The Goose's Rear End And Twinkling Lights

Well hello you lovely little thing!

So my plan for a post last week fell through, I was far too busy and had to have my mind on work - But now it's playtime, want to come outside with me and jump in puddles?

But if you want to stay inside, all warm and dry, then fine. I'll stay here with a cat leaning against me and gazing at the tree lights.

Did I say tree lights? Why yes, I did! The tree went up thirteen days ago... Because we could, that's why!

Things are still up in the air, so we don't know if we can stay in the house. I was hoping it would be sorted by now, having that hanging over you at Christmas is no fun. We thought that last Christmas might be the last one if this house, but we're here for another, and hopefully many more. Some news on that front would be a present in itself. But never mind, not much I can do about that at the moment, so decorate, bake and be merry.

The 7 footer is back! I love this tree, I love not being able to reach the top without stepladders, which is why the angel is still in need of adjusting! Her arm was just left like that when she was popped up there... Oh dear, time to brave the dizzying height of the ladders! She's actually a really special angel as I think she was one of Mami's dolls which my Gran made a dress for, for their tree when Mami was a wee thing.

I love getting the house decorated, all those twinkling lights. Oh and being in the kitchen for something other than everyday dinners (I cook everyday, it gets a bit boring sometimes) - The home-made Irish cream, veggie sausage rolls, mince pies and the chocolate truffles, the one thing Ma makes! Oh, I should point out she makes most of the Christmas dinner too.

Speaking of food and decorating, my fridge is in on the act...

After getting out the festive DVDs and books, they needed somewhere to live - Step in corner sewing box/shelving unit!

I also enjoy a little chocolate with breakfast, oh and the cat likes his calender too! Mine's the Hello Kitty one, and Ma as the Peppa Pig one... Who is Peppa Pig?

Ah, go on, I'm going to just fill up on festive snaps now. Don't like it? Best go and make a cuppa, this is going to take a while!

I really love this swag over the Rayburn, Mama braved the ladders to do it - Mind, she's taller than me so it's as scarey for her!

A few weeks back Ma had picked up some cheap snowflake lights in a charity shop, they were all bundled up but she planned to pop them on the tree. After unwinding them at home we discovered they were those icicle lights. After mulling it over, they were put across the arch. However, they are above my head, yet most normal sized people smack their face on them... Oh, how I laugh!

Did you all watch Nigel Slater's 12 Tastes of Christmas? Tut, if you didn't! I love that man, he has a cat and he can cook... I really don't ask for much! Anyway, I happened to press the pause button (on the iPlayer) and this is the oh-so-awful moment I caught, so I had to take a snap. Nigel (yes, we're on first name terms) has his hand up a goose's rear end, but the look on his face has me in giggles... Maybe you need to see it to understand. The program is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03mjxh6/Nigel_Slaters_12_Tastes_of_Christmas_08_12_2013/

I would've popped a link into the word "here", but would Blogger allow it? Oh no, why would they let me do something so obvious...Sorry, back to the goose...

Oh dear, I've just seen the time. It's almost time to feed the cat, then I have to go and sort out dog food and if I've time, pop into the charity shop - I've managed to pick up 4 presents in there so far, fingers crossed they'll have some more vintage decorations too!

Next time we'll maybe have a chat about that saucy book I read - I swear I didn't realise there would be so much graphic content when I started! But anyway, that's for another day!

Bye for now my lovelies

Jennie xx

The Airman, The Mugs And The Soldiers

'Ello Ducklings!

Five months since my last post, but I'm back now, and I'm excited to get going again.

We'll start off today with a little round-up of Christmas. It was a quiet-ish affair, but I did get some lovely things, including a yard of Jaffa Cakes! They do count as one of your five-a-day, along with Jammie Dodgers...

I knew I was receiving the next two pieces as I hinted towards them, then imagine my surprise when I unwrapped them!

One more for the collection?

