tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70336782284206959412024-03-13T03:06:42.621+00:00A Homely HeroineA Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-24829493974026163882014-01-30T17:29:00.002+00:002014-01-30T17:31:25.674+00:00valentines<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My love life over the past year has been pretty wonderful, and I think its important to tell people how you feel and show your affections...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Santes Dwynwen Dydd on Jan 25th I found him a gorgeous, but not girly, handmade card on Etsy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And a slightly more girly gift, which says 'love you' in Welsh. Who can resist a hanging heart for the wardrobe door?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He gave me this lovely simple romantic card in return.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Valentines I have a 'cariad' card, featured in the last post, for him, and have written him 14 love 'postcards' which i will stick to his wardrobe mirror before he </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wakes up in the morning. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think everyone feels, now and then, a little doubtful about their right to be loved, and might wonder <i>why </i>their beloved finds them so attractive and hasn't run away with someone else by now? I thought I would write down 14 reasons why I love him, just in case he's ever in any doubt. I won't share them all, because they are extremely personal, but they aren't particularly mushy, they are good, solid aspects of his </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">character I admire and adore. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for how I made them, I once wrote off for the 'cabbages and roses' catalogue and received in the post a brown folder full of these oversized postcards, detailing their latest collection. I've had them in a drawer for years, and they seemed perfect for my modern, shorter love letters. I found an image of a stamp online and have added the numbers 'one' - 'fourteen' in welsh plus the '14 reasons why I love you' by just printing off my computer and glueing on. I handwrote all the messages, and that was it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I thought I would counter all this romance with a boys toy and have bought him a lego technic set. But there's no reason it can't be prettily wrapped.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all have a wonderfully romantic day, and enjoy being creative in expressing your feelings!</span></div>
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<br />A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-35832343930835765102014-01-16T21:33:00.001+00:002014-01-16T21:33:38.019+00:00cake painting<span style="color: #0b5394;">Last year I discovered cake painting. It started when I was doing image research for gingerbread houses and I came across <a href="http://shaunayounge.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/featured-nevie-pie-cakes_09.html">some beautiful creations</a> by the extremely talented professional Nevie-Pie - check out more of her awesome work <a href="http://www.neviepiecakes.com/">here</a>.</span><div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">I spent a happy weekend in March with my friend Kate learning cake painting; we each making our own painted gingerbread birdhouse. Kate wanted to "Cath Kidston a birdhouse" while I was going for a more 'cabbages and roses' look, trying to emulate their pretty floral fabrics. We spent around 9 hours making these, over 3 days. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Kate is a regular cake baker and introduced me to using an icing smoother, a turntable, an icing rolling pin, and proper paste food colouring, and then I bought the essentials myself in a specialist icing shop. If you're trying this at home you basically need:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">a few good quality pots of paste or gel food colouring</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"> (a tiny amount is mixed with water for a range of watercolour-esque tones)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">gingerbread house or biscuits to put it on</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">You'll also need a bit of spare fondant icing rolled out a bit, to test and mix your colours with your paint brush before applying them, a bit like a painters palette. I found it easiest to apply the blank fondant to the gingerbread house first, smooth it down and trim, and then start painting. The painting can get a bit wet, and its necessary to wait for colours to dry before applying more paint.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Then in April I made some springtime biscuits, as you can see I can't achieve paintings like Nevie-Pie but stripes and dots are easy and fun to do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Then there were some birthday biscuits for a friend, and a gingerbread Vauxhall Nova and some Nurburgring circuits for my rally-mad Welshman. He built that Vauxhall Nova from parts when he was a teenager, and now it lives in our garage, ready for many happy saturdays of tinkering.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">And then another gingerbread house. I regret the flaked almond roof, and the house is not quite the proportions I intended, but I'm pleased with my Nordic winter tree.</span></div>
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A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-12859336269689080302014-01-15T13:38:00.000+00:002014-01-17T23:14:30.494+00:00happily embarked on new adventures<span style="color: #3d85c6;">What a year 2013 was... I had so many wonderful adventures, travelled across Europe, made lovely new friends, walked in beautiful places, worked in beautiful houses, had fun at a festival, learnt to paint cakes, moved house, and...found true love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I thought that becoming divorced at 28 and losing the life I had was a disaster at the time, but it turns out it has done me a huge favour. Although at times I experience an odd sense of loss, something like this...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">...I have no regrets. I don't regret being married, it is part of my life and always will be, it was a good time and made me who I am today, and I don't regret ending it, I have been led to a new and happier life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is a new man in my life who I am deeply in love with...but that's a tale for another time...at the moment I am planning some things for </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://www.visitwales.com/explore/traditions-history/st-dwynwens-day">Dydd Santes Dwynwen</a></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> and Valentine's Day. He is Welsh and I am English, so we celebrate both. There are lots of pretty and romantic things around, especially on etsy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I love these cards, cariad is the welsh word for love.</span></span><br />
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A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-26267112168038198942012-12-23T21:27:00.000+00:002012-12-23T21:27:37.888+00:00christmas treasure hunt - christmas evethis is a christmas treasure hunt post for my family and friends.<br />
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This is the final christmas challenge, email me your answers.<br />
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1. What does Jonah do on Christmas Eve in Sleepless in Seattle?<br />
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2. What does Annie do on Christmas Eve in front of her family, in Sleepless in Seattle?</div>
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3. What type of dress does she later try on and what happens to it?</div>
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4. Who plays the villain 'Hans' in Die Hard?</div>
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5. What American city is the skyscraper in Die Hard located in?</div>
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6. What event takes place on christmas eve at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?</div>
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7. What is the problem with Ron's dress robes, which he wears to this event?<br />
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8. What is the title of the pop song sung at this event?</div>
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9. What does Harry give Mrs Forrester on christmas eve in Return to Cranford?<br />
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10. Which two characters return to Cranford in the midst of a magic act on christmas eve?<br />
