Chez Sophie

A Very Lucky Girl

2011-10-09T22:13:00.000+01:00

Gosh I have been shattered today after a really busy week at work and the craft fair yesterday!

But I just had to share with you something that truely made my day on Friday.

I had seen that CK was going to be at Selfridges on Thursday signing her new book Patch.

Unfortunatly I coudnt get up to town to get a copy.

On Friday morning I got an email with this attached to it.

A friend of mine works at the big yellow store and went and got me a copy signed, how lucky am I.

Thanks Honey, you know who you are.

Have a great week.

Luv

My little shop

2011-10-08T19:29:00.002+01:00

Hello
Sorry I've been away a while, I've been busy working & creating items for my little online shop. I did my first craft fair of the season today.
Click on my shop chez Sophie button to see what I've been making.
More news tomorrow.
Luv Sophie Xxx

2011-08-29T22:03:00.000+01:00

What have you been up to this weekend?

I have been sorting,

Carbooting

Sparkling

Tidying

Snipping

Reminiscing

& having fun in my sewing room.........

Been Baking.............

2011-08-24T21:15:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow we have a charity summer fete at work, So obviously I said I would host the cake stall!

It's been a bit of a bakeathon in the Chez Sophie Household this afternoon.

Have a great rest of the week

Luv

The finished cake stall xxx

The Month that passed in a blink of an eye

2011-08-21T17:16:00.000+01:00

Gosh I hadn't realised how long it was since I last posted!

Seems like an update is needed.

Pickle is doing really well, she has had her catheter out for 3 weeks now and the cone off for 2 weeks.

The vets are really pleased with her progress and she is almost back to her old self, Gav & I can't quite believe she has made such a great recovery for being given a 5% chance of survival.

Work has been super busy, the world of retail never seems to slow down. I'm sure that time goes quicker as you get older!

We have had some wonderful summer outings, the best being a trip to the Chili Fiesta as West Dean Gardens. We had a great day tasting all the different foods that can be made with chili. They also have a great selection of chili plants for sale, including plats with purple chillies.

We got quite carried away and bought 4 different plants, I am defiantly going to be making chili jam for Christmas pressies.

In the last month I have had loads of offers of fruit from peoples gardens that they don't know what to do with, so I have made a great deal of Jam. Raspberry = 10 Jars, Mixed Berry = 17 Jars, Plum = 13 Jars.

We have also been scrumping! which is quite good fun, the blackberry's seem to be ready a lot earlier this year & bountiful, I have 2 kilos of them stored in the freezer ready for Bramble jelly making in the autumn.

My dear Grandad passed away a couple of weeks ago at the ripe old age of 92, he passed quickly & peacefully, still needing to know the cricket score as he was wheeled into the hospital. Thankfully England were winning so he died happy. The funeral took place on Monday up at Mum & Dads where I had spent the weekend. The whole family turned out, 4 Children & Partners, 8 Grand Children & Partners, 2 step grand children & 4 great grand children. We had a lovely party in the grounds of his nursing home afterwards.

Here I am with my cousins.

I also spent some time with Mum in her beach hut, which was lovely as the sun kept shining all weekend & they have a great ice cream parlor on Felixstowe seafront which makes it even better.

We have been working hard in the garden & neglecting the house as usual, but we do soo love our garden.

So the house work is done, I have an apple & blackberry crumble ready for pudding and the laundry is whirring in the washing machine. I think I will take a stroll down to my veg patch & pull some beetroot for tea. Have a wonderful week, I hope to go off visiting blog land this evening.

Much Luv

Convalesing

2011-07-23T18:48:00.002+01:00

Pickles has been home for a week now and Gavin & I have now become nurses!

Which is interesting as I am soo squeemish!

She is doing ok we have good days and bad days, she is living in a puppy cage so she can't escape, its big though we can fit in it with her.

Hopefully normality will return at some point but I think it will be a long journey for her.
Lots of luv
Sophie Xxx

A Little Bit of Therapy

2011-07-11T19:56:00.000+01:00

A Couple of weeks ago I went on a long awaited crochet flower evening at my local wool shop.

Although I have taught myself to crochet, I really did want to have a lesson as I learn a lot better by watching someone else do it. I have to say that Vanessa from Coco Rose Diaries who is an amazing crocheter has truly inspired me.

I had a great evening, it was just after Pickle had gone into the animal hospital & I really needed a bit of me time.I managed to get booked on the course a couple of months ago, so Gav said I really must go and enjoy myself for an evening.

It was great fun, the wool bar is a tiny little shop run by a lovely lady called Caroline, with a big pine table taking up most of the space. I have often walked past and seen gaggles of ladies drinking coffee and knitting in there.

The course was run by a lovely lady who used to be a school art teacher, she was very good.

We were given a pattern of the flower we were to make. A whole rainbow of beautiful yarn had been laid out on the table, we were told to chose our first colour. I chose a deep purple. We then went through the stitch code, which was great as I always forget what they mean!

I took photos of my flower in progress so instead of me explaining what we did here you are.

My finished Flowers

We also got to make a free style flower, starting with a magic ring!

I am now feeling a lot more confident about my crochet, & I'm finding reading the patterns a lot easier too.

Here are a few photos of the Beautiful Wool Bar, if your ever in Worthing do pop along for a visit.

Have a wonderful week.

Luv

Energy............

2011-07-09T09:57:00.000+01:00

Finally I have the energy and words to write my blog.

My life has been somewhat taken over with work and visits to the vets everyday.

Pickles is still with us and has had an operation to remover her tail and put a catheter in to drain her bladder to help it heal.She is holding in there and the vets are being wonderful and positive.

Having never had pets before the kittens (& having no children yet) I have never felt this way before. I seem to be up and down like a yoyo. I think I am starting to feel a bit more normal!

Hopefully I will be back to blogging properly too.

Luv

Relief & Fear

2011-06-28T22:17:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update about Pickle, Gav got a phone call yesterday from our neighbour to say she was in the driveway of our house. Gav rushed home & managed to get her into the house, she couldn't walk goodness know how she crawled home!

I then came home and we got a vets appointment.

Long story short she is very poorly, she has had her tailed pulled, somehow!

She has a paralyzed tail & she may have severe nerve damage to her bladder, bowel & spine.

She can't pee herself at the moment and will be at the vets until they can properly asses the damage.

I have never been soo worried in my life, I was soo relieved she came home but also soo worried about the damage that has been done and what will happen next....

We just have to wait & see.

Thanks for your wonderful supportive messages.

We went to visit her tonight and although she is still very poorly we just have to be positive that she will pull through this.

Thanks again

Luv

Lost Property

2011-06-25T18:40:00.000+01:00

Sad news in the Chez Sophie Household, Pickle Gavin's cat has gone missing!

She hasn't been home for 2 days now, So we are quite sad.

We have done everything we can, searched the local area, phoned the local vet's, put flyer's through all the neighbours doors and spoken to everyone we can down our road. She is chipped and has a collar so if she is picked up we will get called by a vet or police.

Let's hope she comes home soon.

I hope your having a better weekend than me.

Luv

Sophie xxx

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-19T12:10:00.000+01:00

Happy Fathers Day

I'm not with my Daddy today but I have spoken to him, he has had his card & toast with my homemade raspberry jam on it for breakfast. He had his present when I went to stay a couple of weeks ago - a wind up lamp for the garden/beach hut! Very useful, apparently he tried it out last night in the garden.

I hope all those Daddies out there have a wonderful day.

Luv

A Few of my Favourite Things

2011-06-17T19:48:00.000+01:00

Hello All

Just thought I would pop by and say I'm still alive just been having a break.

I just had to share a few of my current favourite things!

Firstly a new magazine called Mollie Makes, it is soo up my street and such a breath of fresh air in the craft magazine catalogue.

My garden has been taking up a lot of my time as well, it is all growing soo fast and needing quite a bit of attention. Thank goodness it has been raining a bit more as it really did need it, it has all started to flourish again.

My new phone is also my new Best Friend, It can do everything I want it to even Blog, which means I can blog on the move!

WI has taken on a new meaning to me!

I have made a couple of really good like minded friends, we have started a bit of a mini revolution by chance! And the committee are taking notice that more needs to be done to generate new members! I think we rattled a few cages by visiting a new Young WI in the local area to see what they did differently to our WI, now lots of the other members are asking us about it and want our WI to do more interactive activities as well!

I do feel like I have opened a can of worms but a good can, as everyone seems positive about it!

More on that soon, I am in charge of the raffle for the next meeting!

So I have my thinking cap on for some lovely prizes.

I have also been learning about how to research family history online, I have been spurred on by one of my WI friends who has a wealth of knowledge about it & is helping a great deal as it is quite a tricky process.

Who do you think you are? & Long Lost Family has a lot to answer too!!!

So all in all I'm keeping busy.

Have a lovely weekend, I'm off to check my google reader now and have a good old catch up.

Luv

2011-05-09T21:43:00.000+01:00

Hellllllooooooooooo

Sorry I've not been around much lately.

I have had a busy time at work and then a weeks holiday at home to relax.

Although I seem to be busy every day!

Watching the Royal wedding on day 1, in my PJ's on the sofa.

I got up at 8am and watched it all the way through till 3pm, it was great, she looked beautiful and he looked very handsome. Much more personal than I thought it would be and a real moment in history.

I have worked at the CS twice, entertained 10+ people for dinner, shopped in Chichester, Gun Wharf Portsmouth & Worthing. Did a CB and made some pennies & Made Raspberry Jam!

Gardened & Gardened, the veggie patch is looking fab, Gav has been on a major gardening mission (the play station network is down!!!) which means loads of jobs get done in the garden, yippee. New planters built & a new composter, I will take some photos and show you soon.

I have also been spending quite a lot of time in here.

Making these.

They were custom orders, which is fab as a little word of mouth advertising is always great.

I have also been making these to sell at my next fair on the 21st May.

Lot's still to make so I have a nice full stall.

So back to work today, Should be a busy week!

I'm off to catch uo with you all now, and see what you have all been up to.

Luv

Sunny Sunday

2011-04-24T22:09:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter Everyone, I hope youve all had a choctastic day.

It's been lovely having a long weekend, I really needed it.

So far we have done lot's in the garden, Gav came home from work at 5pm on Thursday night and promply started making a new garden table, he was finished by 9pm!

He has been on a mission since we came back from holiday & has gardened every night after work.

I have been pottering, planting veggies and weeding.

I did howeve decide to finish restoring my vintage deck chair today, It has taken a while to do, removing the old torn canvas, sanding it down, teak oiling twice and then today redoing the fabric panel today.

I used the vintage sanderson fabric I found at the CB last summer, such a bargain £3 for the whole bolt, plenty left to make some seat cushions for the garden chairs.

This afternoon we have built a composter out of old pallets to take over from the plastic tardis that we had.