And this... I was really excited about this one as I've yet to see another one, even though they obviously do exist - It'll turn out that all you lot own one!

Awarded to me for services to vintage!

Then it was on to New Year's Eve - I spent mine with Mama, Auntie J., Uncle B. and their friend, G. We spent a few hours chatting and have a gay old time, before hopping into the car to head off to the free fireworks display in Saundersfoot - I really can't believe that they wouldn't charge for a such a good display... Though I'm not complaining!

We got into the car to return at about 12.15 ish, as it was getting a bit rowdy (screaming drunk teenagers... charming) and this was on the radio, much to our delight - Sing along now!

We came back here for tea, and more chat, then I finally made it to bed around 2.30am! Before I donned me jim-jams, I had a really good chat with Uncle B. about The South Wales Borderers in connection to some "tat" I own - There's more discussion to be had, but there will be a dedicated post on all this... Watch this space!

Then, yesterday, it was my Burpday - Again, many hints led to a wonderful present:



At last!

 This may shock you, but I've never seen the first series - I wasn't allowed to watch it on the telly-box! I'm four episodes in.... Naughty Lady Mary, such a straight character, but what a story! Safe to say, this should keep me quiet for a few hours!

Also, before I forget, and whilst I'm rounding up everything... I was at the last of the antique fleas the other weekend and picked up a few goodies, less than last time though. The time before I found myself eleven handbags, this time, just three! Plus skirts, a Christmas card (which led to the South Wales Borderers discussion) and plenty more.

Anyway, this past time, I picked up these:

Maybe one more then!

This was in a £1 basket... £1! Could I really walk away at that price? Then I found this beauty:

1918 Peace Mug

And the back:



Presented in Cardiff!

 I've also paid a visit to one of my favourite antiques shop - I was talked into some sales, but I had to leave so much as his prices are bit high. But I picked up these two lovelies:

WW1 postcards

The one on the left is dated Jan. 31st 1918 - I'm having a spot of trouble reading it, so I'll have to get back to you, but it does mention their boy, Stanley (I think).

Oh, back to the flea, this photo caught my eye, as did the soldier in the bottom left - What a smile!

Bottom left - Swoon!

And back, once again, to the antiques shop - I realise I couldn't just edited this all, but I'm lazy today! What do you think of my new young man?

What's the word I'm looking for, dashing?

I fell for him months ago, but I really prefer to have my pictures ready-framed... I gave in and he agreed to come home with me - Should I re-phrase that?

I should've snapped the back for you. It's stamped with 'V.G. Studios - 9, Kendoa Rd. - Clapham. S.W.4.' and written on is 'D. Brown - Tanned slightly - Air Force' - It's a good size snap too, with the board around it - Just need a frame!

So, I think that's me done for the day. In the next month or so we'll have a chat about the South Wales Borderers, Christmas cards, soldiers, museums and a dream about Rorke's Drift (I kid you not!).

Anyway, I've had a lovely time, I hope you're still awake!

See you soon

Jennie xx

Don't Panic!

Well, hello! 6 weeks has it been? However long, it's been too long. All my plans had to put on hold so that I could discover and experience every possible emotion. Turmoil being number one, closely followed by helplessness, and I'd love to say everything's back on track now, but I've lost about 5 weeks, and now Christmas is next week... And I'm not prepared, everything seems to be going ?%£'s up, as my Great Aunt Dot says!

But that's enough of my whinging, I managed to get myself out to the Reindeer Parade about 3 weeks ago, it wasn't a well planned event and I must admit to feeling a slight bit disappointed, but I got to see Reindeer, and I love Reindeer - I wasn't in charge of the camera, so I am not to blame for a camera full of out of focus snaps, but this one may just redeem them all...

