Monday 31 October 2011

My week

My week is a bit late as I normally write it up on Sunday afternoon, so sorry its late and hopefully not boring but here it is.

Monday: You know it was not a very exciting day really. Normal housework and also trying as normal to stick to my diet. I have been trying to read more but there never seems enough time in the day to do that.

Tuesday: Wanted to try to tidy up my craft room which is tiny. It had got into a terrible mess as I was so busy making wedding stuff, it got so untidy.
I got a full 3 bags of un-wanted bits and bobs and odd bit of. fabric and just .... stuff. It was nice to clear the space and get some order. I dream of a big room with areas for my sewing, paper craft and computer. And all organised and tidy..... ah well we live in hope one day.

Wednesday: No swimming today as my swimming friend is away on holiday, and its half term for the kids so pool would be busy.
I continued on my cleaning today and had the whole day to clean my large dresser in my kitchen. Its huge and gets very dusty, and I have lots of china so its is so hard to clean.
I wish sometimes I could have the cleaning fairy come around to help.

Thursday: Was the end of my first week doing my mutu system and continue with my slimpod. If you check earlier posts you can get information on both.Its too early to have success with my fitness and things will always be slow. I am trying and good new I lost 3 pounds this week so yay me.

Friday: Today it was my normal meeting of National women's register which is a discussion group. Today's subject is "what makes you rant!", so that should  be interesting. Other than that not much today.

Saturday: Today was craft class again. We made bath bombs and they had a great smell. We choose to make lavender ones, messy but fun. We also made boxes and tags. Sarah, Rosa and Katie at Flair Rail were great. I really enjoy the classes and the tea and chat.




Sunday: Today first it was off to church, on my own this week but that ok. It was a nice service and people are starting to chat to me now which is nice. I came home to a lovely roast dinner cooked by my husband.
This afternoon I went to the movies with my daughter and son in law, went to see paranormal activity 3.
Enjoyed it but did not think it was as good as the first two. Also very expensive to go and it will be awhile before I go again!
Also heard that a British T.V icon called Jimmy Saville  had died. Most in the UK of a certain age will remember him from his show called "Jimmy will fix it" on the BBC. He was a real character and a great lose to show business.



so sorry I am late and I wish you well for this week                                                              

Friday 28 October 2011

Baking day

Baking day was today ! Now I'm no great cook, in fact I'm not really keen on cooking. However, sometimes I do like to bake and today was one of those times .
My husband wanted to make scones and I tried to tell him how to make them, but like most men he knew best!
Sad to say they were fit for the bin and I had my "told you so" moment!

I had a found a nice recipe which I thought I would use. This is it if you want to have a go yourself.

Fruit scone

7oz(200g)plain flour
2 tablespoon sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
6 oz (175 ml ) buttermilk
55g mixed fruit

1.preheat the oven to 425f/220c/gas 7. Grease a baking sheet.
2. Shift the dry ingredients into a bowl. Rub in butter with finger tips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Gradually pour in buttermilk, stirring with a folk to form a soft dough.

4.flour your table and press out dough with your hands. Don't roll as it Knocks the air out.
5.cut out and place on a baking sheet and bake until golden , 12-15 mins.

You can change to cheese scones by dropping the fruit and a wee bit more salt.



Hope you will have a baking day for yourself and give them a go.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Mutu system Review week Two

Mutu system review week two has began. I don't know were the last week has gone its flown past.
Well it arrived in my inbox and I was keen to get started. I was impressed with the instruction's and detail to get you started.

Each stage was described in detail and also instructions that it was a nice easy start!
The video for the exercises was very clear and fairly easy to follow, I am sure once I get used to the way to perform them it will get easier.
As I said it was a very easy start more about correct form and getting in touch with your body.
My only problem was I have a very bad back which is much worse in the mornings, so I had to do my stuff later in the day.
I also had to fill in measurement's and so on and scary stuff take picture !!!!!!  Fear not I do not plan to share either one with you at this stage lol.
So its very early days and not much really to report as yet, but I am doing best as I can and if you would like anymore details check out the web site .

Mutu system week two here I come!

Wednesday 26 October 2011

"She's leaving home" - your life in a trunk

If you had to leave you home in a hurry what would you take? In your panicky scramble to pack, what really matters to you and what would you leave behind!