Thanks for all the Birthday wishes, I shall be baking again tomorrow, Gav has requested Banana muffins for work next week.

I hope you all have a wonderful short week & another long weekend.

Luv

Birthday & Birthday Swaps..........

2011-04-17T21:35:00.000+01:00

Hello My Lovelies

Sorry it's been a while, I have lots to tell you.

I have been on the most marvelious holiday to Cornwall.

Had the big 30 Birthday & some lovely pressies.

So First things first.

Thanks to all the lovely Birthday Swappers who sent me lovely gifts.

I opened them today as I wanted to do them all together and had to pick some up from the Post Office yesterday, So Tadaaaaaaaaaa

Here are all the lovelies I received.

They are all beautiful & I felt very spoilt, thanks fellow swappers xxxxx.

I also want to show you what I got for my birthday, I decided that as I was going to finally become an adult, I should have a big grown up mixer to prove it. So all my family gave me money towards this beauty.

She is my new best friend and my first make was birthday Whoopie Pies for the office.

I also received the new Hummingbird Bakery book and the recipe was in it so why not try a Whoopie.....

They were delicious and soo much fun to make.

Our holiday was amazing and I have loads of photos to show you but blogger is being random with photos, they will have to wait until another day.

So it's movie night tonight so I must dash.

Have a lovely Sunny week.

Luv

A Delicious Mission

2011-03-26T22:33:00.001Z

I woke up this morning feeling foggy, with little motivation until my Mum phoned from her holiday to say are you getting you pressie today!!!! And then I remembered that I had a mission for the day and I started to feel a whole lot better.

I had to pop to the post office first to pick up a parcel, and surprisingly it was from CK, I'm not opening it though encase it's for my birthday. I the mooched round the town popping into TK's to see what they had and I picked up a bargain dress to wear to my Friend Rachael's wedding this Thursday. I don't often wear dresses, but I felt really good in it so it came home with me.

I then walked down one of my favourite streets, it has lots of little one off shops down it so it's always good for a mooch. I stopped outside this shop.

The Wool Bar, they had this beautiful hanging basket of knitted strawberries outside.

As I peered through the window I noticed a sign about classes that were being held there and low and behold there was one for crochet flowers. I have been so inspired by everyone's crocheting here in blog land, I can crochet basic granny squares but anything else and I am in a complete pickle. So I popped in and booked myself on the course, £12 for an evening course 7 till 9 and they provide a hook and yarn, not bad I thought. The course isn't until June but I love to have things to look forward too.

So then I went to complete the mission of the day.

Can you guess where I am yet?

Yes this amazing little cook shop had my mixer waiting for me at a great price.

So Gav now has it and is keeping it away from me until the day,

I have also done a shift in the CS, made chicken curry, Bombay potatoes and Chocolate marshmallow brownies and now I am pooped!

A bit of Bond on the Telly then bed me thinks.

Don't forget to turn your clocks froward.

Luv

PS The lady in the Wool Bar told me that they had knitted the Strawberry Hanging Basket for Cancer Research, and that the pattern had come from Cancer Research. I have found the pattern for the strawberries online click here for it. xxx

Nearly time to head for the West Counrty...........

2011-03-25T21:08:00.000Z

Where do the days go, I can't believe that in a few days we are off on holiday to Cornwall.

It feels like only yesterday when I booked it not 7 months ago.

I have never been to Cornwall and am soo excited, I don't think I'm going to want to come home.

We have a lovely (hopefully) barn conversion to stay in near Par, not far from Newquay, Eden Project & Padstow.

So I'm hoping your going to tell me lots of lovely places to go and visit.

I know it's cleacha but I want to have fish & chips at Rick Stiens, Visit the Eden Project & the Lost Gardens of Helagon. As well as seeing Newquay & Port Issac where Doc Martin is filmed.

I'm looking forward to spending time with Gav and our lovely friends we are holidaying with.

Pub lunches and suppers by the fire.

Not long to go now, Work has been manic and I truly need a break.

I'm off into town tomorrow to pick up my special Birthday Present, Eeek I think I may burst with excitement.

I have promised myself though that I will not open the box and that Gav must wrap it and put it away for the actual day so I have something to open.

It's been lovely & sunny here this week, I'm hoping that the weather stays good for the weekend as I really want to get some veggies planted.

Have a lovely weekend, I hope the sun shines for you.

Luv

A to Z Of Me

2011-03-23T23:43:00.000Z

I saw this over on Victoria's Blog Florence & Mary and thought it would be good to join in with as I haven't done a getting to know you/me post in ages.

A. Age: 29 Years & 348 Days – OMG I am defiantly going to be the big 30 too soon!!

B. Bed size: King Size, I love my bed

C. Chore you dislike: Hovering is my worst nightmare

D. Dogs: I like them but my cat’s are my babies

E. Essential start to your day: A strong coffee when I get to work & a Bacon sandwich always helps the day start off well

F. Favourite colour: Blue

G. Gold or silver: Silver or White Gold

H. Height: 5ft 11”

I. Instruments you play(ed): I learnt Piano when I was little, but really struggles reading music so it never really went anywhere

J. Job. Assistant Commercial Manager for a Beauty Retailer

K. Kids: Not at the moment, am feeling a little selfish!

L. Live: West Sussex, Right on the south coast between Brighton & Chichester

M. Mum’s name: Kathleen (my middle name), but Kathy is the name everyone used N. Nicknames: My sister calls me “Mush” at work I’m normally Soph

O. Overnight hospital stays: None, I have issues with Hospitals

P. Pet peeves: People who don’t say Thank You, it doesn’t cost a penny and means a great deal.

Q. Quote from a movie: “I will always be just a little bit fat” Bridget Jones Edge of Reason

R. Righty or lefty: Righty

S. Siblings: 1 Sister

T. Time you wake up: Weekdays 7 to 7.30am, Weekends Any time I like

U. Underwear: Pretty but comfy,

V. Vegetables you don’t like: I eat most things and can’t quite think of any I dislike at the moment

W. What makes you run late: Turning my alarm off in my sleep, lol

X. X-rays you’ve had: Teeth only

Y. Yummy food you make: I do love to bake and cup cakes are a favourite, along with brownies but I also do a mean Thai curry according to Gav.

Z. Zoo animal favourites: Elephant especially the babies

So there you go a little bit more about me.

Join in it's fun to go though the alphabet and see what your answeres are.

Luv

Spring Has Sprung

2011-03-22T18:03:00.000Z

I received an email today from House of Fraser and I just had to show you all this fab piece on silk scarves.

I am seriously into scarves at the moment and think they are a fab accessory to brighten up an outfit.

I have been picking them up for a couple of pounds in Charity Shops for a while now, and the vintage ones are soo much fun with quirky images, great floral patterns and as good as any designer scarf out their on the high street.

I often tie them round the handle of my handbag to to add a little colour to my look for the day.

So my top tip for spring would be accessories with a beautiful scarf & enjoy.

Of to Slimming World now wish me luck.

Luv

Don't judge a book by it's cover....................

2011-03-20T23:39:00.000Z

Do you ever wonder what your book say about you?

I have been sat in front of the fire tonight as the heating is not working again!

And as I look up from my laptop my eye keeps catching my book shelf as I scroll over to the TV to see what drivvel is on it.

So here are the books on my bookshelf and what they means to me.

From the left

The Thrift Book - A great read for anyone who likes to thrift and keep a thrifty life & home
A very old random volume of an Encyclopedia - rescued from a deralict house
The Third Year of War in Pictures - another rescued book (Gav's Rescue)
Kirsties's Homemade Home - Bought to see if there was anything interesting in it!
Good House Keepings Christmas - Given to me by a lady at work
David Baily - an inspirational photographer
Vogue - from 1997 Diana's edition I think
A vintage childrens story book found at a Jumble sale
My Fairytale Annual - a CS find
Sloe Gin & Bee's Wax - I bought this as I fancied making Sloe Gin but couldnt find any Sloes!
Dresses - From the collection of Dianna Princess Of Wales (Southerbys auction catalogue of Diannas Dresses) - Given to me by my late God Mother Eunice a journalist know as Fenella to her readers a true excentirc!!!
Compleat Craft - a great coffee table read
Artist - Ben Livingston - Given to me by my Uncle & Aunt for my 18th Birthday
Practical Allotment Gardening - got to love my veggie patch
Beatles Compleate - A guitar music book of Gav's

Well thats a really random or you could say eclectic collection of books isn't it?

That's only one shelf of it as well.

Does anyone else out there have an odd collection of books staring at them from a shelf?

Luv

A Rescued Jar can brighten your day..................

2011-03-20T19:25:00.000Z

A Dual Purpose for a rescued Kilner Jar from the CS.

Hope you had a lovely Sunny Weekend.

Luv

My New Favourite Chocolate Brownie Recipe

2011-03-14T20:01:00.000Z

I realised last week whilst watching The Hairy Bakers "Mum Knows Best" that I don't have any family recipes. So during the show I phoned my Mum with a list of my favourite family recipes & asked her to ask my family for their recipes.

I have asked for the following, to start me off.

Grandads Victoria Sponge Recipe - the lightest sponge in the world

Auntie Sue's Pavlova Recipe - Her Dinner Party Party Piece

Auntie Viv's Flapjacks - No one has ever made one close to hers, a fond childhood memory food

My Dad's Fish Pie - A must have dinner on every visit to see them!

I was having a good old read of all your blogs last night an I noticed that Julie of KC'sCourt had made a Custard Tart. It was my Nanna's favourite cake for a Saturday tea normally from M&S, but I though gosh I wish I had a recipe so I could make it. I sadly don't have any of her recipes.

So I asked Julie and she has kindly sent me her recipe.

She also commented on my Marshmallow Brownies I made yesterday, and asked if I had the recipe so I thought I would share the Brownie Love & here it is.

I actually got it from the Free Morrisons Magazine that I picked up yesterday with the weekly shop.

And now it is my Favourite brownie recipe by far, and soo quick and easy to make.

It makes 15 Brownies

Prep takes about 20 minutes

Cooking about 30

And they are suitable for the freezer

Ingredients

180g Butter - I used Stalk

150g Dark chocolate

3 Eggs

270g Golden Caster Sugar - I used white caster sugar

50g Cocoa Powder

80g Plain Flower

50g Mini Marshmallows

How to Make Marshmallow Chocolate Brownies

Place the butter & chocolate in a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and heat gently until it melts, let it cool.
Pre Heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4
Line the base of a 28 x 18cm baking tin with baking parchment. (I lined the sides too)
Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar, until pale, thick & creamy.
Sift in the cocoa powder and flour and fold it into the egg & sugar mixture with a spatula or metal spoon.
Pour in the cooled melted chocolate mixture in a thin stream and gently fold it in along with the mini marshmallows.
Keep a few marshmallows back for decoration.
Spoon/pour the mixture into the prepared tin.
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, I only let them cook for this time so that they stayed gooey inside. They are done when they start to come away from the edge and the top it glossy like paper.
If they still wobble when you check them put them back in for a few more minutes.
Allow to cool completely (if you can resist) and cut into 15.
Sprinkles with the left over marshmallows & eat Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

So there we are my first recipe to add to my new recipe book which I will be covering like the little notebooks I sold on Saturday.

