Faerie Nuff

New Cath K Catalogue!

2011-01-21T12:51:00.000Z

Afternoon folks. Was very chuffed yesterday when the latest Cath Kidston catalogue popped through my door, had to grab myself a cuppa and have a good read through, especially as I had some Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket. Look at this kitchen, I love it, sadly my kitchen is about 27 years old and very tatty, but I can keep dreaming one day I'll have a kitchen like this.

I love this gypsy caravan sewing box, I have a bit of a weak spot for caravans :o) But it's a bit pricey so can't see me owning one unless it's in the sale in the future.

This pretty flower shaker jumped off the page at me, so it did end up in my online basket, I already have the spray flowers one but couldn't resist. Better get baking.

Loved these tins too, so better get saving.

This new cut roses fabric is the prettiest I've seen in a while so I ordered a small tablecloth to update my dining table. I'll post a pic when it arrives.

Another naughty purchase this Provence rose jug :o)

and this mug! :o)

These tins were half price in the sale so also jumped in my basket.

So I did buy a few pieces but as it was Christmas money don't feel too guilty. :o) There were a couple of other pieces I fell in love with in the catalogue the rose square cake tins and Provence rose placement dessert plates but don't seem to be available online yet, so will just have to wait for them, good thing too, I'm all spent out.

I don't know about you but thank crunchie it's Friday, it seems to have been a long week. The dark mornings aren't helping it's like getting up in the middle of the night, roll on the spring. I should feel better later as I'll be having a Chinese and a few glasses of wine over a friends, to celebrate our friends birthday, a good old gossip will be had I think.

Have a great weekend folks

TTFN

I WON......

2011-01-15T23:46:00.000Z

Hi folks, hope every one's doing OK, and the weather and general January blues aren't getting you down. I was cheered up no end this week, when I had an e-mail from Sian at Diary of a Tinyholder to say I'd won 2nd prize in her raffle. This gorgeous CK bowling bag is winging it's way off to me, and I can't wait until it arrives isn't it gorgeous.

Sian is currently trying really hard to raise money for a charity very close to her heart the alzheimer's society. She has just launched another raffle on her blog with some gorgeous CK stuff up for grabs. scroll down to take a peek.

Such lovely stuff, I just love that Provence rose design.

look at this cute little character.

and always very useful and pretty to boot, these key rings. Please show your support by popping over to Sian's blog to purchase a raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning these goodies.

Back in October I was also lucky enough to win this book from Louise at Sew Scrumptious. It's a lovely big book with so much information in, I'm hoping it can teach me to knit and crochet as I'm completely hopeless. I feel so lucky to have won these, as I usually never with anything, I really hope 2011 will be my lucky year.

TTFN

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T16:09:00.000Z

Hello my lovelies, Just wanted to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Already taken decs down as glad to see the back of 2010. And I'm embarking on some serious money saving tactics and decluttering for 2011. I've joined the money saving expert forum for advice and encouragement and I'm addicted to it already.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. I'll be back in a couple of days with the 200 follower giveaway I promised.

TTFN

The Great British Bake Off

2010-12-23T07:17:00.001Z

‘THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF’ is back and looking for amateur bakers

Do you love home baking and fancy putting your skills to the test? BBC Two is looking for amateur bakers across the country to take part in The Great British Bake Off series two.

If you’re interested and would like to find out more, email baking@loveproductions.co.uk or call 020 7067 4879.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS. To apply you must be over 16 on 1 April 2011. As an ‘amateur baker’ your main source of income cannot come from commercial baking in a professional environment and you cannot have ever worked full-time as a baker or chef. You cannot have acquired any formal NVQ or other professional catering qualifications in the past 10 years.

Festive Cheer in a Glass.....

2010-12-04T18:33:00.000Z

Evening folks, I wanted to share this glass of festive cheer I'm enjoying with you all! It smells and taste's so christmassy and yummy.

Place a carton of apple juice in a pan with a cup of water, an orange and a lemon chopped up, some grated nutmeg two cinnamon sticks and about 3tbsp brown sugar, although I didn't measure the sugar. simmer for 30-40 mins then enjoy ....yummy. You could keep this warm in a slow cooker, for all those guests visiting on Christmas eve. :o)

Now I was supposed to be showing youl my finished craft project from yesterday, but it's not finished yet. I had some family pop over this afternoon so didn't get around to it. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get it done.

I've noticed that I have 197 followers how lovely is that. Thank you all so much for following my ramblings folks. So I'm planning a little giveaway, as soon as I reach 200 followers, so keep your eyes peeled.

Have a lovely warm and cosy weekend folks.

TTFN

Her Indoors....

2010-12-03T20:02:00.000Z

Well title say's it all really. Due to the snow and ice and the roads being so treacherous I was ''her indoors'' today. Schools cancelled again so another whole day to myself ...bliss. Now I should really have been finishing off decorating the hall or cleaning the bathroom but didn't really feel like it, nothing unusual there then :o). Besides I had the urge to create something, so out came the sewing machine and my fabric stash and I was off. Its not quite finished yet but hopefully I'll finish it and post some pics on my blog tomorrow, what could it be????

We haven't got much in the cupboards, which is a disaster as it's difficult to get to a shop at present. And being stuck indoors does really give you the munchies. Luckily I had enough ingredients in to make a Victoria sponge, yummy. I had a slice earlier with a ~~cup of tea~~ glass of wine, lol.

Very nice it was too!

I hope you are all manging to stay safe and warm, and hopefully you are getting creative in the kitchen or craft room too.

TTFN

Woofing in a Winter Wonderland

2010-12-02T17:07:00.000Z

Well here it is the obligatory snow post! How exciting it was when I woke up to a rather a lot of snow, about 8 inches in places I think. Well I was excited until it dawned on me that I had to drive to work in it this morning. So I got up a little earlier than usual and got myself ready for work. Listened to the local radio and was logged on online to check traffic and weather reports. They all said to only venture out if it is an emergency. I work as a playworker in a breakfast club so was waiting to here if the school was closed. But although most of the local schools had decided to close, the school I work at hadn't made a decision arrrrgggg. So I phoned my boss and she decided that it was too dangerous to go to work today, so today is a snow day whooopppeee.

The dogs have been driving me mad all day. They constantly want to be out in the garden playing in the white stuff. Woody my older springer is far more into the white stuff than Beau pictured above. They have been pushing it along with their noses and hiding the ball in it. I had such fun watching them from the warmth of the lounge :0)

This is how much snow was nestled on the shed this morning, but we've had more since then.

It looks so pretty!

Look at this poor little bird nest in the tree, I hope there arent any inhabitants.

My snow day has flown by, and I haven't really done a thing. I've browsed the Internet, looked through some craft books and I've drunk copious amounts of tea, to keep warm. After tea tonight though hubby's taking me for a snowy drive in the landy :o)

Now, as my blog has been a little neglected these past few months I hadn't shown you all my recent-ish Cath Kidston purchases so here they are.

I'm loving theses tins especially the book sewing tins. I just need the button one now to complete the collection.

I also fell in love with these espresso cups. I love the pastel loveliness. All I need now is an espresso machine to make a decent coffee to drink out of them.

Well I hope you've all had a great snow day, keep warm.

TTFN

Bird Box Love

2010-11-30T12:34:00.000Z

Browsing the Next Christmas catalogue, I totally fell in love with this gorgeous caravan bird house, so I had to order one didn't I?. Went onto the next website only to find out that's it's sold out :o(. I've looked all over the Internet for one and can't find anything. If anyone knows where I can get my hands on one of these beauties please let me know, I really really love it. I seem to have a thing for caravans lately which is quite bizarre don't you think?. My mum and dad have promised to give me and hubby their old van and I can't wait to make it look all pretty and retro, ready for camping in the summer.

It's so cold here today, but sadly no snow :o(, I have two pots of beef stew bubbling away. One for us and one for the in laws. It's smelling yummy and I want some now, but have to wait until this evening :o(. I don't think a cheese sarnie will suffice this lunchtime. perhaps some hot buttered toast and a brew instead.

Hope you are having a good week folks.

TTFN

It's been a while

2010-11-27T19:50:00.001Z

It's been a while, so I thought it was about time I popped in to say hello to you all. I'm sorry I've been away so long, it's been a bad few months. My nan sadly passed away on bonfire night and my mother in law is poorly with cancer, so I've had nothing cheerful to blog about, and have been rather busy. But anyhow less of the doom and gloom, lets lighten the mood. Christmas is less than a month away now and I love Christmas :o). I had a stall at two small local Xmas gift fairs last weekend and today, but sadly the turnout was poor, I think the cold weather didn't help today. So I thought I'd show you a couple of things I made. The two doll's above were for the fair. I only finished the sleepy one at midnight last night.

I took along some jams and chutney.

And some gingerbread men, as well as other dolls and hearts etc. I will be popping some bits and pieces in my blog shop in a minute if you wanted to take a peek.

Tomorrow I'm off to the Christmas bear fair in Beaulieu with my sister in law, perhaps if your in the area you could visit, its always a lovely fair.

Have you all written your Christmas lists for Santa? I expect a lot of them will be dominated with Cath Kidston, I know mine is.

Hope you are all well, and not too cold.

TTFN

PuMpKiN sOuP & cUpCaKeS fOr A sToRmY dAy

2010-10-01T16:25:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you but chilly autumn days make me want to snuggle up indoors with hearty comfort food, especially as now is the perfect time for one of my favourite seasonal veg the pumpkin. So I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen yesterday whipping up some lovely warming pumpkin soup to eat with some homemade fresh honey bread for lunch today.

500g pumpkin, skinned and cubed

1 med onion

1 med potato

1tsp dried cumin

1 tsp dried coriander

150g spit red lentils

1.2l veg stock

2 tbsp sunflower oil

I also felt that some baking was on the agenda for today so whipped up a batch of cupcakes with pale pink icing. A bit extravagant when they are not for any particular occasion but as it's the last day of my week off work I thought what the hell. I had all the ingredients in the cupboard, and felt like something sweet and naughty. Not that I'll be eating them all though!

I found out today that I've also won a giveaway in blogland. It's a giveaway from Gill at The Vintage Gardener. Her lovely bunny Archie picked my name out of the trug so a big thank you to Gill, can't wait to receive my goodies.

I've had Halloween on my mind in the past few days. I'm a bit of a Halloween-aholic and love decorating the house for the spooky season. Carving pumpkins is a bit of a speciality of mine and each year I like to try something more artistic than the year before. I'm on the lookout for some new pumpkin carving templates so if you know of any good ones please let me know. I'm having the girls over on the 30th Oct for a witches tea party, fancy dress is a must, although I haven't decided on my costume just get, but there are some wicked wigs on e-bay.

I hope everyone is tucked up in the dry today out of this stormy weather, please help yourselves to a cake, and have a lovely weekend.

TTFN

Apple Cake

2010-09-24T10:33:00.000+01:00

I've been meaning to make this cake for a while, and as I've been given some lovely windfall apples I gave it a go yesterday. It's fairly easy to make and has a lovely autumn flavour, perfect with a nice hot mug of tea.

