A Shabby Life

And So We Begin Again.....

2012-01-02T07:24:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how infrequently I have posted over the last year!

Well, it is a New Dawn, a New Day and a New Year.

I thought I might recap what has transpired over the past year (especially the last few months).

In September I left my awful restaurant management job and started working part time from home for Mr. Shabby's company.
I purchased myself a tablet and cannot tell you how much I love it. I read books and browse the net in the most facile of ways.
I gained weight now that I am more sedentary.
I got a smart phone and don't know how I did without one before.
We went to Los Angeles (my old home) for Christmas for the first time in nearly ten years.
My son got married (at my old house) on Christmas eve!
I gained a new daughter-in-law who is a total joy.
My Army son was also with us in LA.
I started yoga (albeit very gently as I have back problems).

I am much more content with life!

So there you have it, my synopsis of the last year.

I would love to hear what you have been up to, if anyone still reads this, lol.

I am so excited to see what 2012 brings since 2011 went out on such a high note.

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year and looking forward to many more posts on my almost defunct blog....

I have a confession to make.........

2011-06-20T12:42:00.003-04:00

Hello, yes it's me. You all thought I had disappeared for good, but no, I am still lurking in the shadows.

Since I have very little time to create anything, or do anything of much interest to you, my dear followers, I have taken to 'pinning' on pinterest.

Ok,ok, I confess, I am totally addicted. Eye candy galore and a gazillion ideas.

So my plan is......pin all my ideas in one place and when I retire, I will be able to utilize them!

Do try and follow me there so you can see where my latest ideas are taking me. You too may become addicted!

Love and Peace,

Anne "The Shabby One"

Still Alive and Kicking, just......

2011-04-02T10:07:00.000-04:00

STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF!!!!

I am putting in over 50 hours a week at work and craving some time off to create. I feel the artistic urge often but just have to stuff it back in the drawer.

Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad

2010-12-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

Having spent many, many years in Southern California, we always used to say that it is not Christmas until we have heard Jose Feliciano singing "Feliz Navidad". This brings back many memories.

Chug chug chugging along...

2010-12-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Hail Blogeroos!

I just popped in for a sec. I hope to have some pictures up soon of what I have been up to.

I have realized that it is not the fact that there are not enough hours in the day but that there is not enough steam in this old engine.

After ten hours at work all I want to do is flop into bed. I am doing bits and bobs along the way and keeping up with the house, but sadly blogging is not at the top of my list right now.

I came up with a GREAT idea. Since I am so late with making my Christmas goodies I will continue to make things after the holiday and have them ready for next year! Good thinking eh? Might as well since I have all the stuff out all over my floor.

What ever happened to times like these with all the family gathered around?

I hope you are all enjoying your festive season and finding time to spend with family and friends.

*PEACE AND LOVE*

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

Thanks to The Single Nester for posting this. It totally made my day!

A Grateful Heart

2010-11-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart: for my son being safe, for friends far and wide: ( England, Swaziland and every state in the Union), for my spousal substitute Nick who makes me very happy, for my job, for paychecks that allow us to become debt free, for my health, and for my family who I always miss during the holiday season. May you too have a very thankful day.

Well Hello......

2010-11-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

It is Sunday evening, I have a roast in the oven with delicious roast 'taters browning and crisping, the laundry is done (clean work clothes for tomorrow) and all is right with the world.

I have completed my three weeks of manager training and tomorrow start at my new store. The days are long and I get quite tired, but all in all I am enjoying myself. The only thing I am sad about is that I don't have much time for crafting or blogging. I refuse to feel guilty or stressed about it, since both are supposed to be a pleasure. At the end of the day, one can only do what one can do.

I love getting a pay check every week and am looking forward to becoming debt free. However there are a few little goodies I might just have to treat myself to. I think that once a month I might buy myself something gorgeous to remind me that life is not just all about work. I received the latest Cath Kidston brochure last week and have my eye on a couple of things.

How adorable is this bag?!

Tea would taste so marvy in a dotty mug!

Hope everyone had a restful weekend and in rejuvenated for the week ahead.

TTFN

Thanking all our Servicemen and Women

2010-11-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

Rest assured, you are not forgotten.

Thank you so much for your sacrifice.

You make us all so proud.

Still Here....

2010-11-04T04:38:00.000-04:00

Just a quicky at 4.30am before I go to work.

I am alive and well and getting through my training. Next week should get easier with no more studying.

I have some ideas swirling around in my tired head and hope to get them made up next week.

I am linking to The Girl Creative today for her monthly Etsy Originals party. Go and check out all the cool shops.

TTFN

Dear Diary....

2010-10-31T19:01:00.000-04:00

Just popped in to let you know I am still alive and kicking/ish.

My new job has given me a very steep learning curve, long hours, and quite a bit of stress.

I have not even had time to check in on everyone's blogs to see what you are all up to!

Can you imagine this bloke looking over your shoulder all the time as you try to perform on a grill that you have never, ever, in your long-legged life, cooked on? Fast, accurately, and with a smile on your face to boot?

Plus study and take tests all at the same time....

I am an awful test taker and do very badly under stress. So you can tell that is has been a bit of a week I have had.

Fifty hours of work takes a bit of getting used to, and ten hours a day without sitting down makes the feet HURT.

Ah well, soon the learning curve will be over and hopefully I will feel more comfortable.

I am dying to do some creating but just don't have the time right now...sob sob.

I have to be up at 2.30am so will have to go to sleep soon to be fresh and perky for tomorrow.

Hope everyone is well.

TTFN

First Day On The Job...

2010-10-25T18:44:00.000-04:00

Hello my lovelies.

Today was my first day at my new job. I left the house at 5am and got home just before 5pm! It wasn't bad at all. I am not really mentally tired, just my bod hurts (my back specifically).

I have spent the past few days studying menu abbreviations and getting familiarized with store operations.

Wouldn't you just know it, I start work and get a nice etsy order for a bulk sale!

No worries, it is an easy make, so I should be able to knock it out no probs.

I hope everyone is well and dealing with all the daily ups and downs of life.

I read through all your blogs when I have time and will post again later this week to let you know how I am surviving.

PEACE AND LOVE

TTFN

BREAKING NEWS.........

2010-10-17T20:13:00.002-04:00

This week has just whizzed by so quickly.

I have had not time to post or even read any blogs (I have 295 posts waiting for me to read them!).

I got busy and listed some new items in my Etsy shop and for some strange reason I had my best week yet for sales.

I woke up one morning and looked at my shop, only to find some things missing. Then it dawned on me....KACHING...KACHING. They had sold!

Remember this post about the tray I made?

Well not only did one lady buy this and another item, but at exactly the same time someone from England wanted to know how much it would cost to post one to the UK!

Some adorable owl salt and pepper shakers sold to someone I used to know in my former life in Los Angeles, she saw them on my FB page. I also sold a vintage glass jar....the only problem is I can't find it!!!!!

On Friday and Saturday I went on interviews for a job as a manager at Whataburger.

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

My life is going to change drastically after next week. I will be working 10 hour days and will probably be so tired when I get home that I will fall straight into bed, lol. I am excited but anxious at the same time. I will need to get loads of rest and keep up my strength. I just hope my old body holds up and I don't suffer too many aches and pains. This is the last push before retirement. I have ten years left to save some money and get that 401K built up. I am extremely glad I will have health insurance again.

Mr. Shabby will be able to leave his very shabby job and get going full bore on his new business. He is very excited about that.

I just hope that my insurance covers domestic partners. I did ask that question but so far no answer. Still, with both of us making fairly decent money now, we should be able to pay for his insurance.

It will be such a relief not to have to skrimp so much but I really think that all this time with such a small income has made me realise how much money we spent on totally unnecessary things. Into the savings account it shall go!

