Molly and Izzie

I can now...

2010-01-18T16:23:00.001Z

...be found here.

www.cupcakesandclover.blogspot.com

Its a lovely place, please come and visit me!

x x x

Things are a changing

2010-01-13T20:48:00.002Z

So after much consideration, umming and ahhing I have decided to move blogs. I originally created this blog to share my creations and attempts at new crafting skills and techniques, something which I have not really done recently – life (the boring part of it) has sort of got in the way. I keep making, pitiful, attempts to look after my blog but I feel I have sort of lost my way.

However in just 7 short weeks (yes really only 7 WEEKS!) me, Martin, 2 horses, 2 gerbils and a van full of our favourite things will be taking a one way, non-refundable ferry ticket to France, to our new home!!! So I thought that now was as good a time as any to change some things around.

So from today I will be blogging from Cupcakes & Clover. This will be mainly made up of photos and bits and pieces about what I am stitching, sewing, sticking, cutting, bending and painting – I want to try and keep it very creative, with a bit of France news for good measure!

I will also be keeping everyone up to date with our daily antics, moving news, and the trials and tribulations we are sure to face when we arrive en France via Socks! Socks is the newest addition to our family. She is a stripy sock dog who loves to chase her stick in the garden and hunt in the flowerbeds! Socks has her own blog The Wanderings of a Stripy Sock Dog and has agreed to blog about our life as we get nearer to the BIG move. She thinks that the whole things is very exciting, but I’m not quite sure that she even knows where France is!

I hope that you all come visit me at Cupcakes & Clover and Socks at The Wanderings of a Stripy Sock Dog.

Love,

X x x

Ebaying Like a Mad Woman

2010-01-06T12:41:00.004Z

So christmas is over and done for another year and the New Year is here. There we go that was the obligatory mention of Christmas - it's rather boring in our house at christmas, all we do is sit around and eat mainly! I did manage to do some baking and experiment with a few new reciepes but thats about it!

Today was my first real day back at work as the snow hampered my efforts on Monday and Tuesday - not that I'm complaining. Being at home allowed me to focus on sorting through the tonnes of 'stuff' that me and Martin (ok mainly me) have gathered in the two years that we have been in our current house. I am having a huge clear out for a number of reasons, which I will blog about another day,and so far I have over 20 bin bags of 'stuff' to sell, swap, give away, give to charity, burn or try and fit back into overflowing cupboards!

I seem to have everything ranging from clothes which are now 3 sizes too small (I do wonder how I ever fit into them), cuddly toys, mountains of buttons, belts, bags, shoes - you name it and I've probably got it! Last night I managed to list 26 items on ebay, it sounds like a lot but is really only about 1/2 a bin bag worth of 'stuff'. If you feel like having a look please do I need all the help I can get!

I'm going to try and photograph lots of things tonight and get some pictures on here so if anything catches your eye please get in touch - all I ask is for you to cover the price of the postage!

Well i'd better dash - work to do and all that!

I'll post some piccies tonight.

Hope you all had a good christmas
x x x

Lets it snow, let it snow, let it....stop snowing!!!!

2009-12-23T09:52:00.005Z

This is what I woke up to on Monday morning, very pretty and christmassy - I was very excited and felt like a little girl as i jumped on the bed to wake Martin up and show him!

My excitement quickly dissapated however when I made it ourside to my car. Half an hour later and with the car sort of de-iced I realised I had no petrol and set off to Asda thinking that as it was only 8am I had loads of time to make the 35 minute journey to blackpool where I work.

How wrong I was. After filling up with petrol I spent 1/2 hour skating around the Asda carpark (who builds an Asda on a hill I ask?!). I must thank the two very kind and patient car park attendents who pushed (and pulled) me around until I was finally on a flat bit of road and able to set off to work!

The motroway was a bit slippery but not too bad and I made it off my junction with not much trouble. It was at this point that I began to regret setting off! The roads were like sheets of glass...

...and it took me 3 hours to travel 7 miles looking at this most of the way.

I did see this though..

the beautiful ice sculpture made by ........... totally covered in snow - it looked very magical =]

I eventually arrived at work 4 hours late and desperate for the loo! After dealing with a few messages I set off back home as the roads were starting to freeze - thankfully my journey home only took 1 1/2 hours! lol

That was Monday, yesterday I did not even attempt to go to work and this morning I woke up to yet more snow! I had decided to wait until the sun came out and chance trying to get to work as I am supposed to be meeting with the Blackpool Gazette to do a feature about some people I work with. it seems though that things are conspiring against me. Just as I was getting bundled up and starting to de-ice once again the traffic on my road started to slow and then stop.

There is now a traffic jam, both ways, outside and according to Martin, who walks to work, the jam is right across Peston! Seems I am not destined to work this week =]

The time off has allowed me to make some christmas pressies that I didn't think I would have time for, pictures will follow later as you never know who is reading and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I have also been snappy happy and taking lots of pictures of the snow, as much as it is annoying me its still very pretty!

I hope everyone is doing ok, wrap up warm get your wellies on and go play!

x x x

All change

2009-12-18T19:57:00.003Z

Today was my friends last day in work as she is leaving to have a baby =]

It's very exciting for her as it's her first and I'm really excited for her too. I am also a little sad as I no longer have someone to cause mischief with at work! As her last day 'treat' we all went out for a meal here. It's such a lovely, traditional pub and the food was amazing (yum).

I made her a beaded bracelet as a leaving pressie, a bit like this one (I forgot to take a picture of the one I made for her)

I'm making some more like this to give as christmas pressies to various people, they take a very long time to make but I think the end result is quite nice and sparkly!!!

I have also bought some nice new beads...

(the picture doesn't do them justice).

On a different note I have nearly finished my christmas shopping, and theres still 6 days to go (I think I'm breaking my own record). I have mainly bought books as our local book shop, Borders, is closing down which makes me sad but was great for cheap pressies, hehe! When i was younger my mum owned a book shop so I practically grew up surrounded by books and as a result I am a real book worm. I visit Borders at least once a week as I get through them so fast and I really really don't want it to close =[ =[ =[

Hope everyone's christmas preperations are going well!

x x x

The Christmas tree is up!

