What One Does Whilst Waiting for Ebay Delivery

Take pictures in ensuite bath and wonder if room looks better through the mirror.
Think about rearranging items on dresser in ensuite. Don't touch a thing.

Sit and have cup of tea in corner of bedroom while staring at three full baskets of laundry to be put away. Realize cannot relax with three full baskets of laundry waiting to be put away. Also realize have put hot pot of tea on table without trivet.

See that silver needs polishing before Easter. That is the extent of it, basically just evaluation.

Think about how original I would have been if I posted my beautiful and somewhat blooming shamrock on St. Patrick's Day.

Still no delivery.

A Word About Chocolate Biccies

Sorry for the long absence but we have had the March Break here and there was a whole lot of chaos going on with kids home, kids needing rides and kids needing mum for crafts, marathon movie watching and cups of tea with interesting (enlightening?) conversation. 'Nuff said. Now for some very serious discussion.

Biscuits/cookies are a much debated subject in this family. They are very important to us as we are tea drinkers and nothing beats a great biscuit with a hot cuppa. The problem is availability. You see, my hands over favourite is the "Tim Tam". If you are not acquainted with this particular indulgence you are sadly missing out on one of the most delightful epicurean pleasures of all time. There is no describing this with any justice. Some say it is reminiscent of the Penguin biscuit, but alas, I have never had the pleasure of savouring one. However, the TT are only available in Australia. I mean, of course there are mail order companies, that goes without saying, but the sheer volume that we consume cannot warrant case load deliveries of cookies from across the world, well at least not as far as my husband is concerned. My only solution to this problem is begging those off to the land of Oz. But of course this will only satisfy me for a very short period. Hence the discovery of the Marks and Spencer Milk Chocolate Rounds.

Elizabeth was actually the fellow biscuit explorer that turned me on to these little gems. In Canada they are packaged under a different name but still available in selected food stores. These are important biscuits. They satisfy the most demanding cravings. The chocolate, like the Tim Tam is top quality. Absolutely no waxiness whatsoever. Very important feature. So when I visit the few stores that do stock these I purchase in bulk. Sometimes up to 15 packages, depending on how many they have that day.

Then I hide them.

Estate Sale

Some little thrifty deals I have picked up in the last week or two. A sewing manual by Reader's Digest, the most beautiful edition of "Cider with Rosie", a square plate with blossoms, an enamel bowl with a delightful floral motif, another Cath Kidstonish pillowslip and some vases. The green one on the left is a hyacinth vase.

Isn't the spotty cover adorable? I just love the illustrations in this book. They are divine. You simply must read this book. So endearing. The author is Laurie Lee and his writing is captivating.

And a picture of a rug I picked up for the girl's bathroom. Soft pastel blues and greens.



Oh, and just in case anyone was interested in moving, Skeffington House is for sale. This home belonged to my ancestors at one time and is now available for the princely sum of 1.95 million pounds. All offers will be considered.

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Have a great weekend! And thanks for stopping by.

Reason to Be Cheerful, Ecstatic and Completely Overwhelmed

Do you see what this is? No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is, indeed a bag chuck full of Cath Kidston. Yes, it is hanging off a handle of our front cupboard. It is mine. All mine. And I am in Cath heaven. All this time I am complaining about our lack of Cath. Remember? Well on Thursday I received an email from a girl named Joanne that told me she visited a little shop last summer, not far from here, that had, you guessed it, Cath Kidston items. Are you kidding me? Not only do they have CK items, but they have had for about 4 years! Do they realize I sent my mum to England for Cath? I have googled "Cath Kidston" and "Canada" many, many times. Never, ever did I get a hit on this store. And to top it all off, they are no longer going to carry her line. Would this be considered irony? So I quickly gathered up all my favourites and there they are, from their now limited selection. The book bag, napkins, a paper tablecloth and tea towels. Oooooh I want more. How gluttonous am I?

You just know I am going back, right? Those lovely wellies have my name all over them.

The Winter of Our Discontent

Apparently, this is the feeling for many. Too much snow, not enough sunlight and a feeling of despair. So many bloggers out there are feeling the blues. I do understand but I just cannot help loving winter. The snow, the crisp air, the sparkle. Of course having Valentines Day and a new holiday helps. Last Monday was Family Day here in Ontario and I must say, I quite enjoyed it. I would talk further about Valentines Day but what do you say about romance when hubby gives you a massage, asks if I need gas in my truck, disappears for 20 minutes and comes back to a snoring wife? He did love his card though. Isn't it just adorable?
These are the Valentines I made for the kids from the Purl Bee site. They went over very well along with the pink cupcakes I suprised them with.

