tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70652952964377059422024-03-13T05:03:23.845-07:00Sticking Plasters for the SoulFlibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-46737511629214562712015-05-13T02:04:00.000-07:002015-05-13T02:04:19.887-07:00Flying the Flag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nKsjH4RIus/VVMK6ZhlvUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/K_lCLjqIYF8/s1600/IMAG2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nKsjH4RIus/VVMK6ZhlvUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/K_lCLjqIYF8/s320/IMAG2004.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I think we need a "Home Educating Pride" flag, or perhaps T-Shirts. I know such things are available, commercially, but I don't have a spare £15 for a single T-Shirt. Plus, probably, import duty from The States.<br /><br />My little darling has been flying the flag high this week, and I'm incredibly proud of her.<br /><br />Personally, I've been having a hard time trying to find a way to keep track of what we actually do, some weeks it's almost nothing, some weeks we do loads but she has what's basically a very well rounded education. The reason this is important is partially peace of mind, and also we lost our lovely home ed contact lady at the council this year. I know, most home educators are very anti local authority, but I personally really liked the Advisory lady we had. The most disturbing thing is that the Council home education advisory service has been transferred to Education Welfare. Yep. The Truancy team. The Truancy team who are known to be incredibly anti home ed. See my issue?<br /><br />I have no way to begin to explain how inappropriate this is, but there we go. Through the grapevine, it seems that they've already been seen to be unlawfully throwing their weight around with newly deregistered families in the area, less than a month after the changeover and I basically want to be covered just in case. I do NOT trust them as far as I could spit them.<br />
<br />
Also, they'll expect at least an educational philosophy letter next April. They want information? Oh believe me they'll get information. I'm actually planning to send them a typed, padded out copy of my full diary, plus a monthly spreadsheet of what's been covered... it'll cost me a fiver in postage for the pages and pages I'm planning to send and for it to be a tracked delivery, but what the heck?<br /><br />Anyway, my problem is finding a quick-view version of my daily diary that really works. Apologies for my handwriting. The code on each entry tells me the basic subjects covered. This wasn't even a busy week!!<br />
<br />
I'm thinking... spreadsheet. Eventually I hope to make record keeping Squidge's job.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGAzDFDf7NE/VVMK32a5AaI/AAAAAAAAA1g/NKB3Iv0NIfk/s1600/IMAG1988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGAzDFDf7NE/VVMK32a5AaI/AAAAAAAAA1g/NKB3Iv0NIfk/s320/IMAG1988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />I'll find something that works eventually. And hey, at least I can read my writing.<br />
<br />
After watching me hem and tape some new curtains for my friend, and mend and service my friend's sewing machine this weekend, Squidge had a hankering to get her Yule gift out for a play. Using a set of teatowels from the 99p shop, she very competently made a tote bag for her her "Bestie".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPkRZXS_ym0/VVMHhMnPTCI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ifKParl6dKs/s1600/11217966_10153208506051900_5526792630715447075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPkRZXS_ym0/VVMHhMnPTCI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ifKParl6dKs/s320/11217966_10153208506051900_5526792630715447075_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0592g0eafE/VVMHhZNfXRI/AAAAAAAAA1A/wA6Tt0c_MNk/s1600/10358132_10153208506006900_533922106254090243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0592g0eafE/VVMHhZNfXRI/AAAAAAAAA1A/wA6Tt0c_MNk/s320/10358132_10153208506006900_533922106254090243_n.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
On Monday we had said "Bestie"over for giggling and fun. After lunch, we took a short walk to the park, via the shop for ice lollies and vimto. Both girls found other kids to play with at the park, were polite and friendly and basically awesome. Proof that home ed kids are not isolated and weird. ok, mine's a bit weird..... Well, no. individual.<br />
<br />
Yes, even when they were climbing trees and looking like monkeys, they were still flying the flag high for the awesomeness of our lifestyle.<br />
<br />
This was on the walk home, they're just so sweet together. The height difference reminds me of myself and my "Bestie" at the same age; only I was the short one.<br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7JyUQQasg/VVMHhd7zjhI/AAAAAAAAA1E/_tEN7NNDxnQ/s1600/11150723_10153209112161900_4166908911572992317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7JyUQQasg/VVMHhd7zjhI/AAAAAAAAA1E/_tEN7NNDxnQ/s320/11150723_10153209112161900_4166908911572992317_n.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Squidge and I have been walking much more, it's been so much fun. We've done at least 4 miles a week recently which to some isn't much, but to us is epic. This was Squidge walking home from a fun session of swimming last week. A fun session where she'd plucked up enough courage to get in the deep end and then swam 5 lengths!!! Bear in mind that this time last year, she couldn't swim at all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is her entering the parkland beside the sports centre. Awww. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nKsjH4RIus/VVMK6ZhlvUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/K_lCLjqIYF8/s1600/IMAG2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nKsjH4RIus/VVMK6ZhlvUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/K_lCLjqIYF8/s320/IMAG2004.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beginning to walk to swimming lessons has revealed stuff I never even knew was in our town. I've been living here since 2005, how did I not know this was here?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJSfw80V1wo/VVMQ0LQU6tI/AAAAAAAAA2U/HT3fh_JUorg/s1600/IMAG1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJSfw80V1wo/VVMQ0LQU6tI/AAAAAAAAA2U/HT3fh_JUorg/s320/IMAG1948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Agvq4AXA4cg/VVMQ1OusK2I/AAAAAAAAA2c/vG7YuHiqo60/s1600/IMAG1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Agvq4AXA4cg/VVMQ1OusK2I/AAAAAAAAA2c/vG7YuHiqo60/s320/IMAG1949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just lovely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going back to the fun day with Bestie, she spent pretty much the whole afternoon in a tree and no injuries were sustained. Later in the evening, she decided o run through the house to get a second helping of pudding... and fell awkwardly on her foot. The pain she was experiencing really scared me because it was similar to the pain I sustained when I broke my foot a few years ago. So, after an hour of having ice on it ,we went off to A+E.<br /><br />Two nurses, one radiographer and a doctor agreed with me that it seemed broken. The XRays however, didn't!!! the Doctor actually reviewed the things TWICE because Squidge's pain didn't tally up with a clean XRay. But eventually it was decided that she's not broken it. I'm incredibly thankful, we go on holiday in just 6 weeks and for her to miss the joy of staying on a chalet park with an indoor pool would have been tragic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Doctor informed me that I have to keep her off school for the rest of the week. She told him she's home educated, so he said "well, just... erm... stay off your foot."<br />So this has meant she's missed gymnastics, we've got to rearrange two playdates and she's missing a trip to a room full of trampolines. Poor Squidge is not happy. This was her yesterday. Today she's able to put more weight on it, but it's still not right. She's angry at not being able to go for our every-other-day-walk, and frankly, so am I. HEAL QUICKER!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivi3ajNNR6o/VVMK4cRJYGI/AAAAAAAAA1k/UIE5o77J7Wc/s1600/IMAG2027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivi3ajNNR6o/VVMK4cRJYGI/AAAAAAAAA1k/UIE5o77J7Wc/s320/IMAG2027.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aside from the educational aspect of a late night in the hospital and fun days walking in the local parks, the other things from the last couple of weeks that are vaguely educational are knitting, using my yarn bowl; and finding out that my 9 year old can make a mean mayonnaise and no longer panics if it seizes because she's amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-HXp2KI7HE/VVMQvy2ns1I/AAAAAAAAA2I/6ZEio47Sgnk/s1600/IMAG1939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-HXp2KI7HE/VVMQvy2ns1I/AAAAAAAAA2I/6ZEio47Sgnk/s320/IMAG1939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAX4mi5uTIE/VVMQvWmI5dI/AAAAAAAAA2E/QqPU_BqcxuQ/s1600/IMAG1926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAX4mi5uTIE/VVMQvWmI5dI/AAAAAAAAA2E/QqPU_BqcxuQ/s320/IMAG1926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to the future, to the healing child and to me working out how the heck to keep track of everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-77870095116565022792015-03-17T09:21:00.000-07:002015-03-17T09:21:22.324-07:00Come to the dark side, we have cookies...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made cookies. And they taste like (and more to the point feel like) real cookies. More about that later. Be patient. Alright, the recipe is at the bottom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcANX-7GF-I/VQhQa7f0VTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/9HurJ5ovHE8/s1600/10929062_10153082184256900_6553392993057881717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcANX-7GF-I/VQhQa7f0VTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/9HurJ5ovHE8/s1600/10929062_10153082184256900_6553392993057881717_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />The Child is still improving at writing, her reading is now awesome with lots of practise and she's finally discovered a true love of reading to herself.<br /><br />Writing... not so much. She'll write if she has to, for instance if there's a reward involved like a Brownie Badge (in this case Cook : Advanced).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BePM2Pc1ZqY/VQhJ7bNPdWI/AAAAAAAAAwE/FtwQHqRE_-I/s1600/11034312_10153047653911900_4110899060681170579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BePM2Pc1ZqY/VQhJ7bNPdWI/AAAAAAAAAwE/FtwQHqRE_-I/s1600/11034312_10153047653911900_4110899060681170579_n.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzg8GkqS5Kg/VQhJ9UV3gzI/AAAAAAAAAwM/8BzkofLmxug/s1600/11033190_10153048303106900_8328511643574135426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzg8GkqS5Kg/VQhJ9UV3gzI/AAAAAAAAAwM/8BzkofLmxug/s1600/11033190_10153048303106900_8328511643574135426_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But even this took some serious coaxing. And even after that, all she did was the titles. I do think, however, that her choice to use Insanity Prawn Boy from Weebls-stuff's On The Moon series to explain "Crustaceans" was genius. nicely rendered too.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qpDBZKAtyU/VQhKX0VEC-I/AAAAAAAAAwU/Vr3bENJWKbg/s1600/10440940_10153047478181900_2050946880247225759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qpDBZKAtyU/VQhKX0VEC-I/AAAAAAAAAwU/Vr3bENJWKbg/s1600/10440940_10153047478181900_2050946880247225759_n.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this particular badge she not only had to produce a poster about allergies, but also to cook a two course meal from scratch (one course being hot). She made a slow baked lamb curry with help and supervision, and cupcakes with no help, but some "OMG HOT THINGS!!" supervision. She did all the reading of the recipe, weighing of ingredients etc all on her own. Let's just say, I've got competition in the kitchen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70Hc3oV45KI/VQhLW5UDCrI/AAAAAAAAAwo/4v_MXDuKdLw/s1600/10569071_10153040756761900_8920233889237263562_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70Hc3oV45KI/VQhLW5UDCrI/AAAAAAAAAwo/4v_MXDuKdLw/s1600/10569071_10153040756761900_8920233889237263562_n.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl6LrM0o7QM/VQhLYB6GvFI/AAAAAAAAAww/OcHsxs558uI/s1600/11025115_10153040756866900_3709717208261879116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl6LrM0o7QM/VQhLYB6GvFI/AAAAAAAAAww/OcHsxs558uI/s1600/11025115_10153040756866900_3709717208261879116_n.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYrYxr4OWU0/VQhL4fra-5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/zff23i63mHA/s1600/11076021_10153082276686900_68352478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYrYxr4OWU0/VQhL4fra-5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/zff23i63mHA/s1600/11076021_10153082276686900_68352478_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next the curry; economy lamb chops are much more frugal and delicious when curried. She likes to claim she "killed two birds with one curry" because one optional clause was "cook with an ingredient you've never used before" (i.e. spices) and another was "cook a dish from another country". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, ok so this was a somewhat bastardized, British curry but what the hell. It was STUNNING. I took photos of all processes, but here's the highlights. Oh, and you may notice Child wearing something that looks like a nightshirt throughout the process. It looks like one because it is one. Home Education FTW.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmB0zxi071Y/VQhLXCNvF7I/AAAAAAAAAwg/pYfV-0hhNQ8/s1600/10994045_10153040857546900_1483810477026765833_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmB0zxi071Y/VQhLXCNvF7I/AAAAAAAAAwg/pYfV-0hhNQ8/s1600/10994045_10153040857546900_1483810477026765833_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J92VKwboeE/VQhLX2EdRvI/AAAAAAAAAws/UbqeNnniFcQ/s1600/11015925_10153040857736900_5410435944039083273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J92VKwboeE/VQhLX2EdRvI/AAAAAAAAAws/UbqeNnniFcQ/s1600/11015925_10153040857736900_5410435944039083273_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEZvKq7K_nA/VQhLXCAm7fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/qHh3C3IMbhU/s1600/10447744_10153040857961900_600434331042851535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEZvKq7K_nA/VQhLXCAm7fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/qHh3C3IMbhU/s1600/10447744_10153040857961900_600434331042851535_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZV_v_GeRq0/VQhLXk7V0HI/AAAAAAAAAxE/hRP31Hx_3u8/s1600/11008560_10153041247066900_526752707336295716_n%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZV_v_GeRq0/VQhLXk7V0HI/AAAAAAAAAxE/hRP31Hx_3u8/s1600/11008560_10153041247066900_526752707336295716_n%2B(1).jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally I get to the point of the cookies. well, soon. One of the teaching tools I use most for maths, comprehension, reading (and generally not being a knob around things like knives and heat) is cooking. However, these babies (the cookies) were not made by her. They were made by me to cheer her up. Poor little thing has a cough and has been denied her favourite social and sporting groups this week because Mummy is a cowbag and doesn't think damp air or dust are a particularly good thing to be inhaling when you're asthmatic and have a chest infection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here we go, the purpose of this post. Peanut Butter Cookies. Ever since having to go gluten free myself; not for hipster or food fashion reasons, I am a genuinely diagnosed celiac, I've been searching and trying out gluten free recipes. Mostly, though, they're a disaster. UNTIL I stumbled on a blogger (Laura at http://petiteallergytreats.blogspot.co.uk/) who uses pectin as an aid to the gluten replacer, xanthen gum. Xanthen gum tends to make mixtures go... well.... a bit like snail mucous to be honest. And never seems to work properly on its own BUT when used in combination with dried pectin, you get a flour that so closely mimics wheat flour that breads, pastries and cookies feel and taste like "the real thing". Cakes I've found don't need the pectin. Joy, as pectin is not cheap. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This revelation about pectin has, honestly, changed my life as I have a job lot I bought cheap from Approved Foods last year with a view to making my own jam. Yeah. That happened. NOT.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, Laura changed my life. Pizza bases WORK. Flatbreads WORK. Pastry is AMAZEBALLS and finally, I have COOKIES!!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This recipe is modified from a wheat based peanut butter cookie recipe. It contains no dairy if you use the right margarine, but it does contain eggs and obviously it contains nuts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my tasty photo again... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcANX-7GF-I/VQhQa7f0VTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/9HurJ5ovHE8/s1600/10929062_10153082184256900_6553392993057881717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcANX-7GF-I/VQhQa7f0VTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/9HurJ5ovHE8/s1600/10929062_10153082184256900_6553392993057881717_n.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