Well, please God I never have to leave home in a hurry, is the first thing I have to say!!
The thing I could not go without would be my family, if they were safe that would be all that matters.
My husband kevin and my children Mattthew and his wife Karen, and my daughter Natalie and her husband Rob. Long as they were all safe that would be all that mattered.







Included in the "family" would be my beautiful cats, who I love so much. I could never ever leave them behind.




It would be nice to take photographs as I have many of my mothers. I keep saying that I have to get them into albums because when I go who will know who these people are.
It must be terrible to lose everything like those in Turkey this last few days. I can't imagine what they are going through and I really wish them well.

I would leave behind most of the clothes and shoes, and other non important stuff.
It would be hard to leave some things but as I said as long as my little family were safe I would not be worried.
I would love to hear your "Shes leaving home"- your life in a trunk ideas!

Monday 24 October 2011

Motivational monday

Motivational monday today is a little different. Today its more about  a subject that motivated me to write.
The subject is family pets and how they fit in with our lives.
If you are an animal lover then a family pet is more than that, they are part of your famly.

Just this last few days my daughter in law Karen's parents lost their dear little dog Pip.
I found that I also felt really sad for them as I worry about losing my own cats as they are getting older now.
I have had dogs as a child and I clearly remember how upset as was if we lost one. When my cat died a few years ago I was totally depressed and would see her walking around for weeks after.

I am a real animal lover and maybe its wrong but I treat them as part of the family not an animal. Both my cats sleep with me and both rarely leave my side. My mum would even make our dogs a birthday cake, from dog food which I thought was great . Bless she even put candles on and we would sing happy birthday.

People who don't have animals most likely don't understand how us animal lovers are so devoted to our pets. If you do have a pet you love you will understand how I feel.

I hate to think of any animal not being loved and looked after I think anyone found to have been cruel should be given a tough sentence. They need us to stand up for them.

So Lynne , George and Karen I am so sorry for your loss and I am sure all the animal lovers out there will agree with me, that pip will be missed for a very long time.
I think it was great to change my motivational monday subject, to what made me write today. Why did you write today?

Sunday 23 October 2011

My week

 My week

MONDAY: Fairly peaceful day today. Kevin was back to work so got house to myself. When he is at home the place is always untidy. He tend to come back and bag on floor, bits all over ..... men.



TUESDAY: Today my daugther was sorting out her wedding pictures. She has so many they are really lovely. She had a beautiful day but like her brothers they go past so fast. Sticking to my diet and have been really good, so fingers crossed.


WEDNESDAY: Today is swimming day . I have lots of back problems so fitness is hard . I have just started going with my friend Lesley and its nice to do something. I was going to a craft class tonight but I had no door key so couldn't go. Had a nice on my own as Kevin was working and Natalie and rob visiting relatives.


THURSDAY: Today I was still feeling great after my swim. It is hard when your mind is active but your body holds you back. Long term joint problems are so hard to live with. Oh lady in picture wearing a hat thats because water at pool was cold today lol

.Also heard today that my daughter in law and her parents Lynne and George, had to have their sweet little dog pip put to sleep. Its so sad when you lose a much loved pet, they so become part of the family. Its very sad and my heart went out to them. R.I.P pip .

SATURDAY: Today is scrapbooking day. I am getting to go to a class all day to make a Christmas book. I really love to craft its is such a social thing to do. Lots of fun and laughter. We made a really nice Christmas mini album all ready for pictures to be added, really a great item.


SUNDAY: peaceful day I think no stress or rush. Church this morning and once again I was joined by my sister in law Karen and my daughter Natalie. It was a really nice service today as it is 800 years since the church was built, so the morning was all about that. It was really nice and a wonder that a building could be that old and still in constant use.

Hope you had a good week and enjoyed reading my week

Friday 21 October 2011

one for the weekend

One for the weekend this week is a really sweet and funny, good feel movie.

"27 Dresses"


Jane is everyone best friend. She is great at organising her friends weddings and being there for them. In fact she is so good she has been a bridesmaid over and over....... but never what she wants  a bride.
She has saved all her dresses and keeps them shut away with her memories of each event.
When her younger sister arrives she promptly falls in love with Jane's boss, who Jane believes she is in love with.
She set out on a journey which is full of twist and turns and laughter, which ends as it should in love.
It is a really good movie, one to watch with your girlfriends or on a wet day when you want to cozy up and relaxed. If you have not seen it then give it a go, I loved it and sad to say I have watched it more than once. 
Most definatly one for the weekend.


