Thursday 31 October 2013

Yummy Yarn Giveaway!

 

 
 
Yummy Yarn Giveaway......well we all love a bit of Yummy Yarn, don't we?!
 

 

 
 
I've put together 6 balls of lovely, soft Drops Cotton Light yarn, in these fantastic Autumnal colours. They would make a great cosy scarf!
 
 
 
 
Now this isn't the easiest yarn to work with, it does have a tendency to split which can be annoying. Annette's done a great review over on her blog, My Rose Valley.
 
 
So here's what to do......
 
 
Firstly, you need to be a follower of this blog.
 
Next leave a comment here letting me know you want to enter.
 
If you share this on your blog, Facebook page, or Instagram, let me know and I'll pop your name in the bag again!
 
Giveaway ends Friday 8th November 9:00pm GMT.
 
Open overseas too.......Good Luck!
 
 
Bye for now!
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
New project.....more next time! Off to Oxford this weekend, any tips on where to shop would be great, any hidden gems? :) xxx
 
 

 

Monday 28 October 2013

London Love!

 
Well Hello......long time no see!
 
We got back from our London Adventure late on Saturday night, and I must say we had a BLAST!!!!
We loved every moment, had a fabulous time! The sight of St Paul's Cathedral as we walked over the Millennium Bridge just blew me away, it didn't look real, I felt like I could just reach out and touch the top of the dome!
 
We walked along the embankment, as some of you suggested, soaking in the atmosphere, marvelling at the skyline. Past the London Eye, now that's some structure.......over Westminster Bridge.
 
The houses of Parliament were magnificent and we sat and waited for Big Ben to strike. All familiar. Seen many, many times on the TV!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then it was on to Trafalgar Square, before walking along the Mall to Buckingham Palace, sadly no tea with the Queen this time, but who knows what the future may bring!
 
 
 
We stayed out late into the evenings, enjoying the City Lights, loving Covent Garden, Leicester Square and the sparkle and glamour of the West End theatres. We might not have been able to afford a show, but that didn't seem to matter!
 
I loved the mix of the old and the new, so many exciting things to see. Eldest Bea loved the Underground with its predictability and order, she said she would have spent the whole time riding the trains!
 
 
But me, well I fell head over heels in love with the Museums.....I was speechless, not only about the beautiful artefacts, but the amazing buildings in which they were housed!
 
 
 
The Victoria and Albert was my absolute favourite, so many beautiful things to see. Little Bea loved the National Galleries, and seeing the magnificent art has inspired her even more to become an artist. To be allowed to stand so close to such paintings, felt like such a privilege. And all for FREE, yes every museum we went in was free!
 
 
We went into Liberty, Harrods, F and M, and whilst I could have filled a basket (or two!) in the Liberty Haberdashery Floor, I am more than happy with my little London souvenir.......
 
 
And did we do London On Budget? Well yes, I think so.
 
Three jam-packed days, two sparkly nights, great meals out, fabulous sights, all for under £360. We think we could have come under £300 if we had planned a bit more, and maybe saved some on London transport, got Oyster cards, but they looked so confusing!
 
 
And so we are now planning our next little London Trip, hopefully next spring.....I've a spare change bottle on the go as we speak! There's £6.28 in there to be precise! I'd love to go and have a rummage around some of the vintage markets next time!
 
 
 
 
And since we got back there's been lots of resting, reading, and a little bit of hooky!
 
 
 
 
I will try and pop over to your blogs over the next few days, and be back later in the week.........with a little yarny giveaway!
 
 
Bye for now,
 
 
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Friday 18 October 2013

Toodle Pip Lovelies!

 

 
 
 
 
Toodle Pip Lovelies......I'm having a little Blog Break, it's half term this week and I'm going to be a little busy! Very excited about our trip to London, thank you all for your great advice.....I'll tell you all about it when I get back!
 
 
 
 
 
I'm still busy decluttering, getting ready for our little room revamp, still waiting on the plumbers which is frustrating but I know they will do a good job! My Craft Cupboard got the treatment this week! Love a good clear out! I think I will paint it a nice cheery colour, what do you think?
 
 
 
 
 
I've popped some vintage pillowcase bundles in my shop......
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage Wallpaper Packs too......I can never get a good photo of them! They are all delicious however, lots of patterns, colours and designs....great for craft projects!
 
 
I think when I get back it will be time for another little giveaway.....it's been a while, perhaps with a Yarn theme this time!
 
