Tuesday Tips - I can see clearly now...

Grandma's Miniature Market

... the dust has gone!

If you are looking for a little clarity in your life, I can strongly recommend a duster or a damp cloth! It surprising how a simple tool can make life seem so much brighter!

Now I am no domestic goddess that's for sure - I certainly can't compare myself to the buxom beauty that is Nigella Lawson - nor am I anywhere near being a perfect housewife in the mould of Anthea Turner. But I would like it put on the record that even though I do not measure up to these two - neither do I need the help of Kim and Aggie!

However, this being said, I am no fan of cleaning and will quite happily find 101 things to do to avoid housework of any kind! But occasionally, just occasionally there comes an event that requires some concerted effort. These kinds of events have a scale of intensity:

Super Deep Clean

This is the most intense of all the events and only happens once every two/three years (precipitated by a move from one rented property to another!)

Deep Clean

Happens twice a year - once when the OH's parents visit and once when mine visit!

A Quick Top to Bottom

Happens about three times a year and is in addition to the other events. Usually occurs when a friend we haven't seen for a while decides to come to stay!

Emergency

When you see the landlord walking purposefully towards the house...

Everyday

This is the usual level of cleaning event where we do our best to keep on top of things, but can't quite be bothered!

Recently we had a visit from the OH's parents so we went into full 'Deep Clean' mode - dusting things you never think of dusting (well I certainly don't!) So, skirting boards, radiators, the tops of doors, behind the sofa... everywhere that was anywhere got a dusting! I could have challenged Anthea to come round to mine and do the white glove test I'm sure!

But this brings me on to the point of this blog post, and today's Tuesday Tip - or should I say Tips plural as my tip today varies depending on the type of personality you are!

If you are a straight talking realist who approaches life head-on, likes to know the warts and all truth of any situation, who likes things to be clear defined and seeks clarity....

DUST YOUR MIRRORS AND LIGHTBULBS!

 It is amazing what is revealed!

If you prefer to approach life from a slightly sideways sidle, prefer your bad news sugar coated - or to remain in blissful ignorance and don't like to look at things too closely....

NEVER EVER DUST YOUR MIRRORS AND LIGHTBULBS!

The shock of seeing the world as it really is may just be too much!

And me... If I had the choice? Well, the occasional short, sharp shock is good for the system - like jumping into cold water or ripping a plaster off - but now, the in-laws have gone, and there will be no urgent need to dust my mirrors for a couple of months...

....ahh blissful ignorance!

Monday Makeover - Felt Scraps

Because of the weird and wonderful shapes I use to create my folded felt brooches and accessories, I often have lots of odd scraps of felt left over that are just begging me to create something! 

So... A couple of weeks ago when I had a few spare minutes I sat down, had a play, started folding and cutting and voilà an idea was born!

Take some scraps of fabric...

Cut to shape...

Lay out the design...

Decorate with beads and stuff with wadding and lavender...

 ...and before you know it, some beautiful mini lavender scented sachets, that look ever so pretty!

Perfect to use as air fresheners, the delicate scent of lavender will sooth and relax you - try hanging in your wardrobe or in the car (much nicer than one of those little smelly trees you buy from garages!)

Or... If the hot weather has been giving you sweaty feet and smelly shoes - try using the sachets to freshen your shoes. Their dinky little shape means they fit perfectly!

Available to buy from my Folksy shop now! A bargain at only £5 a pair!

Matching Lavender Scented Heart Decoration also available... also only £5!

Folksy Friday - Gadget Covers!

After lots and lots of waiting, I have finally got my new netbook! Hurrah, hurrah and hooray! I know it is an indulgence - especially since the OH has handed in his notice to go back to being a poor penniless writer - but since I have paid for it out of a tax rebate, it is an indulgence I am bloomin' well going to enjoy!

And in my doubting moments I can console myself with the fact that as it has super duper battery life I will be able to take it to craft fairs with me and continue to work while I am there! So, really not an indulgence at all, just another piece of work equipment!

Up until now the furthest that my groovy gadget has gone is the garden... however, if I am to be taking my new netbook out and about I will need suitable protection!

So for this week's Folksy Friday I have pulled together from all the wonderful sellers on Folksy a collection of cases and covers for all your groovy gadgets. I love the fact that even for the most up-to-date technology you can find a wonderful and unique handmade case!

fiona t

Dear Emma

Love Mimo

Baggie Aggie

Beautiful Skin

Magpie Accessories

Folksy Friday - Bees...

We have some new visitors at made by lolly x HQ....

Lots of solitary bees! Last year (the first year the bee house was put up) we were very lucky to have 3 little visitors spend the Winter with us. 

But judging by the activity surrounding the house this year and the amount of tubes that are now stuffed with leaves it looks like we may have quite a few more!

Luckily after the frantic preparations to get their particular tube all comfy with fresh leaves these house guests are very quiet and sleepy and I don't suppose we'll see much of them until next year!

So to honour my little guests here is my Folksy Friday selection of items - all about Bees!

www.folksy.com/shops/Wudwe

www.folksy.com/shops/Bumbleblue

www.folksy.com/shops/pinkshoesart

www.folksy.com/shops/pantsandpaper

www.folksy.com/shops/themagpiesdaughter

www.folksy.com/shops/Lornabatemanembroidery

And now I'm going to buzz off and finish preparing my house for a visit from the in-laws!
Have a great weekend all!
Laura x

Monday Makeover - The rebel shoe revolution!