This is my little garden that puts a smile on face every morning. The tulips do not want to bloom together apparently they are very independent tulips and wish to do their own "thing". I am patiently waiting for the blue hyacinths in the blue transferware dishes.



And a quick update on the ripple blanket. I am so loving the colours. Especially with this paisley duvet. Aren't they fetching together? I love it so much but I think I may give it to my mum for her birthday. She is loving it as well and I don't think I have ever given her an item I have knit or crocheted. Isn't that funny, she is a knitter so I have just never thought of it.

Oh, just to let you know, the Beside Pocket has been quite a hit and they are starting to crop up using whatever cloths, doilies or hankies are available. Vee is on a roll!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Lisa xo

On the Bright Side...

I am feeling so much better. And my pear branches blossomed beautifully. You are seeing them in their last stages but oh, they were simply gorgeous. I also forced some lilacs and they were splendid as well, but they are quite finished. If you have never forced branches before you should give it a go. Easy peasy, and most satisfying. Martha will teach you.
Why didn't anyone tell me sewing was fun? This is an idea I have had in my head for oh, say, 10 or 15 years. Maybe I read about it in a magazine but now that I have a sewing machine, voila! I am constantly tidying up my night table that has piled books, phone, clock, tissue box, converter, pictures, some carnations in a vase, where are you suppose to put all this stuff? Well, in this little bedside pocket of course! Oh so basic. Long embroidered cloth, folded over and sewn. Tuck in between the mattresses and there's your pocket. Stick your water bottle, converter, book, whatever. This one may stay in DN2's bedroom. Or it is just too cute and will go in mine.

See how easy? Go make one, you will love it.

And, since I was changing the beds anyhow, I thought you might like to see how the rippling is doing. Fine, thank you. And can you see? It's foldable.

PS. Please ignore my hands in the camera with the branches. I so did not see that until I went to write the post.

Snow, Sew and Stew

This is what we woke up to this morning. We were hit with 20cm on Friday and today will be about another 20-30cm. We already got about 16cm this morning and this is what it looked like. Did I mention I love snow?

As you can probably tell, I did not go to Ottawa. I sent my husband as my sinuses did not clear up at all. I am just happy I visited the doctor last week and got some antibiotics or I can just imagine what shape I would be in!

I have been busy on the sewing, knitting, crochet front though. Isn't that what snow days are all about? Friday I sewed little heart pincushions with DN3 for her little friends at school for Valentine presents. I would show you a picture of everything but the camera is dead after the outdoor snow pictures (there are 9 batteries beside the recharger, am I the only one that notices dead batteries?). I am also thinking about some crafty Valentines to do with her. Do you ever visit The Purl Bee? Well their tutorials rival Martha's, let me tell you. I was thinking we could try these or these crochet Valentines. Aren't they adorable?

Speaking of the Purl Bee. There has been an obsession floating around in my head waaaay back when I first saw these on Posy's blog. See how cute and stripey? As I am delighting in all the wonderful cosy items on the Purl Bee site don't I spot just the most charming slippers. I'm thinking these just may be do-able.

And since I am known for my late bandwagonning (is that a word?) I'm thinking I may start one of these. Because something like this was created just for snow days.

Oh, and the stew? That will be for dinner, isn't it scrummy looking? The recipe is from BBC Good Food.

Knitting, Sewing and Traveling

My first adult sewing project. A very basic little patchwork cushion from bits of fabric I love. There is a wonderful tutorial for beginners at this Flickr site. Thanks, Amanda.
And the "Irish Hiking Scarf". This was suppose to be completed for last Wednesday. It is a gift for my eldest daughter's boyfriend, but in typical Knitty, Vintage and Rosy fashion, it was late. I have been struck down by another sinus infection and it has slowed me down considerably. Breathing has been enough of challenge. Not to mention a burnt nose. Do you really want to know? Well the doctor gave me a "Sinus Irrigation Kit" (that is as much as you want to know, trust me) and you must use previously boiled water for it. Well, there wasn't any in the kettle so I boiled some. Patience is not one of my virtues. I thought it had cooled down enough, you can figure the rest out, I am quite sure. And I am to leave in two days for a hockey tournament in the nation's capital. I need clear sinuses, a good book and a new knitting/crochet project. I'm not really asking for too much am I?