Those gorgeous bells remind me of The Polar Express... Have you seen it? Probably my favourite of the festive flicks, it's in the pile to watch. Speaking of which, The Chap and I are having a dinner & film week starting tonight, though we have too many films, so over the weekend, I think it will have to be two o'clockses & film & dinner & film - The list includes: The Polar Express, It's A Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause, Santa Claus: The Movie, Mrs Santa Claus, Santa Who?, Muppet's Christmas Carol and three others which are wrapped up and early presents to me to pick at random to watch - Nifty idea, huh?

As for dinner, he's cooking and I'm making the pud - Though I'm struggling to come up with enough ideas for a whole week, I'm trying to keep them indulgent, but not too heavy - Ideas?

My cuppa's gone cold, so I'll have to keep this brief unless someone wants to pop the kettle on for me.

My sewing has been abandoned also, though I managed to find the energy to make some of these reindeer brooches:

No time to make a reindeer jumper though, but I will be starting one in the New Year to ensure I will have it for December next! I have bought the wool to knit a scarf for the Chap, but I would like to ask a question: I want it to be maybe 200cm in length, and I want to knit it side-on, but my needles are too short... Do you know of any really long needles? Or should I make some? Or should I just knit it rib (which I'm not a fan of)???

I think that's me done for the day, I could sleep for 23 hours a day and I'd still be tired! Dinner and film tonight - I hear on the grapevine it's mushroom and bean stew, but I haven't sorted a pud yet... Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding?

Oh, ladies, chaps, I need your advice: Christmas Eve... The Chap wants me to stay at his and walk up to my family in the morning, but I like waking up at home and having a little stocking at the end of my bed (which Father Christmas warned me not to expect due to the financial situation). Now, I'm torn, do I spend Christmas Eve (my favourite day of the festive season) with the Chap, or with my family? And I can't do both, it's far too stressful!

I'll leave you with that conundrum

Over and out

Jennie xx

Knit One, Throw One

I've spent two weeks trying to come up with a suitable name for this post, with consideration that I plan on making this a weekly feature: Crafting
If you have an idea for a name, send your answers on a postcard to... (maybe just leave a comment?)

Anyways, not much crafting has been achieved this year as I made an order for supplies which I'm running out of, and they sent me the wrong size items, so I emailed them, and I'm still waiting...
So I'll show you that last two items made in 2010.



1940's Bonnet

 The bonnet was a much needed item, and thankfully, knitted up in record quick time. It's knitted in a mustard colour, which compliments my green coat. It's also knitted double, so is very toasty indeed. It must be warm, as I wore it on the farm on Sunday and didn't once complain that my ears were cold, but did have to loosen it a bit!

 

Elk Scarf

Oh, my beloved Elk scarf! Those people and elk were fun to knit, but as soon as I started on the plain white stretch, I got bored - That's when I put it down and made the bonnet!
The tassles were attched whilst watching Hound of The Baskervilles, and yes, I did jump and throw the scarf at the TV to try and scare the dog... I'm clearly more of a cat person!


Elk Scarf Detail

I took the scarf, bonnet and ski pullover over to my Grandparents for our second Christmas, as my Gran is a knitter with more knowledge than I could ever wish for, so I know whether or not I've "done good".
First, she inspected the ski pullover: "Very Good", she said.
Then the bonnet: "That'll keep the cold away".
And then, the scarf, which I'm very proud of: "Well, I know you didn't knit that!"
I had witnesses to say I'd knitted that, and she was shocked. I presume it's because I don't get to see her often, so she doesn't know what I've been knitting and what my skill level is. Though to be fair, I still say I'm a beginner.

I would like to say one more thing concerning my knitting; I have never gone down that route of starting with a scarf or blanket squares, I started with baby bootees, then went on to jumpers, so this scarf was the first one I've ever made, and possibly the last, they're so boring!

I noticed last night that I have 45 followers, but when we get to 50, I'm having a giveaway - I don't know what the prize will be, but I think it might be hand knitted!

I'm off for some more tea, and some sewing, then Dharma & Greg

Jenny & George xx

Black Cloud

Oh my, is it really the 10th of January? I have some rather awful news, so I'll cover that, then mention some of the lighter, happier things to try and have an even post...