3 Cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced

5oz butter softened

5oz soft brown sugar

2 eggs beaten

8oz self raising flour

1/2 tsp ground mixed spice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

pinch of salt

2oz sultanas

2oz glace cherries, halved

grated rind of a lemon

1 dessertspoon demerara sugar for sprinkling

Cook the apples with a little water until soft, then sieve to produce a smooth puree; there should be 4 to 5oz. Allow to cool. Set oven to 350 f or mark 4. Grease and line a 7 inch round cake tin. Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs, a little at a time. Sift together the flour, spices, bicarbonate of soda and salt and stir into the mixture. Add the dried fruit. Mix the lemon rind with the apple puree and fold into the mixture. Put into the tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle a dessertspoon of demerara sugar over the cake to give a crunchy topping. Bake for 45 Min's or until golden brown and springy to touch. Cool in the tin for 15 Min's, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Enjoy!!!

The Great British Bake Off

2010-09-21T16:19:00.000+01:00

Tuesday nights are my absolute favourite night on TV at the moment, and that's purley down to one show, The Great British Bake Off. But alas my enjoyment will be short lived as tonight is the last show in the series; the final, which happens to be an afternoon tea party :o) YIPPEE. Already brimming with anticipation here. Roll on 8 o-clock BBC2.

And look what arrived in the post today. The book to accompany the show which I ordered on Sunday. Look at the eye candy!!!! Vintage crockery, Emma Bridgewater tins, and on the show every colour of magi mix imaginable and smeg fridges galore, not to mention oodles of pretty bunting. It's got to be every girls dream hasn't it? I can't wait to get baking from the book. I think I'll start with Miranda's Vanilla Biscuits. I need to get me some of those gorgeous girly cutters, e-bay here I come.

Also giving me much enjoyment this week are the bargains I picked up from the banana bookshop on Sunday. I've been hankering after these two books for a while. Mainly for the vintage-ness of them. And at only £4.98 for the two, they jumped straight into my basket.

And then these jumped in too ''The wonderful weekend book'' I have already flicked through and it looks great and the other two look a good read too. Having seen so much on ''Pay it forward'' in blog land I couldn't resist this book. All three for £5 again a bargain I think. :0)

Last but certainly not least adding to this weeks enjoyment factor has to be the new Cath catalogue. Full to the brim with lovelies. I'd do a wish list, but basically I want it all! If you ladies spotted the large Provence jug in the pages which was priced at £15 and can't seem to be able to order it, it's because it's not available until November :o( I phoned them and asked, cos I really wanted it.

Well that's it for now folks, hope your all having a lovely week.

TTFN

Hobnob Recipe

2010-09-16T20:46:00.000+01:00

These are my husband's favourites. He bugs me all the time to bake them for him, so as he's being good at the moment making a radiator cover for the hallway and a wardrobe for the spare room, I thought I'd treat him to a batch :o) lol! I was going to make an apple cake as well, but decided that could wait until Saturday. So I whipped up a batch of hobnobs and a warming beef stew and dumplings for tea, comfort food indeed.

Hobnob Recipe - Makes 45 (although the size I make them it's more like 35)

8oz/225g self raising flour

8oz/225g sugar (I use vanilla sugar, but any will do)

8oz/225g porridge oats

8oz/225g butter

1 tbsp golden syrup or honey

1 tbsp water

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Mix the dry ingredients together, melt butter, syrup and water very gently, let it cool slightly then pour on dry ingredients. Mix well and form into balls the size of walnuts. Put on a greased tray and flatten with a fork dipped in cold water. Bake at 180 or gas 4 for 15 mins. Leave on a tray a minute then put to cool on a rack.

You could also melt some chocolate and make choccy hobnobs yummy.

TTFN

Another Year Older.....

2010-09-15T13:52:00.000+01:00

I can't believe I haven't done a blog post since June! I really don't know where this year has gone, it just seems to be flying by. I have had a busy summer and have lots of pics to share with you all, from our holiday, camping trips, jam and chutney making, swaps received etc, but can't possibly put it all in one post, so I'll just show you some pics of flowers and cakes instead.

I turned 30 last week :o(, which I had been dreading for ages but my lovely hubby and my brothers girlfriend arranged a surprise party for me, which was lovely. I received lots of flowers, champagne, a pamper voucher, and lots of other lovelies. My brother took me out for the day, so I wouldn't suspect what was going on. We visited the pack-house in Farnham, and the cath kidston outlet in Bicester and were out for 7 hours! I'll show you my purchases another day. Thought I'd put my feet up when I got home, but nope the house had been taken over by family and friends shouting surprise at me!

My Sister in law made these gorgeous cakes, they were so pretty it was a shame to eat them, but we didn't take too much persuading, all gone now.

A great time was had by all, and I had a sore head the next day.

Well just a short and sweet post I'm afraid, to get me back into the swing of things. Hope everyone is well and had a great summer.

TTFN from an old git!

Strawberry swap goodies and giveaway winner

2010-06-18T15:03:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon folks! I have had a super busy week this week so I'm really lagging behind on my blog, sorry xx. But hope to rectify that a little with this post. First up, I'd like to show you all the fantastic parcel that arrived for me in the post yesterday. It's my strawberry swap goodies from Me and Ma. Want to take a look what I received?.................

Well the gorgeous goodies were wrapped up in a metre of the scrummiest strawberry fabric which will be put to good use, and a lovely long piece of green ribbon. Hiding inside were these treasures.

A pretty handmade pouch containing some strawberry bonbons. A pretty handmade heart and this amazing strawberry tea cosy. :o)

Here's the fabric and ribbon. Lots of crafting to be done with this.

A pair of handmade pot holders, very handy indeed.

A lovely long piece of handmade bunting, I love it!

An apron, again all handmade. So much work has gone into all this.

Even the back is pretty.

And not one not two but six strawberry napkins.

A massive thank you Maria, I love all what you've sent. You must have spent so much time at your machine making all this handmade loveliness. I'm overwhelmed. (((((Big Hugs))))))

I still have to finish my goodies to you, but will have them in the post beginning of next week.

Just a reminder to all those who have taken part in my strawberry swap, that you can post pics of your goodies in this flickr group I've created.

Now it's about time I picked a winner for my domestic goddess giveaway. Thank You to all that entered I had some lovely tips and comments left. It would seem baby wipes and vinegar are a big favourite with you all.

So......here goes......I wrote down the names......

Popped them into the bowl.........Laundry basket was full lol :o) and the winner is...................................

Alex from Pink Feather Paradise.

Well done Alex, could you please e-mail me with your details and I will post off your giveaway goodies.

I still haven't forgotten about posting some holiday pics, I will try and get around to it tomorrow. I went strawberry picking yesterday, so have about 6lb strawberries to deal with in a minute. Must get in the back of the kitchen cupboard to grab my jam pan. Although I may struggle bending down, as last night I went to my first Body Combat class in a couple of years and I'm a bit sore, mainly my bum cheeks lol. I have also joined weight watchers this week and I'm now on a mission to get fit and loose 4 1/2 stone GULP. I think prayers may be needed.

Well off to make some strawberry jam. (Not to be consumed by me I might add) lol

TTFN

Swap Treasures

2010-06-14T17:06:00.000+01:00

Hello folks! I'm back from my holiday, and had a wonderful time, but I'll do a holiday post tomorrow, as I have far too much to get into one. So my first post is dedicated to the lovely swaps I received whilst away. Luckily my Tilda swap from the Netherlands arrived just before we left, and my fairytale swap from the USA arrived while we were away but luckily my neighbour took the parcel for me. I can't tell you how excited i was to receive this large pink rosy box in the post.

What could be inside?

Look at all these prettily wrapped parcels. And you can't miss that stunning angel.

Inside all that pretty paper, I received some gorgeous fabric, a spotty shopping bag, some lovely essential oils for crafts or my oil burner, some strawberries, strawberry tea, strawberry sweets and a homes mag from the Netherlands. Not to mention the lovely homemade card.

Margriet and myself have been chatting quite a bit through e-mail and thought it would be nice to receive a homes mag from another country. And I did enjoy looking at the lovely eye candy.

I adore the angel, she is beautifully made and the fabrics are so me. A huge big thank you and (((((big hugs))))) to my swap partner Margriet for the wonderful Tilda swap parcel.

And here's what I sent to Margriet.

A Tilda summer garland.

Handmade scented strawberries in a jar.

A CK bag and voucher, CK tissues, CK tin with some buttons inside, a cherry notebook, some cake cases and an English Homes magazine.

The second parcel that arrived was my fairytale swap from Marva, and here's what I received.

look at all these Alice in wonderland goodies.

A lovely vintage tea cup and saucer, a handmade needle case, handmade gift tags, a cute little drink me bottle, some strawberry fabric and lace, some tea bags, biscotti and a little matchbox, curious?

Containing lots of Alice trinkets.

If you click the photo you should be able to read this gift tag.

So a big Thank You to Marva and (((((big hugs)))) to you too. I feel thoroughly spoilt.

TTFN

PS I will pick a winner for my giveaway tomorrow, sorry ladies running a bit late.

We're all going on a Summer Holiday

2010-06-04T18:40:00.000+01:00

Picture from Flickr

Hello, my blogging friends. Thanks so much for all the blog birthday wishes, it made me :o)

I've been cleaning and tidying in a major way all day today, cos tomorrow Mr Pixie, myself and the dog's, my brother and his girlfriend are off on holiday for a week. We are going to be staying in a lovely cottage in Somerset, (my favourite place). One day we WILL live there!

No parcels have arrived today, and I'm expecting a couple too. I hope they get here in the morning before we leave otherwise they will be sat at the sorting office for a week, unless the posty leaves them with next door. If they get lost I will be very very upset :o(

I hope to be able to blog while we are away, as we have one of those wireless vodafone stick thingy's for the laptop. But if not, normal service will resume on our return.

Well better pack,

TTFN

Happy 2nd Birthday Faerienuff

2010-06-03T20:30:00.000+01:00

Picture from Flickr

Well I hadn't even realised it was my blogs birthday today, until a fellow blogger pointed it out. Thanks Tina. I can't believe that my little blog is two today, where does the time go. I think this is probably the longest I've stuck at anything. Id like to say a big thank you to all those who read my blog and pop by and leave comments. I really love to see your comments. I have met ''well virtually'' of course, so many lovely people through blogging, and I'd like to think of you as friends. Now normally I'd do a giveaway to celebrate but I'm already hosting one so if you'd like to enter please click here.

A piece of cake to all my blogging friends.

TTFN

Fabric Swap Goodies

2010-06-02T14:11:00.000+01:00

Look what Mr Posty bought me this morning! I must say I was very excited. I was feeling in rather a grump today and this cheered me up no end. It's my fabric swap parcel from Olivia at Victoria Plum.

