Fondant Kiss

2011-05-19T08:49:00.001+01:00

First suprise is I am blogging! I have been so behind lately sorry!

Second suprise is my wonderful swap gifts from Anne at Nana GoGo. I enrolled in Bettys thrifty swap and got straight onto some crochet for my partner...but I am sure Anne will show you what I made for her.
Just look at this generous booty though...love it all thanks Anne x

I now drink posh hot coffee! There was also a bar of scrummy chocolate(do not know why that is not in the pic heehee) for me and sweeties for the boy. Also a jokey coaster that really made me chuckle

Thank you Betty for organising a great swap!

Promise I will blog again soon.....so much to tell you!

Enjoy the sunshine

xxx

Spring Destash

2011-03-25T10:58:00.001Z

Ok the Spinning bug has bitten! I did buy a wheel that turned out to be a complete hassle and just will not play ball.....so its time for drastic action.

*As a thankyou for helping me reach my "spinning wheel funds" target, each buyer will recieve a raffle ticket from me to be entered into a draw to win a handmade earring and necklace set!*

A Spring Destash Sale

Over on my Ravely Destash page Here

xxx

I Love to Dye!

2011-03-25T09:03:00.001Z

Hello Strangers!

There has been yet another long pause between posts and that's naughty of me....sorry

But I have been having soooo much fun!

I bought some fluff and some food dye and away I went!

If you don't spin then treat yourself to some undyed wool yarn and have a go....

WARNING....Highly addictive

Oh and wear gloves (eeek purple hands are unattractive)

If you don't already know Ravelry is a brilliant place to hang out! There are so many lovely helpful people

with lots of hints and tips

For help with dying seek here!!

Go on....have a go!

I also "had a go" at making a swift...a piece of aparatus to wind skiens

Yep its PINK!

xxx

Cardigans and spindles

2011-03-05T11:36:00.001Z

Hello lovely blog friends, I haven't forgotten about you, just been super busy here and my boy has been hogging the laptop for homework assignments.
remember the cardigan pattern I showed you last post? well I jumped right in with the attitude "I can do this" and I did! I have to say the pattern was super-duper easy and it worked up very quickly....ta-dah moment...

You really must try this...the pattern is soooo adaptable you can use any yarn and hook size etc and is very easy to follow...it would have to be lol! Pattern here
I have started another one for my mum for mothers day in a beautiful scarlet red (patons smoothie)

It is my sisters birthday at the end of the month and I managed to finish a Queen Anne scarf that will be suitable for spring (cos its going to get warmer soon..)

Pattern here

And without boring you too much peeps I have had a go at hand spinning with a spindle and I lurve it!

I bought a cheap top whorl that is ok but I am looking for something that will spin a wee bit longer.

Another ta-dah...

My first hand spun chunky lovliness!

Now working on some yummy alpaca....ooh get me teehee

Ok my friends I will be back soon with showing and telling about my dyeing mishaps!

Have a jolly weekend

xxx

Today I am thinking....

2011-02-16T12:49:00.000Z

I want to make a garment! Without sounding too cockey I do believe that its time to move on from grannies and try something a little more adventurous. Don't get me wrong I love my granny and have plans for more but I think its time to dip my toes in garment territory.
I really fancy something lacy and summery...

oooohhhh japanese and charted pattern.....maybe not

{pattern here for chart literate crocheters!}

This is more like it....crochet in one piece! tried and tested by many ravelers

{courtesy of milobo}

Just one slight teensy problem....

Out of yarn boo hoo!

School uniforms to replace first {already!!}

But I kept my idle hands busy with scrappy bits...

Two odd shaped balls {teehee} for safe indoor play for my footy mad great-nephews

an alien type bunny thing

and a cute puddy-tat designed by the lovely talented Fi at Marmalade Rose

{whose blog is very gorgeous I might add}

Well I must go, window cleaner here - needs paying £12!!! how did that happen?!!!

Think thoughts of spring my dear friends!

xxx

The wonderful world of talking books

2011-02-08T05:48:00.000Z

I love reading

I love crocheting

If only I could do both at the same time.....

I CAN????

Yes with audio books
its free and its legal...wehey!

What a discovery!

find a good read/listen HERE

Human Planet....a must watch

2011-02-07T08:25:00.000Z

This just has to be THE greatest thing I have ever seen on television!

WATCH IT HERE

Rainy day breakfast

2011-02-05T12:18:00.000Z

Needing a lift this morning I kept the curtains closed, lit the fire, played happy tunes

and got teenage boy out of his pit with....

{click image to enlarge}

Have a HAPPY Weekend my friends!

xxx

Teenage Boys....

2011-01-27T09:49:00.001Z

What is it that makes them change overnight?

Are hormones really the culprit?

At 11/12 years old they are still sweetness and light and comply with the usual routine...enter bedroom, open curtains and suggest ...."come on Pops sweety, get up and ready for school, pancakes are ready for breakfast"

Then one morning (13th Birthday?)