oooohhhhhhh yeaaaaaahhhhh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You'll need a set of
US cups for making these, available from all decent cooking shops,
most supermarkets and Poundland or the 99p store. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you're a martyr, one US cup is 8FlOz. That's Fluid Ounces, not weight ounces, so I suppose you could use a jug but... use the cups, mmmkay?<br /><br /><br />1/2 cup
peanut butter</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1/2 cup margarine or
butter <i>(butter will render these not dairy free, dont feed them to
someone with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance)</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1/3 ish cup lightly
packed granulated brown sugar</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1/2 cup white sugar <i>(granulated, caster, whatever. just not icing/confectioner's sugar)</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2 cups Gluten Free
Self Raising flour blend/ normal SR flour <i>(obviously, don't feed
normal flour ones to a gluten free person)</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1.5tsp dried pectin
powder; <i>sorry but this is an actual essential in a gluten free version, with
the xanthen gum in the SR flour, it makes something very much like
gluten. <b>Leave out if using normal flour</b>. <b>DO NOT use liquid pectin</b>.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1tsp vanilla
extract;<i> (if making GF, be warned, most vanilla extracts are made
using nondescript grain alcohol which may or may not be over the
<20ppm limit for gluten content which most celiacs seem to react to, so you might be better off just
buying and using a vanilla pod, using home made vanilla sugar instead of the white sugar OR
planning two weeks ahead, buying two vanilla pods and 1/4 pint Red
Square or Smirnoff vodka, or another molasses/potato/rice based vodka and making your own extract. It really is that simple. Use the middle paste of the seeds in something like a cake, stick a couple of the empty pods in a clean jar, pour on vodka and wait...).</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1/4tsp salt
optional;<i> I like it. They're cookies. They're not meant to be healthy. They're meant to be an occasional treat. That's why they contain a lot of sugar and fat too.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
mix peanut butter,
butter, sugar, salt, vanilla and beat until fluffier and lighter in
colour. <br />add eggs, beat again. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />in another bowl, mix flour (and
pectin) and salt, sprinkle dry into wet and mix well. If it's too
solid, add a little more peanut butter. If a little liquid, add a
little more flour. It should be a soft yet malleable dough.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
put in fridge for at
least an hour, overnight apparently works best, but mine were lovely
after just an hour.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
preheat oven to
180 degrees C ish, you know your oven best. whatever YOU normally cook cakes and stuff on, that'll do.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Line a tray with
greaseproof, place balls of the cookie dough about 1.5" diameter
on a tray, preferably 1.5" space between them. They don't actually spread that much, but leave the pace just in case. This dough makes
about 25 cookies. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Press on top lightly, until they're a bit less than 7.5mm
high. Don't bother measuring, but just know if they're too high, they
stay kind of cakey in the middle even after cooling. I did the design on the top of mine using a fork.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Put them in the oven and <b>Watch them</b>.
They're crafty little buggers. They go from lovely golden brown to
burnt in no time at all. Get your bum off Facebook and sit by the oven for 15-20 mins, ok?!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bake until golden,
put on wire rack to cool and dry out, warm they will still be cakey
in the middle but if cool, they should snap and be deliciously short.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Only keep a couple
of days if making gluten free, gluten free flour blend products tend
to taste a bit stale after about 2 days. If using wheat flour, they
keep about a week in an airtight jar.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Would probably work
equally as well with any nut butter, I reckon cashew would be delicious.<br /> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Would also be awesome with
chocolate chips or chunks mixed in once everything else is combined. I can recommend MooFree for this kind of thing, it's pretty heat stable and tastes almost like the real thing. Would also work if you use half smooth and half chunky nut butter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go. Make Cookies. Enjoy. </div>
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-32180489805885632272014-07-28T08:20:00.002-07:002014-07-28T08:25:35.125-07:00OMG! Ancient Egypt! Let's mummify the hamster!Before I get started, I need to state here that we do not own a hamster, will not be mummifying Fluffy the Snail, and only two knock off barbies were harmed in the making of this blog post.<br />
<br />
Squidge visited the British Museum a few weeks ago with friends and ever since has been popping out little bits of information about the Ancient Egyptians. Funnily enough, she'd visited at about the same time that I found this wonderful project on Pinterest:<br />
http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/9140/mummification-lets-mummify-barbie<br />
<br />
Omg. THAT IS GENIUS!!! We had to do this. And why not get a friend involved?! So, J was roped in for a bit of Egyptian awesomeness too.<br />
<br />
So I spent the grand total of <£4 on a double pack of cheap knock off baries from the 99p shop, new prittsticks, salt, herbs, scented oil (essential oil in a vegetable oil carrier), strips of bandage, boxes, grave goods and relevant print outs (link for those further down).<br />
<br />
The Canopic jars I think were the best bit in all honesty. I found a canopic colouring in sheet on google, then shrank it down using GIMP and printed the pictures out. They just happened to be exactly the right size for some tiny glass jars I'd bought in The Works, 8 with glitter in for £1. I dumped the glitter from those into small craft pots (also 8 for £1 from The Works) and left them empty for the kids. <br />
<br />
So, let reverence commence for the poor dead Pharaohs Knockoffbarbiesatep I and Knockoffbarbiesatep II. It was a sad day for Egypt losing two Pharaohs in one day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-luj-yXHCZzM/U9ZiLrbgIpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Ra9pTSaznV8/s1600/10482593_10152552571141900_9214251992470857670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-luj-yXHCZzM/U9ZiLrbgIpI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Ra9pTSaznV8/s1600/10482593_10152552571141900_9214251992470857670_n.jpg" height="320" width="191" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first thing the kids did was colour in the printables I'd procured from ActivityVillage. This is an awesome website for free printables. Whether you home educate or not, it's something to keep the kids occupied at least. </div>
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/canopic-jars-colouring-page<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO34-iQmGCk/U9ZiMPGRwWI/AAAAAAAAArY/NBKwKXhPzHU/s1600/10514586_10152552571211900_2070255777473810428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO34-iQmGCk/U9ZiMPGRwWI/AAAAAAAAArY/NBKwKXhPzHU/s1600/10514586_10152552571211900_2070255777473810428_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI-oAAcAdm4/U9ZiM8A4DzI/AAAAAAAAArA/I_molFx40lA/s1600/10532351_10152552571406900_4359436786189294104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI-oAAcAdm4/U9ZiM8A4DzI/AAAAAAAAArA/I_molFx40lA/s1600/10532351_10152552571406900_4359436786189294104_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then came the time to remove Barbie's brain with a hook. We had a long conversation about how recent MRI scans have shown that not all of the brain was removed this way, and it can be seen in a shrivelled heap at the back of the skull. Nice. I mentioned that the heart was left in the body as the Egyptians thought it contained the soul. J then informed Squidge and myself about the weighing of the heart against a feather in the afterlife. I love home ed kids. they're like sponges.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SN-GawM2H58/U9ZiMKpva-I/AAAAAAAAAq4/yzPKCoSniGQ/s1600/10420750_10152552571666900_51329706212850916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SN-GawM2H58/U9ZiMKpva-I/AAAAAAAAAq4/yzPKCoSniGQ/s1600/10420750_10152552571666900_51329706212850916_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next they drew lines down Barbie's body using permenant markers to show they'd cut her open, and placed all of the organs into the canopic jars. The right organ for the right jar. Some folks use felt body parts, we just used paper ones, the outlines drawn by me, coloured in and cut out by the skidlets. Squidge was using her hook to pretend to dig out the organs. J just calmly stated that "They used their hands. Not the hooks.". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Liver,
protected by Imetsy (human), stomach, protected by Duamutef (jackal),
lungs, protected by Hapy (baboon), intestines, protected by Qubhsemuf
(falcon). <br /><br />Squidge said the falcon looked more like an owl the jackal looks like a "normal" dog and how the heck is that a baboon?! "It looks like a flipping bunny!!" But we persevered. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".j5.1:3:1:$comment10152552133706900_10152552149461900:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTdK3XXuZgo/U9ZiNVadMFI/AAAAAAAAArU/ucOVL3q8Bpg/s1600/1620819_10152552571551900_8424035269235435964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTdK3XXuZgo/U9ZiNVadMFI/AAAAAAAAArU/ucOVL3q8Bpg/s1600/1620819_10152552571551900_8424035269235435964_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was now time for the embalming process. Like the family in the blog post I mentioned as inspiration, we couldn't be bothered to leave Barbie for weeks in the salt mixture. Our salt mixture was plain old fine table salt with dried oregano, basil, mint, sage and verbena added. Use what you have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bE6TeK4N5bE/U9ZiNINaCMI/AAAAAAAAArc/hTeXgEd2yU0/s1600/10547431_10152552571881900_6860209778129990399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bE6TeK4N5bE/U9ZiNINaCMI/AAAAAAAAArc/hTeXgEd2yU0/s1600/10547431_10152552571881900_6860209778129990399_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb0W4VbQ9yw/U9ZiLB89TuI/AAAAAAAAAqk/m31N4eCUrc4/s1600/10458557_10152552571986900_6573061932616581575_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb0W4VbQ9yw/U9ZiLB89TuI/AAAAAAAAAqk/m31N4eCUrc4/s1600/10458557_10152552571986900_6573061932616581575_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They then anointed Barbie in scented oil. I added a few drops of peppermint oil to some plain sunflower oil.<br />
<br />
<br />
After this, they wrapped the barbies in strips of cloth. I have plenty. In fact, I have some left over. <br />
<br />
They then placed their Pharaohs in their tombs, glued on the death masks and placed grave goods in with her to keep her happy.<br />
<br />
Both kids chose to put in Hama beads just in case the Pharaoh gets bored in the afterlife. Both used buttons as plates, and glitter as either food or wealth, plus pieces of gold paper and glass beads as money. Both also added a small jar of barley and Squidge wanted a jar of either beer or honey, I didn't have either but I did have some Mead so she had a tiny jar of that. J put his Hama beads in a small jar, and also added a bit of string because the Ancient Egyptians didn't have electric irons to glue the Hama beads together, so instead this Pharaoh could make a necklace. He's so thoughtful, that boy.<br />
J even showed Squidge how to tuck in the bandages. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfBBpt0vhcs/U9ZiLJuKbNI/AAAAAAAAAqg/rjl_Ucpg6qY/s1600/10424341_10152552572166900_5863954255189340147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfBBpt0vhcs/U9ZiLJuKbNI/AAAAAAAAAqg/rjl_Ucpg6qY/s1600/10424341_10152552572166900_5863954255189340147_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squidge's grave</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CLXkgCTFQ/U9ZiNU49b0I/AAAAAAAAArI/wtuw_c_cipc/s1600/1234857_10152552572321900_2344022296716509603_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CLXkgCTFQ/U9ZiNU49b0I/AAAAAAAAArI/wtuw_c_cipc/s1600/1234857_10152552572321900_2344022296716509603_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
J's grave</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
As the guest, J chose first box. His chosen tomb once held Grissini bread sticks; one of Squidge's favourite snacks. Squidge was happy with being left with a Maple Sunrise cereal box because she likes the smell.<br />
<br />
<br />
Please, please do this. It's so much fun. There's glitter everywhere and my livingroom smells of odd herbs, mint and a mild maple tang...... The children have retreated upstairs to play, but not before the well trained J had helped me clean up the craft bits then chastised Squidge for not helping. He was telling her off while tidying up her doll's house. Awesome child. <br />
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-3438539733027157642014-05-31T08:51:00.001-07:002014-05-31T09:03:21.932-07:00Spleling and lysdexia<p dir=ltr>In the past two years, school traumatised child has been what can only be politely referred to as a reluctant writer. <br>
Some days (most days) we've had panic attacks and/or refusal. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Recently though, things have changed. She's sick of having a scribe. She's sick of not being able to put into words what is actually going on in her head. She's annoyed that, although Brownies understand and provide a scribe if there is to much for her to cope with, she feels different.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So SHE had decided to improve. With help of course. </p>
<p dir=ltr>So on her go ahead, I have been teaching her how to spell usung the "look, say, cover, write" technique. <br>
She's been doing writing practise in the form of the odd note to me and some work books.... although the notes thong didn't really work out well.<br>
I led her the chance to write me a note before she goes to sleep, and I will reply for her to read in the morning... Yeah. Disaster... see the photos at the end. Apologies for this not being a very slick post, I am trying the Blogger app and so far it is making me want to drown things.</p>
<p dir=ltr>On her go ahead, we went to WHSmith and had a gander at the books and I found one which covers grammar and the English language and showed it to her, she liked its style. She also picked out a rather engaging maths book at the same time, and I found a word bank book for her to use too. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Well it turns out that having a maths book that had a "mythical worlds" theme (unicorns, dragons, wizards and faeries) was just what she needed to give her a kick up the bum with numbers, and the grammar book we'd both loved and she's started doing (and enjoying!) is actually for age 9+. When she noticed that, she spent the afternoon beaming because she's an 8 year old dyslexic and couldn't possibly have done this work if she'd seen the age before she started..... Oh ye of little faith, Child.</p>