I also took some of my cards, broaches & hair bobbles into work and sold loads and I have more commissions so I must get to work after tea and make more............

Have a great week

Luv

Hidden Treasures

2011-03-13T22:09:00.000Z

A week on and we have central heating and hot water.

The house is warm & cosy and showering is a lot more fun in hot water as opposed to cold.

Work has been super busy, I took Friday off to get ready for my craft fair on Saturday.

I made a few new bits to sell, including some fabric covered notebooks and another mini hot water bottle.

I really enjoyed having a stall at the Hidden Treasures Event.

It was busy and had a great atmosphere with like minded people selling their goodies along with the nearly new clothing sale.

Here is my stall.

And my new Mini Fabric covered notebooks.

& my rosie mini hot water bottle, the one made with the Russian Doll fabric sold which was fab.

Not sure why blogger keeps uploding photos in their side? Anyone have any tips on this glitch?

I also have a customer order from the fair, which is lovely and I will be adding some things to my
little blog shop which I started last year and have really made a poor effort to keep up with.

Today has been spent laying a cable from the airing cupboard to the kitchen for the plummer so he can come back and finish off some pipe work this week.

It was a bit of a mission, we have had floor boards up in the spare room, the bath pannle off and the storage cupbord under the eves compleatly turned out to try and feed the cable through to the kitchen where the boiler is.

Eventually it was done, so to celebrate our DIY mission compleation I made Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies.

They are particully gooie which is just how we like them, Mmmmmmmmmm.

So I'm off to make the packed lunches and get ready for the week ahead.

Have a good one.

Luv

Sub Zero Temperatures.............

2011-03-06T19:24:00.001Z

4 Days with no heating & limited hot water now.....

But as they say

We are doing everything we can to keep our house cosy & warm until the plumber can fit the new boiler next week.

We have gone a bit old school and have a blanket hanging over the doorway to our kitchen, and it is helping the cold stay out of the lounge in the evenings.

We have puled the new old sofa out of the corner or the room and blocked it in round the fire place so that the heat stays in the center of the actual lounge area as we have an open plan living dining room.

Gav has been fitting the new front door today, it was planned to go in before the boiler died soo it was a bit breezy but now we will be warm & snugly.

Hopefully I won't get locked out the house again, Yipppppeee.
Have a lovely week.
Luv

Thank You for the Chickens xxx

2011-03-05T11:55:00.000Z

I just wanted to show you the lovely gift's I received from the Lovely Penny at The Hen House, for her caption competition. Pop over and find out all about the caption competition here.

Penny sent me these 2 lovely Chickens.

The lovely chicken mould is currently adorning my dresser top & the hanging chicken is hanging in my kitchen watching my every move.

Thanks again Penny xxx

Still cold here at Chez Sophie, the boiler is dead!!!

So hopefully we will get a new one fitted next week? fingers crossed.

Have a lovely weekend, I'm off to the CS now for my shift.

Luv

A Grand Day Out

2011-03-03T23:34:00.001Z

Firstly thanks for all the advice about the KitchenAid, I have decided on the Red one!!!!

I think as you all said it is the right choice, who cares about practical & safe, definatly need the fun version.

Secondly, I am sat in front of the fire on the floor writing this post as the boiler has broken and the house is freezing!!!!

Thirdly let me tell you about our day out on Tuesday to Ardingly Antiques Fair.

We got up early, it was a chilly day so we wrapped up warm, and took a sceenic drive to Ardingly through the Sussex countryside.

The fair cost £20 each to get in, on the first day and £5 on the second. Unfortunatly we only had Tuesday off work so had to go on the first day. There were quite a lot of stalls outside braving the cold, and more in barns & marquees. But not as many as we though there would be from seeing it on TV.

We walked around all the stalls,but sadly didn't buy anything. Prices were quite steep & a lot of things were already sold. Some stalls were mesmerising.

Love these bright deck chairs, can't wait to get mine finally finished this summer.

Lot's of old french fruit crates on lots of stalls

This stall was a real eclectic mix, love the tricycle

Shabby Chic-ness & lots of it.

This old toy pram was just sat on it's own, looks much better with my name on it!

I loved this old herb chest but it was really quite decrepid and falling appart.

Would have been great in my sewing room.

There were lots of stalls from Europ, selling linen & glass but I have to say they were all quite expensive £10 for a kilner Jar!

I think I am spoilt working in the charity shop, with all my bargains.

I would say a great experience and we are glad we went, we just wish there had been more there we were looking for, we think the summer one might have more sellers due to better weather conditions.

We decidied at lunch time to head back towards Brighton and get some lunch.

We walked throught the south lanes to Jamie Olivers Resturant and had a fab lunch.

I have been before, (I think it was one of my first posts on my blog) but Gav had not been so it made a lovely birthday lunch for him.

The resturant is properly Jamiefied and you feel like you are sat in one of the kitchens you see him cooking in on TV, we were sat right infront of this deli bar, the meats & Cheese on it looked soo good.

We were still pretty cold so I ordered a coffee and Gav had a birthday beer.

It was a lovely coffee and really warmed me up.

For lunch I chose a Bressola & rainbow beets Salad, which was huge and truly delishious.

(Wrong way round - naughty blogger)

Gav chose the Burger which was huge with all sorts of yummy fillings & Funky Fies.

Definatly a fab place for lunch, If your in Brighton I would definatly recomed a visit.

So our day out finished with some shopping & then home.

So the living room is a bit warmer now and hopefully we will survie the night!

Just please don't let it snow that would be the icing on the cake literlly!

Have a great weekend.

Luv

PS I think Blogger is having a funny five as the spell check is not working, so please excuse the bad spelling as I know there will be some in here!

Advice Needed & A Winner.......

2011-02-27T21:44:00.000Z

I need some advice from you lovely bloggers.

I am going to turn the big 30 in April, Eeeeeeek.........

And to celebrate this momentous occasion I have asked all my friends & family for Money or John Lewis vouchers so I can buy one of these.

Now I know I told you I have wanted a decent mixer for a really long time & although I know Kenwood is a really good brand, I just love the KitchenAid style soooo much I have to have one.

My dilemma is which one is the best to get?

Artisan ???

What colour to choose?

My heart says get the RED one, cool, statement, fun

but my head says White, safer, neutral, clean!!!

I have decided to get it from JL as they come with a 5 year warranty and I don't want anything going wrong with such an expensive mixer.

So if you have an opinion on my dilemma, please leave a comment, it would be much appreciated.

Not long now and I will have left my 20's behind and be a real grown up....

Now on a lighter note I need to announce the winner of the Earth Lovers Shower Gel Giveaway.

I asked Gav to pick a number between 1 & 13 and he said 8 which was LissyLou's comment.

LissyLou - A Pear & LemonGrass will be on it's way to you this week.

Thanks to all who entered.

So tomorrow I have the day off and thank goodness the glass man is coming to glaze the new front door so it can be fitted as I can't stand getting locked out again and having to wait for Gav to come home!

Sitting on the door step with my front door key stuck in the lock in the cold is not my idea of fun!

Have a great week.

Luv

Long Weekend...........

2011-02-26T12:53:00.000Z

I'm soo glad it's the weekend, and a long weekend for me too.

We have Monday & Tuesday off work as it is Gav's birthday on Tuesday.

Today I am going to be mostly in my sewing room making lovelies to sell at my first craft fair of the year, in 2 weeks time.... Eeeek

Someone pulled out of having a stall at my friends Alison's Hidden Treasures Event so I am filling it for her.

I have been making Flower Brooches, Lavender Hearts, mini hot Water Bottle Covers & Mothers Day Cards. I hope I have enough stock to fill my stall!!!!

Gav and I have wanted to go to the Ardingly Antiques Fair since seeing it on Kristy's Home Made Home and with it being only 40 minutes away from us we thought we would see what dates it is on.

It only happens to be on Tuesday & Wednesday next week so depending on the weather we will be going on Tuesday, hopefully to find some lovely stuff for the house. If anyone is going to be there displaying there wares let me know and we will pop along to see you.

So I better get back to the sewing, Have a lovely weekend.

Luv

My Favourite

2011-02-25T20:43:00.000Z

Red Velvet......................

Feeding the Fishies..............

2011-02-20T16:15:00.000Z

Yesterday Gem & I got up really early for a Saturday (well early for me! 7am) and zoomed over to Brighton.

We had booked ourselves in for a Fish Pedicure.......

(Please excuse my horrid feet)

We got a voucher for it to be half price from the website Wahanda which is a beauty voucher site great for bargain spa treatments.

Anyho, it was a complete EXPERIENCE!

I was a little apprehensive about it but, it sounded like fun and it was.

The therapist first washed our feet and put special slippers on us.

We sat on raised benches with large fish tanks infront of us filled with fish called Garra Fish.

These little fish nibble the dead skin off your feet!

The nice thing is that they obviously understand that people will want to go with a friend so most of the tanks are in pairs.

We were then told to lower our feet at the same time into the tanks.

Well I was not as brave as Gem, and it took a little bit longer for me to go in.

It feels odd, it doesn't hurt its more of a tingle a bit like when your in a jacuzzi, and you sit by a jet.

We had a nice cuppa whilst we had the treatment

So 30 minutes later we took our feet out of the tank.

Dried them off, rubbed sweet almond oil into them, shoes & socks back on and off we went.

We had decided to go to the wonderful Bills for breakfast first which was lovely.

I had eggs Benedict & an americano coffee, yummy.

My feet feel lovely & soft now.

Hope your having a lovely weekend.

Luv

PS. Don't forget to enter my giveaway below xxx

Are you an Earth Lover? + A Giveaway

2011-02-17T21:43:00.001Z

Tuesday saw me hopping on a train to London as

I was invited to a Press event with work.

The Body Shop are launching a NEW range of Eco Conscious shower gels called
"Earth Lovers"

I have been working on this range for a while and I think they smell divine.

The event was at the Century Club Roof Terrace on Shaftsbury Avenue, & I must just tell you I got the bus from Victoria there on my own! The first time to get a bus in London on my own!

When I lived in London I always go the tube or walked, so I was feeling really proud of myself when I arrived.

The Shower Gels come in 6 beautiful fragrances that link back to nature through herbs.
Hence the herb wall display.

Lemongrass, Rosemary, Mint, Basil, Eucalyptus & Thyme as well as some lovely fruit smells like apricot & fig.
They remind me of standing by my herb garden & brushing my hands over the leaves on a balmy summer evening.

