Ta... Da...Tuesday!

Well hello! How have your Jubilee celebrations been? We met some friends down the pub on Sunday and had a thoroughly good old catch up. I was the designated driver because I'm still rattling with tablets, which was good because it meant yesterday I was up bright and early and had an afternoon mooching round Leigh Broadway with Miss Edith Florence The Younger. We had a lovely lunch and made a few purchases. and we both came home smiling.
Anyway, today I am linking up with Lakota over at Faith Hope and Charity Shopping to take part in Ta.. Da.. Tuesday.
Here is my Ta...Da...
I am going to apologise in advance for the photos. Regular readers will be aware that photography is not my strong point (an understatement, believe me...) but these are taken in my hallway where this photographer is relying solely on artificial light. One lightbulb in fact. That's my excuse anyway.
I give to you... My Mum's Dresser...

Bought from Argos about 17 years ago and made of pine. There are a couple of photos of it in an earlier post, it has been in my garage for a while waiting to be tarted up.

Bit of a close up. This is after I foofed and faffed with it for about an hour. I 'shopped my own house,' which is good fun. Found stuff I had, in the garage, nicked from the other dresser (which now looks rather carnagy and needs re-foofing) and had a little play. There are also a fair few bits of my mum's on there which seems quite fitting although I'm not making it into a shrine!

Right, about the paint. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for the first time. I liked it. I reserved judgement after the first coat. I was expecting some sort of miracle to occur but it looked rather patchy and very, very chalky. After the second coat I liked it and after waxing I liked it even more. It is easy to use because there is no prep whatsover. I did give the dresser a good old wash down with fairy liquid before I started but apart from that zilch. The paint goes on well and I would use it again. The only problem for me is that I had to pay about seven nicker postage and packing because I can't get it anywhere near here. It hasn't quite reached my bit of Essex yet! The colour is Old White.

Just to give an idea on how the distressing looks. I don't like things toooooo distressed because I know it's a fake effect anyway but I think if it's overdone it looks too fake. (I know what I mean!) Whatever I paint, my first rule of distessing is Look For The Drips. Anywhere the paint has dripped I rub it off, or even pick it off. On this piece and with this paint it looks ok I think. After that I sort of look at the corners and edges and just rub a bit of paint off and try not to overdo it. This was easy to distress. I waxed first, not with Annie Sloan wax but with what I had in the garage. On with one old t-shirt and then buffed up with another. After that I rubbed paint off. I did go over some of the rubbed off bits with a spot more wax just to darken them a bit.

All in all I liked this paint and found it easy to use. I might try using two colours next time. (After I have taken out a mortgage for postage and packing.) It's worth it not to do all that boring rubbing down and priming. I have bored my kids to death by keep asking them if it looks good enough to sell and if I'm good enough at painting stuff to do it for a living. I have to say I'm happier than that geezer Larry when I have a paintbrush in my grubby little mitt.



A plethora of china!



Great home for the Ladybird books!

I'm still debating whether to put another row of hooks on that bottom shelf and I am also going to change the knobs when I see some I like. I tried to get Miss EF The Younger to come in B&Q with me yesterday but she had had enough, she was tired. Fifteen years old and gets tired going round a few shops. I fear for that girl where shopping's concerned I really do. No stamina.

More photos...

Please note that the contents of this dresser keep changing. It is getting fuller and fuller where I keep on finding things to put on it!

Another good thing is it is a handy bit of storage in the hall. It will soon be full of junk!

Anyway chaps, that's my Ta.. Da...

Do hop over to Lakota's for a butchers if you get a chance!

Oh yes, a tantalising glimpse of another Ta Da.. one of the crochet kind...

Check out the pink edging!

I will save it for another post!

Enjoy the holiday today, chaps.

Laters.

xx

Flowery Friday

In my garden.

I love this rose. We inherited it and I didn't like it at first but now I like the way the colours change as the buds open. I also like the blowsiness of it. When the petals are about to fall the flowers look all wanton and as if they're throwing off their underwear!  It is rather spiteful, the thorns are huge and at the moment, due to my poorly armage and the non-gardening nature of my old man it is a health hazard as it is hanging right off the trellis and tries to attack anyone who dares to get past it.
In complete contrast, this pretty geranium. I love their simplicity, so cottagy and without frills but effective in a big clump.

LIke smiley little faces!
On my kitchen windowsill.

