The warmer weather at the start of the week was so misleading. It made me think that soon my (often) sleeveless clothing wouldn’t be a problem. Alas the cold wind still cuts.
I bought two belt this week from charity shops. I have belts in my wardrobe but they don’t fit (i.e. they are much too big. I keep thinking that I should fine some way of making them fit better, but what I really need to do is add the to my charity shop bag. The thing that really inspired me to buy them (not Michelle Obama, honestly) was seeing an old Levi denim shirt I have in my wardrobe on a vintage clothing site selling for £40! It had a big belt around it and I loved the look and hope I can make it work on me.
I’ve spent a bit of time working on a Mod outfit for Saturday night’s Mods and Rockers party. I found a Lambretta shirt in a charity shop and I’m using it to add a bit to the bottom of a black tunic/dress and make it decent! Photographs may follow!
Friday
Black leggings, black vest, green knitted dress, black and green necklace, black boots.
Saturday
Black suit with small stripes, blue ‘guild of militant, anarchist warrior librarians’ t-shirt, black double buckle DM shoes.
Sunday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, black vest, black Indian cotton top
Monday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, bleach stained black tshirt, sarong worn as turban (hair dyeing clothes).
Old jeans, black vest, chunky sage green belted cardigan.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Green patterned wrap dress, white vest, brown boots.
Wednesday
Mens jeans, white vest, lavender cardigan, black buckle boots,.
Thursday
Black v neck t-shirt, emerald green cardigan, black and white flower skirt, black leggings, brown buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
*Unexpected produce – I just love it when I stumble across some potatoes on my allotment that have been unharvested, survived the winter and are ready for eating. Or garlic. Or spinach. Well, you get the picture.
*Making lists – Making a job list always makes me feel good. Even if I don’t get round to doing the stuff on it for ages, the very act of making one and I suppose planning for the future makes me feel good. Clearly the increased light levels have woken me up and I’m writing down all kinds of things to do.
*Realising that practice is all – and that most of practice is taking a risk and getting it wrong and trying and getting it wrong again. And even if you think you’ve got it there’s always more to learn.
*Treating myself – I arrived somewhere very early for a meeting the other day and usually would have wandered around trying to kill the time. Instead I went into some lovely tea rooms, was greeted by a very nice smiley man and had a pot of Earl Grey and banana. So I arrived at my appointment (a) on time and (b) feeling refreshed. The cost? £1.50. why aren’t I nicer to myself like this more often?
Also: Twice baked potatoes, making decisions and deciding the world won’t fall apart if I don’t do something, sunny days, postcrossing, sewing inspiration, putting loose change into bags and taking it to the bank.
*Making lists – Making a job list always makes me feel good. Even if I don’t get round to doing the stuff on it for ages, the very act of making one and I suppose planning for the future makes me feel good. Clearly the increased light levels have woken me up and I’m writing down all kinds of things to do.
*Realising that practice is all – and that most of practice is taking a risk and getting it wrong and trying and getting it wrong again. And even if you think you’ve got it there’s always more to learn.
*Treating myself – I arrived somewhere very early for a meeting the other day and usually would have wandered around trying to kill the time. Instead I went into some lovely tea rooms, was greeted by a very nice smiley man and had a pot of Earl Grey and banana. So I arrived at my appointment (a) on time and (b) feeling refreshed. The cost? £1.50. why aren’t I nicer to myself like this more often?
Also: Twice baked potatoes, making decisions and deciding the world won’t fall apart if I don’t do something, sunny days, postcrossing, sewing inspiration, putting loose change into bags and taking it to the bank.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
What's in my lunch box this week?
Following last week's selection of foods that seemed to feature an above average amoputn of peanut butter here's the choice for new week:
(Clockwise from top right)
Tofu fish stick (from The Vegan lunch box - only I used frozen tofu whoch looked freakily like fish when I was dipping it in the mix)
Pear
Polenta fries (from The Vegan lunch box - do not make this when you are (a) tired from working and marathon training, (b) have just worn self our further bashing lumps out of white sauce and (c) without following the instructions for ratio between Polenta and water). They should be more fry shaped but they tate delicious anyway!
White cabbage, spring onions and radishes with a hint of rice wine vinegar.
Breakfast has been a bit varied this week as I was able to eat at home for two mornings and there are enough left overs in the fridge to provide me with variety. Likewise I find myself having a number of afternon appointments which distract me from the need to nibble midafternoon.
Expect something sushi like next week - I've got all the bits in the apntry jsut waiting for me to use them.
Friday, March 13, 2009
What I wore 6th - 12th March 2009
I have a dream that one day (a) there will be more hours in the day and (b) I will actually post some photographs to go with this list!
Meanwhile I'm still on the hunt for the perfect Mods/rockers outfit. My parents were very helpful and I've got Quadrophonia to watch tonight. The only snag I find with fancy dress parties is an urge to them incorporate the outfit into my daily life.
Friday
White cupcake eater tshirt, fuzzy green cardigan, mens jeans, brown boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Black lame leggings, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, black lace up boots, black velvet jacket, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old lounging trousers, bleach stained black tshirt, sarong worn as turban (hair dyeing clothes).
Blue pyjama trousers, love 2 sleep top and waffle robe
Monday
Black lame leggings, grey dress (newly converted from an old pair of trousers), black buckle boots, green and black necklace.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Black and white floral skirt, black t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
Green velvet jacket, black leggings, short black skirt, grey v neck t-shirt, black buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Meanwhile I'm still on the hunt for the perfect Mods/rockers outfit. My parents were very helpful and I've got Quadrophonia to watch tonight. The only snag I find with fancy dress parties is an urge to them incorporate the outfit into my daily life.
Friday
White cupcake eater tshirt, fuzzy green cardigan, mens jeans, brown boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Black lame leggings, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, black lace up boots, black velvet jacket, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old lounging trousers, bleach stained black tshirt, sarong worn as turban (hair dyeing clothes).
Blue pyjama trousers, love 2 sleep top and waffle robe
Monday
Black lame leggings, grey dress (newly converted from an old pair of trousers), black buckle boots, green and black necklace.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Black and white floral skirt, black t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
Green velvet jacket, black leggings, short black skirt, grey v neck t-shirt, black buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Things I love Thursday
Growing stuff – Things seem to be going quite well on my allotment. I’m doing good on preparing the ground, the spinach and celery survived the winter and I got my first lot of potatoes in the ground last week. Today I bough Raspberry canes from the market. I love raspberries and have been meaning to grow some for years so I was so pleased have purchased these. Also looking forward to laying out my seed packets and sorting out planting plan.
Lamé leggings – I bought a pair of these from American Apparel in December because my Grandma gave me some £ and wanted me to treat myself. I’ve worn them previously in a non-noticeable way as pretty much as replacement tights. Last weekend I wore them with my grey woolly pillow case top and black buckle boots and felt totally rock and roll. I’ve been doing enough exercise to justify showing off my legs after all.
Purple sprouting Broccoli – I’ve had this in my lunch box every day this week and think it is so yummy.
Vegan cheese on crackers spread with vegan mayo – Holland and Barrett had a three for two on vegan cheese which means I’ve been eating loads of this high fat stuff. I’ve been justifying it to myself that I need it to off set the broccoli and moonwalk training! The offer is now over so I might start restraining my urges for this delicious combo.
Honourable mentions: Tapas with friends, packed lunches, reading the original book the film/tv show was based on, keeping a good average time per mile while walking, cooking leftovers, a possible date for the UK Lady bloggers meet up, rearranging furniture.
Right I'm off to read other TILTs across the web
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What's in my lunchbox this week?
Here we have my lunch (clockwise from top right):
Tiny tub of sesame peanut butter sauce (mix peanut butter, soy sauce, seasame oil) and two dark chocolate hearts
Pear
Steamed Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Quinoa with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
Beneath the lunchbox are:
A tub of peanut butter and jelly bars - just like the mixed berry one I made the other week only with peanut butter and grape jelly in the middle. These came out a bit firmer than the previous ones; it must be all the sugar binding them together. They remind me of Pop Tarts!
Caraway scones - these came out very light and make a nice mid afternoon snack.
Monday, March 09, 2009
For my next trick I will change a pair of trousers into a dress
Stomp, stomp, think, think
One of the advantages of the training I am currently doing in preparation for the Moonwalk marathon in May is plenty of time to think. Saturday morning’s ten miles was spent thinking mainly about my new sewing projects. Hence on my return I was all ready to get started.
I had three pairs of grey trousers that had worn away in various places. My usual thoughts would be to turn these into long skirts but I was in the mood for something different. Two of the pairs were a light summer fabric and I’ve gotten a little tired of my usual summer uniform of long linen skirt, t shirt and cardigan or light jacket. Instead I plan to turn all three pairs into dresses.
The first pair are a heavy flannel fabric that I made myself. The great thing about these is that they had no real waist band; the top had just been turned over and hemmed. I ripped the inner leg seams, took out the side zip and ripped a similar gap in the other side seam. Then on my mannequin I pinned the sides of waist band together on each shoulder and pinned the inner leg seams back together. A quick stitch across the shoulders and down the back and front and I was pretty much done. The only other thing was to create a v shaped neck by ripping out part of the seam running down the front and folding it back on either side. I ran up a simple tie belt with some spare fabric to give the thing some shape. Next time I really must take some photographs to illustrate my efforts.
I’m now working on a pair of dark grey linen/cotton trousers with an unusual weave. I paid a pittance for these on New Look some years back not realising a0 the waist is strangely high and b) the fabric is very delicate. They have a really wide waist band. I removed this and am thinking of simply hemming the bottom of it and using it as a belt. The remaining fabric will probably get a similar treatment to the first pair of trousers.
This might have to go on hold for while though as I need to make a costume for a Mods and Rockers party in a few weeks. I’m a bit uncertain about what to wear. I think that as I tend towards a casual (OK scruffy) look that rocker would be better, but my Internet research seems to suggest that female rockers simply didn’t exist! I do have an old black cotton mini dress (I’m assuming it was intended as a dress although I tend to wear it as a top) that I could extend to make it slightly decent, but I’m not sure about shoes…
Any suggestions are very, very welcome.
One of the advantages of the training I am currently doing in preparation for the Moonwalk marathon in May is plenty of time to think. Saturday morning’s ten miles was spent thinking mainly about my new sewing projects. Hence on my return I was all ready to get started.
I had three pairs of grey trousers that had worn away in various places. My usual thoughts would be to turn these into long skirts but I was in the mood for something different. Two of the pairs were a light summer fabric and I’ve gotten a little tired of my usual summer uniform of long linen skirt, t shirt and cardigan or light jacket. Instead I plan to turn all three pairs into dresses.
The first pair are a heavy flannel fabric that I made myself. The great thing about these is that they had no real waist band; the top had just been turned over and hemmed. I ripped the inner leg seams, took out the side zip and ripped a similar gap in the other side seam. Then on my mannequin I pinned the sides of waist band together on each shoulder and pinned the inner leg seams back together. A quick stitch across the shoulders and down the back and front and I was pretty much done. The only other thing was to create a v shaped neck by ripping out part of the seam running down the front and folding it back on either side. I ran up a simple tie belt with some spare fabric to give the thing some shape. Next time I really must take some photographs to illustrate my efforts.
I’m now working on a pair of dark grey linen/cotton trousers with an unusual weave. I paid a pittance for these on New Look some years back not realising a0 the waist is strangely high and b) the fabric is very delicate. They have a really wide waist band. I removed this and am thinking of simply hemming the bottom of it and using it as a belt. The remaining fabric will probably get a similar treatment to the first pair of trousers.
This might have to go on hold for while though as I need to make a costume for a Mods and Rockers party in a few weeks. I’m a bit uncertain about what to wear. I think that as I tend towards a casual (OK scruffy) look that rocker would be better, but my Internet research seems to suggest that female rockers simply didn’t exist! I do have an old black cotton mini dress (I’m assuming it was intended as a dress although I tend to wear it as a top) that I could extend to make it slightly decent, but I’m not sure about shoes…
Any suggestions are very, very welcome.
Friday, March 06, 2009
What I wore 27th– 5th March 2009
I’ve been delivering lots of training this week and yesterday there was a big launch event at work so dressing in a relatively smart way has been a must. Jeans really were not an option. It looks like next week might be heading in similar direction.
Actually this has been an exceptional week smart wise, for the first time ever I actually took two minutes to iron a top before going to work. The fabric is stretch but it’s a heavy stretch cotton and it just creases so beautifully.
Friday
Grey v necked tshirt, bottle green velvet jacket, black tights, short black skirt, black boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, refashioned ‘crowning your beautiful life’ t shirt, grey shrug, brown boots, black velvet jacket, green and gold scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, black vest, sage green chunky cardigan.
Monday
Black lame leggings, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots, green and gold scarf.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Grey skirt, grey pillowcase top, green velvet jacket, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
Black and white floral skirt, black t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
Fitted suit jacket with floral weave in fabric, green galaxy top, long black fitted skirt, black tights, black lace up boots, green and black necklace.
Old jeans, white vest, sage green chunky cardigan.