2009-12-07T09:12:00.001Z

Get me being all organised. Last night I managed to clean through the whole house (something that doesn’t happen all in one go very often), get the decorations down from the loft (with disgruntled help from Martin), put the decorations up (picture to follow later when I can extract it from my camera), start my Christmas shopping (online) and start a new project.

I found some lovely wool at my local fabric shop ages ago. It is scrummy and yummy and pink with ‘bits’ in and I love it. I have been holding on to it for quite a while, waiting for the perfect project to come along. I have always loved ‘felted things’ so In my infinite wisdom I have decided to make a felted run, yes you heard it right, not a nice easy and small project for my first attempt at ‘proper’ felting but a big pink rug!

Last Christmas I started to make a poncho, which now lives unfinished in an asda bag at the bottom of my wardrobe. I never learn, I wonder how much of this project I will complete before I get distracted, bored, etc.

I had a lovely weekend surrounded by family at my Mum & Dad's in Cumbria followed by a visit to my Aunty & Uncle's to see some of my cousins.

x x x

Its ffffffreezing today...

2009-12-01T10:10:00.003Z

...literally!

In typical ‘me’ style I managed to sleep through the alarm on the one morning I really needed to be up in time. By the time I have showered and dressed and attempted to do something with my hair which normally looks something resembling this…

…then given up with my hair, I was just about on time. That was when I opened the front door and was met with a car that looked something like this…

It’s the first time that I have had to dig out the de-icer this winter and I couldn’t find it anywhere! So 15 minutes of heaters on full blast sat shivering in the driver’s seat I was ready to go and 20 minutes late, I hope that this isn’t a sign of things to come for the rest of the day?!

I am now starting to panic about christmas as today is now oficially December. Every year I leave things to the last minute and breeze through October and November saying to my self 'its aaages away, theres plenty of time' then before you know it December has arrived and the mad rush begins - will I ever learn? I think it may be a Folksy christmas this year!

Note to self: Buy de-icer!

X x x

Here are...

2009-11-29T19:49:00.004Z

...a few of my elephants...

A Wet Weekend

2009-11-29T19:31:00.006Z

My lack of presence recently is due to lots of crazyness at work. In the last month I have worked until 9pm 6 nights, stayed away at a conference for 2 nights, been out of the office for 4 days and I have just got back from a 3 day trip to London with three of our Young Carers. Phew. What a busy old month!

I was a bit aprehensive before going to London, it being my friest trip away with them by myself and the word daunted does not even to beging to sum up how I felt. Its quite scary really to think that your supposed to be totally responsible for three other people, especially when most of the time I feel I only just managed to get me and Martin from A to B in one peice!

Despite my worries everyone had a lovely weekend dispite the torrentious rain and grey skies. The three I took were aged between 16 and 18 and none onf them had been to London before so They were really excited.

The main reason for the trip was to visit the launch of a film they had made in conjunction with True Tube last month. We spent a great day on Saturday at the British Film Institute watching a handful of the films made by different youth organisations around the country. We also got the opportunity to attend 'Question Time' with some MP's and Richard Taylor (Damilola Taylor's Father and founder of the Damilola Taylor Trust) to discuss the issues and problems in today's youth society.

We also saw Big Ben and the Houses of Parlement, We stood under the London Eye in the dark and took pictures and we mosied around lots of christmas stalls on the South Bank hunting out bargains for Christmas.

The train journy back was pretty hellish though - 2 1/2 hours sat on the floor of a stupidly over crowded train is not my idea of a fun Sunday evening!

I was instantly cheered up however when I got home as these...

...were waiting for me on the table from Martin.

So now I'm back home, Martin is off in Liverpool tonight with some friends (I haven't seen him since Thursday) and I am contemplating whether or not I should treat myself to a takeaway?!

Hope everyone is okies?

x x x

I have....

2009-11-13T22:24:00.002Z

...18 elephants in my house. Not real ones but ceramic ones, fabric ones, tin ones and many other types. I have pink ones, blue ones, shiney ones, sparkley ones, big ones, little ones, matching ones and spotty ones - i think i'm bordering on obsession!

Random but true!

x x x

Busy

2009-11-03T12:47:00.001Z

My camera has broken so I STILL haven't been able to take pictures of the lovely goodies I made the other week, I am working 13 hours days all this week so I have no desire to try and fix the camera!

Maybe next week will I will be more productive =]

This week I have...

2009-10-23T16:24:00.002+01:00

...mostly been making:

2 bags
1 apron
1 scarf
1 butterfly brooch
1 cushion cover
and a pig!

After my rant about the lack of 'making' I have been doing recently I have gone into overdrive this week.

Pictures to follow later this evening!

x x x

Where has my 'creative mojo' gone?

2009-10-20T09:27:00.003+01:00

I have not been posting much at all over the last few months, mainly because I have not really done anything that is blog worthy, i'm sure no one really wants to read about my day at work, or about me doing house work or generally rushing around like a mad woman. I haven't even been creative enough to make anything worth blogging about.

I think that the whole leaving university and getting a 'proper' job has knocked me slightly off track. I realised how bad it had got last night when, while hunting for a scarf, i found my sewing machine at the bottom of my wardrobe totally hidden from sight. My boxes of beads and buttons have been hidden away in cupboards and my stash of felt is sitting in a box in the utility room looking very un-used and un-loved. Even my friend commented the other week about the lack of 'making' I have been doing declaring that my 'creative mojo' seemed to have done a dissappearing act.

I am also missing reading about what everyone is doing, saying and making.

So I will say it on here so that I can make no more excuses, I will make at least one new thing each week, something different that I have not made before and that will keep me feeling happy and creative and help me to find my 'creative mojo' again!

Any suggestions/tutorials are welcomed - I'll have a bash at anything!

Love to every one from a very bad blogger

x x x

Aching legs and a bruised bum!

2009-09-27T19:18:00.046+01:00

I think i've mentioned before that i have two horses (well one and a half really!), Monty and Rhona, but due to a serious lack of space (my gardens not really suitable) they both live in Cumbria with my parents while im down here in Preston.

Its not an ideal situation but at least it meant i didnt have to sell them when i moved to Preston to uni three years ago.