Please excuse the most attractive big black damp patch on the laundry room ceiling. Due to subsidence (that's another less cheerful post...) we are in limbo where repairs and redecoration are concerned. Bought these lovely stocks yesterday at Tescos for 70p a bunch. Obv bought three, bargainstastic! The begonia was a present from my friend and I'm sort of waiting for it to die, I'm not struck to be honest. I do water it, but only when I feel sorry for it.

On the tea towels I purchased in J Sainsbury Esq yesterday. I almost broke into a light sweat when I spotted these. How Cathish! And for far less money! A fiver the pack. Well chuffed. Actually they had some quite good stuff in there. I had to force myself not to buy a sign with Summerhouse on it and a china apple with green polka dots. Not sure if these tea towels are going to be for using or for admiring and shouting at people for using.

In the living room. On the new table. Well ok, the fiver from Ebay table that I painted last week. Same stocks, 70p  a pop.They smell lovely and I love the look of them even if it means no one can see the telly.

In the fireplace. Ok, ok, they're not real. Spot the imposter in this post. I still love them though and they won't die! £8 each from a shop in Leigh on Sea. I think it's called Scape, but it might not be. Most of the stuff is a bit mod for my taste but they do, now and then, have some great fake flowers and I bought a mirror in there that looks like a window. I'll take a photo of that another day. These hydrangeas are in my boney fidey Thrench milk bottle that I bought for 1 euro in a flea market in Thrance.

So that's the flowers in my manor today.

Happy Jubilee Weekend chaps. God Save The Queen.

Laters.

xx

I'd like to thank my agent...

Before I start, welcome to new followers. Even more people reading this drivel! Hello!

Blige me... the very funny Gem from http://treasuresfromthecherrytree.blogspot.co.uk/ has given me an award! The Sunshine Award, which is quite apt now it has stopped blimming well raining and spring has really sprung. Thanks, luv! Most honoured indeed.
Apparently I have to answer some questions and then pass it on. I'll answer the questions but I'm bottling out of passing it on because it's tooooooooo haaaaaaaaaaard and I can't choooooooooooooose. So if anyone fancies it, please take it and pass it on if you wish.
Right, the questions. (I warn you, I am a bit boring.)

Favourite colour
Erm.. grey. (See, told you I was boring.) That's my favourite colour at the moment. This changes on a weekly, if not daily basis.

Favourite Number
Very strange question! I don't have a favourite number but I am more drawn to even numbers. They're more neat and tidy with no messy bits on the end.

Favourite animal
Dog. Hands down. Preferably my own, Manny. He's naughty, thinks he's human and is the best looking dog that ever lived.

Favourite non alcoholic drink.
Tea, all day long. Twinings Everyday thank you. If it's good enough for Stevie Fry it's good enough for me.

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook, but in a small way, just to be nosy.
 I don't tweet, I honestly don't get it and my phone is not one of those fancy shmancy ones. I like computers but I can't do phones and I don't want to know when someone hangs out their washing or goes up Tescos.

What is my passion?
This changes. Sometimes it's clothes, sometimes it's crochet, sometimes it's reading etc etc. I tend to be very over enthusiastic about whatever I'm into in the moment. This might last a few weeks then I go onto the next thing. I do love a book though.

(While I'm typing this Embarrassing Bodies is on telly. O.M.G. So far I've seen moobs, poo, sweaty boobs and varicose veins of the fanjita. Is it me? Who wants to see a lady garden and a most unattractive one at that at 9.26 of a Tuesday night? I've just eaten my tea...)

Do I prefer giving or receiving?
A bit of both really. I love giving my kids stuff but I also love it when they get me a present and they've thought about it a bit.

Favourite patterns.
I like spots, some florals, a bit of gingham, paisley. Lots really.

Favourite day of the week.
Friday. Hands down. My day off and everyone else is at work or school so my day, all to myself!

Favourite flower
Lupins and hollyhocks. Neither of which I've managed to grow in any of the gardens I've owned. Three houses I've lived in and I've spent £££££££s on Lupins and they never come back. Now and then I get one flower and lay in front of it salivating and stroking the stem until it dies. Hardy perennial my arse. I've never seen one twice. They hate me.

So that's me. Thanks Gem!
Been loving this sunshine!
Laters chaps.
xx

The Off Sick Blanket

Well hello! How the devil are you?
Today I am parading my new blanket. Crocheted with the hurty arm of pain during moments when it wasn't so hurty.