Thursday 20 October 2011

Mutu system Review week one!

Mutu system is something I am lucky enough to be asked to look at and review.
I came across it on the Internet and thought it was such a great idea, and why had it not be around when I had my babies.
Then I thought why not for all women and like me over 50's. I also need to tighten up all areas!! even if I had a baby last around 25 years ago. This is just a little information about the system.



How to lose your baby weight (even if your baby isn’t so new ;) )

Pilates, yoga or boot-camp? What should you eat? What should you avoid? How often, how hard & how long should you work out? Confused? Don’t be!
Because MuTu® System has done the work for you. The definitive combination of techniques that will get you the post-baby stomach & body you want. The MuTu System has 5 interconnecting elements, woven together into a series of workouts, motivational strategies & food guidelines that are specifically designed to put a mothers body where she wants it.
MuTu Core | The MuTu System for your mummy tummy
MuTu Core. The *find your waist & flatten your tummy* bit.MuTu Core is the foundation of the System. It’s where you learn what has gone on ‘in there’ & how to repair & restore it, including corrective exercise for diastasis recti pelvic floor weakness.


MuTu Breathe | The MuTu System for your mummy tummy
MuTu Breathe. The *tone your pelvic floor & chill out* bit. MuTu Breathe is where you learn unique, restorative yoga breathing exercises devised by our MuTu System collaborator & renowned pre/postpartum Yogini. These techniques are relaxing, but they also tone & resettle your pelvic organs & pelvic floor which go way beyond ‘squeeze like you’re trying not to wee’…

MuTu Intensive | MuTu New Mum | The MuTu System for your mummy tummy
MuTu New Mum / MuTu Intensive. The *time to get sweaty & shape your body* bit. Short, intensive workout programmes (just 15 minutes a day!) designed to tighten & tone where you are weak & soft, & to lengthen & shape your muscles that are tense. These are not generic workouts! Clear adaptations & progressions for new moms & not so new!

MuTu Posture | The MuTu System for your mummy tummy
MuTu Posture. The *stand tall & find your mojo* bit. MuTu Posture teaches you quick & easy stretches & toning exercises to get you looking fabulous & walking with body confidence & ease. Alleviate back pain & tension, lose those rounded shoulders, & see an incredible difference in the way your mummy tummy looks!

MuTu Food | The MuTu System for your mummy tummy
MuTu Food. The *eat right with no hang ups* bit. MuTu Food isnot a diet, or separate, complicated meals with  impossible-to-find ingredients. It gives you a shopping list to get you started, snack, breakfast lunch & dinner suggestions which are incredibly simple to prepare & that are intended for the whole family to eat. Your home will never hear ‘Mom’s on a diet’ again!
That’s the guarantee – no celebrity-style, ‘size zero’ crazy diets or unsustainable nonsense. Real women like you, getting stronger, fitter, leaner, sexier & more confident, for the long term.
MuTu System was devised by Wendy Powell, a mother of two who has been there & done it, as well as being a very experienced & highly qualified pre & post natal fitness professional.
MuTu System really ‘GETS’ the practicalities, hormones, emotions & pressures that all mums face. It is a breath of fresh air & an end to all the confusing or misleading advice you have ever heard about losing your baby weight.
Everything else out there is aimed only at new mums, IE in the first year after babies. Otherwise you’re in the ‘generic workout’ category. But the physical results of pregnancy, childbirth & mothering – weak pelvic floor, saggy tummy, weak core muscles, back ache – go on for years unless tackled properly. MuTu System has the answers you’ve been searching for!

So today is day one for me and I am excited. I have tried the starting things which even with my very bad back was ok. I am drinking my water and I am keen.
Please come back every week and see how I am getting on. I will post my progress on Thursday every week.

wish me luck with my Mutu course.

Please note I am will not be receiving any payment for this review, only provided with the course.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Personal book review

Personal book review today is another i recently had the pleasure to read.

 "Another Alice" by
Alice Peterson published by Macmillan publishing



The subject matter of this book would not at first sight, seem like a " good read". However, as you read more and more it is just that a really "good read"!

