Mrs Cheese

remembering

2012-02-24T07:46:00.000Z

it was year ago today that my dearest mother passed away 

on what was her 80th birthday.

x I miss you mum x

24th February 1931 - 24th February 2011

cerys matthews singing calon lan 2002

mmmmm marni for H&M

2012-02-22T08:35:00.003Z

Well these little pieces set the studio a-flutter the other day.

Marni's collection for H&M is beautiful.

will just have to sharpen our elbows and get straight 

to the front of the queue.....

vogue

images via one98one

a quiet weekend

2012-02-20T07:30:00.000Z

Lots of things going on (some good, some not so)

Found these little vintage lost property tickets and 

they're just lovely.

Reading through them, it seems gentlemen mostly forgot 

football boots and ladies mislaid handbags and brollies

x happy monday everyone x

Downton Abbey cut-outs

2012-02-19T08:45:00.000Z

These little gems can be printed out and you can have 

yourself your very own little Downton Abbey drama 

on your kitchen table.

Brilliant! 

vulture

out and about

2012-02-17T12:40:00.005Z

half-term photos.............

we've had fun kids, now it's time to go back to school so 

I can clean the house ;-)

my funny valentine

2012-02-14T16:15:00.001Z

these really made me laugh

(and I love the typography)

made by tidy

(ps happy 24 years Mr C x)

friday bloody friday!

2012-02-11T12:05:00.002Z

What a blummin' day that was!!!

It started with a broken boiler and no heating with temperatures in the minus bracket and thick snow outside! Great timing! Mr Plumber arrived with an aroma of a thousand B&Hs. He didn't have the 'part' but would pop back after 4 to fix us.

I joined Mrs G and Ivy the whippet for a trot in the snow. It was a lovely trudge made all the better because the golfers were tucked up in their clubhouse. I decided to throw a stick for Ivy and a second later she let out an ear-piercing scream; the stick was stuck in her throat. I keep getting flashbacks......there was a lot of blood, an awful lot. I tried to open her jaws but she was terrified and bit through my finger and chomped at another. The poor thing was choking and we were in the middle of nowhere. Phone signals were intermittent and we were very worried. Together we managed to carry her shaking little body to the car. The vet rushed her through and she had an emergency operation to remove the stick. I promptly broke down and handed my bleeding hand over to the vet. She washed my paw and bandaged me up with what looked like a 'Beano' bandage. She apologised for the dressing but she was only used to dressing cats and dogs not crying women.

We then headed for a two hour stretch at the A&E. Started feeling very shaky so our lunch was a twix and a twirl from the vending machine (luxury!) The lovely young nurse bathed my paw and dunked it iodine which made me stick to the ceiling! HELL FIRE! She told us I was not the first dog bite she'd dressed that day. Apparently a young chap had come in with a dog bite on his old chap, WHAT THE????? Really, WHAT THE??? He must have eaten the ceiling tiles after his iodine bath. I left with a bucket of antibiotics, a sling and a tetanus, diptheria and polio jab.

Back to the vet to pick up a VERY sad looking little velveteen dog. She went to her bed and whimpered. Poor poor little thing. She had to have her tongue stitched up and she too has a bucket of antibiotics to take and the vet gave her the 5inch stick back as a little trophy. I'm so sorry my little paddy-pawed friend. I hope you soon feel better and we can go once more a-trudging in the snow xx

An expensive day all round really, a £320 vet bill and £300 for a new boiler part!

little houses

2012-02-10T08:41:00.000Z

I have a soft spot for miniatures.

These little houses fit the bill nicely

artisani europe

dream of a dream

the haunted hallow tree

karoline felix dream

love gloves

2012-02-09T08:30:00.000Z

how sweet

yastikizi

patterns patterns patterns

2012-02-08T08:40:00.000Z

I love anything patterned and these geometric 

beauties are just fab.

graphandcompass, patternandco, andy gilmore, jennifer sanchez

football crazy, football mad

2012-02-03T08:33:00.003Z

well I'm not but my two boys are.

These fantastic footballing hero posters are just fab.

I wouldn't mind these adorning teen-boy's walls

sucker for soccer by zoran lucic

zoran lucic

fffffffirst of fffffebruary.......

2012-02-01T09:11:00.001Z

and it's fffffffffreezing!

Slippers - check, hot water bottle - check, hot laptop - check, 

hot lap - check, 3rd cup of tea - check.....

now need to work work work!

