Fragrant hearts

I spent some time blog hopping and found this tutorial over at Clare's, I thought they were really sweet and decided to make a few for the pressie box.  These are just me as I have always put little notes in lunch boxes, on pillows, just about anywhere, a few words to give a lift to that person during their day and to bring a smile to their faces.  So these little hearts just fitted the bill.

 Instead of soft stuffing, I filled some of them with dried lavender, the one in the centre I thought MIL would like as an extra little something for Mother's Day in March.  They were quick and easy to make, a lovely little touch for the right moment.   Thank you Clare

I needed more diamonds for the quilt, so set about cutting up some more and starting another block

We are having a cold snap at the moment, so its been ideal to sit near the log fire and stitch them together

take care

Must be the sunshine.....

I decided to have a little spring clean in the kitchen but I am finding the powerful chemicals too much so tried the old bicarb of soda trick by making it up into a paste and applying it. Well it certainly worked on the tiles and grouting, easily removing any sticky residues and bringing back some sparkle. The enamel sink and drainer too came up really well, definately a plus in the cleaning cabinet.

Spent a lovely day with DD, first we headed off to the salon where she was working before everything happened, she wanted to test herself in a normal working environment to assess her fitness, so I was her guinea pig, not that I minded of course.  Over the years throughout her training its always been "Mum can you please," so everything from Reiki, Reflexology, indian head and aromatherapy massage, beauty treatments even ear piercing and hairdressing have all been tried and tested.  Some more enjoyable than others I have to say!  The outcome was a lovely hair do for me and the relisation that it was too soon for her.

Next was lunch, we couldn't decide on anywhere in Javea so decided to return home and go local, (yes again!) having arranged to meet DH there we had a lovely leisurely lunch.  We have a delightful place that we call the mountain terrace, comfy sofa, sheltered with fantastic views into the valley and ofcourse the mountains, so a good old girlie chat finished off the afternoon.

The furries took the opportunity of hogging the sofa, although it is quite rare for 6 of them to be together in one space, not sure where the other two were

Including DH's latest plane, the terraces are ideal for his electric models as he can also go slope soaring.

Oh well best be off, a few chores to do
take care

Bit of this and that

This is the view from the outer terrace of our local restaurant, a popular area even in mid February, although its a sun trap there was still a nip in the air

DD's hotel in Valencia has a glass lift on the outside of the building, they are on the 6th floor but decided to travel to the 30th floor where she took these photos 

 She did admit she closed her eyes on the way up and down - scary huh? wouldn't do me, I get dizzy just standing on a chair

Been busy today in my craft room, DS put in a request for a carrier bag tidy on his recent visit, quick and simple (except I now realise the photo is upside down)

So while I was at it I made him a car rubbish bag by lining it with a zip lock plastic bag for all those little bits the cars seem to be filled with.

 Ages ago I made a little evening bag but forgot to put any stiffeners between the layers so this is how it hangs, not impressive at all 

Unpicked some of it and added some card, now it looks much better and it might even be used now

Then I moved on to stitching together the pinwheels in blocks of four, just as I was about to take the photo Simba decided to help and practically put his nose on the camera

Can I help Mum?

Got there in the end

Hope you all had time to craft this weekend

take care

Outing and abouting

Had a lovely Valentines day, bright, sunny and warm and a nice lunch at our local restaurant.  They gave us samples of a lovely cheese, made by their friends in the Pyrenees, a good texture, not too strong, unfortunately for me it was made from cows milk so I could only have a teeny corner, but I did enjoy the sample of their home cured ham.  A really nice place to go and just relax.

DS had been busy organising his surprise for his partner in London whilst he was here, she was delighted to be taken to the Royal Albert Hall and then on Valentines day, the London Eye, his surprises certainly hit the mark.

DD is being whisked away to Valencia for a romantic weekend tonight, she so deserves it and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.

So lovely that they are both outing and abouting and creating some wonderful memories.

We are having friends over tonight for Prawn red thai curry, dahl and I might even try some onion bhaji as I have sourced some gram flour, better crack on and get busy in the kitchen, no time for sewing today

take care

   

Blossom and Christmas

The almond blossom has been really beautiful this year and despite the ferocious winds it has stuck steadfastly to the branches creating wonderful scenes.

Looking across the valley towards our finca

 but now the leaves are beginning to sprout and it will all be gone for another year.

We have just had a visit from DS and although it was not for very long this time, we managed to pack in lots of activities, including some tree pruning, a visit to the large market in Javea, which unfortunately due to the winds comprised only of the veggie stalls, several meals out and more importantly Christmas.

We had our family Christmas with turkey and all the trimmings, crackers and stockings.  DS was in the Philippines over Christmas and so missed the family traditions so we had great fun pressie swapping and our usual paper fight. As always the time just zipped by, on his return to the UK he went straight off to London with his partner for her birthday surprise.  Busy boy!

Very little to show on the crafting front though a little knitting and I have started stitching the diamond blocks together, slow but sure.
take care