Just after starting uni i had a fall and broke my arm (for the second time in the exact same place) which meant that i could not ride and by the time it was healed enough my poor Monty had grown to quite like the life of leisure, munching grass all day and generally being an inactive pig! So now they are living the life of reily and I have put on 3 stone since i stopped riding =[

A couple of weeks ago i decided that i had to do something about the lack of horseiness in my life and a quick search on the internet turned up a riding school not too far away. I rang on the off chance that they could fit me in for a lesson today and they could!

The lesson was great - just like riding a bike - and i loved every minute of it (i think some people are just meant to be on a horse! I can still ride pretty well, if i do say so my self, but i just need to get my head around the technical stuff again and try and look a bit prettier.

Surfice to say not riding for three years tends to lead to extreemly sore legs and a very bruised bum after the first time back in the saddle!

I have also started goiung to a yoga class on a monday night so i dread to think how stiff i will be come Tuesday morning!

I've booked another lesson for next week and can't wait - I love it!

Button Swap!

2009-08-26T21:36:00.000+01:00

I really shouldn't have, i'm so busy, and i really don't have the time but.....

..I couldn't resist joining in on Incy Wincy Stitches fab button jewellery swap! Check it out here!!!!

The last three weeks I have mostly been decorating...

2009-08-24T21:53:00.000+01:00

...so it would be safe to assume that I have done lots and lots and nearly done the whole house. Well, that assumption would be wrong!

Having never actually decorated a full room before I was very naive to think that a splash of paint here and a bit of gloss there and bobs your uncle you have a lovely decorated room. In reality It has taken me a whole week (of evenings after work) to do just the office. However if i do say so my self it looks wonderful! I am a hopeless perfecionist so it had to be just right.

I have also been planning a nine day trip to France for me and Martin. We leave on Friday after work and drive down to Dover then sail to Calais on Saturday morning. We're spending two days in Paris here in this lovely hotel, I can't wait. There is so much that i want to do and see in Paris, we definatley won't be able to fit it all in but i do hope that we make it to the Louvre as i have always wanted to go. I'd also like to take a boat trip down the Seine - thats the hopeless romantic in me!

After leaving Paris we are driving 6 hours down country a bit further than Cognac. We're spending 5 days in that area and then driving back to Calais on saturday and sailing back to Dover on Sunday just in time to be back at work on Monday morning!

Still got loads to do and a bit daunted as neither me nor Martin have ever driven on the 'wrong' side of the road before (well not intentionally) but it should be a fun adventire.

Watch out for 'France' themed pictures soon!

sunsets, fast cars and fairs!

2009-08-03T21:58:00.000+01:00

Well hasn't it been a long time.

What with finding my feet in my new job, holidays, lots and lots of fairs and gereral life type things i have not had any time to visit blog land. I hope that now i will have a little more time, although i have big ideas about re-decorating the whole of the house so we will see how i go!

Last weekend me an Alex were intrepid adventurers at the Cumbira Steam Gathering, You can read about it here! It was a sunny, rainy, funny and tireing weekend, quite the combination!

I have just spent a lovely weekend with my Mummy and Daddy and did lots of yummy cooking just like when i was a little girl. I love going 'home', it was always just me and mu and dad (i am an only child) so sometimes its nice to just be the three of us again!

So since i last blogged i have:

Been on an amazing holiday to Florida with Martin and mum and dad... ...where we found some amazing waterways...

...and saw breathtaking sunsets.

I did a craft fair (with the lovely Alex) 2 days after landing back from Florida with extreem jet lag!

And i marveled at the awsome power of the Ariel Atom - with Martin behind the wheel! This was part of his 21st Birthday pressie from him mum, he got to drive 7 super cars including an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and an Audi A8 - i watched from behind my fingers!

Oh and i graduated! 3 years finally finished so i now have a BA Hons degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications! It was a lovely day as both me and Martin graduated in the same ceremony. We had both our families there and made a fab day of it!

So thats about it, i am on a major re-decorating mission so will be posting various before and after piccies very soon - please just humour me!

I hope you are all well and i will be popping by your blogs in just a minute!

x x x x x

x x x x

Uncreative

2009-05-27T21:03:00.000+01:00

I have been very uncreative lately - this makes me sad =(

Work is getting to me, a lack of computer memory and an internet connection slower than a very slow snail makes for an unproductive sarah at work - this also makes me sad =(

I woke up last week and could hardly move so i spent all last week off work laid on the sofa not being able to do anything - that made me frustrated and sad! =(

The pump in our tropical fish tank broke down and cost £30 to replace (not replacing it was not an option! hehe) - that made me sad, and skint! =(

I did a vraft fair near to my Mum and Dad's at the weekend and only sold enough to cover the cost of my pitch (everyone else did as bad so at least it wasn't anything personal) - This made me sad and v.bored sitting on a kinda of wooden pew all day with no customers =(

I have been so busy i have hardly been able to spend any time in the shop amongst all of the treasures - sad again =(

My car has started makiing a funny noise when i go, stop and turn! i don't think it likes the 40 mile round trip i now have to do every day and is complaining loudly about it! - guess how this makes me feel........yup, SAD!!! =(

My grass now reaches up to my knees and as much as i hint Martin is not getting the message, hehe - sad (and a little funny when watching next doors cat go manic in it!) =(

However on the up side:

We are going to Florida in 7 days - this makes me v.v.v. happy (if a little scared abut how much i have to do before then) =)

I spent a great weekend at my mum and dad's sitting in the sun watching tadpoles, that are now very big and are starting to grow legs! - happy, happy, happy =)

My back is all fixed and i can actually do things again - happy and mobile! =)

My aunty gave me two massive bags of yummy buttons brought back from France - giddy and happy =)

I have now met all of Martin's family, at a family get together a couple of weeks ago, and they are all lovely. I now belong to two super duper families!!!!! - Loved and Happy =)

Hopfully i will be able to post lots and lots of pictures tomorrow - when i find my camera!

Hope everyone is well
x x x x x

Still Manic =(

2009-05-14T20:29:00.000+01:00

Hello!!!!

My life is still manic and the manicness shows no sign of easing off so here is a very brief update in pictures!

