Blueberry Heart

LOVE Hearts...

2012-01-29T17:08:00.007Z

hello all,

this month has been a bit on the busy side with not as much time to post or catch up in blogworld as I'd like to have done...thank you so much to those who have taken the time and left comments, I will be round soon to catch up with you all!

January has seen Blueberry Hearts 3rd blogiversary - 3 years! Where's that time disappeared to??? It also sees my 200th post - this one!

As it's a bit of a milestone, I thought I'd focus on one of my favourite things...hearts...

two faves here, Yankee Candles and draped across this Island Spa jar is a gorgeous bracelet that I bought last year in Majorca...its barely been absent from my wrist since I got it...sparkly crystals and pearls - a winning combination everytime...

this little delicate one was a gift from Lovely Mum a few years back...to be forever displayed and treasured...

just before Christmas I was going to get busy with numerous crafty bits and bobs...some got done...some didn't and they then found there way back into the 'forgotten basket'...if I cant find something, 9 times out of 10 it'll be in there...this is one such project in component form before finding its way back into the basket...

I have hankered, drooled and absolutely lusted after one of these Gisela Graham hearts for ages, but with a £40+ price tag I simply refused!

NotontheHighStreet

so an evening spent with the above bits and a hot glue gun painfully clagging pearly bits onto my fingers, I eventually finished my own version....

simply achieved by snipping up pearl 'spray' style necklaces and glueing onto a plain grapevine wreath...

making your own means adding as much bling as you like...and I like quite a bit...!

continuing round the house though, a few more hearts caught my eye...this one hanging from my wicker trunks was a wedding gift....

this cute little glass one hangs from a wedding memory box and contains confetti thrown on the day...

this lovely sparkly glass light up one was a Christmas gift...

it looks lovely lit day or night...

to celebrate my blogiversary and 200th post, I am going to do a little giveaway...to take part just leave a comment and tell me what your favourite thing is, I'd love to know! Open to all worldwide, an extra entry too if you are a follower of this humble blog!

Have a great week all,

BH x

(PS I'll draw a winner next week! x)

A Touch of Frost...

2012-01-15T20:29:00.004Z

Hello all,

this weekend has been one to blow away the cobwebs in more ways than one...

t'other half had a rare Saturday off so we headed to a nearby favourite place, Blanchland for some exercise and fresh, crisp country air...

Jack Frost had well and truly worked his magic and spread a furry ice carpet about the place...

walls looked 'sugared' and railings glistened in the midwinter sun...

such a heavy layer coating everything...

close ups revealed hexagonal shaped 'cups' forming the frost...

the frost was so thick it was more like a thin layer of snow...

we walked for a couple of miles by the river, along the fields and then headed to the warmth of the fire at the local pub...where they'd sold out of hot chocolate - and I was desperate! (or desperately cold...more like the latter...)

the previous weekend was a stark contrast, unseasonably warm and lulled into a false confidence that we may have escaped any real bad weather saying as most of the snow was on its way out this time last year...

a wander around Newcastle city centre with lovely Mum, a rarity indeed for me...

This is the Victorian Central Arcade...beautiful glass ceiling and mosaics in here....

Grey Street and the home of the Theatre Royal...love these lamps...

popped into Fenwicks foodhall and I remember the last time I was in here it was like a small tesco express type set up - now it is like a swanky Harrods delicatessen style food hall with gorgeous stands and displays...

the colourful marzipan fruits and this cupcake tower caught my eye...

as did the weird and wonderful continental bread displayed on an old butchers block...

there was a cake supply section with all kinds of bits and bobs to tart your cakes up with, edible glitters (holographic glitter there was too) wrappers and cases of every colour....

these are some I had bought and forgotten about....

I've such a soft spot for leopard print! Made some blueberry muffins in them and I have to say there is not so much as a crumb left...my excuse...??? the diet starts on Monday and it would be too tempting to have any left (well it is true...)

also blew the cobwebs off the crafty stash this weekend...I'd not made anything for what seems like ages...

a mini sample pot of LA paint, a frame from the good old Poundshop...

add a print all mounted, framed and hung on the wall in the kitchen... (next to my Poundshop heart lights hanging on my notice board - what a great find they were!)

a combination of two of my favourite things...red polka dots...and scones....!!

Going to need the willpower of a Saint from tomorrow methinks....

Have a great week all,

BH x

hello 2012...

2012-01-01T00:57:00.001Z

farewell 2011, hello 2012!

For me 2011 was one of the most happy and eventful years...of course there were downs as well as the ups, but overall 2011 was very, very good to me and my family..

The biggie was of course getting married. We had the most special day, a memory to be treasured always . As we were married abroad, it would not have been half as special without our families and dearest, closest friends there to share it with us, for that I'll always be grateful to them, for making it so very special.

As life goes, people come and go from your life, people who you think of as acquaintances one time, become good friends, likewise good friends can do things and behave in ways which leave you simply stunned.

But I'm a firm believer in karma and positivity, at times it is tried and tested, but would we appreciate the ups if we did not have those downs??

I like my blog to be a 'happy' place, so I choose to blog about nice, creative and happy stuff, these are some memorable pictoral moments from my world during the past 12 months....

January

Colder than cold start to the year...

February

Still troughing the last of the Christmas chocs...

March

Cyprus in the snow...snowballs in the mountains and plodging at the beach in the same day

April

Cherry blossom galore in the garden...

May

A visit from a friend and a road trip around the sights of the North East...

June

Best day of my life....I made most of the wedding related items and this Tiffany themed cushion I made whilst in Cyprus for Lovely Mum to give to her on the day...

July

A washout weather wise, but the garden and flowers thrived...

August

Making the most of the late summer and soon to be shortened days...tea and cake outdoors when rain stoppage permitted...

September

Evenings spent watching the sunset at Potima Bay...my favourite place...

October

A group holiday to Majorca...fun, busy and memorable days...

November

Long winter nights warmed up by the fire in the village pub...

December

Christmas spent relaxing under the glow of our huge tree with a good read and something sweet...bliss...

a very Happy New Year to all of you who pop by, thank you for your comments and visits, I hope that 2012 is everything you want it to be...and more!

BH xx

In the Midst of It All....

2011-12-30T11:17:00.003Z

hello all,

I hope you are taking the opportunity to enjoy the 'inbetweenie' bit we are now in the midst of...

at this point during the festivities the staple food source for me has been from the sugar group, the weather (being inclement to say the least) renders my outdoors experiences so far to the Christmas episodes of Countryfile and Countrywise...and exercise overall has been to either change channel or walk to the fridge....

however I'm managing to reduce the walking to an absolute minimum as I am constantly within a radius which encompasses chocolate of some form within arm reach...

food (as always) has played a huge part over the past week....

effort reduced somewhat during some baking sessions courtesy of Mary Berry and the pre-weighed/packaged cake kits....

these are the spiced fruit and brandy butter cupcakes fresh from the oven...I omitted the brandy from the frosting though in favour of orange juice as brandy butter is only favoured by one aunt and lovely nanna....

My hints were heeded and kind Santa/t'other half gave me this.....

I LOVE her cooking...any cook who incorporates a dairy load of butter into the majority of recipes is more than fine by me...

Christmas eve I was happily faffing making 'melted snowmen cookies' to be placed on the table on Christmas Day as little favours...They were then all packaged up with ribbon and tags once the icing was set...

They were easy enough to make (simple bero butter/sugar/flour/egg recipe) and to decorate as the overall intention is for them to appear melted and therefore not Peggy Porschen perfect....

I took a shine to snowmen this year as well as Christmas pudding themed decorations and I'd made these little tags from air dry clay to hang on the twig lights in the corner of the living room.

The textured snow effect was created by overlaying a piece of lace onto the rolled out clay then rolling gently over the lace to create the effect...a bit of orange card for the nose and draw on eyes with a black felt pen however not so easy with the textured surface) and add a happy smile too, add wire hanger loops and they're nice for the tree (or illuminated twig decoration as I did) or added to wrapped gifts with the recipients name on the back and the year....

the other thing that I've done over the bank holiday was to get together all the almost-at-their-end Christmas fragranced Yankee Candle jars which had been dotted about and burning merrily throughout the holidays, gather the remaining Christmas fragranced tarts and make something new out of them so that nothing wasted....

the almost empty jars were placed in a low simmering pan of water to melt the wax in them, then the wax was poured into a ready and waiting clean jar, which was then left to cool, then the next candle wax was poured in etc etc, until a new layered 'stripe' candle was created - easy as that. The only thing you need (apart from a spare empty jar to start with) is some candle wick...

the YC tarts were not going to be melted in a tart burner, not after the episode which involved a bright red wax molten tart, a light oak coffee table and a clumsy oaf (me), so the recently emptied YC jars were wiped of remaining wax, a tart was crumbled into each, and then melted and poured into a ready and waiting jar with a wick in as before...

'New' Christmas candles ready to be put away for next years festive season to start...!

I think I am ready for the decorations to come down now and to be put away, but the house always looks so empty and bare afterwards, so seeking inspiration from books and continuing a love of anything red, I'm going to make some bunting for the kitchen....

there will be polkas involved too...

Have a great New Years Eve all, see you in 2012!

BH x

Not a Creature Was Stirring...

2011-12-24T19:53:00.002Z

Twas the Night before Christmas....

just popped by to wish you all a very 'Merry Christmas'....

to all who pop by ...

from BH
xxx

A Little Bit of Christmas Shopping...

2011-12-22T18:29:00.006Z

hello all,

Monday this week was spent with Lovely Mum and Mrs C in a very Christmassy York taking in the sights and having a wander about the little streets ...not even the persisting rain could put a dampner on the fabulous festive atmosphere....

we hopped on the train for an 'away day' and had such a great time...

the city is beautiful at any time of the year but at Christmas it takes on a special quality that is scarce in our towns and cities these days...

the Christmas lights festooned above the narrow streets were so pretty at dusk...(sorry for the few 'wobbly' pics...only had my new compact with me which I've not quite mastered yet)

the Wheel was slowly turning, standing out brightly against the darkening backdrop of the mid-winter sky, giving those on board as good a view of the goings on below as what we had on the ground looking up I imagine...

the shops looked so warm and welcoming... much pressing of noses against the little panes...

Betty's tea room always looks good and appeals with its turn of the century charm...

gorgeous window displays as always....

gorgeous seasonal chocolate snowmen......

re-fuelling...the obligatory scone....and a wee rest for tired feet and a bit of respite from the rain!

there were so many great seasonal novelties...I love anything 'Christmas Pudding' themed...and this ginormous cookie would have gone down rather nicely with a proportionate cup of tea when I got back home...

whilst pressing my nose up against one shop window I spotted this coaster....love it!

this purse also caught my eye....something about red and spots which has grabbed me of late...

probably the same reason this little heart appealed too...and it has added bling...always a bonus in my book

Lovely mum secretly bought me this...I'd admired it and she went back for it whilst Mrs C kept me occupied elsewhere...! Holly and hearts...soo meant for me this Christmas... thank you Lovely Mum!

as well as a few additional Christmas prezzies that I bought, I did pick up one or two things for me...

I love, love, love apothecary style glass jars and these were the absolute bargain of the year...

now filled with irridescent angel hair, candy canes standing inside, and the lid topped with red organza ribbon, holly and berries....one stands either side of the mantlepiece and I'm sure these are going to get so much use throughout the coming year and changing seasons....

another little treat that fell into my basket...a red spotty mug from Whittards!

the book has been saved to one side for ages to be enjoyed and savoured during the festive period....so glad I did keep it to one side - its like a mince pie for the eyes....

for the rest of the evening if anyone wants me I can be found feet up, cup of tea in one hand, book in the other...oh, and with a sneaky, decadent red velvet cupcake too....

and if anyone wants Santa before the big day...well he can be found in York doing his best 'Marilyn' and exhibiting his shy side....amongst other things!

Have a good evening all

BH x

Christmas is Coming...

2011-12-18T19:05:00.006Z

Hello all,

Hope you are enjoying the festive feel in the air...I certainly am. As long as there's been a sprinkling of snow before the big day, I dont mind if there is no more...I just love to see it during the festive run up...