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11. In 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' story, what are the children dreaming about?<br />
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12. What drink does Bryn offer Gwen and Doris on christmas eve in the Gavin and Stacey christmas special?<br />
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13. In The Good Life, Margo sends back her entire christmas order on christmas eve as the christmas tree is too short. By how much?<br />
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14. How does the tradesman describe Barbara's eyes?<br />
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15. What drink does Tom make Jerry when he arrives back from work?</div>
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16. In the Vicar of Dibley episode with the famous christmas lunch incident, Alice gives Geraldine her christmas present on christmas eve, what is it?</div>
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17. What is Geraldine desperately trying to do on christmas eve?</div>
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18. In Love Actually Sam jumps security barriers to run after a girl at the airport on christmas eve. Which actor plays the unamed character who has 'lost' his boarding pass and thus gives Sam the opportunity?</div>
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19. Billy Mack leaves a showbiz party at Elton John's to spend christmas with his manager, what is his manager's response?</div>
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20. In Love Actually Jamie proposes to Aurelia on christmas eve. What is her exact answer?</div>
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And that is the end of the quiz!</div>
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<br />A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-73322535733864550552012-12-05T14:42:00.003+00:002012-12-05T14:42:43.535+00:00On the 6th day of christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">...my true love gave to me six geese a laying...</span></div>
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Here's an old completed project - a goose from Tilda's 'Crafting Springtime Gifts' that I originally wanted to make a few years ago, <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://ahomelyheroine.blogspot.co.uk/2010_03_01_archive.html">remember?</a></span></div>
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I wanted to do stripy legs, but couldn't find the fabric. However she does have lovely dungarees and a hat made from cabbages and roses fabric. About the same time I made the snail pin cushion...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNG3WpJTW98/UL9dEVSIJ3I/AAAAAAAACi0/5dUwgfViIYM/s1600/403094_10151267753030602_1500767897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNG3WpJTW98/UL9dEVSIJ3I/AAAAAAAACi0/5dUwgfViIYM/s640/403094_10151267753030602_1500767897_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(all those black flecks are from my grubby camera phone)</div>
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A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-59679222206142139332012-11-30T16:03:00.000+00:002012-12-19T21:24:03.012+00:00christmas treasure hunt - queen's speechThis is a christmas treasure hunt post for my family and friends.<br />
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The Queen's Speech is broadcast every year on Christmas Day at 3pm. Complete this history test:<br />
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1. The first royal broadcast was delivered live from Sandringham in 1932, by which monarch?<br />
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2. Which famous children's author composed the first christmas speech?<br />
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3. Why was 3pm chosen?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjD_kFzEFOU/ULjWDhZwJ1I/AAAAAAAACh4/qf8nva3Qpis/s1600/The-Queen-1952-web-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjD_kFzEFOU/ULjWDhZwJ1I/AAAAAAAACh4/qf8nva3Qpis/s400/The-Queen-1952-web-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Which monarch delivered the speech in 1939?<br />
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5. Which actor played this monarch in the film 'The King's Speech'.<br />
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6. What year did the Queen make her first christmas broadcast, and in what year was it first broadcast on television?<br />
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7. In 1969 there was no broadcast, instead a written address was issued. Why?<br />
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8. How many takes does it usually take for the Queen to get her speech right?<br />
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9. In 1992 the Queen used the phrase 'annus horribilis'. What disasters had befallen the royal family that year?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-xZTQMCgCc/ULjWFRrUZoI/AAAAAAAACiA/Me-zRCYCgzo/s1600/Christmas_broadcast_1957.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-xZTQMCgCc/ULjWFRrUZoI/AAAAAAAACiA/Me-zRCYCgzo/s400/Christmas_broadcast_1957.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. What is the name of the radio dj who was sacked in 2009 for interrupting the broadcast with the comment 'Two words; bor-ring' and switching to a Wham! track.</div>
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And that is the end of the quiz.</div>
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<br />A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-2961271087230792132012-11-29T15:42:00.001+00:002012-12-02T20:15:16.314+00:00christmas treasure hunt postThis is a christmas treasure hunt post for my friends and family, but if you want to answer the questions for fun go ahead, just leave your answers in the comments.<br />
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My favourite film is 'In Which We Serve', made in 1942. Watch from 32:23 to 39:52 to see the flashback christmas scenes, and then answer the questions below.<br />
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1. Who and what are toasted? (There are six toasts).<br />
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(bonus question: why don't they stand up for the first toast of the third scene?)<br />
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2. Which actor plays 'Shorty'?<br />
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3. What is Freda referred to as?<br />
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4. How is 'betrothed' defined?<br />
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5. Which christmas carol do the children sing in the street?<br />
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6. What drink does Shorty's mother ask for?<br />
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7. What word does Cath object to, which has been used in the navy since times immemorial?<br />
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8. How many crackers can you hear crack in the final scene?<br />
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And that is the end of the quiz.A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-15884681861707338192012-11-14T11:29:00.000+00:002012-12-19T16:14:25.787+00:00books, books, books<span style="color: #134f5c;">No posts for a while, my life has been turned upside down and no books have been read in a while. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Its been difficult to concentrate on reading, so I've just concentrated on necessary textbooks recently, but after all those Sharpe books and all those Aubrey-Maturin books I'm very excited about my newest one: 'The Napoleonic Phenomenon', and it's set book: Stendhal's 'Life of Napoleon'.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDsWFAj7ODw/UKN4HqoAw0I/AAAAAAAACgg/ypDP0GDibT4/s1600/stendhal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDsWFAj7ODw/UKN4HqoAw0I/AAAAAAAACgg/ypDP0GDibT4/s1600/stendhal.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">In the summer I read a few more Sharpe books, I've read 'Sharpe's Sword' and 'Sharpe's Enemy', and I'm now up to 'Sharpe's Honour'. They have begun to reissue the books with new covers, so I must get the last few to complete my collection as soon as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">What else? I've also left my job as a children's bookseller, after four years working for a large bookshop in Bath. Before I left I got Herve Tullet's 'Press Here'. Its a very imaginative book, as all of his are, I love it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn0tgnT0aAE/UKN5p0ojENI/AAAAAAAACgw/PDWeHHRKZOg/s1600/hervetullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn0tgnT0aAE/UKN5p0ojENI/AAAAAAAACgw/PDWeHHRKZOg/s1600/hervetullet.