So anyway, I suppose the point is, I will be simplifying my life to some extent. I will try to make blog enteries at least once a week, but I am not going to stress over it. I will also be reducing my blog reading list to I don't feel I HAVE to read all of them. I will be having enough stress at work and need to reduce the amount at home. I am one of those people who puts way too much on her plate and then feels terribly guilty and bad because I did not do it all.

I am closing down one of my etsy shops and keeping open the one that sells vintage finds from the thrift shops. That is to say, until I run out of stuff to sell or run out of time to go and find stuff to sell.

I will have to spend less time crafting and creating and be much more choosy about my projects.

My main focus will be on making a career and moving up in the business world so that in ten years I can leave the work force knowing I did a good job and have something to retire on.

Sorry for the stream of consciousness here, but I typed it as it came into my head.

I want to thank all of my dear readers and blogmates that have cheered me on this past year when I started blogging and selling on Etsy. I have met some super people and been incredibly inspired in so many ways by you all.

I would love it if any of you felt the desire to email me. We could stay in touch like that too.

All that being said, I bid you adieu for a while but you will all be in my thoughts and I will be lurking around your blogs from time to time.

PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL

Anne x0x0x0x

Cake in a Jar.........done.

2010-10-10T16:27:00.000-04:00

I am delighted to tell you that my experiment with baking in canning jars went very well!

I chose squatty small jars to try this in. I only bought four in case it was a huge flop.

I used a package of Betty Crocker Chocolate Chunk Brownies because they are totally delish and just as good as home made.
I filled the jars 2/3 of the way full, baked them at 350 degrees for about 45 mins after having put them on a baking sheet.
Prior to that I sterilised the jars as per the instructions on the box.
When you place the lids on (very gingerly since the jars are very very hot) and tighten them up, the lids pop down during the cooling process so you know they are sealed.

I am very happy with the experiment and am sure my son will thoroughly enjoy digging into them with the plastic 'sporks' I included in his care package (that way he can eat them on the spot, hehe).

I wrapped an assortment of toiletries and bits and bobs in Halloween paper since the parcel should get to him about the end of the month. I wrote funny things on the labels; for instance: "Use this on itchy Werewolf skin" on some non scented lotion and "This contains garlic to ward of Vampires" on a tub of Cajun seasoning!