Reply... "Oh ouch shut the curtains its too bright! (pulling pillow over his head) and don't call me Pops and I hate pancakes, I will have a coke whilst I do my homework"!

So I have tried everything to lure him out of his pit in time for school

Even tried bribery ....if you get up and ready for school now, like you used to, I promise I will crochet you something nice......

the reply...."as long as you don't use acrylic mum"

(pulls pillow over his head)

Whats a mum to do with a lazy nonchalant teenager?

Advice pleeeeease!

Procrastination on hold

2011-01-22T17:00:00.000Z

I know, I know, I know....I am so sorry for being away so long.
The only excuse I have is that of the procrastination type....not good really but I have been jolted back here thank goodness.
I have kept up to date reading lots of blogs and as I am sure most of you already know the lovely Sara London, you will see her appeal going out to crocheters world-wide for their help. The crochet a rainbow project will help the devastation that hit Australia. What a fantastic way to get back in my blogging seat, my contribution is growing and will be in the post shortly......what are you waiting for people?....get ya hook out!

I chose cheery Sarah London~esque colours

Click below to join

I WANT A PUDDY-TAT!

2011-01-17T12:22:00.000Z

2010-12-21T14:09:00.000Z

I will be back soon!

You are going to need somebody

2010-10-22T12:38:00.002+01:00

Angels

2010-10-14T18:22:00.003+01:00

My Giveaway winner

2010-10-05T17:09:00.001+01:00

Hello lovely blogging ladies!

Thank you to all to those who took part in my giveaway.

Hello and welcome to my lovely new followers too.

I am sorry you had to wait so long for me to draw the winner but I chose today because it is my birthday!

So this just makes it extra special for me.

So all your names went into my pink fluffy hat and I plucked out a winner

(sorry I don't have pics to show the said hat but I lent out my camera and it has not been returned yet!)

The winner of my handmade goodies is.......

The lovely Carole from A Blessed Life

Do go and visit her lovely heart warming blog

I must dash and take my brownies out of the oven.....my treat for my "homemade" spa this evening!

See you all soon

Love and harmony to you all

xxx

Where did today go to?

2010-09-29T15:11:00.001+01:00

A little under the weather....nothing a snuggly granny can't remedy!

xxx

Yikes....an award...for my blog....

2010-09-27T14:58:00.001+01:00

I really dont deserve this as I have been terrible at updating and visiting lately! Sorry! Anyway the lovely Heather from Pink Milk thinks im versatile so I shall oblige with the seven facts about me. Thank you Heather.

1:: The only time I watch television is to watch a good film. I especially enjoy old black and white films with dancing and big frocks. Television just aint like it used to be.
2:: I hate doing the weekly food shop, I have tried doing the grocery shopping online and had it delivered a few times but I don’t like it when they send "alternatives". eg a bunch of spring onions please.....I got four huge Spanish onions!
3:: I love fresh flowers and flowering plants and if I see a marked down plant withering on the shop shelf I bring it home and bring it back to life. New to gardening I have worked hard through the summer and now have raised beds to have a bash at growing my own veggies.
4:: Im not a social butterfly and don’t really have people around me, no friends as such. I am a homebird and like my own company. I often say to myself that I should get out more and socialise but I think it is a confidence thing.
5:: I don’t drive. I did try about 15 years ago but during one of my lessons a little girl ran out in front of me. I didn’t hit her but she just stood in the middle of the road screaming and I froze. I have never been in a driving seat since.
6:: I have always had a creative mind but would only result in a started cross stitch or three, a started scarf, a started dress, or even a started room decorated! Since I started blogging, reading blogs and surfing the web I am now finishing projects and always find inspiration to let my creative side flow. (still have plenty of starts to finish though!)
7:: I am boring......I cant think what to write for number seven!
Now I have to pass the award on to five other bloggers which is very difficult as I love y'all! So I thought I would choose five blogs that are new to me.....here you go lovely bloggists

Jumble and Jelly
Quietly Stitching
Allotment to kitchen

Flora&Purl

L is for Love

Dont forget to enter my giveaway in the previous post!

At last the Thank you Giveaway!

2010-09-15T15:51:00.001+01:00

I cant believe it is over a month since I said I would do this and for that I am sorry but LIFE just needed me elsewhere! One thing is for sure....I am so happy to be back and will be popping by to see you all over the next few days. So without further ado here is what I am giving to one lucky blogger who leaves a comment saying they would like to be included and popped into my hat!

I made you a chunky crochet bag lined and trimmed in matching vintage fabric

a crochet hook roll with vintage fabric and lace.

I matched some abalone shell beads with crystals to make earrings presented in a vintage style box

I made a matching pin cushion and crochet funky teapot jacket

then threw in a classic jane austen novel with a blank handmade paper notebook

all with matching good old fashioned chocolate limes sweeties.....mmmmm!

I will draw you out of the hat on the 5th October

cos tis a special day for me!

LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL MY LOVELY FOLLOWERS

OLD AND NEW

XXX

101 Followers! A HUGE Thank you and Giveaway

2010-08-13T18:46:00.000+01:00

My 101st follower snook up on me and so I am celebrating with a giveaway

I had a little play with moviemaker so being my first time it is verrrry amateur!

I am sure I will get lots of comments about the Vid I made anyway but all comments left will be added to my giveaway. I wish I could have included you all in my video but it would have been an epic!

So to ALL my followers YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!

So many of you have been there sharing my silly stuff, joining the fun swaps and shining a light to guide me out of dark murky holes. I can never express enough how much this has meant to me.

It will be a surprise gift for my giveaway as I am unorganised but it will be special!

I will draw the lucky winner at the end of the month ok

Love and Lazy Hazy Summer Days to you all!

xxx

Polite request.....

2010-08-12T17:43:00.002+01:00

Im crocheting hats for flips sake!!!!

But just in the nick of time (before I go TOTALLY insane)

I found this....
Julias popcorn flower granny squares turorial
Yipee!!

XXX

Ribbit!

2010-08-10T12:44:00.001+01:00

Just a silly little post whilst taking a break from clearing more overgrowness from the bottom of the garden....This little fella was trapped inside an old plant pot and was looking up to me saying "come on set me free will ya"

So I tilted the pot and he rest for a while on the edge

He stayed for a chat... he said that he had been there for quite some time and was a little tired from trying to climb up the sides

He thanked me very kindly for helping him and just as I was pursing my lips he let me in on a little secret......

"Kissing me would not turn me into a handsome prince and I really must dash as Mrs Froggy will be wondering where I have been all night"!

Ok back to the digging then....

HOPPY TUESDAY MY FRIENDS!

XXX

New adventures in gardening

2010-08-07T14:17:00.000+01:00

Ha what a title! I have been working my wellies off this week digging, weeding, digging, pruning and sowing a few seeds too. My garden was so overgrown and very neglected. I have decided to use the space for growing my own veggies and fruit. Of course this decision comes a little late in the year and should have got my backside into gear in the spring but with one thing and another.....Anyway I am surprised how much I am enjoying getting stuck in (literally). My Friend Jules (check out her new summerhouse!) is so right when telling me how good gardening is for the soul. It is definitely a labour of love with lots of blood, sweat and tears and when I find myself thinking "is it worth it"? I take a break with a milky coffee and visit all the lovely gardening blogs and forums to gain inspiration and motivation. Lots of my readers and the blogs I follow have been through the process of planning and digging and have established gardens with romantic blooms and relaxing seating areas often shown in their posts. This is what keeps me going, one day I will post pics here of my lovely blooms and big veggie yields! teehee! I love browsing seed and plant catalogues (sad I know) but find them sooo expensive so I keep my eyes open on forums etc as a lot of gardeners are very generous when they have excess seeds. My sister also begged me to go and dig up her rhubarb...do any of you green fingered bloggist know the best time to do this? I am very new to "grow your own" and I am greedy for knowledge for what to sew/grow at this time of year.
Anyway here are a few pics of work so far

Getting there, you should have seen it a few weeks ago!

One raised bed waiting to be filled

Next doors hydrangea ....I'm sure she dyes them in the night they are the most vibrant blue!

My rocket seedlings in an old shower tray!

this sapling is 4ft high but have no idea what it is...anyone?

I also have ONE tomato, ONE sweet pepper and ONE white strawberry Hehehe!

Its not much but it feels GREAT!

Happy Gardening my friends x

I can't put my finger on why I like this so much!

2010-08-05T21:38:00.000+01:00

Quick post

2010-08-03T09:11:00.000+01:00

the sun did shine on two beautiful boys for their christening

Cody & Zack

With lots of love to you both

One small hand to hold in yours,

One small face to smile,

One wet kiss as he says "good-night"

One small child.

Catch the moment, put it in your heart

The years too soon will fly.

These are precious moments,

more than money can buy.

Two small arms to hold you tight,

Two small feet to run,

Two small eyes full of love for you,

One small son.

Catch the moment and put it in your heart

and never let it go.

Save it for the years to come

when he, too, will know.

One small hand to hold in his

One small face to smile.

One small kiss and he says "Good Night"

One small child.

Dungarees no longer

2010-07-16T09:22:00.001+01:00

Can you see that pityfull gaze?... "please don't take my Duncan Greens to the charity shop mummy" (sniff sniff for effect)

"but they don't fit you anymore sweetheart"

(stomps into house)

Later that evening mummy turns into a magician

and in the morning.......

SMILES!

SIMPLE!

Many thanks Sophie

2010-07-11T10:14:00.000+01:00

THANK YOU Sophie for my beautiful Boudoir Swap Goodies Darling!

I was overwhelmed with so much prettiness you so generously sent. It set me up for a girly day rearranging my dressing table with......

THE most gorgeous vintage trinket box

Hand embroidered swan linen

Hand made hanger and heart with soap roses that smell real! and a "secrets" box to hide my scrummy baileys chocs.

