time out

I've not a very good blogger this past few days, but I've had a lot on my plate. Far more than I can handle in order to keep sane! On top of regular work, I've undertaken a new project (my fault, you'll say!) which is super time-consuming. Let's hope it pays off one day, hey...
In other news my half and I went to a crazy party last week. The entertainment was provided by an "electric circus" and my oh my was it mad!! Unfortunately, between the drinking & eating, and the dancing, there wasn't much opportunity to get nice pics.

*very Davis Lynch pic, isn't it?*

 

Yes, the two blondes really DID get inside a glass box! They were just amazing. I had a great time, as everyone else.

Now, onto sewing. Today I have made my first curvy clutch using a Keyka Lou pattern. It went really well, and I am pleased with how it looks. But the daylight's already gone, so I'll take a photo tomorrow if I can. Well, that's all for today, folks!

a surprise and a cake

The day after my birthday last week I received this über-cute little bundle of fabrics from dear Atina. As usual, I wanted to present it a nice light, but with the horrible rain and clouds we've been having, that's out of the question! All I have to do now is think of the best way to utilise the lovely liberty fabric. What a lovely present for a budding sewing person like me! Thanks again.

I did mention a *cake* in my post title too...

Bored with coming home late from work this week, tired of a temporary insomnia (must be the full moon), I decided the best remedy - the only remedy - would be a cake! This time, I adapted a recipe from a French book I got a couple of years ago. I used those gorgeous dark cherries in kirsh from M&S. If you're in the UK and haven't had those yet, run and get some!

I loved the way the cake mix ended up looking like fresh ice-cream. And the cooked thing wasn't bad either. I'll let you taste it with your eyes.

a French muse

Following a link from Atina Alga, my new fav blogger (OK, I'm biased, she's a long-time friend), I wanted to share with you a super nice song that i've been endlessly listening to for the last year or so. Hope you like it! And if you like the idea, why not feature your very own video of inspiring music?

foxy

Over the last fortnight we have been enjoying quite a bit of snow in the UK. Other than the obvious joy of staying at home, sipping tea, and missing work, there have been many distractions through my window.

These are regular visitors, but they were just so beautiful in contrast with the white, I had to snap them.

blessed

Unfortunately I had to work on Friday, the day of my 30+ birthday. That was a shame. However, I have been blessed with many kind and thoughtful attentions, and that alone has made my day!

When I returned home I found another lovely surprise - cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery that were just to die for. Thank you Mr Yummy for a gorgeous surprise!

Gosh, I am really having a hard time with my new year resolution already. The blog posting I can just about handle, but the picture-improving side is just not there yet. And still, I am sure you have noticed my strenuous efforts, no? Reassure me, say you have -?
Well, the fact of the matter is, they're still pretty c**p, so if you have a good piece of advice, I'll take it with pleasure.
In other news, I have finally gotten round to making my very own matriochka thing...but hold your breath, I'm not ready to show it yet. That would be because of the shame. It' turned out to look so bad I have to redo it. I might show you later, we'll see if I can get over it ;)

newcomer

My very good friend has now got herself a blog. Atina Alga does the most beautiful things, as you can see here:

-  lovely needlecase -

- curvy clutch -

For those of you who, like me, try to keep up with their Spanish, you are going to love her blog. Posts are both English and Spanish. Why not pay her a visit and see what Atina's world is like so far?

I had a quiet but brilliant day yesterday for my birthday. There were even a few surprises; I'll show you later.

a year wiser

**Today is my birthday**

new obsession

Since my Christmas advent calendar, I have developped a new obsession for matriochkas. I have seen many handmade things on etsy but a few items have caught my attention more than others:

- quirky earrings from Yasminbochi -

- sticky tape from Myhappystore -

- a gorgeous doll from MyshabbyCottage -

Finally, I want to show you my own tiny and lonesome matriochka. I love the dainty doll here. This was given to me by my cousin last summer when she visited.

After looking at all those pretty things, I really want to try and make my own now. The good news is, today I have a bit of extra free time...guess why?

That's right! The weather has played in my favour yet again. I was sorry to have to brave the snow early to try and diligently get into work, only to find out I was being sent back home; but hey, who can complain with another day off? I certainly won't!!

**Happy Snowy Day everyone**

winter food

First of all, my "witch brew" - (really, the start of a minestrone soup for tonight)

And now, a couple of snapshots of the leek quiche I made this week-end. Make no mistake, we ARE deep in **winter** ! How about everyone else, what are you cooking these days to keep warm?

-during-

-after-

You might also like

Hey, there's something new here! As planned, I have embraced my new responsibilities as a super-blogger (well, not quite, but one tries ;)) and added a brand new feature to my blog : you might also like, featuring word-related old posts.
I have seen this feature on many blogs around and have found it useful to get an insight on what bloggers have been up to at different times.
I hope you enjoy this feature on Yummy Lavender. Thanks for the continued support!

new bag

Having had another day off work due to the heavy snow and ice, I have had plenty of time today to finish the "garden party wristlet" I started yesterday. This is nearly the last of my starry fabric.

I am very pleased witht the result. It was fairly easy to sew, but there were quite a few fiddly bits. I really love the idea of a wristlet bag, and am sure I will be making plenty more of those soon. This item was made with a Keyka Lou pattern, and if you haven't visited her site yet, you must do so. It is full of good sewing tips for when you're a bit stuck.

A few more pics of the bag...with extra snow in the background - we haven't seen too much of it today, but the journey to get fresh bread round the corner was treacherous still!

Well, I think I will be back in work tomorrow, after this unexpected prolongued holiday - boo hoo!

Still, it's been lovely to stay at home and do extra sewing, extra sleeping, and extra taking-my-time!

Saying that, if the weatherman is right again, we could well see a lot more of home again next week - here's hoping ;)

los reyes me dieron...nieve

Yes, thank you so much to the weather-man, the Three Kings, and the russian cold air for giving me an extra day off! Much appreciated. Here's what it's been looking like over here today:

And no - it's not a black and white picture, just the weird glow of snow before sunset. Isn't it weird how the flakes appear very white?

So, like a lot of people who get snowed-in, I started off my day with the best of intentions, and ended up not doing much at all. I have started a new Keyka Lou bag, though, and have nearly finished it. I am also glued to the weather reports, and crossing my fingers very hard for tomorrow, and why not, for Friday.
The only thing is, I wish I had a well-stocked pantry so I could embark on more cooking projects!

perfect muffins

There's nothing like a nice batch of steaming hot muffins to lift someon's mood. Mine are plain chocolate chip ones, but they always work and do the trick! For those of you who are feeling a bit down with January blues, here's the how-to:

* Mix 100g of soft butter with 225g of sugar.

* Add around 150ml of plain yogurt.

* Sift 275g. of flour and a small spoon of bicarbonate soda into the mix.

* Add your chocolate chips - for a really positive effect on your endorphines, I recommend 100g +, and I always use dark, but that's just my preference!

* Put the mixture in your baking cases and into the preheated oven at around 180. These babies are quick to cook, so keep chacking on them (mine usually take 20 to 25 minutes).

Now, if that's not an easy recipe, I don't know what is!! trust me, it is the perfect pick-me-up this time of year.

pink, blue and flowery

This is the latest addition to my set of three pouches I made this week. I absolutely adore the Kidston-like fabric. I really am a sucker for this kind of things at the moment..."ma période rose, bleue et fleurie"

I'm also in complete adoration for my new orchid. The old one stopped flowering, and is now trying to recuperate on the kitchen window sill.

Well, that's it for today, folks! I'm off baking some muffins for my last afternoon off. It;s back to work tomorrow. I feel for those of you who had to do it today!

last days of freedom

I SO do not want to go back to work!! I feel like pulling a bit tantrum, stomping my feet hard on the ground,  crossing my arms and burying myself under my duvet. My only consolation is, I think I'm not the only one feeling like this, right? I really love my job, deep down, and can't wait to see familiar faces again, but things are just so great being at home, it's hard to give up all that sense of freedom.

When I'm at home, I don't have to have my morning break at 10.50 on the dot, and generally I feel pretty laid-back compared to my other caffeined-self. This past week for example, I've not been up to much, but it's been one of the best weeks I could wish for - I've baked, looked after my house and indulged in a bit of home-pampering. I have also finally got round to making the pocket pouch using a pattern I purchased a while back.

I am still having trouble with the topstitch, despite some excellent advice from Keyka Lou herself. I'm guessing it will come with practice, and a bit more patience on my part. I have made three of those already, but can only show two for now. I am loving the fabrics I got last autumn, and I'm thinking I was a bit silly at the time and should have bought them in bulk. Well, it makes for pretty unique items anyhow!

I hope you like my pocket pouches. I always love a new project, and have relished making those. If you can think of any tips for my topstitch, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks again for stopping by, and the nice comments.