The snow on Friday came all of a sudden...laying a white blanket in next to no time...

opportunity for some christmassy snow photos... these bells always remind me of the Polar Express...

the surrounding area looked like a Christmas card...patchwork white fields all around...

the sky was thick and heavy, yet only a little more fell....

The house is now decorated with red and gold, new Christmassy bits and bobs displayed with old favourites...

This is a newbie...

went into the garden and snipped a good few bunches of holly to dot about....it doesn't have its own berries so I wired on a few faux ones to little sprigs to place about here and there...

Christmas puddings all over the kitchen....

holly dotted everywhere too...my fingers are well pierced from all the holly bunches...prickly little wotsits...

even the shelves got festooned with it...

hung seasonal little pictures...this one was spotted during the summer in a little local shop...it had to come home with me...

I got my wish this year and we've got a real tree! For years I've always meant to get one and left it too late, but not this year...

a trip to the local woods to choose a tree...the fragrance wafting whilst walking amidst the trees was lovely...

we chose a huge spruce...

the finished decorated article in all its red and gold glory...

so organised this year as all the presents are wrapped and ready sat under the tree (although not yours dear t'other half if you are reading this post - they are well and truly stashed!!)

the woods also had for sale wreaths for the front door, but I decided to make one and chopped some greenery from the garden...losts more holly, ivy and pine..

raided the Christmas crafty stash box and looked for all things red and sparkly...

large jingle bells, a 'jingle' glittered cutout (with extra bells for good measure), candy canes, ribbon wrapped cinnamon sticks and anything else that grabbed me was thrown at it...

the living room has also been 'seen to'...

the lovely Santa was from Sue over at the Krafty Cupcake and was a prize in her giveaway parcel - I love it!

The candle is nestled in with some mini marshmallows...I had an industrial sized bag of these and they were likely going to waste, so candle decorations they became...

the living room didn't escape the holly onslaught either...

a bit more beside my new lantern...with obligatory heart cutout front of course...

saturday afternoon was spent wrapping the last of the presents, the Christmas DVD box is out and Elf was the choice playing in the background!

the TV guide has been in for a while but hadn't had time to read it, so armed with a cuppa and one or two celebrations, I had a good mosey through...

the celebrations gingerbread bowl was found at a car boot sale - the price tag (in dollars) was still attached...a whole pound I think it cost me!

it has a lovely pearlescent sheen...and hearts on it....and it contains chocolate...what more is needed....?

now my last task for the weekend is to get to grips with this Christmas cake...I do hope it is as idiot proof as it appears...will let you know...!

Have a lovely Sunday evening all,

BH x

Christmas Catch Up

2011-12-11T21:25:00.005Z

Hello all!

Hope you are having a wonderful festive run up to Christmas.

I cant believe how long its been since I last posted, November seems to have whizzed by in a blur and Christmas is hurtling forth too!

Its been quite busy round here in the past weeks, so I thought a quick catch up was in order...

I've been getting out the 'to do' list and actually getting on with it...this is a sneak peak of something I've had my crafty eye on for a while...

work has been busy too, managed a quick wander round Cambridge before a meeting...

there are some gorgeous shops...next time a full day needed to wander about properly...

every Christmas Eve, I have a ritual which involves mulled wine, mince pies and Carols from Kings in front of the fire...I look forward to it every year...

my whistlestop wander brought me to the very place....choir practice was taking place at 5.30, unfortunately it'd have meant getting home at ridiculous o'clock so I had to forego...next time with any luck...

such stunning gothic architecture...

stunning sculpture too...this is of King Henry VI who founded the choir in 1441 to provide daily singing in his Chapel....

I've been very fortunate too....

I won the most wonderful giveaway over at the Krafty Cupcake

a festive treat indeed...

gorgeous handmade goodies - the happiest Santa I've seen, peppermint candle to die for, a christmas makes book...the list goes on... check out the collages for the beautiful bounty sent to me from the exceptionally kind and talented Sue - THANKYOU so much!

I also took part in the Christmas decoration swap over al Laalaa's and was paired up with the lovely Lissy Lou

this is the package I sent to Lissy Lou...totally forgot to photograph the bits and bobs before I wrapped them!

such a lovely parcel awaited me upon my return home one evening...

Lissy Lou had obviously taken the time to read my blog as her parcel of goodies was so very thoughtful....

Baileys - a firm favourite of mine, especially in the cold dark months (any excuse..!), cake sprinkles, choccies and the most thoughtful gift was a Yankee Candle in one of the fragrances I had at my wedding in the summer. It was so lovely to receive this, I was so touched.

Thank you so very much to Lissy Lou and also to LaaLaa for organising this.

craft fairs have also taken up my evenings and weekends recently...weekends for attending them and evenings for making things!

this was at the local school which is always a great morning, everyone is so excited for Christmas
it creates the loveliest atmosphere!

This is my stall which was conveniently located next to the cupcake stall...

a few of my creations...

this year I have gone to town with the gingerbread theme, I made these from clay for the tree (enough left for my tree too - YAY!) and I made a large heart with a gingerbread couple on that I could not bear to part with...will show it soon...

some snowman soup...fun to put together and always goes down a treat...

candy cane heart decorations...cant have too many candy canes or hearts for that matter...

my reward for all the hard work of the day....

the red velvet in the top right corner...other three were dutifully distributed...honest!

Will be back soon with more festiveness....

BH x

The Sweetest Things...

2011-11-06T15:36:00.004Z

This weekends plans have been thwarted somewhat by me going and hurting my back again...

Last night was meant to be spent outdoors with a roaring fire, sparklers, fireworks bursting with colour, burgers galore and accompanied by one or two sweet sherries...

Today I have been resting/lazing, unable to/ignoring housework and enjoying and appreciating some lovely gifts that have been sent to me this week...

a beautifully wrapped book accompanied with a sweet notecard...

THANK YOU to Jackie at Sew Special Bears for sending me this book - I have read little snippets about it and it sounded really up my street so I was really over the moon to receive it...

I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but how lovely is the artwork??

My lovely friend Miss R also sent me a package this week, inside was this...

a lovely little bag with the very most apt sentiment on the cover and inside was tucked a gorgeous, decadent bar of Laima chocolate from Latvia...

also this week, subscription heaven as my mags have been arriving on the doormat along with another gift, a 'Prima Makes' mag from Mrs C...its been rare as hens teeth finding one if these, but find one she did - thank you!

now the note from Miss R was to myself and t'other half, but as I am poorly/suffering (- envisage here back of hand resting on forehead in over-dramatic style...)

I am working my way through/troughing the entire bar of chocolate all on my own...!

If anyone wants me, I'll be lazing/resting up on the settee with a book/mags and covered in chocolate crumbs...

Thanks again ladies...the Sweetest Things are indeed friends!! xxx

BH x

Haunted Hotel...

2011-10-31T20:49:00.003Z

As haunted buildings go, they dont get much spookier than the berengaria hotel in Cyprus...

I visited here in September and thought it would be in its prime at Hallowe'en...

given the eeriness of the place and its history, I dont think I could step inside at Hallowe'en!!

below is the story of the Berengaria...

"The famous Berengaria Hotel was built in 1930 in Prodromos. The Berengaria Hotel was so glamorous that it was called "Hotel of the Kings". It was the first hotel in the region and played an important role in attracting high-end tourism to the mountains.

Legend says...

Berengaria hotel was one of the most famous and brilliant hotels ever and was own by a rich man that had three sons. When he aged he called his three sons and ask them to separate the family wealth and money as well as the hotel so they wouldn't be any problems or fights between them when he would pass away.

So they did. The separated the families fortune and each son got what was decided by the father. The hotel was to be owned by the three of them and it was very important for the three brothers to be fair and kind with etch other so they would manage to keep the hotel in their family as it was for centuries.

But after their father died the three brothers forgot their promises and started arguing about the money and the earns of the Verengaria. In three years all three of them were killed in strange accidents.

Some say that the hotel and their father cursed them for not keeping their promise and taking care of the family hotel.

The hotel was finally abandoned and the people of Prodromos mountain took what the could get from the hotel now that no one was there to one it.

Today the hotel is concidered haunted by the three brothers that strangely died...."

and that is why it is just sooo eerie inside!!

Hope you all have a Happy Hallowe'en

BH x

(rather chuffed with my Homer Simpson pumpkin!)

A Few Hallowe'en Bits n Bobs...

2011-10-30T20:10:00.007Z

I left it til the last minute (as usual) to start putting up the decorations, although I have been making a few things over the past weeks...

The hearth has a large hurricane with a lovely candle in which I received in my fab Hallowe'en swap parcel from Airing Cupboard Crafts. I had no co-ordinating sand to stand it in so I used some ancient (and likely to be wasted) dried pulses found lurking at the back of the cupboard...

this 'Haunted House' box frame was originally pink with a butterfly print inside, til I got to it with a tin of black paint and a set of Jolees stickers...

the ceramic witches hat you may have spotted a few posts back in its naked terracotta state...more black paint (once I started with it there was nothing safe...) and a healthy dose of bling hurled at it...I mixed up black, orange, purple and green holographic glitter to give it its sparkle...

another witches hat...quite liking these this year...

this one was from a poundshop which I had to tart up somewhat...a few bats, some more Jolees stickers (great designs from that company - so detailed) the witches broom, cauldron and spellbook were from one sticker pack...the bats are buttons held in place with wire...

the twig lights in the corner of the living room were decorated with some sparkly mini pumpkins cut from a poundshop garland and strung on thread...

the bats were cutout from black card with little eyes drawn on and black and silver ribbon for them to hang from...

another box frame I filled on the windowsill...

next to a great 'boot sale lantern - LOVE this!!

the box frame contents thos time is a pumpkin 'trick or treat' sweetie jar...used two different colours of card for the pumpkin which was simply made from circles of the card and embellished with 'sweetie' stickers for the 'trick or treat' bounty...

sat side by side on the windowsill...til I tweak and move about a bit more....!

next to a ceramic pumpkin perhaps...

or lantern on its own under the lamp...hmmmm...more tweaking...

Hallowe'en will be over before I finish 'faffing'....so I'll have a ghost cake in the meantime!

BH x

Escape to the Sun...

2011-10-28T09:11:00.006+01:00

autumn sunshine and hot weather....bliss...!

an escape to lay in the sun under lush green palm trees that gently sway in a warm breeze, as opposed to trees shedding their red and golden leaves in the growing ever - more - chilly wind...

spending mornings overlooking the pool and lake which was surrounded by palms....

palms so heavily laden with dates....never seen so many!

afternoons spent mooching....places like the old town, with its colourful streets...

and old buildings...even a castle....

a market was taking place around the castle with stalls bursting with glorious bright colours....

gorgeous ceramics....

strings of fresh peppers like I have never seen before....

olives of every shape, colour and variety you could dream of...

the market was a true mediterranean feast for the eyes....

as was the beach....

beautiful clear warm turquoise waters to swim in.....

not Cyprus this time....but beautiful, scenic Majorca.....

even the views seen from the plane were stunning....

first sprinkling of snow seen over the mountains....way more of that to be seen shortly thats for sure!

seven of us travelled for a 'relaxing' break and what a fab time was had, enjoyed one or two cocktails and with such a vast array of different food to try its now time for me to concentrate on the pre-Christmas diet!!

now, can I avoid a bacon sarnie this morning????? well I am feeling the cold.....

BH x

A Little Trip...

2011-10-22T17:40:00.006+01:00

almost time for the full onslaught of black and orange to hit the house...I have started already with a few bits and bobs dotted about...

so many autumn and halloween themed products are in the shops these days and its nice to see....

a whistlestop visit to York last week was full of seasonal inspiration a feast for the eyes....

Betty's always comes up trumps with its window displays, and the Halloween theme was a delight to look at...

this was Betty's window in the Shambles..

how cute are these pumpkin cakes nestled amongst the straw!

the Fat Rascal teapot is very Emma Bridgewater...

these owl cupcakes are just great...

LOVE the ghosts!

fab gingerbread ghosts and bat biscuits...

and iced spiders webs...complete with a little spider...