It was Martin's 21st Birthday on 3rd May so we spent a lovely weekend at my Mum and Dad's, well Martin had a lovely weekend - i spent it all sat in the summer house frantically typing my dissertation!

I can think of worse places to have to be doing work thopugh!

The stream helped to keep me calm! hehe

And Molly Cat tried to help!

We had a nice meal out to celebrate his birthday.

The last few weeks have just been a blur of dissertation, new job, shop, madly trying to get to see all of the family and bottoming the whole house as the lodgers have now left (massive sigh of relief!!!).

I did find time though to take part in Race For Life last weekend in Burnley. It was the firsat time i have done it and i was not prepared for how emotional i would be - its really moving to see so many people all doing something so wonderful!

There was me, my mum, my aunty, my cousin and her friend.

We all marched off from the start...

...and had laughed and nattered our way around the 5k course before we knew it....

...and were soon crossign the finish line.....

...to collect our medals and cereal bars!

A busy old week

2009-04-20T20:07:00.000+01:00

Helloo - i've had a busy old week so apologies for the lack of posting and commenting.

Todays will be a picture heavy blog so you have been warned!

Me and my friend (another Sarah) had a celebratory night out...

...I made lots and lots of these felt brooches and keyrings, some floweras and cupcakes too to take to my craft fair...

...which was a huge success, the best one yet. The sun shone all day and 100's (slight exageration) of people came!

Me and Martin had a nice day out at Skipton Castle...

..and have spent a sunny weekend outside (mainly in the various beer gardens of preston!

Yesterday i spent a super afternoon with my Mum and my Grandma watching the Dancing on Ice tour in Manchester.

This week is panning out to be just as packed as it is mine and Martin's second anniversary tommorrow, my birthday on Friday and Martins birthday next Sunday, lots of cakes to be made!

Hope you are all well

x x x

I am still alive!!!!

2009-04-11T22:51:00.000+01:00

Hello there, i am now back but what a hectic few weeks i have had. I have not read any blogs so i have a lot of catching up to do which i'm really looking forward too!!!

I started my new job on monday but i'm woth holding judgement on how i feel about it until i have been there a bit longer - if i decide now it will not be a positive outcome!

All of my time recently has been taken up with uni work, it was a hard slog but is now FINISHED!!!!!! I just have to wait until 14th July now, for graduation, fingers crossed.

Onto more exciting things - i received this parcel in the post aaaaaaages ago from the amazing Jenny. It was as a part of the Heart swap, and i'm only just getting around to bloging about it (shame on me!).

There were some great pieces of felt and material with heart designs on and sone red heart beads...

...There were lots of super buttons...

...and this fabulous purple brooch, which is now pinned proudly on the front of my bag so i can see it every day!

I got some yummy chocolate hearts...

...and this beautiful hanging pink felted heart.

Thank you so much for this great parcel Jenny - i love it!

I went on a night out on Thursday to celebrate the end of Uni so most of yesterday was spent recovering. Today me and Martin made the most of a rare day off together and went to Ramsbotton in Lancashire for the afternoon. I have never been before and i loved the little unique gift shops and the real steam train at the station!

Tomorrow i am doing a craft fair at Guy's Thatched Hamlet near Preston. I did one here just before christmas and it was a huge success so i am looking forward to tomorrow. I must admit though that in the madness of the last few weeks i nearly forgot that i was doing it. Oooops!

I stillhave lots to get ready so i'd better get a move on - i will be doing serious blog catch ups tomorrow when i get home!

x x x x x

Drowning Under Work :(

2009-04-01T22:13:00.000+01:00

I cannot wait to finish university!!!!!

I did not know it was physically possible to write so many words in such a short space of time, I never want to hear the word marketing again.

I have so many wonderful things to blog about, especially my wonderful swap parcel from Jenny, but i havent even had a chance to take piccies yet :(

I am feeling thouroughly misarable and sorry for myself and cannot seem to see an end to the work!

I have to be finished for Sunday night as i start my new job on Monday so i am just focusing on that - it makes me smile!

I have so many blogs to catch up on and i feel like i'm missing so much so fingers crossed i will be able to spend some serious time in blog land on Sunday! :)

Oh and Martin might have some good and exciting news by the beginning of next week so toes crossed too!

x x x

A bad blogger...

2009-03-21T20:24:00.000Z

....thats me :(

I have been seriously neglecting my blog all week and itys not going get much better i'm afraid (well not for the next couple of weeks anyway). I have aproximatley 17,000 words to write before i finish uni.....in 13 days! I think i may need a miracle.

So what with typing like a mad woman, trying to keep up with the shop, preparing for starting my new job, taking part in swaps and sleeping i haven't had much time to do anything else.

Please bear with me - i will start being a better blogger soon and commenting more- i promise. :)

So for now hear are a few piccies of how the shop looks now - its a lot lot fuller than the first pictures!

It certainly is a lot fuller isn't it!

There are some lovely brooches and hair clips by the wonderful JennyFlower and a card rack full of Daisie's super duper handmade cards.

I am now stocking these yummy bath bombs and handmade soaps by Northern Naturals...

...and Martins lovely mum has hand painted these bird houses ensuring each one is a one off Angela original!!!

Daisies fab cards....
...and a coupleof bags i made up.

x x x x

A family filled day

2009-03-15T20:59:00.000Z

I have had a super duper lovely day today, just how Sundays should be!

This morning was spent having a lie in till ten :o . Then, after dragging our selves out of bed me and Martin nipped up to Botany Bay to check on the shop and to sort a few bits out. The shop is doing really well so far but i'll blog about that later in the week. After Botany Bay we headed to Blackpool to meet my 'Runcorn' family (Martin's mum, her Partner and his brother).

Me and Martin's mum watched as the three 'lads' went go-karting(Martin and his mum's partner)

Boys will be boys and they raced, barged and banged in all out war to be the champion of the circuit!

After the racing me and Martin's mum dragged the very tired and sweaty boys to the pleasure beach. I normally am terrified of rollercoaster but, seen as we are going to Florida in June, i am making a concerted effort to overcome my fear. So i was very impressed when i managed to take on the second scariest ride in the park, go me!