<p dir=ltr>She's also chosen to start learning spellings. So, from her pieces of work, we pick out three she's not got right, and write them out for her to practise. I gave her a week for the first three and she managed to learn (and retain) them in just 3 days.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Right now, I am drinking tea while she is practising her spellings. This is the life.<br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZsXeNgWfCqA/U4n9QhrMSrI/AAAAAAAAAng/dAIXMJrC_HE/s1600/received_m_mid_1400320552610_44e7d6f30de8149427_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZsXeNgWfCqA/U4n9QhrMSrI/AAAAAAAAAng/dAIXMJrC_HE/s640/received_m_mid_1400320552610_44e7d6f30de8149427_0.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YOhYqSsRC8s/U4n9RA7A0kI/AAAAAAAAAno/IZ3-x344TQE/s1600/IMG_458771337497175.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YOhYqSsRC8s/U4n9RA7A0kI/AAAAAAAAAno/IZ3-x344TQE/s640/IMG_458771337497175.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MeLuxSDgnAg/U4n9R_Dmy7I/AAAAAAAAAnw/kAl5lNZybhE/s1600/IMG_458778665500105.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MeLuxSDgnAg/U4n9R_Dmy7I/AAAAAAAAAnw/kAl5lNZybhE/s640/IMG_458778665500105.jpeg"> </a> </div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-63720566809158267042014-05-23T01:25:00.001-07:002014-07-28T08:34:00.134-07:00Nuts and seeds, knitting your own yogurt.... etc<div dir="ltr">
This post is long. Sorry.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
TL:DR home education is awesome, legal and won't mess my child up.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I have found I dont get a lot of time for blogging any more. Actually I don't get much time for a lot outside of educating the child and making sure there's a sanitary bathroom and a kitchen worthy of making food in.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
But here goes with trying to fit in blogging too.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The reason I am back is because Squidge is Home Educated. When most people hear about home education they assume a few of many things. <br />
Here's some of the most common:<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
• The child is a genius and ahead of her age in everything and school couldn't keep up or the complete antithesis of this;<br />
•The child is not up to parr and couldn't keep up with school.<br />
• More worryingly,that child was kicked out of school.<br />
• That we are transient, extreme vegan hippies who live on lentils, don't own a TV and don't vaccinate.<br />
• That as such, Squidge is being left to find her own way, be completely autonomous and that we believe she will absorb learning rather than needing to be taught stuff.<br />
• That we are Tiger Parents.<br />
• It's easy, we're lazy.<br />
• That we are snobs.<br />
• That we are religious zealots<br />
• She will never learn how to fit in with schedules <br />
• The child has no social interaction with other children and finally<br />
• That what we are doing is unregulated, unsanctioned and/or illegal.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
NOPE. Well, mostly.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The child has her own pace. Her writing has been a big block since she was withdrawn from school. Did you have a teacher at school that you felt picked on you, no matter what you did? Squidge did. Her literacy teacher. <br />
The kid didn't get a break time for the whole of her time in year one because she was slow to finish and the teacher had high expectations of both accuracy levels, neatness and productivity expected for 5 and 6 year olds. I would have complained at the time, but this didn't come out until she had been out of school a year and had only just started taking about that part of her experiences.<br />
She still has nightmares involving this man shouting at her and screwing up her half page of work for a spelling mistake.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Here's the thing... SHE'S DYSLEXIC. In a school aparently prized food is SEN provision, glaring signs were ignored. My concerns were brushed off and ultimately Squidge was failed, pushed to far and stressed out of her gourd. The week after we withdrew her from school, we paid for the test the school had refused time and again; lo and behold!<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
She was also mercilessly bullied by other kids. One particular child made it her life's work to make squidge's life hell. She also had such power that other kids, fearing reproachand the same treatment, home in ganging up on squidge. "Kids will be kids", yeah but they will also not change into decent adults if they're not taught the correct way to act.<br />
<br />
School was informed of the issues over and over and did ZIP. Meanwhile my kid became a broken shell. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
She didn't eat. She didn't sleep. She was in her own world a lot of the time, and when she wasn't, she was volatile. She talked of self harm and causing her own death. This isn't some emo, hormonal teen we're taking about. This was a SIX YEAR OLD.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
We had planned to leave her 'til summer and see how it went; the same as we had when the problems began arising in her reception year. By easter, something had to be done because I was certain my child would not be alive by July.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
This is even before you factor in the lack of care for a medical complaint she had requiring medication at set times; and the time when (in her second week of reception) an LSA gave her a snack. Squidge handed it back, saying she couldn't eat it. She understood about her lactose intolerance. Something which I had informed the school of. The LSA ignored her, gave it back to get, told her it would make her big and strong and that she had to eat it. So she did. She was then in so much pain that she couldn't manage lunch and when I picked her up I was told she had spent the afternoon in "time out corner" for not sitting and doing her work. She had told the teacher her tummy hurt, but the teacher had thought she was making it up to get out of working before playtime.<br />
<br />
This happened another four times, I complained each time but was told the head wasn't available for a meeting. It was only when I sent a letter, explaining that if it happened again I would be contacting the LEA about it that she was finally added to the school-wide list of children with allergies and intolerances.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
My kid is not stupid. She is sharp as a tack, has an incredibly grown up sense of humour and can grasp new concepts quite easily now she's recovering. Ok so her handwriting is terrible. Her spelling atrocious, but she's working on English grammar concepts meant for a nine year old. She's at around age 10 level in scientific understanding, while her reading age is spot on for her chronological age and her maths is age appropriate too (now! After much work on her part!).<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Ok. Are we all hippies? I can't speak for others, but my family are what I would refer to as partially hippy. Not transient, we live in a rather nice 1950s rented mid-terrace.<br />
Not vegan but we do enjoy the odd lentil from time to time and I gave been known to knit my own yogurt.<br />
We do own a telly, sophie is quite partial to a bit of Dick and Dom. I am not.<br />
Squidge is vaccinated to the eyeballs because I believe wholeheartedly in vaccination. Others do not, and that is their choice, same as this is ours.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Autonomy is one of the hardest concepts for non home educating people to grasp, and is often misunderstood. Squidge is not autonomous, but her education IS mostly child-led.<br />
I have seen completely autonomous children go on and do really well for themselves, but I know squidge's brain doesn't work like that. She needs structure. Not as much as some, more than others.<br />
<br />
Autonomy is the idea of leaving a child to do their own thing in their own time, but providing support and resources if they're wanted or needed.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
We're using an approach that is often muddled up with autonomy. Child led education is where a child chooses their own education stew for want of a better analogy, but an adult is very much in the picture giving that stew the extra veg it needs to be satisfying. Ok so that analogy maybe isn't great... <br />
The approach varies from family to family, so I will focus on ours alone. I have no right to judge others because what works for us might not work for them, and vice versa.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Squidge does "projects". Generally amounting to 1-2 pages of A4 paper. She choose the subject (sometimes from a list given by me) and we work on it. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
The only long teem project we're doing is about our giant African land snail, Fluffy. She has charted his growth from when we got him (12 weeks old) to now (26 weeks; they become mature at 40-50 weeks).<br />
This project wasn't just about her pet. There is literacy in the form of writing a short paragraph about Fluffy. Numeracy in the measuring and charting on a graph. Accuracy, hand eye coordination, art, biology. We even fitted in a little Latin when identifying his breed (Fulica), geography of the main locations Fulica choose to breed in. ICT in using search engines to find information... One snail, many uses.<br />
<br />
Squidge also does a bit of English and maths every day. Well nearly. Well, at least a few times a week. On average. And she is a voracious reader.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I do not force the issue. This panics some people I know because they are certain she will never catch up. I think I need to lend them a book which has really helped me; Ruby Flew Too. It's a young children's book about a duckling who is a little behind the rest of her clutch, but who ends up excelling. The main repeating theme is "She will do it in her own time". That duckling could honestly be a metaphor for my child. When I get wobbles about our approach, I just re read it.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Neither me nor my hubby are snobs about home ed. It works for our family. It works for our lives. It may not work for everyone and it is not the easy route. The is a lot of soul searching that goes on, stress, fear.. but ultimately when you find your approach and are confidant and comfortable with it, it becomes a lot less scary and stressful.<br />
<br />
Many times I have feared that or approach won't work, that she's not doing enough, that we are doing her a disservice.... it all turns out to be tripe in the end.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Squidge is being raised by a pagan and an atheist. In a wide family and friendship group that contains Protestants, Jews, Catholics, Jehova's Witness, Quakers, Muslims, Agnostics and even one or two Pastafarians (r'amen). I don't think she's ever actually noticed. To her, they're all just kids to play with. Even home ed parents are largely very inclusive and friendly, which is something I never found with the school gate cliques.<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Socialisation is a word that REALLY gets my hackles up. It's a misnomer, a lie, a fallacy. "But what about socialisation? They only learn that in school". I CALL BULL POOP ON THAT. Forced association is NOT socialisation. Squidge attends quite a few groups, sees friends regularly and spends a lot of time of and about. Does she hide behind my patched,grass stained jeans? No. She gets out the and talks. The reaction of the first few kids she told that she's home educated made her refuse to tell anyone, but she's got a thicker skin now, and great pride i her lifestyle.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
For the groups she attends, we need to know how to balance our time. We have to stick to a schedule. She knows that her week kind of revolves around the things, Brownies on a Monday, Gymnastics on a Wednesday and a semi structure group on Fridays.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
What we do is perfectly legal. We chose to have LEA involvement because Squidge loves our education lady, and because I need the support of a yearly check to see that we really are ok. But, we don't legally have to have this. If she been home ed from birth, we'd never even have had to contact the LEA. Even now, we would have the right to request that we only send in a letter once a year. However, Squidge loves out visitor.<br />
<br />
Although I know some families with home ed from birth kids who chose to be in contact with the LEA, most choose not to because of the "ultra vires" methods used by some councils.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
So that's us.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
My blog will still be largely craft based, but as my life revolves around Squidge's education, I guess this will too lol.<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TLTUOxFNOrc/U39HHGqO-6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/8rC47bklBFA/s1600/IMG_210682123079238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TLTUOxFNOrc/U39HHGqO-6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/8rC47bklBFA/s640/IMG_210682123079238.jpeg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(yes. that says bum. repeatedly. she's writing ok?!) </div>
Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-19382795170514687952014-03-24T11:36:00.001-07:002014-03-24T12:54:52.366-07:00New Jacket for The SquigletSerendipity has smiled upon us in the past couple of months, Squidge's growth spurt and need for a spring jacket has coincided with a sewing competition run by Hillarys. Seeing the Calluna Amethyst fabric, I had to apply. Funnily enough, Squidge was next to me and pointed to the exact same fabric, so great minds think alike.<br />
<br />
To promote their new Country Crafts range of fabrics, Hillarys generously sent 100cm x 100cm of fabric to me, and asked that I make something. Anything. The only prerequisites were that the item made must be original, and involve their fabric.<br />
<br />
http://www.hillarys.co.uk/inspiration/the-hub/2014/country-craft-competition/<br />
<br />
I've also taken to reading the Hillarys blog page too; (Psst! It's where information about upcoming competitions will be!).<br />
<br />
http://www.hillarys.co.uk/inspiration/2014/03/sweet-shop-inspired-style/<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkXR5iCN0WM/UzBz7jN7aZI/AAAAAAAAAk4/iK9LnwtECx0/s1600/IMG_7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkXR5iCN0WM/UzBz7jN7aZI/AAAAAAAAAk4/iK9LnwtECx0/s1600/IMG_7578.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Squidge had full artistic control over this one. She chose, and so I used the Silver Lake pattern from Sewing Clothes Kids Love by Nancy J.S. Langdon and Sabine Pollehn, but I made some quite major changes to the original design and pattern. <br />
<br />
For one thing, that jacket design is quite boxy and once I had made it following the instructions, it just didn't look right on Squidge. She's too girly, to twirly for a boxy coat so it got unpicked and tailored a bit.<br />
<br />
For another thing, Squidge doesn't have an ipod or anything that would require the sleeve pocket from the pattern.<br />
<br />
Finally, Squidge prefers slightly fuller sleeves. It's a "sensitive armpit thing" apparently. Personally, I think it's more of a "having her own style thing" or a "just likes pouffy sleeves thing".<br />
<br />
Obviously, the fabric provided wasn't enough for a spring jacket for a quickly growing eight year old child, so I added two unpicked velvet cushion covers and a reused separating zip to the mix.<br />
<br />
Well, I have spent two weeks finding extra time in amongst housework and
home educating Squidge... ok, so I ignored the housework except for
essentials, and Squidge is pretty easy to be honest. I have her a
workbook, make sure she's occasionally fed and watered and all's good. My dining table is still heaped with a mixture of sewing items and home ed stuff (mostly sewing to be honest), and the floor still has velvet fluff EVERYWHERE, but I am happy. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fabrics</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--S0b4OdfCF0/UzBzxMUM2SI/AAAAAAAAAkY/EwgLAwHvQJs/s1600/IMG_7566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--S0b4OdfCF0/UzBzxMUM2SI/AAAAAAAAAkY/EwgLAwHvQJs/s1600/IMG_7566.JPG" height="270" width="320" /> </a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cutting the first piece, I am always terrified of cutting into a beautiful fabric.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0vBTjHPoKk/UzBzqHEeEYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bvQdytMeeoQ/s1600/IMG_7563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0vBTjHPoKk/UzBzqHEeEYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bvQdytMeeoQ/s1600/IMG_7563.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pinning the sewn up side inserts, and checking everything aligns well before setting them aside to do the inserts on the back piece. I topstitched the inserts with a satin stitch too because Squidge said she wanted the joins to stand out more. The great thing is, the topstitching also served to stop any interior shedding or fraying. As this jacket is unlined, I figured I better do something so that she can take it off and not look like a beaniebaby. Also, I made that bias binding for the pocket tops. Jus' sayin'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtWcYJofV7o/UzBzw1QEC3I/AAAAAAAAAkc/_Xi1w5Gm8uU/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtWcYJofV7o/UzBzw1QEC3I/AAAAAAAAAkc/_Xi1w5Gm8uU/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Using my ironing board as there's no space left on the dining table and the floor's too low.... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXe4erFyoyo/UzBzy8478EI/AAAAAAAAAko/6lj_UHGPbFw/s1600/IMG_7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXe4erFyoyo/UzBzy8478EI/AAAAAAAAAko/6lj_UHGPbFw/s1600/IMG_7570.JPG" height="320" width="217" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a view of the velvet yoke, piping, fullish sleeve top and overstitching to make the yoke lie properly. All Squidge's idea.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aibKKTbjo4/UzB0Hk4FGXI/AAAAAAAAAlI/xmu500EGoNA/s1600/IMG_7589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aibKKTbjo4/UzB0Hk4FGXI/AAAAAAAAAlI/xmu500EGoNA/s1600/IMG_7589.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well,