I also popped one of these in for him!

~~~~~~~~~GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS~~~~~~~~~~~

TTFN

Too Pooped To Party

2010-10-04T21:02:00.000-04:00

I am feeling most def like a party pooper today.

I am tired and worn out and have accomplished enough for one day without pushing myself to do any more.

I took four more secret shopping jobs today, running out to do one before I went to the grocery store.

I did research into forming a business.

I did housework.

I listed handmade tags on Etsy.

I made dinner.

And I still feel like I should have done more......

But tomorrow is another day.

TTFN

Cake In A Jar

2010-10-01T20:14:00.000-04:00

Who knew you could make cake in a jar?

Well I certainly didn't.

I have been a very bad Mummy and not sent my Soldier son any care packages yet and whilst on FB with his girlfriend, it came up that our Armed Forces love receiving cakes in jars. Apparently when opened, they taste as fresh as when they came out of the oven!

http://www.countryconsultant.com/blogspot/?p=753

I found a lot of delish sounding cake recipes around the net, so next week I shall be off to buy some canning jars and get to canning some cake!

Things are looking up at the House of Shab. Mr Shabby is starting a new business venture with an old colleague and there is a bit more of a spring in his step these days, bless him.

I am picking up more secret shopper jobs and thoroughly enjoying it (who doesn't like free merchandise, eh?)

I now have to do some research to figure out if it is better to become an L.L.C, to incorporate or to be a Sole Proprietor.

I am also going to take a free on line book keeping course to see if I can do the books before handing them off to an accountant.

The page might just be starting to turn.

It is Frugalicious Friday and I wanted to show you how frugaliciously thrifty I have been this week in my thrift shopping.

An old ironstone milk jug and an apothecary jar.....$1.50

Another tray to decorate, two cups to put decals on, vintage buttons and a vintage knife holder that I shall paint....$4.50.

And how about these beauties? $1.00

The owls I will sell, so let me know if interested.

Off to link to Frugalicious Friday at decormamma.blogspot.com.decormamma.blogspot.com

Brag Monday?

2010-09-27T20:07:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love it when a thrown together dinner works?

I had some lovely thick pork chops but wanted to cook them in such a way as to not dry them out.

First I browned them in olive oil after coating them in seasoned flour.

Then I threw half a box of Orzo into a greased dish. I added 1.5 cups water and a packed of onion soup mix, laid the chops on top, covered with foil et voila...........an hour later dinner was ready.

I had made a bit of pear/apple sauce this morning , I steamed some cabbage and it tasted DELISH!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok, pursuant to my last post about my secret mission, I wanted to show you what my loot looked like.

Not too shabby eh?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I was hoping to complete a project for Brag Monday chez The Graphics Fairy, but I have just spent the last hour helping Mr. Shabby download Picasa. Then I showed him how he could play with pics in Picnik. Then we had to figure out where his pictures were being saved from some email and how to find them again.
Yada yada yada...........

So here is my petit project pour Brag Monday. Needless to say, my computer did not want to print out on the velum so that caused some frustration until I taped it to another piece of paper and 'helped' it through the printer.

I also used my very last piece of shrink plastic to print out some skull ear rings. The ink smeared....grrr. I may show you those tomorrow.

TTFN it is time to watch House now.

International Woman of Mystery

2010-09-26T13:45:00.001-04:00

Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but I did my first 'Secret Shopper' gig!

It was sooooooo much fun and I came home saying "I could do this every day!"

My mission, which I chose to accept, was to visit a well known upscale clothing store and purchase a gift card for $20. I had to use all my secret agent skills to count how many people were in the store, how well the sales person knew their gift card policy etc.

Thanks to my amazing training.......

I was able to complete this part of my nerve wracking mission in about 15 mins. and I managed to escape the store without being spotted.

Trying to look non-chalant, I proceeded to my car and sat for a second to calm my beating heart. Then off to my next secret location....literally 2 mins away.

Here I was to pose as a shopper (I know, hard eh?) and look around the store, finding something to purchase with the gift card. Again, a nervous wreck at having to portray a woman shopping for clothes, I discovered that the sister store was having a HUGE, ENORMOUS, GIGANTIC sale.

I was hard tested (NOT) to find anything to buy, but I worked hard at it and eventually managed to make my way up to the cash register. Here I was to secretly observe how the cashier handled the purchase etc.

By this time I had been holding my breath so long that I could not wait to escape the store and regroup.

I jumped in my car and laughed all the way home!!!!

I had ended up with two t-shirts, four tank tops and a grey cardie, all purchased with a $20 gift card that I will be re embursed for, AND I got paid $10 for the mission!

SIGN ME UP FOR THE NEXT ONE..........I AM READY TO ROLL....

Wind Farms off the Kentish Coast and Eco-Tourism to Kurdistan

2010-09-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

I do so love watching BBC World News.

You find out the most interesting things...

Two holiday destinations for next year might be the Kent Coast in England. There you will be able to watch hundreds of wind turbines creating energy in the open sea!

Or how about Northern Iraq? Kurdistan is supposed to be very safe and have some super white water

rafting and great picnic areas.

http://www.iranchamber.com

I am sure you realise that was all said with my tongue placed firmly in my cheek!

To be perfectly honest, I am currently feeling very un inspired, bored and BORING.

I have no great posts for you I'm afraid, but I did finally get my 25 match boxes finished and ready for posting for A Swap for All Seasons.

Oh, and I did pick up a bit of work doing some secret shopping and merchandising!

(GIVES SELF A BIG SHAKE)

Hey Mrs., see.....some good things have happened after all!!!!!

T T F N

New Items in Cottage and Castle

2010-09-20T18:20:00.000-04:00

Good evening one and all!

I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.

I am slowly going bonkers at home with too much time on my hands (how could that be, you ask yourself).

I reckon everything in moderation, even alone time.

Still, I am slowly adding more goodies to my new store on Etsy.

Fancy a peak?

This is a really lovely, heavily etched, silver plate tray.

This tray I turned into a chalk board because it was a bit shabby.

This one was fun. It goes well with the teapot one I did last week.

You too can have your initial on a platter!

The last two are some nice shabby baskets that I can think of a myriad uses for.

I was working on a Halloween themed decoupage plate for Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy, but I used this really awful stuff (which I have tossed in the bin) called Liquid Laminate. Pretty much ruined the project. I should have stuck with good old M P!

If it dries and I can salvage it, I will show it to you later.

I had to get out of the house today as I was going stir crazy, but I PROMISE tomorrow I will get my studio in order before I break my neck falling over all the stuff on the floor.

Mr. Shabby actually dared to come in and he didn't say a word, bless him!

TTFN

A Girl Can Dream Right?

2010-09-14T17:30:00.002-04:00

Since I have not been working I have had to be quite frugal. Basically the only places I go are to the grocery store or Walmart (woohoo I get to look at clothes there). I am not complaining or anything. Actually I realised how little we need to live. I really don't need any clothes or shoes or bags or jewellery or anything like that. Just food on the table and the odd trip to the craft store and the thrift store.

But.........

I really would like some furniture in my living room!

It has been empty for about two years now since getting rid of the HORRID old stuff that was in there.

We have a nice den that we re-did before the bottom fell out, so we don't actually use the living room, but I am just saying.......it would be nice.

So today I went virtual furniture shopping! Money was no expense (since I wasn't really spending any) and I gave myself free reign to dream.

For some reason I found myself looking at kitchen tables and thought that if I had a different sort of eat in kitchen, this would look good.

Isn't it lovely? You could change the chair covers to suit the season or occasion.

This looks really comfy and casual. I love slip covers because you can change those out too.

Or how about this?

Loving this one, but don't think Mr Shabby would be into it. What am I saying?! He had his den!

Now this set has potential. Classic lines and a neutral colour. I could put some great hand made cushions on it to jazz it up and it would go really well with my sunny yellow walls. I am looking at the bare bones here of course. I love to mix things up with bits of antique stuff like side tables etc, eclectic looking lamps, you know the sort of thing. I hate the idea of walking out of a store with a living room in a box.

I think I am on to something....ideas are forming in my head......

WELL A GIRL CAN DREAM RIGHT?

Input Needed on Die Cut Machines

2010-09-14T07:15:00.001-04:00

Drinking my coffee in bed this morning and catching up on my blog reading, I happened to see on HSN, that Cricut has brought out a new machine.

If I had the money I would really invest in something like this but it is $500!!!!

I had my eye on the Silhouette for Christmas, and it comes in at a much better price.

Does anyone have any input on which is the best machine all around?

Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate

2010-09-09T18:44:00.000-04:00

Well hello there dear blogmates. I hope everyone is well and having a good week. My week has been much better I am glad to say.

Yesterday at the crack of dawn Mr. Shabby left to go and work out of town until the weekend. I thought I would be bored stiff without him being here, but to be honest I have enjoyed the quiet (no yelling about blowing up tanks or getting one shotted in his War game). I bought some Chinese take away yesterday and enjoyed it for both lunch and dinner. Mr Shabby does not care for Chinese food, total meat and taters guy.

I even got a couple of movies from the Red Box since Mr Shabby had taken my beloved lap top with him so I couldn't watch Netflix whilst working on my matchboxes in bed (I love doing things like this at night).

So here are a few of the matchboxes I have been making for A Swap For All Seasons. I am almost done with them, all 25, but now have to make a tiny something to include on the inside of each.

They were a lot of fun to do.

I ventured out in my car today and went to my favourite thrift shop "Angel Aid" where everything is always half price! Seriously cheap and I can always find something good. Like............

A vintage brayer for 50cents, a book of old sheet music for a dollar I think, some vintage stamen for a quarter and that lovely milk glass candle stick for $2. Warms the cockles of my heart, it does, to find such goodies.

While I was in the kitchen cleaning up I had a total brain wave. I had a couple of things laying out, not knowing what to do with them. Would you like to see the result .........

How cool is that then?! Two dollars got me a pretty celery green welcome sign on a painted tray.

Think I am going to sell that in my new etsy shop I hope to have up and running tomorrow.

I will tell you right now, this job hunting business is bloody exhausting. You know what bothers me the most? You fill out a million trillion applications online and have totally NO CLUE as to where they go! Does anyone ever actually see them or do they just float around in cyber space?

I did put in an app at my local grocery store however, and make a point of speaking to the manager so she could put a face to the name. Again, I shall have to wait and see what happens.

I am going to link this post to Frugalicious Friday as I think I was quite frugal this week (well apart from the Chinese).

TTFN

Love and Lust

2010-09-06T18:10:00.002-04:00

Love and Lust by Anne Lambdin featuring a crossbody handbag
I have a penchant for fabulous leather sachels and chunky boots for this fall.

This is my first Polyvore set so I am not sure that it looks that great but I thought I would have a go.
Here is something else lustworthy. Have you tried these puddings yet! OMG, talk about delish and only 60 calories each. They are so good you could eat at least two in one sitting.

I hope everyone is having a nice extended weekend.....

TTFN....

John Derian Interpretation

2010-09-03T19:13:00.001-04:00

Long time no see again dear bloggeroos.

Depression has raised it's ugly head chez moi, so I have been forcing myself to do things I usually enjoy.

One of them is making stuff, the other is blogging. Well today I post and you get to see the fruits of this weeks labour.

Last week I did a post on John Derian's collection for Target that launches on Sunday the 5th (weird day to choose I reckon).

I was inspired and knew immediately what I would try to emulate.

It has taken me all week to get it together enough to actually finish it, but here it is....

It was so easy to do but the only thing I don't really like is the way the antiquing came out. I did finish it off with a coat of polyurethane to protect it from water so I can wipe the brown stuff off if I want. I was clever enough to do that step last in case of the above!

I also managed to clean all my floors and carpets today...again forcing myself....so tomorrow it is all about the dusting. Fun times.
I think I may have something else to show you tomorrow so stay tuned.

Forgot to say I am linking to Frugalicious Friday over here >>>>>

TTFN

More Lemons to Squeeze

2010-08-31T07:12:00.000-04:00

Feeling pretty bummed this morning.

I just got word from my son regarding where he will be stationed when he gets to the big A.

So much for being behind the lines and safe. I just looked up his FOB (Forward Operating Base) and let me tell you, IT IS NOT BEHIND THE LINES.

I will be putting together care packages to send to our boys and girls. It really boosts their morale when they get them, plus they need really silly stuff like duct tape, carabiners, rubber bands, work gloves, batteries and lots and lots of toiletries.

If anyone would like to help me with this endeavour it would be truly appreciated.

More to come on that later.

Trying to Make Lemonade from Lemons

2010-08-30T18:12:00.000-04:00

What a couple of days I have had!

Yesterday the

broke and no way to fix it. So I scoured Craigs List and have to go and get one tomorrow. This I can understand as it was about 8 years old.

BUT...

to add insult to injury, I got in my car this morning, only to find that some little bugger has sliced through my convertible top ...aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh.

Like we have the money right now for this sort of rubbish???

Now the trying to 'make lemonade' bit. I had a second interview for a job today.

It seemed to go quite well, but of course you never know, so I am not holding my breath.

If I get it I will let you all know where it is and what it is close to (awesome places).

As you might know, my son William, joined the Army nearly a year ago.

He got word last week that he will be deployed to Afghanistan on Sept. 14th.

I am so proud of him and what he has achieved.

Now I REALLY need that job so that I can send him care packages every week or so.

He assured me that his unit would be safe and the only thing he had to worry about were these little beauties and staying clean. Now that really is "Making Lemonade From Lemons".

Camel Spider

TTFN

Look What I Found At Tuesday Morning!

2010-08-28T15:11:00.000-04:00

I love getting mailers and catalogs in the post and vicariously shopping, don't you?

Last week I got a mailer from Tuesday Morning and what did they have but loads of the type of pillows we love to 'copy'.

and

Personally they are still too expensive for me to buy so I think I might just have a go at making one with the tea types on it.

How about this really cute table from overstock.com

I KNOW someone can copy this!

I was also excited to see in the latest edition of Better Homes and Gardens that John Derian is going to be featured at Target again. Here is a really good article about what will available. www.shelterpop.com/2010/08/10/john-derian-target/

Haven't we been making these for ages????

Hmmm, I am feeling inspired...I will show you the results in another post.

TTFN

btw, do you like the larger or smaller text?

Naughty, naughty, naughty...

2010-08-25T20:18:00.000-04:00

I have been a bit naughty recently, and ignoring my blog.

Where have I been you might ask...no where actually, just doing a million things at home and passing out at night.

To chill out a bit in the evenings I have been watching another great BBC series from Netflix. Set in the 19th century, it is called "Desperate Romantics" and is about the lives of the famous group of pre- Rafaelite painters, Rossetti, Hunt, Millais and Walters.

Not your usual stuffy period drama, this one is a romp and a laugh. Thoroughly entertaining and quite informative. Long, red, wavy hair abounds, as do naked women. It is really good eye candy from all sorts of aspects!

It is has many episodes, so one is guaranteed loads of fun.

Lady Lilith

The Lady of Shallot

Ophelia

I have seen some of these in the Tate Museum in London. Absolutely gorgeous.

I am linking to suelovescherries.blogspot.com for Rednesday, so go by and see what other peeps have for show and tell.

Scamalot

2010-08-20T19:30:00.000-04:00

As you all might know, I have been searching for work.

A couple of things came up this last week, and I should have known better.

I will give you the brief version of what happened.

I answered an as on craigslist for a personal assistant. I was slightly skeptical about the whole thing, was emailed a few times, but today took the CAKE.

I received a check for nearly $1,000 and was given instructions to deposit into my bank keep part of it for myself, and forward the rest by wire to someone. Needless to say, holding a large check in my hot and sweaty little mitts, my internal alarms started to go off (my tummy started to hurt and I got a sick feeling). You know those sort of alarms? I think they are referred to as 'gut' feelings.

I did a bit of research. Neither the person sending me the check nor the person who was named on the check exist. I didn't even bother looking up the next person I was supposed to wire the money to. So then I looked up a 'scammers' website and guess what I found? Yup, you got it. I was about to be involved in a money laundering, highly illegal, scam.

What did I do you might ask?

I copied the information I gleaned from the scam website and emailed it to the person I was ostensibly to work for. I also said I would pass all the information on to the local FBI office (big bluff there).

HE HAD THE NERVE TO EMAIL ME BACK AND ASK WHAT THAT WAS ALL ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I will just hang on to that little old checky wecky as a reminder that, even at my age, I can be had.

THEN,

my SO and I had a long, long, very long and repetitious, convo on the phone with a gentleman wanting us to use our credit card to buy into some sort of residual income thingy (which they never actually told us about). That ended in my
SO calling the guy out and hanging up.

I feel so had, taken and misused.

Has anyone else ever had this sort of experience or am I just the lame one?

Eeh by gum, I'm right flummoxed I am!

2010-08-18T09:54:00.000-04:00

Long time no post it seems.