Actually this has been an exceptional week smart wise, for the first time ever I actually took two minutes to iron a top before going to work. The fabric is stretch but it’s a heavy stretch cotton and it just creases so beautifully.
Friday
Grey v necked tshirt, bottle green velvet jacket, black tights, short black skirt, black boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, refashioned ‘crowning your beautiful life’ t shirt, grey shrug, brown boots, black velvet jacket, green and gold scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, black vest, sage green chunky cardigan.
Monday
Black lame leggings, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots, green and gold scarf.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Grey skirt, grey pillowcase top, green velvet jacket, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
Black and white floral skirt, black t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
Fitted suit jacket with floral weave in fabric, green galaxy top, long black fitted skirt, black tights, black lace up boots, green and black necklace.
Old jeans, white vest, sage green chunky cardigan.
Things I Love Friday
Yesterday was totally crazy so here are thing I love Friday and you know what doing something on a different day is fun. I love routine but change is fun too!
*The Heroin Diaries soundtrack – I loved the book and finally got round to buying this amazing CD last week. It all sounds so good, but my favourite track has got to be Life is beautiful – an early runner for song of the year.
*The end of an busy week – being busy is better than not and it’s great to be able to look back and think of all you’ve done.
*Booking V tickets – It only took half an hour and I’d set up the thing with the right card and so we’re going - yipee.
Also: the sound of fingers on guitar strings, the prospect of a day at the Vitality show, this fascinating piece of research, three for two vegan cheese, home made scones, a nip in the air, blue skies, the colour green.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
What's in my lunchbox this week?
This week I have:
(clockwise from top right)
Carrot sticks
Cheezy chickpeas (cooked chickpeas baked up with oil, nutritional yeast, chillies and salt), green tea pumpkin seeds and melon seeds
Apple
Scattered sushi (sushi rice cooked and mixed with vinegar and salt topped with spicy kale from a sachet I found lurking in the pantry)
I so love looking in the pantry and thinking 'I will use that up this week' rather than 'I'd better save that - it's too good for me to eat'. I've gotten rid of that attitude with clothes so why do I do it with food sometimes???
Monday, March 02, 2009
What's for breakfast?
Ok, it's a terrible photograph, but just try and over look that. On one side are sun dried tomato scones and looking slightly paler and just in front are plain scones. These are going to be breakfast and mid afternoon snack this week. The recipe is from Rose Elliot's Vegan Feast and they are so quick to make I'm wondering why I haven't done it before.
The plain ones are fine but I think the recipe is better with some 'bit' in the mix. There's so little in it (flour, water, baking powder and tiny amount of margarine) that it needs a bit of substance.
They've done the job today providing me with breakfast and stopping me from going on a junk food hunt mid afternoon!
Friday, February 27, 2009
What I wore 20th– 26th February 2009
I seem to have a renewed interest in wearing shorter skirts after years of favouring ankle length. Maybe I’m having a mid-life crisis and this is my equivalent of a bloke wearing skin tights jeans before buying a sports car. Of course, I don’t have beer gut hanging over my skirt so maybe it’s just that the temperature is warning up just a little and spring is in the air.
Lots of black making an appearance this week too. Is my inner goth returning or am I trying to blend in?
The next issue is what to wear to the pub to watch the rugby on Saturday? I’m assuming that Ireland will play in green (based on some kind of broad cultural association of green and Ireland rather than any knowledge of rugby or Ireland’s choice of sporting colours). Avoiding green will be a bit of pain given that it’s a wardrobe staple. Perhaps I can adopt Ireland for the day or wear one of the two red items in my wardrobe?
Friday
Refashioned green army top, black tights, short black skirt, black boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, t shirt with grey dragon print, emerald green cardigan, brown boots, black velvet jacket, multicoloured knit scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, refashioned green army top, brown boots.
Monday
Black leggings, black and white striped shirt, black knitted dress, black buckle boots.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, white v neck tshirt, fuzzy green cardigan, brown buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Wednesday
Green knitted dress, black vest, black leggings, black buckle boots.
Thursday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown buckle boots, green and black necklace.
Lots of black making an appearance this week too. Is my inner goth returning or am I trying to blend in?
The next issue is what to wear to the pub to watch the rugby on Saturday? I’m assuming that Ireland will play in green (based on some kind of broad cultural association of green and Ireland rather than any knowledge of rugby or Ireland’s choice of sporting colours). Avoiding green will be a bit of pain given that it’s a wardrobe staple. Perhaps I can adopt Ireland for the day or wear one of the two red items in my wardrobe?
Friday
Refashioned green army top, black tights, short black skirt, black boots.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, t shirt with grey dragon print, emerald green cardigan, brown boots, black velvet jacket, multicoloured knit scarf.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, refashioned green army top, brown boots.
Monday
Black leggings, black and white striped shirt, black knitted dress, black buckle boots.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, white v neck tshirt, fuzzy green cardigan, brown buckle boots, black and green necklace.
Wednesday
Green knitted dress, black vest, black leggings, black buckle boots.
Thursday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown buckle boots, green and black necklace.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
Marmite – I had been worrying myself about my B12 consumption after reading a couple of articles about it recently. Hence I was thrilled while checking the label of a marmite jar to discover that it has loads of B12. Yea! Another excuse for loads of marmite on toast.
*UKLadybloggers – Vixel at sparkleandglitter had the great idea of getting female bloggers in the UK together for a meet up and things have swiftly developed to become this ning group. I’ve already discovered new blogs as a result and I must leave more comments.
*Having your blog commented on – I love comments and I was really thrilled when Alison from Brocante home (whose blogs I’ve read for several years) not only visited my blog but left a comment.
Also: speculating on the missing bottle mystery, bruschetta, the possibility of a new blog, musing on possible names for a new blog, surplus make up, Jasper Fforde books, enthusiasm, alter egos.
*UKLadybloggers – Vixel at sparkleandglitter had the great idea of getting female bloggers in the UK together for a meet up and things have swiftly developed to become this ning group. I’ve already discovered new blogs as a result and I must leave more comments.
*Having your blog commented on – I love comments and I was really thrilled when Alison from Brocante home (whose blogs I’ve read for several years) not only visited my blog but left a comment.
Also: speculating on the missing bottle mystery, bruschetta, the possibility of a new blog, musing on possible names for a new blog, surplus make up, Jasper Fforde books, enthusiasm, alter egos.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Breakfast inspired by Mimi
I was debating what to make for breakfast this week when I came across this post from Mimi at Little sips of tea. Inspired I turned to Srah Kramer's cookbooks and uncovered not one but two similar recipes; one of which used fozen fruit. So my last tub of frozen raspberries and blackberries from the summer was used to create this breakfast delight. Puttting the frozen fruit between two layers of oaty pastry really brings out the texture and the flavour. I'll be sorry when it's gone...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What's in my lunchbox this week?
This week I have:
(clockwise from top right)
Fried Gluten mock 'chicken'
Kiwi fruit and chili chocolate penguin
Soba Noodles
Brussel sprouts
The gluten came in can. I popped in in the oven, dubious looking juices and all for a bit. After 15 minutes or so I added some BBQ sauce and a big sploge of some ancient pepper and tomato salad dressing that has been in the fridge for ever and shoved it back in until it looked a bit dried out on the top. It's very yummy indeed and I'm afraid that it might not last the week.
Additionally the kiwi will turn into an apple in a couple of days as I've only a few left from those I treated myself to last week.
Friday, February 20, 2009
What I wore 13th– 19th February 2009
I had a number of workshops and meeting this week which although I could dress casually for I didn’t want to. Clothes present an image and can be used as a tool of power. Alas smart clothing is something I shy away from. It’s uncomfortable and needs ironing so out came the wrap dresses. The temperature also seems to be going up slightly which is making layers of clothing really important.
I also have to really plan ahead. I’m doing 4+ mile walks at least two mornings a week so I take the clothes and shoes to work the day before so I don’t have to carry them. It often means wearing a fleece jacket home over something that doesn’t really go with it so I either need to plan better or live with it.
Friday
Mens jeans, white Harley Davidson vest, short sleeved white blouse, chunky sage green cardigan, brown boots, multi coloured knit scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, Crowning your beautiful life tshirt, grey shrug, brown boots.
Sunday
Green Alice Cooper tshirt, black zip neck jumper, old jeans and walking boots (for mud splattered walk), mens jeans and brown boots (for less messy activities like Chinese buffet lunch and doing sudoku).
Monday
Leggings, long grey skirt, refashioned blue guild of radical militant librarians t shirt, green velvet jacket, brown boots.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Black leggings, black and white flowers skirt, black v neck t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown buckle boots, spider necklace, black rubber bracelets.
Wednesday
Green wrap dress, white vest, black leggings, brown boots.
Thursday
Exercise clothes
Black leggings, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown buckle boots.
I also have to really plan ahead. I’m doing 4+ mile walks at least two mornings a week so I take the clothes and shoes to work the day before so I don’t have to carry them. It often means wearing a fleece jacket home over something that doesn’t really go with it so I either need to plan better or live with it.
Friday
Mens jeans, white Harley Davidson vest, short sleeved white blouse, chunky sage green cardigan, brown boots, multi coloured knit scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, Crowning your beautiful life tshirt, grey shrug, brown boots.
Sunday
Green Alice Cooper tshirt, black zip neck jumper, old jeans and walking boots (for mud splattered walk), mens jeans and brown boots (for less messy activities like Chinese buffet lunch and doing sudoku).
Monday
Leggings, long grey skirt, refashioned blue guild of radical militant librarians t shirt, green velvet jacket, brown boots.
Tuesday
Exercise clothes
Black leggings, black and white flowers skirt, black v neck t shirt, emerald green cardigan, brown buckle boots, spider necklace, black rubber bracelets.
Wednesday
Green wrap dress, white vest, black leggings, brown boots.
Thursday
Exercise clothes
Black leggings, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown buckle boots.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
^An amazing weekend – Two old friends visited Dear Heart and I for the weekend and we had the most fabulous time talking, eating Chinese buffet, enjoying a long walk and laughing. Highlight had to be the four of us attempting to play ‘Love for Sale’ on various instruments late on Saturday night.
^Exercise – I’m training for the Moonwalk so my usual schedule of a couple of walks a week has been stepped up. I feel great as a result of all the exercise though. Hello endorphins!
^My Dear Heart – I’ve been well looked after this week. I had beautiful valentine roses (they smell amazing). Dear Heart hasn’t been at work this week so I’m arriving home every day to find the kettle on, washing up done and dinner on the way.
Also: Deep fried chilli tofu, red wine, cold beer, learning to play bass in 50 songs, green tea, the idea of sleep, connections, the possibility of Spring.
^Exercise – I’m training for the Moonwalk so my usual schedule of a couple of walks a week has been stepped up. I feel great as a result of all the exercise though. Hello endorphins!
^My Dear Heart – I’ve been well looked after this week. I had beautiful valentine roses (they smell amazing). Dear Heart hasn’t been at work this week so I’m arriving home every day to find the kettle on, washing up done and dinner on the way.
Also: Deep fried chilli tofu, red wine, cold beer, learning to play bass in 50 songs, green tea, the idea of sleep, connections, the possibility of Spring.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What's in my lunchbox this week?
My lunch plans this week in all honesty have not been flowing as smoothly as usual. We had lovely people visiting at the weekend which distracted slightly because I much preferred hanging out with them to lunch prep. I also knew that I was going out for lunch on Monday so there was no sense of urgency.
Then last night Dear Heart’s sister came over and I got all distracted once again! I cooked up these carrot spirals which stuck to the baking sheet. I couldn’t make up my mind with what to put in the other sections so I think we might see some changes in the fourth box as the week goes on.
Breakfast hasn’t been planned well either. Let’s say that green lentils will be the basis of the first meal of the day this week. This is because I cooked up a load on Sunday to make the lentil burger recipe from How it all vegan. These turned out quite well and the leftovers have served well as breakfast between two pieces of bread with some vegan mayo.
However the lentils I didn’t turn into burger I put in tub. Then for some reason I put the tub into the freezer. So rather then being able to whip up a lentil loaf or more burgers last night I ended up with chunk of frozen lentils in a loaf tin. I did stir some spinach pesto in (having chunks of this in the freezer has provided so many quick meal solutions) and it tasted pretty good. Maybe this is a new way for me to use lentils. A kind of baked lentil salad?
So in the box this week:
Box 1 Apple Box 4 Cashews and green tea pumpkin seeds
Box 2 Carrot spirals Box 4 Kiwi fruit
Oh and lunch on Monday (tofu, noodles, chilli oil) was divine as was the company.
Friday, February 13, 2009
What I wore 6th– 12th February 2009
Having worked through my repair and rework pile over the weekend I didn’t actually get around to trying most of it on to see what outfits the items worked with. So morning have been a bit frantic as I try to work out what goes together and still attempt to make the bus on time. This meant that I ended up wearing three black items on Wednesday none of which were the same shade. Dressing like that always reminds me of when I really did wear just black all the time.
Friday
Black leggings, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots, multi coloured knit scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, black fine net vest, Crowning your beautiful life tshirt, grey shrug.
Sunday
Old jeans, grey v neck jumper.
