I've been busy........

Well, it seems somehow that another week has just sped past. I think they go quicker when you have a blog...either under pressure to come up with something interesting, or just blog before another month drifts past.

First things first, I did actually finish the Christmas cross stitch challenge for March- twice. I loved it so much, I did it in the required colour and branched out and did it in a lovely red as well. I just need to make the red version into a pillow.

Faith, Hope and Peace~ March challenge

The boys were at their Dad's over the weekend, so I had plenty of time to work on the April challenge. Mr SFP was off on a dream fishing trip, so it was just me and Harriet cross stitch (named for Mrs HMM's dog she wants). This has been a work of love and dedication, and Im soooo pleased it's finished and even framed. It was touch and go if I would get there or not, but well worth the effort in the end.

Almost finished.......

Harriet McDoodle Muffin April challenge

Today I had my weigh in at the Cohen clinic. I have lost another 4.5 kg over the last 3 weeks and am feeling really pleased with myself. Brings my total loss to 19.2 kg, or in easier to visualise terms, nearly 4 bags of 5kg potatoes. LOL.

I'll leave you with 2 cute pictures of "the boys" Zack and Spock- brothers, but totally different personalities- see you soon!!

Zack, one laid back Kitty, just out of bed.

Spock- very regal.

 

This one's for you Mrs HMM

Oh dear, Mrs HMM and I had a bit of a deal that we would embrace this blogging thing together. She's been way better than I and blogged on a regular basis. Alas, I've let the side down a little.

Well here goes again and perhaps I can be better at it than I have been. 

Now Mondays and Tuesdays are great days for me. I get to "play" at home usually by myself. The teenagers are home for 2 weeks of school holidays, but they just amuse themselves. My routine for a Monday is to visit my 2 favourite Op shops first thing and any other stops I need to make at the post shop or supermarket while I'm out.

Today from the Op shop I got a lovely cream Jean Jones long cardigan and a nice black top for work which was half price. I love that you never know what treasures you may come upon, it's spoilt me for normal retail shopping!

When I got back I was all set to finish a small order for Baby Alive clothes. I sat down, turned on the sewing machine and the light bulb had gone. This meant a trip out to Spotlight, any excuse I hear Mrs HMM whispering. Of course I couldn't just get what I'd gone for and came home with a lovely selection of cotton to knit up some cardigans for my Blythe doll. Can't wait to make a start.

Wool from Spotlight

Now in a house hold full of 5 cats, it doesn't pay to leave your seat for too long!! Mr Spock thought he would like to sit there, can't see him doing any sewing though.

Mr Spock asleep on my seat

Anyway, after a muddly start to the day, I managed to get the order finished and ready for posting. I hear there is one excited wee girl waiting for the Postie to visit.

Finished order ready to post.

 After "playing" until 3.00 it was time to get down to the practical (boring) chores that keep the home running- washing in, tidying and tea. At least if I can get some sewing done each day I feel I've achieved something that will last longer than the dishes LOL.

I am very privileged to have my very own studio (too grand)/craft room. I see all the lovely ladies on blogs I follow and their spaces are always organised and tidy. I feel bad as I don't tend to "love" my space and keep it tidy to appreciate it. So yesterday I tidied one of the bookcases in my room. I'm hoping I'll feel the love if I can keep my room tidy.

It's going to be a wee bit quiet tomorrow as my sister Mrs HMM is away all day on a road trip. We talk at least 2-3 times a day on the phone, more often if we have an idea to share. Maybe I'll get more done......... Safe travels family HMM.

Unfinished business LOL

Well, it was the last day of the month yesterday and sad to say my February cross stitch ornament didn't get finished. Even with an extra day in the month I didn't find time.  I can't keep it a secret from my sister the lovely Mrs HMM, as I fear she is the only one reading my blog LOL. OK, I confess. But as she's coming for a crafty afternoon tea tomorrow I will get it completed tonight. I'm OK with the stitching part, it's the finishing part that I need inspiration with. Watch this space. We plan to start our new one for March tomorrow, can't wait!!

February Decoration "not quite finish"

Once again the biscuit tins were bare. I usually stick to my same old same old recipes, but decided to try something new to me. Pulled out the illustrated Edmonds Cook Book and hit upon Belgium Biscuits. The mixture was a wee bit dry and crumbly so next time I'll add less flour. Plus it was a pain having to roll out the mixture. They look and smell really nice- iced with raspberry icing and topped with jelly crystals. I didn't samwich them together with jam to make them go further- stingy me. I can't eat any as I'm five weeks into the Cohen diet, but that's another story. I gave them to the chief taster who proclaimed them great. Just worried how the teenage boys will get on pulling out biscuits with hot pink icing at school tomorrow, thanks Mum.

Belgium Biscuits with hot pink icing for teenage boys LOL

 It's been a busy day at work, I manage to pack heaps into the 6 hours I am there. Easy tea tonight- get your own everbody. I hope to do some more on the "Kindy order"- 30 outfits in total, with 11 completed. I also want to watch Project Runway as well.

I'll leave you with this cute card I've bought for a friend, bye for now Mrs SFP

We never grow up, we just learn how to act in public.....

 

What did I do today?

Today was a rather busy day with comings and goings. Monday and Tuesday I work at home, but it opens me up to more distractions LOL.

First thing was a blood test at 7.30 am. I HATE needles. One of the worst things about being pregnant with the boys was knowing I would have to have regular blood tests. Although I went through pregnancy number one with no immunity to Rubella. I had had this as a child and thought I was automatically immune.......but you can lose your immunity. That was scarier than needles and I avoided crowds. Great excuse to get out of the grocery shopping each week.  I combined that trip with stocking up on bread from the bakery and sneaking books back before the library opened. 