I have been so busy trying to get some work going and working on orders for my shop, getting yard sales ready, cleaning up the debris from said yard sale (waiting for Amvets to pic up the boxes). Cleaning up and sorting after all the cleaning out and not sorting........

So many jobs to do and getting overwhelmed and confused.

I have started a daily planner binder to help me. Now that has to be organised! No wonder wealthy people hire personal assistants to keep things straight.

If you know of any good places to download planner pages, let me know please.

I am starting my matchboxes for the Swap for All Seasons swap (see side bar) so there is another pile of paper to do something with!

That picture reminds me that it is.........REDNESDAY, and I should show some pretty redness.

Falling Leaves china from Mikasa.

Lennox 'Simply Fine' china called 'Chirp'. How gorge is this? I would just be happy with some plates or mugs.

And of course what would a beautiful plate be without something delish on it?

Mmmmm.....Red Velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Linking to Rednesday @ suelovescherries.blogspot.com, come on over for some red fun!

Does It Ever Stop?

2010-08-10T20:59:00.000-04:00

You might think that being out of work right now, I am sitting around eating choccie biccies and drinking tea all day.

Oops, those ladies are drinking pints, not tea.......

Well anyway, my craft room is looking much more organised (thank goodness) so now I have room to...wait for it....work on a fairly large custom order from my etsy shop for some tags a girl ordered for her wedding. I am very excited about that as you can imagine.

I am also having a yard sale on Saturday, so have been organising that.

If you know of anyone in the market for a boat, let me know.

I have also been looking into some at home work type jobs. OMG there are so many scams out there, but I think I found something that might work. I spent two hours today on a training call with them and just received the very explicit training manual via email, so tomorrow I will start working on that.

Phew......

In honour of Rednesday, I found something I would dearly love to own (when I make it big in either the crafting industry, the selling of second hand goods industry or the Jobscout industry).

I luuuurv these! They are hand painted.

Pop over to visit Sue for Rednesday and see what other redibles you can find.

Am I A Secret Hoarder?

2010-08-07T14:59:00.003-04:00

Oh my gosh but I am exhausted!

It has been a week now since I left my job and took on another one at home....decluttering my studio. Isn't it marvelous how you start at one corner and it seems to get worse and worse before it gets bettter? All those tiny bits of paper to be sorted, all that ribbon to be rolled and organised....and on and on and on. I am seriously overwhelmed and keep having to take loooooooooong breaks.

But at least the closet is half empty.

It is Pink Saturday and I found this little pile of pink wonderfulness. Any suggestions as to what to do with any of it?

Back to sorting I go.

TTFN.

Latest Thrifty Treasures

2010-08-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

I found these all at the same shop for next to nothing. There were so many pieces of dark turquoise glass all from ONE PERSON'S collection if you can imagine!

Isnt' the fabric just fabu? I will make some scented sachets for sale in the fall with them I think.

Linking to Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday.

Have You Made Any Flowers Yet?

2010-08-03T10:58:00.000-04:00

Today I am participating in a Blog Hop at Somewhat Simple.

It is called Flower Power and offers a place to meet new people and also show off your floral skills.

I really haven't made many flowers yet, but here is a picture of my first attempt at felt ones.

I certainly had fun making them, and they were very quick and easy. As you can see, they can be used to adorn all sorts of things. I will probably make some into pins for the Fall when the weather gets more chilly, so I can put them on the cardies I wear all the time (and no they are NOT Mr. Rogers cardigans!).

I just had a phone interview for an online support job that sounds right up my street, so I am on high alert waiting for a second interview.

Wonderful World of Froggy and Toad

2010-08-02T09:41:00.002-04:00

Have you ever tried to watch television or find a good radio station to listen to as you craft or go about your daily chores?

I just found a brilliant solution and even YOUR CHILDREN will enjoy it too!

BBC Radio 7 Live Player.

There are loads of plays there that you can listen to. I am listening right now to "Wind in The Willows" by Kenneth Grahame.

Of course I read all the books when I was a child and have even seen it on stage but it never fails to capture me with its delightful humour and wonderfully colourful characters.

Give the BBC Radio player a go and see what you think.

You Are REALLY In The Army Now!!!

2010-07-29T07:04:00.000-04:00

My younger son, William is firmly ensconced in the Army now. He arrived at his permanent duty station (PDS in Army vernacular) yesterday. The 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell Kentucky.

After a day filled with nerves and anxiety he was greatly surprised when an Air Force Colonel bought his dinner for him. Then, when he boarded the plane, he was bumped up to First Class!! I think this boosted his confidence hugely.

Ahh, the bravado of the young!

GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR TROOPS

Another nice thing happened.....I sold another piece from my ShellSeakers etsy shop!

OK that was the good news......

Not so good news is: my SO was home before me yesterday which caused me to think he was either ill or.....

Yup, his work cut his hours back to part time.

I immediately broke into tears when he told me and guess what he said? "Why are you crying?"

DOH

We are barely making it as it is since I work REALLY part time (unfortunately) and jobs are really hard to come by in this part of the world.

SOOOOOOOOOO....this is my plan:-

Not buy any more craft supplies

Use everything on hand to make more items to sell

Ramp up my esty shops and MAKE MONEY

Not get depressed (this is going to be a hard one since I have not had my meds for about 2 months)

SMILE, SMILE and SMILE some more.....

Awesome Giveaway

2010-07-28T06:42:00.000-04:00

Check out this fantabulous giveaway at ohhellofriend.com.

I must be crazy in letting you know about it since it will lessen MY chances of winning, but gotta share the lurv.xxx

AND THE WINNER IS.....................

2010-07-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much ladies for all entering my first giveaway.

The winner by random pick, is Cheryl Wilson!

Cheryl, I will be contacting you with the information regarding how to claim your prize.

Awesome New Linky Party

2010-07-26T11:04:00.001-04:00

Today I am linking to Finding Fabulous for Marketplace Monday to promote my etsy shops. Such a great idea for cross-promoting your wares that you have for sale. Go ahead and join the fun.

I shall be announcing the winner of my giveaway later this evening.

STAY TUNED.

Pink Saturday

2010-07-24T07:54:00.002-04:00

In honour of Pink Saturday, I did a little moving around in my bathroom (as one does). I collect vintage ironstone and years ago found these lovely powder containers for a ladies dresser. The candle sports a pretty pink rose that I made into a sticker, a vintage hankie, et voila.

Here is a bit of pinkness from my desk top.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

I am trying to get a bit of rest, I feel completely overwhelmed with all the projects I have put on my plate. I am going to lay in bed with my feet up and make a list of priorites and WORK THROUGH THEM. You guys need to hold me to this, OK?!!!

Linking to How Sweet The Sound for a Pink Saturday. Or Not. Blogger seems to be a bit off colour itself today.

PS, ONLY TWO MORE DAYS TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

TTFN, Anne

Rednesday/Wednesday/Hump Day.

2010-07-21T16:58:00.001-04:00

Another Wednesday already!!

Another Rednesday already!

Despite the heat, I turned on my oven today and made some cupcakes. They are still actually baking so you will have to stay tuned for a picture of the finish product. They are vanilla with fresh peaches inside and will be topped off with whipped heavy cream and sour cream and a drizzle of delicious passion fruit puree that I found at Walmart in the Hispanic frozen section.

So just to wet your appetite......

Can you say YUMMMMM?

I shall be linking this post to It's A Very Cherry World

for Sue's Rednesday party.

BTW....did you all see that I am having a give away?

So far the odds of you winning are VERY VERY good.

Get yourself entered and win a $40 gift card to CSN Stores.

TTFN....Anne

My First Giveaway!

2010-07-19T16:54:00.001-04:00

Hello lovely people! I hope everyone has had a good start to their week.

I am rather excited because the lovely folks at CSN Stores have offered me a $40 gift certificate to give one lucky lady (or gent), just for looking at what they offer on their website. I am sure a lot of you know about this great one stop shopping site already, but for those that don't, it is SHOPPING HEAVEN ON EARTH.

Seriously, you could decorate your whole house by just buying from them. Plus their prices are unbeatable. If you are in the market for lamps or lighting just pop on over and shop away for hours from the comfort of your own home.

I personally fell in love with this little lamp.

If you would like a chance at $40 towards something like this, all you have to do is :

FOLLOW me.

VISIT csn's online shop.

LEAVE A POST letting me know what you would love to put into your not so shabby abode if you won the lottery tomorrow.

They also have a shop called LUXEbycsn.com and it is all about shoes, and bags and lots of other lovelies. I found they sell Kipling bags (so useful and practical) at the best price I have ever seen on the web.

I will do the drawing next Monday, so get a wiggle on, leave a post and cross your fingers.

Best of luck!

Frugalicious Friday Finds

2010-07-16T18:17:00.000-04:00

It is Friday and I need to show you how frugal I have been this week.