once it was properly put together, both seamed and overlocked to make it hard wearing for a child, the collar was attached on the reverse by machine but I hand stitched the top bit down so that it was the right shape. My sewing machine is a bit like a newly tamed horse, you never know when it's going to go full pelt so I prefer to hand-stitch some bits. I
hand stitched the blind hem too so that the velvet didn't bruise and the hem doesn't show,
and then I defluffed it from all of the threads and velvet cuttings. I think it's a hit. She likes the pockets, and the collar, the cuffs, the fabrics... she's all round happy. I think she also enjoyed being consulted at
every stage, she's got exactly the jacket she ordered. <br />
<br />
I love it, it's
got just the right amount of quirk. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And look! It doesn't just work for flower smelling and looking pretty, it works for playing
aeroplanes too:</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--La-hLoXjts/UzB0H4WHvFI/AAAAAAAAAlM/Y15xiEu3png/s1600/IMG_7584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--La-hLoXjts/UzB0H4WHvFI/AAAAAAAAAlM/Y15xiEu3png/s1600/IMG_7584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For doing park things: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwn2uoR6aB8/UzB0H5gmxaI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/gad0QXVJT_0/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwn2uoR6aB8/UzB0H5gmxaI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/gad0QXVJT_0/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally (most importantly) it looks stylish, even while being cheeky: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeVrq20FRbY/UzBz5oJNOPI/AAAAAAAAAkw/8acz51mt6fY/s1600/IMG_7579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeVrq20FRbY/UzBz5oJNOPI/AAAAAAAAAkw/8acz51mt6fY/s1600/IMG_7579.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She wants a mini backpack made from the offcuts, but as it's got to be patchwork now due to the size of my offcuts, it wont be done before the competition closing date. It'll be online in a couple of weeks though lol.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Having seen my friend's entry, I was terrified and almost thought of giving up..... but then I decided, if I don't enter, I have no chance at all. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-46753312884157049902013-04-21T12:42:00.001-07:002013-04-21T12:42:36.003-07:00I collect odd booksAny book with an interesting or strange or non PC title, I love them. I gather them. I preserve them. Here's a selection from my collection.<br />
<br />
I think we'll begin with Gaytime Stories. Frankly, completely un-PC now, but very of its time. Personally, I find the table of contents incredibly amusing when taken in modern context with the title.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrfQB2tKtZw/UXQ-k8nWDJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/56nPJvgb8OI/s1600/2013-04-21190618_zps1acb0a23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrfQB2tKtZw/UXQ-k8nWDJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/56nPJvgb8OI/s320/2013-04-21190618_zps1acb0a23.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02UeUakbDeA/UXQ-mvDAW2I/AAAAAAAAAcE/7t_M_LkUkow/s1600/2013-04-21190641_zps433e432c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02UeUakbDeA/UXQ-mvDAW2I/AAAAAAAAAcE/7t_M_LkUkow/s320/2013-04-21190641_zps433e432c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
here's some more oddities before I get to the juicy stuff......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDiKpvEJ9hg/UXQ-oNZAv3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/TLWcvo_IV2Q/s1600/2013-04-21200801_zps5674178e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDiKpvEJ9hg/UXQ-oNZAv3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/TLWcvo_IV2Q/s320/2013-04-21200801_zps5674178e.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNqRUUb5kag/UXQ-rB0UjnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/xfxH3Mj4evU/s1600/2013-04-21200930_zps5d21a334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNqRUUb5kag/UXQ-rB0UjnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/xfxH3Mj4evU/s320/2013-04-21200930_zps5d21a334.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
OK, this one's not mine. it belongs to the Manflesh I'm married to :D<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in7OT3ptvWY/UXQ-pkwK0-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/q-5GUoy1fZ4/s1600/2013-04-21201052_zps91426e2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in7OT3ptvWY/UXQ-pkwK0-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/q-5GUoy1fZ4/s320/2013-04-21201052_zps91426e2a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This next one is very interesting when you think of its age, it's early 1930s. It's in a completely plain, blue leather cover so nobody can see what you're reading. naughty naughty!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsWNbxMENzQ/UXQ-qEO396I/AAAAAAAAAc0/HgUucCnLSa4/s1600/2013-04-21201201_zps4c2e0d53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsWNbxMENzQ/UXQ-qEO396I/AAAAAAAAAc0/HgUucCnLSa4/s320/2013-04-21201201_zps4c2e0d53.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And this one I rescued from certain destruction. I know a lot of people don't see why, and cry out "omg! burn it!" but<span id=".reactRoot[106].[1][4][1]{comment10151589200266900_10271156}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"> IF books like this are destroyed, then the memory of the atrocities associated with such words may be forgotten, and how can we learn from history's mistakes and not make them again? The human race is essentially incredibly stupid and doesn't learn quickly. Persecution of non white peoples, hatred of homosexuals, religious warfare, all are mistakes for us to learn and move on from and should never, never be forgotten. So, save old, un PC books. Show them to your children and explain why they're not acceptable any more. Explain how to love their fellow man and maybe we'll grow a more tolerant race as a byproduct of education. (oh, and as a modern thinking personage, I think Joseph Conrad should probably have stayed with his original title of "Children of the Sea".... but at the time, this was a better selling title.)<br /> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id=".reactRoot[106].[1][4][1]{comment10151589200266900_10271156}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EB1az_5UIuY/UXQ-nNgV04I/AAAAAAAAAcU/iLHL8_26NWo/s1600/2013-04-21190727_zpsafc68ed5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EB1az_5UIuY/UXQ-nNgV04I/AAAAAAAAAcU/iLHL8_26NWo/s320/2013-04-21190727_zpsafc68ed5.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span id=".reactRoot[106].[1][4][1]{comment10151589200266900_10271156}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">
<br />
</span>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-66761519063629364122013-01-21T05:33:00.002-08:002013-01-21T05:41:02.197-08:00Ubiquitous Snow Post <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azkdAnOfA4w/UP1EUQvi4II/AAAAAAAAAXw/XbA0O29MXb8/s1600/331757_10151400446466900_576732705_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azkdAnOfA4w/UP1EUQvi4II/AAAAAAAAAXw/XbA0O29MXb8/s320/331757_10151400446466900_576732705_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a quite surprising photo taken on my phone. yeah. snow. woo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crE_qy2YI8w/UP1EYxAS3oI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Ro7Ko6Emejs/s1600/25996_547897838555852_1224533855_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crE_qy2YI8w/UP1EYxAS3oI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Ro7Ko6Emejs/s320/25996_547897838555852_1224533855_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Too "White Trash" for gloves. and that hat was borrowed too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
It snowed here in lovely Essex. Don't get me started on how stupid it is that our country grinds to a halt when it snows. Yesterday, I cleared the driveway twice and gritted it, and the steps. then next door's little boy cleared the foot path for me because he's awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpH8R4kCy0c/UP1EUZBJ05I/AAAAAAAAAX0/Nx39H6ZHk44/s1600/774447_10151407830516900_1987534044_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpH8R4kCy0c/UP1EUZBJ05I/AAAAAAAAAX0/Nx39H6ZHk44/s320/774447_10151407830516900_1987534044_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My garden in full, white glory.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Today there's been no fresh fall, but it's cold enough so the snow is sticking around. i decided we'd go for a snow picnic, the Child was not so sure but went along with another of Mummy's harebrained schemes.<br />
<br />
Cue home made soup, me digging out all of our flasks, hot cocoa and sausages. You see the joy of a snow picnic is cold weather, but hot food.<br />
<br />
First off, sort out your flasks. Make sure they are good and hot before doing anything else. boiling water poured in and the lid put on and then left for at least 5mins means your food stays hotter for longer. I use stainless steel flasks because the amount of times I dropped and broke glass ones (losing my lunch and my flask in the process) was hideous.<br />
<br />
Yes. You can transport hot sausages in a flask so long as 1. you're not going too far so they're not going to be kept hot for too long, 2. the flask is both very clean and very very hot and 3. you remember to take a skewer to extract the sausages at your destination. I didn't, which made for some amusing times. prepare your flask as above, then dump the water out and attempt to dry it at least a little bit. if you can't face slightly damp sausages, put them in a freezer baggie or some foil, and THEN into the flask.<br />
<br />
So, you've heated your flasks and sorted your sausages. good. Not sort your soup. make sure it's hot, bubbling simmer at least. dump the water from your flask and immediately fill it with soup. the same follows for your hot chocolate.<br />
<br />
Now, go out. find a nice patch of snow. lay out some blankets (I cut large bin bag in half so the blankets wouldn't get wet) and enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNwVGftG2-I/UP1CcFovH0I/AAAAAAAAAXg/qHrEU4cPyBY/s1600/774623_10151409778226900_1534627495_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNwVGftG2-I/UP1CcFovH0I/AAAAAAAAAXg/qHrEU4cPyBY/s320/774623_10151409778226900_1534627495_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alright. she wasn't keen. She appears to be far more like her daddy than me when it comes to snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we're home, I would now put our picnic blanket in the wash, but the pipes to the washer froze a few days ago so we don't have a washing machine for the forseeable. Thankfully we have a lovely next door neighbour and a launderette nearby so we're not too hard done by. and the dryer still works thank goodness. By this time next year I will have a tank in my shed above the washing machine to feed the washing machine. auto filling for most of the year, but able to be manually filled when the cold snaps hit. we never get too cold for too long in the UK thankfully. Yay! Gulf Stream! Woo! Anyway, this tank will also take the grey water from the condenser dryer too, the ultimate recycling. It's thinking like this that keeps our water bills down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, my little home schooled darling has written some letters to be posted later, and done 3 whole pages from her maths book. mostly with the help of a bag of skittles to count out.... time for me to scoot. let's see if I can try and fix the sewing machine again.......?!</div>
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-51261792752557472222013-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:002013-01-20T08:38:17.795-08:00Come on down!!!uuuurgh!!! Caffeine comedown is a biiiiitch.<br />
<br />
I am trying to get off caffeine and reduce my intake of refined sugars etc, basically trying to go low GI as much as possible, with the exception of the occasional trip out I think. Apparently this will help me lose weight because my thyroid is futzed and despite thyroid meds, I am still fat and tired with crap hair, nails and skin.<br />
<br />
I also realised just after Christmas that I was going through a litre to a litre and a half of Pepsi Max per day. her, at least it was sugar free!!! I've been trying to get myself down, and today is my first day with nothing.<br />
<br />
I'm following advice from a thyroid diet book, and it's soooo hard.<br />
<br />
my head is painful, i feel tired and i am craving fat, refined carbs and sugar. If someone could give me a jam doughnut where the jam is actually that concentrated syrup you get for coke machines, I would probably be in hog's heaven.<br />
<br />
Speaking of hogs, I managed to get a massive roast dinner for the three of us out of a pork hock yesterday, and still have enough left over fr another dinner too. My portion was trimmed of all fat and tiny, served with a mound of veg, some slightly softened apple chunks and a couple of slices of potato.<br />
<br />
I am unsure whether or not this is the comedown from refined carbs, sugar in general, caffeine or aspartame but I.... urgh.<br />
<br />
Oh well, at least my kitchen is clean. I scrubbed and scrubbed today to get my mind of everything else.<br />
<br />
My embroidery machine is kaput I think. I thought I'd fixed it, but no. the computer screen still wont recognise clicks in the bottom third, and the stitches are still misaligned. humpf. Can't afford to get it fixed anywhere I've had quotes from either :(<br />
<br />
Well, that's all from my depressing mind today. hopefully I'll be less depressing next time.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-54348060151581398082013-01-07T03:14:00.000-08:002013-01-07T03:17:28.314-08:00Oh God. Meme Bandwagon!!!<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #0b0e18;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Who
Am I Really?</span></span></h2>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You
sort of starting feeling like a more serious blogger that proud day
when a brilliant, inspiring blogger tags you into a meme.” Yep,
this is exactly how I felt when the lovely Jac at
<a href="http://reflectionsinraindrops.wordpress.com/">http://reflectionsinraindrops.wordpress.com</a>
tagged me in hers!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And
who am I to ignore a lovely little bandwaggon?!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
back to the meme. The rules are really simple:</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
Post five random facts about yourself.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
Choose five deserving blogs with less than 200 followers to nominate
and link into your post.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
Tell your nominees that they have been chosen by leaving a comment on
their blog.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
Answer the five questions the tagger (in my case, Jac) has asked.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
Ask five questions of your chosen nominees.</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">-
No tag-backs.</span></span></h3>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
here goes:</span></span></div>
<h4>
<strong><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Five
Random Facts About Me</b></u></span></span></strong></h4>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.