I did bring a few home for 'sampling' purposes... ;-)

so much orange about...the seasonal displays in the florists were in glorious autumnal shades...

if only I could carry one of each home...undamaged...!

walking about, the lovely little shops had gone all out for the season with Hallowe'en touches here and there...this decorated topiary caught my eye...

there are so many gorgeous shops in York...I could shop for hours and hours and spend a small fortune to boot...

this shop was just sooooo pretty inside and out...

not just gorgeous things in the shops...this clock is beautiful....

this also caught my eye....the wording on this frame is just lovely...

beautiful beaded hearts hanging amongst the pearls and roses...

this quick wander in York gave me so much inspiration, so ready for the weekend I got out from the stash a few 'crafty bits' which need a bit of tweaking and embellishment before being displayed..

a sneaky peak of a simple makeover project...

and this broom may be Hallowe'enie, but I am not going to make anything in that theme with it...watch this space..!

what did I bring home from York apart from inspiration???

gingerbread...!

T'other half got to the 'web' biccie before I could, so there is a hidden t'other half - shaped bite out of this one!!

I've a week off this week so will be enjoying some relaxation and hopefully some sun...

have a good week all...

BH x

Autumn Workshop at The Crafts House...

2011-10-16T12:39:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago lovely Mum, Mrs C and yours truly went to an autumn workshop at the brilliant Craft House.

What a fab way to spend an afternoon...

Mrs C and I booked up ages ago, and as a surprise for lovely Mums birthday I booked for her too...

when we arrived there were individual goodie bags waiting for us at the table...

How lovely!

Inside were all the 'bits' for the afternoon, three craft projects packaged up and waiting to go as well as some choccies to boost the sugar levels...well crafting is soooo draining.... :-)

first project was a pumpkin hanger...I was so pleased a pumpkin was a project as I LOVE them!

a blank mdf shape ready and waiting for the works...

firstly it was decoupaged...

then painted over so the wording was just peeking through...

then stamped...I'm not too clever with stamping...always seem to get too much onto myself rather than the project but this was soo easy (everything is under Sandra's guidance though - she's a wonderful teacher!)

then 'aged' around the edge, added touches of gold there too, more stamping and adding of black and gold swirls here and there...

and the finishing touches of leaves, a button, and a beaded wired hanger and....voila! one 'Autumn' pumpkin hanger...

project number two was a little sewing themed box...

firstly we made up the box then set to decorating it...

the lid was decoupaged then painted over with an ocre colour (the bottom of the box was painted)

painted polka dots added to the lid sides, more aging of the edges and the adding of the 'sewing' embellishments....

folded 'fat quarters', a mini rolled tape measure, a thread bobbin and buttons...

and the teensiest needle to finish it all off...!

we had a quick break to enjoy some gorgeous nibbles, Sandra made amongst other things carob brownies which were just soooo tasty...

when we could tear ourselves away from the scones and cakes, project number three was started...

lovely little bead dolls...

you'd never think a few beads, string and fabric can turn into something so sweet and easy to make (once you got your head around the 'stringing' bit...!!)

their faces were painted, dresses sewed, bows added and then all done...

HUGE thanks to Sandra at the Crafts House for a fabulous, relaxing and fun afternoon. Such a lovely bunch of people in the group and we all had a great time...cant wait for the Christmas workshop!!!

Have a lovely week all,

BH x

When is a Cushion not a Cushion....

2011-10-09T21:23:00.004+01:00

Today I came over all inspired...

The resposible item being this....

gorgeous, gorgeous cushion found on Pinterest...(which wouldn't direct me to the original source of the cushion)

EDIT - the very kind Patchwork Heart and Happy Elastic have let me know that the gorgeous cushion is the wonderful work of Cluck Cluck Sew, thank you very much indeed ladies!

a great way to use up small scraps if you have any...I chose browns, beiges and neutrals, with just a hint of bling....

a paper template was made for leaves and the trunk, then cut out fromm fabric and placed onto the backing fabric (which was a never to be worn pair of linen shorts - shame to waste the fabric though...)

I attached with iron on fusing purely for lazy purposes it has to be said, but it worked rather well!

an old pink and gold NEXT frame got a second wind...ripped out the pink bits inside, made a couple of new mounts and had a go with adding an 'Autumn' word made using wire...first time I've tried this..

now just has to find a home in the living room...

and the answer to the title...is when you make an almighty balls up and it becomes a frame by necessity!! (not enough fabric in the shorts for a bigger bit of backing fabric..!!)

Have a great week all,

BH x

Seasonal Sparkly Bits and Bobs...

2011-10-03T07:38:00.005+01:00

This weekend was perfect for indulging in the golden warmth of the season....

time to make a few decorations to put about the place before the orange and black takes over in the coming weeks...

first was a door wreath for the garage....

made really simply from a florists wire wreath base, some 'bristles' from a poundshop witches broom and a garland bought recently in Cyprus...

the witches broom bristles were wired onto the base and then hot glued in place here and there to secure....

the garland was cut up, tendrils twisted, and hot glued in place on top of the bristles...

it has just enough sparkle to appeal to my inner magpie in the form of crystals dotted here and there...

subtle tones of creams and browns...perfect autumn tones for an outdoor spot...

t'other half and my good self went for a walk at the weekend....the weather was perfect....gorgeous....

followed the red kite trail...they have successfully been re-introduced in the area in the past few years and can be spotted quite easily..they're just too quick to photograph!

there's also an old ruin to have a look at...

camera died after this photo though....one time I didnt have my spare batteries with me!

walking in the woods enabled me to pick up a few leaves for crafty stuff too...

some oak leaves got a subtle gold paint treatment...hard to improve on mother nature but a bit of bling never hurts does it?

an old jam jar also got a new purpose in life...

a few glorious red leaves from the garden, some berry clusters and the oak leaves popped in the jar which was accessorised with a mulberry tissue paper band, string and cinnamon from my swap parcel with Pink Poppy (thanks Debbie - the parcel just keeps on going!)

the rest of the oak leaves and more red leaves (glittered ones this time - I couldn't stop once I started with the sparkle...) some conkers and acorns placed in a little golden tray on the coffee table...

burning away was the Mulberry votive from Debbie too...

finally another jam jar got the works...wrapped in white tissue paper stuck on with PVA glue, then the addition of leaves in tones of red placed around the bottom...(best to coat these in PVA too)...add more bling round the neck of the jar...

add in a tealight...

and it looks like autumn inside too...

Have a great week all,

BH x

Autumn Swap Goodies....

2011-10-01T10:20:00.010+01:00

Hello all,

Hope you are able to enjoy some of the Indian Summer we've been enjoying this week.

Made it feel more summer than autumn (not complaining though!) but it got ever so cosy when a fantastic parcel awaited me one evening...

The Autumn Swap parcel was from the lovely Debbie over at Pink Poppy....

In my eagreness to delve in to all the beautifully wrapped packages, I did manage to reign myself in long enough to plonk myself on the living room floor and photograph everything...!

Gorgeous mulberry coloured tissue paper wrapped each package, adorned with leaf skeletons, cinammon sticks, twine and lovely little tags....

Debbie had so obviously taken the time to see what I loved - check out the pretty handmade card with hearts...

first package revealed lovely little rustic red hearts...now living happily in the kitchen...

a great apple shaped felt needle case...so much work has gone into this...

this gift box contained more lovely gifts...

an apple shaped cookie cutter - I'll be using this to make a garland of apple shapes using air dry clay this weekend..outside in the sun with any luck!

a mulberry Colony candle...smells gorgeous...mulberry is one of my favourite fragrances too...reminds me of Autumn ever since I bought my first home years ago and lit a jar candle of it in the evening every autumn....

great little pegs which'll be so handy...

oooh...cinder toffee..I'll share this with lovely nanna over the weekend...we both love this!

I had to try this the other day even though it was in the 80's outside...divine!

my initial....sooooo pretty adorned with beads, buttons and sequins...gorgeous...

I'll frame this card...the picture reminds me of walking by the riverside in Durham

Bridgewater tissues...which I'll use to decoupage...

a red heart pot holder....perfect for the newly red for the winter kitchen!

This rustic pot pourri smells as good as it looks...

last but by no means least...the most beautiful handmade scarf made using the most clever wool I've come across - Frilly!

Thank you so very much Debbie, this was such a thoughtful and generous parcel of gifts that I'll thoroughly enjoy this Autumn and beyond.

I know that Debbie has received her parcel from me too, so I can share what I sent to her...

I forgot to take a photo of everything gift wrapped, but the paper used (which I also used as the background for some of the pics) was just ordinary brown paper stamped with a foam leaf-stamp using Plaid gold craft paint...

one of the gifts was a wreath adorned with hearts, pine cones and ribbons and fragranced with orange and cranberry oil...

a candle holder which looks so pretty in the dark when lit ( I had to buy one too!!) and an autumn fragranced Yankee Candle votive in apple cider...

a little cushion with red gingham and floral fabric...

a fragranced, decorated pinecone gathered from the nearby woods...

a little glittered 'Fall' picture...

some pomegranate shower gel and a rose petal bath bomb...

a hand painted apple...the blank shape I bought from the great little ' Crafts House.'..I'll post this weekend about the afternoon spent at there at the Autumn workshop I attended before I went on my jollies...

a cosy scarf to keep out the autumn chills (which will be just around the corner!)

and time ran away so I didnt get to handmake a card...but I loved the blackberry painting on the front of this one...

This was a wonderful swap to take part in, I really enjoyed 'meeting' Debbie through the swap - blogging is sooo great for meeting lovely people!

And I have yet to finish my Halloween swap too - just one more thing to finish this weekend then all done!! Its been great making Autumn and Hallowe'en themed goodies - enables you to immerse yourself in the season and enjoy it all the more I find...

Again, a huge thank you to Debbie for being a wonderful swap buddy, and to everyone else who took part in the swap.

Have a lovely Saturday all,
BH x

C.Y.P.R.U.S.

2011-09-22T21:20:00.008+01:00

lovely, lovely Cyprus..... just come home after a wonderful week in the sun...lots ofen lazing, relaxing and unwinding...pure bliss...

a bit of a picture heavy post this one (may require tea and biscuits) as there's a pic or two from the past week for each letter of C.Y.P.R.U.S...

Cooling...a necessity by the pool even in the shade as it was sooo hot, a heatwave in September...I've hit every heatwave over there this year I think...

Candles....it's dark much earlier than at home so of an evening so plenty of candles were lit

Carob pods...ripe and dark hanging from the trees at this time of year,...recently had carob brownies at a workshop at the Craft House on the Hill, but I'll save what we did on that fab afternoon for a post all of its own...

Contorted tree...I should have mentioned a couple are a tad on the tenuous side! This was found up in the Troodos on a walk that we did...

Cypress tree in Cyprus....one of the many in the park at the bottom of our street...

Champagne...we got lots of bottles as wedding gifts so, nicely chilled and in the sun with a glass (or two) what better??

Yamas...oh dear...we said this too often...! I also found a new love apart from a G&T...the Mojito...the hangover was murder though...but sooo worth it...!

Paphos Fort...a trip to Cyprus more times than not has at least one visit to the harbour...

Pomegranates...ripening in the warm autumn sunshine...

Pitta bread and houmous...it heads straight to the thighs but is soooo lovely...

Postcard...Miss R asked for one to be sent, and I cant remember the last time I sent one now, they seem redundant when you can text, a text is nowhere near as pretty to receive though...

Picnic...a spur of the moment picnic at Potima Bay, eating koupes and burger pies...watching the sun go down...fab...

Pine cones...in the Troodos again, these were HUGE...could make a multitude of crafty things with those, and so many strewn about too....

Podromos village in the Troodos....home of the absolute spookiest place I have ever been

Precarious path in the Troodos on our walk...

Red ladybird (is there any other colour?? tenuous just a wee bit..)...which kindly stayed still for me to photograph...

Ripening apples in the most picturesque orchard I've seen...

Ripening grapes too in the vineyard...

Reading material....is it apparent I am still kind of in wedding mode??? maybe its with going back over, but this book was a great wedding themed read

Relaxing spot.... many an hour spent here in the shade...

Unfinished cross stitch! however I did try, but didn't get that much done...