The lovely Sophie Grigson was there to talk about herbs with the visitors, and we had a great chat about my garden and veg patch & of course cooking!
I had to have a picture of the 2 of us together.

There was also a wonderful chap called Donnachadh McCarthy who is an eco expert there to talk to about reducing the carbon footprint of your bathroom, with the aid of this fab eco display.

I never realised that you could reduce the carbon footprint of your bathroom by just painting it with eco paint, timing yourself in the shower & using LED lighting instead of halogen.
The Showergels are Eco Concious because they are 100% biodegadeable, contain NO Colourants, NO Parabens, NO Sulphates & each flavour contains Community Fair Traded Aloe Vera from Guatemala

All in all it was a fab event, beautiful products & wonderfully useful information.

So I want to share the Eco Love with you by offering you the chance to win an Earth Lovers Shower Gel.
Just tell me what you do to be more eco conscious and what flavour you fancy trying and I will put all the names in a hat and pick one out and send you a yummy shower gel to try.

The flavours are
Pear & Lemongrass - Warms & Stimulates
Fig & Rosemary - Warms & Invigorates
Cucumber & Mint - Refreshes & Uplifts
Apricot & Basil - Stimulates & Enlivens
Watermelon & Eucalyptus - Eases Stress & Boosts Energy
Lemon & Thyme - Energises & Revitalises

For a double chance of wining share the love and tell a blogger friend about this giveaway & let me know.

I will draw the giveaway on Sunday 27th Feb.

Soo glad it is Friday tomorrow, I have a busy weekend planned.
Have a great Friday
Luv

The Boy Did Good..............

2011-02-16T22:07:00.000Z

I'm never too sure what to expect on Valentines Day, Gav's not a great believer in Valentines so I never like to get my hopes up.

But the boy did good and when I got home from work there were three bunches of flowers waiting for me.

2 big bunches of tulips, my favourite flowers and a bunch of roses.

After a bit of titivation they looked like this.

I was soo pleased that he had made the effort.

I cooked a yummy steak dinner & apple pie & ice cream for desert, Mmmmmmmmm.

Hope you all had a lovely Valentines Day

Luv

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T05:30:00.000Z

The Quote............

2011-02-06T22:33:00.000Z

On Wednesday evening the lady came to quote for the reupholster of our wing back chair and the little chesterfield sofa I got last week. She was very nice and discussed all the options, told us that both pieces were in good sound condition and would not need any structural work, good.

I asked if she did the upholstery herself, to which she replied that she had people who did that for her!

I could see the pound signs going up as really she was just the middle man and would be taking a cut!

Considering I have the fabric for the chair a beautiful vintage linen, the chairs quote came in at over £500! & the sofa, well I'm sure you can imagine! £900+..........

So we will be getting a few more quotes from people who actually do the upholstery themselves.

We have also decided to try and re upholster the chair ourselves, we got a book for Christmas from Gav's Mum & Dad called "Mend It" In it there is a whole section about recovering & upholstering.

The chair was given to us so cost us nothing so why not give it a go I say.

Yesterday was manic, I was desperate to visit Gun Wharf Quays Outlet park in Portsmouth as CK has opened a shop there!!!

Yippeeeeeeeee, I was not disappointed. With at least 30% off everything it was a dream, I limited myself to a few little bits and I got Mothers day presents. I also go a fab coat in French connection, by Great Planes for £10 reduced from £100. That was my bargain of the day.

Then it was home to eat a quick bacon & egg brunch to then rush to the CS for my shift.

We were absolutely inundated with goods, the back room was soo full when I arrived I could barely see Linda sorting though it all. I got some more vintage fabric, a vintage handbag & 2 books one on lampshade making and one on curtain making. (sorry no pic's yet)

When I got home I was shattered, but the evening was not yet over.

We were baby sitting for a friend, the cutest little boy, nearly 2 years old.

It was great fun but I feel like I have done a days gardening, we were wiped out when his Mummy came to get him at 10pm.

Hats off to all those Mummy's & Daddy's out there, how do you do it!

Today we had a well deserved lie in, Food shopped & I will admit I had a nap on the sofa during the football this afternoon.

So the week starts again, and it's another busy one. Hopefully at some point I will get some crafting done.

Have a good one everyone, see you soon.

Luv

Where did the weekend go?

2011-01-30T22:51:00.001Z

Gosh, well that was a quick weekend!

Where do they go? Can you beleive we are in February on Tuesday.

I'm sure time gets faster the older you get!

Well anway lots to tell you, a Jam packed weekend in the Chez Sophie Household.

Saturday morning I was up with the lark to go and pick up this little baby from a lovely freecycler.

I have been after a little chesterfield style sofa for ages, I have been scouring ebay, the Friday ad & freecycle in the hope that someone had one at a reasonable price that they no longer wanted.

And then on Thursday a message popped into my inbox offering a small chesterfield sofa in need of some TLC for Free!

Well needles to say it is now mine, it does need some upholstery TLC but it is sound otherwise.

I have an upholstery lady coming round on Wednesday to see it and the wing backed chair we were given to give us a quote.

Hopefully it wont be too expensive!!!!

Then it will be beautiful.

I then went to work at the CS, where I got these beauties.

I have become quite taken with tea sets and these little odd cups and saucers are so pretty.

I made some Tea Cup candles for Christmas presents so I think I will be making more as they went down really well.

I also found this little perfume bottle which originally would have had a puff on it, but no matter it is cute without and will look lovely on the mantle in the spare room.

I also gathered together some pretty vintage linen which I will make into some little gifts for the birthday swap. Which may I say is going really well and is great fun, Thanks Laa Laa.

And lastly these little broaches had to come home with me as they sparkled soo nicely.

Last night we went out for Gav's work Christmas party bowling.

We attempted to go out for an early dinner at Pizza Express only to be turned away as they were full, as were Ask and all the other decent restaurants in town.

We ended up having a McDonalds!!!!

We were running out of time before the bowling started and needed food so needs must!

Not quite the romantic dinner a deux I had thought but better to have eaten than to have had a grumbling tummy all night.

So today has been a regular Sunday, Food Shop, House Work & Laundry.

I'm now sat in front of the fire relaxing, ready for the new week ahead.

Have a lovely week.

Luv

Rain & Prettiness.............

2011-01-24T22:04:00.000Z

When I woke up this morning it was raining, not the winter rain we have had but bright rain.

Almost like April Shower type rain,big fat clear drops of rain.

So bright that when I left our drive a rainbow was waiting for me in the sky.

But let me show you what brightened my day before the rainbow brightened my day.

On my kitchen windowsill I have a few little pretties.

Some lovely pink tulips.

Randomly uploaded upside down!

A gorgeous smelling Basil plant.

Some Hyacinths waiting to grow & some crocuses which were a Christmas present.

Another a random upload ......

I am also loving my new tea spoons which I got in the CS on Saturday.

I think they will be perfect for sorbet on a Hot Summers day......

Ohhh, when will the sun start shining.....

So after the Monday I have had!!! these little pretties really did help to brighten my morning.

I hope you all had a happy Monday?

Luv

Making ...................

2011-01-21T00:00:00.003Z

Well it is finally Thursday and the weekend is upon us Yippppppppppppeeeeeeee.

I thought I would show you some of the Christmas presents I made for friends at work.

My lovely friend H who I sit next to at work mentioned that she wished that she could find a mini hot water bottle one day, well that set me thinking.

The mission was set, find a mini hot water bottle and make a cover for it for her for Christmas & by chance I found a whole load whilst shopping in town one day.

So I made her this for Christmas.

I made it out of an old jumper which I blanket stitched together and stitched a felt heart on the front.

She loves it, which is great. I like to give useful and needed presents.

I then had the bug and decided to make one for another friend at work out of an old shirt I had found in the CS, which was too pretty a fabric to throw away.

I washed it up and made her this.

She loved hers too, which got me thinking......

So as I said in my last post, I am thinking of selling on Etsy.

I came home tonight and had itchy fingers so made this.

I had some little Made by Chez Sophie labels made and I have set up my account, so all I have to do is make more pretties to sell.

I hope you have a fun Friday, I 'm off to work, then out to dinner with a friend and then it's the weekend!

Yippppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeee

Luv

Belated Happy New Year

2011-01-15T23:55:00.003Z

Ok time for an update

Grab a coffe you might be here a while!

Firstly Laptop is fixed and back up and running, yipppeeeeeeeeeeee.

We had a lovely new year's eve, I cooked a Thai feast and we partied all night to Band Hero's on the Play Station fueled by raspberry mojitoes.

Back to work, busy busy busy............

I have just got back from my parents where I have spent a lovely couple days & been thoroughly spoilt.

Mum, Auntie Sue & I shopped till we dropped, we got some great end of Jan sale bargains and also had a yummy lunch out at Arlingtons, it is an old ballroom and a beautiful setting for ladies that lunch!

We also went out for dinner that night with Dad to my favourite restaurant in Felixstowe Cafe Bencotto, great mix of Mediterranean food. ( Slimming world sort of went out of the window for a couple of days due to Dads great cooking as well as the eating out)

It was my Mum and Dads 33 year wedding anniversary yesterday, It was nice that I could spend it with them. I visited my Grandad in his new home, he has recently gone into a nursing home, it's strange to see him without Grandma. He seemed a lot older, the home was lovely and I know that the nursing staff are lovely and look after him very well. We talked about my garden and what I should plant in the veg patch this year.

Today I drove home and then went to work in the charity shop.

I have been doing a bit of making in my spare time and my craft room is looking a bit tidier as Gav put some much needed shelves up for me. I made a lot of Christmas presents this year. I might open an Etsy Shop as I have really neglected my little blog shop.

What do you think of Etsy?

I have ordered some lovely things off it and I do like to support the crafting community.

So sorry no pictures, it's been a bit gray and rainy for photo taking.

I hope you all had fab new years and that special things happen for you all this year.

Luv

Happy Holidays

2010-12-28T16:47:00.001Z

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas?

I have managed to borrow a friends spare laptop so that I can blog today.

I have to say I haven't had the most exciting Christmas as I have had a virus and been completely out of sorts since last Wednesday. I think I am finally coming through it though, there really are some nasty bugs out there at the moment so if anyone is under the weather my thoughts are with you and make sure you get well soon.

So on to some fun stuff, despite being poorly I did have a lovely chilled out Christmas day with Gavin, just the 2 of us except for his parents popping in for presents in the morning.

He thoroughly spoilt me rotten, I had given him a list in the hope that I would at least get a few things on it! but he really surprised me with things I hadn't even asked for.

I got one of these

Ive been cross stitching like mad to make the purse already.

This amazing cook book which I have to say I had never heard of but he had read up on the best books and this one had really good review and I can't wait t try out some of the recipes & visit the bakery on the Kings Road.

I have been hankering after one of these ever since Kelly from Recipes for Life told us about hers and bless him he remembered and found me one. Giant Cup Cakes here we come!!!