Look at the stunning array of goodies she sent me. three fat quarters of the prettiest fabric. The two spotty ones will come in very handy, I haven't any small spotty fabric left and I'm loving the pastel shades of these two. Also the light blue piece has a very pretty floral design on. These three will be great for making tilda dolls. Olivia also sent me two pieces of felt, some bootiful spotty and gingham ribbon and some pretty stripey buttons. And then more goodies. A lovely smelly vanilla Yankee candle melt, some Cath Kidston Sweet William seeds, and Cath Kidston pin tin and pincushion. I feel totally overwhelmed by Olivia's generosity. I'm so chuffed with my swap goodies. Thank you sooooo much. (((BIG HUGS))). I just hope my parcel arrives with Olivia (this is the parcel that has gone missing :o( ) I'm on holiday next week but if it still hasn't turned up by then I will be sending Olivia some more goodies. xxx

Now.....this week has involved major household cleaning. Something I detest, in fact I'd rather put pins in my eyes! lol. Yesterday I started to tackle my kitchen, the first job being the dreaded cupboard under the sink AARRRGGG. I shocked myself with the amount of cleaning products I had under there. (There are more on the floor not pictured too :o{ I had 3 and half bottles of washing up liquid 2 new tins of Mr muscle oven cleaner. which is hilarious as i never clean my oven. (but lovely hubby did it on Sunday with oven pride for me, i owe him big time) Three kitchen sprays, Two cream cleaners and enough cloths for the street, amongst other things. This is a ridiculous amount of stuff and I don't think I'll need to buy any products for a while. I probably only ever use a few basic products the rest of the time I like to use white vinegar, so god only knows why I've got it all.

Anyhow this is how my manky old falling apart kitchen cupboard looked after.

A big improvement I think. I also cleaned all the kitchen, including the cutlery drawer and today I'm finishing off, run out of steam yesterday. I've taken my fridges apart today and have given them a major clean, done loads of washing, including the lounge curtains taken out the rubbish, been up the shop, walked the dogs, taken hubby his lunch and I'm about to clear out the lounge for a deep clean. I'm really gonna need that holiday next week.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway. Your chance to own some domestic goddess-ness. (DON'T WORRY IT'S NOT THE CONTENTS OF MY CUPBOARD)

Well off to clean some more folks. I hope to be done so I can watch Britain's got talent tonight. I loved Tina and Chandi last night, that dog is amazing.

TTFN

Domestic Goddess Giveaway

2010-05-30T14:33:00.000+01:00

Greetings ladies! Thanks for all the lovely comments on yesterdays post, I was surprised by how many of you had had a similar experience with the Royal Mail. After a whole bar of galaxy and a few glasses of vino I felt much better :o).

I have recently been chatting with my new friend Michele from Mamabug about cleaning, organising and how a domestic goddess I ain't. Thankfully she sympathizes completely and often feels the same. So I thought why not have a giveaway with a domestic goddess theme. All you have to do is leave a comment with either a domestic goddess tip for me or a domestic goddess disaster that's happened to you. If you pop my giveaway button on your blog you will also get entered into the laundry basket twice.

I'm hoping this will spur me on to pull up my marigolds and get on with it. lol

I'm on holiday next week, so last chance to enter will be 12th June dads birthday. I will pick the winner on the 13th. Good luck folks.

TTFN

aaaaarrrrrggggg!!!!

2010-05-29T17:04:00.000+01:00

Having one of those days today? I sure am. Remember these goodies, which are my fabric swap goodies for Victoria Plum. Well it would seem the good old Royal Mail have lost the parcel :o(. I must say I'm completely gutted. There are some handmade goodies in there for Olivia which I spent a lot of time creating. I just hope somehow the parcel turns up and is re-delivered to Olivia or is sent back to me. Otherwise I will have to start again. I'm so cross.

I also finished my International Tilda swap parcel today and took to the post office. All prettily wrapped and carefully packaged up, and handed over to the lady behind the counter who told me it would cost £30 to send. *********how much!!!! I nearly hyperventilated. She told me it would be cheaper to split the parcel and send more than one package. So off home I went undid all my brown paper and parcel tape handiwork and started again. I actually removed something from the parcel. Re-packaged and took back to the post office. This time it cost a little over £10, a lot better than £30.

I'm consoling myself with a bar of galaxy cookie crumble choccy at the moment, and listening to the rain. Sorry this is such a moany post, but I needed to let of steam.

TTFN

Swap is now closed, your partners are:-

2010-05-26T13:08:00.002+01:00

Afternoon folks, I hope everyone is tickety boo and enjoying the sunshine. I'm overwhelmed at the response to this swap, especially as there are so many other swaps going on in blog land at the moment. Strawberries must be a big favourite with you everyone. Now to the important bit........drum roll please...............your swap partners are..........................................

Cat B and Mollycupcakes
Love Hector and My Cottage Rose Webshop
Kathy and Mamabug
Sophie chez Sophie and Margriet
Linny and Justine (justine please contact me for linny's e-mail)
Rosa-Munda and Stampinmama
The Vintage Gardener and Doodling Dee
Carminha and Annie xx The Felt Fairy
Rubyred and Clare
Emma-Jayne and Mad about bags
Shabby Chick and Crafty Smiles
Dosie Rosie and Shirl
A Country Girl and Jille
Maria - Pixiedust
Jackie - Vintage Vicki
Woodbankcrafts and Laa Laa
Pink Milk and Hapi-ness
Deborah and Emma
Pooh's Abode and Rebecca

EDIT:- AN EXTRA PAIR OF STRAWBERRY SWAP PARTNERS CAN POOH'S ABODE AND REBECCA PLEASE CONTACT EACH OTHER.

Phew.....I think that's everyone. If I've missed anybody please let me know. I've created a Flickr Group so you can post some pictures of all the lovely goodies you receive. It would be lovely if everyone can see what was made all in one place.

So all you need to do now is contact your swap partners to exchange details, get crafty and aim to have your parcel of goodies with your swap partner by 30th June 2010.

If you have any problems please message me at faerienuff@live.co.uk

Have fun

A Spot of Gardening

2010-05-18T20:45:00.000+01:00

What a beautiful day its been today. The sun hasn't stopped shining here and it's been lovely and warm. I did a spot of shopping with my mother in law yesterday, mainly for plants. I got some nice ones for my hanging baskets, including some dwarf sweet peas which I never seem to be able to find usually. I also bought an English Lavender pictured below which smells divine. The lovely french lavender pictured above I bought on Sunday when my mum and me had a look around some garden centres. I couldn't resist the pretty flowers. Mum got lots of plants for her garden including a really pretty broom for the border. We even had a coffee and a cake in the tea rooms. In fact a lovely day all round.

Anyway.....so today I planted up the two lavenders and some sweet peas into the two large pots that sit outside our front door. These pots had horrible bushes in before. They looked really scraggy and were pot bound so hubby dug them out yesterday to make way for my planting today. A big improvement I think, once they get going it should add a splash of colour to the front and will smell lovely, not to mention how pleased the bees and butterflies will be :o)

I also planted up my two hanging baskets. They don't look much at the moment but they should get going soon.

I had a big clear up in the border along the fence, much tidier now. Did have a bit of a backache once I'd finished but I'm pleased that it's done. It was lovely pottering outside with the bird's singing and the sun on my back.

These are last weeks flowers from Tesco still looking beautiful. They make me smile every time I walk past.

Another task completed today was my Fabric Addict swap goodies for Victoria Plum, which will be posted tomorrow.

Thought I'd tease you with a pic of the wrapped presents :o)

I did attend the car booty on Sunday, but it was a bit naff really. I did get some pretty china from one stall for the grand total of £1.50 for the lot. But that is all unfortunately. I think I like the little vase the best.

I seem to be into strawberries at the moment, can you tell? lol

This brings me nicely on to my strawberry swap. I'm overwhelmed by how many lovely ladies want to take part, what a great turnout. There is still time to sign up for the swap if you'd like to take part just leave a comment here

Well off to settle down ready to watch Vampire Diaries the best programme of the week.

TTFN

Cath K Scrumminess.....

2010-05-14T13:48:00.000+01:00

Well I have been a naughty little Pixie today. After work this morning I took myself off to Winchester to Cath Kidston to spend the 15% off voucher that was in Easy Living Magazine. I got some lovely stuff. A couple of pieces are not in the pics as they are destined for swaps.

Some beautiful fabric was purchased 1/2 metre of the new prairie flowers cotton duck, strawberries cotton duck and cotton haberdashery strawberry fabric. (yep I may use the strawberry fabric in my swap, not sure on what yet though)

I've been admiring all the lovely wrapping of swap parcels in blogland, so I finally got myself this book of stickers and labels for my parcels. (I don't know about you but I think stickers are quite exciting ;o)

Two sheets of very pretty wrapping paper. I love the fact they they are double sided.

A flour sifter, I use my hand to sprinkle flour on the worktop when I'm baking at the moment, but I always end up with big lumps. Now I shall have a fine dusting! A lovely new mug. I did have trouble choosing which one to get. Last but not least the flask that I've been drooling over in the catalogue, I think they only had another one left in the shop. I also wanted the food covers, but they were unfortunately sold out ;o(. Perhaps I'll try online for them

I did finish some sewing for the fabric addict swap yesterday, nearly there with that one now. Today I have some sewing to do for the Tilda swap, I think my swap partners a bit further along than me, so better get my but into gear. Thanks for the comments in my last post, it would seem we have a lot of spaniel fans out there! Well better drink my brew before it gets cold and get on with some sewing and housework :o(.

TTFN

Things that made me smile today

2010-05-13T14:10:00.000+01:00

Things that are making me smile today are:- These gorgeous pink and white lisianthus from tesco. They look so pretty.

Tulips and a bit of sewing

The Clematis in bloom in the garden

My Littlest boy Beau

Playing in the garden with his pork chop chewy

Both my mad boys, playing in the garden (Goodness me look at the state of that lawn)

And what you've all been waiting for a picture of me.........................

ooohhh don't I look gruesome.

Thanks to all those lovely people who've already signed up for my strawberry swap, we already have lots of people joining in the fun, I'm really looking forward to it. Also I'd like to say a big hello to all the lovely new bloggers who've become ~~followers~~ friends of my blog, welcome to my mad little world.

Off to carry on with that sewing now.

TTFN

Strawberry Swap

2010-05-11T12:54:00.014+01:00

Two posts in one day! I've been thinking about doing this swap for a while, and since we are fast approaching strawberry season, I thought I'd just get on and do it. I know there are a few swaps going on in blogland at the moment. I'm signed up for three myself. So I thought I'd give you peeps about two weeks to sign up for this if you'd like to join in, with parcels aiming to arrive with their swap partners by the end of June.

The rules:-

Anything bought or handmade that is strawberry themed.
A minimum of five items, at least one handmade
Aim to have your parcels with your swap partner by the end of June

The closing date to enter is 26th May 2010.

Can you please say if you are happy to post abroad on your comment, then I can pair you up accordingly.

So we can get lots of people joining in, feel free to paste my button on your blog.

TTFN

Goodies!

2010-05-11T10:46:00.000+01:00

Morning folks! Want to see what goodies the posty bought me yesterday? ......OK, you've twisted my arm, I'll show you lol. I recently took part in Mollycupcakes Spring Swap and was partnered with Vintage Girl, here are the lovely goodies she sent me........

Firstly, I lurve the wrapping, lots of pretty CK paper.

Inside the paper this gorgeous Union Jack tin contained all this!

Two booti-full Cath Kidston egg cups

A very pretty handmade note book, vintage looking floral bangle and CK tissues.

Four brilliant hand knitted egg cosies which smell wonderful and a gorgeous flower brooch. Thanks Lisa you've really spoiled me, I love it all. xxxx

Here's the goodies I sent Vintage Girl.

And Now I thought I'd show you some goodies I purchased yesterday. This pack of tea towels and mug from Tesco. (Matches my lovely swap tin)

A very cute folder and notebooks, also from Tesco.