Sun, sand and sea at Potima Bay...

Seasonal squashes ripening in the sun in the field beside ours....

Ski slope in Summer....had the eerie feeling that comes with all abandoned/unused places...more on those to come though...

Spooky.....the abandoned and derelict Berengaria Hotel in Podromos....

This is honestly the most errie, spooky place I have ever been to.... it'd be great for a Hallowe'en party I suppose! (but I wouldn't go anywhere near!!)

there is an atmosphere that I couldn't put my finger on, I couldn't wait to get out

Looks as though some restorative work has been carried out recently, but it'd take a huge effort to get the place to be any kind of useable building though...shame, as it must have been impressive in its day...

the views are incredible from inside...but I took these pics extra quickly (so I could get out) and I am surprised they came out like they did

Sunset..stunning, calming sunsets night after night...gorgeous

Sigh.....and now back home again....!

Thanks for popping by, hope your cup of tea isn't cold now!

BH x

A crafty bit....

2011-09-07T09:07:00.005+01:00

I think my crafty drought is over...seems all you really need for inspiration is five hours on a Sunday of tidying/sorting through all your bits in the depths of the bottomless pit that is 'the stash' to unearth some long forgotten things...

gather up some bits...glittery apples...gingham ribbon...bay leaves....

get to grips with some air dry clay and a heart shaped cutter....

string the bits all together using some very fine and maliable wire...

and voila...a seasonal newbie for the kitchen..

never used any of the re-discovered and unearthed bits from Sundays sort out, but at least I know how to find my mojo again when I've lost it!

BH x

Everythings Rosy....

2011-09-04T17:11:00.003+01:00

This time of year the light has the most gorgeous golden hue and a crispness in the air only for this season...

makes me want to prepare for the colder coming months and start 'cosying up' at home...out come the throws, more cushions and more and more candles...

the colours change in the house in the autumn too...out come all the cosy colours...the golds and browns and the reds...

red is my favourite colour and this week especially I have noticed it appearing about more and more...

the leaves are gradually beginning to wear their autumnal tones of red... I love to see the start of this...

the apples on the tree in the garden are beginning to turn nice and rosy...

the pots and the geraniums are still going strong and are the brightest red of all...

Red Admiral butterflies are in abundance in our garden again this year...they like to cling to the wall outside the kitchen window and enjoy the sun (when it does show itself!)

a little makeover (well a lick of paint) to change this hook that I bought at the Newcastle Quayside market in the spring...

changed from a neutral beige to a lovely red to go in the kitchen...

the kitchen has seen a lot of red bits appearing...

glittery red apples and berries in the glass dome...some seasonal pine cones mixed in too for good measure...

red berries on a Yankee Candle shade...the fragrance of Country Linen burning away is so fresh and clean, wonder if its still available...?

A red gingham pelmet at the kitchen window...quite fancy making a Swedish blind to go underneath...plain red with spotty ribbon maybe...

the red Cook sign was previously lilac, but since I had the paintbrush out it too got a makeover...

saw this sign in a little shop and it had to come home with me...well it has hearts on...

and I got to try out a wedding gift...this red spotty dish was perfect for an apple and blackberry crumble...with a very very cinnamon-ie crumble on top....quite nice, especially with a whacking great dollop of vanilla bean ice cream...oh those calories!

Have a lovely cosy Sunday evening all

BH x

I Love Elevensies....

2011-09-01T05:05:00.001+01:00

I do love elevensies...and twelvsies...

oh how I agree with the sentiment... Any excuse for something sweet....

I've been raiding my 'to be continued' box...and I didn't realise there were so many unfinished cross stitches .... ones that'd been started with such great enthusiasm and then put aside...and so many lovely ones yet to start too...

This one was started a few years ago and was completely forgotten about in its half completed state... a lovely Newtons Law kit with not a great deal left to do to it... the colours used are so bright and stand out so well against the cream background...

as elevensies go, I baked another 'experimental' cake (most of my baking is 'experimental' if I'm honest...) to go with a nice cuppa...

the experimental part being the addition of lemon curd to the mixture...

white chocolate and lemon is such a nice combination I think...

a simple recipe:

8oz SR flour - sifted

4 oz caster sugar

3 oz butter

1 egg - beaten

half a large bar of white chocolate - chopped (eat the other half whilst waiting for the cake to bake...)

2 tbsp lemon curd

cream butter and sugar together, add in beaten egg, mix in lemon curd, add chocolate, fold in sifted flour pour into buttered loaf tin, put into oven, put kettle on, start eating remaining chocolate...

bake at 190 degrees for 35-40 mins..

takes minutes to prepare...then the impatient wait for it to bake... plenty of time to put the kettle on...

worth the wait if I can modestly say so... I have to admit though the dainty slice was purely for photographic purposes...

I had an almighty slice as my elevensies....and then another for my twelvsies....

and the kit...??? it'll be joining me on a sun lounger along with a G&T in the warmth of the Cypriot early autumn ...flights have indeed been booked...however I was beaten to it, as a surprise from my lovely, lovely t'other half!!

cant WAIT for us to get back over 'home'...

BH x

Longing for a bit of sunshine...

2011-08-27T18:33:00.003+01:00

Today really needs an injection of sunshine.....

I've found myself longing for warmth, sun and clear blue skies..... really feels like I'm in danger of developing rickets its been soooooo bloomin' grey and miserable.....

today being so dreary, grey and ever so wet, I have been longing to get back to my beloved Cyprus...

oh, to be sat here with a book and something crafty to play with....and a cooling (LARGE) G&T of course...

I thought to brighten my mood I'd do a post of some photos from Paphos taken a few weeks back when I was last over there....

These were taken at the Tombs of the Kings

its not too far from our house, yet we had never visited before. T'other half still hasn't actually, I went with three friends who were over while he stayed at home and watched the F1 qualifying...typical bloke....thousands of years of history and petrol head takes over...

amazing how this place (and so many others on the island) have stood the test of time...

it was an unbelievably hot day...we took shade whenever and wherever possible - it was in the middle of a mini heatwave, and oh did we know it!

the pigeons certainly knew where to keep cool...

the flora in Cyprus is beautiful, bright with cheerful colour everywhere, at all times of the year too...

this tree was in one of the gardens at the hotel where we got married...

many of the delicate flowers had flittered their way to the ground and looked like confetti strewn across the lawn...beautiful

a few of us headed off one morning to the Akamas Gorge

an easy-ish hike (for the lazy and unfit ie me) up to the gorge through a very pretty trail...

a bit slippery in places...

this gargantuan rock rests suspended within the gorge itself...

a bit strange standing directly underneath...!

one of my most favourite things to do when we go to Cyprus is to sit at some lovely restaurant overlooking somewhere as picturesque as here, the marina in Laatchi...

and have a spot of lunch...

For maximum benefit, I always have to go on a Monday, just so I can sit there and think...'I should be at work now...'!!

I feel the lure of a travel website now...flights may be booked before my next post... especially as in my opinion, Cyprus is never more beautiful than in Autumn...and I need some vitamin D desperately...

Have a good saturday evening all whatever your plans,

BH x

Mmmmm....donuts.....

2011-08-25T21:13:00.005+01:00

Last weekend was my lovely mums birthday, so we spent some time in Newcastle on Saturday wandering about the shops in the sunshine and enjoying a spot of lunch...

There was a European food market taking place under the watchful eye of Earl Grey....

so many different food stalls, from cakes to polish hot dogs and even kangaroo burgers...

I LOVE churros....sprinkled with sugar and warm...delish...but I was good...

so many different cakes and biscuits to choose from....all looked fab

but lunch was waiting first....

rounded off with a knicker bocker glory for mum and a strawberry cheesecake for me...

that evening was spent surrounded by more sweet stuff.... this time birthday cake making...

I found the 40th anniversary issue of my trusty bero book in the supermarket the other day, mine dates from 1975 and is so well loved and well used...I bought the new edition to compare...

used the basic sponge recipe from the trusty old book....

to make this....

Homer J Simpson would be proud....or drooling, most likely both..

Found the cake moulds for this and of course the box just leapt into my hands...

Sunday was mums birthday, and time for a family get together...

snipped a few flowers to make into a little posy for her to take along with her pressies...

mum had just read this book in a couple of evenings as she couldn't put it down..

'Remember Me?' by Sophie Kinsella...

so it came home with me to read...I lost track of time sat reading it accompanied by a slice of cake and a cup of tea in the garden after work on Monday...

By Wednesday....completely finished...

As was the last of the cake...!

BH x

Partners Announced...!

2011-08-23T10:08:00.006+01:00

Hello All,

Firstly may I just say a HUGE Thank You to each and every one of you who has signed up for the swap!!

I know I love Autumn and Halloween but I was surprised to say the least to see how many of you feel the same way!!

As there was an even number of 'players' who signed up, I entered myself in twice - once for each theme - well I didn't want to miss out on the fun so now I get to put two packages together YAY!!

So, here are everyones partners for the swaps organised by requested Theme:

Autumn Harvest:

Rattling On - Vintage Vicki

Les Quilts - Mom & Daughters Crafts Extraordinaire

Melinda - Florawood

Pink Poppy - Blueberry Heart

Moonstruckcreations - B.....

Barrijayne - Sandie

Shirl - Dosierosie

LaaLaa - The Patchwork Heart

Becci Bunny - Madison

LissyLou - AmyLane

Chloe - Ivy Black

Kandi - Mad About Bags

Andrea - AutumnMiss

Giddy Stuff - Simply Vintage

Happy Hallowe'en:

ButtonZ - Vintage Hobby House

Airing Cupboard Crafts - Blueberry Heart

Michela - Crafts @ Home http://blog.suepops.co.uk/

Have fun everyone, and thanks again for taking part!

BH x

PS - there are links attached to each blog above, so it will make it that bit easier for you all to find your partner and get in touch with each other.

Autumn Harvest & Happy Halloween Swap

2011-08-14T12:17:00.009+01:00

Thank you to you all for taking part!

The swap is now closed - partners to be announced Tuesday 23rd August.

BH x

hello all,

I am dipping my toes in the proverbial waters here and hosting a swap for the very first time!!!

I know it may seem a tad early but Autumn and Hallowe'en are just around the corner...so now seems like a good time.

If anyone else is like me and L O V E S Halloween and Autumn, then this, the 'Autumn Harvest & Happy Hallowe'en' swap may just be right up your street!

What the plan is, is to give you the choice of putting together one of two themed parcels:

Either:

Autumn Harvest - autumn themed parcel to include anything autumn themed...could be an apple scented candle, or bunting in autumnal colours...let your imagination run wild!

or

Happy Hallowe'en - a Hallowe'en themed parcel...from pumpkins to bats and ghosts, there is SO much that this theme allows...my favourite!

If you would like to take part, simply leave a comment and let me know!

Now for the 'rules' bit (more like guidelines) of the swap, nothing major, just so we all know what's what:

* A minimum of five items, preferably one or two handmade items if you can

* Please state if you are happy to post abroad

* Sorry, but you'll need a blog to take part with a means of your partner contacting you

* The aim is to post around mid september time so that everyone has some time to make their bits and bobs, put their parcels together and then everyone can enjoy their goodies!

* Oh, and dont forget to state whether Autumn or Hallowe'en theme you'd like to take part in!

I'll leave the swap open til next Sunday 21st August and will announce partners the following Tuesday. I'll put all names into a hat and draw partners at random. If we have an odd number of players, then I'll partner up with the last name in the 'pot'.

So we can get lots of fellow bloggers to play, please feel free to either blog about the swap and or paste my button on your blog too.

So excited and a wee bit nervous!

I do hope lots of you decide to join in!!

BH x

One extreme to the other...

2011-08-06T19:15:00.003+01:00

I think Autumn has arrived upon us...there's more than a few hints out and about and the signs are in the air too...

but I'm still in summer mode and intend to stay there til we've had at least one BBQ or outdoor party - I mean I've only had one single GnT outdoors this year so far... (ok, maybe more than one but trying to make a point...!)

Today in all its cold and wet glory, was spent out and about getting muddy and a wee bit drenched...