I'm getting lots of new visitors, I'm not sure why, but thank you so much for stopping by. I've also had several new readers commenting, if you have your own blog, I will try and get over to say Hello!
 
Must go, need to parcel up some vintage pillowcases, some have sold already! Lots of Vintage Fabric Scrap Packs will be added soon too, I've loads of smaller bits that are great for patchwork.
 
Bye for now,
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Monday 14 October 2013

On Budget.....

 

 
 
I'd love to fill this post with lovely photos.....words about all the lovely things I've made. Behind this blog however, is a real woman, with a real family, and living with real challenges!
 
I've told you over this past year, about some of those challenges. Another big challenge for us as a family, and one that's needed quite a lot of thought recently, is how to be On Budget. How to balance the books!
 
We are very lucky, our mortgage has been paid, and we don't owe a bean to anyone, debt free.....a lot of people dream about this. I also know how difficult some of you are finding things in this economic climate. I do not take any of this for granted, not for one moment.
 
We've always wanted to pay off our mortgage early, as soon as we worked out how much interest we were paying to the bank! Occasionally Mr Bea would moan about how much we were saving, can't we spend some, please!!! I would tell him, you'll be so pleased when we've paid it off. We are soooooo glad we've paid it off! (Separate note, why don't they just accept we know what we are talking about!!!)
 
When I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, it became even more important to have a sense of security. As the main income earner, we knew I might not always be able to contribute to the household income. Paying off the mortgage became a priority, and within a couple of years our home was paid for.
 
Then last year, after my health took another dive, we also knew it was time for me to give up the stressful job I had, take some time out, look after myself. It wasn't a decision we took lightly, we knew the impact it would have on our finances, the impact it would have on our future hopes and plans.
 
Initially our budget was spot on then we got a little complacent, we wanted a holiday. We do save each month for holidays, but we save towards camping holidays where we cook most meals on our little cooker! The wet spring really put me off our usual camping holiday....so a cottage was booked. Then Florence, well that certainly wasn't even on the horizon, very much an impulse holiday!
 
Funny thing is, I don't regret any of this! We've had a super, super summer, loved every minute and it was worth every penny! So although I have no regrets, I now need to be extra, extra careful! Every penny that comes into the household is accounted for, we've cut back on everything we can think of! No more yarn buying for me!!!
 
So, if you don't mind, every now and again, I'll let you know about my 'On Budget' progress, share what I'm doing, ask for help and advice along the way! There's some excellent budgeting blogs out there, and I'm certainly not planning to change the feel of Vintage Sheet Addict!
 
So my dears, whilst we were being 'complacent' we booked 2 nights away in London for the four of us, we're going next week! We're stopping in a Premiere Inn on the outskirts of the city. 2 nights bed and breakfast, 4 of us, £100, now I don't think that's too bad! We are excited, it's the girls first London experience!
 
We had planned to see a show but that's out of the question now. So it's The National History Museum (Eldest Beas choice), The National Art Gallery (Little Beas choice) and we must of course see the famous landmarks! If I get chance I'd like to go to Liberty's....just window shopping of course!
 
We need to do London 'On Budget'......any tips anyone? Places to eat, places to see? I'd love to hear your suggestions!
 
Thanks for popping by, and thank you all so much for your comments on my last post! I shall endeavour to post pretty pictures next time!!!
 
 
Bye for now,
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
 
Ok! Just a few pretty pictures!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
:) xxx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Friday 11 October 2013

I'm Sooooooo Glad.......

 
 
I stumbled across Very Talented Ladies, with their hook and yarn......
 

 

 
 
That I decided to Give It A Go.......

 

 
 
 
That I picked up the hook, picked up my yarn, and even though it took me WEEKS to learn how to hold the darn things, I'm sooooo glad I did....
 

 

 
 
It's such a challenge for me, it doesn't come easy to my left handed, dyslexic ways......
 
 
 
 
But I kept thinking about those Colour Possibilities, and with time and patience, I'm starting to learn......
 
 
 
 
I have been inspired by some Very Talented Ladies, they are all there, on my Blog List, I've been encouraged and supported by You, you've given me advice when I've needed it! Thank you!
 

 

 
 
If you want to learn, if you're feeling you'll NEVER get it, don't give up....get yourself a little space, buy a hook and some yarn. be patient, it will take you a few weeks to learn how to hold them!
Get a book, a friend, look on U-tube, there's some fantastic tutorials out there......
 

 

 
 
This time last year, I saw your crochet snowflakes, I soooo wanted to make one, this year I WILL make some, and these lovely little Christmas trees too, from The Royal Sisters Blog (sorry links not working at the moment!)
 
 
 
 
Yep, soooooo glad I am learning to crochet, wonder what I will be doing with my hook and yarn next year!
 
 
Hello to those who are new here, and thank you so much to those of you leaving me your thoughts, they mean such a lot too me.
 
 
Have a lovely, lovely weekend!
 
 
Bye for now,
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
Updated: just changed the title to put the correct spelling in.....what did I say about being dyslexic! :) x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Stuff Sorting......

 

 
So far this week, it's all be about Stuff Sorting......I've spent most of my time Stuff Sorting.
 
I've not been doing it all by myself, I've had a little help....from the 8 legged variety!
 
I've been trying to look at things from a different angle, swap things around a bit.
 
 
Moving the furniture around, well moving some to a different angle, does that count?
 
Listening to the radio, singing along to the songs (perhaps that's why it rained today!)
 
Moved wallpaper around too......still not too happy with this, I'd love some florist buckets to keep these more upright, does anyone know where I could get some from......without costing the earth!
 
 
Getting ready for the cooler weather, I'll be leaving my nest in the conservatory soon, so I've made myself a snug place, near the radiator, to crochet away......it's a very comfy chair, actually looks hideous, glad my Rainbow Blanket was able to help!
 
 
Bookcases have been sorted, two big bags to the charity shop....some given to friends and family. China has been moved and popped on display.
 
 
Mantle-place has been given an overall, but I'm sure I will move things again....until I'm 100% happy!
It's good to have a shake up every now and again!
 
 
Since I took this shot I've moves the glass jar, accident waiting to happen?!!!
 
I've revamped my little blog too, I get very nervous of doing this, thinking I'll delete everything! I really, really wish I got all this techno stuff! Anyway I've managed to put a few new pictures on, phew!
 
 
Thank you once again for stopping by, and thank you those who take the time to say Hi. I love reading your comments. Hello to those new here, hope you are enjoying your visits!
Bye for now,
 
Ada :) xxx
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Monday 7 October 2013

Stuff.....

 

 
 
This week I've been feeling a little overwhelmed by Stuff.....My Stuff.
 

 

 
 
Don't get me wrong, I love My Stuff, those delicious vintage sheets, the wonderful colourful rolls of wallpaper, the utility china, my yarn stash.....
 

 

 
 
But this week, it's felt like its been hemming me in, stopping me from breathing.....so I've been sorting, rearranging, c-l-e-a-r-i-n-g......my hostess trolley has gone, to a good home, to someone who will revamp her!
 
And my wallpapers are, for now, in my baskets where they can shine!
 

 

 
 
It feels like there's a bit more space in here now, I will reduce my vintage sheet stash this week too, bundles will arrive in my shop soon!
My sewing machine is sat there, very redundant at the moment....and I'm wondering, am I someone who sews? I'm not sure. I need to create and make, but I'm not sure if I'm someone who sews. Or is it that I just haven't the space in my head to sew at the moment, anyway she'll stay there for now, but I'm not sure......
 
 
 
 
My craft cupboard is next, it needs sorting, I no longer want to open its doors and have everything jump out on me! I want to inject some freshness, some colour into this little space.....I'd like this cupboard to be a lovely bright colour, with a vintage sheet curtain!
No news yet from the plumbers, decorating cant be done until the messy stuff is out the way! I'm itching to get Stuff done in here.....so I can move on.....make it fresh and new!
 
 
 
 
Yes, I'm looking forward to revamping this room.
 
As they say.....watch this space!!!
 
 
 
 
 
This weekend has been beautiful, really beautiful.....blue skies, warm and sunny.
 
 
 
 
 
 
We took the girls around out local reservoir yesterday, making the most of the sunshine. We're very lucky, where we live there are lovely walks, all within a few minutes of our front door!
 
 
 
I'm writing this today with a heavy heart. Although I don't know her, (only through her wonderful blog), I was so sad to read that the lovely Madelief, lost her husband yesterday. Life is so precious. Our time with those we love is so precious. I'm sure she is surrounded by lots of love and support, but if you can, please pop over, and offer her some of this great bloggy love xxx
 
 
 
Bye for now,
 
 
Ada :) xxx