And some pretty storage boxes from Veals. I thought the doll ones were really unusual.

Well off to do some cleaning now folks.

TTFN

A bit of this and that

2010-05-06T21:17:00.000+01:00

Evening folks, the title of this post says it all really, a bit of this and that! Firstly I'd like to show you what goodies I got at the Range last Sunday. The photo holders above looked so pretty on display some just happened to jump into my basket. I think they look lovely on the dressing table.

The second thing to hop in my basket when I wasn't looking was this folding trio of shabby chic frames which match the room perfectly, or they will when its finished :o)

These pretty shabby chic rose hooks hopped in next, and are now displaying some of my Cath Kidston bags. I did get a couple of other things but can't show you yet, as they are for a swap.

Now do you remember those redoute prints I bought at the car booty. Well I took them out of those horrible gold frames and ta dah................

Nice new prints for my shabby chic room.

Now another mini makeover. I bought this lamp base at a car booty last year for 50p (bargain). Last weekend I rubbed it down and painted it antique white and added a new lampshade, and walla.....

a nice new lamp for the room too.

I thought I'd be naughty and tease my swap partner Vintage Girl. These are her goodies for the spring swap, organised by molly cupcakes, all wrapped up and will be posted tomorrow.

I hope you have all managed to get your hands on a copy of Easy Living Magazine. It has a free Cath Kidston bag and catalogue with this months edition with a 15% off voucher for Cath Kidston. The voucher code is ELMG if you want to order online.

Lastly I'll leave you with a pic of the flowers I bought at tesco on Tuesday, I thought they were lovely. Well I told you it would be a bits and pieces post. Right now I'm off to do anything I can to avoid listening to the general election.

TTFN

Cheers My Dears!

2010-04-29T11:24:00.000+01:00

Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to all those who left a comment on my last post, its lovely to know you care. I was on a real downer and feeling sorry for myself. My Eeyore day turned into a few Eeyore days, with the arrival of a horrible head cold blecchhh. Thankfully the past day or so I'm feeling much better. Still a bit congested but on the road back to normal. (Not that you can really call me normal :o) on a different note I spotted this handmade bag on e-bay last week so I thought I'd bid and what do you know I was the highest bidder so this little beauty now belongs to me. I love the CK Rosali print so pretty.

I've turned into a little bookworm this past week. Due to the feeling poorly and not wanting to do anything I just had plenty of rest with a book or three. As you all probably know I'm a huge Vampire fan, I so adored the Twilight saga and desperately wanted more. I then discovered the (House of Night Novels). I've just finished hunted which is book 5 with 2 more to go. They are a great read, nice and fast paced which I like, they are a little on the young side, but enjoyable nevertheless. I then discovered A Hunger Like No Other ), by Kresley Cole which was also brilliant. I finished this a while ago but recently got myself book 2 in the series No Rest for the Wicked . This was even better than the first book. Much more grown up. Lots of hot vampire and Valkyrie action, and steamy sex scenes. I think I would go as far to say that paranormal romance is now my favourite type of book! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. In fact I'm hoping it will be delivered today, along with the next two after that. The other book I've read this week is In Her Bed (The Dragons of Challon, Book 2). This was another discovery I found on amazon. This time an historical romance but again a great fast paced read with lots of steamy scenes. I do hope my books turn up today!! If you know of any other books you'd like to recommend please leave a comment, and let me know.

Well that's enough babbling from me.

TTFN

Comfort Food

2010-04-20T13:37:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling sorry for myself today, like Sophie Dahl said on her programme last week, I'm suffering from a Eeyore day. I've got a pain in my side which I can't shift even after taking paracetamol, I'm hobbling along after being stupid and wearing new trainers on my 2 hr dog walk yesterday which took the skin off the back of my heel. The house is a mess, there's dust everywhere I look, but I don't have the energy or inclination to clean it. So whats a girl to do?....... I made myself a big bacon butty and a brew to cheer myself up, it was bloomin horrible.... :o) I also have a cake lined up in a bit, after my butty has gone down.....alas I shall never be slim.

I kept forgetting to take a pic of these. These were bought at last weeks car boot. Three Redoute botanical prints in frames for £3.....Bargain. Not keen on the frames, so I will either buy new, or paint these.

Well off to wallow.

TTFN

Thrifty Finds

2010-04-19T14:14:00.000+01:00

What a gorgeous day it is here. The sun is shining it's lovely and warm outside, so after work this morning I took the dogs on a lovely 2hr walk in the forest. They are both tuckered out pooches now, well for a couple of hours at least :o)

Yesterday was even warmer than today and was beautiful. In the morning I went to a car boot sale with my SIL. Its only a small one up the road and I hadn't visited this car booty since last year. It was smaller than I remembered, but I managed to find some bargains. The first was this pretty little mini oil lamp bought for £1 and this pretty colclough jug for 50p that will match the other colclough pieces I have.

Next I found this box of candle making supplies, the whole lot for £2. Bargain! I was looking for some wax before Xmas and it was sssoooo expensive. Here I have two boxes of the stuff, lots of moulds, wicks, colours, and instructions.

Next I found this pretty little Peter Rabbit money box milk churn tin for £1, so sweet. A leather bound bronte sisters novel for £2

A selection of boys annuals from the late 50's, 60's and early 70's.

And this very pretty rose china brooch with matching earrings. In perfect condition. They belonged to the ladies nan, and were a bargain too.

And this brand new box set of J R R Tolkiens Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, they've never even been read. The box set retails at £34.99 and I paid £1 :o)

I'm planning to list some of the items on e-bay, you never know, I may make some money for craft supplies!

After the car booty My hubby and I visited chesapeake mill, my favourite place and J Adore Le Maison to look at all the shabby chic vintagyness, lovely, and only bought a little something for a swap parcel, so I was a good girl. We then had a lovely drive in the country and spotted lots of houses that we'd love to live in, the day was finished off with steak and chips for tea yummy.

I forgot to show you this in my last post, I bought it at the Range a couple of weeks ago, its a peanut feeder shaped like a strawberry, I thought it was so cute. I still haven't put the nuts in it yet though.

I keep forgetting to say a BIG HELLO, to all my new followers, its lovely to meet you all, I do hope you leave a comment and say hello.

Have a lovely sunny afternoon folks

TTFN

A BIT OF BAKING

2010-04-16T15:56:00.001+01:00

As I'm typing this I've just discovered a load of dried cake mix in my hair that I'm pulling out, honestly you'd think I was 3, how the hell did that end up there! Anyhow, I decided to do a bit of baking today, well actually hubby keeps nagging me to make him a cake and some hobnobs so wella Mr Pixie here you go. But I'm having a sneaky slice of cake and a brew before you get your mitts on it. Also snuck a couple of hobnobs while they were cooling but that's our little secret :o)

Now I've been racking my brains here for the past couple of days, as to where my CK ''Make'' book is. I've turned the whole house upside down looking for it but no luck. Its very annoying how can I lose a large book like that? I'm sure I'll turn the house upside down again before the weekends out.

I'm hoping to visit a car booty over the weekend so, hopefully I'll find lots of lovely bargains I can show you all, fingers crossed. Well off to walk the very windy dogs now, great a car full of noxious gas :o( lol

TTFN

Sewing Some Cath Kidston

2010-04-15T17:26:00.000+01:00

I bet your thinking not another post! I go a month with no posts and now lots! As the sewing bug has hit Pixie towers, I thought it was about time I made the bag that accompanies Cath Kidston's Sew! I've had the book since before Christmas and I keep looking at the bag kit included thinking I must make that; and then putting it off until another day.

But today I got around to making it. I've only ever made one bag before so this was a bit of a change for me.

Me being me though, I decided to make some changes to make it more usable. I had some lovely red with white spot globaltex fabric in my stash which I used to line it, and make it more substantial.

I also decided to stitch on the straps to make it stronger and just use the side buttons as a detail.

I'm so pleased with how it turned out, its so small and cute, but I can still get all the essentials in it and still have room for more.

Now time to show you what goodies the postie bought today. I have been a little naughty and ordered a few bits from Panduro hobby. First some lime fabric and some seaside buttons. oooppps forgot to rotate the pic.

And some papercraft items which are just too pretty for words. Can't wait to use these. I think they'll be making an appearance in future swaps.

I had a great idea for another swap today, but I won't host it just yet as I know there have been a lot running at the moment and I'm sure you could all do with a break from swaps for a while.

Just a short post today, off to cook hubby's tea now.

TTFN

My Makes for the Tilda Swap

2010-04-14T23:03:00.001+01:00

Hello lovely bloggers. I received a lovely e-mail from my American swap partner (Mama Bug) today, to say that the Tilda swap I made for her had arrived safely, and I'm pleased to say she liked it. I'm sure Kate would have received her swap parcel by now too, so I thought I'd should you all what I sent.

As the Tilda swap was Springtime related, I decided on a gardening theme for my parcels. So I made these two garden angels from the Sew Pretty Homestyle book by Tone Finnanger.

The blue angel is for Mama Bug and the green for Kate.

Here's a couple of pics of the other goodies I sent. The top pic is Kate's and the pic below is Mama Bugs. You can see what Mama Bug sent me by clicking here.

I put in Sally Snail for Mama Bug too as she's wanted one for ages.

I have really enjoyed sewing these, and enjoying the fact the sewing bug has hit me big style, my sewing mojo has definitely been found. I'm now in the process of making the bag from Sew! by Cath Kidston. Not sure how it will turn out, but I won't know until I try.

I hope everyone who took part in the Tilda Spring Swap enjoyed it, and you've all received some lovely goodies in the post. I hope to do another swap in the not too distant future, I'll keep you posted.

I'd like to say a big thank you to Emma from Mimi and Tilly for letting me know how to do the signature thing at the bottom of my posts :o)

Well, my bed is calling so I'll say nighty Night Peeps.

A make for me and bootsale bargains

2010-04-13T15:15:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks, thought I would put a few pics on here of my latest make, finished today, and this one is all for me! I've been SEW busy lately making things for swaps and an order that I thought it was about time I made something for me, especially as my sewing mojo is back in force at the moment and I know at some point I'll lose it again. :o)

This Flower Garden Tilda angel is from Tilda's Summer Ideas I'm loving this latest little booklet, its so full of eye candy.

Sorry for so many pics, but I was so pleased with how she turned out and couldn't decide on which pics to use.

Here's the pic of what she looks like in the Tilda's Summer Ideas book.

Now look at these lovely ribbons that arrived in the post this week from Patch, they are lovely thanks so much Claire.

On Sunday being as it was such a lovely day my sister in law and I ventured to the car booty, to see what bargains we could pick up. And for once I found some.

I got this gorgeous pair of curtains which look very Cath Kidston but are from mini Boden. I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy the quilt cover too, but I'd already spent a lot. I have them hanging in the little bedroom.

And you never find CK at a bootsale, but I did on Sunday, I got this lovely Travel Wallet. I can spot a bit of CK from 50 yards, so this was nabbed before anyone else got the chance. I also got two Fat Face tops and an Animal top for hubby which look great on him, so Sunday proved to be a good day for bargains.

I've signed up for a couple more swaps so will be busy making for them soon, but I'm going to try and fit in a little more sewing for me too. I fancy making a cushion next I think. Well that's all for now, off to wash up.