Visited the Gibside and there was a farmers market on today where scones AND cakes just had to be bought...definitely worth venturing out in the rain for, but more on those cakes later...

The sunflowers in the garden there are always huge monsters...but so gorgeous...

the walled garden is great for a wander, they grow so many things here which eventually find their way into the goodies in the coffee shop...

the orchards still had a few fruit left on the trees....

crisp green apples that just scream 'pie'......

scarecrows always make me think of autumn...this poor fellow was drenched (looks like he had a little 'accident' too though...!) he didn't look happy about it either unsurprisingly...

the flowers were in full bloom and bursting with colour which on a grey rainy day is a joy to see...

these sweet peas had a lovely pink/purple hue....

as did this daisy... (? -not sure what it is exactly)

this flower was the most vivid yellow/orange....so pretty with fresh raindrops sitting on its petals...

and this trailing beauty had such delicate paper like petals.....

and my reward for all the walking about (as it was such hard work of course..) was a cake from the Cupcake Co. stall at the farmers market

I chose this one....(the others are allocated...unless I hide them perhaps????)

actually enjoyed mine when I got home sat with a cup of tea in one hand, by the fire...! In August and we had the fire on - unbelievable...

a far cry from last week where we spent Saturday evening on a beach in Northumberland enjoying the sun and warmth of the sand between our toes....

clear blue skies and powder white sands...

we sat amongst the grassy dunes looking at a bluer than blue sky, watching the waves crashing and listening to seagulls....

and also had an impromptu picnic courtesy a of stop off en route - these nights are always the best kind I find...when you dont expect it...and food enjoyed outdoors always tastes that little bit better too!

a bit of time was spent on the lookout for seaglass and shells, which then reminded me of a box of shells I had bought a while back and had since found its way into the depths of the 'Stash'...ending up there usually renders things forgotten about for ever more...not this time luckily...

out came said shells, pots of pearls...card...PVA glue...and an hour or so of happily faffing later...

quite pleased with the finished result....

had to be heart shaped....

just need a suitable frame for it now...a chunky wooden rustic one would suit this I think...

now if the rain lets up I may venture to the local 'boot tomorrow to see if my luck is in again and one is there waiting for me...

Have a great weekend all

BH x

Indulgence...

2011-07-24T17:49:00.004+01:00

Nothing wrong with a bit of indulgence now and again....

T'other half and myself had my lovely friend staying with us this weekend, and an excellent excuse to indulge in a few nice things....

like a bit of champers....nice, but nicer still to share with good company and the bonus of the sun shining too...

I prepared a huge meal, indulged in lots of olives, feta, stuffed peppers

and this....

mint baileys cheesecake....divine!

lovely friend brought us so many wedding gifts...this was for me...haven't taken it off my wrist since -LOVE it...

next morning and a walk in Stanhope...

This is the ford across the river, closed to vehicles at the moment but still passable by the stepping stones - I didnt even attempt it as I didnt relish the thought of having to drive home soaked through basically...(it would have happened for sure!)

an unusual feature in the churchyard is this petrified tree...

some gorgeous little shops...this one in particular called for a bit more indulgence on my part...

this little heart came home to live amongst the lilies in the garden...

another heart which has crept its way outdoors recently, peeking out from behind the thrifty spotty jug...

made from a Halloween broom's bristles and a couple of air dry clay hearts...( a new love is air dry clay - wonderful stuff...)

a spot more indulgence...

the Dibor sale brochure....

and a sneaky slice of Baileys cheesecake whilst lying in the garden in the sunshine....

LOVE weekends like this!

Hope you are having a good one too...

BH x

Weekend Washout...

2011-07-17T21:38:00.003+01:00

where is the sunshine???

I suppose our recent weather has been rather typical of a good old British summer though...

one downpour after another all weekend...kind of thwarted this weekends plans a bit ....

was planning to go to the car boot and to the coast for a walk on Saturday...maybe next week...

the intermittent heavy rain does have one good point though....

rainbows.....

these were horses so blissfully unaware of the multicoloured arch right above their heads....

another plan for this weekend was to get into the garden and get some more colour into it....

a bit late this year with some of my pots but with being away for the wedding for three weeks made it a bit difficult with the maintenance side...

so I've a table full of plants ready to find new homes...inbetween showers I did manage a few though...

got to the point where the rain was getting heavier, a sofa was calling and an afternoon film was in order....

so after last weeks cupcake failure, I reverted to the old faithful scone recipe!

the double cream was one churn away from being butter....

cherry scone, cherry jam oozing from within and a very generous helping of cream....

and '27 Dresses' on DVD to curl up with and watch....fab.....

bliss....!

BH x

Catastrophy of the Cupcake Kind....

2011-07-12T19:45:00.004+01:00

It all started off sooo well.....

Finding some lovely spotty cupcake cases made me come over all Nigella....

a family get together on Saturday night called for a sweet home baked extra to enjoy after our pizzas...and my cakes have a bit of a reputation with my family, so I set to with the perfect cupcake creations in mind....

cupcakes dutifully rose to perfection....

cooling on the windowsill all ready and waiting for the perfect topping....cream cheese frosting....

however......the end result could not even be fixed by the best cake invention ever....edible glitter....which usually hides a multitude of cake calamities.....

why, oh why did I try and save calories by going for low fat cream cheese in the frosting??!! Low fat is NEVER good for you!! (medics may disagree here somewhat...)

behold the failure....

still, they tasted rather nice and my reputation with cakes is somewhat unchanged within the family!! (for those who remember, think Wendy Craig in 'Butterflies'...!)

Nigella, your crown is safe for a little while longer I think....

BH x

A Perfect Day...

2011-07-10T21:57:00.016+01:00

Hello everyone!

I've returned home now, back from the most fantastic three weeks of my life...

Thank you so very much for all of your lovely and kind well wishes and messages, my husband and I (!) both thoroughly enjoyed reading them, they really meant a lot to us, thank you. I shall be round to visit each and everyone soon to thank you personally.

I thought you may like to see a few more photos in the meantime????

these balloons decorated the wedding venue terrace and came back home to sit by the pool and in the living room at the villa....you should have seen the palaver tring to get us, luggage, gifts and balloons into our car....

I may have mentioned that we had 43 people travel over to join us for our wedding, and what an amazing time was had, not just at the wedding but on the best holiday EVER! We went to the airport to greet everyone as they arrived (many, many airport trips involved - it was great), and how many tears were shed - a lot - and by me! I was so overwhelmed to see our family and friends arrive in Cyprus for us...

Our wedding was in Coral Bay and the majority of our guests were also staying there too. It's not far from our villa - about 5 minutes in the car - so a lot of time was spent driving by Potima Bay - which the beautiful new picture in my blog Header is of, and what a joy it is to drive along that road...the water changes colour so often and is always breathtakingly beautiful.....

T'other half dropped me at the wedding hotel the day before the wedding, I was staying there the night before as well as the wedding night itself....when we checked in we found we'd been upgraded to a gorgeous suite....

A fantastic view from one of the balconies....

so soothing hearing the sea so close by....just what was needed the day prior to your wedding!!

the other balcony had comfy loungers on.....

the Jolly Roger sailed into the harbour on its way round the many coves and beaches...sat here at balcony number one watching it...

such a beautiful place...it brought a tear to my eye...again....!

There was another Stag do and Hen night the night beforehand, separate this time as our main one was combined, I only partook in a few 'sweet sherries' so as not to sleep in....no fear of that though, I was too excited and hardly slept at all! It was absolutley lovely though to sit outside and watch the sun rise on my wedding day over the bay....

Lovely Mum stayed with me the night before, and as we were in the 'Executive Wing' we had breakfast outside on the 'Executive Terrace'.... there was the almighty temptation of every breakfast item known to man, but I had that dress to pour myself into still so I behaved (a little anyway!) it was a lovely way to start the day, just me my lovely mum, and a beautiful sunny outdoors relaxing breakfast....perfect....

I couldn't help but pop onto the terrace after my hairdressers appointment...just to peek at the progress of it all coming together...you may be familiar with my tales of confetti and bubbles etc etc...so pleased I did as I could get a few 'blogger' pics, something time didn't afford me the rest of the day....too busy with other goings on!

This is the red carpet I walked down the aisle to accompanied by my favourite music....

on every other chair for the ladies and girls were the confetti envelopes and also a silk fan in an organza bag - just in case the heat got too much during the service and a cooling waft was needed....

our fantastic wedding planner promptly shooed me away though to get to my room and stay in the cool - a mini heatwave had hit and boy, was it hot that day!

Lovely bridesmaid had arrived by the time I got back, fresh from her hairdressers appointment and looking fabulous...we has time for a quick drink and chat before everything started to happen...flowers arrived....photographer arrived...family arrived (good job we had a huge suite)...then it was time to get into my dress....

my shoes were a perfect match, ivory satin with aurora borealis beads....

my accessories...well there had to be a few hearts sprinkled about my person...sparkly ones all the better...!

the flowers were beautiful....adorned with diamonds and pearls to match my dress....

and in my hair too...a diamond and pearl tiara and a diamond and pearl fascinator type spray to wear in the back which I made....lovely mum made the gorgeous diamond and pearl bracelet for me to wear....I do love the fact there were so many personal touches like that...

not normally being a 'flower person' I am now a convert, my bouquet was spectacular and the bridesmaids flower (a single stem decorated with - yes- diamonds and pearls, and all of the other flowers; coursages etc, were amazing...

turquiose and Tiffany go hand in hand and our cake was perfect....

the gorgeous view whilst we enjoyed the Greek Meze wedding breakfast... the view which sold the terrace to us for the wedding in the first place...stunning....and magical...

a touch here and there too of Tiffany Blue dotted about the terrace and on the tables....

glittering crystals scattered on the tables too...

there was also an abundance of crystals used in my wedding crafting! and they all caught the Cypriot sun beautifully....

some previous posts creations in situ on the day....

one of my friends took a whole lot of photos for the blog, and I am so grateful that he did that for me!

our wedding day was truly the happiest day of my life, we both loved every single minute and second of it and would do it exactly the same over and over again in a heartbeat (with the same wonderful groom of course!!)

The next morning had another fabulous start... a special breakfast outside overlooking that view....abd better still...I could eat it ALL!! no dress to get into - at least for a few weeks til our next reception at home!!

the wedding cake we gave to t'other halfs parents to enjoy...

we distributed the Tiffany blue cupcakes at the wedding and had the top tier all to ourselves!! a whole chocolate cake for us - divine!!!

And if you are wondering what the music was I walked down the aisle to....

'Nothing Else Matters' (instrumental version)....

by Metallica......!

love,

BH x

The Big Push...

2011-06-05T19:53:00.005+01:00

Title of this post is soooo apt in more ways than one this week....

All the niggly, fiddly bits and bobs are done and out of the way....woop woop....

Our wedding venue has no problems with confetti being strewn about, in fact the more the better according to our planner, so one thing that I have done is buy looooads of confetti, discard the bulky - handbag filling, awful boxes it comes in, and 'Blueberry Heart' it up a smidge...

I had some lovely sparkly, irridescent velum shipped over from the US (I found it as rare as hens teeth finding nice vellum in the shops or online in the UK..) and got set to at the Crafty Spot and made many, many envelopes out of it, made some tags and got stuffing...

they will sit on the ladies chairs waiting for them to arrive for the service...ready to be let loose in a flurry of colour!!

LOVE how the confetti looks in the vellum...easily pleased here or what...!

Also eventually collected my bridesmaids gift from the shop...I chose this as her little 'thank you' gift as I thought it'd sparkle nicely in the Cypriot sunshine, and is also something subtle that she can wear again after the event... I also have a little extra gift just to show my appreciation for her support...

My reserve/change into/evening dress also arrived this week...really beautiful it is...and I am pleased/relieved to say.......flattering....!

So.....lulled into a sense of confidence, I indulged in a bit of retro 70's culinary delight....Arctic Roll....immediatley back in 1979!! oh, how fab it was......

Only partook in one slice though...enough to tantalise the tastebuds!

Lovely Mum has been so wonderful this week, even more so than usual, so a little token of thanks was needed...some Sweet Williams from the garden....her favourite...and mine too...