This morning I am sharing a simple but effective makeover with you
- so simple a child could do it!

(and in fact as a child I regularly did this... did you?)

I'm not claiming this is a fantastic new invention.... just one you may have forgotten about...

Boring, Sad Shoes...

Just add 

New Laces 

and then you have 

Happy Shoes!

The shoes were so happy they couldn't help showing off!

Very silly and very simple... but such good fun! 

An easy, inexpensive way to add colour, creativity and personality to an everyday item

(And whenever I put these shoes on I can't help but dance around - even when I'm at work!)

Go, on why not try it? 

Be a rebel! 

If you work in a 'proper' job with quite strict dress codes why not add silly laces to your sensible shoes?

Too chicken...?

What about wearing sensational socks under your trousers?

I dare you to rebel (just a little bit!)

If any of you are brave enough to share your experiences - please leave a comment under this post!

Viva La Rebel Shoe Revolution!

Folksy Friday - Down on the Farm...

www.folksy.com/shops/lornasdottiedesign

This weekend made by lolly x will be selling from the craft marquee at Wortley Country Festival near to Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire. This will be my first ever visit to a county show as a stallholder, and the first as a punter for a very long time!

I am hoping that the weather will be kind (we are camping on site from Friday!) and that I will have lots of customers to keep me busy - although I wouldn't mind a few quiet moments so I can enjoy the many attractions of the show! According to the website, there will be:

'Horse & Pony Shows (Equestrian Life, Dressage & Unaffilliated Show Jumping), Lurcher & Terrier Shows, Clay Pidgeon Shooting, Bouncy Castle, Licensed Bar, BBQ & Party In The Park and much, much more!'  

And I must say I am looking forward to watching Bessie and the Zinc Buckets play at the Party in the Park on Saturday night (never heard of them? - no me neither, but I'm sure they'll be a good listen!)

All in all, 'a fantastic array of animals, livestock and country pursuits'!

So, with that in mind, today's Folksy Friday is following the theme of 'the farmyard' and is a cornucopia of animals, livestock and country pursuits!

www.folksy.com/shops/Inkmeup

www.folksy.com/shops/josie101170

www.folksy.com/shops/mypipsqueak

www.folksy.com/shops/AFarmersDaughter

www.folksy.com/shops/123tigerlilly08

www.folksy.com/shops/JustAStepAway

www.folksy.com/shops/stabo

Plenty to see and do and Wortley Country Festival 16th and 17th July, 

Wortley Country Park, Stocksbridge, S35 7DB 

Why not come down for a visit? It would be great to see you!

Living La Vida La Rosa - Part 2 - Whitby

Well we made it up the hill and left La Rosa - Campsite Extraordinaire behind (and below!) us and headed towards the clifftops of Whitby for the second part of our La Rosa trip. As check in wasn't until much later that afternoon we had plenty of time to savour the delights of Whitby
- and for the first time visitor there are many!

But wouldn't you know it, we had food on the brain. Purely accidentally, just as we were about to start chewing on our own arms for sustenance we came across the most delightful tearoom. Given the themed nature of the rest of our holiday (and the fact that the Other Half writes under the pseudonym of The Literary Critical Detective) it seemed entirely appropriate that this tearoom was called 'Sherlocks'

Not only was the name appropriate, the decor and atmosphere were evocative and purely by chance we ended up sitting in the incredibly comfy leather sofas. All of this, alongside a lovely cup of tea and a roasted vegetable pannini would usually be enough to soothe and revitalise. But we wanted more, and my goodness did they deliver! This has to be the best lemon drizzle cake I have ever tasted....

and yes that is three.... three scoops of ice cream accompanying the Other Half's chocolate fudge cake!

This gave us the energy to continue exploring Whitby until it was time to check in at La Rosa. Sitting in a prime location on East Terrace (the street that looks directly over the cliffs to the Abbey) our hotel was once used by Lewis Carrol when he visited the town. However I am sure that the place didn't look quite the same when he visited... Where the campsite is full of the kooky and the kitsch, the hotel has a more elegant feel -  but lovers of the weird and wonderful need not be disappointed, the hotel is still full to bursting with unusual ephemera!

Taken from the Abbey cliff, in this photo you can see 'La Rosa' hotel on the other side - it's the lemon coloured house on the cliff top a third of the way in!

Some of the nautical ephemera to be seen in the hotel

On checking in we were informed that we had been lucky enough to be upgraded from 'Little Red', to the best room in the house - also called La Rosa! Described as fit for a swan princess, this room was romantic, elegant and beautiful, had floor to ceiling windows with an Abbey view, a roll top bath and a balcony where we could eat of breakfast hamper. Absolute heaven...

The next day wasn't quite as sunny as all of the previous days, and at times was very blustery. The rain threatened with some incredible clouds - but it never came to anything and we stayed dry with the opportunity to take some very atmospheric photos!

I really would recommend visiting Whitby and both La Rosa campsite and hotel - all three are totally amazing!

 If you would like to read about the first part of my adventures at La Rosa Campsite please click here.