After the pleasure beach me and Martin set off to see my 'Burnley' family. My cousin is moving to Newquay so there was a 'gathering' at my aunty and uncles. It was also my other cousin's (Daisie) birthday so there was lots of cake and presents :)

All in all a lovely day - now for a big cup of tea and Dancing on Ice me thinks!

x x x

A Tough One

2009-03-11T17:50:00.000Z

So my interview was today. I spent all of last night prepearing and practicing my presentation and practicing some questions and answers. This did not help my nerves this morning though!

I was sh*t scared!

I thought that my presentation went well, if a little rushed, but to my dismay the first question was around a subject that everyone had assured me I wouldn't be asked about :( I thought that the best option would be to just admit that i didn't know how to answer it and explain that i had spent all of my time researching a different area.

Thankfully the rest of the questions were a little easier to answer, but i still felt like i was 'blagging' most of it.

After a very tense afternoon i received a phone call informing me that there had been five other people interviewed, all at a very high standard. Two of the candidates had even worked in the same role just for other carers support companies and i was by far the youngest and least experienced of them all.

So imagine my surprise when she finished all of this with the words 'i am very happy to offer you the position'! I seriously nearly dropped the phone! I am sooooo over the moon. The job sounds just what i want, the people are lovely and the money is more than i had hoped i'd get!

I think i'm starting sometime in April, as soon as i've finished my formal lectures really.

So i'm off mow to celebrate, Martin's going to treat me to a meal out!

I'll be bouncing around all week now!

And so i don't blog without a piccie here is one i took at christmas of my beautiful and cheeky shetalnd pony Rhona!

x x x

Scared!!!

2009-03-10T20:48:00.000Z

There are only 31 days left until i finish my final semester of university - this excites me! And even though i thought i'd never say it, it has gone so quickly!!!

What i am not so keen on is the thought of finding a job :( I have applied for a few things, mainly marketing focused as thats what my degree will be in. I also have two years experience of working for a marketing agency before i went to uni. mu real problem is that i dont really know what i want to do. Obviously i'd love to sit in my shop all day and develop it, but realistically i need a 'proper' job while i develop the shop.

Martin also finishes at the same time as me so he too is on the hunt for a job.

I'm also quite picky when it comes to where i want to work. I don't want to have to comute too far every day, max 45 mins, i want to work for a fairly small company so i don't just become a number and i want lots of responsibility to stop me from becoming bored!

I have been offered an interview for Blackpool Carers Centre - TOMORROW! The centre provides help and support to unpaid carers accross the Blackpool area. This is an area that i have real empathy for, i actually worked as a paid carer for about a year whilst at uni. The job is as Information & Communications Officer - I really want it!

I have prepared a 5 minute presentation and practiced lots of interview questions so i feel fairly well prepared. Allthough i don't hold much hope of getting the job, i think the interview will be great experience for the future. I'm sure there will be lots of other candidates that are far more qualified than me and have much more experience but i'll give it my best shot!

So a stressful day tomorrow - fingers crossed anywho!

And so as not to post without a piccie - heres one of my mums super duper tortoise Tommy waving at me!

x x x

Treats and things

2009-03-06T22:34:00.000Z

A very busy day today - meeting with uni lecturer at 9am, meeting with assignment partner at 10am, home for quick sandwich and meet mum before heading to Preston market where we met a lovely 'wool woman' as we have called her.

We bought lots of yummy wool - some for me, some for mum and some to parcel off and send to grandma who is knitting like a mad woman for things to put in the shop!

After the market we trawled a selection of Prestons many charity shops but only came away with two red noses and two red nose day pin badges!

Home to pick Martin up after the shops and off to my aunty and uncles for a well deserved chippy tea!

After tea me, mum and my aunty headed to the fabulous Boundry Mill, shopping heaven, where i found these little treats...

Some yummy white hot chocolate, some even yummier yogurty raisins and....

...these fab tea towels with cup cakes on!!!!!!

x x x

Giveaway Time!

2009-03-02T22:45:00.000Z

The fabulous Jelly Belly Jelly Brain is holing a super duper giveaway. To celebrate her 252nd post she is giving away one of her fab beaded watches!

To enter all you have to do it add a comment to her post here the giveaway is open to anyone anywhere in the world so get commenting people!

The lucky winner can choose from lots of coulour including: pink, lilac, green, blue, red and lots lots more but GOLD is not available!!!

Mmmmm soup

2009-02-26T09:56:00.000Z

Yesterday i was inspired by Paper Cakes who had posted a yummy recepie for Cheese and Broccoli soup. So, after spending 8 hours yesterday trying to make even a dint in the 5000 word essay i have to do by tomorrow, i decided soup was in order!

The picture doesn't do it justice but trust me when i say - it was yummy! Definatley a hit with Martin and i shall be making it again soon!

Mug Arrival!!!

2009-02-19T19:27:00.000Z

My Mug Swap goodies arrived yesterday from the wonderful Purple & Paisley! I was so excited when i got up and there was a big box of goodies waiting for me - after a lot of jumping up and down and ripping of wrapping i eventually uncovered a beautiful mug - its soooo pretty, two wonderful knitted hanging hearts, and two fabulous books - one for the new knitter and one for knitting and felting!

I am delighted with my goodies and can't wait to see what everyone else has sent/received!

I have posted pictures of what i got (except the hearts that are already hanging in my shop so i can look at them everyday).

Thank you soooomuch Purple & Paisley!

*Hugs*

Sarah

x x x x

Funny Stuff

2009-02-15T20:54:00.000Z

A bit of light relief, that i found here, after a busy day:

Your Real Name: Sarah

Witness Protection Name:(mother and fathers middle names) Ann Jamieson.

Secret Spy Name: (your first name spelled backwards) haras

Nascar Name: (first name of your mother's dad, father's dad) Albert John

Detective Name:(favorite color, favorite animal) Pink Elephant!

Soap Opera Name:(middle name, county where you were born) Ann Yorkshire (haha)

Super Hero Name: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning) The Purple WooWoo (I love it!)

Fly Name:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name) Sath

Street Name:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie) Vanilla Choc Chip

Rock Star: (current pet, current street) Pip Watling

Porn Name: (1st pet, street you grew up on) Buttons Mitten

Your Gansta Name:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle) Sarizzle

Your Goth Name:(black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Rhona

Stripper Name: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav. candy) Anna Sui Fruit Gums! hahahahaha

Hmmmm, my favorite is definatley my Superhero name - The Purple Woo Woo - classic!