All wrapped up like it was my birthday in candy stripes!

xxx

If all else fails...stoke up the oven

2010-07-08T09:35:00.002+01:00

I have to keep posting or my lovely blog gals start to fret! Blogging has turned into a bit of a sanctuary these past couple of weeks and has helped to keep my overactive negative thinking at bay. So with all the crappity crap going on I have let things slip a little in the Fondant household. To make up for this and make it look like I had a busy-ish day I baked.....of course I was obviously forgiven with so many treats....and I enjoyed myself!
Instructions for a "busy" baking day....
1* Create the mood, turn on the radio, I like to listen to my playlist there in my sidebar.
2* Open all the kitchen windows to make the delicious smells waft to your neighbours, you can then hear all the birds singing and cheering you on. Even better if you can see all your fave linen washing on the line (am I weired to feel the euphoria of linen on the line?)
3* Wear your new apron swap apron over your fave cotton frock.
4.* Gather all your recipes and ingredients and pre-measure into pretty little bowls (less flapping mid mixing).
5* Stoke up that oven and get creative!
When you have loaded up the oven, licked the spoons and bowls, stacked the washing up, click on the kettle and sit in your kitchen with a nice cup of tea/cappo and relax.
Most of all enjoy your baking day safe in the knowledge that all proceeds will be greatly received and will far outweigh the fact that the rest of the house looks like a bomb hit it....you can tackle that tomorrow!

So yesterday my sweet pal of Jules at Home shared her superb Sticky Lemon Cake Recipe. I kid ye not - it really is deeeelish.

I always accept that my cakes will never rise as much as they should due to totally inadequate oven! But I was more than happy with these results as it just tastes so.....summery!

Then I made cheap and cheerful flapjacks

I am sure you all know how to make these teatime favourites

Melt 4oz butter with 4oz sugar (or less) and 3 tablespoons of honey or syrup.

Stir in 8oz rolled oats (or any muesli) and add a handful of chopped apricots (or other dried fruit or nuts)

Squash into a tin, bake for half an hour at gas mark 4 (or 180c/350f)

Drizzle melted choc over the top and Voila!

Then I made our usual egg and bacon pie and sausage rolls and set the bread maker on with a crusty loaf!

DOMESTIC BLISS!

All ready for a weekend of picnics!

Lucky me....swap goodies

2010-07-07T10:59:00.000+01:00

With one thing and another lately I am so terribly late with this post... sorry swap pals x
All the way from Tasmania my apron arrived

From Silver nutmeg and golden pear. I love it and as its reversible will not be in the washing machine as much (ha). Courtney is one busy superwoman with her adorable children on one hip and her sewing machine on the other! Go and check out her amazing blog.

This is what I sent to Courtney and her lil "Boss"

My Boudoir Swap

Then my lovely pal Kath of JuicyFig really did suprise me with her perfectly hand stitched box

Kath spoilt me with rose and violet cremes...I got tucked into them before anyone came home! I did share the sweet chocolate mice though! Guess what.... Kath has made more of these sweet boxes and they are up for grabs in her cute folksy shop

And lastly......

Dear Royal Mail, I am on your tail looking for a lost package that I sent to my strawberry swap partner! I will not rest until you find it and deliver it to its rightful owner. I am very dissapointed in your service and DO NOT want postage stamps as compensation as they will not replace the handmade lovlies I crafted for my friend. So get a move on or else I will have to start all over again and poor Emma has waited long enough!

Crochet Therapy

2010-07-05T21:06:00.000+01:00

I have found solace and relaxation in recent days with MrHook and balls of snuggly colourfulness....I call it crochet therapy. My sleeping pattern is horrendous so 3am crochet time is the norm at the mo! It has calmed me, given me time to think and put things in perspective, made me smile imagining wrapping my girly up for snuggles and stories.
I would love for you to join me in my new flickr Crochet Therapy group and post your pics to share.

Thanks to all you lovely ladies that blog I am feeling so much stronger and feeling the love and support you all emit with your emails, comments and cards. You all have your down times and I sure hope I can repay you all in some way. Love to you all.

xX WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER Xx

Tears can't be good for keyboards

2010-07-02T12:50:00.002+01:00

A week ago I was totally overwhelmed by unwelcome goings on brought to my life. This morning I was overwhelmed by your comments and emails to my last post. Yes you made me cry....you also gave me an amazing amount of strength! Each and every comment I read from you took me a step nearer to feeling brighter, a little more hopeful and most importantly felt cared about.

THANK YOU!

I have always kept myself to myself and been a big believer in live and let live. I do not judge people by the way they choose to live. I have always taught my children to love everyone, be forgiving and above all have a good heart. If you have children you will know that its not always easy to teach these values when there is so much cruelty and badness in the world.

Recently I have had to question these values myself. Have I been naive? Have I been in lala land? or just plain stupid? (still working it out). Someone decided that they wanted what I have. Someone decided I was too happy. She made it her business to destroy that. When she verbally attacked me I took it on the chin and did not retaliate. When she physically attacked me I did not fight back. My calmness and tolerance only fueled her fire. She now knows how to hurt me....she involved my children.

