Pasta, Pictures, Purchasing and Pillows

I am trying to concentrate my effort on achieving some kind of order in the house today. It is undetermined yet as to whether this will actually happen. I do know that we are having Pasta al Forno for dinner tonight, so I figure I am at least one step ahead. Right?
I have also been fiddling with my new camera, trying to not always use "manual" and to figure out some of the features I am obviously not using to my full advantage.

I have a lovely pink geranium that has doubled in size since bringing it inside in the fall. It has decided to bloom.
The beautiful mauve/green hydrangea I picked up for the holidays.
I have thrown this picture in to give you a little hint on my latest project.

Don't you just love spotty fabric?

Oh, did I mention I am suppose to be ironing RIGHT NOW?

My ebay delivery finally came. It was sheets I had ordered in a quaint little gingham pattern, however, gingham does not like to appear live. But it is there and it is adorable.

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Oh, and Colin and Justin are designers that have had many shows here and in the UK. They are hilarious with, I think and very skewed idea of what is desirable but I do love to watch their shows. They now reside, at least part time, in Toronto. I am very sorry to those that had no clue as to who they were. I tend to live in a tiny bubble here. But if you do get a chance to see them, let me know what you think.

Happy Easter

Just a few items I picked up at the grocery store. And, of course, the little Easter cards we made over the break.

The cheery rug was picked up so we could pretend Spring will very soon be upon us.

Oh, and had to leave by 2:30 and the boys still had not shown up.

Have a wonderful Easter and thank you so much for dropping by and saying a few words. It really means so very much to me.

What Do You Wear to Meet Colin and Justin?

Rumour has it Colin and Justin will be at my father's store this afternoon. Well not at my father's toy store but right next door at the furniture store.

What do you wear to meet Colin and Justin? Lest I become a subject for a future show called "Desperate and Disgustingly Dressed Housewives of Toronto", I must go find something decent to wear.

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Oh, and guess what I found at the Supercentre? There's one melting in my mouth right now. Guess I should wipe that chocolate from my chin before seeing the boys.

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.