Also, remember the new gerbil house that i ordered? It arrived aaaages ago and took about 3 hours to assemble but then silly me forgot to post a photo of it, ooooops.

Well here it is in all of its glory!

First day...

2009-02-14T21:54:00.000Z

Today was the opening day of my shop! I still don't have a lot of stock as most of it is arriving during the coming week, even so i think it looks ok so far!

Yesterday, with the help of my amazing mum, dad and boyfriend, i managed to get the shop fitted out and all fo the lighting in place. This morning I was up and out of the house at 7.30 as I had all of the stock to put out before Botany Bay opened at 10am - it has certainly been a hectic few days.

The day got off to a slow start but at 1pm I had a sudden flurry of customers - i could have jumped up and down!

I also had a visit from Sarah Whittle to deliver some of her embroidered lovelies.

Here are a few piccies of how it looks at the moment - hopefully it will be a lot fuller very soon!

On the top shelf are some beautiful earrings from Philippa at The Cats Whiskers...

I love these original canvases by Kim Onyskiw...

And these too (also by Kim Onyskiw )

I love my cake stand full of yummy gift bags....

These beautifulbag charms are from Ooops A Daisy

And these are some of the pin cushions from Sarah Whittle.

I am aiming to profile each of my suppliers on here over the next few weeks... i just need to get a little more orgsanised!

I need to go and sleep now as i have anotyher busy day ahead of me.

Finally i must thank everyone for all of the supporting messages - they have kept me going!

x x x x x

A very quick, quick one tonight!

2009-02-13T21:54:00.000Z

I've spent all day setting up the shop today - i feel like i have slatt wall and flat pack furniture coming out of my ears! I thinki would still be there now if i hadn't been kicked out of the building at 7pm.

Theres still loads to do and i have all of the stock i have so far to put out - i will be there very early in the morning! As soon as i'm all up and running i am going to profile each of my lovely suppliers on my blog - they are all so nice and make such lovely things!

I am hoping to take somepictures tomorrow of the shop - as it is at the end of the day. I expect it still to lookpretty empty though as lots of things are not arriving until next week and the week after.

I now need to go and sleep as i am exhausted - but looking forward to tomorrow verymuch - i will have real customers!

x x x

Night Out & Fairy Cakes!

2009-02-09T20:49:00.000Z

I am having a very very busy weekend/week! I have bought all of my shop fitting purchased now and will be fitting them on wednesday and then hopefully i can get the stock in on Friday - all very exciting!

Me and martin went out on Saturday night for our friends birthday, it had been so long since we have had a night out (way before christmas) so as expected we got very drunk, very easily! A good night was had by all.

And even though i've been busy i still had fun making and decorating these....

...and Martin had fun eating them!

Sarah

Shop Shop Shop

2009-02-05T21:30:00.000Z

I am sooooooo excited. The last few days have been really really busy ones but i am now the proud owner of my own little shop!

It located within Botany Bay where i have a small unit at the moment. It has all happened a lot quicker than i had planned but when i saw that my ideal shop had become available i just had to go for it. I am hoping to have the shop officially open by next saturday - fingers crossed. Tomorrow will be spent shopping for shop fittings (mainly at Ikea!). I had no idea how much work i would have to do, but i'm enjoying every minute of it.

The theme of the shop is gifts and handmade treasure from across the UK. I want it to be a treasure trove of handmade lovelies! I have found some lovely crafters and suppliers that i will be stocking and i will be posting more information about them on here as soon as i have sorted everything out.

Yesterday i payed a trip to SpringFair at the NEC. I had been planning to go for a few months but it has fallen at a really good time as it let me see lots of new and different products that have potential for my shop. It was a really busy day but well worth it i feel. I won't be able to buy wholesale on a large scale for quite a while as most companies have minimum order amounts of £300+ - its just not feasable for me yet.

I've been so busy sorting out the business and logistics side of things i haven't made a single thing all week :( I need to get making fast so i can have some of my own treasures in the shop!

As well as all of the shop madness i have also found time to pay a vist to Daisie, make a trip to SAMs, visit my mum and dad, clean my whole house to within an inch of its life, clean out the gerbils and the fish and i even slept a little too! I think it is the excitement that is keeping me going.

As i am planning to be open next saturday i want to make a special event of it - so suggestions for exciting opening day things are welcomed!

xoxo

Just a quickie..

2009-02-03T00:25:00.000Z

I feel i have seriously neglected blog land in the last week :( In my defense i have been sorting out my new shop! I am very very excited about it - it has happened much quicker than i ever imagened. I am going to be a good girl and give blog land some serious attention!
x x x xx

Planning the mansion!

2009-01-29T20:49:00.000Z

The beginning of December saw two new additions to our family in the form of .....

Pini the gerbil

and....

Pip the gerbil.

Currently they are living in my old hamster cage which is plenty big enough but they have managed to massacre the inside. The once cosy little house is now missing half the roof and one of the sides, the excersise wheel is just a spinning disc with no where to run on and i fear they will soon break through the metal bars! They are very hyperactive and no matter how much 'play time' they have they still insist on chewing anything and everything!

So i have been thinking and scheming for a few weeks to get them a new, fun house. I finally decided at half 11 last night to just take the plunge and spend a rediculous amount of money and buy them the luxury Rotastak Creepy Castle Mansion! It really is a gerbil mansion - it hasd a large living area, two smaller living areas, three small watch tower areas, a wheel and much more!

They are very excited about their new home, and we can't wait for it to arrive!

I will put up some pictures when it has arrived (and when we have managed to put it together!).

Sarah
x x x

An exciting step forward and a big question!

2009-01-26T21:30:00.000Z

The exciting step forward
After a few more days of thinking, a lot of research and discussion and talks with various people I am motivated more than ever before to do something about fulfilling my shop dream! I have enquired about rental costs for a larger unit at Botany Bay and am starting to put together a business plan and do scary things like cash flow forecasts! hehe.