Monday
Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, ‘tooth’ necklace, brown boots.
Tuesday
Grey wrap cardigan top, turquoise vest, Mens jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
Black trousers, green ‘army’ shirt, sleeveless black knitted dress, black buckle boots.
Thursday
Leggings, long grey skirt, white icing cupcake eater t shirt, green fuzzy cardigan, brown boots.
Friday
Black leggings, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots, multi coloured knit scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, black fine net vest, Crowning your beautiful life tshirt, grey shrug.
Sunday
Old jeans, grey v neck jumper.
Monday
Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, ‘tooth’ necklace, brown boots.
Tuesday
Grey wrap cardigan top, turquoise vest, Mens jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
Black trousers, green ‘army’ shirt, sleeveless black knitted dress, black buckle boots.
Thursday
Leggings, long grey skirt, white icing cupcake eater t shirt, green fuzzy cardigan, brown boots.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
^Askingfortrouble on Etsy – I bought the most adorable cards for Valentine’s Day. In fact I actually bought two because I just couldn’t make my mind up which one I loved most.
^New cupcake recipe - I tried a new recipe for cupcakes out last night from La dolce Vegan. It made the most amazing cupcakes which rose really well and it didn’t need the electric whisk or want margarine and sugar creaming together. I’ll ice the beauties tonight. I did put loads of baking powder in. This made things rather amusing when I tried the raw mixture and was initially alarmed that it was a bit fizzy!
^Visits from friends – Two chums are visiting at the weekend which I am very excited about and I’ve got lunch with another couple of pals to look forward to on Monday.
^BBQ seitan – I bought a couple of cans of fried seitan mock chicken/duck stuff during a Chinese supermarket binge just before Christmas. I’ve been trying to work out how it would be best to prepare it. A little Internet research and I popped it in the oven with the aim of crisping it up. Which it didn’t but I did stir in some BBQ sauce and throw it back in for bit. Then serve hot on brown bread spread with vegan mayo for a BBQ seitan sandwich. Just needs a beer to go with it for the perfect dinner!
Also: Kilo tubs of peanut butter, mushroom muffins, making progress on the sewing pile, walking, buckwheat, Seven, aching finger tips, being cryptic, Henna, walking on ice, smiling and knowing that people wonder why, Motley Crue playing Download.
^New cupcake recipe - I tried a new recipe for cupcakes out last night from La dolce Vegan. It made the most amazing cupcakes which rose really well and it didn’t need the electric whisk or want margarine and sugar creaming together. I’ll ice the beauties tonight. I did put loads of baking powder in. This made things rather amusing when I tried the raw mixture and was initially alarmed that it was a bit fizzy!
^Visits from friends – Two chums are visiting at the weekend which I am very excited about and I’ve got lunch with another couple of pals to look forward to on Monday.
^BBQ seitan – I bought a couple of cans of fried seitan mock chicken/duck stuff during a Chinese supermarket binge just before Christmas. I’ve been trying to work out how it would be best to prepare it. A little Internet research and I popped it in the oven with the aim of crisping it up. Which it didn’t but I did stir in some BBQ sauce and throw it back in for bit. Then serve hot on brown bread spread with vegan mayo for a BBQ seitan sandwich. Just needs a beer to go with it for the perfect dinner!
Also: Kilo tubs of peanut butter, mushroom muffins, making progress on the sewing pile, walking, buckwheat, Seven, aching finger tips, being cryptic, Henna, walking on ice, smiling and knowing that people wonder why, Motley Crue playing Download.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What's in my lunchbox this week
If I'm going to list what I wear why not what I eat!
I I tend to make up a batch of food on Sunday and eat it (or some kind of variation on it) for the rest of the week. I'm still getting to grips with portion sizes in the laptop lunchbox. So although I'm probably eating more reasonable portion sizes (instead of eating the lot in two sitting or making a tiny portion last all week) I'm still getting used to how much food it takes to fill the various tubs. I think I'm definitely eating a more balanced lunch though.
So here we have:
raw carrots
pears (these and apples are about the only UK grown fruit that is in season)
mix of brown rice and Buckwheat – Never tried Buckwheat before but it was reduced so I bought some and I’m finding it very good.
Chickpea and spinach curry – I fried some spring onions, added a very ancient Indian Oxo cube, cooked chickpea and spinach from the freezer. It’s not very spicy but totally yum.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Walking, sewing and muffin making
What an excellent weekend
I got to experience the great outdoors on my usual Saturday walk. I was once again really thankful that I had walking boots as the snow was still quite heavy on some parts of the path. It did put a bit of time on my walk though. I’m training for the Moonwalk and really hope the snow is gone before I get to doing the longer training walks.
Following the great cardboard clear out, I got stuck into my makes, repairs and upfashions pile. I made a present bag for my Dad with a representation of the Tardis on it. He’s a big Doctor Who fan and one of his presents is related to this so it seemed appropriate. I even remembered I had a K9 brooch tucked away so I dug it out to include. Alas I forgot to take a photograph so I can’t display my handiwork here.
I repaired a skirt and a pair of leggings and altered an Icing t-shirt and an army surplus top to fit. I think I might be getting to grips with bust darts. Just doing the work on these garments has cleared part of my study. I now have two paper carrier bags of projects rather than an untidy heap. I’ve decided that I like to have my next project set up on the dress model immediately after I finish the current one. In this case it’s a pair of grey trousers that are destined to become a dress.
My search for an excellent breakfast has continued and I was totally inspired this time. I bought mushrooms for this weekend but for various reasons we didn’t end up using them. I thought about how I might incorporate them into breakfast thinking about some kind of pate and then I had the eureka moment. Savoury muffins! I did a quick google search and found a recipe. I then almost totally ignored it using my usual vegan muffin recipe and adding sun dried tomatoes. The only thing that I took from the recipe was frying the mushrooms first and adding herbs. These are totally delicious and will be making regular appearance on my breakfast menu. I’m now thinking of other vegetable combinations I could use.
Have splendid week and try not to worry too much – it’s only life
I got to experience the great outdoors on my usual Saturday walk. I was once again really thankful that I had walking boots as the snow was still quite heavy on some parts of the path. It did put a bit of time on my walk though. I’m training for the Moonwalk and really hope the snow is gone before I get to doing the longer training walks.
Following the great cardboard clear out, I got stuck into my makes, repairs and upfashions pile. I made a present bag for my Dad with a representation of the Tardis on it. He’s a big Doctor Who fan and one of his presents is related to this so it seemed appropriate. I even remembered I had a K9 brooch tucked away so I dug it out to include. Alas I forgot to take a photograph so I can’t display my handiwork here.
I repaired a skirt and a pair of leggings and altered an Icing t-shirt and an army surplus top to fit. I think I might be getting to grips with bust darts. Just doing the work on these garments has cleared part of my study. I now have two paper carrier bags of projects rather than an untidy heap. I’ve decided that I like to have my next project set up on the dress model immediately after I finish the current one. In this case it’s a pair of grey trousers that are destined to become a dress.
My search for an excellent breakfast has continued and I was totally inspired this time. I bought mushrooms for this weekend but for various reasons we didn’t end up using them. I thought about how I might incorporate them into breakfast thinking about some kind of pate and then I had the eureka moment. Savoury muffins! I did a quick google search and found a recipe. I then almost totally ignored it using my usual vegan muffin recipe and adding sun dried tomatoes. The only thing that I took from the recipe was frying the mushrooms first and adding herbs. These are totally delicious and will be making regular appearance on my breakfast menu. I’m now thinking of other vegetable combinations I could use.
Have splendid week and try not to worry too much – it’s only life
Friday, February 06, 2009
What I wore 30th January – 5th February 2009
I have actually been going to work in my walking boots and changing my shoes when I get there. I’ve also been wearing a fleece/waterproof combination and not caring that my handbag looks stupid with it. I’ve obviously reached the age where I want to dress appropriately for snow more than I want to look together. Bag lady as clothing inspiration can’t be far away!
Friday
Wet look legging, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots
Saturday
Exercise clothes (added hat and scarf for extra warmth).
Old jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper tshirt.
Sunday
Allotment clothes (plus a vest and a waterproof and leggings under my jogging trousers)
Old jeans, black vest top, grey v neck jumper.
Monday
Skinny jeans, white vest, green patterned wrap dress, several layers of socks, walking boots.
Tuesday
Grey wrap cardigan top, turquoise vest, Mens jeans, brown boots and walking boots when outside.
Wednesday
Mens jeans, white long sleeved v neck t shirt, fuzzy green cardigan, brown boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Skinny jeans, green ‘army’ shirt, sleeveless black knitted dress, brown boots.
Friday
Wet look legging, turquoise vest, grey knitted dress, black buckle boots
Saturday
Exercise clothes (added hat and scarf for extra warmth).
Old jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper tshirt.
Sunday
Allotment clothes (plus a vest and a waterproof and leggings under my jogging trousers)
Old jeans, black vest top, grey v neck jumper.
Monday
Skinny jeans, white vest, green patterned wrap dress, several layers of socks, walking boots.
Tuesday
Grey wrap cardigan top, turquoise vest, Mens jeans, brown boots and walking boots when outside.
Wednesday
Mens jeans, white long sleeved v neck t shirt, fuzzy green cardigan, brown boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Skinny jeans, green ‘army’ shirt, sleeveless black knitted dress, brown boots.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
- Walking boots – Given the heavy ice and snow I’ve worn these every single day for the last week. My feet feel warm in them. I feel properly dressed for the season and don’t have to suffer wet feet at my desk. I love having the correct stuff for the job.
- Refried beans – In my lunchbox this week. They are so easy to make and taste so good I can’t believe I haven’t made them for so long.
- Clearing out – I hoard cardboard and packaging materials to use during my periodic bursts of activity on eBay. Every so often I look at my study and despair at the clutter. So I cleared out a load of card, reorganised the boxes of stuff and went through the sewing projects I have lined up. One day the stash will be used and the clutter will be gone.
- Choose to reuse Tuesdays- My desk in a pretty big building and on the first Tuesday of the month a swap table runs in one of the public areas. You can take anyway anything there but have to leave something in exchange. This week I took a load of stuff that I had cleared out and got a black zip up hooded top. Just the thing for walking when it’s too warm for a fleece but not warm enough for just a t shirt.
- Buying CDs – Not only did the shop have money off almost everything, the dude at the counter engaged me in a discussion about the musical development of Alice Cooper.
- Doe Deer – I love this blog anyway but I was really taken with 7 steps to a marvellous day and Dressing for your age. The article showing different ages on one model has reminded me to dress young if the urge takes me, and it probably will.
- Fresh sheets on the bed, snow days, cute stuff the cat does, being on top of the washing, peanut butter and marmite, sleep.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Challenges and discoveries
It always worries me when a blog vanishes as anotherlittleblog did this week. And the writer’s former blog Pixie-kisses is gone too. I do hope that all is well and it’s just some kind of computer related glitch. On the other hand I have discovered the vintage kitten who has inspired me to think about introducing a Friday cocktail hour. Do visit this site if you have an interest in things vintage or glittery!
As much as I like the thought of a cocktail to kick off Friday evening I’m not sure planning to increase consumption of alcohol on a regular basis was quite what the icing transformation challenge had in mind.
However, I’m not taking part in the itc this time as such. I’ve decided that I will read what others are doing for the itc as a source of inspiration. I’m also planning on using the itc as a way to deal with my breakfast dilemma. Rather than wallowing in ‘I don’t know what to eat’ misery, I’ve decided to take a practical approach. I’m still keen on using up what I have in the cupboard and really it takes a very small amount of effort for me to prepare something extra when I do my usual lunches preparation on Sunday.
My plans for this week had been to make the Fruit and Nut bars from the Vegan lunchbox book. Alas I discovered that I didn’t have most of the ingredients but I did have the making for muffins including some Blackberries that I picked in the autumn and froze. What is frozen fruit for if not for perking up things at the start of February? I also noticed that I had six different types of flour lurking in the pantry. That’s just too many at one time so the barley flour got to go into the mix too.
So despite the heavy snow I’ve been enjoying Blackberry and Almond barley muffins for breakfast every day. I just need inspiration to strike for next week breakfast dish now.
As much as I like the thought of a cocktail to kick off Friday evening I’m not sure planning to increase consumption of alcohol on a regular basis was quite what the icing transformation challenge had in mind.
However, I’m not taking part in the itc this time as such. I’ve decided that I will read what others are doing for the itc as a source of inspiration. I’m also planning on using the itc as a way to deal with my breakfast dilemma. Rather than wallowing in ‘I don’t know what to eat’ misery, I’ve decided to take a practical approach. I’m still keen on using up what I have in the cupboard and really it takes a very small amount of effort for me to prepare something extra when I do my usual lunches preparation on Sunday.
My plans for this week had been to make the Fruit and Nut bars from the Vegan lunchbox book. Alas I discovered that I didn’t have most of the ingredients but I did have the making for muffins including some Blackberries that I picked in the autumn and froze. What is frozen fruit for if not for perking up things at the start of February? I also noticed that I had six different types of flour lurking in the pantry. That’s just too many at one time so the barley flour got to go into the mix too.