The sheer despair this has caused me is paralysing, the pain and sorrow I feel is not for myself but for my son. He is only 12 and has to endure someone else's spite and we have to prove his innocence against her lies. He is confused and not emotionally mature enough to understand. I have questioned faith, humanity, the justice system and my values. Until reading your comments and emails we were alone and isolated.

It takes what little courage I have to appear cheerful and strong when my son is around. You have all contributed to lifting me high enough to actually get dressed today and eat! I am even going to start on the laundry and clean the house.

I will catch up with your blogs this evening as I would love to see how the boudoir swapping is going! I will also post about my own lovely swap partner kath of Juicy Fig and the gorgous goodies she made me......you will all want one and will be pleased to know you can buy them in her cute little shop!

Your kindness, dearest blogstars, is astounding.

Again I thank you all. xxx

LIFE...

2010-06-29T11:05:00.000+01:00

...has turned upside down. I have unexpectedly found myself in a dark place. It has left me stranded in limbo with no control of which way to turn.

Hoping and praying this is a temporary glitch and I will be back as soon as I can function properly.

Boudoir swap post by date

2010-06-08T09:12:00.001+01:00

A couple of lovely swappers have emailed me and asked me what the swap by date is. Well my dears I thank you for the little polished boot on the behind....I was being a little laid back I guess. I am going to ask all you lovely ladies to have your goodies in the post by 18th June. We have no excuses now, the children have had their pre-summer romp in the sun and are back at school. We simply cant put our feet up as there is only a matter of weeks before the "big break" from school so we need to stay on our toes!

I have only just reclaimed the laptop and removed greasy finger prints and uninstalled all matter of useless downloads after the boy got his mitts on it last week....homework...yeah right!

I have missed blogland and am still catching up. As I was on catch up last night (nodding off with the gentle whirrr and warmth of lappy) I heard someone say "how many blogs do you follow"? Well blow me, I looked and my list contains 347 wonderful bloggers! Oooh I said, I didn't realise, no wonder it takes me so long to catch up....the reply??? "well delete some then"!!!! WHAT A RIDICULOUS NOTION!

Whilst I am busy behind the scenes and struggling to find time to be here I do think of you all and will be popping by your lovely blogs asap!

Im so excited......Boudoir swap partners!

2010-05-30T09:59:00.003+01:00

I really am thrilled at the response I have had from the most amazing ladies for this swap. In the process I have come across some fantastic new blogs, said hello to some new followers and just been so warmed by the kindness and generosity of beautiful bloggers. I have made your list to include links to all those who are taking part just so that you can have a flit around as well as contacting your swap buddy.

So here we go lovely ladies......

Crafty Smiles - Woodbank Crafts

Blighty Boutique - Faerie Nuff

Love to Craft - Dosie Rosie

Felt Fairy - Catalinas Cottage

MonfilRouge - Hapi-Ness

Jules at Home - Me & Ma

Notes from Summerwood - Sew Special Bears

Tilly Rose - A Blessed Life

Love Hector - Pink Milk

Mrs Yappy Dog - Sew Justine Sew

Shabby Chic Shaz - Nana Go-Go

Florence & Mary - The Vintage Gardener

Chez Sophie - Fondant Kiss

Nanette - Wife, mother and other

It just leaves me to say a huge thank you to all of you and enjoy your Boudoir Swapping Darlings!!!

Please email me with any problems etc.

Odd numbers for swap and "dont talk to me about caravan love"

2010-05-29T09:40:00.001+01:00

Hello lovely ladies

My beautiful list of Boudoir Swap Darlings is odd.....so if you have been umming and arrring then let me convince you by saying that the line-up of swappees is simply fabulous! Get your fluffy mules on cos I'm pairing up tomorrow.

Now.... all week I have tippy tappied on the keyboard to find a little holiday for us at the seaside. I have been limited as we can only go for one specific week in August due to other commitments. This has just been so frustrating. Money is too tight to mention so cheap and cheerful is a must. This certainly narrows things down immensely! So when my other half shouts from his computer "I found us the perfect accommodation" I jumped up to look with delight......

After all the hunting and disappointment I have lost my sense of humour!

Like a lot of my lovely bloggy friends I too dream of owning and old caravan to splash oodles of love and attention on. When I sit with my crochet in the evening with enquiries like "what is it"? when before I answered with "a tank top for you" I now reply with "its a caravan blanket".....because I know one day the caravan of my dreams will come along!

Have a great weekend lovelies.....boooo to the rain lets BBQ anyway!

Dont forget.....

2010-05-26T07:56:00.001+01:00

Just popping in to tell all you lovely ladies that the Boudoir Swap partners will be given on Sunday 30th....if you have not yet joined then please do!

I have had such a busy busy week! We had a visitor to stay this week and Miss Jazzy was not too impressed (she is getting too old to be bothering with delinquent pups)!