Of course I never miss out Lovely Nanna, so she got some too...!

apologies for the temporary 'hiatus'...t'was but a knee-jerk reaction..

Have a lovely week all,

BH x

Wedding Favours...

2011-05-22T08:57:00.004+01:00

This weekend has seen a surge of activity on the 'wedding bits' front....

All required supplies and essentials have now been purchased, delivered and gathered together for a session (or two) at the crafty spot....

this particular session was to make up one of the wedding favours....

Yankee Candles...I just love them...so I chose some summer/beach/holiday themed fragrances...

Island Spa....

and Beach Walk....

they smell so fresh and both are a greeny-blue shade too....perfect!

some lovely mirror finish tealight holders for them to go into....(the plain tealights they arrived with will always come in handy, so off the tealight storage jar they go..)

pop in a YC tealight....

wrap in Tiffany blue organza and tie with an obligatory white ribbon....

voila! all done on the favours front...!

Have a great Sunday all

BH x

Tynemouth...and a bit more....

2011-05-18T20:38:00.006+01:00

The plans that heavy rain gets in the way of!

The other Sunday (the last day of the sight seeing road trip of the North East) Miss R's and my good selfs plans were somewhat thwarted by the heavier than heavy downpours....we were planning on a wander around two local bootfairs...they turned out to be cancelled due to waterlogging of the pitches....no matter I thought, we'll go instead to a nearby arty craft market held on Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond....that is always on, regardless of the weather.....

this was the scene at the usually bustling bridge...

no lovely crafts to delight in today!

Jesmond Dene is a lovely place for a walk about, but with the threat of more rain we decided to head to undercovered surroundings, and when we got there...the sun dared to come out!

Tynemouth market is a great place to visit...so many different stalls from books to bric a brac to gorgeous deli food...

all under the cover of glass...so you get the best of both worlds - just in case!

It is an old Victorian station that has been refurbished (and is undergoing further development too) which houses a market every weekend, as well as being a Metro station very much in use

some of the stands had displays crammed with lovely vintage bits and bobs...I loved the glass jelly mould...

I couldn't leave without some 'Black Bullets' for lovely Nanna....she loves these and I always get her some when I see them on my travels about the North East....

along from the market is the Land of Green Ginger a former church that was converted in the early 80's into a mini shopping arcade of boutiques...

one shop that caught my attention was this cake supply store....how pretty is the window display...gorgeous....

The dresser had me almost keeling over...sooooooo pretty...

after the almost-fainting-with-desire episode, much sugar and sweetness was needed....

we headed further along Front Street to a lovely little guest house which has the most perfect tea room...

you can either sit outside in the beauty of the sheltered walled garden, where you can listen to the water tinkling away in the fountain and pretend you're in times past....

or you can sit inside and cozy up next to the range and enjoy your tea...and pretend you're in times past....

we chose to sit outside and enjoy the rarity of the warmth of the sun!

Oh, and to enjoy these too....

Now I consider myself somewhat of a cream scone connoisseur....if I went on Mastermind, these would surely have to be my specialist subject.... (either this or Quality Street)

never ever, have I had such a fabulous scone!!

The tea isn't bad either...lovely Nanna complemented the staff on their tea when I took her and lovely Mum, when they told her they used nothing but Ringtons Nanna said "oh yes, you can really tell".... she knows her stuff does my lovely Nanna....

got to love the tea cozy and its little tag too....

I think it is impossible not to fall in love with this hidden away little gem of a tea room...it's the kind of place you'd be unlikely to know about unless someone takes you there - which is exactly how I came by No.61 a few years ago...

to walk off some of the million and one calories, Miss R and I walked all the way to the end of Front Street to look out over the sand and sea....

right next to this viewpoint of the water is Tynemouth Priory...

we walked all the way round....

and back up through the old moat....

before heading back to the car and off to the next place to visit!

back to the Quayside for me, the first time to the market for Miss R and to see some of the sights other than stalls on Sunday afternoon...

this bronze figure basking in the sunshine by the Tyne is called 'River God'...

The Malmaison Hotel (just behind the Millenium Bridge) had abseilers descending from the top...brave souls! all in a good cause I imagine though, so well done to them!

all too soon though the glouds gathered.....

the Sage never looked so moody....

I failed to point out the other week when I previously posted of the Sage, that its shaded mirror finish frontage designed to look like three sailing ships....only when its pointed out to you does this become apparent (at least it was to me!)

before the rain came, we headed to the car, and to home for a much needed cup of tea....minus the scone this time....!

I'm a proud Geordie and I hope you enjoyed this recent short 'tour' of some of the wonderful sights the fabulous and beautiful North East has.

Thanks for popping by,

BH x

Holy Island...

2011-05-17T21:39:00.006+01:00

The weather has been all too changeable recently, and when you are out and about for the day, rain of biblical proportions is not what you want!

The drive to Holy Island on Day Two of my sight seeing road trip with Miss R took about 45 minutes or so, and the skies were blue and clear - til we arrived...

The island is such an interesting place to visit, quaint, steeped in history and so picturesque...so many photo opportunites around every corner...

This is St Mary's church on the island which we passed as we climbed up toward the highest point ...

This doesn't look too steep, though trust me, it felt it...!

worth the climb (a steep walk for most, a climb for the unfit - ie me...) to view from up a height the historical ruins...

It became ever so hazy...a sign the weather was closing in...

The castle in the distance...the subject of many a postcard photograph..

This plaque greets you at the top to give you more info on your surroundings...(click to enlarge to read)

The bluebells were out in force as we walked/climbed up...and I cant resist bluebells...surprising to see them flourish so close to the sea...maybe made of sterner stuff than I gave them credit for...

The downward climb...this is what you come to at the bottom...lobster pots galore...

My faithful camera then decided to abandon all functionality (horror for a blogger!) so unfortunately no pics from the next stops - Seahouses, Bamburgh and Alnwick - it was just as the torrential rain arrived too - and I have never seen rain like it in ages...put it this way, it gave my car a good old power wash!

Back soon with pics from Day three...Armstrong Bridge, Tynemouth Market and Tynemouth Priory... and a whacking great cream scone...

Nite all

BH x

A Day in Durham...

2011-05-15T19:43:00.007+01:00

Hello all! apologies for my recent elongated absence from blogworld, things have been a bit on the busy side here. I must say a huge 'thank you' to you for your lovely comments that have been left for me, I really enjoy reading them and I WILL be popping around to 'see' everyone soon to say 'hi' as I haven't been able to as much as I'd like to of late.

Anyhoo, whats been going on here then...??

After being caught up in the whole one-bank-holiday-after-another malarkey, I eeeked the last shortened working week out for all its worth and took another day off...I had an excuse though, my lovely friend Miss R was visiting, so we did a bit of a North East road trip over three days and fitted in as many local sights and places as we possibly could squeeze in....and had a fab time too!

Day One was spent in Durham.....

Durham is one of those cities that you can happily spend a whole day in, just mosey-ing around and not realise you've spent the whole day simply mosey-ing around...

As Miss R had only stayed in Newcastle on whistle-stop trips previously, it was nice to be able to wander at leisure...the weather was kind too, the rain stayed away and the sun kindly shone for most of the day....

We visited the Cathederal, somewhere I'd not actually been inside before, and how beautiful it is inside too...

The Castle has escorted trips around as it is used for residential accommodation for students......

imagine spending your student years walking in out of here to get to lectures....

how Harry Potter can you get??? I bet it's great at Hallowe'en in there too...

<

There is a lovely coffee shop in these grounds that has been used for so many different purposes over the years, a museum and lecture room being just two uses....

Now the hot chocolate served in there is very highly recommended.....

As for the gorgeous, scrumptious looking calorie filled cakes....

which do you think I went for.....???

trick question - neither!!

I have 'the Frock' firmly at the front of my mind and fitting into it in little over a month is the priority at the moment....however....after the wedding is another matter....double sized portion for the non-dieting person please....with cream.....extra-thick-double if at all possible...thank you very much...

a meander about the shops was also had...well there are just so many of the hidden away little gem kind of shop.....

This was in the window of one such shop....what an absolutley fab idea for a cake stand....

a little fruit and veg shop was a trove of weird and wonderful things you just dont come across all too easily in Sainsbury's...

I have to say I had one or two weird expressions come my way from passers by as they saw me photographing mushrooms of all things, but these really are a wee bit on the different side and for blog-reporting purposes it only seemed right and proper to whip out the camera...

on a food related theme...(I digress to food all too easily...) whilst walking along the river bank, there was a thick perfume in the air...a slightly familiar smell....wild garlic everywhere...!

Lining the edge of the footpaths, heavily in flower,the subtle and powerful scent wafting from them filled the air...

It reached all the way down to the riverside from the footpaths....so what do you do....??

Whip out your handy-bag and pick enough to make a pot or two of wild garlic pesto when you get home!

And thats exactly what I did - the experimenting is still underway with its uses - pasta with spinach and broccoli has turned out to be a very nice combo with this added... and not that many WW points either...!

Always a welcome bonus with fitting into the Frock too!!

I'll be back soon with pics from Day Two...

BH x

It's a Sign.....

2011-05-01T16:06:00.003+01:00

Today I got to grips with a project I've had in the depths of the stash for a little while. I was supposed to be weeding the garden but the weeds will still be there and there's no guarentee how long the sun will stay and shine...so out of the two options the crafty choice won...

I bought the 'Cook' wooden cutout a while back, and whilst mooching in HobbyCraft recently I saw the 'Welcome' sign....a bargain too, about £1.30 or something, so in the basket it jumped ready to get the paint treatment along with its older friend...

The little 'Cook' sign was treated to a coat of lilac paint and then gently sanded round the edges for a rustic, shabby look...it will live in the kitchen which this spring is decorated in lavender and cream (I change it with the seasons...you'd honestly think I had too much time on my hands - if only!)

The 'Welcome' one I painted cream (my favourite), then added some metallic stencil paint to the edges...this one'll reside in the hallway I think, so it will be visible from the front door...

I like quick and easy fixer-uppers like these!

Enjoy the rest of the bank holiday weekend - hope it's sunny wherever you are

BH x

Wandering...

2011-04-28T05:28:00.003+01:00

With all of the sunshine over the past weekend, it seemed only right to have a wander about in Newcastles Quayside on Sunday...

I'd been to a wedding fair at the Sage on the Gateshead side with my mum and auntie, probably the last one as my diet is being somewhat ruined by the delish canapes served at these events...mini stuffed yorkshire puds.... strawberries and cream on shortbread at this one....well I couldn't resist...! willpower's not that good... besides, I am all done now on my 'wedding bits'...I think....

First time I had been to the Sage, I rather like the futuristic building sat on the side of the Tyne...

The pedestrian Millenium Bridge is nearby too....

and across on the Newcastle side of the river on a Sunday is the Quayside market...this market has been going for years...first time I had been in a long time too. The type of stall there had changed, for the better as well. Lots of crafts, shabby chic bits and bobs and ethnic stylish accessories type stalls....

on a glorious day like we had, it was lovely to meander slowly along under the view of the Tyne Bridge, browsing the eye candy... (and one or two purchases made it home with me too...)

LOVED these parasols...well they sparkled and glistened in the sun!

I really, really would like one of these mirrors...the craftsmanship is superb...they were even sat making the mosaics in their stall so you could see the process....

they have HEART SHAPED ones....but which to choose??????

'Cocktail' candles on this stall smelled as good as they looked....

and one little purchase I had to make in secret....this bracelet for mum....it matches her mother of the bride dress perfectly....so gave it to her as an Easter surprise when we got back home....

also bought a heart shaped hook from a 'shabby chic' stall, so just need to find a spot in the kitchen for it...and get t'other half to fix it up 'properly' !!

Love,

BH x

Happy Easter !

2011-04-25T16:35:00.004+01:00

Happy Easter ! !

Hope everyone has had a lovely time, the weather certainly has been on our side this year - for a change!

Lots has been done here over the elongated break...mainly DIY ( I am still wearing more paint than what I painted) another wedding fair visited (I know, you'd think I was sick of them by now) a spot of shopping, a family 'do' to go to and one or two crafty bits squeezed in too amongst the lying-on-the lawn-in-the-sun-reading-and-wine-drinking...