Alice Peterson is eighteen and unlike her friends who only care about boys and makeup, has her sights set higher. When she is at the height of her youth and with an extremely promising tennis career, she is  diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Total shock set in a the question "Isnt it just old people who get arthritis?"
Alice then had to learn to live a new life again, one filled with pain.

Yes the subject and story is at times heart breaking but it is also funny and up lifting.
Totally full of courage and hope, and how someone can come to terms with the loss and pain.
This is a true story and I found it hard to put down.
The inspiring story of one young woman's fight for normal life, was just wonderful.

A really good book for my personal review, I hope you get to read it.

Monday 17 October 2011

Motivational monday

Motivational Monday this week is not a family member or even someone I know.
I have always been around dancing world, since my children were small they were involved with dancing.
I loved to watch them dance and I was always full of pride.

They do not dance anymore sadly so I get my fix so to speak from dancing shows on television. I really love our UK "Strictly come dancing" which is on the BBC. I also really enjoy the US version "Dancing with the Stars", even if I am not familiar with the performers.

This season the stand out person for me is J.R. Martinez. His story amazed me with his courage and with what he has done. He really put the M in motivation for me this week.

J.R. before the accident

His story is that eight years ago he was serving in Iraq and drove his Humvee over a landmine. He suffered burns over 40% of his body.
He has had 33 surgeries to try and help with his terrible injuries.



He went on to act and also to motivate others. He wanted to tell the world that just because you look different, you can still succeed. I can really see why he must be a wonderful motivational speaker. I wish he would come to the UK because I am sure most would find his story so interesting.

He has said "I do understand my story is a little bit different, he says.
"I just want to let people know that life can and will get better..... just accept who you are and be who you are and everything will work out". ( New York post)

I wish him all the best in the show because he is a wonderful dancer. If you have not heard of him then take time to check out his story.
For me he is my motivational Monday, but I would love to hear yours.

Sunday 16 October 2011

My week

My week this not very exciting so normal for me lol

MONDAY: Not much on the cards for today. Did enjoy look through the wedding pictures. There are so many, I will share later when they get sorted.

TUESDAY: I thought that i Will try and make huge efforts to improve my blog. I am such a novice that anything I can do to improve has got to be good.

WEDNESDAY: Not feeling great so another doctors appointment today. I am getting fed up now,
On the plus side I did go swimming today. It was nice to move with worry.
On the diet side I'm doing really bad and I am totally discussed with myself !

THURSDAY: Got to go to a craft class today. I really enjoy crafting, not just the making more the company. Lots of laughter and tea!

FRIDAY: Had a meeting today of a women's group I belong to, The National women's register. We are a discussion group, and we meet every 2 weeks. This week the subject was "Famous Elizabeth's" and it was really interesting. I was going swimming but put my back out so did not want to risk it. Diet was terrible again :-(

SATURDAY: No plans for today. Got a really annoying eye problem today ! It feels like I have something in my eye but I cant see a thing . Its driving me mad! So not really bothered with doing anything as this is such a nuisance . Also want to play with my cricut as I am working on cutting fabric with it, lots of useful stuff via you tube.

SUNDAY: Church today but this week its nice as I have company. My sister in law Karen is coming today as well, so it will be nice to have someone to sit with. I am ok with being on my own but also nice to have another person to sit with. They are friendy but I have not really had time to make friends as there is no time for conversation. Oh eye is better

Hope you were not bored to death by my week and see you next sunday.

Saturday 15 October 2011

One for the weekend

One for the weekend yet again!  Where did a whole week go yet again. This week I have picked a good old Disney movie.

Walt Disney's "Hocus Pocus"



Bette Midler along with Sarah Jessica Parker and sister Acts's Kathy Najimy star as three wild witches who come back from the 17th century Salem for a night of fun and chaos.
They are accidentally conjured up by a group of kids. The trio who by the was are 300 years old, set out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth. However, they first have to get past these children, who are determined to not let them.

It is a really fun movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I used to watch it with my children and I still enjoy every second now they have grown up. It is really well acted and great music with Ms Midler in fine voice.
I think if you have not seen this in a while, release your inner child and watch it again, make your one for the weekend.


Friday 14 October 2011

Embarrassing Cinema

Embarrassing Cinema is a little story I would like to share with you today.
When I first met my husband was in the Royal Navy. He was based in Devon and before we lived there, I would often visit.
This particular day it was a bright sunny winter day. It was too cold to walk around, so we decided to visit the movies. We were all wrapped up against the cold in coats and hats, nice and cozy.