Here's a beautiful vintage Bjorn Wiinblad 'February' plaque 

(on my wishlist)

Thanks Chris Evans for playing Dean Martin this morning and getting me motivated.

it's just the bee knees

a little run out..........

2012-01-28T08:52:00.000Z

to Petersham Nursery 

(fast becoming the Ladies of Berko town's retreat).

It's a wonderful place full of inspiration. 

There are plants (obv!),  indian artifacts and
must-have cupboards 

(my love of cupboards knows no bounds!)

thanks for a lovely day L&D

Pin It

fancy a game.......?

2012-01-26T10:15:00.002Z

found these little beauties the other day

Happy St Dwynwen's day

2012-01-25T12:15:00.001Z

on this the welsh valentines day...........

My choice of gifts would have to include a welsh love spoon

by the super talented Buddug Wyn Humphreys.

I just love her work.

(are you listening Mr Cheese?)

buddug

read more here Dydd_Santes_Dwynwen

i say, what a lovely ad....!

2012-01-24T13:51:00.001Z

a beautiful advert found in an old Ideal Home mag.

I always dress like this when I go shopping......

TFI....friday!

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000Z

Well what a week!

Fluffy youngest had braces fitted last week.  What a palaver!

She has a mouth full of ulcers, is not eating properly  

(she's going to fall down the gap in the floorboards) 

and is thoroughly, massively, hugely miserable.

Large-haired eldest had a hospital consultation to discuss
his allergy blood test results.
She took a deep breath and said he is NEVER to eat nuts! 

(average person tests 0.25 allergic to hazelnuts.....he tested a MASSIVE 45.9)
He's gutted as he's never going to have a nutella-fest ever again!

Dr's appointment for me today......whoop whoop!

x Happy friday lovely peeps (let's hope it doesn't rain) x

hwayoungjung

a nice cup of tea.........

2012-01-18T10:33:00.001Z

if it's good enough for Sherlock to drink out of 

then it's good enough for me!

(i'd already 'pinned' this beautiful tea set, then I spotted Sherlock 

serving Moriarty his tea in one on this week's episode)

a beautiful design by ali miller

ali miller

lovely old book

2012-01-13T09:09:00.001Z

Here's another from the stash.

The colours on the front cover are just wonderful!

lovely packaging

2012-01-12T09:05:00.002Z

as a packaging designer I collect, mr cheese prefers the word 'hoard', all manner of paper loveliness. 

These beauties were bought in Spain a few years ago........ 

the chocolate has long gone!

I just love the hand-written type.

lost pet........

2012-01-11T08:31:00.000Z

I pinned this on one of my pinterest boards a while ago

and it still makes me smile........

the bloggess

THIRTEEN!

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000Z

today my lovely boy turns into a T E E N A G E R !

Arghhhhhhhh!

We have shown him clips of Harry Enfield's 'Kevin' and warned him that on no account must he come to live with us.

Just got to wrap a few birthday presents and brace myself for a room full of teenage boys and an xbox

x Happy Birthday sweet boy x

project 366

2012-01-04T22:52:00.003Z

As if I didn't have enough deadlines and jobs to do,
I thought I'd sign up to Develop 2012 

(a photography project to document everyday through a lens for 366 days).

Pop over to the flickr group pool and see the 
days click by in beautiful images.

This was my day 1 - Beautiful Ivy

develop 2012

happy new year

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000Z

x  wishing you a healthy, happy and fun-filled new year  x

Pin It

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T17:47:00.000Z

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a splendid New Year.

Thank you all for your lovely words and inspiration over the year.

Here's to turkey, mince pies, crackers, morecombe and wise, 

the Queen's speech, a bit of 'dad' dancing and alka seltzer!

x HAVE FUN x

image via pinterest

It's begining to look a lot like.......

2011-12-22T09:15:00.002Z

.......I need to get my act together!

Right the tree has managed to find its way into the corner of the living and some lights, baubles and fancy tinsel have been thrown at it, the poor green thing didn't think it's fate would end here!

I have to sharpen my elbows and make my way to the supermarket for all the trimmings and essentials.  Oh I really am NOT looking forward to it........it always ends in Waitrage!  Some busybody will 'politely' inform me that my car wheel is touching the white line in the car park, my basket contains more than 10 items,  I've taken 2 green plastic tokens for the charity box (well it is christmas) instead of the allocated one token, I've put the item I'd been looking at back on the shelf in the wrong place and they 'kindly' snatch it from me and show me where it should go........oh I really can't wait!