So despite the heavy snow I’ve been enjoying Blackberry and Almond barley muffins for breakfast every day. I just need inspiration to strike for next week breakfast dish now.
Friday, January 30, 2009
What I wore 23rd – 29th January 2009
Friday
- Grey trousers, white t shirt, green velvet jacket, brown boots, black and green necklace.
- Black leggings, black hooded long sleeved dress
Saturday
- Exercise clothes.
- Brown boots, mens jeans, Refashioned ‘crowning your beautiful life’ t-shirt, green jewel and ribbon necklace, black velvet jacket, sequin beret .
Sunday
- Allotment clothes
- Old jeans, ancient red jumper, sleeveless red top.
Monday
- Skinny jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown boots.
Tuesday
- Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, ‘shark tooth’ necklace, brown boots
Wednesday
- Mens jeans, white long sleeved v neck t shirt, fuzzy green cardigan, brown boots.
Thursday
- Grey wrap cardigan, turquoise vest, mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace, multi coloured knitted scarf.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
A new single from MCR – Ok so when my boyfriend first told me he’d heard it on Zane Lowe’s show we got majorly excited and thought it was a whole new album and then found out it wasn't. But after checking it out and discovering it’s from the Watchmen film my excitement has returned because I love graphic novels.
Sleep – I have been sleeping so well and having the most amazing dreams
Going to the O2 with my sister – the band was NKOTB, but I was happy to be there because it made my sister happy. We also met up with some old friends and Dear Heart’s sister dropped by with a chum for a drink.
Corey Feldman – I watched The Lost Boys: the tribe the other night. It was pretty dreadful but the saving grace was Corey Feldman as Edgar Frog.
Other stuff- finding stories in music, reading loads of amazing crime fiction, planning what to eat for lunch using store cupboard and freezer ingredients, Pears, not wanting to buy stuff.
Remember delight in the small stuff!
Monday, January 26, 2009
What’s for breakfast?
I love having a routine. I also love reading about other people’s routines, menu, bag contents and so on. So last week I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gala Darling’s post on how to have a fabulous routine.
My morning routine has actually become even easier with my laptop lunchbox. Mornings for me go something like this:
Alarm rings, get up, stumble down stairs while belting dressing gown, feed cat, put kettle to boil, brush teeth, make pot of tea, open front door for cat, shower, dress, collect handbag from study, throw food into laptop lunchbox while slurping tea, put contact lenses in, bid farewell to Dear Heart, put on shoes, exit house to get bus.
I then do a sudoku puzzle and apply my make up on the bus.
The snag I have hit is over what to eat for Breakfast. I don’t want to stop and eat before leaving the house unless it’s something that I can eat while throwing food into boxes. And quite frankly if it’s that easy to eat I’d rather eat it in a more leisurely fashion when I get to work!
I’ve tried various things over the years: Home made muffins, porridge, home made muesli, a concoction of carrots, lemon juice, honey and oats, watercress/cucumber sandwiches.
I don’t eat very much bread and I’m not very excited about the though of making toast at work every day. It would mean either taking bread to work or keeping a separate loaf at work, plus I’d need the stuff to go on it. I don’t really like cereal very much and find that I never finish a carton of Soya milk on cereal before it goes off. Fruit is fine but there’s not much in season at this time of year plus I think that some carbs or proteins to go with it would be helpful.
Today I had some dried apricots and nuts because I was stuck for ideas.
Maybe I could make up a batch of scrambled tofu and freeze in breakfast sized chunks? Or make up some kind of vegan breakfast muffin? Or make and freeze pancakes? I did find some breakfast idea over at fatfreevegan and like the tofu quiches
What I need are a couple of ideas that I can fall back on even when I’m pushed for time and if that means that I need to make stuff up in advance so be it – it’s all part of having an effective routine. Any suggestions?
My morning routine has actually become even easier with my laptop lunchbox. Mornings for me go something like this:
Alarm rings, get up, stumble down stairs while belting dressing gown, feed cat, put kettle to boil, brush teeth, make pot of tea, open front door for cat, shower, dress, collect handbag from study, throw food into laptop lunchbox while slurping tea, put contact lenses in, bid farewell to Dear Heart, put on shoes, exit house to get bus.
I then do a sudoku puzzle and apply my make up on the bus.
The snag I have hit is over what to eat for Breakfast. I don’t want to stop and eat before leaving the house unless it’s something that I can eat while throwing food into boxes. And quite frankly if it’s that easy to eat I’d rather eat it in a more leisurely fashion when I get to work!
I’ve tried various things over the years: Home made muffins, porridge, home made muesli, a concoction of carrots, lemon juice, honey and oats, watercress/cucumber sandwiches.
I don’t eat very much bread and I’m not very excited about the though of making toast at work every day. It would mean either taking bread to work or keeping a separate loaf at work, plus I’d need the stuff to go on it. I don’t really like cereal very much and find that I never finish a carton of Soya milk on cereal before it goes off. Fruit is fine but there’s not much in season at this time of year plus I think that some carbs or proteins to go with it would be helpful.
Today I had some dried apricots and nuts because I was stuck for ideas.
Maybe I could make up a batch of scrambled tofu and freeze in breakfast sized chunks? Or make up some kind of vegan breakfast muffin? Or make and freeze pancakes? I did find some breakfast idea over at fatfreevegan and like the tofu quiches
What I need are a couple of ideas that I can fall back on even when I’m pushed for time and if that means that I need to make stuff up in advance so be it – it’s all part of having an effective routine. Any suggestions?
Friday, January 23, 2009
What I wore 16th – 23rd January 2009
Either I’m getting the hang of dressing for winter or the weather is slightly warmer! Tomorrow night I’m going to see NKOTB with my sister. I must emphasis that I’m only there to stop here storming the stage with excitement or carry her home if she faints from excitement! I’m still trying to decide what to wear and this has got me thinking back to when I saw them in 1990. What did I wear then? I remember taking huge banner that said ‘don’t leave your bodies to science – give them to us’. I also recall that the power went out in the area just as the concert started so we had to go home and come back another day. Maybe my mum has some photographs from the time to jog my memory.
Friday
Skinny jeans, white vest under green patterned wrap dress, brown boots. Also wore my jumper capelet at work as I was cold!
Saturday
Exercise clothes.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, sleeveless red top.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, cream jumper, grey ribbed jumper.
Monday
Mens jeans, emerald green cardigan, black mini dress top, brown boots, green and black necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Tuesday
Black skirt suit, black and cream striped blouse, long stretchy black boots, small silver brooch, black scarf, long charcoal coat (funeral wear)
Black leggings, black hooded, long sleeved dress, black buckle boots.
Wednesday
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, brown boots, shark tooth necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Skinny jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown boots, green jumper capelet fastened with purple brooch.
Friday
Skinny jeans, white vest under green patterned wrap dress, brown boots. Also wore my jumper capelet at work as I was cold!
Saturday
Exercise clothes.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, sleeveless red top.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, cream jumper, grey ribbed jumper.
Monday
Mens jeans, emerald green cardigan, black mini dress top, brown boots, green and black necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Tuesday
Black skirt suit, black and cream striped blouse, long stretchy black boots, small silver brooch, black scarf, long charcoal coat (funeral wear)
Black leggings, black hooded, long sleeved dress, black buckle boots.
Wednesday
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, brown boots, shark tooth necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Skinny jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown boots, green jumper capelet fastened with purple brooch.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
Yea another cool tilt badge from Icing! Here's today's love list:
© Exercise – I got a bit out of the routine of exercising in the lead up to Christmas. It was mix of meetings, weekend commitments, illness and social commitments that lead to it. I’ve been trying very hard to get back into the swing of it again. Not least because my shoulders are aching and that tends to happen when I sit down for too long at a desk each day and don’t do any yoga. So I’m back on form with walks on Saturday and Tuesday, Pilates on Monday and Yoga on Wednesday. I’ve also been doing stretching and small weights in the kitchen while waiting for water to boil. I feel much better for it all.
© Using up stuff – In addition to tendancy to freeze food (particularly soup) that I have no immediate use for I also occasionally have food shopping binges. These tend to revolve around me either having time off work or visiting a health food shop/Chinese supermarket. Naturally I always buy more stuff than really required. So I’m making a point of making my lunches from what I have in the house. This week I’m enjoying pastry spirals that use a think vegetable soup as a filling. Next week I’m going to put the tofu skin (yuba) to use in a BBQ ‘ribs’ recipe. I love seeing cupboards get down to an elegant level of supplies and know that I’ve made good use of the excess.
© New bass strings – after my initial misgivings they sound great and I’m so proud of myself for getting the stringing and tuning sorted.
© The godfather – I finally got around to seeing this film and I can now totally understand why it’s considered to be such a classic film. I’m going to watch parts 2 and 3 over the next few weeks. I’m seeing mafia references in everything at present!
© Cups of tea – I love tea and am rarely know to turn down a cup but for some reason this week tea tastes even better than normal. I just can’t get enough of it.
Have divine week ahead and remember it's the small things that make life bearable.
Friday, January 16, 2009
What I wore 9th – 15th January 2009
I feel that I am breaking away from hibernation over Christmas (where my what to wear dilemma was solved by putting a dressing gown over my PJs). The weather is still cold though and I’ve been wearing scarves inside for warmth as well as ‘style’. The nacklace that I wore on Wednesday my Dad wore in the 70s. I stole it from him the 90s and dug it out again to wearin 2009. It's some kind of metal on a long silver chain. I always thought it was a replica sharks tooth but an Internet search makes it look a bit more like a tiger tooth. Anyway it's long and pointy!
Friday
Black buckle boots, black leggings (worn as tights), knitted emerald green dress, black vest (worn under dress), black and green necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, sleeveless red top.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Black leggings, black hooded, long sleeved dress, slippers from spa day.
Monday
Grey wrap cardigan top, white vest, green cord skirt, black tights, brown boots, green bracelet.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, emerald green cardigan, black mini dress top, brown boots, green and black necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Wednesday
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, brown boots, 'shark' tooth necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Emerald green vest under grey long sleeved knitted dress, black leggings, black buckle boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Friday
Black buckle boots, black leggings (worn as tights), knitted emerald green dress, black vest (worn under dress), black and green necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Saturday
Exercise clothes.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, sleeveless red top.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Black leggings, black hooded, long sleeved dress, slippers from spa day.
Monday
Grey wrap cardigan top, white vest, green cord skirt, black tights, brown boots, green bracelet.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, emerald green cardigan, black mini dress top, brown boots, green and black necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Wednesday
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, brown boots, 'shark' tooth necklace, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
Emerald green vest under grey long sleeved knitted dress, black leggings, black buckle boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
There seems to be a bit of a food theme this week
Dress forms – I absolutely adore the dress form Dear Heart bought me for Christmas. Saturday I decided to alter my ‘Crowning your beautiful life’ t-shirt. Normally this would take me several hours as I tried to pin the pin the fabric around my self, sewed it and then had to take the dart out and redo. Instead I did it in just over an hour and it looks great. It shows my figure off beautifully. Inspired I’ve started work on a shirt I usually save for funerals. It’s black and white strips with a raised flower pattern between the stripes. I bought it second hand years ago and realised the day after purchase that although it fit fine around the neck and shoulders, the waist had a really funny cut and it just looked awful on me. I’ve worn it hidden under a jacket at formal events ever since. Then I occurred to me that I could take out the current darts (which are in totally the wrong place) and redo them. I pinned the new darts last night while listening to some music. I am still astounded that I take stuff of the dress form and it fits right away. Still trying to decide what to call the form though…
Being sober – for the fourth year in a row I’m on the wagon for January. I’ve had different experiences in different years. Some years I’ve been full of beans. Others I’ve just wanted to sleep for the entire month. This year Sober January is proving to be an energy filled one. I’m enjoying everything so much, even sleeping. If fact I’m getting into activities so much that I don’t want to stop doing them to go onto the next thing.
Laptop lunches – I’ve filled my laptop lunchbox for eight days out of the last nine (I went out for lunch with friends on the ninth day). I am having such fun filling it up. It’s also helping me to ensure that my diet is balanced. I tend to get hung up on one or two food groups and neglect the other. I’m a buzz with ideas about what to fill it with over the next few weeks. Maybe I should post some pictures of my lunches…
Cooking – We cook dinner from scratch most nights. I have a selection of dishes that I cook time and again (although the recipes tend to evolve over time). Generally I find cooking enjoyable, but this week I’ve been really enjoying the process of food preparation. For example, I’ve been taking more care over cutting onions into small pieces (rather than into large chunks). The food has been turning out really well. I don’t know if it’s the break from routine over Christmas or what but I’m getting real kick. And I’ve got a mini exercise/yoga routine I work through in-between task or while water is boiling.
Satsumas – My local deli has 10 Satsumas for 79p and I found myself powerless to resist their bright orange colour. They are deliciously juicy, fit into my laptop lunchbox (cut into quarters) and taste amazing. Sunshine on the tongue. I consider these a one off treat which has made them even more special. I’m planning on buying English apples or pears to enjoy next week.
As ever thank to www.galadarling.com for the inspiration!