I want the shop to be an eclectic mix of hand made goodies from across the country, I will obviously stock my own handmade creations but I really want to stock as many different types of 'craft' by as many different crafters and makers as I possibly can. I see it as being a handmade treasure trove!

And the big question!
I want to see if there would be an interest out there for placing products in the shop on a sale or return basis? If anyone would be interested in in this or knows any who might be I would really appriciate to know about it. I really just want to see if there would be any interest at this stage.

Please feel free to spread the word to anyone and everyone and please leave me a comment if you are remotley interested!

I'm excited!

Sarah
x x x

Mmmm cake!

2009-01-23T19:40:00.000Z

I don't think i've mentioned it before but i have a little unit in a place called Botany Bay near to where i live. It is an old mill that has been turned into a large centre full of little individual units that are rented out. It is a treasure trove of goodies ranging from home made cards to baby clothes.

I have been renting a small (20sq ft) unit there since July 2008. I stock it with jewellery, some that i make but most that i buy wholesale. It has been doing well and sales each month have continued to increase, which is always good.

Ever since i was a little girl and helped my mummy out in her lovely bookshop i have wanted a shop of my own. I would fill it full of handmade treasures by lots of different people and generally lovely goodies!

The ground floor of Botany Bay is set out like victorian streets, with little individual shops (its sooooo sweet). These shops are rented out also, and vary in size from 100sq ft upwards. I have been thinking for sometime about renting one of these units. There is a minimum term of 6 months, which compared to normal retail premisise is good. Also there is the benefit that the shop will not have to be manned all of the time - handy if i need to go to the bank, doctors, shops! hehe.

I am still very much in the 'thinking about it' stage but i would love it if it became a handmade treasure filled reality!

As well as dreaming about my little shop i have also had a busy evening baking. I successfully made some coconut macaroons.

I was going to make a moist banana loaf but as i have no loaf tin :( i have made banana muffins instead. They are, as i type, slowly cooking in the oven but here is a picture of them before they went in! i will let you know how they turn out.

Martin's at work until 10pm tonight :( so i'm having a quite night in with a big glass of apple juice (i don't really drink unless i'm out) and some mindless tv. He's been doing lots of hours latley - he just got a new job. Before christmas he was working part time for Toys r Us but has had his hours cut down so much, post christmas lull, that he has got another job in an off license, not ideal but it keeps the pennies coming in.

Well i'd better check the banana muffins!
x x x

A surprise message...

2009-01-23T14:38:00.000Z

...landed in my facebook indox today. It was from a lovely girl I went to school with but have not spoken to in over 7 years. It brought a tear to my eye.....

'I am well impressed with your website. I love crafting too, however never worked with felt. lol. Just finished a degree in advertising nr manchester which was cool. but now tryin to do someting fun and creative... n what ure doin is really good. with your own buniess set up and everything. Good luck with that, n i might follow in your footsteps if i ever find out how to set up my own website. lol. GOOD LUCK, not that ure needin it ,. xx'

I have not being doing this crafting thig for long but its things like this that make me want to continue. It has made my week and I am dancing around my living room as I type!

x x x x x x

Cuteable giveaway and new launch

2009-01-22T19:07:00.000Z

I was very excited when i got a message this morning to say i was on Cuteable! I have given one of my handmade badges to the amazing Cuteable giveaway and today i am featured on the website *squeel*. You can see the badge on the Cuteable website here. The giveaway features the talents of many 'crafters' and everything that will be included is featured on the website.

You can enter by leaving a comment on the giveaway post here, Lynsey will send the prizes to anywhere accross the world so get entering!

This is my contribution....

(I must appologise about the picture - my camera is playing up so i'm having to use my not so good phone!)

Secondly i am very excited because my new website http://www.mollyandizzie.co.uk/ went officially live today. So hopefully i will get lots of visitors! hehe.

Thirdly i am busily collecting things for the Mug Swap - my first swap is soooo fun. I can't wait to send it off!

Sarah

x x x

A new arrival

2009-01-20T22:32:00.000Z

I forgot to mention a big thank you for all your lovely comments about the arrival of martin's not so little brother. After the disaster that was him living with us last year i was presently surprised when he walked through the door and announced 'ey, help me find a job sarah'. granted not the most polite request but a request with the right intentions.

So off he went on yesterday morning into Preston and arrived back later that day with at least a weeks work at the place he worked for a few months last year - success. he is still looking for another job - i must admit he is making an effort.

He is still messy and loud but he does seem to have discovered that we DO have a dishwasher and that it is easier to put the dishes in it than have me nag him all day! He even hoovered for me while i was out and i only had to ask him once!

So i must admit that i am impressed at how much he has matured in just a few months.

Fingers crossed

Sarah
x x x

Short and Sweet

2009-01-20T21:40:00.000Z

Just a quick one today, i spent a lovley afternoon yesterday with Alex and Nathaniel - it was my first visit to sams (a super dooper crafty store near us). I got some lovely things!

When we left we were greeted by over an inch of snow! I was also shown how to finger kinit by Elizabeth! A new skill under my belt.

I have had a busy day in uni today so am tired tonight, i have found time to sew some lovley hearts tho!

I'll write more tomorrow i promise!

Sarah

x x x

Unsuccessful yet sparkly day

2009-01-18T18:23:00.000Z

Today started bad and then got worse! When my alarm went off at 7.30 i felt like i'd only been asleep for an hour. After driving for an hour to get to the craft fair (in the snow and gale force winds) we got there late.

The morning was slow and i only sold a couple of little headbands, the afternoon was slower! It was nice to spend the day with my mum (again). We had a natter and i got a bit more of my knitting done too. I also found out about the Cumbria Steam Gathering that happens in July. A lovely man o one of the stalls told me about it - its £50.00 for a pitch for two days. I am definatley doing it!

Martin's little (nearly 18) brother is also coming to stay with us for...well i'm not exactly sure how long. He is not coping too well at home and there is the mutual feeling that both him and his mum need a break from each other. This will not be the first time we have him staying with us, he lived with us for a few months at the beginning of the year during which time he stayed in bed all day, didn't turn up to work and generally was idle. Hopefully this time will be different and to be fair on him he seems to have grown up ALOT over this past year - i actually enjoy his company now!