TTFN

OOHH just had a thought, doe's anyone know how to get your signature at the bottom of your posts? I've seen it on a few blogs and would love to know how its done. xxx

EDIT. Thanks Emma

Cally's Giveaway Goodies

2010-04-08T07:00:00.005+01:00

Look what arrived for me in the post yesterday! I was lucky enough to win Cally's Easter Giveaway. I was so chuffed I never seem to win, but my luck must be changing :o) The parcel smelt amazing before I'd even opened it. Look at how prettily its wrapped, I love the little stickers.

Inside was a lovely little handmade Easter Bag, lavender bag and heart, along with a very pretty card. The colours are gorgeous. I've popped it all on my new dressing table at the moment, but will pop the lavender bag in my wardrobe soon. Thanks so much Cally.

I've been busy finishing my Tilda swap parcels, which I posted yesterday so Kate and Mamabug they should be with you soon. I'm itching to show you all what I've made, but I'll have to wait until the ladies have their parcels.

I'm so glad a couple of you have shown an interest in taking part in Maaike's International Tilda Swap, the more the merrier. If anyone wants to take part please take a look at Maaike's blog.

I was a little naughty last night and ordered myself some lovely ribbons from Dolly Dollops new venture Patch, please take a look folks she has some lovely polka dot ribbons.

Off to drink my tea now and grab some breccie.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

International Tilda Summer Swap

2010-04-07T06:59:00.003+01:00

Morning all. I thought I'd let you all know about the great International Tilda Summer Swap, that my blogging friend Maaike is organising. You may remember that I took part in this swap last year. The first pic is the lovely goodies I received from Maaike from the Netherlands and the pics below are the goodies I sent.
If you'd like to take part in this swap please e-mail tildaswap@hotmail.com and you can also visit Maaike's blog www.tilda-fan.blogspot.com The closing date to have your name added is April 15th 2010. I hope some of you will take part, its a really FAB swap.

TTFN

Pixie xxx

Swap Goodies

2010-04-02T20:18:00.008+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry I've been AWOL for a bit, I can't believe about a month has past since my last post. I swear I don't know where this years going. I wanted to show you all the lovely box of goodies which turned up for me a couple of days ago. This parcel contains my Tilda Swap from Mama Bug and has come all the way from the USA. I can't tell you how excited I was when the postie knocked the door. First of all the box is really lovely and will come in very handy for all my crafty bits I'm sure. Want to see whats inside?....................

Look at all these lovely goodies. Mama Bug had decided on a sea side theme, so we have a gorgeous green glass lantern, a Yankee candle scented with sea and sand, a Yankee car freshener also scented with sea and sand. Some tissues, a sea side fridge note pad, some note cards and envelopes, some tea lights, a box of shells and glass from the beach which MB and her children collected, and two gorgeous handmade starfish and a beautiful Sea Horse, oh, and a very pretty little card.

I was so overwhelmed by Mama Bug's generosity and the thought that went into this little parcel, it really cheered my day. Thank you so much MB your swap will be with you soon. I'm ashamed to say folks that my swaps are runny late, but I aim to post them on Tuesday.

Here are my two latest makes which were an order from a lady I work with. She already had my little yellow bunny a while ago and asked me to make a pink and a blue bunny for her nieces for Easter. I hope she likes them.

And this is my latest naughty purchase. I've been drooling over this dressing table for ages and I've finally got my mits on one. Isn't it pretty? I wouldn't have bought anything like this normally, but I sold a few bits of broken gold jewellery for melting down. Golds such a good price at the moment I'd definitely recommend it. I didn't do the posting the gold off thing that's constantly being advertised on TV, but took my pieces into a jewellers in town. My SIL told me about it, and I told a few people and they told a few people and at the end of the day we all came away happy bunnies indeed.

I'm waiting for my OH to make me a wardrobe now to match. I think the spare room will look so shabby chic and girly.

Ummmm what else have I been up to.....I've bought and sold and few pieces on e-bay. I now have a lovely pair of red ART Skyline shoes. Not every ones cup of tea but I love them. I've watched my copy of New Moon a couple of times. I can't get enough of the Twilight series. I'm also really getting into Vampire Diaries on ITV 2, loving Stephen. I'm currently reading Wicked by Jilly Cooper, its proving a rather good read and not easy to put down. I've joined an aerobics class on a Tuesday night, with the aim of loosing a few pounds and trying to get fit. And I'm now busily finishing off my goodies for the Tilda Swap. So that's what I've been up to. Sorry I haven't popped over to see your blogs of late, I will try and catch up with you all soon.

TTFN

Pixiedust xxxx

And The Winner Is..........

2010-03-08T10:42:00.004Z

Sorry folks, bit late doing the giveaway, I should have done it on Saturday, but had a busy weekend and just didn't get around to it until this morning. .......So names were written and popped into my little wooden bowl..................
Wiggled around and one was pulled out.............................and the winner is......................................

Mimi and Tilly.

Congratulations a few goodies will be on there way to you soon. Could you please e-mail me your address.

Thank you to all those who entered my little giveaway, I expect I will do another one in the future so hope you will take part.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Giveaway - Final Call.....And some cute bears

2010-03-05T07:29:00.007Z

Good Morning folks, hasn't the weather been gorgeous this week? it makes you feel so much better when the sun is shining. I've been getting on with some housework, and have even written down a little cleaning rota, so I tackle an area of the house day by day. So far I've done well, but today is the dreaded cleaning of the bathroom day :o(, so wish me luck. I've even managed to get some washing out on the line for the first time this year. You can't beat a nice spring day for drying the washing.

Now what's with the bears I hear you say. Well as many of my regular readers will know, my sister in law makes the most scrumpscious looking handmade cupcake bears, so I thought I'd treat you to a few pics of some of her latest Easter cupcakes and her new range of wedding cupcakes. Please take a look at her website and blog, for more delicious treats.

We attended Hugglets bear fair last Sunday in Kensington. Had a lovely day selling these cute little treats, as well as some of her other bears and gollies. It turned out to be the best fair we've ever done, with lots of these critters snapped up and given a new loving home.

Well its the very last day of my giveaway today, so if you haven't entered and would like to pop your name in the hat please click here. I will pick the winner tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

TTFN

Pixie xxx

Flowers and a Sneaky Peek.......

2010-03-01T16:39:00.006Z

Hello Peeps, just a short post today. I just wanted to show you the lovely blue hyacinths my mother in law bought for me today. Aren't they pretty? My lovely pink hyacinths were looking a bit droopy in their pot, so I added these to the blue ones. I wish I smellanet, they have the most gorgeous scent.

I love this little magnet, it describes me to a tea!

And these beautiful tulips were a gift from my next door neighbour to cheer me up........and they did, who wouldn't be cheered by such pretty colours.

Now remember how excited I was in my last post as I was awaiting arrival of my new Tilda book? Well it arrived this morning, so I thought I'd treat you all to a sneaky peek...............(sorry pics aren't that brilliant)

I'm loving the bumblebees.

the flowers in pots............

who would have thought a frog would be so cute.........perhaps if I kissed one, he'd turn into a handsome prince, or Robert Pattinson :o)

I've made a couple of snails already, but think this one with the cart is adorable.

More bunnies!

stunning signs..................

More bumbly bees, I'm REALLY loving these cute little fellers.

Hope you enjoyed that sneaky peek. Now as a lot of you will already know I'm running a little giveaway, so if you haven't entered and you'd like you name put in the hat, please have a look at my last post and leave a comment.

Well that's it for now, must go and wash up.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Giveaway........

2010-02-25T11:33:00.003Z

Greetings Folks, I'm very excited here in the Faerie Nuff household, as I had an e-mail yesterday from Amazon to say that the above book I'd pre-ordered ages ago was going to be released earlier than expected and should be dispatched on the 4th March. :o) Lots of lovely new Tilda pics to drool over, yay.

I mentioned in my last post that I was doing a bit of de-cluttering at home, which resulted in me putting some books onto the Amazon Market place to sell. Well so far I've sold five, which I'm really chuffed about. You have to wait 14 days to get paid, but its still a few extra pennies towards my decorating fund. I've already spotted a gorgeous shabby chic dressing table and mirror on e-bay that I'd like.

I haven't achieved a lot today though. Today I'm Procrastinating with a capitol ''P''. I should be getting on with some crafting for the swap, but as indecision is my middle name, I just can't decide what to make. Perhaps I'll have another cuppa and think about it!

Now for the good bit.........Yesterday my little blog had its 100th follower. I just can't believe that so many of you lovely people would keep coming back to follow my ramblings. Its lovely to know that there are so many wonderful and like minded people around. Since I started my little blog I never thought I would stick with it, as most things are a five minute wonder with me. But I have truly loved it, stuck with it, and made some new friends to boot. So as a little thank you to you all, I'm doing a little giveaway. I'm not sure what I'll be giving away yet (I'll think about it while I'm having that cuppa :o) All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by 5th March, and I'll randomly select a winner.

Almost forgot........Vintage Girl, Winnibriggs has asked if you could please get in touch with her to arrange your swaps, as we can't find your e-mail address on your blog. cheers my dear. xx

Well better go and drink my tea!

TTFN

Pixie xxx

Your Tilda Swap Partners Are.........

2010-02-24T15:21:00.003Z

Well ladies, I know your all dying to find out who your swap partner is for my little Tilda Spring swap so here goes............................drum roll please.....................

Jillie (Love to Craft) and Vintage Gardener

Pink Feather Paradise and Mary Poppins

Linda (Blingaglonga) and Karen's Playtime

Cally's Cottage and Tattyjo

Vintage Girl and Winnibriggs

Mamabug and Pixiedust

and

Kate and Pixiedust

Due to odd numbers I have two swaps.....whoopee double the fun for me :o)

I've put links to all the blogs on this post, so you can contact your swap partner to swap address's. Can you aim to have your swap parcel with your partner by 31st March. (Mamabug, I'm not sure how dates will work with ours as your in the US and it will take longer to arrive).

I think this will be so much fun. I hope everyone is happy with their swap partners, and we all get some lovely goodies in the post. If you have any questions please just drop me an e-mail or leave a comment.

Also I'm only two people away from having 100 followers and I've hit the 30,000 hits mark on my blog, so as soon as I reach 100 I will be having a little giveaway, so watch this space.

Well off to test some paint samples in the hall.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Tilda Swap Reminder......

2010-02-22T15:39:00.002Z

Hi Ladies, thought I'd just remind you all that I'm running a Tilda Springtime swap and your last chance to enter is midnight tomorrow. I'd love a few more people to take part, so if your sitting in the wings undecided, go on give it a go I'm sure you'll love it. All you have to do is leave a comment on my last post or on this one. I've popped on a few pics of some Tilda pieces I've made in the past, just to give you an idea. In fact most of the Tilda's I've made have been for swaps. I made the two hares in pots for the Spring swap I hosted last year.
So whats everyone been up to over the weekend? I've been attempting to clear some of the vast amounts of clutter I have lurking around the house, and getting some bits and pieces together to do a car booty. I've also listed a load of books on Amazon today in the hopes of making a few pounds, so fingers crossed. Its the first time I've sold through Amazon, has anyone else had a go at this and how did they find it? Not sure whether to bother with e-bay, I have a number of mohair collectors bears to sell, as well as some figurines, but nothing seems to be selling on there at the moment, I expect they'll end up being put into boxes and stored in the loft.