Some very pretty Cup Cake wrappers, so beautiful & intricate.

I had asked for a bead for my Lovelinks bracelet he gave me for my birthday and I was presented with a whole set (above) called beach aren't they beautiful.

A dinky CK pin book & sticky notes set.

He actually went to the New Cath Kidston shop in Chichester especially and as well as all the above bought me a beautiful CK shopper bag in the brown spot, I haven't seen it on the web and haven't managed to take a picture of it yet but I will be my new lunch bag for work.

I have never been soo surprised by all my presents, I really wasn't expecting any of them, he really did do well.

I bought him a Scalextric which has been whizzing round the Living room ever since Christmas day!!!

So we were both very happy bunnies.

I hope you all received some lovely gifts too.

We had vowed to make or buy second hand all the family & friends gifts this year and so far they have gone down really well, homemade Chutney, Pickle, Jam, Chili Oil, Pickled Onions & Chocolates.

Vintage handbags & books were also received well as well as the handmade padded coat hanges I have been making in my spare time.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that the New Year brings you Joy & Happiness.

Thanks for being great friends in 2010.

The blogging community is soo special, soo keep up the good work & see you in 2011.

Lots of Love & Hugs

2010-12-24T22:13:00.000Z

Merry Christmas Everyone

Spillage.....................

2010-12-19T21:13:00.000Z

Just a quickie to say sorry I haven't been around.

We had a spillage on the laptop over a week ago and it has had to go to the hospital as apparently it doesn't like squash!!!

What with the "difficult weather conditions" it may not be back for Christmas!!!

Hopefully I can get it back and tell you about what I've been up to.

I hope you all have a fab pre Christmas week.

Luv Sophie

Frozen Shut!

2010-12-02T17:49:00.000Z

I have been stuck at home today, as you may have guessed like most of the country we have snow!
It snowed all night and coverd the south coast.

I attempted to go into work but the Mini said noooooooooooo, Her doors were frozen shut!

So I have sat with my laptop all day on my work email doing work as & when it comes through.

I did pop into the garden this morning & thought about a snowball fight but unfortunately Gav made it to work so I was on my lonesome and you can't have a snowball fight on your own can you!
But the garden did look beautiful and it would have been a shame to rune the smooth snow, It looked like icing on a Christmas cake.
I did have some fun taking some photo's though.

I'm off to a wedding tomorrow!!
We have been assured by the bride that the main roads are clear enough to get to the barn where it is being held, so hopefully I will be at a beautiful very White Wedding tomorrow.
I hope your all not too snowed in too badly.
Luv

Lovely Yummy Gift Idea's........

2010-11-29T08:10:00.002Z

I have been surfing the web for Christmas Present Ideas
& I found some yummy things to share with you.
Oh how I have fallen in love with these fab Snowflake Cookie Cutters
from Not on the High Street, I think I may have to treat myself.

I also saw this great Gingerbread Making kit on the John Lewis Site,
fab for anyone who loves to bake.

And if like me you are a lover of Cath Kidston & Cupcakes then these will be right up your street.

Had to share these pretties with you.

Luv

Home Alone

2010-11-28T12:56:00.000Z

I am home alone!!!!

Yippeeeeeeeee

I have the TV to myself, well until the boys get back for the football at 4pm.

Gav has gone Christmas Shopping in Chichester for me.............

I have given him a list, and it does involve him going to the new CK in Chichester.

So hopefully I will get some lovely goodies from Santa this year!

So while I have the house to myself I am catching up with some TV.
I haven't been very well this week so an afternoon of catching up on TV will hopefully do me some good.
I have one cat next to me asleep and the other one is in her basket, bliss.

So far I have watched this weeks Desperate House Wives.

Now I'm watching

I think after this I will watch Ugly Betty...

How I love our TV recorder box...

I may do a bit of sewing while I watch.

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend, maybe with some Snow!!!

We have had a sprinkle, but I never expect much snow on the south cost as the Downs protect us too much from any fun weather.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Luv

Hibernation........................

2010-11-22T21:29:00.001Z

I think I might have been in slight Hibernation!!!

Like Little Pickle above!

The dark nights, the cold mornings, loads on at work as we are now in "peak" with the big C drawing ever closer makes me want to curl up in the evenings and sleep.

As I have said before this time of year at work is soo manic that often I don't have the energy to pick up the lap top when I get home because my brain is full of spreadsheets and numbers!!!

But tonight the logs are burning on the fire, dinner has been eaten at a reasonable time and Bramble Jelly has been made for Christmas presents.

So I think I'm relaxed enough to write and tell you what has been happening in the Chez Sophie House hold.

Saturdays have been full of Charity Shop fun, some great bargains and Christmas presents have been bought.

I have been to another WI meeting, the calender for 2011 meetings sounds like fun so I am defiantly joining in January. I'm still the youngest there! but I have a cunning plan to get a younger crowd involved.

Slimming world is still being followed!! but I have to say I have come to a slight stand still and need to put a bit more effort in to shift a few more pounds before Christmas.

Treacle my little cat has been poorly and keeps having to go to the Vets for antibiotic injections!

She hates it and it makes me feel like an awful Mummy.

I was given a bread maker by a girl at work last week and now am making bread on a Friday night ready for the weekends.

All the fruit in the freezer is having to be made into Jam to make room for the Christmas food.

And a new Blue front door has been ordered and should be here this week, eek!

So that's my news, sorry for the Hibernation period, I will endeavour to wake myself up and get back to it.

I'm off now to visit your blogs and catch on your news.

Have a great week.

Luv

Happy Halloweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen

2010-10-31T15:58:00.001Z

And the Halloween Giveaway is...................

2010-10-26T21:24:00.000+01:00

Sarah of Funky Fairy who left me this spooky message

One fine day in the middle of the night,

Two dead men got up to fight,

Back to back they faced each other,

Drew their swords and shot each other!!

Thanks to all who entered

for all the spooky messages they were fab.

I got my best friend to give me a number between 1 & 14 and lucky number 7 was Sarah.

Your goodies will be winging their way to you tomorrow.

I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween

Luv

Halloween Giveaway.................

2010-10-24T21:14:00.001+01:00

As Promised a quickie Halloween Giveaway.

I know I'm a bit late as Halloween is next Sunday but I thought better late than never and I will post it out on Wednesday so the draw will be on Tuesday night!

All you have to do is leave me a spooky message to be in with a chance.

The giveaway includes a fab pair of pumpkin socks from NY, a couple of Yankee Candle Cinder Web Tea Lights also from NY which smell lush, A spooky marshmallow candy stick, some sweet treats & a couple more treats that need to be added all wrapped up in a Halloween Bag from NY.

So my lovelies comment away, If you want to post the giveaway image on your sidebar that would be fab too.

Lots of Spooky Luv

Home Sweet Home

2010-10-23T09:30:00.001+01:00

I can't believe that I've been home 2 weeks and haven't told you about New York!

Firstly sorry for the rubbishness, I have had the worst jet lag I have ever had & switching on my laptop for longer that 5 minutes after a day in the office in front of a screen of Excel was just not possible.

Im finally feeling a bit more normal and think it's time to tell you about my trip.
Firstly a big thank you for all the suggestions of places to go and things to see & do, they were fab.

Day 1

So after a ridiculously early start, and a long flight we were finally in New York.

The first evening we went for a wonder about, our hotel was on 35th St so Times Square was right around the corner as was Macy's!!

Day 2

It was a bit gray but dry so off we went on mission to see NY, we walked all the way from our hotel by the Empire State Building through, Greenwich Village,

where I got a pretzel.

Soho,

Pumpkins were for sale every where.

Little Italy,

China Town, Tribeca,

to Ground Zero.

Then trough Battery Park along the East River to see the Statue of Liberty.

Then all the way back to the hotel via some Shops! and a Pizza place where I had my first slice of NY pizza. I have to say my feet were killing me even though I wore trainers!

Total of 9 miles!

Day 3

We went on a trip to Woodbury Common Shopping Village, we were picked up at the hotel at 8am, an early start but worth it. A scenic drive in a mini van and an hour later we were shopping.

We got lots of goodies, Yankee Candle was one of my favourite stores along with Converse, along with many more along the way.

We caught the bus back to the city & went for the most amazing dinner at Hillstone, the Ribs were the best I have ever eaten.

Then I have to say it was cocktail time, time for a Cosmopolitan.

Day 4

So we had done some shopping, and walking, so now time for some Dinosaurs!

We decided to go to the Natural History Museum.

Then for a long walk through Central Park & Lunch in a Dinner on Broadway.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping................

The biggest salad I have ever eaten & a raspberry mojito for Dinner.

Followed by reese's peanut butter cup baskins robins ice cream.

We went up the Empire State Building that night which was amazing, the view of NY at night was beautiful.

Day 5

Home Time, Bit more shopping & walking then off to the airport to come home.

So Home now and I'm off on a Sewing Project Workshop today with a company called BROC.

Sorry I've been away soo long.

Luv

PS Sorry there aren't more photos, blogger will only let me upload 1 at a time, any top tips most welcome! xxx

New York Here We Come........................

2010-09-29T21:14:00.001+01:00

Well on Monday I will be on a plane to here.

And I need your help!!!

Please can you wonderful people give me your top tips, favourite places to visit & eat.

I haven't been for 10 years and things must have changed!!!

Big thanks, Have a great rest of the week.

Luv

P.S I'm hoping to get some nice goodies for a NY inspired giveaway on my return to share my holiday with you all xxxxxxx

Eye Candy for your wall's........

2010-09-20T21:22:00.001+01:00

Hello Lovely people.

I have been inspired again today by an email I received.

I love to know what is going on in the world of retail, and I have to say when this popped into my inbox today it really did brighten my mood.

The email was from Notonthehighstreet.com, they have the best goodies on their site and it's great for personalised gifts. Many a wedding present has been bought by me from here.

& I know that there are some lovely bloggers who sell here too.

So what was on said email.....

Some beautiful eye candy for your bedroom walls.

You know from my previous post Beautiful Boidoir that I have a thing for pretty wall paper, so these were right up my street.

Beautiful Bird Houses, soo pretty I would love this paper,

Stunning Vintage China Plates all over the wall, how fab would this be in a dining room!

Now this Ribbon Wallpaper would be a great feature wall in any sewing or craft room.

And lastly this vintage lady wallpaper would be fab in a bathroom, I think a canyfloss colour bathroom suit would be a must with it.

So this is what has inspired me today.

What has inspired you today?

Thanks for the slipper love, I have them on my feet now and they are super cosy, the cold is still at bay for the time being so I will keep taking the medicine.

Luv

Time for Slippers.........

2010-09-19T19:38:00.001+01:00

A belated Happy National Cupcake Week to you all.

