A little catch up

I realise that I haven't posted for a couple of days. I knew that would happen when the girls went on holiday - everything slows down and there's no rush for anything ;o).

So, what have we been doing. On Wednesday Emily went to Mum & Dad's while Claire and I took Hugh into Crawley to sit his Drivers Theory Test (again). He passed (100% for his multiple choice questions) so he's very happy! Next step to get some final driving lessons and then go for the practical. It also means he now needs to get his car taxed and back on the road.

Emily made ginger snap biscuits again yesterday. Claire went to Prezzos for dinner with Graham and I got to finish my book!

Today I decided I was in the mood for scrapbooking and I had an idea for a page with Emily's last day at Estcots photos. It's quite simple but I'm happy with the way it's turned out.

Jon has been busy in the garden over the last couple of months and it's really starting to look good. We replanted the Heavenly Bamboo into a bigger pot and it's much happier. Yesterday when I was hanging out the washing I noticed the flowers it now has, they are so delicate and pretty I decided to take a couple of photos.

Till next time

xx

Books

Today’s blog prompt: What’s your favourite reading material? Like the kind of favourite that you would take it to read if you had to cut off the rest of the world for years and years?

I love to read, doesn't always mean I've got a book on the go but that's because when I do have I don't want to put it down and nothing else gets done. My mother was the chief librarian at our local library in South Africa and I used to love going in when she had a book exchange, so many new books to look through and choose from. In those days I used to read different types of books, whatever took my fancy. However, since having children, I have to admit that I'm a feel good chic lit lover! They're quick and easy to read and 9 times out of 10 I'll finish it with a smile on my face.

Favourite authors at the moment include : Cathy Kelly, Jill Mansell, Marian Keyes, Katie Fford,

Sheila O'Flannigan, Cecilia Ahern, Patricia Scanlan and Catherine Alliott. Colin Forbes is another author I enjoy - don't think I could include him in the chic lit category though :)

Other books I might want to have if I were cut off from the rest of the world would be my photography books - so long as I had my camera with me as well.

What books would you have?

xx

Creative Influence

Today’s blog prompt: Tell your blog readers about someone who has been a creative influence in your life -- a crafty mum, aunt or grandparent, an influential school teacher or a friend who brought out your creative side, perhaps.

There have been a number of people over the years who have had some creative influence in my life.

My Mum - though she may not believe this. I remember her having to make my school uniforms when I started school - she sewed my dresses and knitted my cardigans.

My Dad - whose love of photography I'm sure I inherited. I started taking photos quite early on and have always loved keeping albums. Dad was also very talented at building scale model boats.

Perhaps one of the most influential people was my Mum's friend, Lois Edwards. My younger brother, Robin, and I used to go round to the Edwards house after school sometimes and Lois was the one who started me crocheting. By the time I was about 10 I was crocheting baby matinee jackets and selling them to the teachers at school. I think she was also the one who taught me to knit.

When I went to High School I took Housekeeping to matric and that was where I really learnt to sew. I had to make a three piece suit and blouse for my matric exam. I continued sewing, making clothes, when Hugh and Claire were little.

When we came to England making clothes didn't make as much sense because you could buy everything quite inexpensively and material was more expensive, so I stopped sewing. I took it up again a few years ago when I joined a patchwork class. Jennie Lewis was my teacher and had a huge influence on me. I still enjoy patchwork and quilting but haven't done any for a while. It's certainly something I will go back to.

Mum and I did a few card making classes at Sussex Crafts in Cuckfield and the teacher, Fiona, was inspiring. I made cards from time to time and was asked to teach a few classes at Creative Pastimes after giving one to Theresa for her birthday.

When on holiday in Chicago, my sister-in-law, Liz, told me about scrapbooking and I read the book by the founders of Creative Memories. I bought some supplies and brought them back with me and that's how I started scrapbooking. I love the Simple Scrapbook magazines as my style is very simple. I'm not a big one for adding embelishments and I've learnt that that's ok.

I love that we are surrounded by creative people and hope I can continue to learn from them.

xx

Another day, another braai!

With the weather as beautiful as it has been, it only made sense that we had another braai today instead of a roast. It was just us and Claire's boyfriend, Graham. Nothing fancy, but certainly very yummy!! I haven't got lots to say, so instead, I'll just put a few photos from today.

Jon, waiting for the braai to be ready to cook on

Braai and food

A splash of colourGraham, Claire & Emily getting their food (please excuse all the washing waiting to be ironed, it's been too hot!!)My lunch (all pointed for Weight Watchers)

Pudding (also counted!)

I did my time on the Wii Fit again this morning and have to admit, much as I hate to, that I do feel better for having done the workout. I feel like I'm putting the effort in and it feels good! Long may it last.

xx