Part of my de-cluttering plan is to make the house much easier to clean, I'm sick of dusting. I've also had a lot of the stuff for ages and my tastes have changed. I've filled the house with nick knacks over the years to make it more personal instead of decorating, as we haven't had the money to decorate and make it to our taste. But if I add up all the little bits and bobs I've bought, we could have used the money to plaster a ceiling or buy some emulsion, so that is now the plan, any money I make goes into the household decorating fund. (But that doesn't incude fabric......he he he:o)

I'm also hoping that by getting the house in order I will reduce my stress levels. As the saying goes tidy house, tidy mind. Lets hope that's the case!

Well nothing else to report, so I will sign off for now. Don't forget to leave a comment if you'd like to enter the swap, I'd love to have you join in.

OOOHHHH nearly forgot, for the ladies that asked whether they have to use Tilda fabrics, the answer is use whatever lovely fabrics you have lurking in your stash. I'm sure you have some pretty ones.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Springtime Tilda Swap

2010-02-16T20:18:00.002Z

Well ladies thanks to all those who participated in my little poll, to see who'd be interested in doing a Springtime Tilda swap. I had quite a few of you lovely bloggers who said they'd like to give it a shot, so here goes.

The Rules

Your Tilda item should be from one of the following books:-

Sew Sunny Homestyle
Sew Pretty Homestyle
Crafting Springtime Gifts
Tilda's Summer ideas

I've chosen these Tilda books as they have some lovely spring/summer colours and some totally Delicious things to make in them . If you'd like to take part in the swap, please leave a comment at the end of this post. The last day for entering the swap will be 23rd Feb, with your swap parcel aiming to reach your partner by 31st March. Once I have all your names I'll pop them in a hat and pair you up. I'm really looking forward to it, should be great fun. If you'd like to, please copy the Tilda Swap pic at the top of this post for your blog, you never know we may get lots more joining in the fun.

So what have I been up to today? Well.......it seems I've gone potty over Provence rose, as out came the PVA and napkins again and I covered this terracotta pot with my spring flowers in. I think if hubby stayed still long enough I'd probably cover him too......Thanks to all those who left a comment on my last post, I'm glad I inspired some of you to get cutting and sticking.

The remains of the day have been spent dusting. Here's a couple of pics of the dining room after dusting. It looks much fresher and cleaner in there now........ I'm really pleased with the frames from the Range that my sketches are in. I need to get on and do a sketch of Beau now to complete the set.

I've also sorted out loads of home mags this afternoon. I like to go through and cut bits out for my inspiration files, and the others have been boxed up ready for a car booty once the weathers warmer and drier.

I have received a couple of awards this week too :o), so expect I'll do a post about that tomorrow.

Nighty Night Peeps

Pixie xxxx

CK Makeover

2010-02-12T19:53:00.004Z

Hi folks, remember those scrummy Provence rose napkins I bought on my shopping expedition a couple of weeks ago? Well today I put them to good use. I had a wooden mini drawer set at home which I'd purchased from Hobbycraft ages ago. I'd already painted it cream and I had stuck winnie the pooh stickers all over it. But they are no more! I now have myself a set of mini CK drawers. Not sure where I'm going to put them yet, but I'm really pleased how they turned out. It only took one and a half napkins to cover it too, so I have lots left for future projects.

Also today a fantastic parcel arrived for me in the post. I was one of the lucky ladies to win Sian's giveaway over at hearts and dreams blog. Hearts and Dreams is Sians new blogshop and she has some lovely vintage goodies for sale, go on take a peek, you know you want too.

Look at all these lovely goodies. I couldn't fit them all in one pic.

I may have to start on that choccy tonight. I feel totally spoiled Sian, you've been so generous, Thanks so much.

Well off to watch Mastercrafts on BBC2 at 9. So TTFN.

xxx Pixie xxx

My Saturday......

2010-02-06T18:04:00.008Z

It was one of those days when you wanted to just stay in the house and vegetate but alas theres no food. Yep I haven't been a very good housewife of late and although I had a veg box delivered on Friday, I haven't actually done a ''proper'' ( as hubby calls it) supermarket shop in about 3 weeks. ''So what are we having for lunch'' he asks this morning before he took the dogs out, to which I replied ''I don't know, theres nothing in the cupboards''. He left with the dogs and I was left feeling like a failure that I hadn't anything in to feed him with. And then a light bulb moment. I still had a Hokido squash from last weeks veg box, so I managed to rustle up a very scrummy (if i do say so myself) squash and lentil soup. I even found some rolls in the freezer which I quickly defrosted and warmed in the oven. Now that's what I call a lunch. But I didn't stop there.

I proceeded to make a Victoria sponge (with only slightly out of date margarine) and homemade strawberry jam from last summer. yyyyyyuuuuummmmm.

This afternoon, I treated myself to a slice of cake and a cuppa.

Whilst having a good old look through some of my spring/summer themed Tilda books for ideas. I have ideas a plenty and tonnes of things I want to make but............i never seem to get my bottom (being polite) into gear and get on with anything. Like dear old Mary Poppins my middle name is procrastination, and I ssssooooo hate being like it. I really do my own head in on a daily basis. Any tips of how to gain some motivation would be greatly appreciated. Any how....the cake and tea were scrummy.

In fact I polished the slice off rather quickly. One minute I was reading my pattern book and the next minute an empty plate???? surly I didn't eat all that did I????

Well apparently I did, as you can see from Woody's not to happy with mummy for not giving me any expression on his face.

Well I even performed another miracle this evening and produced dinner without going shopping. Will have to get some shopping in tomorrow though.....I've run out of wine.

Well off to do a bit of Internet surfing and procrastinating.

TTFN

Pixie xxxxx

Tilda Summer Ideas........

2010-02-03T11:21:00.003Z

When I saw this book advertised in the Spring Panduro hobby catalogue which I adore, I nearly fell of the chair with excitement. As many of you regular readers know. I'm a huge fan of anything Tilda. I have all the books and the mini ideas books which are the most read books on my book case. I just love to sit and look at all the pretty pics. I think that's one of the main reasons I love them so much, is the fact that they are a feast for the eyes, and offer no end of inspiration.

Well as you would have seen in my last post I'd ordered some majorly scrummy fabric from here and I also ordered this pattern book, but the book wasn't available until the end of the month so didn't arrived until this morning. I've been practically pouncing on the mail box as soon as I've heard it rattle this week waiting for this little beauty.

Would you like a teensy weensy little peek?????????

My pics aren't great the light is dreadful today. Look at this garland!!! I think its soooo pretty.

But this angel is my favourite ''I think'', The flower garden angel, although I'm probably equally as smitten with the kitchen garden angel. The craft room in this pic is stunning, I wished I had one like it. I can just picture myself sat at the desk making lovely things for the home whilst enjoying a big mug of tea and a slice of my homemade carrot cake. And two mad springers sat by my feet enjoying a raw hide chewy (I couldn't leave my boys out of this little fantasy could I?) The fabric on the cushion and the angel is the same gorgeous blue flowery one I ordered last week, I can't wait to get crafting with it.

Even the paper crafting is beautiful, eye candy indeedy!!!

Well I can't tell you how much this little book popping through the door has cheered me up today. I still have major January blues even though its February. Lets hope the clouds are now lifting with the anticipation of Spring and beautiful things to make.

I wondered how many of you lovely ladies would be interested in doing a Spring Tilda swap? I don't know how many other Tilda Maniacs are out there! If you would like to join in the fun I've put a little poll in my sidebar at the top just to get a few ideas of numbers. If I get enough people interested I will organise a Tilda Spring Swap.

Well that's all for now folks, I have a load of washing to get out of the machine and a few jobs to do before I go back to work. Roll on half term.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Treats......

2010-01-30T20:32:00.007Z

Well I've waited 2 weeks to get to the Cath Kidston shop in Winchester and today my sister in law and I did a little bit of shopping. I spent a while in there ogling all the eye candy, I just couldn't decide which bag to get. There were also lots of other lovley's calling for me to take them home, but I was good and just got myself this gorgeous messenger in the stunning new blue candy flowers print.

Even the lining is scrumdidlyumpscious don't you think?

We popped into the cook shop, which is one of the places you must visit in Winchester. I got myself this lovely pack of CK serviettes in the new Provence rose pattern. I plan to do a little bit of decoupage with these.

This very pretty fabric came in the post this week, It's from the new Tilda range. I'm loving the rose print especially in blue. I had ordered these with the new Tilda pattern booklet but that hasn't yet been dispatched :o(, I really wanted to get stitching from it too. Roll on half term. I'm going to get some serious crafting done.

I also bought these fabrics from C&H fabrics today. I needed some plain and more neutral shades. A girl can never have enough fabric.

I even got hubby's Valentines day card and pressie today too. Now that's far too organised for me. I think it was the influence of my very organised SIL.

Thank's to all you lovely ladies for the kind comments you all left on my last blogpost, they really did cheer me up no end. Thankfully Beau is now on the mend. In fact he's almost back to his normal springy self and eating well, so the weight is starting to go back on.

Have a lovely weekend folks.

TTFN

Pixie xxxxxx

Its been a while.......

2010-01-27T20:06:00.003Z

But I'm still alive. Its been ages since I've written a blog post so I thought it was about time I got to it. Well since I last posted, Christmas, New Year and snow has come and gone, and January is nearly at an end, thank god, I bloomin hate January. Christmas was a busy affair full of cooking, cleaning and entertaining but a good time was had by all. I had some lovely Xmas pressies and wasn't short of CK. especially hand cream. I don't think I'll need to buy any for a while.

I can recommend the wild rose hand cream, its absolutely gorgeous and I slap it on everyday. I'm hoping to have some time to get some crafting done at some point so I can get to use my new sewing and pin tin. I just haven't had time to do anything of late, and I'm having sewing withdrawls.

The new CK spring catalogue popped through the door last week and had some lovely new designs inside. I hope to be able to do a bit of shopping this weekend and treat myself. I had hoped to go on Saturday, but we had a very poorly puppy on our hands at the weekend. Had to phone the vets out of hours and got little Beau to see the vet first thing Monday morning. He's on some medicine now and is doing much better, almost back to his normal bouncy self. We just need to fatten him up a bit now as he lost so much weight.

The snow had the dogs acting crazy. They both absolutely loved it. In fact Woody loved it more than Beau, you'd think he was the puppy. This snow man became a good friend of theirs. Beau decided to steal his stick nose.

I've popped over a few of your blogs, and hope to get around to a few more in the next couple of weeks. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I won't leave it so long until my next post. Catch you later folks. xxxx Pixie xxxx

Snails

2009-12-11T11:54:00.005Z

Hello folks just to let you know that I'm in the process of updating my blog shop country charm. I've popped these two snails in the shop and there will be more to follow soon.

I'm off to town with my brother in the morning to do a little bit of frugal Christmas shopping. Primark here I come, lets hope I can bag a bargain. I don't know how many of you have been watching Kirsties Homemade Christmas on channel 4, but its been on the last three nights and its been brilliant. The best TV I've seen in a long time. I'm really enthusiastic about crafting and making again, and can't wait to have a go at making my own soaps. If you've missed these programmes, I think they will be repeated on Sunday. Speaking of Sunday if you are in the Hove area, my Sister in law and I will be doing a stall at the Teddy Bear fair which is at Hove town hall. If you do pop along it would be lovely to meet you. We will be on the Teeny Bears stall in the main hall.