We celebrated at work with a Cupcake Wednesday, with all the money going to charity (The Body Shop Foundation & Children on the Edge). I made Lemon Cupcakes with a twist, I added a dollop of Lemon Curd to each Cupcake, which gave them a sticky bottom! They went down well along with Vanilla Cupcakes with Marshmallow frosting, Sorry no photos, they all vanished so quickly off the table I didn't get a chance. We raised £68.00, not bad really.

I'd better show you the meaning of my title now.

I got some new Slippers,as it's getting cold and now we have wood floors I can't walk around bare foot!

They are really cosy, I saw them and just had to have them the velvet bows just said BUY ME.

I have been wearing them all weekend as I have been relaxing trying to fight off a cold that is trying to come out and render me useless!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Luv

To join the WI or not to join the WI, that is the Question.....

2010-09-09T22:37:00.001+01:00

Tonight I went on a little mission to my local WI group!!!

I have to say I was a little nervous about what to expect.

I have been interested in joining the WI for a while & I have looked the WI up on the Internet before to find a local group, but there never seemed to be a date, place or time to go along. So when our local area news letter came through the door a couple of weeks ago with a piece in the What On section I thought I would give it a go.

I get ready tonight, and said good buy to Gav with no idea what time I would be home or what I was really letting myself into!

I arrived at the local village hall, to a lovely welcome from a WI member Jean.

We all took our seats and the president banged a gravel on the desk and called order.

Yes you guessed it we then sang Jerusalem!!

Well I don't know the words so I stood and listened.

Well what more can I say, there is always a speaker and we have tea, a raffle and a mini exhibition of some sort. There are clubs I can join, book club, craft club, badminton & the Specials.

I think I will be going next month as I think it could be quite a giggle.

Oh last thing to say I was I was the youngest in the room!!!

Luv

Capsule Collection

2010-09-07T22:15:00.002+01:00

I was inspired today by an email I received today from Joules.

It had these Tweed Jackets featured on it.

I have to say I have been thinking a bout it all day & about how much I really like the look of Tweed.

Now Autumn is drawing in & I have managed to loose 19lbs I think I may deserve a few pieces to make an Autumn capsule collection.
Here are a few pieces I'm Loving at the moment.

We are off to New Your in less than a month, so I am saving myself for the shopping there!!!

But I really want a tweed blazer, I can't stretch to the Joules version so I had a thought.

I am going to get a Men's blazer from the CS and tweak and customise it.

Now I'm no seamstress so any ideas or tips let me know.
Luv

Beautiful Boudoir

2010-09-06T17:26:00.003+01:00

Oh I just had to share this with you all.

(Image scanned from S Magazine)

My friend Barbie just sent me the most amazing clipping from yesterdays S Magazine, she said she thought of me when she saw it!

This is one of the images, I love the patchwork wall paper, such a cleaver idea for someone who just can't decide on one pattern, maybe I could re do my spare room??

I hope you enjoy the image as much as me.

Have a lovely week.

Luv

PS. I have just found out that this beautiful image is from a wonderful stylist Selina Lake.

She has a beautiful Blog so if you want to see more loveliness pop over to her here. xxx

It's been a Pickle of a week....

2010-09-05T18:28:00.001+01:00

Right then, the food shop is done, the washing is on so now I can Blog and himself can play war on his play station! (too be fair he had been building me beautiful shelves in a alcove all day)

I have been a busy bee this past week, work has been busy as usual especially with the BH Monday.

On BH Monday Gav and I went to our local Pick Your Own to see what they had left for the season and boy were we surprised. Raspberry's were still available so we had a punnet of them. The poor damsons had been all blown off the bushes except a few that were well hidden so I had a bag of them too now in the freezer waiting for a later date. Plums galore, I walked through the rows of trees picking different variety's and filling a huge bag. Then a spin round the farm shop for more goodies, and so reasonable too.

I was soo inspired by my morning out that I cam home and decided to make this.

I got a new toy last Sunday in Home Sense, a mandolin!!

They have always scared me before as you do hear horror stories about people chopping their fingers off with them.

But I bit the bullet and decided enough grating was enough, so now I can slice and shred as much as I like (with the finger guard obviously!!)

I pull the beetroot from the garden and still have some left in the ground to make another batch. Yummy.

On Wednesday my friend Alison from work brought me in 2 HUGE courgettes from her allotment.

I found a fab recipe for pickled courgette on the Internet and set to work Wednesday night with one courgette.

Here are the results.

They are thinly sliced with the mandolin along with shalotts from the farm shop & they are in a cider vinegar, mustard & chili solution.

On Thursday I found out that there are some apple trees in the grounds at work, so off I went scrumping in my lunch break!!!

I got a small haul as it looked like they had seen visitors recently.

Will be going back soon with a stick to get some of the higher fruit.

Friday evening I decided that the plums from the PYO really needed something doing to them so I decide to make Ruby Plum & Apple Chutney.

I started buy chopping & stoning all the plums.

Then I pealed & chopped all the apples from my scrumping mission.

I also added some figs that had been reduced in the super market, red onions, sultanas, garlic, ginger, spices, brown sugar & red wine vinegar and lastly some ruby port!!!

Oh my house smelt like Christmas.

My trusty preserving pan has had a busy week too.

I have to say I made my recipe up, and just let it cook for a really long time until it was thick enough to pot.

It thickened up really well, if I haven't made a certain type of pickle or chutney before I do use a recipe.

I used recipes for both the Beetroot & Courgette pickles.

I have loads more chutney & pickle recipes left to make.

I have decided to make all the Christmas Presents this year, be it hand cooked or handmade.

Friends & family seam really pleased with the idea.

I have some pickling onions in soak at the moment and I will pickle them tomorrow.

What are you pickling, Jamming or preserving at the moment??

Have a great week.

Luv

PS. Thanks for all the lovely comments on my hair cut xxx

Chaity Shop Withdrawal...............

2010-09-04T21:32:00.002+01:00

I have had serious CS withdrawal this week as I didn't do my CS shift last weekend as my cousin was staying. So today I was super excited to get to work.

Now you might think this a bit odd but my favourite task in the CS (apart from dressing the window) is sorting in the clothes room. It can be a bit hideous when you get a yucky bag!!! Why oh why do people think we want their worn knickers I do not know!!! but when you get a good bag that you know you can hang almost everything in it, it's a fab feeling.

Today I got some wonderful goodies.

Freda showed me this fab Le Creuset Cook Book Stand, I have been after a cookbook stand for ages so I knew this was going home with me today.

Especially as I also found this lurking on the book shelves in the shop.

Some yummy recipes in here, can't wait to try some out.

This lovely blue floral vintage biscuit tin had been put in the bin! so you guessed it it cam home with me too.

Looks nice on my kitchen shelf, don't you think?

My shopping didn't finish their, I also go 2 pairs of shoes.

These red ones are Spanish leather and soo soft and a perfect fit, we probably couldn't have sold them as there is quite a lot of wear on the soles.

These tan leather pumps also probably wouldn't have been sold as they have a slight mark on one shoe, and also have wear on the sole.

I know some people are funny about wearing other peoples shoes but I'm not.

I always give them a good clean and anti bac the insides, a little polish and voila.

I also fell in love with this beautiful pashmina, it's a green & gold paisley pattern.

I don't normally post pictures of myself but I thought you might like to see my new hair cut!!!

My final purchase was a white candlewick bed spread for my spare room.

So that when those naughty cats of mine manage to get in there for a snooze they won't leave hairs on the duvet cover. It s currently in the washing machine.

I hope you have had some lovely CS finds lately.

Luv

PS. I didn't get the Kenwood mixer on Ebay as it was broken!!!

So I'm still on the look out xxx

A wish for a Mixer!!!

2010-08-28T14:43:00.001+01:00

As you may have seen in my post below I have fallen in love with a Mixer!!!

Don't worry Gav you still come first, but I am becoming slightly obsessed with the thought of a lovely new food mixer.

Now my ideal would be this

But sadly unless I win the lottery tonight I think it is a little out of my price range.

I also like the Kenwood mixers so maybe this one will be a little more realistic.

Not as retro looking but still a lovely mixer.

At the recent Vintage Festival, Kenwood had a pop up shop.

Late in the day on Saturday I popped along and bought 2 teatowls with vintage poster prints of mixers on them. They were being sold out of the back of the vintage kenwood van, which made it all the more special.

The girls also gave me some kenwood post cards which will look fab framed and hung in the kitchen.

I am currently watching a 1940's Kenwood chef on Ebay which is nearby but needs a little TLC.

Hopefully it will be affordable and may just become mine.

Wish me luck.

So tell me about your preference kitchenaid or kenwood???

Have a lovely weekend

Luv

Finally My Vintage Experience At Goodwood

2010-08-27T16:42:00.001+01:00

I know it has been a few weeks since Vintage at Goodwood and my last post, so I apologise for my tardiness.

My experience of Vintage started 2 days before the festival opened, with the building of The Body Shop!

Lucy and I spend 2 days visual merchandising the shop, driving a huge lorry (which was a nightmare) and generally making sure that the shop looked amazing. I also spent all day on the Saturday of the festival doing make overs in the shop, the 60's black eyeliner & bright red lips was the most popular look as you can guess. I didn't get much time to look around the festival but did pop in to CK and John Lewis.

So brace yourself for a photo heavy post!!!

Hope you enjoy the festival......

Our Shop

John Lewis Directly opposite our shop

(this is pre opening)

Inside JL on Saturday, wish I had had time to join a class!!

JL beautiful Lampshades over the workroom table

Dr Martins

Fab Cocktail Bar

The Kenwood Shop - I soo want a Kenwood Mixer!!

I wish I had had time to go back to school

Fancy a Fashion Show!!

Finally, I did get 5 minutes to have a go in this Sinclair C5

So that is my Vintage at Goodwood Experience, a great event with wonderful shops, music with the best Vintage feel.

Hopefully next year they will do it again and I will get to enjoy the full experience.

Have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend.

Luv

Vintage at Goodwood

2010-08-09T21:14:00.001+01:00

I'm off to Vintage at Goodwood this week with work, to set up our shop on the High Street.

I got given my green access all areas wrist band today which as of Wednesday I will need to keep on my wrist until my shift is over on Saturday.

I hope it's going to be an amazing experience and that everyone will have a great time.

If I'm luck hopefully I will get to have a look around the festival as well as working!

So if your coming to Vintage, I will be in The Body Shop on the High Street on Saturday.

Pop along and say hello, it would be lovely to meet some more bloggers in person.

Have a great week.

Luv

Writers Block.............

2010-08-02T21:39:00.002+01:00

Sorry I've been away soo long.

One day rolls into another and blogging has gone by the by.

Then I don't know what to write about..............

So here I go

I have a couple of long overdue thank yous,

Firstly for my wonderful Strawberry Swap all the way from the Netherlands, from the lovely Margriet.

She sent me such a beautiful parcel of goodies.