After all the fuss about the snow, it cleared just enough for my Brother to make his way over on Christmas morning, so there was a bit of a last minute panic, but it was a rather nice Christmas. Then on Boxing Day, our beloved cat, George, spent the afternoon being sick - It was horrific for us, so I can't imagine how he felt. A few days later and he just didn't seem right, so a trip to the vets later and we're all in tears - His kidneys are failing and he doesn't have long left with us. As he isn't in too much pain and still has a purr, it was decided to bring him home and try our best to make him comfortable.
As awful as this might sound, we've all had a painful wish for him to be taken in his sleep. No one wants to make the decision to call the vet, maybe this is us wanting to opt out of our responsibility of a pet owner, but how do you know when he's done fighting?
He's the longest surviving cat we've ever had, most of our previous cats have passed before they're 6, George is about 19 years old, and he's been with us since he was about 1 - But he's not just a cat to us, he's a Brother to me and a furry child to my parents. I'm sure you're suggesting we're a mad cat-loving family, and you'd be right.



George (2009)

 I don't feel much like chatting now I've written that, but I quickly mention: I had some lovely presents for Christmas. Then I had a lovely second Christmas on the 2nd January at my Grans and Grandad's, which was also my Birthday. My Gran made an apple crumble, which was sublime.

I'd planned to start my new blogging regime on the 3rd, but I'm afraid I just haven't had resolve to do this. My plan for this year was 3 posts a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I will have outfit posts once a week, along with crafty goodness and something else, which I haven't thought up yet. Obviously, if something happens in the meantime, I might need a little more time away from the internet.

Oh, and before I forget, thank you for following me. Everyone who's remained, even when there's silence from me, and my new followers who have joined over the past few festive weeks. It's means a great deal to me, and before I get all soppy, I'll go - I still haven't taken down my pink Christmas tree...

Take Care

Jenny xx

Goblin King Cough Cure

I'd planned on posting some recipes this week, but the plan has gone to pot. Fear not, I will share some news, photos and anything else I can think of...

First off, I have to give a quick mention to LandGirl1980, who should now be called Dr LandGirl1980 - I still had a bit of a cough, until I read her comment on David Bowie (my last post), I laughed so hard, then nothing... No cough - Cured. Thank You xx

My Christmas is going to be an odd one, it has not been cancelled, it has been extended. My Grandparents were due (today) to come over and stay in a gorgeous little cottage for the festive period, and of course, spend the big day with the family - They're snowed in, and had to cancel the trip.
My Brother was going to drive over on Christmas morning and spend a couple of days with us... He's also snowed in!
My Uncle was going to come over for the New Year... You guessed it, there's a lot of snow involved!
So what do you do when half your family cannot make it for Christmas Day? Why, you just celebrate it several times over the course of the next month! I'm not down about it, it's snow, what can you do?
I have a confession though, I'm rather looking forward to a small Christmas - Just 4 of us (including the cat), but we have everything we need: Home-made Whisky truffles... Oh, and each other!

So, the feastivities to one side for the moment... I have not only finished a fabulous (tooting my own horn here) bonnet - It is... warm. I wore it out the other day and had to loosen it, despite to freezing temperature!
I have also, finally, finished the elk scarf. I kept putting it down to concentrate on other projects, but last night, whilst watching Hound of the Baskervilles (terrifying stuff), I finished. It has tassles and everything!
I just have to take some photos... But I'm looking at all that white stuff outside and not really fancying it!

However, I do have photos: The main tree, 7 feet of faux eden pine, to be precise!

And, my bedroom tree, 3 feet of pink, shiney garish-ness

As you will see from my tree, I like to put everything on the tree. If it's still in the box, then why do you own it? The main tree, however, is actually quite.. tasteful. Though you may be able to tell, this isn't how I'd decorate it!