Later on I did an emergency mini grocery shop, posted parcels and detoured to my 2 favourite op-shops. Picked up an interesting book for my sister Mrs HMM who is into genealogy.

When I got home I spent the rest of the day attached to the sewing machine.

My faithful Elna workhorse.

It's lucky I love to sew as I have a rather large order of Baby Born clothes I am working on for a kindergarten. I don't feel I can do any of "my stuff" until it's done. Chipping away at it, one outfit at a time.

I plan on sitting down to watch Desperate Housewives and knit a few rows.

Have a great Monday evening!

Goodbye from Spock our kitten, one of our five cats....eeek!!

Hooray for Friday!!

You've got to love Fridays!! I only work 3 days a week- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but I still love them. Today I posted 2 orders I have been working on sewing over the last week or so. One for a woman who has rediscovered her CPK doll and one for a little girl. I also included a little mystery gift as well. I hope they have fun playing with their new clothes.

Baby Alive Order

CPK Order

I always wanted to be able to paint or draw, but I can't do either. So I have translated my artistic frustration into sewing dolls clothes, knitting and cross stitch. I need to do something each day that lasts longer than the housework.

After work I got to hang out with my lovely sister Mrs HMM. We are trying to plan a craft afternoon tea each Friday after school pick up. Today she was working on a cross stitch and I was knitting a hot pink jacket for my Blythe doll. Blythe is a new member to the family and I'm in love LOL.

Mrs HMM also bought my Mollie Makes magazine which she gets put aside at her local book shop. Special treat this month is a delicious calendar. We pored over the inspiring crafty contributors, hoping some may rub off on us.......

Mollie Makes Issue Eight

Bonus Calendar

Well I'm off to have a straighten up in my craft room, so I can be productive tomorrow. I am very spoilt to have my own room in the house which is just for me. Although I'd hate to say how far my craft supplies would explode around the house if I didn't. Wishing you all a great start to the weekend!! 

Don't you just love home baking!!

Well last night I found myself with nothing in the tins for school lunches the next day. Don't you just love being able to whip up a batch of biscuits? I was using the oven for home made pizzas, so I pulled out the trusty Edmonds book and made a batch of Hokey Pokey Biscuits.

Yumm, Hokey Pokey Biscuits from the Edmonds book

Recipe for Hokey Pokey Biscuits:

125 g butter                                   1.5 cups white flour

1/2 cup sugar                                 1 t baking soda

1 T golden syrup

1 T milk 

Combine butter, sugar, golden syrup and milk in a pot. Heat until butter is melted and mixture nearly boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool until lukewarm. Sift dry ingredients and add to cooled mixture. Stir well. Roll into small balls and flatten with floured fork.

Bake at 180'C for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Watch them disappear LOL.

March 2012 NZ Gardener magazine

My copy of the this months New Zealand Gardener magazine arrived in the post yesterday. I love this magazine and recommend it to all gardeners, just starting or experts. You can use your Fly Buys to purchase a subscription. Once it's opened it will be consumed from cover to cover until next months arrives. I get a bit overwhelmed with everybodys garden abilities, but I figure everybody has to start somewhere, right? 

6 Felt Decorations from Feltworks Dimension Kit

As promised here are all 6 of my finished felt decorations. They were a delight and a challenge to complete, but well worth it. They came in a Feltworks kit from Dimensions. I have a felt garland to work on, but I'm trying to inspire sister Mrs HMM to join me in my pain.

January Challenge Brittercup Designs Michelle M Lash

Here is my January decoration from my darling Sister's year long challenge for the two of us. My 11 year old Niece is also participating as well. Inspiring that it has started her on her stitching journey in life, who knows where it will lead. I was probably about her age when I started my love affair with all things crafty.

Well, time to go and put the tea on for the family. I have the TV reserved for 9.30 pm, when I'll sit down and relax in front of Project Runway. About the only programme I watch and can't miss. So off to "make it work"...........

A year on from the February 22nd Quake

Christchurch Cathedral Before Earthquakes

 

Christchurch Cathedral After Earthquakes

Well, it's been one year on from the devasting quake that rocked our world here in Christchurch. Our poor old house has stood up remarkably well considering what she's been through. We are some of the lucky ones with hopefully only cosmetic damage and a chimney which had to be removed. After the February quake we suffered liquefaction which kind strangers helped us shovel up. My boys have had to share their school with another school, but still got to go to their own school.

On the day of the quake my eldest son had just come home from school and I didn't work that day. My youngest son was with my sister and her family, so I felt sure he would be safe. At the time your mind races and you go into survival mode. Where's the husband, will Mum be ok. Sister, brother,  brother in law and their children, are they OK? People you work with, what's happened to them? Then it's the practicalities of dealing with no power, phone, water and therefore toilet. Trying to contact people. Marvelling at the liquefaction you are seeing for the first time.  

A year on my Sister and Mother are still living with the uncertainty of what will happen to their homes. This adds stress to their every day lives not knowing and being able to plan for a future at the moment. It is very frustrating not being able to help them get the answers they need.

I think you become more grateful for the things you previously took for granted and thankful for what you do have. All our family and friends survived, both my husband and my jobs are OK. Our home is repairable and our neighbourhood hasn't changed too much.

When I look at the CDB in town, I feel sad for the buildings that have been destroyed, but they are only buildings. Christchurch has fortitude and we will rebuild and be better and stronger than before. Out of the ashes........

I say a special prayer for the people who have lost loved ones, homes, jobs and their way of life through these cruel quakes. I also extend a huge thank you to everybody in New Zealand and around the world who took the time to care.