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">A few weeks ago I was in Paris, and sought out several children's bookshops. The differences between French and English bookshops are fascinating, for me the biggest difference is the picture books. In England we have lots of full size, paperback picture books, and only a few hardbacks as these tend not to sell, being more expensive. In France they have strict laws governing book prices, so they have lots of full size hardback picture books, and very few paperback ones. However they do have quite a good range of A5 size picture books, which are unheard of in England. These are very cheap, though well produced. I bought 'The Hungry Caterpillar' in french as a present for two friends who still work in that children's department in Bath, and to my utter delight stumbled upon a childhood favourite of mine in french, Peter Spier's brilliant 'People'.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIR7z5KCcIU/UKN7eOoRtwI/AAAAAAAAChA/Uh3nSZw2544/s1600/sept-milliards-de-visages-portada.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIR7z5KCcIU/UKN7eOoRtwI/AAAAAAAAChA/Uh3nSZw2544/s320/sept-milliards-de-visages-portada.gif" width="256" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbY6teD0TD4/UKN7dIIOXzI/AAAAAAAACg4/fLTMoFEREKg/s1600/chenille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbY6teD0TD4/UKN7dIIOXzI/AAAAAAAACg4/fLTMoFEREKg/s320/chenille.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxCNLqVjKh0/UKN8KtcwXKI/AAAAAAAAChI/YGV47apVhtc/s1600/people-peter-spier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxCNLqVjKh0/UKN8KtcwXKI/AAAAAAAAChI/YGV47apVhtc/s320/people-peter-spier.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Two books that I haven't started yet, well, I'm only a few chapters in, are Ford Madox Ford's 'Parade's End' - I loved the recent television adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch and make no apology for buying this edition - and Elisabeth Kehoe's 'Fortune's Daughters' which I bought in the giftshop of Blenheim Palace. Blenheim was a beautiful day trip, and especially fascinating as the former home of Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, who's autobiography 'The Glitter and the Gold' I read earlier in the year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLELh-CLy70/UKN9pxQL99I/AAAAAAAAChQ/UwdBPPW2KbE/s1600/parades-end-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLELh-CLy70/UKN9pxQL99I/AAAAAAAAChQ/UwdBPPW2KbE/s320/parades-end-cover.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1iijRqux-0/UKN9s_alIdI/AAAAAAAAChY/nfTegW_xrx0/s1600/Fortune's+Daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1iijRqux-0/UKN9s_alIdI/AAAAAAAAChY/nfTegW_xrx0/s320/Fortune's+Daughters.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRhVegju9o/UKN--aJq0xI/AAAAAAAAChg/W-IBZwXl9Fs/s1600/downton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRhVegju9o/UKN--aJq0xI/AAAAAAAAChg/W-IBZwXl9Fs/s320/downton.jpg" width="258" /></span></a></div>
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<br />A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-44778074621320518212012-05-03T15:47:00.000+01:002012-05-03T15:54:51.768+01:00books, books, books<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">Do you remember 2009? I kept track of all the books I read that year, and recently reading </span><a href="http://ahomelyheroine.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/books-books-books-2009.html"><span style="color: #a64d79;">those posts</span></a><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span>again I've decided to diarise my literary year again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><img class="sg_t" height="250px" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4705339092566450&id=2ab40f7468f543bd535ea65cd5da3f02&url=http%3a%2f%2f1.bp.blogspot.com%2f-T61IojKYQN4%2fTn3yO1re4kI%2fAAAAAAAAA1c%2f0BoxMRwgPt0%2fs1600%2fThe%2bGlitter%2band%2bthe%2bGold.jpg" style="height: 250px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 250px;" width="250px" /><img class="sg_t" height="160px" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4542585606963280&id=ceb0707a5aa904a8d84ebcce6e471cbe&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uboat.net%2fmedia%2fbooks%2fcovers%2fenglish%2fwaiting-game.jpg" style="height: 160px; left: 33px; top: 0px; width: 98px;" width="98px" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Since January...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><span style="color: #45818e;">The Waiting Game, Alexander Fullerton</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Nicholas Everard; Vol 2 Mariner of England, Alexander Fullerton</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Glitter and the Gold, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Hard Times, Charles Dickens</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Snobs, Julian Fellowes</span></div>
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Light Years, Elizabeth Jane Howard</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Marking Time, Elizabeth Jane Howard</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Confusion, Elizabeth Jane Howard</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Casting Off, Elizabeth Jane Howard</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Cranford Companion, BBC</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="sg_t" height="160px" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4671825439949611&id=bb3fd3672b32f5aebaa3cc5f285e8aae&url=http%3a%2f%2fecx.images-amazon.com%2fimages%2fI%2f51pWdmPphQL._SL500_OU02_SS160_.jpg" style="height: 160px; left: 2px; top: 0px; width: 160px;" width="160px" /> <img class="sg_t" height="250px" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4562230778071649&id=dd70606a600d949e93aa0e1d5e9120af&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.decitre.fr%2fgi%2f79%2f9780141439679FS.gif" style="height: 250px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 162px;" width="162px" /> <img class="sg_t" height="160px" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4937224369406399&id=8315fec4c4d04d28ab62ff01fb00a940&url=http%3a%2f%2fjaneaustensworld.files.wordpress.com%2f2010%2f11%2fcranford-companion.jpg%3fw%3d500" style="height: 160px; left: 22px; top: 0px; width: 119px;" width="119px" /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I've really enjoyed all these books, the Cazalet chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard is a monumental family saga, with a 'cast of thousands', and is an incredibly detailed portrait of an upper middle class English family before, during and after World War Two. Alexander Fullerton's 'The Waiting Game' is a very tight book, quite different from many of his others, and focuses on a secret naval mission to Norway. 'Snobs' was fun, though a little predictable, 'The Cranford Companion' was a bit of a treat and is a gorgeously produced book, 'The Glitter and the Gold' is a fascinating, though curiously written, memoir of the former Countess of Marlborough, which I found in the wake of Downton Abbey series 2 fever. As it's a memoir, rather than a biography, you can sense that much is hidden, glossed over, or forgotten, but it is enjoyable for all that. And 'Hard Times' was brilliant, a tight, witty, interestingly written book with a plot that isn't that sorrowful or depressing after all.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And do you remember this <a href="http://ahomelyheroine.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/change-of-department-at-work.html"><span style="color: #a64d79;">post</span></a>, when I started to read more children's books? I did read most of the books in that list, and I still read children's books...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Since January...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Moominland Midwinter, Tove Jansson</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Don't Want To Go, Shirley Hughes</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Girl Who Loved Wellies, Zehra Hicks</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Stanley's Stick, Neal Layton and John Hegley</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Again, Emily Gravett</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Dogs, Emily Gravett</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Monkey and Me, Emily Gravett</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Lost and Found, Oliver Jeffers</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Up and Down, Oliver Jeffers</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Oliver Jeffers</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Stuck, Oliver Jeffers</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">It's A Book!, Lane Smith</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Paddington Bear in the Garden, Michael Bond</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">The Story of A Seed, Eric Carle,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">In Wibbly's Garden, Mick Inkpen</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Most of these are picturebooks, and I'm quite choosy over picturebooks, poor illustration totally kills it for me. Moominland Midwinter is the first Tove Jansson book I've ever read, and it was perfect for the January afternoon I spent on my sofa wrapped in a blanket.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And here are some books I really love by Usborne;</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Usborne The Story of Art Sticker Book</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Usborne The Impressionists Sticker Book</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Usborne Art Sticker Book</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Usborne Kings and Queens Sticker Book</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Though I am doing an undergraduate course in Art History, I've found these books to be fun and pretty informative. Definately a great thing to buy if you're a beginner but need a break from, or are totally put off by, heavy tomes.</span></div>