I was once heckled by a comedian. I know, audience members aren't
normally heckled by the comedian they're watching, but Norman Lovett
took a liking to my boobs for some reason.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
I have an utter confusion with tomatoes and oranges. I KNOW which to
eat in pasta and which to eat in fruit salad, but for some reason if
I was told to pick up a tomato, I would go for an orange. And I think
the husband has finally got used to bringing me tomatoes if I ask for
oranges from the fridge...the thing is, I can't even blame it on
oxygen deprivation brain damage sustained at the age of 23 as this is a problem I've had a lot
longer than the damage!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;">3.
I hate </span><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;">omelettes</span><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;"> Can't stand them. Eurgh. I can also only eat
scrambled egg if I've made it, because otherwise it tastes of </span><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;">omelettes</span><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;"> Weirder still, I am willing to cook </span><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;">omelettes</span><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;"> for my family
and have been told I make a damned fine one.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4a4a49; line-height: 0.58cm;">4.
I survived AFE. </span><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;">http://afesupport.org/afe-faqs/ </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;">5.
once I get cold, I can't warm myself again. I often end up needing a
sleep to reset my brain. The GP doesn't believe me. I'm pretty sure
he thinks I'm a </span><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;">hypochondriac</span><span style="line-height: 0.58cm;">.</span></span></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: #4a4a49; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u> Jac's five questions</u></span></h4>
<ol>
<li><div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What,
if anything, have you done that you have later regretted?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Met
someone on a dating website and invited them back to my place for a
weekend of debauchery. 1. get a photo first. 2. this is an
incredibly stupid thing to do you dumb dumb 18 year old stupid dumb
cow. </span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
do you consider to be your worst habit?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4a4a49;">Ignoring
housework in favour of anything else. Crafting, shopping, going for
a walk etc. </span>
</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li><div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
is your favourite thing to do to relax?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmmmm......
probably knitting.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="4">
<li><div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If
you could travel back in time and spend a year living in another
time, what era would you choose and why?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4a4a49;">I'm
not sure, a year is a long time and without things like modern
medicine and high speed broadband, I'm not sure how I'd get on....
but IF I could have modern medicine if needed and be able to use the
net from my own time, then possibly a late 18</span><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: #4a4a49;">
century farm. I've recently read The Garden Cottage Diaries by Fiona
J. Houston, a woman who decided to try living as a 1790s crofter.
Even she ended up dropping her “live in the time” principles
when she go an infection. Penicillin FTW.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="5">
<li><div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post
up one picture that you feel defines your 2012</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsvwHisN1lU/UOqsxV-fNXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oPgkVCIK8Mk/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsvwHisN1lU/UOqsxV-fNXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oPgkVCIK8Mk/s320/house.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
is a photo of an incredibly unassuming, south essex terraced house.
Why this? Well it's MY home and I am incredibly happy here... My review of 2012 should give you an
idea :D</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<strong><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>My
five nominees</b></u></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<strong><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 0.58cm;">I'm not too sure if this one counts as he's got a massive facebook following, but there's less than 100 blog followers so.. yeah.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://whatsforschoollunch.blogspot.co.uk/">http://whatsforschoollunch.blogspot.co.uk</a>/ </span><span style="color: #444444;">awesome, awesome blog about school lunches. perhaps I should start sending in photos of sophie's lunches. do home schooled kids count?! nah. probably not.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.899999618530273px;"><a href="http://bobbler-headingoverthehill.blogspot.co.uk/">http://bobbler-headingoverthehill.blogspot.co.uk</a>/</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.899999618530273px;"> I have known Bob for a great many years now, and she never fails to raise a giggle from me. a truly inspiring woman who is a true and loyal friend :D and she's hillarious. seriously, fricking hillarious.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.899999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/">http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk</a>/</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"> this is the blog for my all time, favorite fabric shop. a lovely place, friendly knowledgable staff and an amazing stock collection. if you're ever in Colchester, check it out. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://melaniepritchard.wordpress.com/tag/amniotic-fluid-embolism">http://melaniepritchard.wordpress.com/tag/amniotic-fluid-embolism</a></span><span style="color: #444444;"> Melanie is a fellow survivor, and that itself deserves respect lol.</span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 21.91666603088379px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 21.899999618530273px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://stuffmummymakes.blogspot.co.uk/">http://stuffmummymakes.blogspot.co.uk</a></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I also know Lisa in real life too, my goodness! two bloggers I actually know in the real world?! I'm almost a people person!!! Lisa is an amazing crafting mummy with a gorgeous little boy called Monkeybum. her crafts are amazing!! </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<strong><span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>My
Five Questions</b></u></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.
What is your absolute favourite thing to do?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
If you ruled the world, what would be the first thing you'd outlaw?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.
do you have any strange collections?</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.
If you have facebook, what approximate proportion of your friends do
you know in real life?!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="border: none; line-height: 0.58cm; margin-bottom: 0.58cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #4a4a49;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.
Post up one picture that you feel defines your 2012</span></span></div>
Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-55791944507839687462012-12-31T06:27:00.000-08:002012-12-31T06:27:45.172-08:002012 Review and Appologies<br />
sorry I've not been on much this year, it's been a hell of a time..... we've withdrawn Minime from school, moved house and I had to leave some of my beautiful plants behind. If anyone fancies sending me some Ramsons bulbs, I'd appreciate it lol. I had a lovely patch going at the old house.... anyway, here's an update from Casa De Flibble:<br />
<br />
Early on in the year we'd been getting offers from the council, but all of the flats we were offered were postage stamp sized. We did apply for a few though just to try and get out of the mould infested rat hole we lived in.<br />
then came march, and we'd not been informed we had to reapply for the council and would be knocked back down the list and spend another year climbing back up again. not necessarily what we wanted to do, but we'd not got enough money for another rental deposit, and knew getting our old one back would involve a fight as the landlord was a dodgy... person. more words could be used, but this is public and I can't afford a slander case.<br />
<br />
anyways, we sat tight whilst trying to work out what to do.<br />
<br />
in april we withdrew Child from school and began home educating her. within days we were seeing the extent of her problems and having a hard time working out how to fix them. getting a proper dyslexia/dyspraxia diagnosis has helped though because now we can tailor education to her, but we're still trying to get her over the idea that if she does something wrong she'll lose her break times, or that she needs to sit still for as long as it takes her to complete work, or that we will be angry if she doesn't understand something. patience and love will help lol.<br />
<br />
through a local home ed group I met a wonderful woman, Cookie who has sort of become our guardian angel lol. We became friends as we're very similar people, and Child really gets on with Cookie's two children.<br />
<br />
one lunchtime, Minime and I were at her house. Minime was playing with the little Cookies, and Cookie and I were chatting and knitting, full of the pasta lunch she had provided (bliss)... I told her about the place we lived in. I told her all of the problems. I cried. nothing more was thought on my part about it until a few days later she mentioned her neighbour was doing up his property to rent out. he'd just had some particularly nasty tenants move out and was fixing everything they'd destroyed. she had asked him for his phone number and wanted to pass it on to us!<br />
<br />
So James rang Mr M and had a good long chat with him. he seemed... well, a breath of fresh air compared to Mr C and his agent that we'd been renting from for the last 4 years. We came to view the house. Mid century mid terrace, good central location, excellent bus routes, driveway, two sheds, big garden (overgrown at the time but I could see the potential!), two bedrooms, nice bathroom, new kitchen, new carpet in one bedroom, carte blanche to decorate if we wished........ We'd brought with us a folder of bank statements going back 5 years as we knew the ex landlord would not give us a reference (how dare we hold him to his legal obligations!!)...these showed rent paid every single month. We offered Mr M full paroosal of this folder and he declined, and offered to rent the house to us directly rather than via an agent. he cut £75 per month off the rent as he'd not be paying agent fees, and gave us £200 off the first month in return for us decorating the livingroom!!! he let us have the keys 3 weeks early too to complete the works and have a phone line installed!!!! did I mention he's an all-round good egg?! I think it helped him to trust us that on our second viewing (when we knew we were getting the place) I asked if I could head into the garden and start clearing some for him. it was in a terrible state and I couldn't stand by and watch him have to do all that himself as well as do up the house. I'd brought tools in our car boot just in case.... I was excited!!!<br />
<br />
So anyway, notice was given on the mould hole as soon as we'd signed forms with Mr M and the move began. we heard nothing from the agent. nothing at all. so we did everything by the book so to speak, all legal and above board. all traceable just in case. keeping to legal time limits and so forth.<br />
<br />
we moved in to the new house, which is situated between Cookie's house and Mr M's parent's house :D (they're lovely too, I can see where Mr M gets it from).<br />
The new house is smaller, but better laid out and mould free. incidentally, this is the first winter minime's not needed an asthma inhaler for night times. every other winter since age 2 she's become wheezy in november and needed the ventalin until about march. this year? nothing. coincidence? I think not. she's still getting the odd fevers, but that's also being looked at seriously now... back to the house....<br />
<br />
We ended up posting the keys back to the agent as still no contact was given at all.<br />
<br />
We waited for contact from the agent. a week after we moved out, jim got an email from someone we'd never heard of, telling us she'd taken over our agent's properties and could jim please meet her at the house to hand over the keys. well, no answered he. he couldn't. he'd posted them back due to no contact. he then got a call from someome at the original agent's asking for the keys....... all weird. he gave them the parcel tracking number and told them very politely to sod off. we've since heard a lot of things about the agent and done some digging ourselves. I'll get to that....<br />
<br />
