I started this quilt at the end of last year, then promptly got so busy at work that it never came back out of the bag! After a few weeks off sick with Pleurisy, I didn't have the energy or inclination to do any sewing (or anything at all) so I took it along to Cornwall (where I seem to have the most creative energy) and started measuring, cutting and sewing.

I've just spent an hour half-watching BBC iPlayer (Tom Cruise on Jonathan Ross!) and started pinning it all together. I am really not sure whether I've made the right choice of fabric and I find all the pinning intensely boring. I was going to do a few small projects like The List Writer (I have some Moleskine cahiers which I planned to do before Christmas, and a few little bags for C's friends), but if I don't start putting this quilt together, the bedroom it's going in will be finished and it'll still be in bits!

I should've changed before I started because my lovely black trousers are now covered in thread!

New Year, New Me

I was in a cab this morning and the driver said "Have a good Christmas?" and it took me a while to think about it. Christmas is a mere memory now we are back at school, work etc etc. We did have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I don't usually do Resolutions but the new year seems like a good time to turn over a new leaf, put stuff behind you and start afresh. So my NYR's are:

1. Drink more water
2. Say No more!
3. Do more exercise
4. Eat better
5. Keep a journal
6. Cut down on TV/Computer

I am doing quite well so far. I have lost 3lbs, sleeping better (although last few nights have been dodgy due to hubby being away on business) and today I bought a gorgeous leather journal from Paperchase in Tottenham Court Road. Thought I'd died and gone to Stationery heaven! Suffice to say that wasn't the only thing that went into my basket. Although I managed to leave without buying a heart shaped mixing bowl, measuring cups and baking tray because R would say "Haven't you got enough heart shaped stuff!"

I did quite a bit of walking today, more than I would have had I gone the right way in the first place. I walked to Oxford Street from Tottenham Court Road before realising that I should have turned left instead of right - d'oh! I was on my way to Heal's to have a look at a sideboard for our new dining room/family room. When I entered the shop I turned left again instead of right and ended up in Habitat. What a fool! I got there in the end, managing to avert my eyes at the rows upon rows of Molton Brown, Orla Kiely towels, bed linen and handbags. Have ordered the sideboard (it had 70% off) and am now awaiting it's arrival. I then walked back to Oxford Street thinking I'd pop into my favourite shop (John Lewis) but by that time I'd been accosted by various charities asking me for several donations/sponsoring a Granny so I headed down to the tube, jumping on whatever train came in and fell asleep. I did wake at Wanstead in a blind panic but thankfully it was a loop train so I got off and walked straight into JBF . After nosing around in there for 5 minutes, I headed home to listen to the radio and do a bit of knitting.

My Christmas Present from R....

and he asks me if I have enough heart shaped stuff! NO is the answer to that!

It's been a while (again)....

Time flies when you're having fun. Or even if you're not having fun, time still flies! That's not to stay I'm not having fun.....I'll stop there I think!

It's been ages since I have updated my blog but I have been extremely busy working and making cakes, brioche, scones etc etc for the coffee shop (if I see one more lemon drizzle cake I may scream). Haven't had much chance to sew, started my jelly roll quilt and am currently trying to catch up with Miss Moss Stitch who is sewing like a madwoman for our Wonky Bunting stall at the school's Bring & Buy school on Wednesday. Nothing like a bit of pressure, I sat yesterday making little fabric wreaths and hearts. I also have a craft day on Saturday and need to make things for that too.

Why does time fly so quickly? I need a pause button! (or I need to learn to say No!)

What a Beautiful Day (hey hey)

Nothing much to add...the pictures say it all really !

They're Here.....

I know that title comes from a film (answers on a postcard as to what film, as the name escapes me at the mo!).

(From left to right) Frankie, Jamie and Tilly arrived yesterday.

They are settling in well and even put themselves to bed last night. I kept ringing my mum up and asking her all sorts of daft questions, and when they were all "in bed" I went to shut the door and they made a little sound. I found myself apologising for shutting the door and waking up early wondering if they were OK - it's like having babies all over again! This morning, H shot out of bed at 6:15am when I whispered "Who wants to help me....." and he said "ME ME ME!"

Frankie (who "belongs" to C) was the last one out of the Eglu this morning, so she is definitely like her owner as C is always the last one up in the house. H said that Tilly is like me, in that she's bossy! Well I said, "I'm the mummy, and I'm in charge!" To which C whispered "No you're not, I'm in charge actually" and then rolled over in bed, pushed her thumb back in and closed her eyes. I left her there for another half an hour! (I pick my battles carefully!).

The coffee shop has been open for 2 weeks and all I can say is....my feet are killing me and I sleep really well every night. I've had to make so many Brioche loaves that I now know the recipe off by heart. People love the variety of cakes on offer, and this week I added to the "collection" by making Nigella's Breakfast Bars. With a slight tweak (no peanuts and 25g less Oats), they went like hot cakes, even though they aren't technically a cake!

It seems the local Bobby is partial to The List Writer's Tea Loaf and a cup of builder's tea and we have had several repeat customers who all seem to love that we remember them, how they like their tea or coffee and sometimes if they have given us a recipe or suggested a certain cake, when they come in again - we have made it! (Not sure whether that was a good thing or not!!!!) Anyway Friday's are cream tea days and today was our busiest day yet, so I was rather pleased when a friend had to postpone a play date, because I can hardly type, let alone speak. The children are out playing with the chooks, so I'm going to make myself a nice cup of Assam tea and put my feet up for a while!