved this post hon. It's put a big old smile on my dial.

    Have a fab week. I hope your cold clears soon. Stay on the couch all day tomorrow, get the bears to make endless cuppas while you whip up more gorgeous motifs.

    Take care.
    Leah
    x

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    Replies
    1. I've been such a terrible grouch! It's doing the rounds at the moment, and everyone I meet has one. Grrrrrrr, I wish it would just do one! xxx

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  15. Dear Vanessa, we all have at one point or another have the same feelings about blogging. Your blog is a reference, and from my selfish position (your blog is a place I go to for eye candy, peace of soul and my 'me' mini moments...) I would not like to see your blog go.
    The blanket is gorgeous ! As everything you make !
    XEva

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    1. Awe thanks Eva. I am still thinking on what to do. I have always loved blogging. It's a nice outlet for my creative expression, but I just wonder if I have exhausted it. I feel like I am 'repeat' at the moment. Surely that's kinda boring? x

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  16. This was an absolute joy to read as I drink my first morning cuppa and get ready to face the day! What a fun list, your hoodie totally cracks me up, and I know a lot of us can relate to blog wobbles. I've become an Instagram convert, such an easy way to stay inspired between the more involving blog posts...have a lovely weekend Vanessa! Cx

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    1. I was chatting with someone the other day. They said Instagram is 'THE' thing to be on, and they said that blogging is the archaic version of social media. That most people see blogs now, as only things that companies do, and crafty people who run businesses. I think she is wrong to an extent. There are plenty of people who just like to blog to record moments or use it as a way of chatting to like minded creative souls. But I do accept that less people write them now or read them in favour of Instagram. I was one of them when I was on Instagram. I just think, perhaps it's time for me to hang up my blogging hat. I'm not sure what I have to offer is worth a read anymore, and if I want to record stuff, I can do it privately. I'm still thinking on it. xxx

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  17. I'm 60 and have been wearing hoodies ALL of my adult life. Love, love, love them. And I actually wear the hood when I'm cold and my hair doesn't matter so much.

    BUT I never knew they were magic. hmmm, maybe that's why people don't think I look my age. :^D

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  18. Hmmm...I should reconsider hoodies. I usually think they make me look like a chunky teenage boy. :) I hope your blog wobbles resolve soon. I understand how you feel, though. My attitude toward blogging lately is a little like being on a roller coaster, but I do love it most of the time.

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    1. I have NEVER owned a hoodie in my life! They have never appealed to me in any way shape or form. It's such a funny thing though. I think I look stupid, but as long as it's got its cosiness, I'll keep wearing it. Yes, you are right I'd describe it as a roller coaster. I think I'm just fickle at the moment. I don't know what I want or if it's worth all the effort. I have less time in my life now, and I think that is making me feel this way. We shall see. Maybe just a longish break is in order until I feel less fickle!!!!!! x

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  19. Rhubarb and Custard Jam ? ! ! Tell me where !!

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    1. Aldi. I thinks it's their short term product, so I have stocked up. Wonderful on porridge and in cakes! x

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  20. Please don't wobble off altogether ... you'd be very much missed.

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    1. Awe thanks Annie. I just don't really know if I have that much to offer the blogging world anymore. x

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  21. I found a link to your site on a pinterest board. There was a photo of a beautiful pink shawl but I can't find it on your blog. Anyway I would love to have the pattern. Your blog is amazing by the way. You are a brilliant photographer.
    Jenny

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    1. Hi Jenny, I'm trying to think which one it was.......was it this one http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/the-thing-i-love-ta-dah.html

      if it is, then this link provides a pattern..... http://www.mypicot.com/crochet_patterns_photo_10.html

      I hope that helps if it's the right one! : )

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  22. The hoodie is just the funniest thing Jooles! I'm thinking a lot about my blog. I just don't know if I have anything to offer really to share publicly. It's really the same thing over and over. I do love to take pics and that needn't stop, but I can still record them on Flickr (I'm still refusing to go back on Instagram!). I just don't think that my voice and words are any use anymore. Mwah right back at you! xxx

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  23. Ohhh, I hope we don't lose you on the blog front. I love popping by and hearing little snippets of your day and of course seeing the beautiful things that you crochet...your colour combos are a true inspiration. They have brought me back from a lull in my crafting mojo! Love from London x

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  24. Gorgeous, spring-like photographs... Your blog is always a treat, so pretty and not in the least boring!

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  25. I'm from the Netherlands and looooove your blog. I think it is one of the most inspiring and most beautiful in Blogland. I truly hope you will not decide to leave us, I would really miss stopping by.

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  26. Lots of people have already beaten me to this, but personally I really hope you don't quit blogging!! On the other hand, you recently advised me that my blog was my space for saying my things, and of course the same is true for you - so you cannot keep going purely for others, sad as we would be to lose your wonderful pictures and words! If you are just wobbling on whether or not people find it boring though, please don't worry!! As you can see, lots of us love to read your blog and see your pictures, and anyone that doesn't is not forced to hang around!!

    Dx

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  27. Yours is one of my absolute favourite blogs - your words & pictures are beautiful and go together like rhubarb & custard! What you refer to as the "boringness" is actually a really comforting, cosy reminder of the cyclical nature of lige

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  28. Beautiful blog, clean, lovely to the sight...... And love to read your sentiments. I shall be back

    Cielo

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  29. I lovvvveee you being on here, you are like a sister to me, :) I feel like I know your lovely house so well and how you are feeling. I think we must have been separated at birth. I have been so pants at my blog, ridiculously bad. And every time I see your blog, I think I must do a post soon, Love your photographs too, you are a talent and a star my friend, xxxx

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  30. Hi Vanessa, I have been visiting your blog for years and I've finally plucked up the courage to blog too - let me know what you think. Thank you for your lovely lovely inspiration.

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  31. we love your blog... though of course it's your decision, you would be very much missed... and you did get a mention in Inside Crochet this month as one of the prettiest blogs around!

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  32. *sigh* Your photos always give me such envy of your beautiful home, they are so pretty.
    I have had the whole do i blog, do I not blog feelings many times before, but I do love this little community and space online. I do hope you stay but at the end of the day you have to do what is best and right for you my lovely x x x x

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  33. You are completely insane! 60 sunshine motifs in 2 days!!! R E S P E C T! To the cost of ignoring kids? Sometimes YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO to stay somewhat sane... I would do the same. Because without Thing 10 I'm not sure I would survive...
    Xxx

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