Ho Ho Ho!

Brrrrrrr!

2011-12-16T16:34:00.001Z

It was a winter wonderland this morning when we woke up.

The snow has melted now and it's very dark and cold.

The children have broken up and have eaten their way through 2 gingerbread houses and 3 packets of jaffa cakes...........

pass the waffffer thin mint!

I haven't written a single card yet. 
The Christmas tree is parked outside the back door in a net coat.  Lots of lists have been made (and changed!) and we're off up to Lincoln for the weekend tomorrow for a Cheese-tastic get-together.

Happy holidays!

sparrow nest script

dear santa........

2011-12-12T08:23:00.001Z

I've been an awfully good cheese!

little projectiles

hooray!

2011-12-09T14:48:00.001Z

some ecards

a little christmas concert

2011-12-08T08:12:00.001Z

last night was the school concert and what a treat it was.  

The children and teachers work SO hard to put on a 

magnificent musical show.
I think the highlight for me was the group of
year 7 and 8 boys (including large-haired eldest and
lovely godson) sashaying down the aisle in that lovely chapel to 

'it's raining men', half of them dressed as blokes and 

the other half as women.......... BRILLIANT!  

Thanks everyone, it was fantastic.

It's the first chance too to sing a carol or two and that always means Christmas

is just around the corner........ Fa la la la la la la la la!

nice baubles!

2011-12-07T12:01:00.002Z

Oh I do love a glass bauble!

a hint of neon pink

2011-12-06T07:30:00.000Z

white and grey and wood and neon pink, what could be nicer?

 Mr PS

wood & wool stool

design lemonade

fellow fellow

vintage button trees

2011-12-04T18:55:00.001Z

I made these little trees using my lovely old buttons

shiny things.......

2011-12-02T09:09:00.001Z

yep the festive glitter-bug has bitten and I'm drawn to all 

things shiny and sparkly 

(christmassy is a banned word in the house of cheese as it frightens mr).

here are a few of my favourite things............

funkyshique

true2scale

jayson home

westelm

world aids day

2011-12-01T08:44:00.001Z

It's the first of december today and whilst many will see it as the start of the silly season, it also World Aids Day.  

Let's pause and think.......

We lost a lovely friend to HIV many years ago at a ridiculously young age and I still think of him.

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. 

world aids day

guilty pleasures - Greg Davies

2011-11-30T13:44:00.003Z

My taste in men has always raised a smile with others,

Danny DeVito, Noel Fielding and Jeff Goldblum to name a few!!

I don't know why, but Greg is mighty fine and he makes me laugh!

(there now I've said it out loud) 

greg davies

Robin Dale - photographer

2011-11-28T08:19:00.002Z

On our recent visit to Mr Cheese's homeland we ventured
to Saltburn for a mooch. 

In the Arts Bank Gallery we came across the amazing
photography of Robin Dale. 

He has been photographing the teesside landscape
and the people since the 1960's.

His work is captivating, humorous and absolutely wonderful.

(purchased a few cards, saving up for a big photo)

ArtsBank

loving 'made a mano'

2011-11-25T14:30:00.000Z

These tiles from Made a Mano have got me in a bit of tizzy.

Absolutely amazing patterns and designs.

Love Love Love!

made a mano

a little christmas sale

2011-11-22T16:25:00.001Z

you'll find me here tonight selling my goodies

(along with lots of other fantastic stalls) 

do pop in and say hello

(there's a bar and nibbles too)

I likee.......

2011-11-21T17:26:00.001Z

I've long-coveted items from this wonderful etsy shop.

Here are a few of my current faves

I'm putting them on the christmas list..............

sushipot

Hello............

2011-11-17T13:23:00.001Z

Sorry for lack of bloggy activity of late.

Life is a little hectic.

Normal service will resume shortly.

Thank you all for your lovely messages of support and kind thoughts.

I love this little blogland we've found ourselves in

Here's my favourite birthday card...........
it just makes me laugh and laugh!

cardly

keeping toasty

2011-11-12T08:43:00.001Z

I no-likee the cold and I'm flicking through the wishing books & 

on t'interweb looking for snuggly woollen stuff to keep me warm.