I should also mention, I have never known a man to put up a tree, no word of a lie. It sounds sexist, but this is true, and I was always told (thanks, Mama) that men couldn't work out how to put the screws in the base... Well, there must be something in the air, as I now have it confirmed that, yes indeed, men can perform this task, and well. Bruce has a tree up, beautifully decorated may I say, and I was told just yesterday that my Brother has got himself a tree! This is big news, his house, I'm told (I have yet to visit!) is tiny, and I won't mention all the clutter that dwarfed his last house! Ooops

I raise a glass of Whisky to all you tree-putter-uppers, don't leave any decorations in the box and you will have performed your task well. I feel like I'm presenting a Jedi award ceremony (I'll tell you about my awful Jedi-themed job interview one day)

I'm rambling on, I swear I haven't started drinking in the morning, it's just that typing is keeping me warm. I'll be back on Friday for sure, with some knitting themed photos

Until then, keep warm and feed the birds

Jenny xx

Face Ache

Oh dear, I seemed to have bounced back from the near-cold experience, only to awake this morning with an aching face! Seriously, my whole head hurts, my ears, throat, nose, even my poor old teeth! No simpathy, please, I just have to have a moan about it - 2000 was the year I can't remember, 2010 is the year I was ill... What will 2011 bring?

Anyway, my whinging over (for you it is, my family have to put up with this constantly!), I've sewn until the wee hours and I think all my Christmas orders are finished and in the shops. I have one more special order though, a pony brooch for my cousin's daughter.

Oh, and I think I've finally finished my Christmas shopping, I'm just waiting for some items in the post - Then Bob's your Mother's Brother, I'm done!
Just enough time to finish some knitting, and try and get some rest before the big day. I'm afraid to say I'm not looking forward to Christmas this year - Last year was the worst Christmas of my life, and that includes the two Christmases I ended up in the hospital! After last year I'd gladly spend the day with the cat, watching TV and eating a Pot Noodle... bliss

I sound awful, don't I? Enough moaning, I just realised it's under two weeks to go and I still haven't put up any decorations, tomorrow...

Before I forget, I was tagged (I'm such a bad girl) to take part in a Question & Answer post by Tuppy. I will be writing that this week, apologies for the delay, I've been thinking over my answers.

So off to knitting I go, see you mid-week

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

Jenny xx

Catch Up

Urgh, did I feel ill? Yes, but I'm on the mend. Although I've been away from blogging, I have been trying to keep up with other blogs. So news, I have plenty...

I've been sewing like there's no tomorrow. I now also have a new stockist for my brooches.

I started knitting a Norwegian scarf, but then had to go back to the sewing, but I'm hoping to finish the scarf before Christmas...hmmm

I've made a huge decision about my future - I'm finally setting up the business I've dreamed about/planned/researched for the past 5 years. It's been in the making for long enough, so now I'm setting up as a Birthday present to myself (I really do deserve it after 5 years!). I can't give anything away yet, but you will be the first to know about it!

I have 29 followers - I love each and every one of you

The living room is finally being painted - The photo before is just showing the sample patch, but the colour is more of a sage-y green, and shows the new (to me) chair, bought from the antiques centre:



George doing what cats do best

I made mincemeat, it's all bottled up and awaiting pastry! I can promise you, this is the best mincemeat I've ever made, and it contains almost half a bottle of brandy... Can you get drunk on a mince-pie? I'll do the research, so you don't have to!

I went to see my new dentist - Two problems, I'm nervous of dentists and terrified of needles. I already knew I needed three fillings (my very first ones!), but tried to explain my predicament, so now I'm being referred to the hospital to be completely knocked out. Urgh, I feel horrible just thinking about it.

I'm behind with my Christmas shopping - I'm not half as organised as I said I'd be, the dentist really bought me down, and dare I say it, I'm not enjoying the shopping anymore!

I won a "One Lovely Blog" award from Wendy at The Butterfly Balcony - Thank you Wendy. I'm still considering who to pass it on to, so I'll get back to you with a dedicated post on that.

On the 13th, I went to see Austin Vince give a talk down at Garlands in Haverfordwest. I wasn't feeling 100%, and I certainly felt awful the next day, but it was truly fantastic. I don't remember a point where we weren't laughing. Some photos were taken, with the chance they might end up in a magazine, though the name of that magazine escapes me right now. If the photos are printed, I will post them here! There are, however, a few photos here - You can only see the back of my head (my best side!), I'm in the second row wearing a lime coloured jacket

I think that's all, but I will be back with the award post, and some Christmas shopping ideas

Until then, ta-ra

Jenny xx

Christmas Presents: What Every Glamourous Girl Needs

I wouldn't describe myself as particularly glamourous, my profile photo will confirm this, but it's nice to get into the role occasionally. So brush your hair and put on your clean slippers, we're going to be fancy today!

This is a small selection of perfect presents for a glamourous girl:



Dammenburg Selection Box - £9.30 - No Nuts, Just Chocolate

 Chocolate... From my favourite brand, Dammenberg. These are nut-free, which makes them all the better. I do have a nut allergy (lesbian jokes need not be sent, I've heard them all!), and finding decent chocolate was a nightmare. This selection box contains: rum-coffee (dark), cloudberry (milk) and green tea (white). And I can assure you, they are worth every penny, plus, the box is really handy for sewing threads (and retains a gorgeous chocolate-y scent!).

Reproduction Bakelite Cherry Brooch - £35.00 - Notorious Kitsch

Jewellery - Some may like a diamond ring, others may like a bakelite bangle. Personally, I love bakelite, so what better than a repro-bakelite brooch with cherries on? I think this is a the bargain of the day considering the prices of original pieces.


Besame Sweetheart Balm - £14.50 - Deadly is the Female

Cosmetics aren't always the best present as it can be down to personal choice, but this balm is surely perfect? Practical, pretty and we've found more cherries to add to the list!



Leopard Alice Fascinator - £35.00 - Deadly is the Female

Leopard print had to come into it somewhere, and this fascinator covers it well. Some find it hard to wear hats, myself included, and berets can appear too casual for a meeting with the bank manager, so a fascinator is the answer! Imagine all the wonderful outfits this is complete?

All you need now is to be good for the next 8 weeks, and Father Christmas may just bring you something special...

Jenny xx

Christmas Presents - Hairstyling Books

Apologies. Once again, I promised a Monday post, and nothing came. When I get home on Mondays, I'm exhausted, uninspired and really cannot find the energy to anything other than drink tea and watch the Gilmore Girls. So no more promises for Monday posts, but if I do ever find that energy on a Monday, call it a treat.

I did, however, make a list of post ideas! So I have at least a month's worth of posts to write, but not on a Monday!
So enough of excuses and my ramblings, here are some present ideas:

I love recreating 1940's hairstyles, and so enjoy sitting down with a book or two and figuring out how I'm what I'm going to practice next. So these are books I really want this Christmas:



Style Me Vintage by Belina Hay - £7.49 (Amazon)




Stage and Screen Hairstyles by Kit Spencer - £15.54 (Amazon)



Vintage Hairstyling by Lauren Rennells - £27 (Pin Up Parade)


Vintage Hairstyling is a book I own, though mine's the first edition with a different cover. A really great book which is in constant use. My favourite thing about it, is that the styles are shown step by step, so you don't feel like you've missed a few steps. Plus, the pictures are in colour!

I was thinking of including 1940s Hairstyles by Daniela Turudich, but as it's out of print, I didn't think it would be fair. I don't own the original, but have a PDF copy. Again, a very good book, with some really useful cutting diagrams.

I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow! This is a big deal, I haven't had it cut for... months! This means that when I've restyled it, I can finally change that horrid profile photo!

Happy styling, Jenny xx