We'll just have to see how it goes, and if i can cope with having someone staying in my office/craft room! He only asked if he could come this morning and he already has a job interview lined up for tomorrow so fingers crossed.

As the craft fair was in Penrith we were already 45 minutes nearer home so it only took just under an hour to travel home. I have madly rushed around trying to clear a space for him to fit among all of my craft supplies and Martins new Xbox chair so now the living room and our bedroom looks like a tiny and much messier version of HobbyCraft!

Oh i did manage to pick up a little bargain in the form of these lovely sparkles from the fair....

...arn't they pretty!

An exciting day

2009-01-17T21:03:00.000Z

Today i took some of my handmade things to a shop in Carlisle that have asked to stock them! To say i was excited is an understatement! I only took a few bits and pieces to see how they do so fingers crossed they will do well!

My mummy came with me and we spent a lovely afternoon - we went shopping, had a drink and some lovely homemade pea and ham soup in a little coffee shop, them we bought a film to watch tonight. She's coming with me tomorrow to the craft fair in penrith to lend a hand, i also plan to make progress with my knitting as a week on from starting it and i've only done 24 lines :(

I also made a little cupcake felt badge before going to town this morning.......

....it made me smile!

I also received the name of the person who i will be sending my mug too, as part of the mug swap! Very excited!

I still have lots of things to do before the fair tomorrow and where setting off at 8am (unorganised as usual)

Sarah

x x x

Early morning = rubbish post!

2009-01-16T11:52:00.000Z

It has just been pointed out to me, by Daisie, that my last post was ashamedly undescriptive! I blame my lack of explanation on the early hour it was written (remember i'm a student so i'm not actually ment to rise until the afternoon you know!).

I am infact contributing a little handmade treasure to the Cuteable giveaway.

Thank you Daisie for being on the ball!

Love sarah
x

Giveaway fun...

2009-01-16T08:20:00.000Z

I'm really excited this morning - even if it is stupidly early for a 'student'!

I am taking part in the Cuteable giveaway - this excites me greatly! The general gist is that Cuteable are giving away a basket full of handmade treasures made by artists and crafters from all over the UK. The giveaway is open to anyone accross the world. If you want to enter click on the Cuteable logo below and comment the post.

Swap, Swap, Swap!

2009-01-15T21:34:00.000Z

Just a quick one thonight to let you know that I'm taking part in my first swap, a mug swap to be exact! I'm soooo excited. The swap is being run by JennyFlower and if you want to take part just go to here but you'll have to be quick because i think you have to register before the end of tomorrow (i could be wrong though!).

I've had a very busy day today, making lots of lovelies. I got three parcels through the post this morning, but i'll have to wait until tomorroe to tell you about them because my camera battery died and i left the charger at my mum and dad's *sob sob*.

I am nipping up to see my mum and dad for the weekend as i have another craft fair, this time in Penrith, on sunday. I will get the camera charger and get snapping!

Much love
Sarah
x x x

Treasures and Traffic

2009-01-15T00:06:00.000Z

Today was spent coming up with a few new ideas for more hand made treasures and a few trials of bits and pieces.

I made a simple flower that makes a cute little girls headband...

A simple pocket purse...

with this little chap on the back....

A small heart stuffed with my left over felt scrap and decorated with some spare brads and...

a padded pink cupcake thingy that i'm not quite sure what to do with!

They are all just trials but i definatley like the dragonfly chap and the cupcake!

I've had a lovely evening with my friend Sarah who picked me up and off we headed to the cinema. Little did we know that a usually 10 minute journey would take us over half an hour - traffic! The film (Bride Wars) was better than i expected even if it did nearly put me off the whole idea of weddings - not quite tho!

Learning to Knit...

2009-01-13T22:21:00.000Z

After a recent visit to my wonderful Aunty Mamie in Aberdeen, encouragement from my mum and inspiration from the wonderful Daisie, i have started to knit!

I started by trawling the markets in Carlisle until i found the most amazing wool - all pink and fluffy!

I then spent just aslong trying to find a pattern that i would be able to follow and that was simple enough to allow me to produce a reasonably decent outcome - or i fear i will be dissappointed and give up - i need to stay positive!

I eventually found one that only required me to knit two very large rectangles, sew them together and hey preston...i shouold have a poncho!

So far i have done about 1/3 of the first rectangle...

So stay tuned for the outcome!

Much love

Sarah

My cooking success!

2009-01-13T21:51:00.000Z

Even though my cooking trials took place over the christmas period i feel way too proud of myself not to mention them!

When me and Martin moved into our first house just over a year ago i was full of ambition - i was going to bake everyday, make lots of lovely goodies and generally live in domestiv bliss. Suffice to say none of the above happened, life kind of took over! So i decided that i would use the christmas break to change this. I spend 19 lovely days at my mum and dad's over christmas and have discovered lots of lovely food i can now make!

I made a lovely broccolli and mushroom quiche......

Some cheese scones....

a loaf of chocolate bread (yummy yummy)........

and some coconut macaroons and a greek stew called Kleftico!

I feel very proud of my attempts, even if the loaf was a bit sad! I intend to keep up with my cooking experiments - next on my list is banana loaf! I'll let you know how i get on.

Much love

Sarah

Hello!

2009-01-13T20:53:00.000Z

Hello there.

As this is my first post i think i'd better introduce my self. I'm a 23 year old student just finishing my final year of my degree based around advertising, but my main love is for creating things! I am also busily starting to develop a business for myself, hand making and selling jewellery and accessories. My favorite material is felt (i love it) and i'm currrently working on badges and headbands. I am always looking for new skills to learn and new materials to work with so suggestions are welcomed!

I am starting this blog to keep a record of my progress, the ups and the downs, mainly to allow me to look back and see how far i go, but also to make new friends with a mutual love for all things "crafty"!

I live with my wonderful boyfriend, Martin, and our two lodgers in Preston but i spend a lot of time at my parents house in Cumbria which is also where my two ponies Monty and Rhona live! I dream of living in a cosy cottage by the sea with two dogs and a gaggle of children but for now i have to settle for my two cheeky gerbils, Pip and Pini!

Martin embracing the country side dress code!

My wonderful family!

I'm going to try and post on here as often as i can although i'm not promising it will all be very exciting!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Much love

Sarah