These should do the trick nicely 

Neekaknits

samantha holmes 

Toast

A Marie Knits

a needle pulling thread.........

2011-11-11T07:55:00.000Z

Oh dear me I'm completely smitten with EVERYTHING this wonderful british sewing notion company, MERCHANT & MILLS sells.  

I've filled my virtual shopping basket and am about to press PAY.

Seriously lovely packaging

merchant and mills

Petersham Nursery

2011-11-10T08:15:00.000Z

Lovely Mrs G took me to Petersham Nursery for a birthday treat 

of the most delicious portuguese custard tart :-) 

and coffee........oh that tart was the stuff of dreams!

Look at all the shiny things on display.

Lots of heavy sighing and a big case of wanties.

Might have to go back and load up on the christmas decs.

All too gorgeous, thanks Lizzie for a lovely day

to dry for

2011-11-09T08:17:00.001Z

especially if I have these beautiful tree towels 

£12.50 each 

our workshop

places I'd rather be.........#2

2011-11-07T16:30:00.001Z

After what has been a flippin' hideous week I'm trying to take it easy.

I had several scans on wednseday which have shown I have an ovarian cyst (!!!!!) AND a kidney stone (no wonder I'm in such pain).  Waiting for my GP to tell me what happens next.  Half an hour after these scans I had my mammograms.  These are always stressful and I try SO hard to keep calm (Thanks Mrs L for taking me).  The radiographer alarmed me by saying she needed to re-scan my 'good' breast as she wasn't sure about it.  OH BEAM ME UP!  Enough now!  I spent my birthday eve in tears and agony as my back 'went' and I couldn't move.  The Drain-man came to unblock our drains on friday eve (apologies to all our neighbours for the aroma) as they were completely blocked up.  Oh dear Lord the man must have nostrils of steel.  My posh birthday candle was unwrapped and I spent the entire evening inhaling it's figgy goodness.  Just to add a cherry to the top of this pile of **** I got the mother of all migraines on saturday..................STOP IN THE NAME OF CHEESE PLEASE!

This week I will be mostly taking things easy and breathing calmly.

unique holiday cottages

lovely rob ryan on a gloomy monday

2011-11-07T11:22:00.002Z

I stumbled upon this wonderful collaboration between the amazing 

Rob Ryan and Victorinox Tomo knives.  

You can download any little message and it will magically cut 

itself into a mini-masterpiece.

If you're feeling ever so creative you can download paper-cutting templates to make your own rob ryan inspired work of art

victorinox

Tinie Tempah

2011-11-04T19:44:00.000Z

Tonight I should be at the O2 with my cheeslets and the family G watching 

Tinie Tempah (I love him) but instead I'm lying in bed in agony as my back 

has 'gone'.  Heap plenty tears, painkillers, frozen peas and grumpiness.

Mr Cheese has bravely ventured forth (really not his cup of tea) but I'm sure 

he'll treat the O2 to a little bit of dad-dancing.

just because........

2011-11-02T16:15:00.005Z

it's wednesday, it's already dark outside, I've had several stressful hospital appointments today and tomorrow is my birthday

(I've stopped counting......it must be 32 ha ha ha ha!)

x

a little bit of Dean makes it all better
last.fm

BOO!

2011-10-31T14:17:00.002Z

Happy Halloween everyone!

kids + chocolate + sweeties = noise

Mwaa ha ha ha ha ha ha!

wacky owl

stationery porn........

2011-10-30T11:28:00.000Z

oh i do love a bit of beautiful stationery and pattern
and these feed my addiction wonderfully!

stripe and field

It's friday!

2011-10-28T08:49:00.002+01:00

Well half term is nearly over and the cheeselets are still 

having far too much fun 

(and not a drop of homework has been done......mmmmm).

At one point yesterday I had SEVEN kidlets running amok armed with an ipad filming themselves (all apparently downloaded onto youtube - great as there were piles of ironing, dirty washing and the remainders of a week's worth of kid clutter around the house, well that won't win me any interior design points will it!

Today my large-haired eldest has his second round of allergy testing.  The first lot alarmed his consultant as he tested positively high for 12 out the 14 he had.  Today he has 15 more, including lots of nuts, fish and shellfish.  Poor wee thing.

So here's a picture of something 

to cheer us up a very foggy autumnal day.

Happy friday lovely peeps

x
anne taintor

blown me away........

2011-10-27T07:13:00.001+01:00

(no pun intended!)