Dress forms – I absolutely adore the dress form Dear Heart bought me for Christmas. Saturday I decided to alter my ‘Crowning your beautiful life’ t-shirt. Normally this would take me several hours as I tried to pin the pin the fabric around my self, sewed it and then had to take the dart out and redo. Instead I did it in just over an hour and it looks great. It shows my figure off beautifully. Inspired I’ve started work on a shirt I usually save for funerals. It’s black and white strips with a raised flower pattern between the stripes. I bought it second hand years ago and realised the day after purchase that although it fit fine around the neck and shoulders, the waist had a really funny cut and it just looked awful on me. I’ve worn it hidden under a jacket at formal events ever since. Then I occurred to me that I could take out the current darts (which are in totally the wrong place) and redo them. I pinned the new darts last night while listening to some music. I am still astounded that I take stuff of the dress form and it fits right away. Still trying to decide what to call the form though…
Being sober – for the fourth year in a row I’m on the wagon for January. I’ve had different experiences in different years. Some years I’ve been full of beans. Others I’ve just wanted to sleep for the entire month. This year Sober January is proving to be an energy filled one. I’m enjoying everything so much, even sleeping. If fact I’m getting into activities so much that I don’t want to stop doing them to go onto the next thing.
Laptop lunches – I’ve filled my laptop lunchbox for eight days out of the last nine (I went out for lunch with friends on the ninth day). I am having such fun filling it up. It’s also helping me to ensure that my diet is balanced. I tend to get hung up on one or two food groups and neglect the other. I’m a buzz with ideas about what to fill it with over the next few weeks. Maybe I should post some pictures of my lunches…
Cooking – We cook dinner from scratch most nights. I have a selection of dishes that I cook time and again (although the recipes tend to evolve over time). Generally I find cooking enjoyable, but this week I’ve been really enjoying the process of food preparation. For example, I’ve been taking more care over cutting onions into small pieces (rather than into large chunks). The food has been turning out really well. I don’t know if it’s the break from routine over Christmas or what but I’m getting real kick. And I’ve got a mini exercise/yoga routine I work through in-between task or while water is boiling.
Satsumas – My local deli has 10 Satsumas for 79p and I found myself powerless to resist their bright orange colour. They are deliciously juicy, fit into my laptop lunchbox (cut into quarters) and taste amazing. Sunshine on the tongue. I consider these a one off treat which has made them even more special. I’m planning on buying English apples or pears to enjoy next week.
As ever thank to www.galadarling.com for the inspiration!
Monday, January 12, 2009
How to string a bass guitar
On friday night Dear Heart suggested that he teach me how to restring a bass guitar. Given that (a) January is sobriety month so no trip to the pub in the offing, (b) Dear Heart has owned the bass for about five years and has never restrung it and (c) it was something I wanted to learn, I agreed with enthusiasm.
Things went well to start with. Dear Heart demonstrated how to remove the strings. My performance in this area was excellent and I was able to remove three without any damage to the body of the guitar. We cleaned up the fret boards with no problems.
Then we moved onto the tricky bit. Putting new strings on. Dear Heart started with the E string and demonstrated how to thread it into place and wrap it around the machinehead. Then he revealed that the strings would need stretching. A quick demo later and he left me to do the other three while he did some drum practice.
All went well on the A string, but made over confident by my success I broke the D string. After a moment of panic I calmly put the G string into place and then returned to the dilemma of the D string.
It was while trying to discover if I could manage to stretch this string enough to get it to work that it bit me. Yes, the sharp end of the string embedded itself in my thumb and drew blood. I only realised how much it was bleeding when I started wondering what the red stuff on the machine heads and the tuner was.
Obviously if this was a Stephen King novel the guitar would now have a taste for blood (following a curse) and be reading to shred to pieces the fingers of the next unfortunate to play it (sort of like The Red Shoes). Happily this is not a Stephen King novel.
Dear Heart advised putting the old D string back in place and purchasing new strings ASAP. I know understand why he always wants people to buy them for Christmas or birthdays.
So that’s one bass guitar restrung. It really is amazing how different new strings sound.
There’s just one thing that I still want to know. Are there are any crafting activities that reuse guitar strings?
Things went well to start with. Dear Heart demonstrated how to remove the strings. My performance in this area was excellent and I was able to remove three without any damage to the body of the guitar. We cleaned up the fret boards with no problems.
Then we moved onto the tricky bit. Putting new strings on. Dear Heart started with the E string and demonstrated how to thread it into place and wrap it around the machinehead. Then he revealed that the strings would need stretching. A quick demo later and he left me to do the other three while he did some drum practice.
All went well on the A string, but made over confident by my success I broke the D string. After a moment of panic I calmly put the G string into place and then returned to the dilemma of the D string.
It was while trying to discover if I could manage to stretch this string enough to get it to work that it bit me. Yes, the sharp end of the string embedded itself in my thumb and drew blood. I only realised how much it was bleeding when I started wondering what the red stuff on the machine heads and the tuner was.
Obviously if this was a Stephen King novel the guitar would now have a taste for blood (following a curse) and be reading to shred to pieces the fingers of the next unfortunate to play it (sort of like The Red Shoes). Happily this is not a Stephen King novel.
Dear Heart advised putting the old D string back in place and purchasing new strings ASAP. I know understand why he always wants people to buy them for Christmas or birthdays.
So that’s one bass guitar restrung. It really is amazing how different new strings sound.
There’s just one thing that I still want to know. Are there are any crafting activities that reuse guitar strings?
Friday, January 09, 2009
What I wore 2nd – 8th January 2009
This week has been a bit of challenge. Not only have I had to stop wandering around the house in really old jeans and jumper and face the working world, but the temperature has dropped significantly. I also have a strong urge to dress very rock chick. However I’m convinced that all those who dress in such a manner either (a) live somewhere hot, (b) exist in a world where they never actually go outside or (c) are young enough that they think looking good is more important than being warm – hence they don’t notice their skin getting blue tinge. Maybe I’m too old to be a rock chick…
Friday
Mens Jeans, Brown boots, new black ‘crowning your beautiful life’ t-shirt, grey shrug.
Saturday
Exercise clothes with new vegan walking boots and new boot socks.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, green sequin beret.
Monday
Long black dress, chunky sage green cardigan, brown boots.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, emerald green vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Wednesday
Grey trousers, short sleeved black t-shirt with dragon design, black jumper with zip neck, brown boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
White Icing cupcake eater T-shirt, fuzzy green cardigan, black tights, grey blue corduroy skirt, brown boots.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
© The Sawdust Secret – This was a book I loved a kid. Something about a boy who lives with this aunt and uncle or visits their lumber yard a lot. He calls the aunt’s friends ‘The Gingerbread Ladies’ because they are always giving him delicious home cooked cakes, biscuits and gingerbread. Things start to go missing and it turns out that enterprising thief is hiding the stuff in the sawdust bins. I’ve thought about it a lot of the years but just couldn’t recall what it was called. Google searches were no help until now. I’m so pleased that I have found the details of this again. It’s also reminded me that (a) just because it isn’t on the Internet yet doesn’t mean it will never be and (b) keep looking and trying for what you want. One day you might get it.
© Gifts where the thought really does count - I had so many really thoughtful gifts over the festive period. Ones where it is clear that the giver really knows you and has taken the time to organise something very appropriate. A very dear friend arrived at my house with a cute green bag. When I admired it she said it was a present for me. Looking inside I found a laptop lunchbox. She knew that I had wanted on for ages but would not buy one for myself. And she got the green bag for it made just for me! My sister bought me a load of sewing odds and ends including green trimmings(I love anything green) and cupcake shaped pincushion. My parents bought me two Icing t-shirts for my birthday and then made it a theme with a cupcake badge (handmade), charm and card. And big mention to Dear Heart who bought me an adjustable dress form so that I don’t have to keep trying to pin stuff around myself when sewing. I want to alter then necklines on the Icing t-shirts so they will probably be my first project with my new aid. I need to give the form a name and I’m thinking ‘Miss something’. The question is Miss what?
© Getting back into a routine - I didn’t party as much in the approach to Christmas as usual because (a) I am older and more sensible and (b) I was ill with horrible cold that robbed me of my appetite and the urge to anything except hide under a fleece on the sofa. However that’s not to say I didn’t do any celebrating at all over the festive period. When I wasn’t partying I seemed to fall into a state of hibernation. Hence I am thrilled to be feeling much more awake and getting on top of the organised chaos that is my house, my routine and my life. It also means that I’m back to blogging.
© Sequinned green berets – Dear Heart’s family bought me this fabulous knitted beret with sequins. I’m quite taken with wearing it around the house to (a) ward off the arctic temperatures we have been suffering and (b) because it makes doing anything much more fab.
© Lilies – Another present related one. Dear Heart’s mother sent me flowers for my birthday. They have been opening and look gorgeous. There was a stem of closed white lilies which have been slowly opening. They smell amazing – just the thing for January.
© Gifts where the thought really does count - I had so many really thoughtful gifts over the festive period. Ones where it is clear that the giver really knows you and has taken the time to organise something very appropriate. A very dear friend arrived at my house with a cute green bag. When I admired it she said it was a present for me. Looking inside I found a laptop lunchbox. She knew that I had wanted on for ages but would not buy one for myself. And she got the green bag for it made just for me! My sister bought me a load of sewing odds and ends including green trimmings(I love anything green) and cupcake shaped pincushion. My parents bought me two Icing t-shirts for my birthday and then made it a theme with a cupcake badge (handmade), charm and card. And big mention to Dear Heart who bought me an adjustable dress form so that I don’t have to keep trying to pin stuff around myself when sewing. I want to alter then necklines on the Icing t-shirts so they will probably be my first project with my new aid. I need to give the form a name and I’m thinking ‘Miss something’. The question is Miss what?
© Getting back into a routine - I didn’t party as much in the approach to Christmas as usual because (a) I am older and more sensible and (b) I was ill with horrible cold that robbed me of my appetite and the urge to anything except hide under a fleece on the sofa. However that’s not to say I didn’t do any celebrating at all over the festive period. When I wasn’t partying I seemed to fall into a state of hibernation. Hence I am thrilled to be feeling much more awake and getting on top of the organised chaos that is my house, my routine and my life. It also means that I’m back to blogging.
© Sequinned green berets – Dear Heart’s family bought me this fabulous knitted beret with sequins. I’m quite taken with wearing it around the house to (a) ward off the arctic temperatures we have been suffering and (b) because it makes doing anything much more fab.
© Lilies – Another present related one. Dear Heart’s mother sent me flowers for my birthday. They have been opening and look gorgeous. There was a stem of closed white lilies which have been slowly opening. They smell amazing – just the thing for January.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
In the year to come
I’ve tried various approached to new year resolutions over the years, but I’ve never really found one that I was happy with. India knight provided me with the reason in this marvellous piece from The Sunday times .
Basically we change when we are ready and not just because it is the first day of the year. I also think that we need to practice making changes. We try to make a change and fail and then maybe try a dozen times or more before we are ready to actually make the change because by then we’ve found a way to work with it.
So I am not making resolutions this year. Instead I have put below a list of things that I may or may not do this year. Ideas, dreams and maybes. The important thing is that I have written them down so that when I am ready to do something or make a change I already have thoughts about what it could be.
Do the 2009 Moonwalk; Learn how to listen; dress like a rock chick; Grow vegetables; Plant raspberries; Get a tattoo; Learn 10 songs on the bass; Take singing lessons; Refashion rather than buy; Restock my etsy store; Clear out everything from cookbooks to coat pockets to cupboards; Finally get rid of the last boxes that came from my parent’s house; think positive; Do NaNoWriMo; Make a crazy quilt; Adopt an older person; Learn to raise one eyebrow; Comment on more blogs; Book a foraging course; Decide what to do with prettylittleparcels.co.uk; Write more letters; Organise photographs; Buy an album every month; Research my family tree; Take moments to just breathe.
Basically we change when we are ready and not just because it is the first day of the year. I also think that we need to practice making changes. We try to make a change and fail and then maybe try a dozen times or more before we are ready to actually make the change because by then we’ve found a way to work with it.
So I am not making resolutions this year. Instead I have put below a list of things that I may or may not do this year. Ideas, dreams and maybes. The important thing is that I have written them down so that when I am ready to do something or make a change I already have thoughts about what it could be.
Do the 2009 Moonwalk; Learn how to listen; dress like a rock chick; Grow vegetables; Plant raspberries; Get a tattoo; Learn 10 songs on the bass; Take singing lessons; Refashion rather than buy; Restock my etsy store; Clear out everything from cookbooks to coat pockets to cupboards; Finally get rid of the last boxes that came from my parent’s house; think positive; Do NaNoWriMo; Make a crazy quilt; Adopt an older person; Learn to raise one eyebrow; Comment on more blogs; Book a foraging course; Decide what to do with prettylittleparcels.co.uk; Write more letters; Organise photographs; Buy an album every month; Research my family tree; Take moments to just breathe.