Well there has to be a bit of colour over Easter so some decorations had to be made...it is a rule... as sure as eggs is eggs..........sorry...

Egg tree this year was made after a forage in the garden for some twigs which were then treated to a slather of white paint and strategically placed in a favourite cream vase....

the hanging eggs are the DYO kind (do yer own), so pots galore of paint came out to choose the 'Easter-ie' colours.... as did the embellishment box and ribbon box....

A bit more of a gather-up from the garden in the form of lavender and daisies to fill the top of the vase....

A bit of hanging and tweaking of the fruits of my labour...

And one Easter Egg tree.....!

Nothing like a half hour or so sat in the sun in April, (not often that happens is it?!) with nothing to do but faff with crafty bits and of course....snuffle a bit of sweet, sweet chocolate....well it is Easter...

Now some' Segsations' are calling me to the sofa to enjoy with an afternoon Easter film....happy days...!

Enjoy the rest of the Bank holiday....

BH x

Spring Swap - Goodies Galore...!

2011-04-21T08:17:00.008+01:00

There is nothing better than a bright spring morning, sun shining, birds singing and a whistling Mr Postie walking up the garden path then knocking at your door armed with a large parcel with your name on it...

SPRING SWAP GOODIES!! yipeee!!

I took part in the Spring Makes Me Sing swap, kindly hosted by Jackie over at Sew Special Bears and I was partnered with the lovely Sarah from Homemade Gorgeous.

I was thoroughly spoilt with my goodies from Sarah...beautiful packages wrapped in bright, springy colours festooned with flowers and butterflies - almost too good to unwrap - I say almost...I was in there like the proverbial dart...

How gorgeous do they look all wrapped up??

First were some really cute floral erasers...(I used to collect these when I was a kid...I had hundreds..still have them at mums somewhere too...hmmm..bloggy post of the most quirky ones sometime perhaps...????)

I will be savouring these over Easter!

Gorgeous ribbon...a multitude of uses already planned for this

LOVE the bright colours in this kit...absolutley fab....

How gorgeous?? Enamel freesia kit with in a bucket in my favourite cream...This is now all potted up and residing on the patio waiting for a burst of blooms...

more lovely choccies..never tried these ones...yet!

A gorgeous card from Sarah too..I think tulips have to be my favourite spring flower...must remember to plant more for next year...

This candle smells gorgeous....happily living on the kitchen windowsill where it is fragrancing the whole kitchen, without even needing to be lit

This beauty had me making a trip to buy some felt...have to try to make some, this is so lovely and beautifully made too...

Sarah was sooo thoughtful to include this magazine which I have now read the print off!! Sunday morning in the sun, cup of tea and the Easter/spring issue of Country Homes and Interiors...total bliss...!

Thank you so very much to Sarah for such a thoughtful swap parcel and for being a great swap buddy, and thanks to Jackie too for organising such a fun swap to take part in - thank you very much both x

Enjoy the sunshine all!!

BH x

(PS - I'll post pics of what I sent to Sarah when I know her parcel has arrived safely so as not to spoil the surprise!)

EDIT

I know that Sarah has received her Spring Swap parcel now, so I can share some pics with you....

Some seeds and some seedling markers I made in a little tin pot...

loved these seasonal stickers from Paperchase...went back and there were no more to be seen...

Made a beaded heart hanger in some bright Springy colours..

packaged some colourful eggs embellished with a handmade tag...

fairy lights! cant have too many of these in the spring and summer in my opinion, these ones are little pink butterflies...

a wooden 'Happy Easter' cutout...cant claim the woodwork skills, but painted up and embelleshed by yours truly...

I also popped in a packet of Easter cut-out shapes and a sparly notebook and pen which I forgot to photograph.... d'oh...

These swaps are just as enjoyable to put together as they are to get a surprise parcel sent to you - great fun!

Huge thanks again to Jackie and to Sarah x

BH x

Playing Catch Up...

2011-04-13T08:55:00.015+01:00

Time is truly whizzing by at the moment...it doesn't seem five minutes ago that the curtains were drawn at half five...not that I am complaining - far from it! The recent brighter and longer days and sometimes warmer days have meant getting out and about, something t'other half and myself are much less inclined to do when its a bit grim weather wise. The Saturday before Mothers Day we had a little trip to Blanchland as it was such a nice afternoon (and because t'other half wanted to drive/play with his new car.....) The hotel we stopped off at is called the Lord Crewe which is steeped in history. It's a lovely old stone building which was once part of the Abbey of Blanchland and the hotel itself was originally built as the Abbot’s lodge. The village apparently hasn't changed much in the past 250 years...very pretty and gorgeous surrounding views... Inside the hotel, one of the old fireplaces that's now used as a seating area holds a secret... If you are sat at these seats and look up, this is what you see....the old priests hiding place... We've been there so many times and didn't know it was there until a friend mentioned it recently...the things you find out eh....? It being such a lovely, long sunny day, I got busy in the garden too (eventually) planting a few pots with spring plants to brighten it up and add some long awaited colour... The heathers must've liked the cold winter and warm spring.....never seen it like this before..

On Mothers day we went to my mums for lunch, nanna was there too...mum cooks a rather nice roast dinner I have to say!

I'd baked a chocolate cake and attempted to decorate it with a gadget icing set I found in the depths of my cupboard...it was not idiot proof as it assured me it was on the box, and it did not come out looking like some intricate birds- nest- inspired -swathed- in- buttercream -cradling soft- pastel -dainty -mini -eggs- masterpiece...nope...dinosaur nest monstrosity according to t'other half... It did taste nice though, just the erm, aesthetics that let it down a smidge shall we say...ah well, cant be perfect at everything...

it's also been my birthday since my last post...a day was taken off from work - midweek! ah, it was sooooo worth it, meant I got to spend the day with my family.

I got thoroughly spoilt too...got lots of lovely cards and some fab presents, one of my favourites being this...I've hankered after an oversized cup and saucer for ages!

one or two wedding fair visits have been squeezed in too...one at the Gibside (where I sometimes have a craft stall) and one at St James Park...now that one almost raised a spark of interest in attending from t'other half..

This is at the Gibside...

Loved this table colour scheme... too late to change mine even if I wanted to, but this is pink and green is pretty for a spring wedding I think...

There was the usual abundance of tempting treats to sample whilst wandering about.....

It is the foodie things that I am drawn to, check out these cake favours on sticks...they looked soooo good on their cake stands!

Loved these ones too....such a shame they'd melt in the sun (however...I have a rather special sweet sensation for my wedding too....of course I'll share pics after the happy event!!)

more fab food favours..

Cakes that were just so intricate and detailed....

A foodie treat in the goodie bag from fair number two on Sunday...I saved it to give to t'other half...well I am strictly off the sweet stuff from now on!

One extra special parcel arrived this morning....

Inside was this... more gorgeous than a gorgeous thing....

My wedding ring.....

Not long to wait 'til I'll be blissfully happily wearing it.....YAY!

Have a good night all

BH xx

A Quick Beady Heart

2011-04-04T19:17:00.005+01:00

ooooh, hearts.... my favourite....and a pearly sparkly one to boot...

I made this one a few weeks back from the spoils of the Hobbycraft January sale..what a treasure trove that shopping visit unearthed for the craft stash..

This was a really simple project that only took an hour or so. Take one small box frame, various different coloured card cut into heart shapes of three sizes (cut out using a Cricut in this case) and a pot of the strangest, gloopiest crafty concoction of....

Liquid Beadz..! I had never heard of it before, but at 29p a pot it was worth a try.

Worth it too as it dries beautifully...

a little cut out 'love' embellishment at the bottom finished it off nicely...

Simple but effective...!

BH x

Happy Friday...!

2011-04-01T18:21:00.005+01:00

I have a bit of a thing for the humble lemon....

whether it be sliced and floating around in a long, cool G&T or used in something of the sweet and cakey kind...

This time of year when they are in abundance in Cyprus, the lemon trees are weighted down with fruit and the trees grow everywhere. In groves, gardens and even by the roadsides just like the tree below which was so heavily laden...I had to pick a couple as Cypriot lemons make the BEST G&T's..
ooooh, there's really nothing quite like the fragrance of a freshly picked lemon either...

With tastebuds well and truly tickelised over in Cyprus, a need for something sweet and lemony at home was needed to celebrate the arrival of the weekend. Well after a particularly busy week at work (which also saw the end of the financial year = STRESS!) I thought a treat or two was called for...

I took this magazine over with me to pore over and virtually read the print off from every page... lots of nice little projects and enough to inspire to keep the creative juices bubbling in anticipation...

I couldn't wait to have a go with some baking after I read this little tip....

Accompanied by a simple buttercream recipe to try too...

So armed with some lemons, I predictably embellished the recipe (firstly by deciding to make them up into whoopie pies) and then added lemon juice everywhere....!

I added it to the flour/sugar/egg mixture for the sponge...I added it to the buttercream ingredients for lemony buttercream...and used lemon juice to make the icing up too...

Oh, and I added lemon curd in the centre too, just for good measure....

You could say they are a wee bit on the tangy lemony side!

so treat number two....the next issue of the mag...

A cup of tea, a lemony whoopie and a good read...

And enough lemon left over to float in a G&T (or two) later on...!

Have a lovely Friday evening all

BH x

Sun, Sea, Sand and....Skiing...????

2011-03-23T20:54:00.008Z

Snow in Cyprus! Yes, I'd never believed it either!

If you time it right when visiting the island, you can ski in the morning and partake in watersports at the beach in the afternoon. Cant be that many places where you can do that during your day!

In all the years t'other half and yours truly have been visiting Cyprus, we've never made it to the Troodos before, so this time after hearing there was still snow on the ground in March, we decided to head on up in the morning to hurl a few snowballs and then head to the beach in the afternoon to dip our toes in the sea....

Not what you picture when you think of Cyprus is it?? Beautiful, beautiful scenery....

The snow was on its way out for the season, but a few weeks back it was quite deep by all accounts....there were still random piles left by the ploughs....

Ski club sign in GREEK! Love it.

Still plenty on the ground in the more shaded areas....

One of the many snow piles left over...still doesn't compute with me when it's next to a yellow Cypriot post box!

Another thing associated with cold, snow and cosiness....hot chocolate...never had one over there before - never really been the need! Saying that, I cant say it was cold, t'other half was wandering round in his t-shirt, I had on my scarf and body warmer - just beacuse of the sheer novelty factor...

And here's the ski slope...stood and watched the skiers for ages..... doesn't look too steep on the pics actually... I was banned from having a go as I can fall over my own feet and this close to our wedding it was probably wise to step away from the ski's....

After the trip to the snow, well we just HAD to go to the sea....

Only an hour or so downhill and this is what you are greeted with....there were a few jetskiiers about, but they were too quick to capture by the time I faffed about with the camera...and I was hoping to photograph skiers of both sorts!

it was lovely walking around the harbour in the sunshine (I did take off the scarf and body warmer by this point...), we dont go there very often especially round by the fort as the timeshare touts (or holiday club touts as they are now) well they just plain annoy me....as soon as they spot a couple you dont get left alone and its a pain....

Well this is something that I never thought would be seen on my blog - we ended up having snackages at the Golden Arches....however...I really recommend a Greek Mac!! Pitta bread and tzatziki are the difference and rather delish too! (yes, I also succumbed to a Flurry...an Oreo one..)

As Golden Arches go, this has to be one of the better views from one....

ah, lovin' it....

in fact...

I really do, and I wish I was back there still!

BH x

Lovely Bubbly....

2011-03-21T18:35:00.005Z

ooooh.....sunshine and warmth...absolute bliss

I was starting to wonder what it would feel like to be able to discard the winter woollies and enjoy heat without the need of a fire or central heating.... it just feels sooooo long since last summer and the feel of the sun on my face...

a week away with unseasonably warm Cypriot weather hit the spot perfectly....

an ideal opportunity to sit here in the sun and get on with a few crafty bits for the wedding...

I bought these at home and took them over with me......

Added a bow around the bottle neck in Tiff Blue.....

Played about with one that had leaked ever so slightly .... any excuse to play with bubbles really....