Whilst wandering through Pinterest (I seriously have an addiction), I stumbled upon this most beautiful installation of 2000 dandelion clocks by german artist regine ramseier

Absolutely stunning! 

via the jealous curator

out and about - saltburn

2011-10-25T13:39:00.009+01:00

we went up to see Mr Cheese's parents at the weekend
and had a stroll on the beach at Saltburn.

There were lots of brave souls windsurfing (brrrr!)

We took the cliff lift up to the top, as it's quite a steep climb
and we were feeling flush.

It was a crisp, sunny, autumnal day and the sea air was wonderful.

We ventured on to Whitby and had fish & chips for lunch
(well it's rude not to!)

too much to do!

2011-10-22T09:30:00.000+01:00

You know when you've promised to do lots of things, 

thinking you'll have time and then when it comes to 

getting it done life gets in the way and all the 

hours in the day slip away.........

This shall be my new mantra 

(and I shalt not go near pinterest for a week - yeah right!)

jay hell

it's a bit chilly.......

2011-10-21T09:32:00.000+01:00

so because lovely dawn over at pop-i-cok has succumbed to a little puppy (and my isn't she a cutie) and my kids are on and on and on and on and on and on about getting a pooch, here are little lovely hot wheaty bag warmers.

(they doesn't need taking for a walk!)

showpony

christian the lion

2011-10-20T14:18:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago I was told this amazing story about Christian the lion.

Back in 1969, when it was still legal, Australian John Rendall and his friend Ace Berg, bought a lion cub from Harrods.  His name was Christian.

He lived the high-life and was regularly seen in the back of a bently cruising down the Kings Road.  He spent his days lounging in a furniture shop and gained admiring and terrified glances from passers by.

When he grew too big for their apartment and the cost of his care became too much, they decided to release him back to the wild.  Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the film Born Free, met Christian when they visited Rendell and Bourke's furniture shop and suggested they seek the help of kenyan conservationist George Adamson (who with the help of his Joy, had released Elsa the lioness back into the wild).  They agreed to take him to his compound in Kora National Reserve.

A couple of years later they decided to visit Christian at the compound.  Adamson warned them that he probably wouldn't recognise them after so many years.  However after a cautious approach, Christian bounded over to them and smothered them with hugs and kisses.  It's such a wonderful heartwarming reunion.

See it here youtube

images via daily mail and google

a little bit of what you fancy........

2011-10-19T07:53:00.002+01:00

I had a frustrating day of computer nonsense at work yesterday......boo!

And I'm off to the see my surgeon at the Royal Free now.  

Too much going on in my cheese head.

So here's a little bit of Mr Newman to brighten up your morning.........swoon!

via the lovely blog pelincha pelincha

wonderful wire sulptures

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

These wire sculptures are just wonderful.

Check out the whole collection here de beaux souvenirs

Come on Wales..........

2011-10-15T08:00:00.003+01:00

And we were singing hymns and arias,
Land of my Fathers, Ar hyd y nos

They'll be singing today.
COME ON WALES!

(Hell they're even flying the Welsh flag over 10 Downing Street)

thanks to Chris Evans for making it a Welsh week, I especially loved the male voice choir and harp playing (oh and the Tom Jones songs, obviously!)

jo pond jewellery

2011-10-14T07:39:00.000+01:00

This work by Jo Pond has left me speechless!

All absolutely stunning.

via the constant gatherer

grass art - ackroyd and harvey

2011-10-13T07:37:00.001+01:00

These amazing large-scale works of living art by

ackroyd and harvey are mind blowing.

I love everything about their work. 

read more here this is tomorrow.

art from buttons

2011-10-12T08:46:00.002+01:00

Aren't these just fab?

They have been created by british artist, jane perkins

I love an old button or two.

via blue velvet chair

money trees

2011-10-11T18:18:00.000+01:00

Whilst on a trip up to Portmeirion a few years ago we stumbled upon a tree trunk with a couple of coins hammered into it. We added our own coins and made wishes, without really knowing what it was all about. It seems this tradition has grown and now there are several trees adorned with coins.

The legend of the Money Tree states that coins that fall from it, are wishes that will not be granted.    Many people believed that by making offerings to these various spirits that in turn they would be granted wealth, happiness and love. 