Shame on you, Country Living

Imagine my excitement, opening the newest Country Living with all the blue transferware on the cover. Sitting with a cup of tea, whiling away the afternoon in comfy bliss. On the cover there is a little spoiler, "Classic Whites and Products We Love". Well, that gets my juices flowing, maybe some pictures of some Nordic hideaway? I am quickly falling in love with the Scandinavian Esthetic and my heart is beating just a teensy bit faster as I flip through the pages. Finally, "Swedish Style" it says. Gustavian twin beds? Geez, they look vaguely familiar somehow. Where is that magazine I was breezing through a few weeks ago? Yes, there it is. Was it in here? Bob's your uncle!
Not only did Country Living re-use these beds, which in itself is really fine, because that is what decorating is all about. Finding new uses, re-purposing, re-arranging, no problem. But damn, if that isn't the EXACT same picture as what they used, oh say, back in April 2000. The exact same picture. I paid for this magazine to give me new ideas, new concepts, new. Not the exact same layout as what you gave me almost 8 years ago.

So screw Country Living (although the transferware was beautiful and there is this great article about Debbie Dusenberry that is really great, but I digress) there's other fish in the sea. Like this great book I just got out of the library called...damn, didn't see that. Well, that Country Living is just everywhere aren't they? So the book is "Country Living" Collection Style. It behooves me to say, with feathers in my teeth, that it is a great book. Can you see that glorious sun filled room? Simple yet cosy. And I received the "Shortcuts to Decorating Country Style" for Christmas. Lovely, lovely pictures, and you can pretty well guess what magazine editors this is from right? I also borrowed the new "Perfect English" by Ros Byam Shaw and again, very pleased. And of course, the old standby, "The Laura Ashley book of Home Decorating". My first decorating book purchase after I was married, way back in the day.


Well, now that I have made an utter fool of myself I simply must tell you that I have been working on some crafty (did I just say "crafty"?) little projects that I will be showing you shortly. I don't know if that is a teaser or better yet, a warning. I have been sewing!










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Btw, I actually had a pretty crummy day today, with many unexpected twists and turns and since I have been posting these gorgeous pictures and chatting with you, I actually feel better! Thank you.

The Elusive Marie Claire Idees

This magazine has had me in a spin for about a month now. I've been wanting it but unable to find it in many of our large bookstores and newsagents. While downtown yesterday, I found it at the World's Biggest Bookstore. I did try and subscribe to it online but it is in French. My French is elementary level and I am sure there is a subscription for this magazine going to some unsuspecting granny in Poland right now. I was clicking buttons all over the place. I know amazon.com sells this subscription but many of the reviewers had problems with amazon so I didn't really want to order it through them. But, now I have it and am very pleased. Beautiful colours, interesting projects and innovative designs you just do not see here in North America. Worth the wait.

While looking for sheets online yesterday, I came across two of my most favourite bedding shops. Pine Cone Hill is absolutely divine. They have the most darling prints and cosy fabrics. I particularly love this green and fuschia pink duvet. Just smashing, don't you think?

I am also partial to Garnet Hill. They also sell clothes, children's items and other household goodies but today, it is the rugs that I love. The turquoise and pink ones are to die for.

Aren't we all in the mood for linen shopping now. Go, treat yourself. I just may.

By Invitation Only

Can someone tell me why some of the blogs I have been visiting for quite some time are now prohibited?


"This blog is open to invited readers only"


Why? I mean I can understand if it is a family blog or a blog that deals with sensitive issues but craft and decorating blogs?

Too bad, some I will miss but it does give me an opportunity to list some new ones.

Too Many Gifts for Me

Yesterday, I decided to take a bit of me time and go shopping. There is a lovely little "village" not far from where I live that has wonderful shops, bakeries and delicatessens. I love shopping there especially if the weather is not inclement. While browsing a funny little floral shop, I found this charming hand painted wooden tray. It looks perfect with the needlepoint cushions on the sofa (which I didn't photograph, seriously, who am I kidding, will I ever get this photography thing or what?) Pretend the deep pink tulips there have already bloomed. Cute or what?
So mother came for tea today. As I greet her at the door, I notice a package sticking out of the post box. Jeez, doesn't that adorable little bird look familiar? Why yes, I do know that bird, it is a parcel from Claire Louise Milne, illustrator extraordinaire. Claire won a little giveaway I had a few months back and doesn't she mail me something. How sweet is that. Certainly unnecessary but completely appreciated. In case you cannot see (and aren't nosy enough like me and click on the picture to get a better view of blog pics), there is the most darling ribbon, delightful buttons, fabric in pinks and greens (how well does this woman know me?) and a thoroughly enjoyable copy of Canadian Home and Country which, by the way, is full of pinks and greens.


Thank you so very much, Claire.