</div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-78870836022614709622012-05-02T22:37:00.000+01:002012-05-09T21:19:45.115+01:00Diamond Jubilee Series - Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">Baking cupcakes for the Jubilee weekend? There are some very cool and kooky cupcake kits out there, here is my pick...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Just Added! Today I discovered the lovely watercolour-style Jubilee range by Waitrose. I particularly like the little trays, perfect for triangle-cut sandwiches. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Meri Meri 'It's British' kit £8.99 at </span><a href="http://www.squires-shop.com/">http://www.squires-shop.com/</a> <span style="color: #45818e;">and 'It</span><span style="color: #45818e;">'s Terribly British' kit, £10 at </span><a href="http://www.bettytwyford.com/">http://www.bettytwyford.com/</a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Jubilee Canape Flags, £4 for 24, a</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">t <a href="http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/">http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQw36uWeC6w/T6GchBqlfCI/AAAAAAAACdQ/ClwDVaiLby4/s1600/354905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQw36uWeC6w/T6GchBqlfCI/AAAAAAAACdQ/ClwDVaiLby4/s200/354905.jpg" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFV6DFirEKk/T6Gciro5BjI/AAAAAAAACdc/5pMaFuY4A8Q/s1600/51bvBXlIA0L__SX182_SH35_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFV6DFirEKk/T6Gciro5BjI/AAAAAAAACdc/5pMaFuY4A8Q/s1600/51bvBXlIA0L__SX182_SH35_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Royal Jubilee Cupcake Decorations, £5 at <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/">http://www.marksandspencer.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Navy Diamond Jubilee cupcake toppers, Union Jack Edible Butterflies, Royal Retro cupcake toppers, from £1.69 for 12, at <a href="http://www.designmemygift.com/">http://www.designmemygift.com/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhnIxjSD8XE/T6GcjwoLzEI/AAAAAAAACdw/7PQnxjMwJE0/s1600/cupcaketoppers.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhnIxjSD8XE/T6GcjwoLzEI/AAAAAAAACdw/7PQnxjMwJE0/s1600/cupcaketoppers.bmp" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4srSTdOg7hg/T6Gckwsz2GI/AAAAAAAACd4/GX0Ho4SfKSc/s1600/ediblebutterflies.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4srSTdOg7hg/T6Gckwsz2GI/AAAAAAAACd4/GX0Ho4SfKSc/s1600/ediblebutterflies.bmp" /></a><img alt="Royal Retro Cupcake Toppers" src="http://www.designmemygift.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/thumbnails/the-queen,-diamond-jubilee-retro-royal-range-edible-cupcake-toppers-crown-dog.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Jubilee Cupcake Wraps and Toppers, Cupcake Thrones, Mini Jolly Windmills, Jubilee Pop Top Decorations, Jubilee 3 Tier Afternoon Tea Stand, all available at <a href="http://www.cakecraftshop.co.uk/">http://www.cakecraftshop.co.uk/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHOKPlFVQN8/T6Gcmizvc1I/AAAAAAAACeI/fBUzmEbjMfo/s1600/prodmainimg4132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHOKPlFVQN8/T6Gcmizvc1I/AAAAAAAACeI/fBUzmEbjMfo/s200/prodmainimg4132.jpg" width="191px" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vutyo3z_RaQ/T6Gclyb6GOI/AAAAAAAACeA/9xg0VytGCYA/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vutyo3z_RaQ/T6Gclyb6GOI/AAAAAAAACeA/9xg0VytGCYA/s200/images+(1).jpg" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrtrW9DGfjQ/T6Gcf1bxNHI/AAAAAAAACdA/hm1mgDG7XJo/s1600/231464463alt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrtrW9DGfjQ/T6Gcf1bxNHI/AAAAAAAACdA/hm1mgDG7XJo/s200/231464463alt1.jpg" width="200px" /></a><img src="http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/Gallery/product/BRIT2-TEASTAND/BRIT2-TEASTAND-(c)Product.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And finally, the Good Food website have a gorgeous rose, almond and raspberry Jubilee Cake recipe <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2325/jubilee-cake">here</a>.</span></div>
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<img alt="Jubilee cake
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-56948688478814436602012-04-17T15:07:00.000+01:002012-04-17T15:07:25.930+01:00Diamond Jubilee Series - Etsy Treasury<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">This post in the series is entirely devoted to some of the lovely handmade things available on etsy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I'll start with these Queenie Brooches, at £3.50 each by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95944276/queenie-brooch-in-dark-mid-and-light">the dove stop</a>, in grey felt, I think </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">my favourite is the middle one 'B'.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZTlbgIMmk4/T41xSQybWeI/AAAAAAAACbo/F9rGqkIcvFM/s1600/etsy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZTlbgIMmk4/T41xSQybWeI/AAAAAAAACbo/F9rGqkIcvFM/s320/etsy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Another cushion cover by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96669235/hand-printed-limited-edition">helkatdesign</a>; hand printed limited edition commemorative </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Jubilee stamp cushion, £42.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ecf7GOC9eBs/T413AVCF0vI/AAAAAAAACcM/bJlPeqTlZlg/s1600/il_570xN.325554964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ecf7GOC9eBs/T413AVCF0vI/AAAAAAAACcM/bJlPeqTlZlg/s320/il_570xN.325554964.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s1600/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #0b5394;">I love this Diamond Jubilee Typographic Art Print Framed With Crown, by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97477109/diamond-jubilee-typographic-art-print">wallenvyart</a><span style="color: #0b5394;">, backed with a vintage page from Dickens's </span><i style="color: #0b5394;">The Pickwick Papers, </i><span style="color: #0b5394;">£20</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s1600/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s1600/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s1600/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s1600/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8-RMcR7_1I/T413CQAE8wI/AAAAAAAACcc/u-Bm16FhIng/s320/il_570xN.328405577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">These Diamond Jubilee Inspired Fabric Buttons by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96544938/diamond-jubilee-inspired-fabric-buttons">JasmineandCoco</a> are £7 for five.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBjy5u1j1js/T412_bDcAsI/AAAAAAAACcE/NX7KxNx7sL4/s1600/il_570xN.324940643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBjy5u1j1js/T412_bDcAsI/AAAAAAAACcE/NX7KxNx7sL4/s320/il_570xN.324940643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">I love the raspberry shade of this Queen's Diamond Jubilee tea towel, £10 by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92900071/queens-diamond-jubilee-tea-towel-to-mark">stephaniecoleDESIGN</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob0iAWCKVTc/T4129w6AfEI/AAAAAAAACb4/5tkL8Rz_czQ/s1600/il_570xN.322270476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob0iAWCKVTc/T4129w6AfEI/AAAAAAAACb4/5tkL8Rz_czQ/s320/il_570xN.322270476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">A fresh take on bunting by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96529858/jubilee-heart-bunting-red-white-blue-12">StampandStitch</a>, £12, in mod-ish red, white and blue.