Monday, January 05, 2009
My 2008 review
Food
Continued with my allotment and got a great crop of beans, courgettes, potatoes, spinach, peas and celery. Continued to work at eating vegan diet. Did lunch swaps with a couple of girls at work and blogged about it. Got a vegan lunchbox as a Christmas gift from a wonderful friend. Tried lots of vegetables. Tried new recipes – some were better than others.
Music
Saw Bon Jovi and Dragonforce live. Started my A-z music project that involves working my way through the alphabet listening to groups that have passed me by. Tried drumming. Played around with a bass guitar. Discovered the truth about virtual inlays.
Exercise
Took up Pilates. Continued with walks a couple of times a week. Bought my first pair of walking boots (and they were animal friendly).
Clothes
Purchased 10 items
1.Grey and black dress (new)
2.Green shirt (army surplus)
3.Green top (army surplus)
4.Buckle black boots (new and vegan)
5.Lace up black boots (new and vegan)
6.Walking boots (new and vegan)
7. Green mock croc heels (new)
8. Green heels (new)
9 &10. shiny tights (new and they only came in a two pack)
Dear Heart gave me a dressmaker’s model for Christmas.
Blogging
Started adding more photographs to my blog and discovered the joys of mobile blogging. Started using Twitter. Reading loads of fabulous blogs on a very regular basis. Inspired by Icing started tilt posts.
Other stuff
Took part in NaNoWriMo and completed 50000 word novel. Served mulled wine at town fireworks. Went on spa day. Stayed sober in January. Went to the theatre twice. Hennaed my hair with success. Did a great broadcast on local radio. Set up an Etsy store.
Continued with my allotment and got a great crop of beans, courgettes, potatoes, spinach, peas and celery. Continued to work at eating vegan diet. Did lunch swaps with a couple of girls at work and blogged about it. Got a vegan lunchbox as a Christmas gift from a wonderful friend. Tried lots of vegetables. Tried new recipes – some were better than others.
Music
Saw Bon Jovi and Dragonforce live. Started my A-z music project that involves working my way through the alphabet listening to groups that have passed me by. Tried drumming. Played around with a bass guitar. Discovered the truth about virtual inlays.
Exercise
Took up Pilates. Continued with walks a couple of times a week. Bought my first pair of walking boots (and they were animal friendly).
Clothes
Purchased 10 items
1.Grey and black dress (new)
2.Green shirt (army surplus)
3.Green top (army surplus)
4.Buckle black boots (new and vegan)
5.Lace up black boots (new and vegan)
6.Walking boots (new and vegan)
7. Green mock croc heels (new)
8. Green heels (new)
9 &10. shiny tights (new and they only came in a two pack)
Dear Heart gave me a dressmaker’s model for Christmas.
Blogging
Started adding more photographs to my blog and discovered the joys of mobile blogging. Started using Twitter. Reading loads of fabulous blogs on a very regular basis. Inspired by Icing started tilt posts.
Other stuff
Took part in NaNoWriMo and completed 50000 word novel. Served mulled wine at town fireworks. Went on spa day. Stayed sober in January. Went to the theatre twice. Hennaed my hair with success. Did a great broadcast on local radio. Set up an Etsy store.
Friday, December 19, 2008
What I wore 12th – 18th December 2008
What is it about this time of year? I can go all year buying only three items of clothing and then December appears and in addition to my planned purchase of boots I find I need some green shoes to make any of my party dresses work! Clearly I spend far too much of the other 11 months of the years in very casual clothes. On the plus side at least I haven’t wasted weeks planning my outfits – I’m just soo laid back about such things these days.
Friday
Black leggings, new black buckle boots, emerald green vest worn under long sleeved grey knitted dress, black and green necklace.
I swapped the knitted dress for a lighter grey and black one when I went out to a pub for a hour or two.
Saturday:
Brown boots, skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black rubber bangles.
Sunday
Black leggings, new black buckle boots, emerald green vest worn under long sleeved grey knitted dress
Monday
Skinny jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown boots.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, white vest, grey wrap cardigan, black DM boots.
Wednesday
Mens jeans, green jumper, brown boots.
Black swimsuit, white robe and slipper (spa day)
Thursday
Black dress, green cardigan, black leggings, green and black necklace, new lace up black boots.
Friday
Black leggings, new black buckle boots, emerald green vest worn under long sleeved grey knitted dress, black and green necklace.
I swapped the knitted dress for a lighter grey and black one when I went out to a pub for a hour or two.
Saturday:
Brown boots, skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black rubber bangles.
Sunday
Black leggings, new black buckle boots, emerald green vest worn under long sleeved grey knitted dress
Monday
Skinny jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, brown boots.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, white vest, grey wrap cardigan, black DM boots.
Wednesday
Mens jeans, green jumper, brown boots.
Black swimsuit, white robe and slipper (spa day)
Thursday
Black dress, green cardigan, black leggings, green and black necklace, new lace up black boots.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Things I Love Thursday
Spa days – One of my dearest friends was bought a spa day by her husband for her 30th birthday. He was sweet enough to say that he thought she would enjoy it more with some company and invited myself and another chum to accompany her. Despite the dreadful cold I have at present we had a really lovely day. It was so nice to have time to sit and chat with lunch and treatments being the only interruptions. Obviously when she thanked us for joining her we explained what a test of our friendship it had been to have to endure a spa day!
Discovering facials are not as I thought they were – I always imagined that during a facial you would sit in a dentist type chair while someone in a white outfit examined your face under a magnifier and bright light and made mutterings about enlarged pores. Imagine my joy to discover that it more like a massage in a candle lit room while snuggled under towels.
Wet look leggings – I thought I was too old for these but to my astonishment they look pretty cool in a rock chick kind of way. I wanted a pair of wet look jeans when I was about 13 but I never actually got round to visiting the shop that had them. Clearly instead I needed to wait a couple of decades for these amazing things. Expect them to feature heavily in my 2009 wardrobe. My only sadness is that they don't go with my silver sequin dress.
Having a grand weekend with my family – My sister and I did our annual Christmas shopping day and managed to add the weekend on so that we visited our grandparents and parents. Totally different experiences with each group but good fun. I would never otherwise have watched and laughed about The X factor final or have experienced what is in reality a working men’s club.
Discovering facials are not as I thought they were – I always imagined that during a facial you would sit in a dentist type chair while someone in a white outfit examined your face under a magnifier and bright light and made mutterings about enlarged pores. Imagine my joy to discover that it more like a massage in a candle lit room while snuggled under towels.
Wet look leggings – I thought I was too old for these but to my astonishment they look pretty cool in a rock chick kind of way. I wanted a pair of wet look jeans when I was about 13 but I never actually got round to visiting the shop that had them. Clearly instead I needed to wait a couple of decades for these amazing things. Expect them to feature heavily in my 2009 wardrobe. My only sadness is that they don't go with my silver sequin dress.
Having a grand weekend with my family – My sister and I did our annual Christmas shopping day and managed to add the weekend on so that we visited our grandparents and parents. Totally different experiences with each group but good fun. I would never otherwise have watched and laughed about The X factor final or have experienced what is in reality a working men’s club.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What I wore 5th – 11th December 2008
I have been wondering why on earth I post what I wore on a Friday when the day is not yet an end. OK my life isn’t that unpredictable and exciting that I might wear something really wild – but it could be. Hence ‘what I wore this week’ posts will now cover Friday to Thursday. I’m early this week because I’m anticipating busy as well as out and about over the weekend, starting early tomorrow.
Friday
•Black tights, new black buckle boots, black vest worn under long sleeved green knitted dress, black scarf.
Saturday
•New black buckle boots, black tights, grey and black dress, green pendent on green ribbon, long charcoal coat, green and yellow scarf.
Sunday
•Allotment clothes
•Old jeans, long black dress with v nck and hood, green slippers
Monday
•Black leggings, long black dress, green cardigan, new lace up black boots, black and green necklace.
Tuesday
•Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, green wrap dress, white vest, stretchy black boots.
Thursday
•Mens jeans, Feeglespotting tshirt, green cardigan, brown boots.
Friday
•Black tights, new black buckle boots, black vest worn under long sleeved green knitted dress, black scarf.
Saturday
•New black buckle boots, black tights, grey and black dress, green pendent on green ribbon, long charcoal coat, green and yellow scarf.
Sunday
•Allotment clothes
•Old jeans, long black dress with v nck and hood, green slippers
Monday
•Black leggings, long black dress, green cardigan, new lace up black boots, black and green necklace.
Tuesday
•Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, green wrap dress, white vest, stretchy black boots.
Thursday
•Mens jeans, Feeglespotting tshirt, green cardigan, brown boots.
Things I Love Thursday
Finding new blogs – I love finding new blogs and the comments of blogs I already love are a great place to locate them. Last week I discovered casey paper rock and Pixie Kisses. It’s so cool to find out about other people in the world.
Magnificent, seedy wine bars – We went out in London for Dear Heart’s mama to celebrate being 60. Among a load of other tourist type stuff we went to the Gordon’s, a magnificent, Dickensian wine bar (no beer, no spirits – only wine) by embankment tube. My sister took me to this place last year which in all honesty looks like it isn’t open. I love well know n secrets almost as much as I love drinking in dives.
Wrapping stuff for Christmas – I’m almost done with wrapping my presents for Christmas in a mixture of fabric bags, recycled papers bags and, new for this year, cloth wrapping ‘paper’. My gift tags are made from last year’s Christmas cards. I want it all done by my spa day next Wednesday so I can begin to celebrate in earnest. I’d like to comment on the gifts I have bought but don’t want to spoil the surprise for any of my nearest and dearest.
Anticipation of seeing family – My sister and I have our annual Christmas shopping day tomorrow. Who knows which relatives we might hook up with up while out and about???
Fry’s peppermint cream chocolate – since Black and Green is no longer definitely vegan I’m exploring other possibilities. I’ve got some stuff that I’m saving for Christmas (it involves caramel and raspberries) but my treat this week has been the widely available Fry’s peppermint cream. Apart form anything else it takes me back to my childhood.
Apologies for lack of links. Either Blogger is having some kind of non-cooperative hissy fit or my computer is.
Magnificent, seedy wine bars – We went out in London for Dear Heart’s mama to celebrate being 60. Among a load of other tourist type stuff we went to the Gordon’s, a magnificent, Dickensian wine bar (no beer, no spirits – only wine) by embankment tube. My sister took me to this place last year which in all honesty looks like it isn’t open. I love well know n secrets almost as much as I love drinking in dives.
Wrapping stuff for Christmas – I’m almost done with wrapping my presents for Christmas in a mixture of fabric bags, recycled papers bags and, new for this year, cloth wrapping ‘paper’. My gift tags are made from last year’s Christmas cards. I want it all done by my spa day next Wednesday so I can begin to celebrate in earnest. I’d like to comment on the gifts I have bought but don’t want to spoil the surprise for any of my nearest and dearest.
Anticipation of seeing family – My sister and I have our annual Christmas shopping day tomorrow. Who knows which relatives we might hook up with up while out and about???
Fry’s peppermint cream chocolate – since Black and Green is no longer definitely vegan I’m exploring other possibilities. I’ve got some stuff that I’m saving for Christmas (it involves caramel and raspberries) but my treat this week has been the widely available Fry’s peppermint cream. Apart form anything else it takes me back to my childhood.
Apologies for lack of links. Either Blogger is having some kind of non-cooperative hissy fit or my computer is.
Syllables
I’ve never been very comfortable counting syllables. This means that although I love the idea of Japanese Haiku I’ve always been a bit nervous about writing them because it reveals my ignorance of such things.
The competition on Icing asking for a Haiku about a friend has forced me to action though. I’ve read up on how to count syllables and believe that I can now count syllables. Yipee. It’s all to do with the vowel sounds apparently.
My suggestion for you to do today:
Think of something that you want to understand but keep putting off and have quick look at sources of illumination on the Internet. Use wikipedia, an online encyclopaedia or bulletin board. Just answer that craving for knowledge. Believe me, you’ll feel better for it.
The competition on Icing asking for a Haiku about a friend has forced me to action though. I’ve read up on how to count syllables and believe that I can now count syllables. Yipee. It’s all to do with the vowel sounds apparently.
My suggestion for you to do today:
Think of something that you want to understand but keep putting off and have quick look at sources of illumination on the Internet. Use wikipedia, an online encyclopaedia or bulletin board. Just answer that craving for knowledge. Believe me, you’ll feel better for it.
Friday, December 05, 2008
What I wore 29th November – 5th December 2008
I have made a real effort to wear my lovely new boots. I didn’t want to wear them in case they got scratched or something which is so ridiculous. Maybe that’s a point in the favour for second hand gear – it’s already ‘broken in’. I seem to be developing a thing for wearing vests under dresses and tops that goes way beyond my existing pairing of them with wrap dresses/tops.
Saturday
•Walking clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots
Sunday
•Turquoise vest, grey long sleeved knitted dress, black tights, brown boots.
Monday
•Wide grey trousers, emerald green vest, pale green long sleeved top, short black boots.
Tuesday
•Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, long black dress, green cardigan, new lace up black boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top top, grey shrug, spider necklace, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
•
Friday
•Black tights, new black buckle boots, black vest worn under long sleeved green knitted dress, black scarf.