after a while we applied for the return of our full deposit (£975) from the deposit protection service and were then informed the landlord had done the same thing, so it would be put to arbitration. we were sent a copy of the landlord's statement. 3 a4 pages in size 10 type of lies upon lies upon lies. we'd expected no less, but although it falls to the landlord to provide burden of proof, we still wanted to answer his claims in order to give ourselves a fighting chance of getting our money back. so we spent 2 solid weeks gathering together our evidence. I don't think Mr C realised that as soon as he and his agent started acting dodgy back in 2007, we became avid record keepers and were able to send 1.5lbs of evidential paperwork and photographs to prove the lie to almost every single one of his claims. It was well worth the courier fee.<br />
<br />
21 days it took the arbitrary commission. probably a lot of that was trying to word his report so it didn't come across as sarcastic because it reads like he took a look at the landlord's claims, then at our counter evidence and saw what a dodgy effer the landlord really was.....<br />
did we get it back? most of it. We're getting £825 of the £975. he's getting £85 for a door (we couldn't work out which one his report was talking about so couldn't counter it with anything), £55 for half a mirror (again couldn't work out what mirror, the report says it's giving half because they can't guarantee it's not in the house still) and a tenner for polyfiller which I nearly wee'd myself laughing at.<br />
<br />
We were worried not only that the landlord would be found in the right (I know, seems silly looking back) or that he'd be able to take us to the civil courts and claim more lies, but he can't. as a government agency, the DPS has the final say. As he agreed to arbitration, he has no further legal recourse. apparently if he intended to take us to court and lie some more, he'd have had to inform the DPS and they wouldn't have allowed arbitration. we were worried that if he was granted the full deposit, or near the full deposit he'd still have recourse but nope. arbitration is final. it's over!!!!<br />
<br />
guess when we found out? christmas day! it was the best christmas present either of us has ever had. I cried. I hyperventillated, as I was the recipient of the email informing us of the decision. I couldn't tell James why I was in a state, Childwas scared and all I could do is hand jim the laptop and run upstairs before I pee'd myself.<br />
<br />
once I'd calmed (thank you Harvey's Bristol Cream!) I rang my mum, cried more then popped to Cookie's house to give her the good news!!! I was pleased to see Cookie spends christmas the same way I like to, in her jammies.<br />
<br />
so this is us ending the year on a high note. the money will be in our bank on thurs/fri this week. we're starting 2013 nearly debt free. We're having Mr and Mrs M and possibly their two teenage kids over for coffees in the new year!! this was their first family home, I want to show them that we're taking good care of it. Mrs M refused to even visit Mr M's parents next door while the ex tenants were here because it upset her to see them ignore the garden and not take care of the house.<br />
<br />
now, to the agent from the mould hole....... hmmm where to start? in 2011 they tried to claim we were behind on rent, which is how we ended up with a folder of bank statements to show Mr M. their first comment was we'd made a msitake. their second was "I'm sure it happened when you changed jobs" to James. he's worked at the same place, on the same pay system, and we've had an account with the same bank since 2004. We tried telling the landlord what a dodgy person his agent was back in 2009 but were told in a sharp tone "I've worked with this man for 15 years!".... ok. so how do you explain that he's now done a runner with over a year's worth of rent from each of your properties, disappeared and you've had to hire a private investigator to find him then Mr C? ah! so you see, you're not the only one with lifelines into the local parish gossip train!!!<br />
<br />
We don't have the money for a PI, but we do have a lot of very trustworthy but slightly dodgy friends with more friends in high places. On of my friends has managed to find out for me that the agent goes by at least 3 names, and I myself have found out he's been the director of no less than 12 companies which have either gone under, or disappeared and stopped trading. all property based. all over the place. all running from mail forwarding centres and "virtual offices". places you can hire by the day, week or months to make it look like you have an office somewhere, but are actually a glorified PO box. I'm now doing this investigative stuff for fun, but think I might give up. I have enough vindication in the form of the huge sum of cash being plopped into our account this week.<br />
<br />
in other news, I made the craftster hit list a few times this year with various hand made items. I still knit, though not as much since the diagnosis of arthritis in my hands (ffs!!!). I'm undergoing tests as the dr isn't sure if I have rheumatoid arthritis in my large joints as well as hands, or if I am the sufferer of the fabled fibromyalgia. you never know, perhaps now the major stress from my life is gone things might start to look up. I'm looking forward to the change in road law which means I may be able to find a vehicle ad get places under my own steam next year.... (as long as it's less than 350kg in unladen weight, has a top speed of 28mph and I display L plates.)<br />
<br />
I made James a festive jumper and due to the landlord crap, the move, arthritis and forgetfulness (I left it and my needles at my mum's house for a week) I didn't get it finished for Yule, but he got it at 11am on christmas day. I think the neckline needs work though...<br />
<br />
2012 is ending on a much higher note than it started. and I am more than happy to see the back of it.<br />
<br />
oh and some of the best news? I got a greenhouse for my 30th birthday!!! :D Jim's built me a little staging from the bits of wood Mr M had in the shed too, left over from the improvements! he said we could do what we like with the bits and bobs in there, or he'd remove them for us. we picked through, kept things we can make stuff out of and he disposed of the rest :D GOOD EGG.<br />
<br />
I'd sort of like to frame the arbitration report. I keep reading it and smiling.<br />
<br />
Much love! hope your 2013 starts as well as mine!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJN7QJlQpBc/UOGf0LmrpFI/AAAAAAAAAWE/1ORel7TPhrc/s1600/IMG_6971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJN7QJlQpBc/UOGf0LmrpFI/AAAAAAAAAWE/1ORel7TPhrc/s320/IMG_6971.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dave, our first living Yule tree.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9zmmrLA5FY/UOGf1dJJxjI/AAAAAAAAAWM/w9OL_g8CWuk/s1600/IMG_6988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9zmmrLA5FY/UOGf1dJJxjI/AAAAAAAAAWM/w9OL_g8CWuk/s320/IMG_6988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cake I originally designed to give to my mum... I had a change of heart, but gave this one to my brothers an sister instead!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkKFR5EiBeg/UOGf2z2bFwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/i87FXO1ylnA/s1600/IMG_6994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkKFR5EiBeg/UOGf2z2bFwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/i87FXO1ylnA/s320/IMG_6994.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mum's cutsey cake. penguins. awwww!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxzKjNMs8PE/UOGf4Iqo-2I/AAAAAAAAAWc/sv7EVvxGNU4/s1600/IMG_6999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxzKjNMs8PE/UOGf4Iqo-2I/AAAAAAAAAWc/sv7EVvxGNU4/s320/IMG_6999.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"ERMAHGERD! TERBLERT!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Child liked her Yule gift of a tablet computer)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYDtpV_Us0o/UOGf6CBYl4I/AAAAAAAAAWk/euVO8gL13ag/s1600/IMG_7012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYDtpV_Us0o/UOGf6CBYl4I/AAAAAAAAAWk/euVO8gL13ag/s320/IMG_7012.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Man. In The Jumper. With a christmas kebab in one hand and Advocaat in the other.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QSD69jo8g/UOGf7wQouyI/AAAAAAAAAWs/sWXL-K7Lggs/s1600/TWOO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QSD69jo8g/UOGf7wQouyI/AAAAAAAAAWs/sWXL-K7Lggs/s320/TWOO.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Twoo. available for sale if you want him.</div>
<br />
Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-4299941821173959362012-08-15T14:03:00.001-07:002012-08-15T14:03:02.140-07:00The Weekend AwayChild, Husband and myself all needed a break from the general drudgery of moving house. We've been able to have a month's overlap of houses thanks to a very understanding and kind new landlord. He gave us the keys early so we could decorate and get a phone connected etc... But we're not officially moving in until near the end of the month.<br />
Anyway, this all meant we were able to take some time out to reconnect, have fun and be a family again. And also to escape the mould and damp of our current house. uuurgh. <br />
<br />
So we spent two days in Norfolk, doing this.... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAP45MFwCjU/UCwNMk1S2OI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Va4HX9Rj1IM/s1600/DSCF1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAP45MFwCjU/UCwNMk1S2OI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Va4HX9Rj1IM/s320/DSCF1847.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLofU5XPKVg/UCwNSuxVESI/AAAAAAAAAUw/nqLZxL01m1o/s1600/DSCF1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLofU5XPKVg/UCwNSuxVESI/AAAAAAAAAUw/nqLZxL01m1o/s320/DSCF1857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
and I did this<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MX2ZNMeD5U/UCwNO8aRMNI/AAAAAAAAAUo/SeuNz2a0QpE/s1600/DSCF1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MX2ZNMeD5U/UCwNO8aRMNI/AAAAAAAAAUo/SeuNz2a0QpE/s320/DSCF1850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've made Sophie a souvenir jar, like a scrapbook. but in an empty duckfat jar.<br />
it contains:<br />
Sand (just what was left on our blanket and beach shoes), stones, mussel
shells, pay and display ticket, amusement token and a 2p coin. The yarn holding the label on is the same handspun, home dyed stuff I'm currently knitting and was knitting on the beach.<br />
The little poppet saved any 2p coins from mine and hubby's change, and any pocket money she's earned since march/april so that she could go on the amusements and ride the gokarts at Sea Palling because she knew we'd be there at some point this summer, awwww!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXsgHuYl84U/UCwNT-SWlWI/AAAAAAAAAU0/kqbCUuAA11o/s1600/467236_10151159557101900_1079714378_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXsgHuYl84U/UCwNT-SWlWI/AAAAAAAAAU0/kqbCUuAA11o/s320/467236_10151159557101900_1079714378_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-89872931535945226622012-08-02T02:56:00.001-07:002012-08-02T02:56:54.468-07:00Sorry for the disappearing act!It's been a busy few months for the team here at Casa De Flibble.<br />
<br />
The year started on a low note really, the weather was terrible, the Child was having so much trouble at school with bullying and school not keeping up with her medication that the decision was taken to withdraw her and teach her at home. she's getting better, but she's still acting like a 30 year old depressive with anxiety issues...<br />
<br />
The whole crap-year-thing culminated in the last few months with us finally getting sick of our useless letting agent/landlord combo and being given the opportunity of a lifetime to move to a house with a responsible landlord, and lovely neighbours.
I also discovered Pinterest too. oh god what a bad idea that was!
Anyway, on with the show and tell of craft 'cos that's what this is all about isn't it?!
So, with moving house I wanted some nice, new things to go in the house. Pity I'm permaskint... oh well.
this mirror was made using an old mirror found in a jumble sale for 25p. first off I got it out of its frame, then covered the whole face of the mirror with some Fablon I had lying about. you could use paper, but you'll need to tape an area for the next bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjor7ygd7KI/UBpH_WRhJWI/AAAAAAAAASg/emLtxmN0a3o/s1600/2012-08-02095907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjor7ygd7KI/UBpH_WRhJWI/AAAAAAAAASg/emLtxmN0a3o/s320/2012-08-02095907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The lettering was drawn on the Fablon using a pound shop marker pen (pack of 4 for £1?! holy fricking bargain batman!)
I then set about cutting out the lettering with a craft knife. an Xacto would have been better, but you know, this is what I had. I did put a new blade in the knife first. well, I say I put a new blade in... the HairyMan did it for me 'cos last time I did it, I cut myself. I'm a klutz.<br />
<br />
So, that done, I added a border. Again with the marker on Fablon and again cut it out using the craft knife.
I then painted the whole face of the mirror with an even double coat of gold spray paint and left to dry for 2 hours before removing the Fablon. I was soooo impressed with the results, and Child is very happy with it. remember when you were 6? didn't having your name on EVERYTHING just make the world a better place?!