All the Snow is Gone

As a result there is nothing but dead looking grass and mud all around the garden. What a dreary time of year. Of course, all this brown has me thinking of the spring. I want a new rose this year, called Earth Song. It is the lovely pink one shown on the left? (it is on the left now, but after playful blogger posts this it may end up at the bottom). I have a thing about pink roses.
My first attempts were with some gorgeous french ones. Celeste and Comte de Chambord both of which did not appreciate harsh Canadian winters. Not to mention they were not recurring and I only want those now as the blooming season is so short. They were also very prone to aphids which are a constant nuisance here because of the hot, humid summers.
So lately I have chosen roses that are a bit more hardy, more than one bloom, but still pink and rosy. I don't really care for the hybrids, I tend to lean towards the more old fashioned looking varieties. The William Baffin and John Cabot are both from the Explorer Series and have done very well in my garden. They were developed here in Canada so they are very happy here. The tiny pale pink rose is The Fairy. What a trooper. It blooms here til November and is extremely hardy. I don't know if you are aware of our temperature fluctuations here but it can be down to -25 C in the winter and up to +40 C with humidity in the summer. A wonderful resource for these and many roses is Pickering Nurseries. They have an extensive selection and an online catalogue.

But for the truly dedicated you must visit Hortico. They are also available online and really are a super supplier of all things floral. My mother is a fan of Glen Echo, and has used their landscaping services and has been quite happy with them. I haven't been there but perhaps I can take a jaunt up there one day and meet my bloggy friend, Elizabeth. She has just moved to a new rural home and I am sure gardening will be on her to do list come spring time.

Oh, and the blue morning glory? That was from my garden a year or two ago and thought it might just put a smile on your face.

Well, that is the plan anyhow.

Thankful for So Much

Happy New Year!

I have been doing nothing but enjoying these wonderful days with my family. My husband and I have spent our holidays with pots of tea, morning coffees and salubrious lie-ins snuggled in our king size bed, with snow flakes gently falling outside our bedroom windows. We have been blessed with more snow this year than usual and have been savouring every minute of it.


As you can see, I finally purchased the new camera. I managed to find an online deal here, although they were out of stock, I was able to print off the advert and got the local electronics store to price match it. Glorious. Now I just need to figure out how to actually use it without always choosing the "auto" feature. It is the Canon A560 so all suggestions will be welcome.

I must have been a very good girl this year as I received some truly thoughtful gifts from both family and friends. My husband got me a sewing machine, yes you read that correctly, and I am ready now to embark on the journey to the sewing world. I also received many books, dvds, cds and of course, the obligatory pajamas. One movie, in particular was a complete delight as I have searched for it on many occasions all to no avail. If you have never seen My Life So Far, you are really missing out. And who doesn't love Colin Firth and Rosemary Harris? My daughters gave me the most beautiful porcelain blue and white chopsticks. They are just lovely displayed in an ironstone jug. Why didn't I show you those? What a grand photographer!



I am still waiting for my carpenter to come and do something with my kitchen cupboards. I want them painted with new knobs and some repairs done to some of the drawers as they have not been cooperating lately. All my other repairs have been accomplished but the front door closes most reluctantly now since they "repaired" it. Two steps forward, three steps back.



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Well that's most of my news. I was quite sick at the beginning of the holidays with a very nasty sinus thing. This seems to be making the rounds both here and in the UK and I can only hope all the ill bloggers get better quick. I miss all your lovely posts!

Cath Kidston, Eat Your Heart Out!

Poor Canadians. Living in the second largest country in the world with a major metropolis like Toronto, and yet, we are Cath deprived. As a result, our only option is to fake it. Here is my little cosy blatantly ripped off from the Cath one.
But don't you think mine has a bit more personality? And did you notice the knitted egg cosies? They are crocheted. Well, must go. I have a craving for steaming hot porridge with brown sugar and cream, so off I go. With a cup of tea and my newest cosy.

PS. If one more family member asks me if this is a hat and can they have it, I will burst.

I Need More Time

Don't you just love Blogger? You are never quite sure where your uploaded photos will end up. Big, small, here, there, it's like a game, actually. Anyhow, here are a couple of goodies I have found recently. A beautiful green tole tray, a brass french horn lamp and about 3 yards of the most softest green velvet.



I also thought I would give you a shot of my oversize poinsetta my father brought me today. It is so large the only spot it will fit and look decent is in the corner of my diningroom. I tried it on the table but it takes up over half of it.


And here is the tree. Decorated, with presents. I still need more time. I can't understand how all these other ladies do it. They are sending orders out, baking, decorating... I'm lucky if I can still serve a hot meal for dinner.

By the way, did I mention we got over 25cm of snow on Sunday? I am so hoping it will stay for the big day. Makes things awfully cosy feeling here.