When we arrived the movie had already started and my husband wanted to get in straight away.
Kevin was wearing a very dark navy coat, so when we walked in I couldn't see him at all and he disappeared into the darkness.

Then I heard a voice a voice say "Ive found some seats!" from the blackness. So I followed the sound of his voice and stumbled along the row. At last I found him and run my hand up and down his leg, " I found you at last darling" I whispered in his ear.


Then a deep voice said " sorry love he's gone down there" and laughed.

Can you imagine my total embarrassment !!! I nearly died . He had gone past this man and sat down. To make matters worse the man was with his girlfriend.

I had given a strange man the experience of his day! So the moral of the story is if you don't want an embarrassing cinema moment,  don't wear dark clothes on a sunny day!!!

Thursday 13 October 2011

What is a mother?

What is a mother ? This is a question that I was recently asked. Boy is that hard to even start to answer!

I was the youngest of two in my family , with my brother being 10years older. Our mum was great and we loved her to bits. My dad was also great but he worked long hours do we did not see much of him.
There were no other children younger than me, until I was 12. Then my brother had my niece Emma!
This was the first time I was not the baby! The second I saw her it was love and I drove my poor sister in law mad wanting to hold her . I was far too young to be a parent but it was the first time I felt that total love for someone.
Later I was blessed with two children of my own, and what a joy they have been.I'm so proud of them everyday .
I am totally amazed at how fast time has slipped away. Time is so fleeting ..... Children seem to sense that and make the most of each second. That is something adults should remember.
Live now live for today as time slips past without us noticing.
For me to say "what is a mother" is total love, and that stands even if you didn't give birth to this person. You think everyday how lucky you are.
Mothers deserve recognition and appreciation all year, and so do their children.
I would like to share a poem.

What "mother" means

"mother" is such a simple word,
But to me there's meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
My mothers love showed me the way.

I'll love my mother all my days,
For enriching my life in do many ways
She set me straight and then set me free,
And that's what the word "mother" means
To me

By Karl Fuchs (www.poemsource.com)

Wednesday 12 October 2011

News of the day .... No jail for child cage parents

News of the day.... No jail for child cage parents was a story I found on sky news.
A couple who nicknamed their little boy the "devil child" and kept him shut in a cage, have both received suspended jail sentences.

They regularly kept the two year old locked in a cage. Police discovered him locked inside covered in faeces after a tip off by a neighbour.

Can you believe they got just 200 hours unpaid work and a suspended jail sentence!!!!
The child is safe but in my opinion they got off light.Who knows what problems this little boy could be left with.
I think they should have served their jail sentence, and got help so they never do it again .
I do not understand how someone could hurt any child let alone their own child.
Personally I'd like to put them in jail and throw away the key !

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Personal book review

Personal book review today is a book I recently had the pleasure of reading.
The book in question is

" Her fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger.

The story is set with a backdrop of the famous Highgate cemetery in London.
When Elspeth Noblin dies she leaves her apartment to her twin nieces.
Julie and Valentina are pleased but sad as part of it was on condition their mother can't come into the place.
They are shocked when the letter comes as they never knew their aunt existed. The twins hope that while in London their lives can be separate.
What leads on from there is a wonderful story of relationships and grief. Also a deadly ghost story, but with love.
I found I totally could not put it down, and have passed it on to other friends.
It is written by the same author as " The time traveler's
Wife".


I could not recommend it enough for my personal book review.

Monday 10 October 2011

Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday is an idea I was thinking about. I would like to try to find someone or something that motivates me. For me today I two people who have and do motivate me. The first is without question My mum. I totally loved my mum, she was my world. Sadly she passed away 20 years ago, far too young. She had such a zest for life and had so many adventures , and she was also a wonderful story teller. She over came a great deal in her life but she was a proud strong woman. She was a proper Londoner, not well to do but good solid stock. When war broke out she wanted to go into the forces but was not allowed due to only being 16. So she lied about her age and got into the Land Army. When they found out they said she could join if she got her parents permission. They did and she spend a few years in a very hard, tough job. During this time she had masses of adventures and the stories go on and on

. As a child I was very close to her as she worked from home. My brother was 10 years older, so we spent a lot of time alone with my mum. When I was around 23 she found out she had skin cancer. Like everything else in life would stand tall and face it. For a long time it seemed like she had overcome it. Then she started feeling ill again.