Spread almost right out in it's colourful glory. I was meant to be using up all the odds and sods of wool I had knocking about but obv I had to buy a couple of new balls to add to it. Any excuse, eh?
Despite leaving the taking of pictures until the sunniest day this year they have still come out dark, but any regular readers of this blog will know that photography isn't my strong point.
I'll stick another couple on even though it looks like a completely different blanket.

The edging, which I am really happy with. I wish I'd gone round a few more times with the beigey colour but got bored with it and stopped. I like the picot though, although I didn't enjoy doing it much.
Anyway, that's the blanket. It's standing on a table that I painted at the weekend. It's been living in the garage, rubbed down and primed since last summer. I got Mr Me to bring it indoors and just gave it a quick coat of grey with a bit of white mixed in and distressed it slightly by rubbing down the drips. No wax because I couldn't be bothered. Here's a picture of it without blanket.

So that's what I've been up to. Crocheting and painting. I like the table as a home for the blankets and I knew it wouldn't be long before the dog took up residence on the shelf. He did it today, but jumped off sharpish when I hollered at him. I love him and all that but I don't want my blankets smelling like dog thank you very glad.
Anyway that's me. Last week the lovely and very funny Gem from Treasures at The Cherry Tree gave me the Sunshine Award. Thanks, Luv! I will get round to doing it later this week, maybe even tomorrow. Which reminds me that a while ago I was given another award by Mum and also Magie from Teacups and Bunting. Sorry that I never got round to doing what I had to on that but thank you very much anyway.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Laters, chaps.
xx
PS.
You wouldn't want to cross this geezer would you?

Peter and The Mice

Meet Peter.

He's smiling in this one, having just been rescued and washed after an adventure in a mouse's nest. I know he has a gammy eye but give him a break, he's knocking on 50. His moobs are looking pretty good aren't they? I had to throw his clothes away as they had been half eaten by said mice. My nan had knitted him a rather dashing all in one with a zip up the front in about 1962 and I was more upset than I should have been at having to throw it away. This is really for Gem at The Cherry Tree who keeps coming across weird and wonderful dolls whilst on her travels. I only had to go into my own garage to find this one...

Another picture of him.

He looks a bit more sinister here and even more boss eyed. I'm debating whether he's safe to keep indoors actually.
Anyway, poor Peter was my first doll and was living quite happily, alongside my Sindy furniture, a collection of gonks (you have to be of a certain age...) and a couple teddy bears, in a box in the garage. Last Sunday, Manny the dog, spent a lovely hour barking at this box until we pulled it out and very gingerly emptied it. In the bottom, after pulling out half eaten teddies, we found a nest of mouse babies. I'm not going to go into what we did with them, but let's just say they are no longer with us.
I was straight on the phone to my sister to tell her that I had joined the ranks of Professional Hoarders because my hoard had acquired vermin. I could be off the telly.
My first reaction was to lob the lot and indeed we did. But I had to get my Sindy out of the bin and give her a wash and brush up.

Sindy taking a bath in the kitchen sink and giving me a dirty look for throwing her in the bin. Her hair isn't green (it's jolly matted though) that's washing up liquid. Looking good for 42, Girlfriend! I gave her a good soaking and a scrub with Cif and she's come up like new. Except the hair. Sadly her clothes are gone. The leather look skirt and red sleeveless polo neck are in the bin. The only thing she has is her drawers and a pair of cords. Poor mare.
I saved the Sindy wardrobe and chest of drawers, they are still in the garden awaiting a scrub.
So let this be a tale of caution to you all. If you value something, don't leave it in a box in your garage or the rodents will find it and make a home in it. Mind you, if your garage looks anything like this...

then you deserve everything you get. The dresser is from my mum's and I have the Annie Sloan just waiting for my arm to get a bit better. Behind it are the crates of 'vintage' stuff that my sister and I are saving for when we do a fair or something. Ha ha.

On a lighter and non vermin related note, last week in the charity shop I found this.

I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to buy nuffink else. But I LOVE IT, so it's staying. There is more. (I'm blushing a bit now) but I haven't taken pictures yet.
Also have some crocheting on the go and in an effort to de-clutter have put some wool up for sale on Ebay today. I will take photos of the crocheting wip later in the week.
Anyway chaps, Happy Tuesday and laters.
xx

Addiction to Stuff

Hello chaps. Lately, because I am semi house-bound and have too much time on my hands to think, I have been pondering my need for 'stuff.' Now don't take this the wrong way, but it's not only me is it? I think lots of bloggers (and non bloggers for all I know) have this need.
Granted, on the whole we are getting our fixes in charity shops and bootsales, so it's not costing us what it could do, (note I am now lumping you in with me, thereby making myself feel better because it's not just me...) but how much of this gear do we really need?
I know I'm a sporadic blogger but sometimes the thought has crossed my mind that I only bought something because it would be something to show on my blog. And I wonder how many other bloggers are thinking in the same way.
Let me show you some examples of my 'stuff.'