This is Miss Izzy my Nephews Doglet

Managed to spend some time in the garden.....well a tidy corner of the garden as tis a little wild at the moment!

Even the weeds look pretty, and there are plenty of them!

We went for a stroll and met this handsome chap

Come on Deb, this way through the field....Not on your Nelly Matey!

Even if he was this far away!

Home to see the sunset, very romantic!

Boudoir Darlings....still time to join in the fun!

2010-05-21T09:40:00.004+01:00

Hello lovely bloggers, hope you are all enjoying the sunshine we have all been longing for!

Below is the prestigious list of all the Darlings who have joined so far - Thank you!

If your name is not here then please leave a comment and let me know if you are happy to post overseas.

You Simply Have To Join Darling!

Heather - Pink Milk

Aija - Crafty smiles

Gill - The vintage Gardener

Nic - Woodbank Crafts

Pixie - Faerie Nuff

Jille - Love to craft

Justine - Sew Justine Sew

Gill - Dosie Rosie

Annie - The Felt Fairy

Cat - Catalinas Cottage

Sandra - MonFilRouge

Jules - Jules at Home

Carole - A Blessed Life

Alison - Love Hector

Mrs P - Notes from Summerwood

Shirl - Indigo Shirl

Have a Glorious Weekend Darlings!

Glamorous underwear discount, you Simply Have To Indulge Darling!

2010-05-17T13:13:00.014+01:00

The response to my Boudoir swap has been amazing...there is still time to join in the fun!

As I am an old fashioned gal who loves anything vintage it is inevitable that I follow

Diary of a Vintage Girl

If you have not visited Fleur then You Simply Have To Darling....She is a fantastic writer, super glamorous model with a down to earth heart. She is witty, charming and has an envious classic look.

So the lovely Fleur had a giveaway and lucky old me WON! I don't mind telling you ladies that I do buy matching underwear but they never seem to be worn matching, I'm a comfy, practical, tiny amount of frill, marks n sparks knicker wearer. So imagine my joy when I received THE most gorgeous package last week. I have to tell you....my mans face was a picture!

I won the whole Ava set and when I tried them on they were like a second skin! I cant believe I could look so glamorous (teehee!)

The quality of these garments are sumptuously perfect with attention to every detail.

If you love vintage you will love Playful Promises.

Customer service at Playful Promises is second to none. Lovely Laura and I emailed so that I received a perfect fit and she really did make me feel very special.

Laura also gave me a promotion code to share with my lovely blog readers so if you order online you will get 20% off if you write fondantkiss in the promotion box at the checkout.

You will not be disappointed darlings!

They don't just stock gorgeous underwear, oh no sweeties, they have stunning swimwear and amazing jewellery. Below is a little taster of my faves, but go and indulge yourselves at Playful Promises.

Have a Playful Week Darling!

Boudoir Swap....You Simply Have To Join Darling!

2010-05-11T10:38:00.001+01:00

Firstly I have to give heartfelt thank yous to all you gorgeous bloggers who commented on my bedroom dilemma, they really helped. It was a tough room to tackle! Anyhow here is a little taster of "The PINK Bed"!

She has to be in does Miss Jazzy

Now Dearest readers......there is something lacking and that which is lacking is the finishing touches, you know what I mean.....those things that make it cosy and heavenly and rich in handmade goodness {froufrou}

So after a little thought and pondering and a comment from a bloggy pal Juicyfig I thought "hey! those lovely gals in blogland are soooo thoughtful in their creative talents, I will organise a swap"!!!

So lets have some fun.....

To join in just leave a comment saying that You Simply Have To Join Darling {or email me}

Here is what I thought {but not rules....don't like rules}

You will each have a partner that will be randomly chosen

(please let me know if you don't wish to post abroad)

You will make/upcycle/buy something for your partners boudoir.......

Maybe a pillow case, dressing table set, candles, hangers, picture, bunting, nightdress case, fluffy slippers.....the choice is yours!

Then {and this is the only rule} in your boudoir parcel to you partner you MUST include a secret stash for the dressing gown pocket of a morsel of decadent chocolate!

{if for some bizarre reason chocolate just isn't your thing please let your partner know}

Closing date will be May 29th when I will put you all in a hat and pair you up!

Please take the badge for your blog and spread the word

"The more the merrier"

Light at the end of the paint pot!

2010-05-10T00:13:00.001+01:00

Phew what a week.....non stop decorating. Today I felt the "just cant go on" feeling, I had ran out of motivation, paint and money! My "old" bedroom was looking very murky in deep purple (very wrong idea as it has tinsy cottage windows). So I dont need to tell you how many coats it took to get it a creamy lemony colour....aarrgghhh!
I therefore declared a day of rest today. Not being high as a kite on paint fumes and white streaks scrubbed from my mop, I stayed in my poshest jimjams and mooched, crocheted (still cant spell croched, crocheteded) and read some super duper scrummy blogs.
Seeing as my bank balance is very ugly at this point in time I cant pimp my lovely "new" bedroom with all the little wants not needs. So I fed my weary soul with a virtual window shop......... (with clicky links)

Polka dots and posies

There thats better isnt it Deb??? Oh yes such lovely prettyness. Well Im going to crawl into bed and hope that my mojo returns in the morning to put the last coat of eggshell on the drawers, finish hanging shelves in grotty cupboard, and working out underbed storage!

