Old friends, new friends, fairs and swaps

I am terribly, horribly, despicably behind with blogging!

I feel like there's a party going on without me, so I will try my hardest to catch up with all your posts which I have missed as soon as I can.

Last week was taken up with preparations for the school summer fair and then the event itself. It went well, I think, despite the rain.

Then my dear friend Barbara arrived back in Sheffield, which she and her delightful family left 4 years ago for a new life in New Zealand.  We have been catching up, including a whole day of charity shopping and much chat today.

So absorbed was I in having a lovely time, I was never going to make it to school on time to fetch the kids, and had to ring a friend to get them for me... Priorities, huh!

These pictures are a bit of a cheat, they are from a week or so ago.

I really like this Warehouse maxi but it is so low cut, I have to put a vest underneath or I'll have someone's eye out with my frontage.

Twirly whirly girlies.

Eldest has had a much needed hair cut since these pics were taken, she looks great with her sharp new bob. Pics will follow...

So, I love them and everything, but they don't half hog the camera.

Another delicious event has been receiving my Jubilee swap parcel from Style Queen Sacramento.

Ooh, looks good, doesn't it? 

I'll show you properly when I have more time.

Thank you so much, darling Sacramento, you have been so generous and thoughtful. 

And thanks to lovely Lakota for organising the swap again, it's such a great idea.

Warehouse maxi dress, cardigan, bangles (charity shopped), vest (flea market), turquoise pendant (gift), hair flower (Boots sale), blog-hogging girls (home made)

I haven't forgotten you all, I've missed you, and I'll be dropping by to add my two penn'orth to your blogs soon, I promise!

    xxxx

Gifts and Giveaways

The festive season has the potential to be a time of madness and rampant consumerism.

But blogging has reassured me that this need not be the case.

The best gifts needn't cost the earth. They are the product of true generosity of spirit, thought and kindness.

The beautiful Helga sent me this fabulous 1970s maxi dress in her recent parcel of delights.  I love it.

My delightful friend Sue's birthday party last Saturday was the perfect opportunity to unveil it.

That's lovely Sue in the middle, with Kate and Tracey. Sue is doing a Masters in script writing, and has just had a short piece performed at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. She's on her way to Bafta-winning glory, I am sure! And she sketches, is a dedicated organic gardener, not to mention being a fab mum and stalwart member of our quiz team. Talented lady.

                            And here am I with Lois and Sue. Pissed? I may have been, who's asking?

I feel like a blend of Jean Harlowesque Hollywood starlet and hippy 60s chick in this marvellous frock. And that's a good combination!

I am very pleased to have won the recent giveaway on Rose and Bird. The lovely Liz sent me a gorgeous parcel of crafty prettiness - I'd better get going and produce something, I've no excuse now!

The book has some projects for which I hope my rudimentary skills will be sufficient. Thanks so much, Liz!
                       

And next in the roll call of blogging generosity.....

The fabulous Alex at Odd Socks and Pretty Frocks was my Christmas swap partner in Lakota's marvellous feat of organisation and festive cheer! Look at the superb things she sent to me (sorry Alex, I couldn't wait...)

A wonderful tan leather bag, a smart purse, a 12 Days of Christmas tea towel from 1974 (I was actually old enough to be using it to dry the dishes with in 1974...) and her beautiful handmade snowflake decoration. The latter will adorn my tree as soon as I get round to putting it up!

Oh and there was chocolate, but I ate it. And I didn't share.

Thanks so much, Alex, I love everything. You got it just right, clever you!

And finally, that burst of colour and sunshine, the gorgeous Krista, was kind enough to send me a silk maxi two-piece which was her husband's grandma's. Just needs a tiny tweak before I show it to you properly. Isn't the fabric stunning?

                          She also included a necklace and ring for me, and 2 little goody bags for my girls.

          Skulls for Eldest LB and me, owls for Smallest LB. Perfect! And so thoughtful. Thanks, Krista.

  I think this probably sums up Krista's approach to life. She (and Ru Paul) have it about right, I reckon!


So I'm a lucky girl this week. Friendship and kindness are making me feel quite seasonally squishy!

Loving this blogging malarkey, you're all so bloody brilliant! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx