I blame it entirely on Ten Years Younger you know. Not that I want to look ten years younger (as much as I enjoyed being 14, I am not sure I would want to return!) more, I just want to look more polished, and take a little preventative action on the ageing front.
So, first things first. One of the things I dislike most are my bottom teeth. Mum believes that you should not have cosmetic dentistry, unless it was a necessity, and my slightly crooked bottom teeth did not count as a necessity. Looking back, I think I am glad, but all the same, I have one tooth on the bottom row set ever so slightly back from the others, and ever so slightly overlapped by the teeth either side. Looking at me you would probably not notice, but I know it is there, and call it my Witches Tooth. (Delightful, this image of myself I am painting, yes?!) Because the other teeth cast a slight shadow on it, it always to me looks slightly darker than the others. Again, I have never caused children to run away screaming, but I know it is there. So I went into wonderful Boots, and bought their own brand tooth whitening gel. It was just over £8 so while I was hoping it would work, I did have realistic ideas about to what degree. I must say I am verypleasantlyy surprised though- you are meant to use it for a week, then just touch up monthly. It has been four days, and I am whiter already. And it is easier to use than I thought- you brush a gel on each tooth, then another gel, thendon'tt drink or eat for 30 minutes, and if you are me, go about the house with your teeth bared saying 'are they whiter yet Carl, are they whiter yet?!'
Next stop was the Clinique counter. When I was younger, and lived at home, and had more money, I had a monthly Dermalogica Facial and used their products religiously. Now I have less time and money, (I can scare believe I spent that much time or money on such things- but it was years ago now, and perhaps the profligacy of youth can be forgiven!) I just use a St Ives face wash in the shower, and a St Ivesmoisturizerr afterwards (they were on buy one get one free). They were not really doing anything for me at all, so I got myself skin typed, and have been using my new Clinique products for four days also. They say two weeks of use will show a difference, but I believe I am looking a little moretranslucentt already.
It doesn't stop there...Butt still, I really do blame it entirely on Ten Years Younger, I really, really do.
I used to wear flat shoes all the time- dear Carl is a little shorter than me, and I don't like to tower over him. It was not until back in February when he bought me a divine pear of pointy-toed low heeled shoes that I realised how clumpy and inelegant I feel in my normal shoes. Well horror, horror, these lovely shoes I have worn so much, they literally fell off my feet on the way to work a few weeks ago! I bought a cheap emergency pair of 'sensible' court shoes...which nearly crippled me. So I popped into New Look and bough an equally cheap (£12! Hurrah!) pair of pointy toed little heels, and I feel elegant again.
And still, there is more...this time the fault of both Ten Years Younger and my friend Julia who gave me a half price 'introduce a friend' voucher for the hairdresser she uses. It was doing her a good turn really, as if I used my voucher, she then got her next hair cut half price. I have not been to a hairdresser for a few months (well, since February!) and it was touching my shoulders. For as long as I can remember, I have had a centre parting. Five years ago I had waist length hair that if you are kind would say was light brown, or truthfully mousy. Over the last few years, it has got shorter until it was shoulder length, slightly wavy, a few layers- you get the picture. Well, I walked out of the salon with chocolate brown hair, a side parting and sideswept fringe (that I swore I would never have!) and sleek, very different hair.
Of course I proclaimed at once that I hated it, but now...I think...I maybe do! It is just so different- although I think the real test will be tomorrow morning, when I wash and dry it for myself!
So there you go. I have been busy. And I will be busy. I am drinking lots of water and green tea, eating lots of fruit, veg, seeds and things. I am cleansing, toning, moisturising twice a day; whitening my teeth; deep conditioning my hair; rubbing in hand cream and foot cream and buffing my nails. I am walking to work (and soon home again too) and just trying to take a little more care. And you know what I have learnt from all this, apart from how amazingly shallow I probably sound? I have learnt that having stopped focussing on weight and calories and started to think about health and wellbeing instead, it all seems so much easier.
Saturday, 27 May 2006
A Day of Unutterable Bliss
Well, really it was utterable bliss, as I am going to utter about it forthwith!
Last Friday (see how long it is since I updated? It is my goal this month to blog more regularly, rather than be away for a while, then post several at once to catch up) my friend Lisa and I had a day out- a day off work, to do blissful things.
We went first to Blake House Craft Centre, where we wandered about the barns, each filled with fabrics, or antiques, or craft items. All the owners were so friendly- I bought a beautiful hardback book which is going to be my record of things I have made book; also a paper doll with regency paper clothes (just waiting for a rainy Sunday afternoon in which to watch Pride and Prejudice again, and snip out the little doll!); also a wonderful art deco plate, and a bottle of seville orange jigger. We had morning tea in the barn like restaurant- the scones were still warm from the oven, which was bliss. I dont know how many of you live anywhere near here, but be assured it is very much worth a visit.
Particularly if you move on to the nearby Gardens of Eastern Lodge in the afternoon, as we did. Oh, the bliss, the bliss! It is a private house who open their gardens Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We knew it would be wonderful when we paid to get in using an honesty box, and then found a note pinned to a tree saying 'Please Feel Free To Roam'- and roam we did! There was a long sweep of lawn down to a lake; a marvellous swing on a tree, which had such a long, graceful curve; a sunken Italian garden; a pond with ducks, and so much more. We followed a sign saying 'Teas' (how could we not?) and found ourselves in the kitchen belonging to the owner. She poured us tea and coffee, cut us a slice each of the lightest, most delicious maple syrup and coffee cake with hazelnuts, and then asked if we would like to take tea in the conservatory. As it had started to spit, and the conservatory was filled with delightful slightly overgrown plants, we said yes please. She replied that she would just 'shoo the peacock out' and in we went! The regal peacock came back to accompany us and show off his tail feathers, and it felt like sitting in a dream.
When it started to rain, we took a final turn around the gardens, and then home. But the day did not end there, oh no! We went with dear Carl to Cafe Rouge for dinner, and then to see the Da Vinci Code, which, for the record, is thoroughly entertaining. (But how, how could anyone believe it to be true?! A good story yes, but a story nonetheless!)
It really was one of those lovely, perfect days.
www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk
Last Friday (see how long it is since I updated? It is my goal this month to blog more regularly, rather than be away for a while, then post several at once to catch up) my friend Lisa and I had a day out- a day off work, to do blissful things.
We went first to Blake House Craft Centre, where we wandered about the barns, each filled with fabrics, or antiques, or craft items. All the owners were so friendly- I bought a beautiful hardback book which is going to be my record of things I have made book; also a paper doll with regency paper clothes (just waiting for a rainy Sunday afternoon in which to watch Pride and Prejudice again, and snip out the little doll!); also a wonderful art deco plate, and a bottle of seville orange jigger. We had morning tea in the barn like restaurant- the scones were still warm from the oven, which was bliss. I dont know how many of you live anywhere near here, but be assured it is very much worth a visit.
Particularly if you move on to the nearby Gardens of Eastern Lodge in the afternoon, as we did. Oh, the bliss, the bliss! It is a private house who open their gardens Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We knew it would be wonderful when we paid to get in using an honesty box, and then found a note pinned to a tree saying 'Please Feel Free To Roam'- and roam we did! There was a long sweep of lawn down to a lake; a marvellous swing on a tree, which had such a long, graceful curve; a sunken Italian garden; a pond with ducks, and so much more. We followed a sign saying 'Teas' (how could we not?) and found ourselves in the kitchen belonging to the owner. She poured us tea and coffee, cut us a slice each of the lightest, most delicious maple syrup and coffee cake with hazelnuts, and then asked if we would like to take tea in the conservatory. As it had started to spit, and the conservatory was filled with delightful slightly overgrown plants, we said yes please. She replied that she would just 'shoo the peacock out' and in we went! The regal peacock came back to accompany us and show off his tail feathers, and it felt like sitting in a dream.
When it started to rain, we took a final turn around the gardens, and then home. But the day did not end there, oh no! We went with dear Carl to Cafe Rouge for dinner, and then to see the Da Vinci Code, which, for the record, is thoroughly entertaining. (But how, how could anyone believe it to be true?! A good story yes, but a story nonetheless!)
It really was one of those lovely, perfect days.
www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk
Tuesday, 16 May 2006
Upon Lilacs
I have always adored cut flowers (and indeed long for a cutting garden some day) and have always found a certain amount of pleasure in the garden; however, since moving out of my childhood home and living with dear Carl, I do feel that these pleasures have become magnified for me.
I had always noticed the snowdrops and the daffodils and the autumn leaves before- but now I anticipate them, look out for them eagerly on the way to work. And I find I am willing, even thirsty and hungry to learn more. There was a time when I did not find such things boring as such, but in my little world of homework and friends, they just did not feature. One of my favourite things, now that I have seen the light, is to learn names.
Now it may be true that as Shakespeare said 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet' but to me there is something special in names. It is like greeting a new friend, to be able to say there, that is a branch of wisteria climbing that wall. Joyfully hailing an old friend, and learning more about them. Hello, narcissus- and hello, Rip Van Winkle narcissus, with your frizzy, frizzy petals.
This morning on the way to work, tiny, inky purple black miniature pansies pushing their way up through some lilac wood chippings.
Talking of lilacs, they are my new love. Ever since I learned that lilac is the name for these beautiful blossom like flowers, I have been seeing them everywhere. And reading about them on other peoples blogs:
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog
www.ljcfyi.com
I found a sadly neglected bunch of 20 tulips at the shop- they had started to droop and one or two had shed their petals in despair. They were only 40p, so I took them home, trimmed their stems, threw out the ones past hope, gave them a good long drink, and they are flourishing now. Revived in much the same way a cup of tea revives me after a long day at work!
I had always noticed the snowdrops and the daffodils and the autumn leaves before- but now I anticipate them, look out for them eagerly on the way to work. And I find I am willing, even thirsty and hungry to learn more. There was a time when I did not find such things boring as such, but in my little world of homework and friends, they just did not feature. One of my favourite things, now that I have seen the light, is to learn names.
Now it may be true that as Shakespeare said 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet' but to me there is something special in names. It is like greeting a new friend, to be able to say there, that is a branch of wisteria climbing that wall. Joyfully hailing an old friend, and learning more about them. Hello, narcissus- and hello, Rip Van Winkle narcissus, with your frizzy, frizzy petals.
This morning on the way to work, tiny, inky purple black miniature pansies pushing their way up through some lilac wood chippings.
Talking of lilacs, they are my new love. Ever since I learned that lilac is the name for these beautiful blossom like flowers, I have been seeing them everywhere. And reading about them on other peoples blogs:
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog
www.ljcfyi.com
I found a sadly neglected bunch of 20 tulips at the shop- they had started to droop and one or two had shed their petals in despair. They were only 40p, so I took them home, trimmed their stems, threw out the ones past hope, gave them a good long drink, and they are flourishing now. Revived in much the same way a cup of tea revives me after a long day at work!
Upon Lilacs
I have always adored cut flowers (and indeed long for a cutting garden some day) and have always found a certain amount of pleasure in the garden; however, since moving out of my childhood home and living with dear Carl, I do feel that these pleasures have become magnified for me.
I had always noticed the snowdrops and the daffodils and the autumn leaves before- but now I anticipate them, look out for them eagerly on the way to work. And I find I am willing, even thirsty and hungry to learn more. There was a time when I did not find such things boring as such, but in my little world of homework and friends, they just did not feature. One of my favourite things, now that I have seen the light, is to learn names.
Now it may be true that as Shakespeare said 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet' but to me there is something special in names. It is like greeting a new friend, to be able to say there, that is a branch of wisteria climbing that wall. Joyfully hailing an old friend, and learning more about them. Hello, narcissus- and hello, Rip Van Winkle narcissus, with your frizzy, frizzy petals.
This morning on the way to work, tiny, inky purple black miniature pansies pushing their way up through some lilac wood chippings.
Talking of lilacs, they are my new love. Ever since I learned that lilac is the name for these beautiful blossom like flowers, I have been seeing them everywhere. And reading about them on other peoples blogs:
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog
www.ljcfyi.com
I found a sadly neglected bunch of 20 tulips at the shop- they had started to droop and one or two had shed their petals in despair. They were only 40p, so I took them home, trimmed their stems, threw out the ones past hope, gave them a good long drink, and they are flourishing now. Revived in much the same way a cup of tea revives me after a long day at work!
I had always noticed the snowdrops and the daffodils and the autumn leaves before- but now I anticipate them, look out for them eagerly on the way to work. And I find I am willing, even thirsty and hungry to learn more. There was a time when I did not find such things boring as such, but in my little world of homework and friends, they just did not feature. One of my favourite things, now that I have seen the light, is to learn names.
Now it may be true that as Shakespeare said 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet' but to me there is something special in names. It is like greeting a new friend, to be able to say there, that is a branch of wisteria climbing that wall. Joyfully hailing an old friend, and learning more about them. Hello, narcissus- and hello, Rip Van Winkle narcissus, with your frizzy, frizzy petals.
This morning on the way to work, tiny, inky purple black miniature pansies pushing their way up through some lilac wood chippings.
Talking of lilacs, they are my new love. Ever since I learned that lilac is the name for these beautiful blossom like flowers, I have been seeing them everywhere. And reading about them on other peoples blogs:
http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/knitblog
www.ljcfyi.com
I found a sadly neglected bunch of 20 tulips at the shop- they had started to droop and one or two had shed their petals in despair. They were only 40p, so I took them home, trimmed their stems, threw out the ones past hope, gave them a good long drink, and they are flourishing now. Revived in much the same way a cup of tea revives me after a long day at work!
Saturday, 13 May 2006
A Day of Bliss
Perhaps I should really blog more about my day to day life- all the things that everyone does, the washing up (I have a glass olive oil bottle filled with bright green fairy liquid!), the making of the beds, and so on. It seems to me that my posts are mainly concerned with the froth, frills and fripperies of my life.
Perhaps next week I shall devote some posts to my housework routines, or better than that, tea- after all, this blog is meant to be *about* little sips of tea! But for today, a little sip of the loveliness that was Friday...
Dear Carl took me into Maldon when he went to work so I could spend the day with Mum. We left just before seven (he starts work at eight) and the air was fresh, misty, and quite beautiful. After several cups of tea (which we had to make using a saucepan for water- I was the kiss of death to their kettle!) we decided to spend the day having a gentle wander about the town rather than going further afield. We popped into a charity shop, and both stopped, dead at the same time. At the counter, they had the remains of a once glorious tea set. It was swirly bone china, from the twenties; from a distance it looked green, but close to it was painted with tiny forget-me-nots. All that has survived were six tea cups, twelve saucers, five plates, a milk jug and a bowl. All for £5! Oh, we wanted it! But we both reasoned that we had nowhere to put it. (How many oflife'ss problems would be solved with more storage!) And we didn't need any more tea things. And so on. But it was £5. And it was, quite, quite beautiful. So we said we would wander for ten minutes and come back. Literally two steps down the road, and I said 'we could split it between us...then we would not need to find lots of storage space....' and back we were in the shop before the lady could have blinked her eyes!
My other buy was in Peacocks-a simple white cotton dress. For a long time now, I have wanted some casual clothes that are nice enough to open the door in, so I can go home from work, and change out of work clothes, and be at home, and feel at home. Now as we dress smartly but casually at the library, a lot of the clothes I would wear to work I would also wear at the weekend- but these dresses were only £12 each, so I bought one just for changing into in the evenings after work.
Somewhere along our meander, we sat with iced coffee outside my favourite cafe, The Continental Coffee Company. There was a glorious hanging basket of pansies- dark purple, pale lilac, with a tiny point of white in the very centre. And everywhere we went, we saw trees and trees of wonderful, delicious lilacs.
Mum also found me out a lovely knitting pattern that she had bought when she was about my age to make for Gran. It is for a 'Gossamer-Light Lacy Bed-Wrap Knitted All In One And Tied With A Bow' which I am going to cast on in my tea break in about half an hour.
When I checked my email, I found lovely Amber has sent me the very first Scrumptious Scribble! So exciting! And when I got home, I found a £5 gift voucher from Nivea...all in all, a pretty blissful day.
May all of you enjoy an equally blissful weekend.
love
Mimi
xxx
Perhaps next week I shall devote some posts to my housework routines, or better than that, tea- after all, this blog is meant to be *about* little sips of tea! But for today, a little sip of the loveliness that was Friday...
Dear Carl took me into Maldon when he went to work so I could spend the day with Mum. We left just before seven (he starts work at eight) and the air was fresh, misty, and quite beautiful. After several cups of tea (which we had to make using a saucepan for water- I was the kiss of death to their kettle!) we decided to spend the day having a gentle wander about the town rather than going further afield. We popped into a charity shop, and both stopped, dead at the same time. At the counter, they had the remains of a once glorious tea set. It was swirly bone china, from the twenties; from a distance it looked green, but close to it was painted with tiny forget-me-nots. All that has survived were six tea cups, twelve saucers, five plates, a milk jug and a bowl. All for £5! Oh, we wanted it! But we both reasoned that we had nowhere to put it. (How many oflife'ss problems would be solved with more storage!) And we didn't need any more tea things. And so on. But it was £5. And it was, quite, quite beautiful. So we said we would wander for ten minutes and come back. Literally two steps down the road, and I said 'we could split it between us...then we would not need to find lots of storage space....' and back we were in the shop before the lady could have blinked her eyes!
My other buy was in Peacocks-a simple white cotton dress. For a long time now, I have wanted some casual clothes that are nice enough to open the door in, so I can go home from work, and change out of work clothes, and be at home, and feel at home. Now as we dress smartly but casually at the library, a lot of the clothes I would wear to work I would also wear at the weekend- but these dresses were only £12 each, so I bought one just for changing into in the evenings after work.
Somewhere along our meander, we sat with iced coffee outside my favourite cafe, The Continental Coffee Company. There was a glorious hanging basket of pansies- dark purple, pale lilac, with a tiny point of white in the very centre. And everywhere we went, we saw trees and trees of wonderful, delicious lilacs.
Mum also found me out a lovely knitting pattern that she had bought when she was about my age to make for Gran. It is for a 'Gossamer-Light Lacy Bed-Wrap Knitted All In One And Tied With A Bow' which I am going to cast on in my tea break in about half an hour.
When I checked my email, I found lovely Amber has sent me the very first Scrumptious Scribble! So exciting! And when I got home, I found a £5 gift voucher from Nivea...all in all, a pretty blissful day.
May all of you enjoy an equally blissful weekend.
love
Mimi
xxx
Tuesday, 9 May 2006
A Shaky Little Ramble
I hope you won’t mind me sharing my shaky little ramble with you all. Somehow to me, there are some thoughts that seem more validated, once they are committed in some way.
That interview I mentioned a while ago, that I thought had gone so well- it turns out it went better than I thought. I was offered and accepted the job yesterday. So instead of being a Senior Library Assistant, I shall be an Enquiry Officer instead. What this means in essence is that I shall be doing a lot more enquiry work, and not be so involved with issuing and circulation the stock.
I feel curiously flat though. Perhaps because the interview process was accompanied by what seemed like a hundred forms, and that I had to produce birth certificates and so on as well?
I am sure that I will perk up again soon and be enthused about it. But just for now, I feel a bit wobbly.
I have also noticed, that several amongst the circle of friends on the internet who I visit, have expressed a need for a little time out while they recuperate a bit. I wonder, if we need to spring clean ourselves? While I swing into action with my pink feather duster for the Brocante Home Seasonal Scrub, I perhaps forget myself a little bit.
So, I declare that the rest of the month of May (and beyond!) shall be dedicated to Seasonal Scrubbing ourselves. Pampering a bit, making sure we get enough vegetables and fruit in our systems, not to feel virtuous or to slim, but because it is good for us, and will make us feel better. Finding some relaxing music to listen to as we go to sleep; buying a little bottle of peppermint foot cream to massage ourselves with. Whatever little steps we can take, to make a little peace with ourselves.
That interview I mentioned a while ago, that I thought had gone so well- it turns out it went better than I thought. I was offered and accepted the job yesterday. So instead of being a Senior Library Assistant, I shall be an Enquiry Officer instead. What this means in essence is that I shall be doing a lot more enquiry work, and not be so involved with issuing and circulation the stock.
I feel curiously flat though. Perhaps because the interview process was accompanied by what seemed like a hundred forms, and that I had to produce birth certificates and so on as well?
I am sure that I will perk up again soon and be enthused about it. But just for now, I feel a bit wobbly.
I have also noticed, that several amongst the circle of friends on the internet who I visit, have expressed a need for a little time out while they recuperate a bit. I wonder, if we need to spring clean ourselves? While I swing into action with my pink feather duster for the Brocante Home Seasonal Scrub, I perhaps forget myself a little bit.
So, I declare that the rest of the month of May (and beyond!) shall be dedicated to Seasonal Scrubbing ourselves. Pampering a bit, making sure we get enough vegetables and fruit in our systems, not to feel virtuous or to slim, but because it is good for us, and will make us feel better. Finding some relaxing music to listen to as we go to sleep; buying a little bottle of peppermint foot cream to massage ourselves with. Whatever little steps we can take, to make a little peace with ourselves.
Upon Spontaneous Pleasures
Now I come to think upon it, perhaps it is age, perhaps it is something indefinable, but I just don't think that I am as spontaneous as I used to be.
Once upon a time, I doodled away and designed a pretty little thing that I thought I would like to get tatooed on me, one day. (A beautiful rose, and 'carpe diem' to remind me to always gather my rosebuds while I may) well within a few days, I had it done! (It is hidden away on my ribs where no one can see- it was just for me. On those days when the devil is inside me, it does delight me to casually mention it, and see jaws drop. I am not at all a tattoo person, you see)
So Thursday, during the blissful weather, I was checking the weather forecast and saw that the weekend was due to be rainy and stormy. Dear Carl and I had planned a picnic for Saturday, and I was sad for a moment. Then I suddenly thought 'carpe diem'~ and seized the moment. I booked an hours leave to go home early and prepare, emailed Carl and told him to meet me at home when he was finished work, and off I went to prepare a picnic.
We took my gorgeous wicker hamper (it has two little cups and plates, cutlery, and even a corkscrew!) filled with prawns to peel, soft bread and butter, pepper boursin, a salad, strawberries and gin and tonic. We sat out on a rug in the park opposite where we live, and the birds sang, and a squirrel came and stared at us. It was bliss....spontaneous bliss.
So my two lessons for the day - be more spontaneous, more often; and to update my blog more often so I can share the results with you.
I have just finished reading 'Pride and Presience' by Carrie Bebris - a delightful little novel, featuring the newly married Mr and Mrs Darcy who find themselves in the middle of a mystery to solve...
Also, I am finally organized and am going to be emailing people about Scrumptious Scribblings in the next ten minutes. If you would still like to be involved, or know someone who might be, do just give me an email at scrumptiouscribblings@yahoo.com
Enjoy splashing through the puddles!
love
Mimi
xxx
Once upon a time, I doodled away and designed a pretty little thing that I thought I would like to get tatooed on me, one day. (A beautiful rose, and 'carpe diem' to remind me to always gather my rosebuds while I may) well within a few days, I had it done! (It is hidden away on my ribs where no one can see- it was just for me. On those days when the devil is inside me, it does delight me to casually mention it, and see jaws drop. I am not at all a tattoo person, you see)
So Thursday, during the blissful weather, I was checking the weather forecast and saw that the weekend was due to be rainy and stormy. Dear Carl and I had planned a picnic for Saturday, and I was sad for a moment. Then I suddenly thought 'carpe diem'~ and seized the moment. I booked an hours leave to go home early and prepare, emailed Carl and told him to meet me at home when he was finished work, and off I went to prepare a picnic.
We took my gorgeous wicker hamper (it has two little cups and plates, cutlery, and even a corkscrew!) filled with prawns to peel, soft bread and butter, pepper boursin, a salad, strawberries and gin and tonic. We sat out on a rug in the park opposite where we live, and the birds sang, and a squirrel came and stared at us. It was bliss....spontaneous bliss.
So my two lessons for the day - be more spontaneous, more often; and to update my blog more often so I can share the results with you.
I have just finished reading 'Pride and Presience' by Carrie Bebris - a delightful little novel, featuring the newly married Mr and Mrs Darcy who find themselves in the middle of a mystery to solve...
Also, I am finally organized and am going to be emailing people about Scrumptious Scribblings in the next ten minutes. If you would still like to be involved, or know someone who might be, do just give me an email at scrumptiouscribblings@yahoo.com
Enjoy splashing through the puddles!
love
Mimi
xxx
Tuesday, 2 May 2006
Scrumptious Scribblings
So here it is, Scrumptious Scribblings.
I had this idea, that I posted about a week or so ago, prompted by the marvellous (and missed!) Alison from Brocante Home taking a break. Now I know that sometimes we all need a break from our blogs, holidays, adventures and so on call us away. But wouldn’t it be marvellous if we could still keep in touch? Some kind of delicious reward for just a teeny effort?
So this is it, Scrumptious Scribblings, and this is how it works. Drop me an email at scrumptiouscribblings@yahoo.co.uk (yes it is just one ‘s’ touch typing too fast causes mistakes, it seems!) to tell me you would like to play, and your postal address, then I will email you my own postal address. Send to me whatever you would like to send- perhaps an account of a recent adventure in the charity shops, perhaps a recipe, a bit about a book you have read- anything delicious you would like to share. I will copy each little missive I receive, assemble the whole into a delightful bundle, and mail them out, so that everyone in our little circle will get a lovely fat envelope stuffed with lovely letters dropping through their letterbox.
As far as time scales go, I will send out the first bundle at the end of the first week of June. So that gives you all of May to get in touch with me, then send me your first missive! If that works for everyone, I will always send out the first week of each month, and send everything that I have received in time.
I am so excited for this, that I can hardly wait to begin! While it would be wonderful to have everyone contribute regularly, I don’t want anyone to feel tied down to contributing every single month. I want this to be a pleasure rather than a chore! You will still be in the circle, and will still get a bundle of scribblings delivered to your door! Perhaps you could also send in a little introduction for the readers (oh, how I hope there are readers! I hope there are a few of you out there who want to join in!) a little tiny bit about you. (no need for personal details, just give us a flavour of who you are!) I love the description at www.vintagepretty.blogspot.com , to give you an idea .Anyone from overseas is welcome to join, although because of post times, perhaps you might rathero email me your contribution for the months scrumptious scribblings? Of course you may write if you prefer, but this way may work out to be a little more practical.
I feel I have rambled enough. I hope I have said everything I need to. Any questions, just leave me a comment, or email me. I just cannot wait to be sticking stamps onto the first batch of envelopes to go out!
Love
Mimi
xxx
I had this idea, that I posted about a week or so ago, prompted by the marvellous (and missed!) Alison from Brocante Home taking a break. Now I know that sometimes we all need a break from our blogs, holidays, adventures and so on call us away. But wouldn’t it be marvellous if we could still keep in touch? Some kind of delicious reward for just a teeny effort?
So this is it, Scrumptious Scribblings, and this is how it works. Drop me an email at scrumptiouscribblings@yahoo.co.uk (yes it is just one ‘s’ touch typing too fast causes mistakes, it seems!) to tell me you would like to play, and your postal address, then I will email you my own postal address. Send to me whatever you would like to send- perhaps an account of a recent adventure in the charity shops, perhaps a recipe, a bit about a book you have read- anything delicious you would like to share. I will copy each little missive I receive, assemble the whole into a delightful bundle, and mail them out, so that everyone in our little circle will get a lovely fat envelope stuffed with lovely letters dropping through their letterbox.
As far as time scales go, I will send out the first bundle at the end of the first week of June. So that gives you all of May to get in touch with me, then send me your first missive! If that works for everyone, I will always send out the first week of each month, and send everything that I have received in time.
I am so excited for this, that I can hardly wait to begin! While it would be wonderful to have everyone contribute regularly, I don’t want anyone to feel tied down to contributing every single month. I want this to be a pleasure rather than a chore! You will still be in the circle, and will still get a bundle of scribblings delivered to your door! Perhaps you could also send in a little introduction for the readers (oh, how I hope there are readers! I hope there are a few of you out there who want to join in!) a little tiny bit about you. (no need for personal details, just give us a flavour of who you are!) I love the description at www.vintagepretty.blogspot.com , to give you an idea .Anyone from overseas is welcome to join, although because of post times, perhaps you might rathero email me your contribution for the months scrumptious scribblings? Of course you may write if you prefer, but this way may work out to be a little more practical.
I feel I have rambled enough. I hope I have said everything I need to. Any questions, just leave me a comment, or email me. I just cannot wait to be sticking stamps onto the first batch of envelopes to go out!
Love
Mimi
xxx
Where Have I Been?
I have been far more absent from here than I have meant to be for the past few days. And the fault lays entirely at the feet of Elizabeth Kostova, for writing the rather brilliant 'The Historian'. At just over 700 pages long, it has completely enthralled me. How could it not? The story starts with a young girl finding a stack of papers and an old book in her fathers library- and much of the story is tied up with books and libraries and papers. Oh it is glorious! Now I hope you won't think badly of it if I tell you it is also about Dracula, but not at all in a pointy teeth and cape kind of way. It is not a horror story, but quite eery in places. Last night I had to finish it, and I stayed up till gone eleven, reading by the light of a candle held in my new pink chamber stick.
The chamber stick is one of my Friday purchases- I had the day off as did Mum, so we went into town together which was lovely. I bought the chamber stick and a little pretty paper sachet trimmed with gold ribbon that smells heavenly of roses, (to go in my underwear drawer) and also a dress to be Godmother in in a few months time. It is fifties style, cream with black toile de jouy print on it, and a full skirt. I think it needs one of those little hairclips which are an abundance of froth and feathers to finish it off.
Saturday I had to work, but greatly enjoyed lunch time- we had an Italian market in the town centre. I had the most amazing apricot gelate, and bought a bar of rose and geranium soap. I do adore Italian accents!