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdvz0Qr1saI/T412-qTfJzI/AAAAAAAACb8/khE07XVbQpc/s1600/il_570xN.324885145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdvz0Qr1saI/T412-qTfJzI/AAAAAAAACb8/khE07XVbQpc/s320/il_570xN.324885145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">This Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Cushion upcycles a tea towel; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97268980/ooak-queen-elizabeth-jubilee-cushion">The Lucky Fox</a>, £13</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTrg4V_P6Ms/T413BWWrUcI/AAAAAAAACcY/AR5bcm0TlSA/s1600/il_570xN.327787422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTrg4V_P6Ms/T413BWWrUcI/AAAAAAAACcY/AR5bcm0TlSA/s320/il_570xN.327787422.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">And finally, the deep blue and mother of pearl buttons are very appealing in this pearly-kings-esque </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">A3 Diamond Jubilee Poster, £30, by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94831859/diamond-jubilee-poster-a3-giclee-print?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=jubilee&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadejubilee">sugarrushuk</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-34426143717654791332012-04-16T18:08:00.001+01:002012-04-16T18:08:31.240+01:00Diamond Jubilee Series - Union Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Feel the urge to get your Union Jack on? Look what I found...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej-mGsxTCTk/T4xELJVXsmI/AAAAAAAACaI/YZcArlsjFFs/s1600/timthumb+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej-mGsxTCTk/T4xELJVXsmI/AAAAAAAACaI/YZcArlsjFFs/s1600/timthumb+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Union Jack Cake by<a href="http://www.biscuiteers.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/299/s/union-jack-cake/category/3/"> biscuiteers</a> £65</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Handprinted grey union jack flag crown cushion, £25, by <a href="http://folksy.com/items/185350-handprinted-grey-union-jack-flag-crown-cushion">helkatdesign</a> on folksy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nul_n2c5-oo/T4xL3jqulMI/AAAAAAAACaY/LuzAocf1jJQ/s1600/Chia+Maria+IMG_0111+300+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nul_n2c5-oo/T4xL3jqulMI/AAAAAAAACaY/LuzAocf1jJQ/s1600/Chia+Maria+IMG_0111+300+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Grey and white linen union jack cushion, £68, by <a href="http://www.elephanttradingcompany.com/xcart/Union-Jack-Cushion.html">Elephant Trading Company</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVNEqzyta_g/T4xL5J0J9bI/AAAAAAAACag/eHCr9f8qvrM/s1600/VINTAGE+JACK+LIFESTYLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVNEqzyta_g/T4xL5J0J9bI/AAAAAAAACag/eHCr9f8qvrM/s320/VINTAGE+JACK+LIFESTYLE.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Vintage Jack, made to order, £80, at <a href="http://www.angel-lifestyle.com/angel-living/bestseller-vintage-jack/prod_1.html">Angel</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-husL5A93bFM/T4xCeekGtlI/AAAAAAAACZI/RBlaec8a9gU/s1600/imagesCANZP358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-husL5A93bFM/T4xCeekGtlI/AAAAAAAACZI/RBlaec8a9gU/s1600/imagesCANZP358.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">United Kingdom diamond jubilee flag, canvas print £70, greetings card £3, by <a href="http://www.rachelmarkwick.co.uk/Flags">Rachel Markwick</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Keep Calm and Carry On union jack poster, £9.95, from <a href="http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/keep-calm-and-carry-on/posters-artwork/keep-calm-carry-on-union-jack-poster/">here</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sF-si2-_66U/T4xL2AfwNsI/AAAAAAAACaQ/-44VOf3e7Ug/s1600/BUNTINGUNION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sF-si2-_66U/T4xL2AfwNsI/AAAAAAAACaQ/-44VOf3e7Ug/s320/BUNTINGUNION.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Union Jack cardboard bunting, by East of India, £9.99 from <a href="http://www.goodgiftcompany.co.uk/birthday/east-of-india-vintage-union-jack-bunting-blueredwhite-ricrac-ribbon-3m-long.html">Good Gift Company</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiAYGN6_Dts/T4xM2wHtTTI/AAAAAAAACao/fPOI2fHB0Lg/s1600/Fabric-Union-Jack-Heart.JPG1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiAYGN6_Dts/T4xM2wHtTTI/AAAAAAAACao/fPOI2fHB0Lg/s320/Fabric-Union-Jack-Heart.JPG1+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">East of India fabric union jack heart, £6.95, at <a href="http://www.angelbloom.co.uk/p64251/Fabric-Union-Jack-Heart---East-of-India/c0-11981-11981">Angel Bloom</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Pimms, at all good supermarkets</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Navy union jack print wellies, £26 at <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_050010622243_-1">Debenhams</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEEy499q2vM/T4xCvOojZ7I/AAAAAAAACZw/XycVRcSVGcY/s1600/000244295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEEy499q2vM/T4xCvOojZ7I/AAAAAAAACZw/XycVRcSVGcY/s1600/000244295.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Prestat truffles in a union jack box, £15 at <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/231192622/Product.aspx">John Lewis</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-_UU7kO_VY/T4xPCryAi-I/AAAAAAAACaw/fkcuCz5YxPg/s1600/ss12mont115000199-assorted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-_UU7kO_VY/T4xPCryAi-I/AAAAAAAACaw/fkcuCz5YxPg/s320/ss12mont115000199-assorted.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Montezuma's Great British Summer Pudding chocolate bar £2.95</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDtUfnoFMYY/T4xPN627sAI/AAAAAAAACa4/xxoacwZVrBM/s1600/union_jack_lavender_heart_4669466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDtUfnoFMYY/T4xPN627sAI/AAAAAAAACa4/xxoacwZVrBM/s320/union_jack_lavender_heart_4669466.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Floral union jack liberty print scarf, £55 at <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Floral-Union-Jack-Liberty-Print-Scarf-Liberty-London/71550">Liberty</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7jMmKjL0kU/T4xRe2yRnBI/AAAAAAAACbA/lsl4tol_p8M/s1600/PE07_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7jMmKjL0kU/T4xRe2yRnBI/AAAAAAAACbA/lsl4tol_p8M/s320/PE07_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Union Jack blossom mug by Pearl and Earl, £8, <a href="http://www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1099">here</a></span></div>
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</div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-13707344530653247012011-02-15T22:09:00.002+00:002011-02-15T22:16:33.941+00:00books to bathe in<span style="color:#336666;">The Thirties is finally out in </span><span style="color:#336666;">paperback! </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qok0aE7MRVs/TVr6wSae8lI/AAAAAAAACUA/0qtzyim4-08/s1600/thirties.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574043196307993170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qok0aE7MRVs/TVr6wSae8lI/AAAAAAAACUA/0qtzyim4-08/s400/thirties.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">I'm also enjoying Mapp and Lucia...<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYdbQwMkfTc/TVr6wMEAF0I/AAAAAAAACT4/mkP9jUTqiHo/s1600/mapp.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 261px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574043194603083586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYdbQwMkfTc/TVr6wMEAF0I/AAAAAAAACT4/mkP9jUTqiHo/s400/mapp.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-40149940657244105042011-02-14T10:25:00.004+00:002011-02-14T10:49:57.040+00:00Happy Valentine's Day!<span style="color:#336666;">Here's a project I've been working on lately, and it's fitting I should post about it today. My friend Kate and her fiance are to be married in July, with an outdoor ceremony on the north Devon coast (previously planned for Westonbirt). Together Kate and I are making bunting to decorate her outdoor venue, in her bridal colours of cherry red, teal and white.</span> <div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">I started with a trial version, with some fabric scraps from my stash...</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">Kate's bridal bunting: trial/version/one<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC_QZJLKgnw/TVkEumSjWdI/AAAAAAAACTI/AxEW8TNduKo/s1600/DSCF8265.JPG"><span style="color:#336666;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573491212446554578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC_QZJLKgnw/TVkEumSjWdI/AAAAAAAACTI/AxEW8TNduKo/s400/DSCF8265.JPG" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_DO4cX0q80/TVkEvOKylII/AAAAAAAACTY/3PWmN1vpldQ/s1600/DSCF8259.JPG"><span style="color:#336666;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573491223151416450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_DO4cX0q80/TVkEvOKylII/AAAAAAAACTY/3PWmN1vpldQ/s400/DSCF8259.