I must admit to rather liking the packed solid look, but honestly, you can't even see most of this stuff it's so closely packed together. How many plates does a person need?
More examples...

The top of the dresser. This stuff can't breathe.

There is so much of everything I don't even remember what's there. And as for dusting... never gets done.
More...

This is all on one set of shelves. I call it French Corner, because I am a pretentious prat. Honestly I don't even notice this now, I could hardly tell you what's on these shelves because there is so much of it. And the boxes at the bottom are also full of china. Tea sets that I haven't got room to display but had to buy anyway.
This is the mantlepiece. Please excuse the most attractive yorkstone wall and be thankful that there is only a hint of the gorgeous Baxi Bermuda fire. This is my attempt at disguising the ugliness. And also somewhere to dump even more things I have bought.

Now let me tell you that all these photos were taken in the same room. Overload or what? I haven't even included a couple of bits of furniture also smothered in things because they seemed pretty conservative compared to these.
On top of all this I have boxes, yes, actual boxes full of china and glass in the garage. I also have another dresser, from my mum's, that I am going to paint, (when my arm is better) so I can stand it in my hallway and put all this boxed up stuff on. I've started to feel a little bit mental.
I've had a feeling for a while that I was buying things for the sake of it. I might like it very much and it might be a bargain (which is often a deciding factor) but I haven't given any thought to where it's going when I get it home. I have piles of tablecloths, fabric stuffed away in bags and boxes, (like I ever sew...) so many duvet sets I can't even fit them all in the cupboard, enough pyrex dishes to make casseroles all week and never have to wash up, wool coming out of my ears, a whole cupboard full of home magazines, just stuff, stuff, stuff.
On top of all this, my sister and I have cleared our parents' house and have crates of stuff marked 'Vintage.' Our idea was to do a vintage stall at a fair or something as we know that a lot of what my mum liked (60s and 70s) is now quite collectible. So I have crates in the garage waiting for us to get our act together and work our how we are going to sell it all.
From today, I have decided that nothing is coming in this house unless,
a) I need it.
b) I love it.
c) I haven't got one already.
d) I think I can sell it.
e) I actually will sell it and not just talk about selling it.

I'm not going to buy thing because I might be able to make something from it because I never do. I'm not going to buy another tea set just because I like the idea of one day have a tea shop. I'm not going to buy another plate because I like it so much I want to lick it. I'm not going to buy another posy because they are my new craze.
I'm going to be ultra selective.

My name is Missy and I'm a Stuff Addict.

Picture of my dog lying by the fire. It has no relation to this post but he looks quite sweet.

Crochet news

Hello chaps! Being as all I'm doing is sitting about all day, poncing about on the interweb.com, watching the box set of Friends and downloading books onto my Kindle that I don't end up reading, I thought it was time to get my arse in gear and do a blog post. Quick update on the neck...I still have the hurty arm of pain, but a little less hurty than it was a couple of weeks ago. I've gone past the stage of wanting it amputated anyway. The neurosurgeon said it is a prolapsed disc and will take about 8-12 weeks to get better. I was supposed to have a steroid injection for the pain last week, but the doctor wouldn't do it, (thankfully, I was bricking it) because where he had to put the needle was too near my spinal cord and a bit risky. So I am grinning and bearing it and most of the time I am off my tits on medication, which to be honest can be rather pleasant.
Today I am up, showered, hair washed and dried, smothered in body lotion and wearing clothes. Onwards and upwards.
Anyway, crocheting n ting.
The two completed blankets are blatant knock offs of blankets I kept salivating over on two different blogs. The grey and cream one I nicked from Mia Landliv and the stripey one from Little Woolie. My versions are vastly inferior, but I like them anyway. Not quite as much as I like theirs but I'll live with it.

Stripey blanket. I made this in Aran as I wanted it to grow fast and it did. I actually did this one before Christmas so it's old news to me and thus is being allowed to travel further and further away from my side. I even let The Teenage Daughters use it now and then.