Thank You Margriet I love it all & sorry it has taken me soo long to post about it xxx

If you want to see what I sent Margriet pop over and see her here.

Secondly I have to thank Shara who was my partner for the Vintage Vacation Swap.

She sent me a trip across America parcel with trinkets and memorabilia from all over the US.

It was great fun opening it, red white & blue everywhere.

Thank you Shara it was a fab swap, if you want to see what I sent Shara pop over and see her here.

So hopefully this has got me back to blogging, I suppose I had a bit of a writers block.

Normally words come easily but I think I have been a bit stuck of late, perhaps it's the lack of chocolate!!

The diet is going well so far, I have lost 10.5lbs, in 4 weeks so lets hope I can keep it up.

I have ridden my new bike to the CS, I was a bit wobbly as I haven't ridden a bike in 15 years.

I still need to get a basket or panniers, bike bell & pad lock but I am trying to keep the cost down and be thrifty about it.

Well that's me for now, I'm off to visit you all now.

Have a lovely week.

Luv

New Bike for me.........

2010-07-17T18:47:00.001+01:00

Along with my new Slimming regime (have lost half a stone in 2 weeks!) I have also decided to try and do a bit more exercise. I deiced I wanted a bike ages ago so that I could cycle to work at the CS on Saturdays.

I have been looking out for one on freecycle, Ebay, free adds etc for ages with no luck.

Gav said he would do up an old / second hand bike for me as he used to work in a bike shop when he was a teenager as his Saturday/part time job.

I can't afford to pay the earth for a lovely new Pink one with a wicker basket, so I have been keeping my eyes wide open for one every where.

Today when I popped into the CS first thing there were 3 bikes at the end of the shop, a child's one & 2 ladies bikes. I really liked one of them so I took a photo on my phone and showed Gav when he came home from work before I started my shift. He said go for it we can fix anything that needs it.

That was lucky as I had already put a sold sticker on it!!

So I worked my shift this afternoon at the CS, I dressed the window & sorted loads of stuff.

Then home time with my new Bike, yippee.

Here it is, what do you think?

It needs a clean and the tires need a good pump up, but apart from that Gav says it good to go.

I am now in love with the wicker bike baskets on Ebay!!

Well that's my news.

Have a lovely weekend.

Luv

Slimming MY World

2010-07-12T23:11:00.001+01:00

Well I did the deed and joined Slimming World 2 weeks ago tomorrow!

I am quite enjoying it, I don't feel hungry and am eating loads of fresh fruit & veg, especially from the Garden.

(Yesterdays Haul)

I really felt that I needed to take myself in hand.

Last year was all about change at work and change it did, I find that when things are out of my control I can not focus on things like eating properly.

So 1st week down and I lost 4.5lb's, tomorrow is D Day and hopefully I will have lost some more.

I have made sure there is plenty of Free food in the house so I can not pic at Gav's sweets & crisps!

Although I haven't really felt the need to be honest.

So that's My Slimming story, lets hope I can shift a few pounds before we head off to New York in October on holiday.

Have a great week.

Luv

The Eternal Maker Cushion Course

2010-07-10T21:28:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I went to the most fabulous place.

It's called the Eternal Maker, You may know of its online shop & blog?

It is in Chichester which is near to where I live.

I had never been to the Eternal Maker before but a friend & I decided to go on a 1 day Professional Cushion Making course their. It cost £25 and was well worth it.

It was the most amazing fabric, craft, trimmings shop I have ever been too.

I was in heaven, Like a kid in a sweet shop.

Here are some pictures of the shop, I took soo many as I was soo in awe of the amazingness of it all.

Beautiful fabrics & handmade loveliness everywhere.

Gorgeous cushions.

Buttons galore!!

Retro & vintage fabrics.

Ric Rack in every colour & size you could imagine.

Button & beads of all shapes & sizes.

Oh the loveliness...............

So on to the cushion making.

I have made plenty of cushions before but have never mastered adding piping or a zipper before, so this course seemed perfect.

We started by choosing our fabric & although there was plenty of fabric to choose from I had taken along with me an old Vintage table cloth that I found in the CS.

I chose a complimenting coloured blue linen for making the bias binding & a plain calico for the backing.

We started by making the bias binding, which I have never made before so that was a great thing to learn.

Then we made our piping, another first!

We had already cut out our fabric to the size required, I went with 50cm x 50cm to incorporate as much of the embroidered pattern as possible.

We used a circular object to round the corners of the squares of fabric, to aid adding the piping.

Then we started to add the piping to the front panel of the cushion.

Here it is with all the piping on the front panel.

Then we pieced the front and back together and sewed the two corners together that would have the zipper in between.

Then we added the zipper and sewed the rest of the cushion together and hey presto, a finished cushion!

Well all was not soo easy but, we got there in the end.

I was quite proud of myself to have done all the tricky bits myself.

All I can say is that it was a fab day and I will defiantly be going back to the Eternal Maker to shop & learn.

Have a great weekend.

Luv

Window Shopping

2010-07-09T09:30:00.002+01:00

Today I have the day off work to go on a course at the Eternal Maker in Chichester.

How to make a Professional Cushion!!!

But more about that when I get home.

I wanted to show you my CS window from last weekend.

Boy it was soo hot and I was in the window for ages.

I went with a summers day theme, as we had some lovely vintage summer stuff in the shop.

Tea on a tea trolley, man going fishing, ladies in summer dresses, a writer tapping away on her typewriter on the lawn. You know real Miss Marple stuff!!

So here it is, sorry the pictures aren't great the glass shows the glare of the parked cars.

This was the 3rd tea set I put on the tea trolley as the first 2 sold as soon as they went in the window one after another!!

Have a lovely weekend, I will update you on the course tomorrow.

Luv

Finally Five Minutes for Me

2010-07-08T21:21:00.001+01:00

Helllllllllllllllooooooooooooo

Finally five minutes for me to blog, yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

I firstly must tell you about my fabulous Swap parcels that arrived last week, I know, I know I should have told you about them sooner but I just haven't had time.

So firstly the Boudoir Swap organised by Deborah of Fondant Kiss, who I was lucky enough to be partnered with. Deborah sent me a lovely parcel full of gorgeous goodies.

A beautifully embellished pillow slip, a lovely hanging heart, some yummy chockie, a beautiful rose print in a frame & some lovely handmade earrings.

Thank you soo much Deborah, it was a wonderful Swap theme & I hope your parcel arrives this week and you like it.

So on to the wonderful Fairytale swap organised by Vanessa of Happi-ness.

I was partnered with the lovely Michelle from Michellek Art. Michelle sent me a wonderful parcel full of lovely Goldie Locks & The Tree Bears goodies.

A really cute teddy bear, some wonderful teddy writing paper & envelopes, really fun teddy fabric, some Goldie chocolates, some yummy smelling incense & a yummy teabag for a relaxing cup of tea.

Thank you soo much Michelle, it was a wonderful swap.

Well that's my five minutes up, right lots to go and do.

Talk soon

Luv

Weekend Update

2010-06-27T13:50:00.001+01:00

Just a quick hello before the football takes over Chez Sophie & Gav's mates turn up for a BBQ & the footie.

We've had a lovely weekend, we started it with a well deserved Curry on Friday night after a very full week.

On Saturday morning we were up early (due to the heat) which was good as it meant we were out of the house and off to the salvage yard for a nosey round.

It was really rammed with stuff, which is great to know for when we need something for the garden or house. We didn't buy anything, save some pennies up me thinks for the next visit!!

Then we went off to a new shop that has opened in Chichester called Home Sense which is a TKMAXX home store, I was in heaven!

There was soo many beautiful, wonderful lovely things in there.

We did come home with a few things, purely useful you understand!!!

We got some new bedlinen, bargain at £16.99 from a Linder Barker range, it's white with a massive green flower on it.

I got some jam & preserves labels £1.99 a pack, Gav got some big boy! steak knives.

We fell in love with this kitch napkin dispenser £2.99 great for bbq's unfortunately we are still trying to source the napkins that go in it, think I might have to chat up someone who has a cash & carry card as I think they are more of a coffee shop thing.

We found these 2 books Wild Food £4.99 for Gav & The Thrift Book £3.99 for me, I have already started reading it and I had to finally put it down late last night. Definatly worth a read if you can get a copy.

So shopping aside, I decided as the weather is so good that I would strip down 2 old deck chairs that I acquired, One has a canopee over the top which is nice the other is really old and has little latches to lik it into place.

I just need to sand them & teak oil or white wash them, not sure which yet.

What do you think?

I have measured them up for the fabric seats so might get them done this week in the evenings.

We then gardened until 9pm, filled the car to take to the tip.

So this morning we were up early again and off to the tip, which is always an achievement on a Sunday.

We had to get rid of a bucket of rubble and when we pulled up at the rubble bay I spotted something sticking out of the pile, so I was straight out of the car to see if it was what I thought!

And it was a lovely little Belfast sink, we have 2 large ones already which our neighbours have been admiring lately. So I asked the man and he said I could have it, so with that it was into the car & home.

We gave our lovely neighbours their little sink which they were really chuffed with.

That's my thrifting done for the day.

So Footie kicks off soon so I must go and be the hostess!!

Have a great day & Come On ENGLAND.

Luv

Silly Summer Cold

2010-06-23T21:58:00.001+01:00

Hello All

Gosh sorry I've been away again, I've had one of those silly summer colds.

It completely wiped me out, I haven't felt that rubbish in ages.

But back to work today and I'm feeling a lot better.

Not much happening here at Chez Sophie due to the silly cold, but I did hear from my Fairytale swap partner in Australia today to say she had received her parcel. Not bad going really as I only posted it last Friday.

Royal mail really did do a good job this time, I forgot to take photo's, Sorry. But I will tell you what I sent Michelle.

Michelle chose the Fairytale Sleeping Beauty, So I made her an eye mask & PJ Bag.

I sent her a book of spells, some slipper pumps, some pretty socks, pink beaded bracelet, sweets, pretty lace pieces for Michelle's craft projects & a fairy making book,

I'm a little late with my other swaps due to my silly summer cold, Boudoir Swap & Strawberry Swap nearly done and Vintage Vacation is a work in progress.

I have decided not to do a shift at the CS this Saturday as I think I need a rest this weekend so Gav and I are going to spend the day together and hopefully we are going to visit a reclamations yard and go fruit picking at the farm then BBQ & a jug of Pimms me thinks. (fingers crossed the sun keeps shining)

So I am off now to visit you all as I have missed you.

Have a great rest of the week.

Luv

So what type of water feature did Gav build??

2010-06-16T22:22:00.001+01:00

Hello

Well the week is flying by and I'm trying to stay with it and not fall behind!

I really don't know where the time goes do you?

I have been wanting to share this with you since the weekend but just haven't gotten round to it.

So do you remember when I was slightly worried here that Gav might incorporate a toilet as a planter or water feature in our newly cleared front garden??