Once they had their smart bows on, I thought a little something extra was still needed....

a teensy sparkle underneath the bow.... which caught the sun and shone and appealled to my inner magpie no end...

One little job all done and dusted.....

I wish all my crafty bits could be done sat there, but for now its back home to warmth from the central heating and fire....

Oh, and the woollies are on again too!!!

Have a good evening all

BH x

Only Meeeee.........

2011-03-19T15:14:00.003Z

Hello all,

Hope you are having a good weekend so far.

I am in Cyprus at the mo, and with limited tinterweb so I will post the many, many posts I have accumulated as soon as I get back home (and have a good old blogworld catch up too).

In the meantime, a sun lounger and a G&T is a calling methinks....!

Lotsa love,

BH x

Shrove Tuesday

2011-03-08T22:04:00.005Z

As it is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, I've thought about what to give up for Lent and decided on lovely chocolate...

I know it'll be hard and there'll be more than a bit of temptation but I am determined...!

Again in keeping with tradition, I made pancakes for tea. I always do ours savoury, more of a roast beef wrap....they're sooooo nice served with roast tatties on the side....

I normally make them from scratch, but tonight I was short of time so Aunt Bessie and a whole load of packets came to the rescue...

The reason I was pressed for time was that I managed to make something other than wedding bits - yay!

This frame is a recent CS buy, ripe for an overhall....

A clean and polish and the addition of pretty background fabric, lettering cutouts courtesy of the Cricut machine and a few sparkly gems, it then transforms into a lovely addition for a little girls bedroom....

Lots of sparkles in matching pastel colours for a bit of bling...

lettering cut out of dark pink sparkle card stood out nicely against the paler pinks of the background card...

Nothing like breathing some life into something that'd be otherwise unused...

Hope a good Pancake Day was had by all,

BH x

Spring....???????

2011-03-06T18:52:00.003Z

You think Spring has sprung?? Today certainly felt like it....

The little daffs by the front door have decided to come out of hiding and bask in the warmth...

Because the big yellow ball in the sky decided to SHINE...!

I flung open the kitchen window, put the radio on, put the Sunday roast and a lemon cake in the oven and then sat outside yes, outside... (albeit in a thick fleece and scarf) and did a bit of crafty stuff...

I have three, yes only THREE envelopes left to finish for the wedding invitations and then they're all done - woo-hoo! Then it's only the gift favours, order of the day cards, thank you notes, the seating plan and a few other little bits and bobs to make...wish me luck...

Good job there's an abundance of Bank Holidays over Easter this year...going to need them methinks...

Being such a lovely afternoon, and after a whopper of a Sunday lunch, t'other half and yours truly headed off to the Hopper Mausoleum for a bit of a walk and to burn off some of those calories...

The last time we were here it was in the depth of winter and under the thickest blanket of snow, but so picturesque...

The snowdrops there this time were the blooming variety, lots and lots of clumps dotted all about the churchyard....

It was deceptively cold though, that clear blue and the rarely seen yellow ball in the sky made you think it was lovely and warm, but there's still a bit more than a hint of wintry bite in the air especially when in the shade.

A walk along the dam at the Derwent reservoir was next - oof, did that blow away the cobwebs...I think my hands actually froze...ok, maybe just felt like it...

Late afternoon, late winter and the lovely pastel hue the sky at this time of year creates...relaxing and peaceful...just what's needed on a Sunday....

A perfect Sunday afternoon.....

And the cake....????

Went down a treat with a cup of tea in front of the fire on our return!

Have a great week all

BH x

A Visit to the Wedding Fair...

2011-02-27T18:56:00.007Z

Today I visited a wedding fair in Newcastle. Today made me ever so slightly aware that I am still behind schedule with things and need to get going again and she's just the person to give me a prod to get a move on.

The main aim for today was to find a bridesmaid dress, or at least some inspiration for one, and with the help of a marvellous little brochure, I think I have found a few options, so may have a result there....yippeee ....

I didn't really know what to expect at the fair today but there was a fashion show with some lovely dresses, luckily I didn't see any I would prefer to mine. There were stalls filled with ideas for Hen nights (one involved clay pigeon shooting...hmmm....not too sure 'bout that one...more spa day methinks...) table centrepieces, balloons and of course cakes....

This large cupcake caught my eye....

as did the standard size cupcakes on display....yes, I did partake in a wee sample of the 'mini' taster cupcakes....and the mini whoopee pies too - loved that idea! I was also quite taken with the mini iced doughnut rings decorated with glitter....because they sparkled....and were doughnuts...and were miniature....

This was a 'wedding cake cheeseboard' made from layers of different cheeses, and the fruit basket is decorated with heart shaped cheeses on sticks....a bit difficult to get over to Cyprus in hand luggage though...

Years ago I used to collect masquerade masks, none in the collection were as beautiful as these though...

It was great for ideas today, the main one I picked up was for the design of the table plan I want to make, nothing too fussy, just nice and simple using the colour of the wedding and the kind of embellishments I used on the invitations....it will be a nice keepsake from the day to display...

These invitations used the font I chose for mine, Scriptina...a few guests have asked if I'd hand written the invites myself as the font is a lovely flowing a calligraphy style...

This large gilt frame was used as a board to pin notes to for the bride and groom instead of in a 'guest book'...in the pic above you can just see some trailing strings of crystals, these were adorning a 'tree' on which you hung a tag with your messages written on...I liked that idea.....the tree sparkled lots so that'll be why......

The floral centrepieces were very striking and so stylish, I particularly liked the lime and fuschia tall tower...very unusual...

so much food for thought today, and so much food whilst thinking...well it aided concentration...

(I'm never going to fit into that frock...!)

Have a good week

BH x

Cakey Desperation....

2011-02-20T19:37:00.004Z

Its sunday evening, you've had one too many sherry's the night before (and still feeling a bit delicate), you're sat catching up on your tinterblogs and what do you read?....not one post....not two posts....but THREE dishing up photo after photo, recipe after recipe of gorgeous chocolate brownie cakey goodness.....

dilemma....shops are well and truly shut....you now need cake....mums house is too far away.....still need cake....nothing in the fridge nice and cakey and you're getting desperate....you cant be bothered to even consider making anything from scratch....and then you have it....light bulb moment....Betty Crocker in the back of the cupboard!!! Yippeee....can just about muster enough enthusiasm for a packet situation and raise the energy to add eggs water oil and switch on mixer and chuck into oven....

checking the destructions on the box (trust me, in my case they are destructions) more decisions...30-35 mins for a cake size...15-30 mins for large muffins...or hey ho bingo...8-12 mins for small fairy cakes....I can wait THAT long cant I...???

the result......

they hit the spot perfectly....if only I'd made them bigger I may not have eaten so many and saved some WW points....

you think it works that way??..... :)

Have a good week all,

BH x

Bloggy Love Swap

2011-02-14T20:11:00.004Z

I LOVE swaps!

This was a particularly great swap, great swap buddy, great swap topic and FAB swap goodies...!

I was lucky to be paired with Jackie from Sew Special Bears who sent me the most gorgeous parcel of goodies...

Check out the collage - click to enlarge for extra detail

In the parcel was:

Heart confetti - so many ideas whirring on uses for this
Heart pattern mug - fab!
Heart hanger in lovely burgundy and cream - even more fab
Heart wire photo holder - GORGEOUS
Clipboard with sparkles and ribbon galore - such a great idea, cant wait to try making one of my own
Organza bag with heart keyring/bag charm - so delicate and pretty
Valentines napkins - will use these for some decoupage - perfect!
Choccies! I admit they did not last long!
Last but by no means least, an extremely thoughtful wedding frame - heart shaped with sparkly crystals! SO me!

I am so touched by Jackies kindness and thoughtfulness - thank you SO Much Jackie, I LOVE everything!

I know Jackie has received her parcel from me, so below is what I sent her:

I tried to incorporate bits and bobs on a theme that she mentioned she liked - cupcakes - so I really enjoyed making things and putting it together as I love cupcakes too - who doesn't!!

Finally, I hope you all have had a lovely St Valentines Day,

Love

BH x

Colour!!!

2011-02-09T19:39:00.003Z

There has been so much rain since the weekend, its absolutley poured it down, it meant a lovely rainbow falling onto the fields between pourdowns though... and what a welcome sight to see a hint of blue sky and that multi-coloured arch...

It's so nice to see some colour for a change, rainbows, bulbs springing into life, a general brightness that's appearing amid these slightly longer days....these lovely pink plants caught my eye in a florists in Worcester because of the way they were displayed, love the brown paper and rustic crates....would've been a nightmare to carry home so will just have to keep a beady eye out a bit more locally for one...

A trip to Worcester just isn't complete without a stop off at the gorgeous fabric shop...bought this fab patchwork (a cheat - its printed but with some seams sewn over will make it more 'real looking) going to make a few little colourful projects with it...some for me, some for my stall...

Couldn't resist this good enough to eat cupcake fabric either, this'll make lovely bunting for the spring....

And I couldn't not have this cake, it LEAPT into my basket...somewhat charmed by the packaging I admit...well I did go for a swim so that must have burned off a few calories ....there, all the justification indeed....!

It was worth it...even if I did overspend on my WW points because of it...!

Have a good week all

BH x

Fire and Ice...

2011-01-30T19:59:00.006Z

This week has been so busy, I've not had time to make anything other than invitations - and oh, how I've underestimated that task....!

At least there's been a bit more daylight to enjoy, it is so noticeable now and I cant wait for summer, for some warmth that doesn't come from central heating or the fire would be very nice thank you. Feels like I'm running a serious risk of vitamin D deficiency at the moment so bring on the sun...

The other morning was incredibly cold again but bright, I at first thought it must've snowed again as it was so light...it was actually the moon, so big, low and bright in the sky...

Watched the huge moon slowly sink behind the horizon...

Got in the car and the windscreen told just how cold it was, frozen into this icy pattern...

Later on there was the most orangey, fiery sunset across the same fields...

Fire and ice....both ends of the spectrum in one day...

Have a good week

BH x

Getting a Move On....

2011-01-23T17:11:00.008Z

Reality has set in this week and it has meant I have had to 'light the proverbial fire' behind me and get a shufty on with...The Wedding!!!

I have happily been surfing and saving images of inspiring bits and bobs over recent months, and stored them to use when I'll need them....thing is, time is not just marching on, but sprinting and the realisation has hit that I should get started.....and I need them now!

All the important stuff is sorted, such as the venue and my dress, and we know who is booked up and coming over (luckily), so just the minor detail of the actual invitations to get sent out! (nothing like doing it back to front)

There's only a few sites that supply a similar kind of invitation that I've had my eye on, mainly in the States, so after lots of surfing and not finding exactly what I fancied, I thought - I'm craftified, I'll do them myself!'

So I am in the midst of ribbons, card, glue dots and sparkly bits....

I have a kind of theme, nothing OTT as I'm always of the thought that less is more.....

but you've got have to have just a teensy bit of sparkle....

There are a multitude of sites out there with fonts of all styles and themes, and I've chosen a classic calligraphy style...

This is a sneaky peek of the 'practice' invite... Not got the proper 'hammer' effect paper yet - collect that tomorrow - and the special envelopes haven't arrived yet either, but I'll share all when they're posted out (just in case someone reads this who's going, I dont want to spoil the surprise!).

I've not bought one single bridal magazine as I think they can make you feel pressured into having the perfect wedding, and ours is going to be more of a party and much less formal, and for that alone I am soo looking forward to it. I did find the excerpt below on a website which really made me laugh as well as wish that my further education had been in physics....

'If using an inner and outer envelope, stuff everything in the inner envelope first. This inner envelope should then go inside the outer envelope with the writing on the inner envelope facing the back flap of the outer envelope.'

Simples....?????? erm, nope

Next to do is choose cupcake wrappers.....one of the HUGE bonuses of getting married abroad is the fact it's all sorted in one go (almost) which leaves just the really nice stuff to concentrate on!

Hmmmm.....blue and plain....???

or white and not plain......???

Strangely I really fancy a bit of cake now....

best not though....I've a frock to fit into...

Have a great week all

BH x