P.S "new" bedroom piccys to follow shortly.

Pearls of widsom

To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness

Dayzeelove

2010-05-06T09:39:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post as I'm still up to my eyeballs in paint! Thanks for your comments on my bedroom dilemma....still undecided about curtains but swaying towards something blue???

Anyway the postman delivered my designed to order stickers that I asked Dayzee to make for me. I was a bit of a difficult customer because when asked about certain details my reply was mainly "I will leave it up to you"! This lady was great and as she was a little delayed because of her supply delivery she also sent me some extras including some cute little thank you cards. Certainly value for money for a bespoke quality item.

I just need to sell something now so I can use them!

Visit dayzee here if you want creative design, for business cards, labels, tags, Etsy banners etc. Dayzee is also out there in blogland!

Back to the decorating for me....enjoy your day and your vote (GB's) can't wait to see what the government looks like tomorrow eeekkk!

Bedroom dilemma

2010-05-01T18:06:00.001+01:00

So I have started on the bedroom (should have been kitchen but hey-ho). On a whim I purchased some rolls of Anna French wallpaper cheaply on ebay. I love it and it looks gorgeous (worth the aching back)....

This now covers a feature wall and the rest of the walls are a matching creamy lemon colour. I Just can not seem to get my hands on any "matching" fabric for curtains etc (pattern is discontinued). I don't necessarily want it matching exactly but I find myself stumped here! Any help from you lovely talented blogists would be GREATLY appreciated!

Right....time to paint the bed.....guess which colour?????

Shop love

2010-04-29T06:31:00.002+01:00

You just HAVE to go and pay this adorable shop a little visit! Tilly rose is bursting with handmade goodness and vintage charm. Karen collects cute vintage items to sell alongside bespoke wedding items and personalised goodies. This lady is truly dedicated to her sewing machine and produces amazing quality items using yummy fabrics and trims......quick take a look

Karen also has a blog that is lots of fun too!

My first award!

2010-04-27T11:07:00.001+01:00

I am overjoyed to recieve my first award for my oh so humble bloggity blog!
HUGE thanks to ♥coco rose♥

Me being me (oh so generous!) I would like to give this award to the hundreds of lovely blogging enthusiast that I follow or those super wonderful ladies that follow me..... but in true award fashion I will take pleasure in awarding those that inspire me, support me and simply make me chuckle the most!

Mary Poppins

Juicy Fig

Bellas Country

Sarah Jane down the lane

Please click on the links and pay them a visit cos they are all fab bloggers!

Thanks again ♥coco rose♥

Kitchen makeover

2010-04-26T07:40:00.000+01:00

And all I can think is PINK!!!

I can only see two obstacles

1. The males of the house

ermmmm, cant think of number 2!!! soooo

WHICH PINK?????

Middle age spread.....nah just too much hair!

2010-04-24T10:24:00.002+01:00

With all this nice sunshine I booked a treatment day at the local spa.....

....Doglet spa that is - for Miss Jazz not me! Everyone kept telling me she was overweight...."OK girly, we'll show em"! Seeeee it was all hair! And anyway if you want to eat human left-overs its only fair at your old age!

You look gorgeous and still CUDDLY and I don't feel guilty de-furring you cos its so warm!

Im Hooked - thanks Lucy

2010-04-22T12:07:00.001+01:00

I know crochet has been around forever but it has always been a no-go area for me. I remember years ago, picking up wool and hook and trying to read a pattern..... mental block! In the short time I have been blogging and Etsying I have come across crochet in its many forms. Just recently I stumbled across the crochet-savvy goddess - Lucy at Attic24.

I just sat mesmerised and fell in love with her colourful crochet, home, personality and lounge! I found her instructions absolutely fool proof (even I could get my head around them!). With easy-peasy photo steps I just knew I could make SOMETHING! Straight to ebay, ordered yarn and hook and hey presto.....SOMETHING!

Even if I say so myself (cos no-one in the Fondant household will) Something turned out pretty well for a first attempt! OK so its only a faithful old granny square but I sat chuckling to myself at my achievement. I spose it will turn into a blanket (or cushion more like) one day.

Do you remember the first thing you crochet-ed??

The sun beeeeaaammmed through the window this morning so took advantage for a photo-shoot of some jewellery I had finished this week. If anything grabs you let me know .... until I get a flurry of listing-mania on Etsy!

Etsy treasury at last!

2010-04-20T11:56:00.004+01:00

I managed to make and post my first treasury on Etsy treasury East. This was to hightlight some the new friends I made at the craft Britannia team.