Well I got home from Mum & Dads and there were signs of water feature in progress, dotted around the house, big bucket, pump etc. But thankfully no toilet in sight.

On Saturday off I went to the CS for my normal shift, Gav was going to relax for the afternoon and watch football!!

So how surprised was I when I pulled into the drive to find this out side my front door.

Well it was a lovely surprise, looking pretty and tasteful waiting for me to do some planting.

It makes a lovely bubbling sound, which is great during the day but I am having to ask that it gets turned off at night as it is outside below our bed room window and I have found it makes me need the toilet all night if left on, lol.

Sorry probably a bit to much information.

So new water feature in, now to tackle the rest of the front garden and make it look presentable to the rest of the street.

2 days till the weekend yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Luv

Helen's Colourful Crocheted Blankets 1st Giveaway

2010-06-13T22:05:00.001+01:00

Hello All

I wanted to let you all know a bout a fabby giveaway my friend Helen @ Helen's Colourful Crocheted Blankets is hosting. It's her first giveaway and she is offering up one of her wonderful crochet cushion covers.

Helen is a wonderful crocheter and makes the most beautiful blankets & cushions to order.

Pop over to Helen's blog and enter her giveaway for a chance to enter.

Have a lovely week

Luv

Goodies Galore

2010-06-12T23:25:00.001+01:00

I've had a really weird week, I have been to 2 funerals & had a major product launch at work but I made It thorough and I have also had lot's of lovely goodies come my way too.

Firstly a big thank you Steph from Mon Petie Poppet in Australia who was my Apron Swap partner.

I received this beautiful apron when I returned home from Mum & Dad's which put a big smile on my face.

It is soo beautiful and the hand embroidery is amazing.

I think I will only be wearing it on special occasions as I don't want to get anything down it.

Thank you Steph for a great Swap.

Now whilst at Mum & Dad's I did take a day off from family duties and went to a massive car boot sale in Needham Market with my Auntie Sue.

I got some great bargains, an Emma Bridgewater photo album for £1, an old Enid Blyton book for 50p, a hexagon patchwork cushion kit for £1.

But my bargain of the day was a bolt of Sanderson Rose fabric with 13 ft on it for £2!!!!

Yes £2, it is perfect for my deckchair project and the lady seller was lovely.

I was so chuffed.

We also popped into a couple of charity shops where I bought these wooden coat hangers which I have already started covering for gifts and to sell.

This fabulously funky 70's curtain great for my fabric stash.

Getting out for the day with my Auntie Sue & cousin Lucy was great, I have such a large family that spending quality time with them all is often difficult.

Finally I wanted to show you my CS find from my shift a couple of weeks ago, you might have spotted it throughout this post???

a gorgeous pink eiderdown.

It isn't feather but tereline, I took it round to the in laws and my MIL to laundered it for me.

Thanks Penny, it is lovely and clean now.

It now has a new home on my spare bed in my sewing room.

Pickles has taken a real liking to it and sleeps on it all the time, Treacle doesn't get a look in.

Thanks for all your lovely comments and emails, I'm not sure how I managed it this week but you all helped me through it.

Well the week is over and I'm glad a new week is here, I hope you all have a lovely Sunday.

Luv

The Great Apron Swap - What I sent to Steph

2010-06-08T22:07:00.001+01:00

Well I'm back.

It's been a tricky few days but it all went OK and Grandma would have loved it.

So I am now back to blogging, work, life etc.. etc... etc....

I have had a message from my Apron Swap partner Step over at Mon Petite Poppet to say she has received her apron and she has posted about it here, so I thought I would show you what I made her.

I found this gorgeous fabric in one of my favourite fabric shops in Brighton and had to buy it for the apron.

It has ice cream Sundays all over it, with a red back ground with cherries & white polka dots.

I added a huge pocket to the front and trimmed it with a Daisy trim.

I made a double length waist tie so that it can be tied at the front with a nice bow all in pink gingham.

The back of the apron is also pink gingham.

I had a lot of fun making it.

I'm glad Steph likes it.

I have a few more swaps on the go, The Strawberry Swap, The Fairy Tale Swap, The Boudoir Swap & The Vintage Vacation Swap. So I will be a busy bee for the next few weeks.

Back to work tomorrow.

Have a great rest of the week.

Luv

Alternative Flower Beds!!!!

2010-06-02T20:37:00.001+01:00

On Saturday Gav took me to a fab garden centre that I hadn't been to before.

It was pouring with big fat rain, so we mostly stayed inside.

As we were on our way to the checkout with our basket of veggie plants we came across these unusual flower/plant arrangements.

A bed covered in plants, it really did look eiderdown like with the plants peaking out of their paper cones.

This arrangement in a toilet was funny, but I am concerned that I will come home to a version of it in my garden next week!!!

Gav took quite a liking to it as he is in the plumbing & heating business and has been talking about putting a water feature in the front garden!!!

So watch this space!!!

I'm off to Mum & Dad's tomorrow, hopefully we will have some beach hut fun as well as Grandma's Funeral.

Thank you to all for the wonderful comments and emails, It has really meant a lot to me.

Your words of support have been wonderful.

Luv & Hugs to all of you.

And the Simply Chic Winner Is.........................

2010-06-01T21:05:00.001+01:00

Well today is the day, who will win the Simply Chic Giveaway???

I have written all your names down on pretty paper, to honor the beautiful stationary theme.

And popped you all in to my glass jelly mould.

Gav has diligently pulled a name out and look who it is.

Yes it's the lovely Pea Green Kitty from Memoirs of a Vintage Magpie who is the winner of this Fabby Caroline Gardner Note Book & Pen.

I would like to thank the wonderful Cathy of Simply Chic for hosting this giveaway with me.

Please pop over to Simply Chic and have a look at all her lovely goodies.

& Don't forget that if you place an order of £10 or more & mention Chez Sophie in your order details you too can get a lovely Caroline Gardner Pen FREE.

Thanks to everyone who entered it has been great fun to see soo many others how have the same Stationary addiction as me.

Thank you also for all the lovely messages about Grandma, it means soo much to me.

Big Hugs to all

Luv

Time to Say Goodbye............

2010-05-30T19:09:00.000+01:00

Sorry I've not been around to much the past week but on Tuesday my Darling Grandma passed away.
She has been very poorly in hospital for quite a while (which I posted about before).
Although we knew it would come I don't think it's ever not a shock when it does.
So I have found it hard to be my cheerful self this week.
Mum has been organising her funeral and there will be a service at the Church my Mum & Dad were married in & She will be remembered in the Church memorial garden, next to her best friend Peggy.
So we hope they can keep dancing, playing wist & putting the world to rights together up there.
Mum asked me for some memories of Grandma to be read out at the service, & would you know it but I had already started to write this post with my memories below.
So here are the memories I have of my darling Grandma.

My Memories of My Grandma

Washing me as a small child with Pears Soap

Covering me in Talcum Powder, especially between my toes

Knitting, the clickerty clack of knit one pearl two, knit one pearl two......

Her dressing table, soo neat with all her beauty products & jewelry laid out

Her wardrobe full of her beautiful dresses & matching shoes for her ballroom dancing

Her favourite nail polish, she always had perfect nails

Smelling of Ellnet Hairspray & floral perfume

Tea & biscuits in bed in the morning

Ice creams on the prom

Teaching me to play cards

Calling me Treasure

Tea, always in a cup & saucer

The love she had for her husband, her children, her grand children & great grand children.

I am going up to Mum & Dads at the end of next week, the funeral is a week on Monday.
Thanks for listening.
Luv

Giveaway Ends in 3 Days !!!!!

2010-05-29T00:35:00.001+01:00

Hi All

It has been a difficult week (which I will tell you about soon)

But I wanted to put a final reminder out for my Simply Chic Caroline Gardner Notebook & Pen Giveaway.

Click here and leave me a comment to enter.

I want to say thanks again to the WONDERFUL Cathy at Simply Chic for offering up this beautiful Giveaway prize of a Fabby Caroline Gardner Notebook & Pen.

Good Luck All

Luv

Good Enough To Eat......

2010-05-22T21:12:00.002+01:00

The Sun has got its hat on hip hip hip hoary!!!

I think I might have over done it today which might be why I just feel asleep for the last 2 hours and I'm now blogging later that I wanted too.

I got up this morning to a little present from Pickle Cat of a Slow Worm (Head & a chunk of body) she brought it to me in the lounge, YUCK. I had to remove it with the aid of the oven gloves & a plastic tub!!!

Then looked really silly running down the garden with it at arms lenght in the tub in miss matched PJ's, the neighbour's must think I'm a right loon!!!

So then to the tip, as we massacred the front garden last night! I know Friday night I should have been relaxing but no I was outside with a fork digging up the garden that just seems to grow out of control the minute you turn your back, so its being shingled. Gav seems to think we are bringing the street down with our unruly front garden!! So 10 bags of green waste in a car all night did not make it smell too nice along with the heat!!

Here are some of the Budlia flowers I saved from the branches that were trimmed.

They look pretty in my fish bowl vase, don't they.

Then home to chill for a bit before my stint at the CS, will share my goodies tomorrow.

So what is good enough to eat about that I hear you say well look what the postie brought me this week.

Yes my Good Enough to Eat Swap Parcel arrived from Lisa (click here to see what I sent Lisa) this week and she really spoilt me.

Cup cake wrapping paper.

Beautiful Card & Cookie recipe - Gav want's me to make them asap, but I'm back on WW so will have to wait a while until temptation can't get the better of me.

So I think Lisa has really got to know me through my blog because everything she sent me was soo me.

Firstly Lisa and I sent each other the same cupcake plate, great minds think alike!

I also received a fab tin to match it, some lovely coasters, A fab cupcake timer which was actually on my must get list as my oven time has gone missing!!! The note book with strawberrys on is actually a mini version of my work note book, which is lovely.

She also made me some wonderful crocheted cupcakes, & sent Fair trade chocolate (which Gav has been munching) & a beautiful cupcake broach which I absolutely adore.

Thank you soo much Lisa I love it all.

So I must go & tend to the BBQ, as my tummy is rumbling.

Have a wonderful Sunny Sunday.

Luv

Time Flys When You have a Blog

2010-05-18T22:23:00.000+01:00

I feel soo silly, I only missed my own 1st blog anniversary on the 9th May!!!

I suppose I was so caught up with everything as usual that it just passed me by.

So I just wanted to say, a HUGE thank you to all who follow me & leave me comments.

It is such a special thing the blogging community, I'm soo glad I'm a part of it.

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings & sticking with me through my difficult patches.

Thanks for the Swaps & Giveaways which make the postman wonder what is in all those parcels that come through the post, lol.

And thanks for the friendships made.

So here is a little thank you from me.

Cheers Guys, heres to another year of blogging.

Luv

(P.S Don't forget to enter my Giveaway)