I Hope You Had Fun...

Hope you all had a very Happy Christmas this year.

It was lovely for us to have all our girls together.

(Thank you for your kind wishes - our eldest made it through the festivities with her 'flu-plus' tablets to hand.)

We enjoyed gift giving in the living room...

And some good food.

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After the two day confinement, we went off to the cinema to watch a fun family movie - You're never too old, you know! ;-))

(Megamind, images courtesy of Dreamworks Animation)

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We also hit the sales, but, despite vouchers burning a hole in our pockets, we weren't very inspired...

So today, middle daughter and I decided to visit the Jane Austen Museum in Bath, as we had promised ourselves for a long time...Not entirely sure I'd recommend it...although some improvement work was ongoing...

I did buy a lovely poster of the fashions of the time in the gift shop, which I will cut up and use in some crafting later this week. I still have a few days off before I plan to be back at my shop - Having been away from my PC for several days over the Christmas period, I realised how much time I spend on it...It does beg the question; ' to blog, or not to blog'...I think I do need to cut back next year and to post less, to give myself the 'me' time I have been unable to have this year...So this will be my New Year's resolution...(I had planned on writing my 'look back' at 2010 as my last post for this year, so hope to find the time for that.)

Enjoy the final days of 2010,

Niki x

Merry Christmas!

So as another Christmas fast approaches, there's just time for me to stop by my blog for a few minutes...

First to show you this book, which was a surprise gift in the post, from the very kind and generous Monica. I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a lovely gift, as I have somewhat neglected my blogging buddies this year as I've worked on the challenge of setting up my new shop and learned to juggle it with a healthy family life.

Anyway, I think Monica knew I would love this book, as it is very similar in style to one of my favourite interior books that I like to dip into, particularly at this time of year; which is 'Country Living' Seasons at Seven Gates Farm.

Within the pages of my new book, I was quite taken by this primitive, folk art style angel decoration.

She reminded me of the dolls that I used to make about fifteen years ago (which still grace our tree).

So, whilst I was at the shop today, I decided to have a go at making a similar doll...for old times sake. First I scribbled a quick pattern, and then cut out the pieces from a section of antique quilt and some calico.

A few stitches later, and here is my version of an American style angel.

Rustic country, with a touch of natural 'twiggyness'!

Oh yes, and talking of dolls, if you'd like to see the Jester doll that I found recently, settled in at his new home, then please pay a visit to Amanda at Maygreen Fairies to see him in his prime position sat amongst her wonderful Christmas display. (I have also added Amanda's photos to the 'inspiration' page on my website.)

Today was the last day for me to be at my shop in 2010...I am taking a week off, which I am REALLY looking forward to.

My daughter has just arrived home from Aberystwyth for a few days, but unfortunately is suffering from swine flu (I'm not sure how she made the train journey at all, as she looks so ill)...Hopefully she will be feeling better for Christmas Day...fingers crossed.

And so, from our home to yours, I'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! - Keep warm, count your blessings, and have lots of fun!

Niki x

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

It's felt a bit of a luxury to have a three day weekend...
I've been able to cross quite a few things from my 'to do' list...
Mince pies have been baked...

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The tree has been purchased and trimmed in all the family's favourites...

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Other areas of our home have been dressed...

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The doll's house residents have been busy with the decs too!

I've not been able to bring in any fresh foliage so far, as snow is still falling here...Artificial flowers will add some festive colour instead.

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Gifts have been wrapped...

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With just a few presents yet to deliver and some food shopping to be done...

Tomorrow I have to be back at my shop, (snow permitting!) so I'm glad I've been able to have this time to get things feeling a bit more festive at home. Hope things are going well for you too.

Keep warm,

Niki x