I had to do the edging with the ruffle to hide the fact that it is as wavy as a very wavy thing because I am pants at knowing where to start on a new row. Held up straight it looks a bit odd and mental but hey ho, mostly I fold it and try to make it look a bit straight. Or it is over my knees being stroked and admired.

Foldy uppy picture.
Right... next.

The grey and cream one. I did this one over Christmas and I really enjoyed it because it was very easy and I like grey anyway. Every now and then I had a roll call of squares and it seemed to grow quite quickly. It's plain with a plain-ish edging but I really like it. And it's straight! No wavy edges.

I actually did the edging twice because after a month or so I realised it looked rotten and I could have done better so I attacked it with scissors and did it again and I'm more happy with it now.

More foldy uppiness.
Next we have the WIP. One of them anyway. I have been doing this on and off since about October. Losing interest then picking it up again and now I like it. I decided to put small squares round the edge, just to see if I could and because it was a picture in my head and I wanted to see how it would come out. I probably should have blocked the big squares before I joined them (I joined them in that join as you go way and felt like crying with relief that I never, ever have to sew squares together again if I don't want to,)but it's too late now and the crookedness adds to it. No really. It does.

The edging will be in this pale green, one more round of trebles I think then probably shells. Crocheting is still painful at the moment and I am doing about four inches a day then necking a few tablets to get over the exertion.

Major foldage.
I am dreading sewing the ends in. Take a look at this little blighter...

Before the neck I started these.

I love them. I don't know if you can slip a disc by treating crochet as if it's an extreme sport but if you can then I will blame these babies. I was knocking them out at a rate of knots. Loved making them and was all over excited about how gorgeous they were turning out. The wool is by King Cole and a massive bargain. Very soft and lovely to work with but perhaps a bit limited in colours. Obviously I bought shedloads of it and also started another thing in white, red, pale blue and something else that I can't remember. Due to having to step away from the crocheting for the time being, I have packed my stash away in a big bag and put it under my bed so I'm not tempted.

Please note how I artfully placed my other blanket near the bag so I could get it in the shot. (How do I have the cheek to call these amateurish snaps, shots? Who do I think I am, David Bailey?)
Another exciting thing is Crochet Club. A few girls from work, (I use the terms girls very loosely, but don't tell them,) were nagging me to teach them so we started Crochet Club. It's at my house on some Thursdays. We sit in my dining room and drink wine and tea and eat cake and chocolate and slag off anyone who isn't there. I have actually taught four people to do this now and I have surprised myself with my patience. It's rather exclusive because if everyone came we wouldn't have anyone to talk about. I like it though and being as I don't work Fridays I don't have to worry if it goes on late.
So, my mate is popping round for a cuppa in a bit, good job I'm dressed today and not sitting here festering in a dirty dressing gown, so I'm toddling off.
Laters...

Crochet Agony

Hello ladies!
Since Christmas I have been crocheting like a demon. (I will try to do some photos this week... you can't wait can you?) Granny squares have been flying off my hook and many plans are in my head for new projects. Last Friday morning, I woke up with a bit of a stiff neck and a bit of a sore arm. Not letting this stop me, I crocheted like a maniac all weekend. By Monday I could hardly move my arm without crying and Mr EF said I was groaning in my sleep. This morning, after a couple of days and nights of agonising pain I have given in and been to the doctors. I knew this was coming because I've had it before, (but not from crocheting) so it was no surprise when he said he thinks I have a possible prolapsed disc in my neck. Now it might not be anything to do with crocheting but I have just tried to do a bit and nearly had to run in the kitchen to neck a handful of Co -drydomol (or whatever they're called.) I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon on 10th of April and am praying to the God of Crochet and Necks that I don't need surgery. (Again. I had a plastic disc put in my neck about five years ago.)
So ladies (and gents if any read this) be careful when indulging in extreme crochet. The pain is so bad I feel like my arm is in labour.

Apart from that, how the devil are you? I've been reading and commenting here and there but have had a busy old time and also periods of time with pants internet connection. Four BT engineers later I think we are back to normal as long as I don't breathe near the router and connect by using the medium of shutting my eyes and wishing very hard indeed.

I will dig out a camera tomorrow (off sick due to hurty arm of pain) and take a few snaps of recent crochet projects. (Probably.)
Laters.
x

Happy Christmas

Sorry, still no photos but wanted to wish people a great Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012.
xx