I was so excited to find this French market basket at......GW naturellment. Have you ever priced them new? Very spendy.

The two shabby silver plate pieces will shine up beautifully, and I am saving them to sell.

The verdigis iron hanger still has it's Big Lots tag on it for $3.99. I saved $3!

Can you see the little demitasse cup? It is soooo sweet and it is Haviland. I just looked it up on Replacements and apparently it was made in the '40s and a demitasse cup and saucer goes for about $45. They wanted $14 for the saucer ALONE.

And so the hunt begins.......saucer, oh sauuuuucer...wherefore art thou?

The blue milk jug looks like utility ware, but has no markings on the bottom.

Anyway, back to polishing. I will post pics later of the shiny bits.

Aaaaah! Bisto

2010-07-14T17:22:00.001-04:00

If you have done any food shopping at Target recently, you may have noticed that they now have a small British Food section.

I can't tell you how THRILLED I was to find some of my favourite items there.

The Lemon Barley water is rather an aquired taste since it is not sweet, but I LURV it, especially with fizzy water.

HP sauce is a bit more fruity than steak sauce, and the Bisto gravy granules make the best, quick brown gravy.

I have to say, I did buy some Maynards wine gums, but they are long gone, teehee.

Budget permitting next week, I shall venture forth to purchase more delectable goodies.

Since it is one again Rednesday, I am asking...who thinks this would make a good tee shirt?

Let me know what you think.

Linking to It's A Very Cherry World. Drop by and add your own redness to Sue's weekly party.

Anne

Summer Swap

2010-07-12T12:51:00.000-04:00

I recently had a wonderful experience utilizing the Summer Swap guide from oh,hellofriend...... Thiliblooms at etsy.com has a line of the most gorgeous fabric flowers and she wanted to swap one of them for some of my tags. Naturally I was delighted to do so.

We had so much fun messaging backwards and forwards, and decided to leave the finished products as a big of a surprise.

Here is what she sent to me.

I was delighted to say the least. A delicate flower hair clip that can be converted to a pin or brooch. Her work is flawless. Plus Thili was kind enough to include a fabulous pink flower magnet!

I am now a firm believer in swapping.

Please visit both Thiliblooms and SellSeakers/HandMaidenjustforyou on the etsy website and see if there is anything YOU would like to swap for.

Pink Saturday

2010-07-10T19:23:00.000-04:00

PINK SATURDAY is upon us once again.

I thought I would put together a little grouping of some pinkishness that I bought at the GW recently. I swear I cannot go by that place without going in.

I found the large pink plate and the smaller bread plate today, and the bowl (actually four of them) a few weeks ago. Only one of the juice glasses I am sad to say.

I have been finding things that match in different thrift shops...weird how that works.

I really thought I was over pink, but this soft shade just speaks to me still.

Back to working on etsy projects,

PEACE..........

White Wednesday

2010-07-07T17:12:00.000-04:00

It is White Wednesday over at Faded Charm and I thought I would join in for the first time.

I have seen so many beautiful and calming white decorating projects that I wish I was able to do that in my home. Unfortunately this style of house does not allow me to do this, but I still have fun making little vignettes of whatever is striking my fancy at the moment.

I threw this together very quickly (as per usual) but have some wonderful ideas for whiteness that I want to begin working on.

I really should carry around a voice recorder or a notebook strung around my neck so that I can instantly record all the ideas that flood into my brain while I am working at my deathly boring job!!!

Everything you see was either thrifted, from the dollar store or the like. The milk glass juice glasses were found over time at antique stores. The shell tea towel I made myself.

And now for a wee bit of red for Rednesday over at It's a Very Cherry World.

My 4th of July decorations are ready to be put away, but I thought I would show off the bunting hanger that I made and just love.

I could probably make loads of those in different colour combos for every occassion!

TTFN my lovelies.....

Frugalicious Friday Finds

2010-07-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

I had a lovely time this week going to about five thrift shops on one street close to my house. Of course, when you find out that everything you are looking at is half off you get very excited!!!

The glass jars were 50 cents each. I LOVE the tall one. It is an English sweetie jar. The two turquoise place mats were also 50 cents each. A few foot long dowels to make hanging banners with. Some plastic canvas for a quarter, to put in the bottom of hand made bags.

On the turquoise damask table cloth are some bits of silver plate and behind is a Beaumont Pottery plate from the 1990's that I have quite a few pieces of.

I love it when your thrifting experience goes well.

Linking to: Frugalicious Friday at decormamma.blogspot.com

Breakfast for Dinner

2010-07-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

The other evening Monsieur Rouge suggested we have stuffed french toast for dinner since he had recently seen Bobby Flay throwing some down. So like a dutiful Spousal Substitute, off the the store I went to buy the ingredients. Fortunately the berries were on sale (buy one get one free). It was basically just your average french toast mixture with a pocket cut into thick slices of firm bread. I mixed some whipped cream cheese with the berries and for MR I added some powdered sugar for sweetness 'coz he is a sweetie. It was totally delish and I watched him gobble up two thick slices with delight!

EASY PEASY

2010-07-01T16:19:00.002-04:00

I have been seeing this on quite a few different blogs and thought it would be fun to give it a go. All the instructions to join in are posted below. I can't wait to send out some goodies!

PIF means performing random acts of kindness without expecting anything

 in return (comes from the movie of the same name featuring Kevin Spacey), just passing it forward, like a never ending chain of kindness. I will make and send a gift to the first 3 friends who post a comment on this blog, requesting to join the exchange, and promising to pay it forward to 3 other people, and on and on infinitum...... I cannot say what my three gifts may be, but I can promise that they will be sent out within the next 365 days (probably sooner that later). All you have to do in return is....Pay it Forward by making the same announcement on YOUR blog.

2010-06-30T17:18:00.001-04:00

Have I ever been a 'busy bee'!!

I have been working hard at some items for my etsy shop shellseakers.etsy.com.

I showed you these pretty, glittery, shell clips before, but here is a better picture, and they are now for sale.

I have to tell you that during the making of this post, I am learning so many new things! I have made a photo album in picasa from which I can upload special pictures to my blog, instead of searching high and low for them. I know that may seem rather elementary to a lot of you but I have just figured it out.....

Any of these items can be custom made for you, just let me know how many you would like and of what sort.

A wonderfully utilitarian flour sack towel to adorn your beach cottage.

Gorgeously fragrant lavender sachets.

Votive cups to enhance your decor and mood.

I had so much fun making these things, and I have so many more ideas.

If anyone has any idea as to why these pictures showed up over to the right had side do let me know please.

Shimmering Shell Clips

2010-06-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

Twinkling shell, starfish and a sea horse.

I use them to adorn pretty much anything, your imagination is the limit.

Frugalicious Friday Finds

2010-06-25T19:31:00.001-04:00

These are my latest frugal finds. At the beginning of the week I went to Big Lots and found the large candle holder for $2.00. Today at the local GW I was lucky enough to score something practical and pretty. A large bag of assorted wood bits for 99 cents, a lovely hotel plate sugar bowl, silver plate small sugar bow and salt shaker for 99 cents each. Not too shabby if I may say so!

I am linking this to Frugalicious Friday @ finding fabulous.blogspot.com.

It's Cool To Be Red!

2010-06-23T16:05:00.001-04:00

Ok ladies, I got my red mojo back.

Life is just a chair of bowlies, and a glass of sparkling water with Blood Orange Syrup in it! My new favourite drink.

All you need is an ounce of the syrup and some cheapo sparkling water and you have yourself a divine, posh, and way cheap, bevvie.

Linking to suelovescherries.blogspot.com for Rednesday.

Linking to strut your stuff thursday at somewhatsimple.blogspot.com

Latest addition to Shell Seakers

2010-06-22T14:54:00.000-04:00

Two yards of white cotton twill tape hand stamped with the word dream and a star fish.

Fabulous give away at oh, hello friend.

2010-06-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

If you have ever wanted a die cut ++++ machine to help you with your projects, this one is probably for you. I am very excited about it. Click on the button on the side bar or just visit ohhellofriend for your chance to enter.ohhellofriend.blogspot.com

2010-06-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

Just a peak at one of the items I am selling in my new Etsy shop Shell Seakers.

It is a lavender bag and smells delish.

So hot I can't do Rednesday...

2010-06-16T16:16:00.001-04:00

Good Heavens, it is so hot ( heat index of 104) that I do not really think I can do Rednesday, unless you want a piccie of my red hot sweaty face...No? didn't think so.

I have been venturing more towards cooler colours this week, especially since I am planning (next week) on opening a new Etsy shop for the summer....it will be called Shell Seakers yes ladies, a play on words. I am having loads of fun right now working on the items for sale...when the mood hits you have to go with it...

Footie Time

2010-06-12T06:22:00.000-04:00

This is going to be exciting!