Saturday
•Walking clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots
Sunday
•Turquoise vest, grey long sleeved knitted dress, black tights, brown boots.
Monday
•Wide grey trousers, emerald green vest, pale green long sleeved top, short black boots.
Tuesday
•Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, long black dress, green cardigan, new lace up black boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top top, grey shrug, spider necklace, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
•
Friday
•Black tights, new black buckle boots, black vest worn under long sleeved green knitted dress, black scarf.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Things I Love Thursday
My new boots – I got two new pairs of black boots from Bourgeois Boheme at the Christmas without Cruelty fayre on Sunday. They are fab. Alas I am now nervous about wearing them for the first time. I bought them for every day wear and not a special occasion so why am I procrastinating?
Painting my nails with different shades of green nail varnish – I used to collect green nail varnish and had over fifty different shades of green at one point. I only used to paint my toe nails and one nail on my left hand. Hence the bottles got sued up very slowly. Today I have rediscovered the joys of painting random nails different colours.
Beetroot with chillies – I keep buying bug bags of local veg which of late have included lots of beetroot. I’ve been trying different ways of eating it and discovered that boiled and them sprinkled with dried chillies is my absolute favourite.
Making lists of things to do – Planning what tasks I will carry out over the next few days is a real pleasure. I always feel very happy and energetic when I am planning. The trick is not to get carried away with this feeling and plan more than you will do.
Dark cherry mocha from Starbucks…I love cherry flavoured things and made with soya milk and no crème this is suitable for vegans.
When drunk with friends on a Friday – One of my friends and I went for coffee after work on Friday and it was the nicest thing. It felt so sophisticated and Christmassy. We had the loveliest chat. She also advised asking for one shot more cherry and one shot less mocha.
My hairdresser – I got my hair cut last night by my wonderful hairdresser, Lisa. Hard to believe that two years ago I hadn’t let a pair of scissors near my hair for a decade. My hair has been so good this year. I love the way that Lisa lets my style evolve a little bit each time.
Painting my nails with different shades of green nail varnish – I used to collect green nail varnish and had over fifty different shades of green at one point. I only used to paint my toe nails and one nail on my left hand. Hence the bottles got sued up very slowly. Today I have rediscovered the joys of painting random nails different colours.
Beetroot with chillies – I keep buying bug bags of local veg which of late have included lots of beetroot. I’ve been trying different ways of eating it and discovered that boiled and them sprinkled with dried chillies is my absolute favourite.
Making lists of things to do – Planning what tasks I will carry out over the next few days is a real pleasure. I always feel very happy and energetic when I am planning. The trick is not to get carried away with this feeling and plan more than you will do.
Dark cherry mocha from Starbucks…I love cherry flavoured things and made with soya milk and no crème this is suitable for vegans.
When drunk with friends on a Friday – One of my friends and I went for coffee after work on Friday and it was the nicest thing. It felt so sophisticated and Christmassy. We had the loveliest chat. She also advised asking for one shot more cherry and one shot less mocha.
My hairdresser – I got my hair cut last night by my wonderful hairdresser, Lisa. Hard to believe that two years ago I hadn’t let a pair of scissors near my hair for a decade. My hair has been so good this year. I love the way that Lisa lets my style evolve a little bit each time.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
A patchwork mind
I’ve got all kinds of things going on in my head at present. I’m still finishing the ‘wrapping’ of my Christmas gifts. I’m experimenting with a new design for the drawstring bags that I put gifts in. I’m also trying out an idea about making fabric gift wrap. Hence my study is littered with bits of ribbon and fabric, buttons, beads, sequins and other frippery for decoration. I kept re-arranging it all in boxes or shoving it into cupboards in an effort to keep things tidy and under control.
I think the biggest issue is all the small bits of left over fabric from various projects. Those pieces that are too small to throw but not big enough to do stuff with fill several bags. Sure some of them do for decorating other things. But the quantity is only going to increase with every new project. I’ve begun thinking about patchwork. I’ve done a very small amount of research and discovered that fitting together small randomly shaped pieces is called ‘crazy patchwork’.
I reckon that I have easily enough for a quilt. This would please Dear Heart, who seems like that kind of thing and comes from a family who seem to feel the cold. So I guess that will be one of my 2009 project. Apart from anything else the idea of having some space in my fabric cover really appeals.
Then I’m trying to work out what to wear to a dinner/dance thing the Saturday before Christmas. Dear Heart surprised me on Sunday by showing me an article on Party frocks and suggesting that numbers 1, 6 or 7 would be right for me. I’m thinking of wearing the silver sequined dress that I bought last year. I wore it at new year, but it certainly needs another outing. I just need to decide what to wear it with.
Also there’s birthday presents to sort out, a date for Christmas decorating to schedule and Dear Heart making some kind of final decision over where we are actually going to spend Christmas. Will it snow? How many boxes of frozen party snacks do we need to survive the festive season?
I think I need to chill out a bit. Maybe listen to some festive songs while sitting by the fire.
I think the biggest issue is all the small bits of left over fabric from various projects. Those pieces that are too small to throw but not big enough to do stuff with fill several bags. Sure some of them do for decorating other things. But the quantity is only going to increase with every new project. I’ve begun thinking about patchwork. I’ve done a very small amount of research and discovered that fitting together small randomly shaped pieces is called ‘crazy patchwork’.
I reckon that I have easily enough for a quilt. This would please Dear Heart, who seems like that kind of thing and comes from a family who seem to feel the cold. So I guess that will be one of my 2009 project. Apart from anything else the idea of having some space in my fabric cover really appeals.
Then I’m trying to work out what to wear to a dinner/dance thing the Saturday before Christmas. Dear Heart surprised me on Sunday by showing me an article on Party frocks and suggesting that numbers 1, 6 or 7 would be right for me. I’m thinking of wearing the silver sequined dress that I bought last year. I wore it at new year, but it certainly needs another outing. I just need to decide what to wear it with.
Also there’s birthday presents to sort out, a date for Christmas decorating to schedule and Dear Heart making some kind of final decision over where we are actually going to spend Christmas. Will it snow? How many boxes of frozen party snacks do we need to survive the festive season?
I think I need to chill out a bit. Maybe listen to some festive songs while sitting by the fire.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
It’s Neet
The December issue of N.E.E.T. magazine is online. I don’t buy magazine as a general rule. I subscribe to Easy Living which I’m uncertain about continuing with. When Easy Living first came out I think I probably was right in the middle of their target demographic. It felt like the whole thing had been written just for me. However I don’t always find that I relate quite so well these days. I loved the whole small change, big difference feel of the early issues. I liked the articles about things that I didn’t read elsewhere in glossy magazines like women who made their own clothes or talking about why they still had long/punk/green hair at seventy. There was less celebrity. Lots of articles offering life tips from real women who ran their own businesses. I still think about planning my clothes a week in advance if I know that I will be busy. Or I remember to take food (whoever it was described it as ‘a picnic’) so that I don’t have to eat a pre-packaged sandwich when I could be consuming something delicious.
The thing with Easy Living is that every time I decide that it is no longer for me an issue comes out that seems just right. Anyway I digress, back to NEET.
I think this was the first place I ever came across the phrase ‘upcycle’. This issue had a guide to 2009 – just the place to seek inspiration for what to do with what you’ve already got. I was surprised by the number of UK contributions. So many times I come across something cool and then discover that it’s all about the USA.
To my disgrace (or maybe not) I cannot recall what lead me to N.E.E.T. in the first place. Whoever wrote the blog that led me there – thank you. I shall just enjoy.
The thing with Easy Living is that every time I decide that it is no longer for me an issue comes out that seems just right. Anyway I digress, back to NEET.
I think this was the first place I ever came across the phrase ‘upcycle’. This issue had a guide to 2009 – just the place to seek inspiration for what to do with what you’ve already got. I was surprised by the number of UK contributions. So many times I come across something cool and then discover that it’s all about the USA.
To my disgrace (or maybe not) I cannot recall what lead me to N.E.E.T. in the first place. Whoever wrote the blog that led me there – thank you. I shall just enjoy.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Back to the plot
With my novel completed I’d thought that December would be an easy ride with evenings of putting my feet up and reading with a cup of tea/glass of wine.
However, when I began to idly compile a job list I was amazed by how many things were on it that need to be done in the next two weeks or sooner.
The challenge of writing set number of words everyday didn’t seem that tough at the time. It was just a case of plugging away. I do think though that as the month went on while the writing got easier in some ways, it got more difficult in others. There were plot lines and character names to keep track of. During the final week I knew what I needed to cover to get to the end and found myself trying to pace the action to be covered in the remaining words.
Although it feels strange not to write, I won’t miss waiting for my laptop to boot up and trying to write in between cooking dinner. Final Christmas gift prep, a mound of post, cheques to write and a round of family related stuff have moved to the very top of my list.
I’m trying to apply the main lesson of NaNoWriMo which is that you can get it done, whatever it is. You just need to break it into small portions, make sure you do a portion regularly and keep an eye on milestones and deadlines.
However, when I began to idly compile a job list I was amazed by how many things were on it that need to be done in the next two weeks or sooner.
The challenge of writing set number of words everyday didn’t seem that tough at the time. It was just a case of plugging away. I do think though that as the month went on while the writing got easier in some ways, it got more difficult in others. There were plot lines and character names to keep track of. During the final week I knew what I needed to cover to get to the end and found myself trying to pace the action to be covered in the remaining words.
Although it feels strange not to write, I won’t miss waiting for my laptop to boot up and trying to write in between cooking dinner. Final Christmas gift prep, a mound of post, cheques to write and a round of family related stuff have moved to the very top of my list.
I’m trying to apply the main lesson of NaNoWriMo which is that you can get it done, whatever it is. You just need to break it into small portions, make sure you do a portion regularly and keep an eye on milestones and deadlines.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
I'm a winner
You're probably wondering what the blurry screen shot above is all about. Well, I've completed the NaNoWriMo challenge. I just had my word count verified. I wrote a novel in a month. It might be complete nonsense but I did it.
Off to celebrate right now.
Friday, November 28, 2008
What I wore 22nd – 28th November 2008
I am amazed that there are winter wardrobe items that I still haven’t worn since removing from storage (i.e. an old suitcase on top of my wardrobe). I’m putting this down to my focus on NaNoWriMo. When your head is full of plotlines and characters it’s hard to be creative with your wardrobe.
Saturday
•Walking clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots
Sunday
•Allotment clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots (desperate for wrm clothes after trying to work on my allotment in the snow!)
Monday
•Black cardigan, reworked blue ‘guild of radical militant librarians’ tshirt, blue cord skirt, black leggings, brown boots, green beaded bracelet.
Tuesday
•Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, brown boots, long charcoal skirt, black vest, turquoise jumper, black linen scarf, black rubber bracelets.
Thursday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top top, grey shrug, spider necklace, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
Friday
•White shirt, black sleeveless V-neck dress, black tights, black stretch boots, black and green necklace.
Saturday
•Walking clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots
Sunday
•Allotment clothes
•Mens jeans, black vest, long sleeved green smock top, brown boots (desperate for wrm clothes after trying to work on my allotment in the snow!)
Monday
•Black cardigan, reworked blue ‘guild of radical militant librarians’ tshirt, blue cord skirt, black leggings, brown boots, green beaded bracelet.
Tuesday
•Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Wednesday
•Black leggings, brown boots, long charcoal skirt, black vest, turquoise jumper, black linen scarf, black rubber bracelets.
Thursday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillowcase top top, grey shrug, spider necklace, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
Friday
•White shirt, black sleeveless V-neck dress, black tights, black stretch boots, black and green necklace.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Things I Love Thursday
© Buying amazing stuff second hand
© Coming to the end of NaNowriMo
© Big bags of locally grown vegetables
© Looking forward to going to the Christmas without Cruelty Fayre and…
© New vegan boots from Bourgeois Boheme
© Purple blankets
© Soya milk cocoa
© Ticking things off lists
© My dose of Icing turning up first thing in the morning
© Lunch with friends
© Tofu from the Noodle bar
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My week off
I had a week off work last week. I’m very bad at using leave. Normally if I have a week off I spend the entire time trying to have a ‘proper rest’. The issue is that I’m not sure what I mean by a proper rest. Do I mean sitting and doing nothing? Curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and book? Meditating? Having cleared all the jobs on my list?
I never know what time to get up. Should I set a time for each day? Or force myself to go back to sleep? Should I go to bed later then usual?
I always come up with a ridiculous job list. Just like I always pack loads of paperwork to do on long journeys and then don’t bother to look at it. Just have the joy of moving it from A to B and back again.
So last week in change from the norm I was busy all day every day. I got up just after Dear Heart had left for work. Then I had breakfast. On a couple of days I went to my allotment first thing. On other days I stayed at home. Apart form clearing out the pantry none of the things I id were really major projects. Just day-to-day stuff like doing loads of washing, going through bank statements and washing the recycling boxes.
In between I relined my winter coat, hennaed my hair and packaged up all the Christmas gifts I have bought so far. I stopped for tea breaks and lunch breaks now and then, making sure I really enjoyed sitting down with my book and something warming for a quarter of an hour or so.