Well it was just a quick post for now, off to work in a bit.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Christmas Fayre

2009-12-09T12:29:00.004Z

Sorry I've been away for a bit, I have been busy stitching for the craft fair which was on Sunday. What a complete wash out that was. All that time and effort could have been better spent getting the house cleaned and tidied ready for Christmas. We had a grand total of 10 people walk through the door all day. I did sell a few bits and pieces mainly to other stallholders, but after you deduct the cost of the table, I made a grand total of £19.50.

Here are some pics of my stall, they're not that great as the camera decided not to work, so I took these on my phone.

I was really pleased with how my little white tree looked, in fact I now have it in the dining room ready for some Xmas decs.

I did sell this cute gingerbread man garland. All the little pieces I have left I'll pop in my blogshop later if anyone wanted to take a look.

This was the lovely cupcake stand that was made by my SIL at Teeny Cupcakes.

And her little cupcake bears, available at Teeny Bears.

I hope every one's Christmas plans are coming along nicely. I hope to get the decorations up this week, then I'll pop up some pics.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Tis a Bleak House

2009-12-01T11:01:00.002Z

Firstly, Thank you for all the get well comments. The cold has now gone, but still battling with constant tummy bugs, that's working with kids for you I suppose. I thought I'd show you some pics of my naughty little puppy. He's getting so big and he's a right little terror. Woody never got into so much trouble as a pup, this ones a right hand full.

I have the craft fair this Sunday so I have been frantically sewing over the weekend to get some things made for my stall. I did get a lot done, but nothing is finished, so have no pics yet. Not sure its going to be a particularly good fair though. The only piece of advertising I've seen for it had the wrong day printed. I just hope I haven't been tearing my hair out for nothing.

I normally love Christmas time, but not feeling festive at all yet this year. The recession has hit Pixie towers as Mr Pixie has been put on short hours right before Christmas, so we are needing to be very frugal with funds at the moment. Being my dis-organised self I hadn't bought any Xmas gifts in the year and now can't afford to buy any, so I need to make as many as I can, but with little time left its going to be a struggle. I didn't get hardly any jam made this year or any chutney so that's out. So Cakes, and biscuits it will be. I might have a go at some honeycomb and Turkish delight too. Still there are lots of folks a lot worse off than us, so I shouldn't really grumble.

Off to get some more sewing done before work. Sorry for such a bleak post folks.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Poorly Sick :o(

2009-11-20T08:42:00.003Z

Morning folks, I'm off work today feeling very sorry for myself. I had to leave work a little early yesterday morning, as I was feeling very sick. To top that off I've got a very bad cold and a barking cough. I'm not able to get out with the dogs and so the puppy has been driving me crazy tearing around the house and tormenting poor old Woody dog. They'll both get a walk when hubby gets in this evening, but for today me thinks the house is going to be like an adventure playground. The house is also getting me down as its an absolute tip, but i just don't seem to have the time or energy to give it a good clean at the moment, add to that the NVQ college work that's piling up and a craft fair I need to get ready for on the horizon, its not surprising I came down with lurgy. Sorry for such a depressing post so far, but I just needed to get it off my chest. Now whats a girl to do to cheer herself up...............................

well as you all know, I'm a massive Twilight fan, and today's the day the next instalment is released at the cinema. I tried to book the tickets for tonight a week ago, but sadly all sold out :o(, but I think that's fate, as I don't feel well enough to go tonight anyway, but...............I have 5 tickets booked for me and my girly friends on Sunday afternoon. :o)
I think I may get a little over excited..............

I've watched the the clips over and over again on You Tube (sad i know) and there are a lot of half naked hotties on screen most of the time. I really hope the movie lives up to my expectations, and is authentic to the book. I'll let you all know what I thought of the movie after Sunday. In the meantime I'm off to blow my nose and make myself a hot lemon.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Dressers, Shops and Fairs.......

2009-11-14T21:33:00.007Z

Evening all. I hope every ones been OK through this stormy weather, we nearly lost our carport roof earlier. Hubby was stood on top of the fence nailing it back down while I held the ladder, I was so glad when he got down off that fence I can tell you, it was a bit scary out there. So what have I been up to?.....Quite a lot, actually. Firstly I was chuffed to bits when I won the auction for this dresser on e-bay, we battled the windy weather to go and pick it up from West Wittering this afternoon. I did have plans of painting it, but I think it looks rather nice the colour it is. Just needs a bit of a sand down and some bee's wax.

On the way back from picking up the dresser I spotted a lovely looking garden centre and managed to persuade hubby to stop so we could look. It was full of pretties, most of which were out of my price range at the moment, but I did pick up these cute little beach hut boxes. One is for a friends Xmas pressie and one is for me!

I spent this morning helping my sister in law on her cupcake stand at a local craft fair. Unfortunately is was a bit dead, mainly I think it was due to the appalling weather. I can't blame people for not venturing out in that today.

I've gone a bit mad and booked myself a table at a local craft fair in 3 weeks time, AAARRRRGGGG ......I've loads to do at the moment and now I'll be sewing for England! Why do I do these things to myself???

And that brings me onto my Blog shop.......Country Charm is now live.......I hope you will pop over and have a browse and let me know what you think. Here's some of the things I've been making. ......Gingerbread men.........

A good witch and her goose, which I'm really pleased with.

I love that pretty ditsy rose fabric and have been keeping it for a special project.

Vintage linen lavender hearts.....

A cute little snail....

And this is my Jane Austin tall angel, which I'm keeping for myself. This was the elusive dress that was causing me grief the other week. It finally got finished, and I love it, so now I'm searching for the perfect place to hang her.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend despite the weather. I have been trying to get around lots of blogs to say hello, but time is against me at the moment, but I will be popping by to say hello soon, promise xxx . I'd like to say a big thank you to all those who have left me such lovely comments of late and who wished me luck with my blog shop, your comments are always very much appreciated.

Well that's all for now folks, nighty night, don't let the bed bugs bite.

Pixiedust xxxx

Country Living Fair

2009-11-12T11:08:00.006Z

Greetings folks. I'm back from a lovely day yesterday at the CL fair in London. Firstly I'd like to apologise for the lack of photo's of the fair itself. It was soooooo busy we were crammed in like sardines in a tin and I just couldn't get any pics. I hope it isn't quite so busy for those going today, if it is I hope your wearing body armour lol. The train up and back was easy enough yesterday and the workers at London underground were very polite and helpful :o). The fair was crammed full of goodies, but to be honest most of it was stuff that you can find in shops around here if you know where to look. There was also an abundance of jewellery and scarf stalls which after a while all looked the same. But there was also a few little gems. I got the union jack cushion and the home sweet home sign from http://www.flutterbyes.co.uk/, who had a very pretty stall.

All their goodies were reasonably priced too. I picked up these two lovely East of India ribbons for future projects.

And I was very naughty and treated myself to this Susie Watson mug. I just love it, its so pretty. I did have a really hard time choosing. The Susie Watson stall was probably my favourite stall for eye candy!

I couldn't resist this cute little metal heart which is destined for someplace in my dining room.

Getting hold of nice wool felt isn't easy so I grabbed this pretty red piece as soon as I spotted it, along with this red thread for the stitchery pictured below......

This ladies stall was lovely. Lots of patterns and pretty patchwork. My Sil bought a pattern from her too that we both wanted, so she's going to photocopy hers for me and I'll copy mine for her.

Halfway through the day the fire alarm went off and we all had to evacuate the building, leaving our coats in the cloakroom agggghhh. Thankfully it was a false alarm and we wern't standing in the cold too long. So all in all it was a good day and I did come away with a few ideas.

And whilst I was out enjoying myself yesterday the Laura Ashley fabric I'd ordered in the sale arrived. It looks like they may have been generous and given me a bit more, i hope so :o).

And finally my labels have arrived. I've already made some pieces so will have to find somewhere to stitch them on to. I'll probably only use them on the larger pieces anyway. I hope to have my blogshop up and running by the weekend, but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day at the moment.

Catch you later folks

((((hugs))))) Pixiedust xxx

Coming soon.......

2009-11-09T21:31:00.002Z

Greetings folks, I hope you all had a good weekend? I just don't know where the time goes lately, it seems like a whole year has passed within the blink of an eye, and over a week has passed since I last posted, after promising you all to show you what I'd made.........tut tut, I'm such a rebel :o)! lol. Anyway, I have been busy crafting and coming up with lots of new ideas and hope to show you all what I've been up to asap. It's been a year since I put anything in my shop faerie nuff's stuff, and I've been wanting to sell stuff in my blogshop again for a while, but thought a fresh start and a new name was in order so.......Country Charm .......was born and will be opening as my new blogshop in a couple of days. I do hope you will have a look and let me know what you think. I'm off to the Country Living Christmas Fair in London on Wednesday, which I'm very excited about, lots of pretties to look at. I will try very hard to get some good pics to show you all. Well that's all from me for now folks.

TTFN
Pixie xxxxx

EB and CK

2009-11-01T20:55:00.004Z

Evening folks, I wanted to show you a couple of pics of things I've been making, but the light has been so bad today I can't get a good photo, so I'll try again tomorrow. Instead I thought I'd show you the lovely Emma Bridgewater tin I picked up when I went out with mum in the week. Not sure what I'll use it for yet, but it looks pretty on the shelf in the dining room.

Look what popped through the door on Saturday!! I get so excited when I see a CK catalogue in the post, lots of eye candy........so I sat down with a cuppa and drooled over the pages, here's a sneaky peek.

I may have to get a Stanley for the tree this year.

The house sewing box and union jack pin cushion will be on my Christmas list.

I'm loving the little Christmas tin house.

Cath's even introduced t-shirts this year. Not my cup of tea though, think they are a little tacky.

Well that's all for now folks. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with pics of what I've been making.

Nighty Night

Pixie xxx

Pumpkins

2009-10-31T17:22:00.002Z

Well here are this years pumpkins. I've had a fun time in the kitchen carving these this afternoon. I'm a real big kid at heart.

These are last years pumpkins. I managed to take a better photo of these. I can't seem to get a really good pic on the candlelight setting on the camera this year.

And some Halloween pics I've collected.

I love this vintage one!

I hope everyone is having a spooky Halloween! I have a couple of friends popping over later for a glass of wine and to watch X Factor, hopefully John and Edward will get the boot tonight.

Spooky blessings

Pixie xxxxx

Happy Halloween - Pumpkin Soup Recipe

2009-10-31T07:43:00.005Z

Greetings witches and wizards. I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen yesterday whipping up

some lovely warming pumpkin soup to eat with some homemade fresh bread later today. I did have a bit of a taste yesterday to sample, :o) here's what i did........................

500g pumpkin, skinned and cubed

1 med onion

1 med potato

1tsp dried cumin

1 tsp dried coriander

150g spit red lentils

1.2l veg stock

2 tbsp sunflower oil

chop onions and fry in the oil until just soft, add the spices, chopped and skinned pumpkin, potato, lentils and veg stock. Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer with the lid on for 3o mins. When cooked blend with a hand blender or put in a food processor, return to pan to reheat and season to taste. yummy!