Did anyone watch the opening ceremonies? The colours they used were amazing, sort of muted desert shades.

God Bless but it is Thursday...

2010-06-10T17:32:00.000-04:00

TIME KEEPS ON TICKING, TICKING,TICKING..INTO THE FUTURE

A Little Red Lurv

2010-06-09T15:26:00.001-04:00

Yes dear friends, 'tis Wednesday again, which of course means it is......

REDNESDAY

A quick reddish vignette for you all to peruse. The turquoise frame is from the $1 store and was painted. I made the sign in it. What everything is sitting on is a vintage pillowcase that I forgotten I had.

Linking to Sue @ It's a Very Cherry World.

I dashed home from work, took a "Polish Shower" and changed, still perspiring profusely....and drove over to the mall where I handed in my application for the "California Pizza Kitchen". Fingers crossed for a call back.

Down in the Dumps

2010-06-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

Gahh, feeling a bit grim today.

Work is rubbish...but the good news is...I put in an app. at California Pizza Kitchen.

TOMORROW IT IS REDNESDAY!

I will perk up then!

Football Fever

2010-06-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

Woohoo, as you can see from widget to the right, it is almost time for the World Cup to start. England play the USA on Friday! It will be interesting for us expats.

More to come on this subject you can rest assured.

Frugalicious Friday Finds.

2010-06-04T14:22:00.000-04:00

Went to a very nice little charity shop and found some goodies. I always seem to hit them when everything is 50% off!

Fifteen of those lovely vintage jelly molds: so great for sorting buttons and storing bits and bobs.

A lovely vintage vase which I recognised immediately, as I have two others somewhere just like it....probably from the '40's ish by the design. (If anyone recognised it or knows anything about it, I would love to hear from you.)

Two great wooden candle sticks with felt bottoms (ages them I reckon). To be spray painted at some point.

Last but not least...a handmade bench (signed on the bottom) or maybe they just distressed it...oh well, will work fab as a shelf on my counter top in the studio.

ALL FOR LESS THAN A FIVER!!!!!!!!

Linking to

Frugalicious Friday

Rednesday!! woohoo

2010-06-02T16:04:00.002-04:00

Just threw this together ladies, sorry, busy day. The apron was purchased at the Rose Bowl Fleamarket in Pasadena, CA. I was fortunate in another life, to attend this AWESOME event every month. I believe I made the bag from a shabby tablecloth I purchased around the same time. Now where did I put that bloody pattern? Well it was about 10 years ago....I have been to England and back in that time. So who knows what I have any more.

Linking to suelovescherries.blogspot.com

Yours in Redness,

Anne aka La vie en Rose

Happy Memorial Weekend!

2010-05-29T06:41:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY SON.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and remembers all of our past and present servicemen and women.

Rednesday!

2010-05-26T15:08:00.001-04:00

Oh good lord, how time flies. Sorry ladies I have not much to offer for this weeks redness.

Ridiculously expensive cushions, love them though, Jan Constantine out of the UK sells them.

We really need to start 'knocking off' her stuff and drive the prices down lol......
susielovescherries.blogspot.com

Proud Army Mum

2010-05-24T15:03:00.000-04:00

Just an addendum to my last post...if any of you wonderful women could make me a button out of that image...I will shower you with gifts...!!!!?????

2010-05-20T13:59:00.000-04:00

I just made this picture, now I have to find out how to make it into a button for my side bar lol.

Rednesday!

2010-05-19T14:34:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe that it has already been a week since I last posted for Rednesday.

Here is today's offering in Red.

You can tell that it is getting to be 'that time of year'. I popped in the good old dollar store the other day and found these goodies.

Two red plates, the perfect size for my stand. Some very cute neoprene coasters, some bunting for the front deck (when that day arrives) and the cutest red and white check apron...all for 5 buckaroos!

Have you discovered any red goodness recently?

Join the fun at:suelovescherries.blogspot.com

Can you say Tiffany?

2010-05-18T15:31:00.001-04:00

I left work early AGAIN (my paycheck is going to be a stinker), since I am still addlebrained from being ill for so long. But a pick-me-up was in order, so I swung by the GW on my way home, hoping to pick something up...hehe. I did a quick scan, wasn't up for deep digging. I came up with....a Buffalo China serving dish for $1.99, a pewter baby cup made in Sheffield (where my sis was born) and a lovely sterling silver necklace that was oh so shabby, but after polishing it up I knew it was a Tiffany knockoff. Total: $6.99. NOT SO SHABBY EH?

Linking this to Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

Feeling a bit shabby today.

2010-05-17T12:31:00.000-04:00

Not feeling too chirpy today. Day nine of bronchitis and I finally went to the doctor and got some antibiotics.

I found a very unique new blog!

2010-05-15T07:06:00.001-04:00

I just found this really cool new blog. The purses they make are exquisite! They are having a giveaway, so pop by and have a look, you will not be disappointed.

Just click on the button to the right.

How to store stuff

2010-05-14T16:54:00.000-04:00

I am having this on going dilemma in my studio as to how to store stuff that I need, but can be easily accessible.

From necessity comes invention...

This great box of drawers for some reason was not working for me albeit I totally grew out of its space.

I was at the dollar store today (more to be revealed next Rednesday) and I bought some more of these totally brill and cheap storage boxes. A couple of these with some tabs to say what is in each section...voila, great storage for stamp pads.

Cigar box to 'whatever' box..

2010-05-13T16:36:00.001-04:00

I saw these little cigar boxes at the corner store and asked the lady to save them for me, which she kindly did. I just transformed one really quickly for the "Transformation Thursday" party. Some spray paint, a bit of felt, rickrack, rubons, ready to GO. As per usual, crap photography...but hey, you get the idea. Linking to theshabbychiccottage.blogspot.com

Rednesday

2010-05-12T12:39:00.000-04:00

Just a little something I sprayed up for Rednesday. A dollar store plate, some red spray paint and some stick on letters!

Linking to suelovescherries.blogspot.com for her Rednesday fun!

Keep Calm-o-matic poster generation

2010-05-12T09:10:00.000-04:00

Keep Calm-o-matic poster generation

STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING....

2010-05-10T15:55:00.002-04:00

We hustle and bustle around every day, we do our house work, we go to work, we do our blog work, we do our craft work.......YIKES...stop for a bit and do something for yourself. xxx

Loverly Smellies

2010-05-07T16:16:00.000-04:00

If you use fragrance like I do, you are always looking for less expensive ways to get it.

I purchased a few oils from this company, and I CAN TELL YOU, they are great.

I use them on my skin, in my lotions, in my bath and bath salts, in my oil burner.

I highly recommend them, so check 'em out.

elementsbathandbody.com

$3 and only a few pennies more!

2010-05-05T16:59:00.000-04:00

I get a little mad (crazy, for US readers) when I have tips in hand. Woohoo $4.00 for the whole week! I had to go to GW to see what they had. Was very quiet for once, no mad mamma's scouring the aisles.
OMG they had some Susie Cooper saucers, they were all cracked to say the least, but who at the GW in the US would know who Susie Cooper was ?
Susie Cooper (29 October 1902 – 28 July 1995) was a prolific English ceramic designer working in the Stoke-on-Trent pottery industries from the 1920s to the 1980s.

I love finding cool stuff even if I can't use it.

2010-05-05T16:42:00.000-04:00

I am so cheeky!

2010-05-03T19:41:00.001-04:00

As you can probably tell (hehe), I changed my background again. Let me know what you think!

Summer is here!

2010-04-29T16:32:00.000-04:00

Wow, it is starting to get hot, supposed to be in the 90's this weekend. I am so glad I got a head start on the garden (yard). I just hauled out a load of rubbish to the side of the road. Watered my Mescalun, which is growing like a weed. Not sure about the lavender seeds or the chives, nothing is showing yet. So goes gardening, you win some and you loose some.

As you can see from the above piccies, I made a few things to put in my etsy shop, but hey, if you want to order ahead, feel free....

If you send me a message I will give you all the details.

Ouch!!!

2010-04-27T15:42:00.002-04:00

Not much to report today, just a huge pain in my thumb.

I somehow managed to bend a pretty much non-existant nail back. This is so why one should not work for a living. Hurt like a wotsit and I must admit I did yell.

I bought some plants today and put them in the front of my deck. So far too shabby to reveal, but stay tuned.

OK just a wee glimpse. I am doing a red white and blue theme this year in honour of my Enlisted son.

I was thinking about ORBisizing the solar lanterns, they would look really good, but I need to make sure they are working well before.

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY

2010-04-23T15:38:00.000-04:00

PROUD TO BE FROM ENGLAND

Anyone want to do a swap?

2010-04-21T16:05:00.000-04:00

I would love to do a swap with someone, or even a group that we got together. Not sure how that sort of thing works, but gimme your address and I will send you stuff!!

I make so much that it needs to be shared.

Georgia On My Mind..

2010-04-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

I had the most wonderful weekend with my son, who is stationed currently in Augusta GA.

I had not seen him for three years, so needless to say it was a great reunion.

We did the typical mother and son stuff: he got a tattoo while I browsed the antique shops lol.

We ate Puerto Rican food for the first time with some of his buddies. I got to visit the Post and shop with him at the PX.