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#336666;"><br /><br />Then Kate chose her fabrics and decided on a larger triangle flag, to be sewn wrong sides together and trimmed with pinking shears, rather than seamed as above. We then cut and sewed 200 flags...<br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLpz61Ben2c/TVkHpSlFrWI/AAAAAAAACTw/yLzmqeaFjxQ/s1600/DSCF8503.JPG"><span style="color:#336666;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573494419791129954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLpz61Ben2c/TVkHpSlFrWI/AAAAAAAACTw/yLzmqeaFjxQ/s400/DSCF8503.JPG" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><br />Once Kate has decided on the various lengths she needs, we'll attach them to bias-binding. In total it will be around 40 metres.<br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3WlpCOlIrI/TVkHo0wmdvI/AAAAAAAACTg/ysdujZY8B3I/s1600/DSCF8505.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573494411786352370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3WlpCOlIrI/TVkHo0wmdvI/AAAAAAAACTg/ysdujZY8B3I/s400/DSCF8505.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-24785759118522316302011-01-16T15:38:00.004+00:002011-01-16T19:18:37.278+00:00completion of a really really old project<span style="color:#336666;">I found an almost finished project last night that only needed a few more rows and casting off, I can't believe how long its been on the needles, I started it back </span><a href="http://ahomelyheroine.blogspot.com/2009/08/is-this-large-white-framed-mirror-which.html"><span style="color:#663366;">then</span></a><span style="color:#336666;">, which must be a year and a half ago...its frightening how time slips away isn't it?<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TTNCyBZ40UI/AAAAAAAACS8/lCUK1nPmDVQ/s1600/rowan%2Bcountry%2Bhaven.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562863391870603586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TTNCyBZ40UI/AAAAAAAACS8/lCUK1nPmDVQ/s400/rowan%2Bcountry%2Bhaven.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">Its a little bit tweedy, a little bit country, a little horse and hounds and tea in china cups on a wet blustery day.</span></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-81711831704504731042011-01-12T10:12:00.005+00:002011-01-12T14:08:49.278+00:00beachy tea<span style="color:#336666;">Suffolk beaches, beach huts, pebbles, bunting, stripes, these have inspired the creation of a new teacosy for my brown betty. Rather indulgently I've used the Blue Sky Alpaca cotton in tulip and drift because the colours are perfect and the plain stockinette stitch and broad stripes show them off wonderfully.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TS21f1xzUnI/AAAAAAAACS0/pp-BORYOw2g/s1600/beachy%2Btea.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561300673488966258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TS21f1xzUnI/AAAAAAAACS0/pp-BORYOw2g/s400/beachy%2Btea.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">This is a really simple teacosy, with a moss stitch border to give the idea of sand, while the stripes remind me of a beach hut. This is how I did it ::</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Cast on 32 stitches. Work 6 rows in double moss stitch, then switch to the second colour and commence stockinette stripes, of 6 rows each. Work 11 stripes, or 66 rows of stockinette. Work six rows of double moss stitch in the original colour. Cast off 32 stitches. </span><span style="color:#336666;">Fold the rectangular piece of knitting in half and seam the sides with invisible mattress stitch. Leave </span><span style="color:#336666;">a gap in each seam for the handle and spout.</span>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-19656479915619421392011-01-11T16:48:00.002+00:002011-01-11T16:56:03.602+00:00baby hat<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TSyKKnhVWKI/AAAAAAAACSs/RynTCKCSsGc/s1600/square%2Bbeanie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560971554907838626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TSyKKnhVWKI/AAAAAAAACSs/RynTCKCSsGc/s400/square%2Bbeanie.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div><span style="color:#336666;">This is my first attempt at any sort of babywear, and I've tried to make sure all ends are woven in and it's as sturdy as possible. I've made it from the same organic cotton as the yarn intended for the wedding blanket. It is for the newborn that is soon to make an entrance in the lives of my two friends, they don't know whether it will be girl or boy.<br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#336666;">The wedding blanket (for the same couple) has stalled due to the expense, so I am contemplating a pair of booties to match, and (I know its selfish to make something for yourself from yarn intended for a gift...) a striped teacosy for myself.</span></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-85696426152769749482010-11-29T14:48:00.003+00:002010-11-29T14:50:59.749+00:00radio bliss<span style="color:#336666;">Just a quickie...Radio 4's Women's Hour have a new 10-part dramatisation of one of my favourite books; Wives and Daughters.</span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;">It starts today...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/w77h3/">Wives and Daughters</a>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-18389454404518574852010-10-31T15:56:00.005+00:002012-12-19T16:25:46.342+00:00new home<span style="color: #336666;">here is a sneaky peek at some corners of my new kitchen...kitchen fireplace and pantry</span> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM2TDNh15WI/AAAAAAAACSA/nqAMVsrYBRk/s1600/kitchen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534241200488703330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM2TDNh15WI/AAAAAAAACSA/nqAMVsrYBRk/s400/kitchen.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM2TDrMbrGI/AAAAAAAACSI/zCD1u8TjplA/s1600/DSCF8276.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534241208451968098" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM2TDrMbrGI/AAAAAAAACSI/zCD1u8TjplA/s400/DSCF8276.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">On saturday I went to the <a href="http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #663366;">Vintage Bazaar</span></a> in Frome, which was a real treat. It was crammed with stalls selling vintage homewares, kitchenalia, fabric, trimmings, vintage clothes, books, and even handmade cloche hats.</span></div>
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A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-4257626097812119092010-10-31T12:59:00.004+00:002010-10-31T15:55:08.570+00:00spain<a title="gibraltar by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131033865/"><img alt="gibraltar" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/5131033865_3c23650177_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="mojito by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131035163/"><img alt="mojito" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/5131035163_9e722ae5c8_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="DSCF7930 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131642004/"><img alt="DSCF7930" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/5131642004_a6d939d2ba_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a><br /><a title="DSCF8001 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131048565/"><img alt="DSCF8001" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5131048565_484bf47d93_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="DSCF8028 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131051497/"><img alt="DSCF8028" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1146/5131051497_73079c4d0f_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="DSCF8101 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131656842/"><img alt="DSCF8101" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5131656842_97618bcd98_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a><br /><a title="DSCF8170 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131063125/"><img alt="DSCF8170" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5131063125_cbabfbc781_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="DSCF8175 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131663222/"><img alt="DSCF8175" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/5131663222_87018ef320_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a> <a title="DSCF8160 by A Homely Heroine, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahomelyheroine/5131660744/"><img alt="DSCF8160" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5131660744_de1cedfd44_s.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Gibraltar, mojitos, flamenco, tagine, Morocco, nelson, beads, beach, cafes</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">The homelyheroine in me had a lovely time too....</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">There was an amazing bead shop in tarifa, with hundreds of hand-painted wooden beads, and gorgeous jewellery made from the beads...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uoRHQt0I/AAAAAAAACRo/C19Ad_uLzn0/s1600/DSCF8172.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534201155175888706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uoRHQt0I/AAAAAAAACRo/C19Ad_uLzn0/s400/DSCF8172.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">This is my little haul...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1un6dTjXI/AAAAAAAACRY/NTCBTbRtSzU/s1600/DSCF8382.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534201149094333810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1un6dTjXI/AAAAAAAACRY/NTCBTbRtSzU/s400/DSCF8382.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">I also bought this pretty lilac leaf ceramic dish...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uoH6_n6I/AAAAAAAACRg/TEzqmDCPsWA/s1600/DSCF8383.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534201152708517794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uoH6_n6I/AAAAAAAACRg/TEzqmDCPsWA/s400/DSCF8383.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">There were some delicious cakes...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1upuoLvBI/AAAAAAAACR4/QhWUaBS99Ik/s1600/DSCF8047.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534201180278471698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1upuoLvBI/AAAAAAAACR4/QhWUaBS99Ik/s400/DSCF8047.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">And some lovely tiles...<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uopaKdiI/AAAAAAAACRw/yKPY5RE_7dI/s1600/DSCF8188.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534201161697621538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TM1uopaKdiI/AAAAAAAACRw/yKPY5RE_7dI/s400/DSCF8188.JPG" /></a></span>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-66716089914896032092010-10-17T20:11:00.002+01:002010-10-17T20:27:03.572+01:00Oh dear, its been a while...<span style="color:#336666;">...since I've put my head round the door isn't it. Faithful readers, I am still here.</span><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">Well, what's the gossip? </span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">I had a lovely holiday in Spain, it was a much prettier place than I had imagined, and I daresay I'll post a mosaic of photos for the curious that will give you the gist of it.</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">I've moved house, and I'm all safe and sound in my new home, a dear little cottage that I like to think is a bit like the one in the 1995 'Sense and Sensibility' film. Plenty of white wood panelling, and a fireplace is practically every room. A proper little kitchen too which we've managed to fit a dining room table into, and a pantry.</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">I've started my OU course, which was pretty terrifying at first, but is so far not too difficult. Maybe I'll report differently after the first assessment...</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">I had my first ever house-warming party, to which I lured people with the promise of a chocolate fountain, and was stunned by the generosity of a relatively new friend who has some game in the cake department. She showed up with this stunner...<br /></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TLtNr1DRzqI/AAAAAAAACRQ/XUOZJjIVmjE/s1600/Kate%27s+stunning+cake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529098382897958562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TLtNr1DRzqI/AAAAAAAACRQ/XUOZJjIVmjE/s400/Kate%27s+stunning+cake.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">And yes, those roses are entirely made of sugar, and she made them with her own fair hands, impressive, no? Needless to say she is baking her own wedding cake (she of the Westonbirt wedding, which has now changed location to a Devon cliff with a private beach for the day).</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">More soon, there is much to tell, and many blogger-friends to catch up with.</span></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-83796114996354239732010-09-02T17:51:00.005+01:002010-09-02T18:30:00.225+01:00holiday<span style="color:#336666;">Thanks for all your lovely messages of support, and practical advice! I managed to get the cake there, and assembled it at the bar while Mr HH and my sister shielded me from view. Perhaps I overdid it with the chocolate cream filling, as by the time it was served it had melted down the side of the cake a little, and was 'artfully' disguised by the waitress who added yet more cream on top of the white roses. On the whole though, it was successfull, my mum seemed pleased at least!</span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YC_gs6lI/AAAAAAAACRA/iYokrEpuJ80/s1600/the+cake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512362014844709458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YC_gs6lI/AAAAAAAACRA/iYokrEpuJ80/s400/the+cake.jpg" /></a></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Tomorrow I am going on holiday, hurrah! My bags are packed, I have my euros, nothing left to do but catch my flight. I'm flying to Gibraltar, Gib, The Rock, the port for British sailors since the days before Aubrey and Hornblower (ok those two are fictional), that strategic military base with roaming monkeys...</span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YCFBIIhI/AAAAAAAACQ4/QxoJY8IH8zk/s1600/muriel.jpg"></a></span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YBsIJsDI/AAAAAAAACQw/yBcOKkcmu-0/s1600/Gibraltar%25206628.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361992461594674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YBsIJsDI/AAAAAAAACQw/yBcOKkcmu-0/s400/Gibraltar%25206628.jpg" /></a></span><br /><p><span style="color:#336666;">But I'm not staying there, I'm heading for an empty beach on the Costa de la Luz, rural Spain, with a view of Africa across the Straits...</span></p><span style="color:#336666;"></span><p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YBaqEupI/AAAAAAAACQo/0_AN9L-DqIM/s1600/resort-luz-404_673509c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361987772037778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YBaqEupI/AAAAAAAACQo/0_AN9L-DqIM/s400/resort-luz-404_673509c.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#336666;">Hopefully there'll be a few day trips, to Cadiz and Tangier, whale watching and churro eating.</span></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YA-bGj_I/AAAAAAAACQg/_ixhsv2_BRM/s1600/strait_gibraltar.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361980193050610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YA-bGj_I/AAAAAAAACQg/_ixhsv2_BRM/s400/strait_gibraltar.gif" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#336666;">And some good reading, I'm taking 'Anne of Green Gable' which I've never read (!) and the new Muriel Spark bio just out in paperback. See you in two weeks!</span></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YCFBIIhI/AAAAAAAACQ4/QxoJY8IH8zk/s1600/muriel.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512361999143019026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TH_YCFBIIhI/AAAAAAAACQ4/QxoJY8IH8zk/s400/muriel.jpg" /></a><br /></p>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-17326814373739593232010-08-19T09:49:00.004+01:002010-08-19T10:05:59.659+01:00and breathe...<span style="color:#336666;">I am T minus 2 days away from my mother's 50th birthday party in Brighton, and I am responsible for providing the cake. I am stressed about this on several levels......</span> <div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><br />My plan is to bake a chocolate sandwich with a layer of chocolate whipped cream between and on top, to place this on a cake board and garnish with fresh white and pink roses, with pink candied rose petals scattered on top. Fine. Except I also have to get it to Brighton intact and fresh, and that means surviving a 4 hour car-journey. The cake is for 20 people.</span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyFCvaAsI/AAAAAAAACQY/gE2JpuQdEGI/s1600/51D3SDWSQ9L__SL500_AA300_.jpg"></a></span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><br />It'll be ok though, because I have an elaborate plan to transport everything separately- sponges, cream, flowers, and assemble at the restaurant. I'm trying not to think about it, mostly.