 This time it was worse ....... she had two tumours on the brain. There was no operation or treatment, she had a year at the most. We didn't know where to turn, I was 28 with two young children. She was very sick and would cry because she wanted to hold my new baby but couldn't . I felt very alone as there was not anyone for me to talk to or share. I had to be strong for her and my dad. They told her she had a year to live but true to form she said that she would not give in to that. She did just that....... she lived for another 5 years and that was wonderful for us
. When she went It left a huge whole in my heart. She motivates me everyday to try and achieve things in my life. I hope she is up there watching and is proud of us.

 I would also like to give a mention to another special lady in my life. This lady and I have never met. We only know each other over the Internet, but she has touched my life and my heart. I was introduced to her by my niece Emma, as a friend of a friend. Over the months her funny upbeat messages, always make me laugh. Then I found out she was not well, and facing so much in her life. Everyday she has challenges most of us would crumble from. Even with all this she is still kind and funny and caring. I hope that one day we do meet but I know I will be a better person for having known her. She motivates me to do more with my life and not waste time, its never too late
. Lisa you know I'm thinking of you!
 Take time today to think about what motivates you. If its a person remember to thank them if you can, Time is so short it slips away in the blink of an eye!

Sunday 9 October 2011

My week

My week is something I would do ever Sunday, as it would be nice for
 me to look back in the future.

MONDAY: Today was first a doctors appointment. I have had a few health problems recently and one that has made me feel ill. I keep getting faint and feeling like I'm about to fall down. The doctor feels it could be low blood sugar and she referred me for tests. Other than that a rather boring day.



TUESDAY:  Another bright sunny day. This week we have had such warm weather, a proper Indian summer.


I also made a vow to stick to my diet. I have really struggled with my weight and its been a huge up hill fight. So I'm counting calories , and trying to move my body when I can. So Wish me luck.


WEDNESDAY: My husband Kevin had dentist today...... I didn't so yay to that.

I really wanted to go to a craft class but I had no transport! Shame but I have a class on Saturday to look forward to. Did stick to diet so that was great.


THURSDAY: Today I wanted to clean my daughters apartment as she is coming back from her honeymoon. She got married two weeks ago and it was a fantastic day. Tonight my husband has a 4 hour round trip to the airport. I must say I have missed them.



.FRIDAY: Today is my blood test and I was not allowed to eat or drink so really missed my morning cuppa. Lucky the clinic is near home so not far to go.
First test taken, then a really nasty glucose drink and a 2 hr wait then second test.


It made me fairly sleepy and unwell for the rest of the day. It also played havoc with my diet.
My daughter Natalie and her new husband Rob came home, it was nice to have them back.

SATURDAY: Card making class today and we were making Christmas cards. I had a great time lots of chat and tea. I love to create from patchwork to scrap booking to patchwork. Later I had to food shop which I hate, really I do.



SUNDAY: Today I am off to church. Since I started going with Natalie for the wedding I have really enjoyed it. So once wedding was over I carried on and think I will keep going. My husband is at work today, so I have the place to myself which to be honest is nice once in awhile.
I hope there will be a good movie on later!

Hope you enjoyed joining me in My week, love to hear about yours.


Saturday 8 October 2011

One for the weekend

One for the weekend ! What is that I hear you all ask.  Well for it is a movie. I have always enjoyed a good movie and I think this love comes from my father.

He loved the movies and we often went to our local cinema when I was a child.
His favorite would be James Bond which I HATED !  In fact to this day I can't stand 007 movies.

For me its got to be either a great ghost story or chick flick to make you go ahhhh

So for me this Saturday I would like to share one of my favorite old movies, and that would be
"The shining" 

For those who have never seen it .......... where have you been! The basic story is:~

Jack is a writer and want to finish a book that has been held up due to his drink problems. He excepts a job at a huge hotel called "The overlook". The sprawling place is totally empty in the winter, and miles from the everyday world.



Jack sees this as a chance to get back into his writing, so jumps at the chance to go.
So with wife Wendy and little boy Danny the move into The overlook.
What they don't know is Danny possesses a psychic gift called "The shining", and it is a gift the evil vile spirits at the hotel desperately want.