Sunday was brunch club, this time in Great Dunmow. I could not resist wearing my new dress. This time the theme was kept a surprise until we got there- and it was so much fun! An American Diner theme, with a menu, and red napkins on the table, and one of those great straw dispensers. It was a fabulous afternoon, although I drank far too much wine and the most delicous drink- chocolate soya milk and (rather a large, I fear) dash of whisky.
Monday saw lovely Carl and I take what he likes to call 'a constitutional'- a lovely long walk into town through the parks. I knitted on my latest dishcloth- a square cloth with a garter stitch boarder, and a teapot against a stocking stitch background. I also drank lots of hot tea, did some sudoku, and read more of The Historian.
While I was knitting and drinking tea yesterday, I discovered Come Dine With Me was on Channel 4. Now please don't laugh, but oh how I love that show! If you have not seen it, a group of five contestants take it in turns to host a dinner party for the other contestants, and then afterwards in private, each contestant gives the dinner party a score out of ten. At the end of the week, the highest score wins. Oh how I love entertaining and dinner parties! I love watching what other people are planning, seeing their ideas, sparking my own. I found it odd last night that the contestant had no music playing at all when the guests were arriving. Not that you want music pounding out, but a group of people sitting in a strangers lounge- surely a little something in the background would have eased it all a little?
I must confess, sad as it is, I do love to plan dinner parties and menus. When I finally live in a house with a dining room (or at least a proper dining table!) I shall be so ready! My dear friend Lisa who visits most Monday evenings is similarly enamoured with entertaining and food and so on, so it is nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. I have always wanted to serve pumpkin soup out of a pumpkin- perhaps with home made bread. Then maybe pumpkin risotto to follow, with pumpkin pie for dessert!
So that is my week so far. I am also currently anxiously awaiting in the post Simple Abundance on cd from amazon; also a free pashmina that I sent off for from Comfort; and strangely, a jacket potato and butter from lurpak...
The chamber stick is one of my Friday purchases- I had the day off as did Mum, so we went into town together which was lovely. I bought the chamber stick and a little pretty paper sachet trimmed with gold ribbon that smells heavenly of roses, (to go in my underwear drawer) and also a dress to be Godmother in in a few months time. It is fifties style, cream with black toile de jouy print on it, and a full skirt. I think it needs one of those little hairclips which are an abundance of froth and feathers to finish it off.
Saturday I had to work, but greatly enjoyed lunch time- we had an Italian market in the town centre. I had the most amazing apricot gelate, and bought a bar of rose and geranium soap. I do adore Italian accents!
Sunday was brunch club, this time in Great Dunmow. I could not resist wearing my new dress. This time the theme was kept a surprise until we got there- and it was so much fun! An American Diner theme, with a menu, and red napkins on the table, and one of those great straw dispensers. It was a fabulous afternoon, although I drank far too much wine and the most delicous drink- chocolate soya milk and (rather a large, I fear) dash of whisky.
Monday saw lovely Carl and I take what he likes to call 'a constitutional'- a lovely long walk into town through the parks. I knitted on my latest dishcloth- a square cloth with a garter stitch boarder, and a teapot against a stocking stitch background. I also drank lots of hot tea, did some sudoku, and read more of The Historian.
While I was knitting and drinking tea yesterday, I discovered Come Dine With Me was on Channel 4. Now please don't laugh, but oh how I love that show! If you have not seen it, a group of five contestants take it in turns to host a dinner party for the other contestants, and then afterwards in private, each contestant gives the dinner party a score out of ten. At the end of the week, the highest score wins. Oh how I love entertaining and dinner parties! I love watching what other people are planning, seeing their ideas, sparking my own. I found it odd last night that the contestant had no music playing at all when the guests were arriving. Not that you want music pounding out, but a group of people sitting in a strangers lounge- surely a little something in the background would have eased it all a little?
I must confess, sad as it is, I do love to plan dinner parties and menus. When I finally live in a house with a dining room (or at least a proper dining table!) I shall be so ready! My dear friend Lisa who visits most Monday evenings is similarly enamoured with entertaining and food and so on, so it is nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. I have always wanted to serve pumpkin soup out of a pumpkin- perhaps with home made bread. Then maybe pumpkin risotto to follow, with pumpkin pie for dessert!
So that is my week so far. I am also currently anxiously awaiting in the post Simple Abundance on cd from amazon; also a free pashmina that I sent off for from Comfort; and strangely, a jacket potato and butter from lurpak...
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