Click here for a little look-see

JOY

2010-04-18T12:08:00.000+01:00

I have had to have a forced break from blogging, etsying etc as the only reason to log on was to keep up to date with the ashcloud. My daughter is stuck in Sweden and still have no news about her return. Her father assures me that she is safe and happy to extend their visit with family, but its hard to "keep calm and carry on". So yesterday I had to get out of the house and take a long walk. Not far though you understand, still had to keep an eye on the news. I made up a picnic and reluctantly got in the car. We arrived at open fields and what (to me) looked like a mound of muck! This was Arbour Low. Practically on my doorstep was this peaceful and mysterious ancient site.

t was a great place to relax, fill my lungs with fresh air and reflect on the last week. The highlight of the day was the biggest reassuring hug from my beautiful boy! JOY!

Through the lovely and courageous Mary Poppins I found The Gallery. I took a whistle-stop tour of the site and will return when I have more time to learn how to submit photographs. This would be the pic that I would include for the prompt "Joy".

With the laptop opened up to the latest news, the phone on loud and my mind as calm as it can be I will produce the sunday roast and give joy to the last day of half term! *singing school tomorrow, school tomorrow, school tomorrow!!*

Give-away winner!

2010-04-12T16:16:00.000+01:00

Well I am back from a lovely weekend family visit, refreshed and re-charged batteries! Before I announce the winner of the new beginnings give-away, I would like to thank all those lovely bloggers that left comments and took part. It really did work! I have "virtually" made some lovely new blog friends and discovered their fabulous blogs. Thanks again especially to those who blogged about my give-away.
My darling son tore himself from his pit and xbox to draw a name out of the pot ("whats this all about".....back to the pit)! and picked out.......

Ms Victoria Plum!!!! Congratulations!

Victoria Plum's homegrown blog is a little treasure to read so pop over and be inspired

Well its time to feed the monsters so bye for now!

Family Time

2010-04-11T10:35:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I will draw the winner for my give-away tomorrow. I took an impulsive trip to visit my family. Oh the bliss of a family gathering for sunday lunch!

Have a great sunny Sunday!

Mr Honey Bee & Grumpy Old Lady

2010-04-08T21:14:00.001+01:00

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Miss Jazz, my faithfull cocked up spaniel. I would say she keeps me company but all she does is sleep all day (with loud snores). So there we were going about our business, her sleeping, me chopping up fabric to make curtains for the bathroom, with the back door wide open for the first time (spring was here today)..... in comes what sounded like a mini helicopter, doglet jumps up and immediately goes in for the kill! NO! NO! NO! JAZZY! Armed with glass and plate I save the poor thing and let him free into the sunny garden. With camera to hand I just had to take this picture of The Grumpy Old Lady.... I spoilt her fun....she ignored me for the rest of the day.

If looks could kill!

Anyway the bathroom is in its final stages of tweaking. I love When it comes to decorating I just dive in and hope for the best. Everything evolved from buying new knobs for the shelves there! Its not much of a bathroom at all really more like a cubbyhole with a bath, loo and sink....well good enough for me.... now going to go light my candles, grab a pot of tea and try it out.

Sophie Darling!

2010-04-07T10:41:00.002+01:00

oh how I loved your show last night! "nostalgia" made me all warm and snuggly inside. So off to iplayer to watch it all again here - the delicious miss Dahl. I have ordered the book also and have wrote my shopping list!

For me nostalgia is bread and butter pudding "nana style" and I will get some pics together and make you one here soon.

So today is a doing-day and off to fill the kitchen cupboards, pay some overdue bills, make some calls then (if I have time) pop into a couple of charity shops.

Have a great "Spring-ified" day!

New Beginnings Give-away

2010-04-05T00:27:00.000+01:00

Ok I did'nt sleep much last night, my head was like the garden shed (frustratingly messy) so at 4am I accepted defeat and promised myself to dwell on the missing blog posts no longer. Cutting a very long story short.... I last blogged in December and within seconds my computer just died on me. I have only just been in a position to replace it with this here shiny new laptop. Whilst absent from blogging I have spent my (very little) spare time creating my new line of jewellery. SO... I photographed them, bravely jumped on the Etsy bandwaggon and now blogging (ok boasting) to anyone who may be a tad interested (thanks mum for reading x).

VOILA! A NEW BEGINNING!

To celebrate my Etsy store "take-off" (and hopefully collect some friends along the way) I am giving away this gorgeous dragonfly necklace made with glass pearls and vintage glass beads.

*PLUS other scrummy surprises*

If you would like me to put your name in the hat (or sock, biscuit tin or such) in a weeks time then please leave me a comment on this post leaving a link to your blog.

Just say hi and introduce yourself! I look forward to hearing from you.

Ok im off to tidy up my mess now...... (supose)

Oh NO!

2010-04-03T22:51:00.000+01:00

I have totally lost everything in my Fondant Kiss blog! So here I am starting from scratch! Im not even sure what Ive done.... will investigate a little further but cant afford to eat up so much time in doing so..... dissapointment is an understatement!