</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><br />On the other hand I did manage to get Robert Opie's '1920's Scrapbook' on sale at work...</span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyExKMEnI/AAAAAAAACQQ/OsnItWksZtE/s1600/51BjgzcxrIL__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507042608096744050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyExKMEnI/AAAAAAAACQQ/OsnItWksZtE/s400/51BjgzcxrIL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"><br />It's a fantastic collection of newspapers, adverts, and memorabilia, arranged into chapters such as 'hair and hats'. Excellent social history record, and very nice to open randomly and pore over. There is also a '1930's Scrapbook' which I'd love to get hold of...<br /></span></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyFCvaAsI/AAAAAAAACQY/gE2JpuQdEGI/s1600/51D3SDWSQ9L__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><span style="color:#336666;"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507042612816249538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyFCvaAsI/AAAAAAAACQY/gE2JpuQdEGI/s400/51D3SDWSQ9L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><br />Speaking of social history, top of my wishlist at the moment is this book by Shirley Hughes. It contains a painting for every other year from 1900 to 1950, and 2 pages of text and black and white drawings summarising the social, cultural, and political history of that year. Most of the paintings depict meals, and my favourite is the very first...the kitchen of the grand townhouse.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyDk3Q6RI/AAAAAAAACQI/PPThZ5640Fs/s1600/513Jm7L39lL__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><span style="color:#336666;"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507042587616274706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGzyDk3Q6RI/AAAAAAAACQI/PPThZ5640Fs/s400/513Jm7L39lL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">I just got my registration papers back from the OU, I am officially started on my history degree, an ambition of some 6 years standing....so excited!</span></div><span style="color:#336666;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;">Just as long as the cake turns out ok....</span> <div></div></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-45152044882884728372010-08-13T20:09:00.004+01:002010-08-13T20:43:14.524+01:00paper art<span style="color:#336666;">Here's a book to fall in love with....'Playing With Books'</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfoscHEpI/AAAAAAAACQA/aj8cZz-NLe8/s1600/books.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 382px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504981641002947218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfoscHEpI/AAAAAAAACQA/aj8cZz-NLe8/s400/books.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#336666;">It has a number of projects to turn beautiful books, pages and covers that will never be read into decorative and useful items, such as a clock, bag, or flowers. Then at the back features some serious artists practising the craft. The dress on the cover for instance, but also 'butterflies' and my favourite, a tiny but perfect age-of-sail ship cresting the wave created by the pages of a book.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;">Have a look at the website of </span><a href="http://www.traceybush.com/"><span style="color:#663366;">Tracey Bush</span></a><span style="color:#336666;">, I adore what she does, particularly the use of maps.<br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfokE5S9I/AAAAAAAACP4/ESJd52LgTTU/s1600/butterflies.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 275px; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504981638758091730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfokE5S9I/AAAAAAAACP4/ESJd52LgTTU/s400/butterflies.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;">Another nice book is 'Things on Toast'. Yum, yum, yum.</span></div><div><span style="color:#336666;"></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfoZSBnDI/AAAAAAAACPw/Eu9As5R7xMI/s1600/toast.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504981635860372530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TGWfoZSBnDI/AAAAAAAACPw/Eu9As5R7xMI/s400/toast.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><br />There won't be any more children's books featured for a while because I am on the long-list reading panel for the Children's Book Prize run by my company, and I cannot divulge the titles. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#336666;">I tried salt-dough today for the first time, no pictures yet because its in the oven, and I need to find some paints...</span></div>A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033678228420695941.post-79304897235794738572010-07-28T19:58:00.006+01:002012-12-19T16:30:22.888+00:00This July just gone<span style="color: #336666;">So I've missed a few mondays, how predictable! Life had been pretty hectic, but before I elaborate ::</span><br />
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<span style="color: #336666;">monday 5th :: read this book.....'The Complete Borrowers'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">monday 12th :: read this book...'Swallows and Amazons'</span><span style="color: #336666;"><br />monday 19th :: read this book...'Kensuke's Kingdom'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">monday 26th :: read this book...'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">All of these books are suitable for adults, seriously, if you read them as a child read them again, I promise you will get more out of them this time around. <em>'The Complete Borrowers'</em> is wonderfully told, I almost attempted to make my own 'borrowers' house with walls lined with writing paper from the waste paper basket and stamps as portraits. <em>'Swallows and Amazons'</em> is a very peaceful book, with a couple of high-excitement chapters, oh the sailing! <em>'Kensuke's</em> <em>Kingdom'</em> is so original, so realistic, so unusual, so moving. <em>'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader'</em> is a typical adventure, and has a fantastic opening line that indicates the humour in the book....</span><span style="color: #336666;"><em><br />'There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.'</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;"><em>C.S Lewis</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666;"><br />I also happened through sheer luck to win my workplace world cup sweepstake, and bought this...<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKp6_2FPI/AAAAAAAACPQ/TO07v3swlKo/s1600/cakestand.jpg"><span style="color: #336666;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499047597835687154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKp6_2FPI/AAAAAAAACPQ/TO07v3swlKo/s400/cakestand.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #336666;"><br />Last weekend I went to the beautiful Brecon Beacons to do adventurous things with my Brownie Pack, like cata-canoeing (which is fun because you can't capsize the boat, on the otherhand that's no good if the instructor picks you up and throws you in the lake) and camping. It was exhausting, but not more tiring than house-hunting, which I'm delighted to say has come to an end!</span><span style="color: #336666;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666;">I have a new sewing project....my home in fabric. I was inspired by the very talented </span><a href="http://marmaladerose.blogspot.com/2010/01/applique-revealed.html"><span style="color: #336666;">Marmalade Rose</span></a><span style="color: #336666;">, and her awesome machine-sewing project...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKpGusRgI/AAAAAAAACPI/mxX5tXig0aI/s1600/2010-01-23+046+(Large).jpg"><span style="color: #336666;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499047583805097474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKpGusRgI/AAAAAAAACPI/mxX5tXig0aI/s400/2010-01-23+046+(Large).jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #336666;"><br />These are my own beginnings...<br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKqx00zmI/AAAAAAAACPg/4aga7L-ZMho/s1600/house.jpg"><span style="color: #336666;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499047612553416290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKqx00zmI/AAAAAAAACPg/4aga7L-ZMho/s400/house.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKrPt_oxI/AAAAAAAACPo/uIbyi758Kvw/s1600/house2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499047620577829650" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ly5uf1xkD04/TFCKrPt_oxI/AAAAAAAACPo/uIbyi758Kvw/s400/house2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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A Homely Heroinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263478567921453478noreply@blogger.com5