Over the course of the movie you see the overlook come horrifyingly alive. Phantoms are everywhere, the message "redrum" starts to appear. Even trees in the gardens turn into strange monsters.

The  movie for me is full of scary nerve jumping moment's . The original also have such excellent acting and you are total pulled into this atmospheric shocker.

I do not think there are enough good ghost stories written these days. I'm not sure where this love comes from as I have been mad on this subject since I was small.

I hope if you have not seen this movie before, or not for a while you will give it a go. Make it your one for the weekend. I would love to hear what you would pick for your one for the weekend.

Sunday 2 October 2011

Wedding day makes

Wedding day makes is what the blog post for today is. Those who read this often (and I thank you) will know that my daughter Natalie got married two weeks ago. Over the year she was engaged I made a huge amount of things along with Natalie, my husband Kevin and our son Matthew. It truly was a family event in more ones than one.
It started out with the invitations which I cut using my cricut machine. I am hoping by the way to do tutorials on all my makes, so watch this space. Going back to invitations ... they were a simple folded card with a pocket for the RSVP and directions. Then tied with a simple pink bow. Easy to make but 300 take a long time when you have to cut one at a time.
Cricut machine


It was a totally labour of love as they did take ages and ages. Once they were all sent out it was a year of makes. I guess Natalie is lucky that I am very creative and as a family I think we all are in our own ways.
So where do I start ...... Well Natalie wanted to have a ring pillow and I did look at buying but they were fairly expensive and so I thought I would give it a go. I used my sewing machine to do lines of fancy stitching across 4 squares of satin. I then joined them all together to form a X or kiss. I then applique a heart on the centre. I added a back and some filling and I think it turned out fairly good.



Later I am sure there will be a better picture which I will share soon as I have it. It was lovely to make it and that Natalie loved it in the end.
Next on the list was what shall we use to contain all the cards people gave and small gifts. We looked at all the normal options but nothing really seemed right. Then my husband came across a lantern which was meant to hold a huge candle. It was really nice but dark red. So he brought it home and painted it, we made a label and I think it turned out very nice.



We went through lots of  Bridal magazine for ideas and if I could do my version then I would give it a go.
If your budget is tight this is a good tip if you are creative at all. Most of the wedding makes I either had my own ideas or I adapted from a  more expensive version.
The next on the list was bunting, as Natalie wanted some saying Just married. Once again I was going to buy but thought I would try myself. It took a while as there was a lot of sewing. I was happy once it was done and It was nice to see it hanging up.


What to put on the tables as place cards came next! In the end I once again used the fantastic cricut machine and cut some simple place cards. I then put them through my cuttlebug machine to emboss them with Swiss dots. I then cut 240 butterflies in 2 different sizes. One was slightly smaller than the other . I then sprayed them with glue and glittered them all . Then I put them together and folded the wings up on the top one, so it looked like it was flying. The names were printed and stuck on.



While we are on the table, we also had to think of a table plan. Once again they could be very expensive. I found some kiss diamond buckles which I thought was so pretty. I put a pink ribbon on the top and with the buckle on the centre I was pleased. I then decorated with the butterflies again but in pink this time.
4


Once again I was looking through a magazine and saw confetti cones. They looked so cute and I thought what a lovely idea. Once again the trusted cricut came out and I cut 60 confetti cones. I then put them through the cuttlebug machine but had to do it twice as they didn't fit! Then tied up with a pink ribbon the problem of what do I put them in. I tried to buy a basket but couldn't find one, then wow one popped up on ebay which was just right. I think the end result was great, and people loved it.


I have forgotten to say I also made all the bridesmaid dresses and jackets which was very stressful, I was still finding fault on the day but everyone else said they were great.


For myself the last make to share this time is a special one. When I got married my parents gave me a handmade satin horseshoe. I have had it safe for 32 years and copied it many times for friends. So for Natalie I gave the original one a face lift. I had to put new flowers and lace on but tried to keep as much of the old one as I could. I could have made a new one but this is like a family heirloom really.




I think this post needs an ending and I would like to share Natalie's makes. She did all her own flowers and the cake which was amazing. In fact the whole day was amazing and I hope you enjoy reading about all our work. Come back soon for the tutorial.






Wedding day makes........ a family effort!