I had enough pumpkin left to make pumpkin puree too. You can never seem to get pumpkin puree in the shops and I've so many lovely recipes that require it.

Pumpkin Puree

Put 500g pumpkin skinned and cubed in a pan of boiling water, when tender drain, then pat dry with kitchen paper, then blend to a puree and refrigerate until ready to use. This make approx 300g puree. I'm hoping to make a nice pumpkin pie later. Even after the soup and puree I still had a little pumpkin left which got put into yesterday lambs stew which was scrummy.

hubby and I went for a lovely walk in the woods yesterday with the dogs. Beau has only been allowed to start going out this week and he's loving it, so many sniffs lol :o). (Isn't he growing fast).

My boys!!!!

I love the autumn colours in this pic. Woody blends in well. I think Beau is a winters snowy day kinda dog lol.

I hope to be back later to show you my ginormous pumpkin that I would have calved. :O)

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Throwing my toys out of the pram!!!!!

2009-10-27T07:34:00.005Z

I've been desperate to get back into crafting and sewing again, so over the last couple of days I've been planning lots of things I'm going to make and I've had all my sewing books sprawled across the house. Over the weekend I started to make a tall angel from the latest Tilda book. I'm pleased with how the angel has turned out, so now the fun part (or so i thought) making her lovely dress.

I sat at the dining room table, picked a lovely piece of fabric, drew my pattern on, pinned the bodice and arms, stitched the bits that needed stitching and cut it all out, including a large square for the skirt. I put the skirt section to one side and began to attach the sleeves to the bodice...........I thought it was going too well. For starters trying to work out how the sleeves attached to the bodice was a headache, then I finally had the light bulb moment and figured it out.....eureka.....so began to stitch them in. One disaster led to another and although one sleeve is in perfectly the other won't fit after many attempts......so the ******* bodice and sleeves are gracing the floor on the other side of the room. To top it all off, whilst I was stitching, Beau puppy had decided to steal the skirt section and hubby called from the lounge saying ''did you want that piece of fabric the puppy's got''. AAAAAHHHHHHHH the fabric is fine, but will need to be washed and ironed again. The air was seriously blue in our house last night I can tell you. I thought sewing was supposed to be a relaxing pastime! This morning now that I've calmed down, I may attempt the dress again, and IF!!!! I get it finished today I'll post up a pic.

On a lighter note, I'm having a few hours out with my mum today. Its something we never do so it should be quite nice. We're going to visit Cheselpeake mill and possibly Garsons to check out the Christmas displays and have a spot of lunch out. When I return I should be calm enough to tackle operation angel dress! lol.

Also the lovely Mel Mel has given me these awards, thanks so much hun! xxx

I'm to link to Mel Mel, pop the awards in my sidebar, tell you all seven things you don't know about me and pass the awards on to a few deserving bloggers, so here goes.

I hate the sound of people brushing their teeth in front of me, it makes me go all goose bumply

I'd love to be a housewife and never have to go out to work again

I hate Marmite BLEUUURRR

I'm mad as a box of frogs

I have terrible trouble throwing things away, especially shoe boxes as they may come in handy for something

I can't decide if I'm indecisive or not!

I'm counting down the days until the next twilight film (new moon) is released, I'm soooooo excited!

Well that's my seven, I couldn't think what to put, but I'm sure that will do. I'd like to pass these awards to..........

Karen

Yarrow

Tina

Well thats all for now folks, hopefully I'll be back later with some after pictures.

TTFN

Pixie xxxxx

E-bay Naughtiness

2009-10-16T20:59:00.003+01:00

I've been a naughty little Pixie this week and have bought a couple of things on e-bay that I'm dying to show you all. Firstly my new most treasured possession, a king size Cath Kidston Rosalie for Ikea duvet cover and four pillow cases. I've been after this set for ages. its not made anymore but you can often find second hand sets on e-bay, but King size doesn't come up that often, so I was really chuffed to spot this, especially as it comes with four pillowcases too. But the best bit is that this duvet set was merely advertised as a king size Ikea floral duvet set, so didn't reach the stupidly high prices that CK normally does on e-bay. I'm sure we all type cath kidston into the search and see what comes up. I guess sometimes it does pay to look a little bit harder. Needless to say I am a very happy :o) pixie.
My other special purchase from e-bay this week has been this .......................

Don't you just love these old movies.

My favourite of which, is this.

I'm still whistling and singing the tunes. ''I've just flown from the windy city...........uuummm what's the next verse??????

I hope you all have a lovely weekend folks.

TTFN

Pixie xxxxx

Birthday Cupcakes

2009-10-13T11:14:00.002+01:00

Firstly I'd like to say a big Happy Birthday to Mr Pixie, love you!!!

And these are the birthday cupcakes I made last night for him to take to work today. It's customary to take cakes in on your birthday where he works :o), so I made these vanilla sponge cupcakes with marbled milk and white choc topping. I did sample one last night and it was scrummy and I still have a little chocolate left in the fridge to snaffle :o).

Yesterday, I treated myself to Country Homes and Interiors magazine, as I couldn't resist the cover page which was of this house. Isn't it lovey? I just love all the little pumpkins darted around.

and that aga is to die for!!!

I just love the pine cupboard in the bathroom, If only I could win the lottery so we could move to a lovely country home like this. I mean we have the springers and the tractor, all we need now is the house and smallholding :o).

TTFN

Pixie xxx

Sunday Musings.....

2009-10-11T16:21:00.003+01:00

Firstly I just had to share this pic with you that a friend of mine e-mailed me, it had me in stitches. :O)

And this is hubby's new project. He's wanted a tractor to restore for years and he's now got his hands on this beauty, the back wheels are as tall as me. I'm so glad his parents have a smallholding as we have nowhere to store it at ours, but apparently once its done up he's going to occasionally drive it to work, that's gonna look hilarious rolling out of our close ;o).

Had a trip to the new Range today, its quite good, but mainly bought things we needed for the house like a new autumn weight duvet now the nights are getting a lot chillier. Of course hubby's moaning as apparently it isn't cold and he'll be too hot...... never mind :o) Also had a trip to my favourite place Cheselpeake mill and got two gorgeous t-towels for 1.99 each in beautiful floral fabrics, they are destined to be cut up for makes though.

Well off to cut up some runner beans and spuds for dinner now, and maybe have a look through my fabric stash later.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx

Time for something sweet....

2009-10-10T18:03:00.007+01:00

I haven't been out of the house at all today, and it's been lovely. Hubby took the dogs out this morning and has taken Woody for a walk tonight, so I've spent the whole day in my slogging about clothes, don't you just love old t-shirts and jogging bottoms? This afternoon I really fancied something sweet and there's no naughty stuff at all in the cupboards, believe me i checked twice :o(, and looking like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards I had no intention of venturing to the shop. So whats a girl to do???????

Well make some cupcakes of course and test out the piping bag kit that my SIL bought me last year.

This is the result. Six of the cupcakes are vanilla sponge and the others are chocolate, all with a pink butter cream icing.

scrummy, but all that icing is a bit sickly, but never fear, I have two bouncy springers waiting to help devour the icing.

Of course I couldn't even think about attempting to bake until puppy dog was like this! I can't get much done until he's in the land of nod.

And once he had woken up full of springy bouncing beans, whats a pup to do??? Well bite and hang on poor Woody's ears of course.

And then settle down to chew on his raw hide bone.

before going for another nap in his bed.

This bed is the cats old one and it was two big for him 2 weeks ago when we picked him up, now look at him, growing at the rate of knots.

I didn't get any sewing done today but I have started reading through the new CK ''Sew'' book, which I'm about to carry on with now.

I hope every ones having a good weekend, TTFN

Pixie xxx

Happy Birthday Woody 5 Today!

2009-10-09T09:16:00.002+01:00

Its hard to believe my little man is 5 today, it only feels like yesterday that we went to pick him up and I had him on my lap on the way home in the car, and now he's the handsome boy pictured above.

I better make sure he gets lots of extra cuddles and loves today. xxxx

Thank god its Friday, this weekend just couldn't come quick enough this week. I'm soooo tired and looking forward to a weekend of pottering around. My Cath Kidston Sew book arrived in the week and I'm hoping to get a chance to put the bag together that comes with the book, as well as all the other crafts on my to do list. Also this week the posty bought our tickets for the Country Living Christmas Fair. I'm trying so hard not to buy anything until then, as I know we'll be spoiled for choice at the fair and want to take it all home with me.

Hopefully I'll get something made over the weekend so i can put a pic up on my blog. :o)

Have a good weekend folks ...

TTFN
Pixie xxxx

The End of a Springy Week

2009-10-04T20:15:00.004+01:00

The end of another week is upon us, so we're feeling a little sad tonight, with the Monday morning looming. Its worse because Hubby and I had last week off, to settle in our new Pup Beau. I'm dreading tomorrow when its back to work and I have to leave him a few hours. I will really miss my new little bundle of fluff and razor sharp teeth :o).
Woody and Beau seem to be getting on really well together now. Just look at them snuggled on the sofa together. They've also started to play together a lot more. Beau bites Woody's ears runs around the back of the sofa while Woody goes to get him, but he sneaks around the back and bites Woody's bum. Its so funny to watch the pooches, they've had me in stitches this week.

The little pickle keeps trying to chew the bark off my clematis.

The boys are mid play in this pic.

Beau taking a nap in Woody's bed.

AAAHHHH

Woody giving us his Eeyore look.

I grew this squash. Out of the two squash plants I had, this is all i got ;o(.

Had a nice lamb dinner tonight with runner beans from the garden, and I'm enjoying a glass of wine before I go upstairs to iron my work uniform for tomorrow. I'm hoping that the posty will bring me the Cath Kidston Sew book tomorrow, can't wait to make myself the bag pictured on the cover, but I seem to have a lot less time of late ;o).

Have a good week folks

TTFN

Pixie xxx

Meet Beau, Our new little addition to the family

2009-09-30T11:08:00.005+01:00

Hi folks, I thought you'd all like to meet our new little addition to the family. This is Beau and he's an 8 week old English Springer Spaniel. We picked him up on Saturday and I'm already completely smitten with him.

He's already into everything and is a proper little wiggle worm with needle sharp teeth. I'm training him to not bite us at the moment and he's already improved loads, he's also sitting and is getting better with toilet training. Obviously we've had a few accidents, but its only to be expected he's learning fast.

Woody has been really good with him, we've had a few grumbles but nothing too bad, he's been trying to get Beau to play with him and its lovely to watch.

We did intend to get a girl, but when we went to visit the puppies she was sooooo timid and hid the whole time. Whereas Beau bounded straight up to us and was all cuddles and licks and loved both of us from the start. He's proving to be a really confident pup, and wasn't even scared of the car ride home.

We're just hoping now that Woody and Beau continue to get along. We will have Beau neutered as soon as he's old enough so he doesn't become too dominant.

I love this pic, both my boys are sound asleep. Woody had a fur cut yesterday though so is not looking like a woolly mammoth anymore.

So I've been a bit busy since Saturday, and I'm absolutely shattered. Next week will be hard when its back to work, they won't be left too long though as I work part time. I'd still rather be home with the dogs though ;o(. It was our wedding anniversary yesterday, but instead of going out we stayed home with the pup, but didn't mind in the slightest he's a little sweetheart.

TTFN

Pixie xxxx