It’s been a while since I posted an update on my Day Zero progress as Christmas and New Year took over normal service. However I’ve managed to tick off a few more goals: The big decision was made about returning to work and we found a great little nursery for Edward I bought a new Orla Kiely handbag (a treat for the decision above) We’ve been watching a new film every month, mainly cheesy flicks but also An Education which I really enjoyed I’ve been busy cooking and this month I tried a new recipe – stovies I booked driving…
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Just before Christmas I was lucky enough to take part in a workshop with Julie Arkell. If you haven’t heard of her, where have you been! She’s a London-based contemporary artist who is well known for her papier mache dolls and I was really excited to find she was running a workshop at Sally Bourne Interiors. I spent all day with Julie and a group of like-minded women and it was fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever spent a whole day sewing but it was amazing, lovely to sit around a table, sew and chat. Julie’s recent work reflects vintage…
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As part of my Day Zero challenge I’m aiming to take part in at least one swap a month. So in the run up to Christmas I signed up for a couple of Christmas swaps. First up was the Blogger’s Secret Santa organised by Leanne where I received a copy of Cath Kidston’s Sew! from Helen. It’s full of beautiful projects to make (some of which will probably end up as birthday and Christmas presents). I sent a Moleskine recipe journal to Domestic Goddesque. Then I joined up for the Secret Christmas Ornament Swap organised by Denise and I received…
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We are a new little family and as this is our son’s first Christmas I want to start some of our own Christmas traditions which I hope will make it really special every year. Some we can’t do until he’s a bit older but here’s my wish list: Put up the Advent calendar I made which has plenty of room for a chocolate coin in each pocket Receive a letter from Father Christmas (via the NSPCC) Visit Father Christmas (this year we enjoyed a trip to see him here) Go to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights or visit…
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We made our own soy teacup candles! Yep, our final present related task. This was on my to-do list for ages. I think I first saw them in Vogue and thought they looked so simple yet pretty and practical. Ever since, I’ve been looking out for vintage teacups and china beakers. Equipment to make soy teacup candles: soy candle wax candle dye candle wick wick pins sustainers How to make Soy Teacup Candles: You don’t need much equipment to make them and I bought a great candle making kit from eBay which contained soy candle wax, candle dye, candle wick,…
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We decided to go home for a few days! My husbands’ health is improving so much quicker than last time that we’ve decided to return home for a few days before Christmas. We miss being a threesome, miss our cats and doing our own thing although we are incredibly grateful to my mum for letting us stay with her. On Saturday we’ll be getting on the ferry and heading back to London. I am so excited as I’ll be able to attend the Julie Arkell workshop on Sunday too. Vintage blanket cushion Today I finished a cushion for my youngest…
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I finished some personalised Christmas presents: a snowglobe for my youngest niece and a calendar for my husband. I’ve already made a personalised paperweight and pen for my mum as I like giving items which feature pictures of Edward. I expect the personalised thing will only last year as it’s quite time consuming! Luckily everyone loves him – every time she sees Edward my niece says “He’s so adorable. I can’t get enough of him!”. We’re fortunate to spend plenty of time together so there are lots of photo opportunities. It was difficult to choose but I got some of…
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I was busy sewing, sewing, sewing…. I’ve taken part in a few handmade decoration swaps lately and made these lovely little birds for a garland from my favourite felt sewing book Fa la la la Felt. My partner asked for something red so I hope she likes it. We also managed a shopping trip for some more Christmas presents (see, I told you I was addicted to buying!). Edward now has some new socks, Christmas bibs and adorable suede booties.
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Hooray, finally we can open our Advent Calendars and light our Advent candle. As we’re spending Christmas with my mum she mentioned we should sit down and start planning meals over Christmas! I don’t think we need to do this just yet but my mum is so organised she has already ordered the turkey and beef from the butcher. Fortunately she has gone away for a few days to celebrate her birthday which has left me with some time to finish off Edward’s advent calendar. It’s a pre-printed fabric panel with pockets for each day of December. Sadly he’s too…