Long may this odd little ritual continue and we will add to them when we next visit.

bob reid
empty james

etsy love - teeny furniture

2011-10-10T16:09:00.000+01:00

love love love these little things

oppning

stitching with julie arkell

2011-10-07T18:45:00.009+01:00

Whilst sitting in a dark hole earlier this year just after my dear mum passed away,
I booked a course with the lovely julie arkell at west dean college,
and last weekend i attended the
'objects of curiosity, making, patching, stitching and darning'.

It was so relaxing and creative!

After a lovely dinner we sewed till 10 o'clock making a fabric daisy. 

The following morning we were eager to get stitching and made a buttercup, heartease, ragwort and a poppy.
 There was deep concentration, laughter, coffee and biscuits, the apple fair, stitching, fabric envy, lunch, more apples, chat, lost needles, a heatwave, sewing, darning, rifling through a vintage suitcase of Julie's precious fabrics and apples!

It was a wonderful weekend, thank you Julie for your patience
and immense creativity, thank you fellow stitchers for making me
laugh and sharing what was a special weekend.

And a BIG thank you to lovely Karin for a comfy bed, glass of
wine and a catch up too x

(oops I seem to have picked up a course brochure and Julie has several
more weekends coming up.......)

a pinch of salt

2011-10-07T10:23:00.000+01:00

These little stoneware salt and pepper shakers made me smile 

salt-pepper-pawz - ladies and gentleman studio

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T08:16:00.002+01:00

beautiful bowls - geraldine de beco

2011-10-05T21:28:00.001+01:00

These are the most wonderful wonderful bowls.

I'd love the whole collection please!

via design rulz

treasure hunting - pelican park book

2011-10-03T19:04:00.001+01:00

Here's another little book from the shelves of mrs cheese.

Someday soon I'm going to have to part with some as
they're taking over.

(if only I had some drool-worthy shelves which 
I keep seeing on Pinterest)

Sigh!

only a thing a mother could love

2011-09-30T13:56:00.004+01:00

This beautiful little half blind ginger seal cub was 

spotted on Tyuleniy Island, Russia.

It has melted my cheesie heart.......

can i have him.......can i, huh?

via daily mail

when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie

2011-09-29T17:03:00.001+01:00

THAT'S AMORE.........

We walked down the aisle to this and it always makes 

me smile when I hear it.

(I'm Deano's biggest fan)!

Rose: Do you love him, Loretta?

Loretta Castorini: Aw, ma, I love him awful.

Rose: Oh, God, that's too bad.                     

It's also the theme tune for one of my all time 

favourite films, Moonstruck.......

image via the bookworm 07

♥

2011-09-28T13:44:00.000+01:00

Fifteen years ago it was a very sunny day in Portmeirion.
♥ Happy anniversary Mr Cheese ♥

pictogram music posters - viktor hertz

2011-09-27T07:35:00.000+01:00

Viktor Hertz, a swedish graphic designer, has created these 

brilliant pictogram music posters.

AND they're all available to buy!

viktor hertz

feeling sleepy.........

2011-09-26T15:49:00.001+01:00

This bedding from Austrailian designers
Bed Toppings made me smile.
Just look at the chocolate one..........sweet!

bed toppings

cycle for 'victory for autism'

2011-09-23T19:09:00.008+01:00

A close friend of ours, and his lycra-clad brothers, are
cycling 60 miles this sunday through the kent borders and
along the sussex coast to raise money for
'Victory for Autism' in aid of
The National Autistic Society.
Their six year old son was diagnosed with autism in 2008.
This is a photo of him showing them how it's done.

Go team G and don't forget your vaseline! x

If you would like to donate to this wonderful charity then
just click the link below
(Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's
behalf where the donor is eligible for this)
JUST CLICK ON 'MAKE A DONATION'
virgin money giving - national autistic society

The National Autistic Society is the UKs leading charity for people affected by Autism. Over half a million people in the UK have autism. Together with their families they make up over two million people whose lives are touched by autism every single day. Despite this, autism is still relatively unknown and misunderstood. Which means that many of these two million people get nothing like the level of help, support and understanding they need. Together, we are going to change this.

have a nice weekend

2011-09-23T13:17:00.005+01:00

 some fizz and chocolate, what could be better?

sayings we owe to Shakespere

2011-09-22T17:53:00.001+01:00

Love this!

sequined skies

paul smith - tinker tailor soldier spy

2011-09-21T14:30:00.000+01:00

Sir Paul Smith has designed a series of four silk screened 

posters to celebrate the realease of Tomas Alfredson's film, 

Tinker Tailor Soldier, Spy. 

