Mothers Day is almost upon us, and with the recent celebration of International Women's Day I've been thinking a lot recently about the incredible women who are responsible for my being here on this earth. One of these women (my mother) I've been blessed enough to know, while the others, who are still very much a part of my tapestry, passed away long before my time. These women have an incredible story to tell which I'd like to share with you today. It is a sad but uplifting story which features three women from three generations, and whenever I find myself struggling to cope with whatever it is that life is throwing at me, I think of these women and I always find courage. The story begins in Liverpool in 1941 ....
Thursday, 16 March 2017
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
A month in pictures - February
Well it's the end of february and little green shoots are poking their noses though in my garden and on my forest walks which can only mean one thing - SPRING! That said today was freezing so I shan't be changing the duvet and getting my flip flops down just yet, but just knowing it's around the corner is enough to put a zing in your step! I haven't been very crafty of late (though I have been in a knitting frenzy of sorts) and I have been planning some lovely craft projects, which I'm really keen to get started on. In the meantime here's our month in pictures ...
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
My favourite little corner + my new Barker & Stonehouse industrial lamp
I was recently asked where it is in my home that I choose to relax and unwind. My initial thoughts took me straight to the sofa, dog on lap in front of the fire ... but while I do relax and pass the time there in that cosy spot, the place I truly relax and feel at peace is when sitting in front of my sewing machine, in my craft room. My mind goes quiet there, and only ever there really. So for those that haven't visited my craft room, here's a glimpse at my favourite corner, plus I have a a recent new addition to show you - my Barker and Stonehouse green vintage industrial lamp!
Thursday, 9 February 2017
'Jar of hearts' Keepsake memory jar
Memory Jars make beautiful gifts. They are quick and easy to make, yet they are an incredibly thoughtful way of capturing a moment in time. I made this one for my young niece who was turning 21. I asked everyone she knew to write something on one of the folded hearts - be it a favourite memory, or simply what they loved most about her, and she absolutely loved it, and in years to come or even when she's having a bad day, she can looking inside and be reminded of good times, and of how much she is loved. So since Valentines Day is coming up I thought I'd share this lovely little project with you, but remember it's also makes a lovely birthday / anniversary / wedding / christmas gift too!
You will need:
A jar
floral or patterned paper
Ribbon or string
scissors
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
A month in pictures - January
Well hello you lovely lot and happy January! I've had a bee in my bonnet this month over clearing out our loft. As I've mentioned we'd like to move house later this year, so I figured it was about time I tackled the pile of stuff that has been accumulating in our loft for the past Occasionally I climb the loft stairs, look around, then proceed to walk straight back down and pretend no such loft exists. In fact you often find that tidy people (which I am, usually) are the worst hoarders. Our houses are only tidy because somewhere there lurks a cupboard or drawer (or *ahem* loft) where EVERYTHING is thrown. So bit by bit I've been dragging it downstairs, sorting it into piles, holding it under hubby's nose while shouting 'THROW OR KEEP!! ANSWER NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE' in a Sergeant major manner ... and oh my, it feels so GOOOOD!!! I never expected to get such a buzz from driving away from a recycle dump with an empty car but alas, I think I'd choose that high over a G&T and hot bath! OK, well maybe not ... here's out month in pictures.
Friday, 27 January 2017
Tŷ Glas Cottage - A romantic 'Hideaway' in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Tŷ Glas cottage is located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, and it is definitely one of my most memorable and favourite cottages in Wales. This pastel blue period Welsh cottage is set in its own wild natural gardens, with 40 acres of pastures, woodlands and lakes, with beautiful views of the Carningli Mountain. Conservation is at the heart of this lovely cottage, and it has been renovated to reveal it's old dairy, open fireplaces and natural wood flooring throughout. Everything about this cottage is idyllic, and it combines natural rustic charm with comfort and luxury in the most perfect way. While this cottage is one of the more expensive cottages I have featured, if you're looking for something special, this cosy romantic retreat for two really is worth a visit.
Where is it: Pembrokeshire coast national park, Wales
How much: £584 for long weekend.
Pets: Allowed by special request
Sleeps: 2
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Enchanted Forest Bag by Voyage
Whilst on holiday in Snowdonia in the Autumn I chanced upon the most beautiful bag in a shop - it was made by a company called Voyage and it was absolutely love at first sight. Of course the bag went straight on my Christmas list, so you can imagine how delighted I was when the bag in question fell down my chimney Christmas morning - straight away I thought of you, as I knew many of you would love it as much as I do ...
Thursday, 5 January 2017
A month in pictures - A frosty December
Happy New Year all! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We had a lovely Christmas, and had a quiet but cosy New Year with our close friends - we reminisced about the previous New Years we had spent together ... partying the night away into the wee small hours ... while this year we were all in our PJ's sipping tea in front of the fire. How times have changed :-) I'm looking forward to this year ... it's going to be a year of change. We're hoping to move house at some point which will be an awfully big adventure and I can not wait! But for now here's a look back over December.
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
Ralphy and Snowdog - A Christmas message
Dear all. The house is twinkling, the cards are sent, the presents are wrapped and after one more day of work I'm off for Crimbles! So before I switch off I just wanted to drop you a message to say a big Happy Christmas to you all. Thank you so much for being such lovely friends and followers this year, you really do make this blog a pleasure for me to write. Have a safe, and peaceful time this Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead. I shall leave you with Ralphy, who insisted on writing his own message to you.
With much love,
JM x
Thursday, 8 December 2016
Festoon ceiling garland decoration + for Christmas or Weddings
If you fancy doing something a bit different with your Christmas decorations this year, here is a very pretty and affective way to add sparkly to your festive season. This string of ceiling decorations are so easy to make and you can easily adapt it to your own style. I had a lot of leftover baubles so I came up with this garland to make use of them. I like to keep mine simple with brown string, fairy lights and mis-matched baubles but you could easily keep them uniform or even add tinsel!
You will need:
A length of brown string / twine / ribbon
Battery operated wire fairy lights in silver or copper
Selection of baubles
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