The Wonders of the Wonderful Dutchman

Through the tears of happiness and disbelief... I said YES!!!

It's starting to smell alot like Christmas...

The Wonderful Dutchman's 'Gevulde Speculaas' made the whole house smell of Christmas...now all I want to do is decorate.

I want the smell of pine, something lovely cooking in the oven, the lights sparkling and the fire lit.... yep you guessed it...it is really too early! but a girl can get excited.

The Speculaas was great with tea, but a little bit too strong on the cinnamon for me! I didn't hear him complaining though... it disappeared very quickly!

I promise to take it down...it was just for the photos! I don't think it will be coming home again after handmade Brighton....I might have to make myself one....



....Ok Ok I'm going to take it down...but it looks so cute....

Too Early....

...well indeed it might be a little early for Christmas...but I found myself singing Christmas carols when making these fun and jolly cake toppers!

For the first time I have that christmassy feeling... The wonderful Dutchman is baking 'gevulde speculaas', which smells divine. I believe it is like gingerbread, but with a almond paste in the middle...

....if it tastes as good as it smells I'm in for a treat!!

The 19th... Surly not?

I cannot believe that it is the 19th already...just where is November disappearing to? The days must have blown away with the howling wind we have been having here. The trees look very bare and the autumn colours have finally fallen....roll on Christmas!

Did I tell you just how much a adore Christmas?? Well I'm not a crazy person...I have only bought a few pressies so far, and the house is not decorated, but it wins hands down on the best time of year!

This Magpie has been busy with Christmas decorations for Handmade Brighton ... I am doing it for the first time. It is always difficult to work out how much to make...will I be stuck with crimbo decs coming out of my ears?? Oh well they will make wonderful pressies!

My studio is awash with red and white felt, and my fingers are very sore with all the blanket stitch!

I have a few winter brides bouquets to complete, all very white and sparkly! Simple and stylish, just the way I like it.

Ohhhh....My friend who had her little twin girls early...they are improving everyday...they finally got to share a cot in hospital the other day, and they loved seeing each other...holding hands and looking at each other in wonder; which has to be the cutest thing I have ever seen! Thank you so much for you emails and thoughtful words.

Enjoy your weekend!

Adorable...

Do you see my header?

Well this is the lucky lady who's family pieces, love and ideas inspired me.

I have just received the most wonderful email from her... I'm sure she wont mind me quoting it to my wonderful blogger friends....

"I absolutely adored my bouquet and I had so many compliments, my guests were fascinated by the history within it and the memories it held for me. I rarely let go of it - when I did it was next to our brownies/cake and then next to the guest book in the evening so it could be admired by all!
I always knew that it meant a lot to me (and always will) but I hadn’t appreciated just how much comfort it would give me when I was faced with no family there on the day. I held my bouquet so tightly as I walked down the aisle for although they weren't actually physically there with me, I was holding onto things that bound us, and our memories, together. So I wasn't alone after all.

I can safely say my bouquet was definitely my most favourite thing about my wedding day and the bit that I will treasure and guard for the rest of my life (well, that and my husband of course!!). It is now proudly sat on our sideboard next to a wedding portrait and a dried hydrangea from our top table flowers. It twinkles in the light but is far away enough from the long haired moggie to be out of harm's way! I can't thank you enough for it, I loved it so much and will continue to as I grow old and grey with my new hubbie."

I really don't have to say anymore...I'm touched by her words...and incredibly proud.

Thank you Jude x

At Last...

It has taken a while... But today is the day that everything is done; complete; finished...YAY

Our flat looks like home... quite a few changes have happened, dare I mention the fact that we now have the big bedroom and a bed that I can get out of without climbing over the Wonderful Dutchman?

I think I will let the photos do the talking! I hope you like. xxx

Our new bed... huge and gorgeous, thanks to a very generous person.

Halloween night...spooky candles light and some wonderful white pumpkins found at the farmers market

My new Nest!! Hooray!!

All my super stunning brides

Loving the grey and black together

My drawers get some Scottie love

I found this over at 52 FLEA blog and loved it ... this is my Bliss...My aim for our life together

To live content with small means.... To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion.... To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich.... To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly.... To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart.... To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.... In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common...............this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

Happy Weekend xxx

Positive thoughts required

On a personal note, while I worry and stress over Internet connections and beds arriving, getting my studio in some kind of working order, I suddenly have a crash down to earth.

My beautiful Friend has just given birth to her gorgeous twin girls. Unfortunately they have been a bit eager to join our big world, and have arrived at 29 weeks. Joining the party this early has meant they are in intensive care and are a bit poorly.

I am a firm believer in positive thoughts and prayers and was hoping if you are reading this you could send the girls and their proud parents some love and wishes for strength and a speedy recovery.

Thank you xxx

Sorry!

I just thought i would let you all know that true to form, BT has managed to lose my internet connection again... This means I have no working computer at home....Boo Hiss!

So if you have been trying to contact me via email, im sorry i havent relplied to you. I am hoping with all fingers crossed that BT pulls their finger out and gets me back online soon.

I will keep you posted! xxx

UPDATE; BT says they need 48 to find out what the problem is... If you need to contact me please either phone me on; 07876 344148 or comment on this blog and i will try and contact you, when i get a chance to use another computer! Sorry!! xxx