The posters are in numbered editions of 50 and are 

signed by Sir Paul Smith.  

Each prints retails at £100 and all profits go to 

Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.

paul smith

pub quiz night at the Lamb with The Lambettes

2011-09-20T15:06:00.000+01:00

What can I say?
After a proper tasty curry and a pint of lager it was time for our brand new team to sit poised with biro at the ready to take on the seasoned pub-quizzers.

WHO???

We had decided on the 'Lambettes' after much debate (we had toyed with 'Barlow's Bitches' (Gary NOT Ken), 'The Tenna Ladies', 'The Silence of the Lamb' and 'Is-it-hot-in-here-or-is-it-just-me'). However, we should have called ourselves 'The Sopping Wets' after accidently spilling 2 glasses of wine and a pint of lager over ourselves (Mrs Littler had to go home and change as she couldn't sit in wet pants)!
Eeeeee what an evening. The picture round was by far the hardest I've ever come across (see evidence above). Bands from the 90's. What the f***! We gave it our best shot and even managed to name Chumbawumba and Hanson (plucked from nowhere). We handed our shredded, booze-soaked answers to the smug team behind us and sat and giggled like a bunch of teenagers high on Wikked!
We came a very respectful 6th (out of 8), and we beat the smugs next door by 2 points (ha ha).
So next month we'll be better prepared and don our pac-a-macs and behave like the sensible middle-aged mothers that we are...........yeah right!

Answers please for the above.

image via google

a brush with fame.......(well sort of)!

2011-09-19T17:58:00.000+01:00

In the last few weeks my family and I have been on the front cover of the autumn newsletter for The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted and taken part in a photo shoot for the Saracens Rugby team as they're trying to raise £100,000 for the Hospice (to be shown on the big screen at all Saracen's games).

The Saracens in drag for Dame for a Laugh 

However, today's little brush with fame has made me really laugh.

I had an appointment in Mount Vernon as part of my ongoing sign off for my masectomies this afternoon.  As I walked towards the little outbuilding for my appointment I saw tv cameras through the window.  Oh b****r I said out loud as the automatic doors slid open and there I am standing like a numpty watching Joe Swash (of celebrity bug eating fame) present an old man called Len a truck full of plants as a surprise for all the hard work he'd done for the hospital and hospice.  There was no getting away from the situation.  I was trapped! So whatever Mr Swash was filming, I apologise for the loud sliding door, my fat gawping chops, the squeaky door on the loo (where I tried to escape to) and lastly for walking into you continuity shot outside the main door as I left...........oops!

Well done Len!

hospice of st francis

Downton Abbey V Spooks

2011-09-19T14:00:00.000+01:00

Which one did you watch?

Ours was a Downton house (huge fan of Dame Maggie)

but I'll be watching Spooks tonight

(well it's rude not to)

Oh and didn't they do well at the Emmy Awards last night too!

image via the guardian

Liberty Rocks fabric

2011-09-19T08:03:00.000+01:00

For it's Autumn/Winter collection Liberty have teamed up with wonderful musicians and artists to create a collection of music-inspired designs.  Musicians such as Graham Coxon (Blur), Florence Welch and Edwyn Collins and artists with links to music such as Storm Thorgerson and Mark Mawston have produced a fantastic selection of beautiful fabrics.

I feel a shopping trip coming on...............

liberty

places I'd rather be.........#1

2011-09-17T09:58:00.004+01:00

 Here would do nicely thank you!

(not Sports Direct - land of nylon, with large-haired eldest 
and lovely godson in search of football boots, gum shields, 

shin pads and shiny footy tops).

image via seven-daisies.tumblr.com                     

etsy love - handy maiden

2011-09-16T12:43:00.000+01:00

Just look at these little fellas...............

handy maiden

funny little notes

2011-09-15T14:08:00.002+01:00

My fluffy youngest has a note writing hobby.

We find them everywhere (stuck to the fridge, on the bedroom door, 

by the kettle and under my nose when I'm on the phone). 

I've started saving them as they really make me smile.

This is the latest one which had me in hysterics.

Her piano teacher isn't that formidable!

treasure hunting - vintage craft book

2011-09-14T18:41:00.010+01:00

I love these illustrations from this tatty little book

'great tits' - breakthrough for breast cancer t-shirt

2011-09-12T13:00:00.000+01:00

Well this little t-shirt has caused quite a stir!