I then sanded the old frame and sprayed a coat of lavender spray paint, followed by a dusting of gold spray for good measure and extra "Bling".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FImiy0JdKdg/UBpKEfIwYGI/AAAAAAAAASo/2QJv3O3zpJY/s1600/2012-08-02095932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FImiy0JdKdg/UBpKEfIwYGI/AAAAAAAAASo/2QJv3O3zpJY/s320/2012-08-02095932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So that's her mirror sorted. Now for a little extra home made art. <br />I had glass paints. I had a frame bought from the same jumble as the mirror for some other stupidly small amount of money (I think I got 5 frames for 50p!!!)<br />
<br />
I removed the glass, cleaned it, then set it to one side while I drew an S on a piece of scrap paper. I laid the glass over the S, traced it with relief paste and left it to dry. once that was dry, I just kinda doodles on the rest of the glass. once the relief paste was dry, I flipped it over the paint the purple on the other side of the glass to give a bit more of a 3D effect. Again, left to dry and then flipped it back to the right fce, doodled on the centre of the S with a silver pen and added a little gold leaf (ok, gold-coloured-not-sure-what-metal-leaf I had leftover from xmas 2010 in my craft box) for good measure and again, drying time.<br />
<br />
While the glass was drying, it was time to paint the frame. My goodness I love spray paint. this time it was black, and once *that* was dry it got some gold leaf treatment too.<br />
<br />
Child has a suncatcher for her new room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePU6VI7bZ8E/UBpKF3e4ygI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BAouMBPRQnM/s1600/2012-08-02100232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePU6VI7bZ8E/UBpKF3e4ygI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BAouMBPRQnM/s320/2012-08-02100232.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2K4GhN3oXg/UBpKFHSnN1I/AAAAAAAAASs/WkOij4sevOU/s1600/2012-08-02100119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2K4GhN3oXg/UBpKFHSnN1I/AAAAAAAAASs/WkOij4sevOU/s320/2012-08-02100119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am hoping that the move will bring us a little peace to enjoy life. And on that note, here's some stuff I knitted lol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sPuS_xZNRs/UBpLwkyZnTI/AAAAAAAAATA/CvsqWpOB-MA/s1600/DSCF1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sPuS_xZNRs/UBpLwkyZnTI/AAAAAAAAATA/CvsqWpOB-MA/s320/DSCF1734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Those are, indeed, Owls. they're freaking adorable arn't they? the wonderful pattern I used for my awesome sweater was "Owls" by Kate Davies Designs. http://katedaviesdesigns.com/designs/o-w-l-s/<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CqTjDzA_3GA/UBpL1_B6uII/AAAAAAAAATQ/hUijUI4imFU/s1600/DSCF1739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CqTjDzA_3GA/UBpL1_B6uII/AAAAAAAAATQ/hUijUI4imFU/s320/DSCF1739.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHtDSnhiM9g/UBpLzGSdo7I/AAAAAAAAATI/MIwTPGqGYG4/s1600/DSCF1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHtDSnhiM9g/UBpLzGSdo7I/AAAAAAAAATI/MIwTPGqGYG4/s320/DSCF1738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's the first time I'd attempted to knit something so large, and I am very, very impressed with managing it. I do think a lot of the kudos has to go to KAte for her extrememly well written, totally fool-proof pattern.<br />
<br />
oh, and Child got jealous. so I bought the "Owlet" pattern too. 'scuse the mess, we're moving lol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMbzrUqWvec/UBpL8Ph1CNI/AAAAAAAAATs/2w8iuwXVUuI/s1600/jumper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMbzrUqWvec/UBpL8Ph1CNI/AAAAAAAAATs/2w8iuwXVUuI/s320/jumper1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then came me trying to challenge myself a bit (what? more challenging than an adult sweater with a cabled yoke?!). It started with the Hobbycraft sale and Child finding a ball of yarn which caught her eye. she sat playing with it for a while while I dug through the sale box. she piped up with a little voice "this is thin enough for socks isn't it?"... bazzing. socks it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHlKSSJ1TSg/UBpL5Z_n_SI/AAAAAAAAATg/ihNcM-BEUXo/s1600/sock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHlKSSJ1TSg/UBpL5Z_n_SI/AAAAAAAAATg/ihNcM-BEUXo/s320/sock2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1JPKvIyLGU/UBpL7bkFICI/AAAAAAAAATo/Jar1JlRgvK8/s1600/sock3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1JPKvIyLGU/UBpL7bkFICI/AAAAAAAAATo/Jar1JlRgvK8/s320/sock3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally for this episode, I just want to say how rewarding home education is, and how happy it's made us all.<br />
It's not about sitting at a desk for 6 hours a day, it's not about forced association in the guise of socialisation. It's about learning in a way that works for you and your child. My child likes doing things and going places, so we do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1VGtGCcxr8/UBpL9xALLpI/AAAAAAAAAT4/H3oad-o2iP0/s1600/notts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1VGtGCcxr8/UBpL9xALLpI/AAAAAAAAAT4/H3oad-o2iP0/s320/notts1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She takes literacy and numeracy work with her to do on train journeys!<br />
<br />
and this is her making spray paint space paintings. expect these as Christmas gifts, oh members of my family who may read this Blog!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjzC348MYOI/UBpL_8oRKvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/1sVOIcKVGDI/s1600/spaceprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjzC348MYOI/UBpL_8oRKvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/1sVOIcKVGDI/s320/spaceprogress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The one on the left was done with help. the one on the right was done on her own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwrB9hlR468/UBpL-wRpVSI/AAAAAAAAAUA/SvYeC_A_FsY/s1600/space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwrB9hlR468/UBpL-wRpVSI/AAAAAAAAAUA/SvYeC_A_FsY/s320/space.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, TTFN. I'm off to knit something. Or spray paint something. Or just stare at a wall.<br />Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-51079060129039393872012-01-24T04:31:00.001-08:002012-01-24T04:32:37.302-08:00It's been a while but...remember those machine embroidered lace wings that broke my sewing machine?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=best-of-2011"><img src="http://www.craftster.org/bestof2011/2011-Winners.jpg" alt="Craftster Best of 2011 Winner"></a> <br><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=best-of-2011">I'm a Craftster Best of 2011 Winner!</a> <br />
<br />
fricking worth it lol.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-53735756320459868242011-07-29T09:46:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:47:46.061-07:00great googleymoogley!it's been a busy few months in the Flibble household, but I finally got back into doing a little sewing. I say a little... about 8 hours to be exact. Even hand hemmed it ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdr7qQi6QTU/TjLg2618v1I/AAAAAAAAALE/d9QLp_JHN2E/s1600/IMG_6150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdr7qQi6QTU/TjLg2618v1I/AAAAAAAAALE/d9QLp_JHN2E/s320/IMG_6150.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Minime needed a new party dress ;) the fabric shop (fabric8 in colchester) had a massive remnant of silky, dotty polyester for £8 and their remnants were on 3 for 2, so basically this ended up being free!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZl9Zwb4nvU/TjLg-WdgULI/AAAAAAAAALQ/czwFIWcr9Gg/s1600/IMG_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZl9Zwb4nvU/TjLg-WdgULI/AAAAAAAAALQ/czwFIWcr9Gg/s320/IMG_6159.jpg" width="320" /></a>I used a Butterick pattern, and lined the dress with lining from another I'd been given recently. I also used the zip from that too. the buttons on the bows came from my mother in law. aparently they used to be on husband's baby cardigan!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeZKiLZHM6k/TjLg5BMRo2I/AAAAAAAAALI/gyucppdsKOM/s1600/IMG_6156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeZKiLZHM6k/TjLg5BMRo2I/AAAAAAAAALI/gyucppdsKOM/s320/IMG_6156.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jimum9IBQXM/TjLg7f5NRSI/AAAAAAAAALM/Iw92syu3KJc/s1600/IMG_6158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jimum9IBQXM/TjLg7f5NRSI/AAAAAAAAALM/Iw92syu3KJc/s320/IMG_6158.jpg" width="213" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Aparently it's "swishy, dancey and princessey". perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the party was a "fairy and princess party" I thought what the heck. let's do some free standing lace wings for giggles. Urban Threads I love you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTXs5jq70Ns/TjLguEtABHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uQsyaUuj1TU/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTXs5jq70Ns/TjLguEtABHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uQsyaUuj1TU/s320/IMG_2183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Great! no. 1. sewing machine lies. it said 72 mins PER WING. this is not so. with all the swearing, tearing, breaking etc it ended up being nearer 2 hours per wing. but they do look fab!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUnwwb9QUU/TjLgw1yv4XI/AAAAAAAAAKw/6_t-lXr2u3A/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUnwwb9QUU/TjLgw1yv4XI/AAAAAAAAAKw/6_t-lXr2u3A/s320/IMG_2185.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIA8x_vM2E8/TjLgz9Z8bXI/AAAAAAAAAK8/JVGS5ZnI-ac/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIA8x_vM2E8/TjLgz9Z8bXI/AAAAAAAAAK8/JVGS5ZnI-ac/s320/IMG_2192.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I had enough fabric left over to make the Birthday Girl a crayon tote too. complete accident that Disney Princess crayons match the dots so well! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyj3St0GrZQ/TjLgy9PdMNI/AAAAAAAAAK4/KcYAUBXaLBU/s1600/IMG_2190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyj3St0GrZQ/TjLgy9PdMNI/AAAAAAAAAK4/KcYAUBXaLBU/s320/IMG_2190.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hP0-qkQJw/TjLgyAwX86I/AAAAAAAAAK0/zJ7PscB6t9c/s1600/IMG_2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hP0-qkQJw/TjLgyAwX86I/AAAAAAAAAK0/zJ7PscB6t9c/s320/IMG_2187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
Beutiful Girlie wore makeup. she scrubs up well. not bad for someone who also just graded in Karate and is now at 9th Kyu!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9YY69aQFe0/TjLg0z-d3WI/AAAAAAAAALA/pBf9ie6UNTw/s1600/IMG_2193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9YY69aQFe0/TjLg0z-d3WI/AAAAAAAAALA/pBf9ie6UNTw/s320/IMG_2193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6A8r98xZD-0/TjLhAMqdbqI/AAAAAAAAALU/bFVgOzfHXh0/s1600/IMG_6163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6A8r98xZD-0/TjLhAMqdbqI/AAAAAAAAALU/bFVgOzfHXh0/s320/IMG_6163.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-56406337263138730862011-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:47:11.719-07:00New StuffsI've been neglecting my blog. sorry. not that anyone reads it... ahem.<br />
<br />
I finished my Drops cardigan. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgmo_dJYbHs/Tda15Urfo8I/AAAAAAAAAGE/kX-wn_clDhU/s1600/IMG_1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgmo_dJYbHs/Tda15Urfo8I/AAAAAAAAAGE/kX-wn_clDhU/s320/IMG_1961.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Made a wind chime for the wind chime swap on craftster<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSNhFFs3Dj0/Tda1vZEy6wI/AAAAAAAAAF0/MehbgWfPrNs/s1600/chime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSNhFFs3Dj0/Tda1vZEy6wI/AAAAAAAAAF0/MehbgWfPrNs/s320/chime.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">had a cup of tea</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgO7pohKAxw/Tda11JYHJrI/AAAAAAAAAF8/JuOBn0cy0po/s1600/IMG_1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgO7pohKAxw/Tda11JYHJrI/AAAAAAAAAF8/JuOBn0cy0po/s320/IMG_1948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> made sophie some new jammies from fabric she requested<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBf8vFtzkIA/Tda12KmWuZI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NR1vPQvWREc/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBf8vFtzkIA/Tda12KmWuZI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NR1vPQvWREc/s320/IMG_1956.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>made myself a new handbag<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD5df95DUB0/Tda1yJwe6OI/AAAAAAAAAF4/w6mILgHPbik/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD5df95DUB0/Tda1yJwe6OI/AAAAAAAAAF4/w6mILgHPbik/s320/IMG_1936.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> was a terrible parent letting sophie eat crisps and wear dressing up earrings before school<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E49guBZwfPk/Tda16fEnKEI/AAAAAAAAAGI/P_0kUVJQOlQ/s1600/IMG_1972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E49guBZwfPk/Tda16fEnKEI/AAAAAAAAAGI/P_0kUVJQOlQ/s320/IMG_1972.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> had my hair cut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq4Td8_-4GU/Tda176wxl-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/oatvG-tKsLE/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq4Td8_-4GU/Tda176wxl-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/oatvG-tKsLE/s320/IMG_1973.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> lined a really funky bag with really funky fabric for a 5 year old girlie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPrah1lF6lE/Tda19ZR3qQI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/JZZV1v6W0DU/s320/IMG_1979.jpg" width="240" /></div> here's the outside of her bag<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQlJ7RPtYA/Tda1-6mCjkI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Bvs6ojVPKLU/s1600/IMG_1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQlJ7RPtYA/Tda1-6mCjkI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Bvs6ojVPKLU/s320/IMG_1980.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> got to grips with my new embroidery machine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-iK_ClfNuM/Tda2AudREDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/R9hM2S16pjQ/s1600/IMG_1982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-iK_ClfNuM/Tda2AudREDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/R9hM2S16pjQ/s320/IMG_1982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> and made myself some shorts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI6jIzY6mgQ/Tda2CpViJRI/AAAAAAAAAGc/efvFSpttZ60/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI6jIzY6mgQ/Tda2CpViJRI/AAAAAAAAAGc/efvFSpttZ60/s320/IMG_1983.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> oh, and finally I captured another fairy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UIRbBPvtd-0/Tda2F0JdIbI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ht972wg_do8/s1600/IMG_6090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UIRbBPvtd-0/Tda2F0JdIbI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ht972wg_do8/s320/IMG_6090.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-71559578752847988772011-04-05T14:15:00.000-07:002011-04-05T14:15:41.683-07:00Last Minute BonnetI had something sprung on me this morning. my daugther has been ill for a week, and has been off school so I didn't get any information about their spring/eater bonnet parade tomorrow. ARGH.<br />
<br />
I had a choice, walk a mile to the pound shop and buy plastic crap which would be binned later on, or make a bonnet and let Sophie decorate it.<br />
<br />
the bonnet took a little over 2 hours and was from this tutorial:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://givenmoments.blogspot.com/2008/01/bonnet-tutorial.html" target="_blank">http://givenmoments.blogspot.com/2008/01/bonnet-tutorial.html</a><br />
<br />
everything on it was her choice, positions were her choice. she made the daffodils (I cut out the cardboard for her, she painted and glued them and then I sewed them on), she decorated the blown egg (aparently it's flowers, I think it's beautiful but then I'm her mum!)<br />
<br />
she chose the feathers, fabric daisies and they're glued on with PVA(school) glue so they can be soaked off and the bonnet worn/decorated again.<br />
<br />
not bad considering I basically had almost no warning lol.<br />
the person modelling the bonnet is me, Sophie is in bed as it's 10pm here lol. glue's still not properly dry, and I made the hat stand fro a balloon, sheet of newspaper, PVA glue, cooking ingredient pot (arrowroot or bicarb i think lol) and lentils (weight) for tomorrow because if i leave it in a bag it's gonna get destroyed before the parade!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBLC-uDFEbI/TZuGZa94VAI/AAAAAAAAAFg/38DHdBJ9y2E/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBLC-uDFEbI/TZuGZa94VAI/AAAAAAAAAFg/38DHdBJ9y2E/s320/back.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRE1zymPq94/TZuGZuF3mGI/AAAAAAAAAFk/urBY_Uywyww/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRE1zymPq94/TZuGZuF3mGI/AAAAAAAAAFk/urBY_Uywyww/s320/front.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwHrG0dwveg/TZuGaU_TGKI/AAAAAAAAAFo/sN53wuVTPkI/s1600/me+from+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwHrG0dwveg/TZuGaU_TGKI/AAAAAAAAAFo/sN53wuVTPkI/s320/me+from+left.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vJWARAEHBE/TZuGa9pKgxI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Se9LKpE5wsE/s1600/me+lol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vJWARAEHBE/TZuGa9pKgxI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Se9LKpE5wsE/s320/me+lol.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3J4aKGT3_g/TZuGbarX-vI/AAAAAAAAAFw/NS5e9um8NjQ/s1600/right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3J4aKGT3_g/TZuGbarX-vI/AAAAAAAAAFw/NS5e9um8NjQ/s320/right.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-17520979206787713632011-03-29T06:24:00.000-07:002011-03-29T06:24:14.035-07:00Cornbread225g butter (I use Vitalite; a stable, dairy free margarine. don't use Pure and don't use oil.)<br />
225g plain flour sifted<br />
225g polenta grains (fine works better imho)<br />
1 tbsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
125g caster sugar<br />
2 large or 3 small eggs<br />
475ml full fat milk (I used half fat, still works lol)<br />
<br />
<br />
preheat oven to 180.c or gas 5<br />
<br />
put the butter/fat into a 23cm square or round baking tin and put in the oven to melt<br />
while butter melting put the flour polenta salt sugar and baking powder into a large bowl and make a well in the centre break in the eggs and add the milk and the melted butter/fat<br />
mix well until all combined but will need to do this quickly or the butter/fat will harden<br />
pour the mix back into the tin and bake for 30-40 mins until well risen and golden brown<br />
<br />
the bread will sink a little after cooking<br />
can be eaten hot or cold. I like it hot form the oven with a little more marge on the top. it's much like a corn scone.<br />
<br />
nomnomnom<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7aF0ajr8HlY/TZHaS9qXkMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0FryEjY3BPY/s1600/IMG_1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7aF0ajr8HlY/TZHaS9qXkMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0FryEjY3BPY/s320/IMG_1818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-13839379674612323532011-03-29T06:21:00.000-07:002011-03-29T06:21:26.401-07:00New Things... mwaaaaaa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, so this week I have been mostly ignoring the housework again and mending my brain through home made art therapy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And also mending other's brains too lol. here are some margie-warna earrings... </div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwf18z2Sx6s/TZHaOAyOkLI/AAAAAAAAAFM/21isI282CdY/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwf18z2Sx6s/TZHaOAyOkLI/AAAAAAAAAFM/21isI282CdY/s320/IMG_1811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaYcQzf6xvo/TZHaPbAsLEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/okjbYfo8grw/s1600/IMG_1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaYcQzf6xvo/TZHaPbAsLEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/okjbYfo8grw/s320/IMG_1812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
one has a doob, the other a bowl of herb, a packet of rizlas and a lighter.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and here is a little, erm, thingummy. it has cherry blossom on a blue sky background. I'm not sure what to do with it yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rayhMLOF_Mc/TZHaUE9ddiI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7sO6qEm4__8/s1600/IMG_1820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rayhMLOF_Mc/TZHaUE9ddiI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7sO6qEm4__8/s320/IMG_1820.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />
finally, this week saw thw first (and second, and third) harvests of Purple Sprouting Brocolli form my garden. woot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLQltD3qbwA/TZHaSMJBH-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/Z5ixj22mpdc/s1600/IMG_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLQltD3qbwA/TZHaSMJBH-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/Z5ixj22mpdc/s320/IMG_1816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-48066374424953433792011-03-20T08:16:00.002-07:002011-03-20T08:16:45.633-07:00I've begun painting again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u0-1_bH7ISA/TYYW2JWlcrI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LIzFenjskMU/s1600/04032011174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u0-1_bH7ISA/TYYW2JWlcrI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LIzFenjskMU/s320/04032011174.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
acrylic on canvas, mixed media.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-35402750601823640082011-03-20T08:16:00.000-07:002011-03-20T08:16:00.615-07:00Random post sunday!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Désolé pour ma français merdant!!! oui! les moules! fait au pays d'oc de l'angleterre (au cidre et à l'ail avec du thymes et un petit peut de fromage à la crème); il y a des moules Ecossaises. nomnomnom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6BI_dOjKz-c/TYYW5sl_NGI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Vl2asYQsQHY/s320/IMG_1771.jpg" width="240" /></div>translation: <span data-jsid="text">yes! Mussels! cooked in the west country fashion with cider, garlic and a little cream cheese, here are Scottish Mussels. nomnomnom.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-jsid="text">what follows is desturbing in the extreme. a 32 year old hair engineer wearing the hat and scarf of a small girl... </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0IB3R7ym4jo/TYYW8BY-LTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/wY0aOMHJbqY/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0IB3R7ym4jo/TYYW8BY-LTI/AAAAAAAAAE4/wY0aOMHJbqY/s320/IMG_1782.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>(I made the hat)<br />
<br />
How do you wind wool from a skein to a ball without a spare pair of hands? use feets!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uy0ZQ6GfLIo/TYYW6j0LpqI/AAAAAAAAAE0/uiF88AN7xBM/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uy0ZQ6GfLIo/TYYW6j0LpqI/AAAAAAAAAE0/uiF88AN7xBM/s320/IMG_1774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am embracing my inner goth again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B65Dm9t8tBE/TYYW2uSd0xI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vKjhp_RJeFg/s1600/22022011159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B65Dm9t8tBE/TYYW2uSd0xI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vKjhp_RJeFg/s320/22022011159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-88329801658814988582011-03-20T08:07:00.000-07:002011-03-20T08:07:56.978-07:00The Handbag of MentalMy mum's birthday was coming up (yeah, I'm about a month behind in my posts... sorry) and Iwanted to give her something personal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PF9m11kU48s/TYYW3PuX30I/AAAAAAAAAEg/UytF09dqiQg/s1600/26022011165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PF9m11kU48s/TYYW3PuX30I/AAAAAAAAAEg/UytF09dqiQg/s320/26022011165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rpq-3wboEs8/TYYW3uHQ6yI/AAAAAAAAAEk/eQyVe-2fH1c/s1600/26022011166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rpq-3wboEs8/TYYW3uHQ6yI/AAAAAAAAAEk/eQyVe-2fH1c/s320/26022011166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gIjAY5lUeF0/TYYW399gzEI/AAAAAAAAAEo/17IUE_JQ2Ok/s1600/26022011168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gIjAY5lUeF0/TYYW399gzEI/AAAAAAAAAEo/17IUE_JQ2Ok/s1600/26022011168.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kim1ri7BDcg/TYYW4Rt2y0I/AAAAAAAAAEs/YRAUf--BvPQ/s1600/26022011169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kim1ri7BDcg/TYYW4Rt2y0I/AAAAAAAAAEs/YRAUf--BvPQ/s320/26022011169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Filet Crochet in plain, white, cotton thread using a 3mm hook. it's about 30cms in width. pattern designed by me. it basically took about 3 x 2 hour karate lessons (husband and child do the karate, I sit on the sidelines getting bored lol) plus some evenings of TV watching.<br />
<br />
it's lined with velvet, you can't really tell on the pictures (damned camera phone) but I have turned the velvet right side out so the fluffy side is beneath the filet and gives another dimesnsion of texture, and the smooth side is facing inwards.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-32342504326976985502011-03-20T08:04:00.000-07:002011-03-20T08:04:12.122-07:00Kelly's Birthday FrameI had completely forgotten my friend's birthday; so with 24 hours notice and zero monetary outlay, I threw this together. Seriously.<br />
<br />
1 unfinished pine frame from my stash of "stuff i need to get on with"<br />
some rose coloured ink<br />
sulky silk effect polyester thread in pink<br />
sulky metallic thread (rainbow)<br />
two card bradlets (hammered into the wood!)<br />
1 broken earring<br />
a load of modpodge.<br />
fabric scraps<br />
photoshop knowledge and a printer.<br />
<br />
I started with the frame, painted it with ink, wrapped around the threads and hammered in the small bradlets and the earring. it only had a little stubby bit of metal left on the back of it, i dont think a full length stud earring would have worked with the hammering!<br />
covered with copious amounts of modpodge glossy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RNEAjrKGZrY/TYYW87UlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAE8/KdJXAH7oS7Q/s1600/IMG_1785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RNEAjrKGZrY/TYYW87UlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAE8/KdJXAH7oS7Q/s320/IMG_1785.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYnvEU2lzQg/TYYW90G5WzI/AAAAAAAAAFA/R54dFXm8o5o/s1600/IMG_1787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYnvEU2lzQg/TYYW90G5WzI/AAAAAAAAAFA/R54dFXm8o5o/s320/IMG_1787.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
then i started on the picture while that was drying, i took a photo off my friend's facebook account and photoshopped the heck out of it to make it more arty. I then embroidered the little girl's name onto a scrap of gingham ribbon. then I modpodged some cotton voile onto backing card (made form a pizza menu <img alt="Wink" border="0" src="http://www.craftster.org/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif" /> ) and left to dry.<br />
I layered the voile/card, picture and name plate using card making glue dots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bcfMBHEbH8E/TYYXKZKkeiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/pgQupI9L18A/s1600/IMG_1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bcfMBHEbH8E/TYYXKZKkeiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/pgQupI9L18A/s320/IMG_1793.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
all was assembled the morning of her birthday celebration....<br />
she loved it!!Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-26967580635731562982011-02-28T09:53:00.000-08:002011-02-28T09:53:11.689-08:00The Sofa of Genius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We had a tear in our 6 year old, very well used, quite loved leather sofa. TRADGEDY! We also have no money to replace it unless my husband goes out and works himself to death doing overtime for at least three months.<br />
I was all for getting credit etc, but he didnt want the added burden of more financial hassle. I do see his point, and agreed that we should hold off buying a new one for a while; but only if he could come up with a way to fix the sofa. <br />
<br />
On the three seater, the tear was between two of the fixed seat cushions, and was very noticable when one sat one's massive butt on the sofa. also, things kept falling into the gap only to be lost forever in the base of the sofa. here's the three seater, circa 2009<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pIXG1tGyEro/TWvf90w4KXI/AAAAAAAAADw/ClK6VYyzEQg/s1600/IMG_4818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pIXG1tGyEro/TWvf90w4KXI/AAAAAAAAADw/ClK6VYyzEQg/s320/IMG_4818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
the two seater, at this time, was in our kitchen.<br />
<br />
here it is, yesterday, in my livingroom<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQwMCQHUsPQ/TWvfowlQDnI/AAAAAAAAADM/yk3wYWz-U_4/s1600/IMG_1746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQwMCQHUsPQ/TWvfowlQDnI/AAAAAAAAADM/yk3wYWz-U_4/s320/IMG_1746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Back to 2011... So, my husband; an engineer by career but a designer by training, set to work trying o work out what to do.<br />
<br />
We had a matching two seater and three seater set bought in 2005 when we moved into our first flat. they were cheap. they were badly constructed and within the first year he'd had to fix them.<br />
<br />
bodge repair circe 2006 lol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2R3xf9-Z3u4/TWvfnwI67qI/AAAAAAAAADI/s0QpvtLbEIA/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2R3xf9-Z3u4/TWvfnwI67qI/AAAAAAAAADI/s0QpvtLbEIA/s320/IMG_1745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ok. here's some pictures of the process....<br />
<br />
jim unbolting an arm form the three seater, after having taken off the base part<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vink945UZlg/TWvfrk0e7AI/AAAAAAAAADY/raQBpbP3WDU/s1600/IMG_1751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vink945UZlg/TWvfrk0e7AI/AAAAAAAAADY/raQBpbP3WDU/s320/IMG_1751.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
the scariest bit was this, then he had to cut the broken piece off the end of the three seater. basically, it was torn so we'd not lost anything if it went horribly wrong at this stage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vTEliDuTQns/TWvfq8qlwaI/AAAAAAAAADU/K5OFQNiIDU4/s1600/IMG_1748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vTEliDuTQns/TWvfq8qlwaI/AAAAAAAAADU/K5OFQNiIDU4/s320/IMG_1748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sophie was used as extra ballast. and for cute appeal.<br />
<br />
once he'd done this, I could mend the tear as best I could. it'd later be hidden by the arm of the sofa being bolted back on, but i needed to be mended so that the leather which was folded under and stapled had enough strength. one big needle, one pair of pliers, ten hurty lady fingers lol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bptjiXuEhYA/TWvfs0zTfMI/AAAAAAAAADc/y_8N2Pa11qg/s1600/IMG_1754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bptjiXuEhYA/TWvfs0zTfMI/AAAAAAAAADc/y_8N2Pa11qg/s320/IMG_1754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
ummmm... this bolt? or this one?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xxg0A6TW54A/TWvft72O6II/AAAAAAAAADg/Nv5YyEdnyfI/s1600/IMG_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xxg0A6TW54A/TWvft72O6II/AAAAAAAAADg/Nv5YyEdnyfI/s320/IMG_1755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
ooooh! coming together... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfnwHC3ZHwo/TWvfu5AlXQI/AAAAAAAAADk/9JeilLS1z3s/s1600/IMG_1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tfnwHC3ZHwo/TWvfu5AlXQI/AAAAAAAAADk/9JeilLS1z3s/s320/IMG_1757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
under the back, right hand, corner bit is a box made from scrap wood which supports the cushion of that particular bit of the three-seat side. It's not there for security, just cosmetics. it will eventually be used for storing the laptop when not in use I think.<br />
<br />
nearly finished!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khSy1SKAJg0/TWvfvnHWlbI/AAAAAAAAADo/piepI-2dhm0/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khSy1SKAJg0/TWvfvnHWlbI/AAAAAAAAADo/piepI-2dhm0/s320/IMG_1758.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
the corner part was made from the non-torn portion of the torn cushion, and is supported with scrap wood and green elastic strapping from the deconstruction of the three seat. The padding is made from our daughter's old cot-bed mattress lol. woot! recycling!<br />
<br />
enter a large lady in a onesie to upload pictures of the new sofa, and to test out the corner. mwaaaaaaa!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BIYy9lvLz-Y/TWvfxFXxOoI/AAAAAAAAADs/O89x8XbyUtg/s1600/IMG_1761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BIYy9lvLz-Y/TWvfxFXxOoI/AAAAAAAAADs/O89x8XbyUtg/s320/IMG_1761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
tomorrow: burgundy boot polish + two brushes + chamois = new looking leather.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065295296437705942.post-90340418192783518662011-02-14T09:51:00.001-08:002011-02-14T09:51:47.610-08:00yes two in one day againwww.i-am-bored.com fills my days with fun.Flibblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07411135276268083439noreply@blogger.com0