I didn’t plan my week to be like this it was just the way it turned out. But I didn’t feel exhausted or panicky or that I should have been making better use of my time once. I enjoyed being in the moment and undertaking the tasks I was doing.
My conclusion is that I don’t do very well at taking things easy. I like to be busy. My grandmother used to say that she was not made to be a lady of leisure. I found that I was so keen to get on with things that I didn’t want to go to bed. But I made myself go so that I could get a good start in the morning.
I’ve also often found that I snack all the time when I am on leave. Not so this time. I assume it was a combination of being occupied (and not bored) and stopping for regular breaks.
Strangely though I was less interested in looking at the Internet. I didn’t post here apart from the first day. I used twitter a lot less. I didn’t check any of the blogs that I regularly visit. I did use my computer in the evenings to type my nanowrimo instalments
I’m going to try and apply this process of getting up early and having lots of small tasks to do during the Christmas break. If it proves to be effective I should start January feeling fabulous.
I never know what time to get up. Should I set a time for each day? Or force myself to go back to sleep? Should I go to bed later then usual?
I always come up with a ridiculous job list. Just like I always pack loads of paperwork to do on long journeys and then don’t bother to look at it. Just have the joy of moving it from A to B and back again.
So last week in change from the norm I was busy all day every day. I got up just after Dear Heart had left for work. Then I had breakfast. On a couple of days I went to my allotment first thing. On other days I stayed at home. Apart form clearing out the pantry none of the things I id were really major projects. Just day-to-day stuff like doing loads of washing, going through bank statements and washing the recycling boxes.
In between I relined my winter coat, hennaed my hair and packaged up all the Christmas gifts I have bought so far. I stopped for tea breaks and lunch breaks now and then, making sure I really enjoyed sitting down with my book and something warming for a quarter of an hour or so.
I didn’t plan my week to be like this it was just the way it turned out. But I didn’t feel exhausted or panicky or that I should have been making better use of my time once. I enjoyed being in the moment and undertaking the tasks I was doing.
My conclusion is that I don’t do very well at taking things easy. I like to be busy. My grandmother used to say that she was not made to be a lady of leisure. I found that I was so keen to get on with things that I didn’t want to go to bed. But I made myself go so that I could get a good start in the morning.
I’ve also often found that I snack all the time when I am on leave. Not so this time. I assume it was a combination of being occupied (and not bored) and stopping for regular breaks.
Strangely though I was less interested in looking at the Internet. I didn’t post here apart from the first day. I used twitter a lot less. I didn’t check any of the blogs that I regularly visit. I did use my computer in the evenings to type my nanowrimo instalments
I’m going to try and apply this process of getting up early and having lots of small tasks to do during the Christmas break. If it proves to be effective I should start January feeling fabulous.
Monday, November 24, 2008
What I wore 15th – 21st November 2008
I’ve been on leave for a week. It’s been really tempting to just spend the whole week wearing old pyjama trousers and ancient bobbly jumpers. The caplet (which I made out an old jumper that I shrunk in the washing machine and then removed the sleeves) had been marvellous. If I feel a bit chilly I can just pop it on over whatever I’m wearing. Picture soon hopefully.
Saturday:
-Mens jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper t-shirt
-Changed top for an hour to ‘guild of radical militant librarians’ t shirt that I spent the afternoon refashioning and needed a test run.
Sunday:
-Allotment clothes
-Old jeans, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, grey v neck rib jumper, green slippers.
Monday:
-Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Tuesday:
-Allotment clothes
-Hair dyeing clothes including scarf worn as turban
-Old jeans, black short sleeved t with grey dragon design, chunky black ribbed jumper with zip neck.
Wednesday:
-Old jeans, black short sleeved t with grey dragon design, chunky black ribbed jumper with zip neck.
Thursday:
-Allotment clothes
-Black leggings, black long sleeved, v necked hooded dress, green wool caplet with purple brooch
-Mens jeans, grey wrap top, turquoise vest, brown boots (for dinner out)
Friday:
-Brown boots, black leggings, black long sleeved, v necked hooded dress, green wool caplet with purple brooch.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
What I wore 8th – 14th November 2008
I’ve been really into brown boots for a couple of years, but I really want some long black boots. I’ve been looking at Bourgeois Boheme and I am definitely buying myself at least one pair from their as a Christmas gift to myself. Happily BoBo are going to be at the Christmas without Cruelty fayre so I am going to ask them bring some pairs along for me to try on. Here's this week's clothing list.
Saturday:
Allotment clothes
Mens jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper t-shirt, black DM boots (when I went out to serve mulled wine at the town firework display I added a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, a scarf and a hat).
Sunday:
Old jeans, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, grey v neck rib jumper, green slippers.
Monday:
Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Tuesday:
Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots.
Wednesday:
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black stretchy boots.
Thursday:
Emerald green cardigan, black and white floral skirt, black top, brown boots,green and black necklace.
Friday:
Brown boots, black leggings (worn as tights), grey knitted dress, Long black fitted jacket with green and bronze spider brooch, green and gold knitted scarf.
Saturday:
Allotment clothes
Mens jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper t-shirt, black DM boots (when I went out to serve mulled wine at the town firework display I added a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, a scarf and a hat).
Sunday:
Old jeans, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, grey v neck rib jumper, green slippers.
Monday:
Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Tuesday:
Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots.
Wednesday:
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black stretchy boots.
Thursday:
Emerald green cardigan, black and white floral skirt, black top, brown boots,green and black necklace.
Friday:
Brown boots, black leggings (worn as tights), grey knitted dress, Long black fitted jacket with green and bronze spider brooch, green and gold knitted scarf.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Things I Love Thursday
Having new goodies to test for The Beauty Bible
The prospect of a week off
Memories of serving mulled wine with one of my best friends at the town firework display
Twelve Bar Blues
Staying on track with NaMoWriMo
My sister
Amplification
Buying skull patterned fabric to reline my coat
Not having to pay for the fabric because I have a voucher for the fabric shop
Green tea
The way my hair looks - rock and roll!
Buying Christmas cake soap from Lush and then storing it away for the start of December. Hello instant Christmas!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Things I have discovered today
Angela Lambert (author of The Constant Mistress, one of my favourite books) died in 2007.
My former junior school has changed its motto from ‘Think and Thank’ to ‘Enthusiasm and Excellence’.
Elvis Presley did karate and was apparently quite good.
My former junior school has changed its motto from ‘Think and Thank’ to ‘Enthusiasm and Excellence’.
Elvis Presley did karate and was apparently quite good.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tshirt refashion - before
My lovely parents bought me this fabulous tshirt back from their travels earlier in the year. It looks fine but it make sme look rather more than a teeny bit busty. Hence I intend to work my 'magic' on it and make it into a a style that will display my assests at their best.
I had intended just to alter the neckline. This would be a simple task involving cutting the existing neck out as close to the binding as possible. Then cutting it a bit lower at the front and then just hemming the lot.
However, I really don't want to cut into the design and it is just a bit to high for me to manage that. So I am going for something maybe a little be more demanding which involves cutting the sleeves off, cutting straight across just above the design and re-attaching the sleeves. There's a post on Craftster explaining how to do this. Expect an after photo! I will add links as well if it works OK.
Friday, November 07, 2008
What I wore 1st – 7th November 2008
Saturday:
•Exercise clothes
•Clothes for applying henna to hair: ancient faded black ribbed trousers, long sleeved black v neck t-shirt with bleach stains, Black batik sarong worn as turban.
•Black leggings, long black hooded dress, brown boots.
Sunday:
•Allotment clothes
•Old jeans and red/maroon jumper
Monday:
•White vest, green wrap dress, black leggings, brown boots.
Tuesday
•Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, brown boots.
Thursday
•Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Friday
•Long black skirt, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, brown boots, denim jacket, green and gold knitted scarf.
Having a whole new set of clothes to work with seems very strange. I’m trying to recall combinations that I’ve used the past that worked.
•Exercise clothes
•Clothes for applying henna to hair: ancient faded black ribbed trousers, long sleeved black v neck t-shirt with bleach stains, Black batik sarong worn as turban.
•Black leggings, long black hooded dress, brown boots.
Sunday:
•Allotment clothes
•Old jeans and red/maroon jumper
Monday:
•White vest, green wrap dress, black leggings, brown boots.
Tuesday
•Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Wednesday
•Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, brown boots.
Thursday
•Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Friday
•Long black skirt, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, brown boots, denim jacket, green and gold knitted scarf.
Having a whole new set of clothes to work with seems very strange. I’m trying to recall combinations that I’ve used the past that worked.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Things I love Thursday
Staying on target for NaNoWriMo
Playing around with a bass guitar.
Suddenly getting loads of Christmas gift inspiration and thinking I’ll get all the shopping done in no time
Doing my seed order and anticipating lots of lovely produce next summer
Vegetable samosas
Knowing that I can be well organised
Second hand books shops
Planning spa days
A cat asleep at the foot of the bed
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Guilt trip
I’m trying not to beat myself up today. I have absolutely no reason for doing so. Just that I failed to pack myself any lunch.
A few weeks back I volunteered to sell mulled wine at the town fireworks on Saturday night. The day is actually manure day at my allotment and I’ll be spending all day barrowing loads of muck around the site. It’s very good fun but quite tiring. The sort of day that you want to go home and collapse after, not serve refreshments. However, apparently (according to Dear Heart) there was no one to do it except me.
Last night it turned out that I was supposed to be coordinating the mulled wine (as in deciding recipes, quantity, purchasing etc) as well as serving. It’s not that I’m not capable of doing it. It’s just that with Nanowrimo time it a little tight as present.
So last night I was trying to calculate costings for mulled wine while making chilli so that I could devote the rest of my evening to nanowrimo. I just didn’t get around to making any lunch and couldn’t summon up any enthusiasm for doing so when I remembered just before bed.
So I bought lunch today. It’s not the end of the world.
A few weeks back I volunteered to sell mulled wine at the town fireworks on Saturday night. The day is actually manure day at my allotment and I’ll be spending all day barrowing loads of muck around the site. It’s very good fun but quite tiring. The sort of day that you want to go home and collapse after, not serve refreshments. However, apparently (according to Dear Heart) there was no one to do it except me.
Last night it turned out that I was supposed to be coordinating the mulled wine (as in deciding recipes, quantity, purchasing etc) as well as serving. It’s not that I’m not capable of doing it. It’s just that with Nanowrimo time it a little tight as present.
So last night I was trying to calculate costings for mulled wine while making chilli so that I could devote the rest of my evening to nanowrimo. I just didn’t get around to making any lunch and couldn’t summon up any enthusiasm for doing so when I remembered just before bed.
So I bought lunch today. It’s not the end of the world.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Getting to grips with random thoughts and plots
I wondered if doing NanoWriMo would have any impact on my desire to blog. Well the urge is there. The issue is focusing on anything for long enough to blog about. My head is awash with random thoughts about where my novel will go next.
I’m doing fine so far adding plenty of characters and incidents that might act as a vital pivot in the plot later on. The only snag being that I don’t have any plot right now. I’d intended to write something fairly realistic but find ideas about aliens, ley lines and Elvis reincarnated running around my head. I suppose this is the point of writing the story down. I won’t know how it turns out until I’ve written it. If I knew how it was going to turn out would I bother writing it? My enjoyment of Jasper Fforde’s work is clearly having an influence. Fiction is not real so anything can happen. Come to think of it, I was quite impressed by the ideas of Witkiewicz when I was at university. Maybe the absurd is the way forward…
I did make some attempts to clear the decks for the month so that I could really focus. Hence:
•I’ve planning most of my Christmas shopping. The wonderful stuff I ordered from Etsy arrived. I really wanted to rave about it here but some of my family read this and I don’t want to give anything away! I just need to visit a bookshop now.
•My study is tidy with all the excess of my fabric stash packed away.
•I’ve made a list of things I can easily make for lunch using items from the freezer or pantry. This is not going to be a great month for trying new recipes.
Dear Heart has signed up as well so I foresee a month of us sitting either side of the dining room table, laptops open typing frantically!
I’m doing fine so far adding plenty of characters and incidents that might act as a vital pivot in the plot later on. The only snag being that I don’t have any plot right now. I’d intended to write something fairly realistic but find ideas about aliens, ley lines and Elvis reincarnated running around my head. I suppose this is the point of writing the story down. I won’t know how it turns out until I’ve written it. If I knew how it was going to turn out would I bother writing it? My enjoyment of Jasper Fforde’s work is clearly having an influence. Fiction is not real so anything can happen. Come to think of it, I was quite impressed by the ideas of Witkiewicz when I was at university. Maybe the absurd is the way forward…
I did make some attempts to clear the decks for the month so that I could really focus. Hence:
•I’ve planning most of my Christmas shopping. The wonderful stuff I ordered from Etsy arrived. I really wanted to rave about it here but some of my family read this and I don’t want to give anything away! I just need to visit a bookshop now.
•My study is tidy with all the excess of my fabric stash packed away.
•I’ve made a list of things I can easily make for lunch using items from the freezer or pantry. This is not going to be a great month for trying new recipes.
Dear Heart has signed up as well so I foresee a month of us sitting either side of the dining room table, laptops open typing frantically!
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