I personally think it's funny and it appeals to my sense of humour.  Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I'm going through the process of having a double masectomy and to be honest this doesn't offend me.
I have to say if it draws attention to this charity and all the good it does for women (and men) suffering with this terrible disease then surely that's a good thing.

I completely understand that this t-shirt will offend some but maybe if you don't want to buy it then just donate the price of it to this worthy charity.

breakthrough breast cancer

marimekko - naamat prints

2011-09-12T09:08:00.003+01:00

The Naamat print design faces by Marimekko designer 

Maija Louekari for Flow Festival are just amazing.

I want them all.  

Please?

marimekko

illustration love - ian bilbey

2011-09-09T07:35:00.001+01:00

my kids have a big collection of books by Alexander McCall Smith
and I've always loved the cover illustrations by Ian Bilbey.

His 'grown up' book illustrations are rather smashing too.

He's also written and illustrated his own children's books 

under the name William Bee.

Great work!

ian bilbey

Amazing designs - twenty seven names

2011-09-08T07:31:00.001+01:00

New Zealand based twentysevennames 2012 Autumn/Winter
collection is just beautiful.
The photographs by Guy Coombes are absolutely stunning.
There are so many gorgeous images to look at and outfits to covet.
via popsikill

made me smile..........

2011-09-07T14:46:00.001+01:00

use your windscreen wipers to create a rainbow

Lovely!

via design vagabond - flickr

holiday memories

2011-09-05T18:03:00.002+01:00

I won't bore you stupid with all the photos but here are a 

few I'd like to share.  

Normal bloggy stuff will resume once kiddos are back at school 

and the house has been scrubbed clean and I fill a skip with the gatherings of their summer trips 

(enough plastic tut to start a new Woolies).

ps those swan boats look innocent enough but blimey
did my wee leggies hurt after pedaling around a few times!!

home again, home again.........

2011-09-03T22:35:00.001+01:00

We're back from a lovely week on the Isle of Wight!

There was bike riding, a 3 day scooter rally, swimming, crazy golf, fish & chips, curry night at the local pub, crazy golf, amusements, cable cars, crazy golf, sandcastles........oh and a bit of crazy golf!

Now it's back to Mr Cheese's birthday tomorrow (yikes), washing, ironing, clearing SIX weeks of kids clobber from around the house, re-buying kids stationery as I can't remember where I've put the last lot,  discovering that all the school trousers and skirts are too small, finding a rancid lump of cheese in the fridge (phew!), into work on tuesday, hospital appointment with surgeon on wednesday, physio appointment thursday AND needing ANOTHER holiday by friday!

we're all going on a summer holiday

2011-08-25T07:46:00.000+01:00

and we're praying for sunshine on the Isle of Wight!

Looking forward to fish'n'chips, beaches,
cycle rides and some rest.
See you beginning of September x

something for your christmas list?

2011-08-24T10:31:00.008+01:00

Why not ask the love of your life for this?

And then when you've bashed him over the head with it,
treat yourself to some of this.......!

(taken from my lovely stash of 1940's&50's Picture Posts)

sand art

2011-08-23T14:46:00.000+01:00

a talented little man was drawing with powdered marble,
it was a wonderful sight to behold.
as i poured money into his hat he added my name to the list
Lovely!

LOVE a walk in the country

2011-08-22T21:12:00.006+01:00

We took the cheeselets out for an evening walk
last night up to Ivinghoe Beacon.
The sun was going down and the shadows were long.
The views were spectacular and we could see
for miles and miles.

zorbing

2011-08-21T10:13:00.001+01:00

oh what fun the large-haired eldest had spinning around in his
hamster ball bobbing on the water.
I just wished there was a mummy-sized one so I could have joined in............!

lovely packaging - RNLI

2011-08-19T07:32:00.000+01:00

We all love a trip to the seaside and there's nothing
like sitting on the beach and looking out to sea
on a hot(?) summer's day in blighty.

The RNLI have introduced a wonderful new set of
confectionery and biscuit packaging designed by SupaFrank.
They were briefed to remind visitors of 'beautiful days by the sea'. The illustrations and packaging are just wonderfully simple
and in buying some of the delicious goodies we can
help toward saving lives at sea, yum!

RNLI