Oh yes, my goodies from the antique store...almost forgot to show you!

I already had one of these milk glass tumblers and found three more...I think I got a good price on them. The thread spools were $5 for all..sweet. And the Jello molds were 35 cents a piece. I will use them for votive holders out on my newly refurbished front deck.

I had a lovely surprise on my way out to the car to begin my journey. I received a parcel from my Mum and in it was.....

Rule Britannia and God Bless 83 yr old Mums who still got it going on.

When one gets older does one have less patience?

2010-04-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

Seriously!?, as the kids say...

I suppose I am old school, respect your elders and those in authority over you. Do not answer back etc etc. All the things I taught my boys. It might even be that I was brought up in post war England, things were still really strict.

Ok so the pic looks a bit pervy, but you get the drift.

Yes I know, times were different then. But I am just saying....

FED UP OF CRAP TUDES FROM KIDS AT WORK

so glad that I got that off my chest...

Sneeze, cough, hack, Time for a Change

2010-04-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

Apart from the allergy rubbish it was a good day. Needless to say work was not worth staying for...kids have no clue how to act these days ( we could blog about that 'till the cows come home).

I came home and did a bit of the usual, the washing and such like. THEN I got on my sewing machine...

More lavender bags are forthcoming for my etsy shop Handmaidenjustfor you if you didn't know lol.

More tea towels: these with some whit involved, probably won't sell at all.

Then I am going to introduce COLLECTIONS.

I went through my fabric stash and realized I had so much I could use in different collections.

Time to get out of the box and do what strikes me as interesting.

Stay tuned, I am sure you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Such Sweet Smells

2010-04-08T17:36:00.000-04:00

I am sure this wisteria has been here for many years. Abused often, but still comes out smelling sweet. I thought that the fragrance was coming from jasmine...but mine is semi dead and my neighbours is not in bloom yet. Just another thing that this awful recession has taken it's toll on. We have about 2.3 acres of weeds now instead of carefully nurtured grass. At $70 per month, the lawn spraying service had to go. As I like to say....ONWARDS AND UPWARDS AMIGOS!

"It's a Beautiful Day"

2010-04-06T15:03:00.001-04:00

Singing along to U2 in my head....

But what a beautiful day it has been!! The sun shining with very little humidity. One could not ask for more (well ok, maybe a swimming pool). I got loads done around Maison Rouge, felt very productive indeed. One failure though I must tell you about in case you have any input. I printed some graphics onto iron on's for dark fabric, then ironed it on to a bit of leather to make a patch for my hat. For some reason the colour didn't transfer, only the cut out. Glad it was just a scrap I tried it on!

This is a sample of some lavender bags I am making for my etsy shop. They smell totally fab. I am actually sewing the bags myself, none of that bought stuff here..hehe. The fabric is the most wonderful vintage muslin that had been tea dyed.

Some tea towels I have been working on...

Was a bit too shady when I took these pics as you can tell.

Anyway, new items to go into my store soon..fun times.

We Are Reborn

2010-04-04T18:19:00.000-04:00

On the Third Day He Rose Again...

Proud Army Mum Bragging Again

2010-04-02T18:07:00.000-04:00

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.

My son joined the Army in November and has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride since then.

He loved it, he hated it...some serious thinking was done by him. He thought it was all rubbish for a while and I became quite concerned. When you join the Service you cannot take any meds. I will not go into details.... but.............WHHOOOOOHOOOOO

He just made 2nd Platoon, 1st Squad Leader (verbatim from him, no clue what it means but its a good thing).

He gets to wear a new insignia on his uniform and again verbatim "I want to rank up to Specialist asap".

I joked with him about how having a positive mental 'tude can make such a difference. He said he was thinking about getting about getting a PMA tattoo. I really thought he was being sarcastic (he does have an English mother after all) but he actually MEANT it!!!

Rock the Force!!!!

Shameless

2010-04-01T18:00:00.001-04:00

I found a new background I really like..gah I swap backgrounds like most of you swap shoes. Well anyway, I might just swoosh it.

BTW I used to own and wear many pairs of shoes, now I wear non-slip work shoes and flip flops. If anyone else wears a size 11 let me know, I have shoes for you!

Spring part deux

2010-04-01T15:03:00.000-04:00

Mon Dieu, are you sure it is not Summer that has leapt upon us?

I have been re-staining our front deck. It is only 75 f with no humidity, and I am BOILING!

Has anyone ever noticed that, as we get older, we are able to tolerate the heat less and less...mind you that could be just moi.

I will take a pic tomorrow of the newly painted surface, then let you see how I shabby it up. I bought an umbrella last year at Tuesday Morning and have never taken it out of it's box. Looking for a stand to put it in, I realised that my beer budget was going to have to take over the champers taste. Sooo...a plant pot filled with QuickCrete, a piece of plastic pipe, and who knows, it might work! It will certainly be fun sharing the results with you.

Spring is Definately Here

2010-03-30T14:49:00.002-04:00

Blogger Being A Bit of a Bugger

2010-03-29T13:42:00.000-04:00

I really wish they would just leave Blogger alone. Seems like they have made MORE changes. I have only just got used to the LAST ones!

No wonder everyone is migrating to typepad, I might just have to look into that myself if this continues.

Union Jack Cushion Patterns

2010-03-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

Hello all.

Spring seems to have sprung.

I love seeing all the piccies of bulbs coming up on UK blogs. We don't have nearly as much luck here.

Hmm, so I got my new glasses today...this is going to take a while to get used to, but I do have to say, they warned me about that.

I am loving the fact that the UK seems to be in love with its flag these days...RULE BRITTANIA..

I would dearly love to make a cushion/pillow depending on from whence you come, with a shabby chic flag on it. Bare in mind, I DO NOT QUILT. But if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Keeping it Real

2010-03-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

Hopefully we are all still keeping it real in our blogs. Life goes on and so do our woes as well as our triumphs.

This is my wonderful son William, who is in the Army. He is still in ATI (school), but doing really well. He had to traverse some rough waters, but kept his chin up.

It is terribly hard for our children to leave home, leave all their friends and everything they have know, shave their heads and say 'Yes Sir' (the last bit was me being a wee bit sarcastic).

I salute him and all our young men and women serving their countries.

I had the day off from work today. Usually nice, but today all I did was sleep. Still having horrid headaches, probably brought on by my doing our household budget this morning.

We come out $500 in the hole every month!!!!!!

Cut out things you might say, but I have cut out everything I possibly can. All I can think of is that I need to go back to work full time. Now that is REALLY depressing.

So before I start blubbering all over my keyboard, I will show you something nice that I was able to buy with proceeds from an Etsy sale.

Gorgeous fabric from Sew Graceful.net.

Not sure what I will use it for just yet, but it did make me smile!

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS, I say!

See you all soon....

A Shabby Life

And So We Begin Again.....

I have a confession to make.........

Still Alive and Kicking, just......

Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad

Chug chug chugging along...

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

A Grateful Heart

Well Hello......

Thanking all our Servicemen and Women

Still Here....

Dear Diary....

First Day On The Job...

BREAKING NEWS.........

Cake in a Jar.........done.

Too Pooped To Party

Cake In A Jar

Brag Monday?

International Woman of Mystery

Wind Farms off the Kentish Coast and Eco-Tourism to Kurdistan

New Items in Cottage and Castle

A Girl Can Dream Right?

Input Needed on Die Cut Machines

Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate

Love and Lust

John Derian Interpretation

More Lemons to Squeeze

Trying to Make Lemonade from Lemons

Look What I Found At Tuesday Morning!

Naughty, naughty, naughty...

Scamalot

Eeh by gum, I'm right flummoxed I am!

Does It Ever Stop?

Am I A Secret Hoarder?

Latest Thrifty Treasures

Have You Made Any Flowers Yet?

Wonderful World of Froggy and Toad

You Are REALLY In The Army Now!!!

Awesome Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS.....................

Awesome New Linky Party

Pink Saturday

Rednesday/Wednesday/Hump Day.

My First Giveaway!

Frugalicious Friday Finds

Aaaaah! Bisto

Summer Swap

Pink Saturday

White Wednesday

Frugalicious Friday Finds

Breakfast for Dinner

Shimmering Shell Clips

Frugalicious Friday Finds

It's Cool To Be Red!

Latest addition to Shell Seakers

Fabulous give away at oh, hello friend.

So hot I can't do Rednesday...

Footie Time

God Bless but it is Thursday...

A Little Red Lurv

Down in the Dumps

Football Fever

Frugalicious Friday Finds.

Rednesday!! woohoo

Happy Memorial Weekend!

Rednesday!

Proud Army Mum

Rednesday!

Can you say *Tiffany*?

Feeling a bit shabby today.

I found a very unique new blog!

How to store stuff

Cigar box to 'whatever' box..

Rednesday

Keep Calm-o-matic poster generation

STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING....

Loverly Smellies

$3 and only a few pennies more!

I am so cheeky!

Summer is here!

Can you say Tiffany?