3 things to smile about #6

I am not one to linger too long here about my personal life, but let's just say that February was like the worst.month.ever. But hey, everything being relative, I have decided to focus on the positive, smile again, and try not to be too much of a miserable cow. 'Cos goodness knows only bad things happen to miserable cows. I'm all about the karma, baby!
So here are some of the things I have been smiling about these last few days.

A rustic bunch of flowers waiting for us on the table we booked at Cedar Farm in Lancashire. Early March seemed like the right time to put February behind us (you don't say, hey!) so we headed North and reconnected with our roots a bit. I just loved that bouquet and the contrast it made with the bluey-grey wall behind: simple, effective. I would have never put red tulips with cherry blossoms, but wow, don't you think?

Putting old bits of fabric together. Always good therapy, and what better to do put together a mother-daughter collaboration? Half-way through the preparations I realised I wouldn't have enough of the red spotted fabric and had to change, but it was still a nice little DIY thing to do.

don't mind me while I take a quick photo with bed hair, no proper background, and let's not even go down the lighting route :(

Last but not least, this absolute beauty from Zara. A cheap-as-chips, sure to cheer you up kinda bag, aka the perfect little picnic basket bag. It will be perfect for spring, summer, and may even end up with mushrooms in it come Autumn! I simply loved it as soon as I saw it on a parisian website a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn't order it straight away, and it got sold out online pretty quickly. Luckily for me, the Oxford Street branch had ONE left. Yay me!

My little bubble box

The Bubble Box arrived last month in the middle of a pretty busy time, namely our big house move. I haven't got round to posting about it here till now and I thought maybe I wouldn't as the April box should be arriving this week, but hey, better late than never right?
So here it is -  My Little Box for March.
This month I found the packaging a bit less attractive than January and February, the roller girl didn't really appeal to me, and the colours just reminded me of the 80s, in a not-so-nostalgic way :(

The goodies were great though, with a big emphasis on beauty this month, as the lifestyle bit of the box was all about hair and make-up. The hairbrush is funky enough and works a treat, I haven't used the "bulle de teint" yet, but it feels great to the touch.
In the laced up pouch a FABULOUS Givenchy mascara (great packaging, so tactile) a body scrub from Huygens and one of my all-time favourite products, a pink lip and cheek tainter. I've been a huge fan of Benetint for years, and thought this would be similar. However, My Little Beauty's version is heavier, more paste-like than the watery Benetint. Great finish on the face though, especially on the cheeks.
To round off the box, the usual magazine (again, colour palette not to my taste this month, sadly) and a balloon to blow. Because, why not?

Do I really need a new handbag?

In case of doubt, the answer to that question is ALWAYS yes. Especially when it's a vintage cheap-ish Kelly bag from the cool people in the Brick Lane studios.
Note to self: maybe this should be the last one for a while, though. Husband did not seem too impressed...wonder why...

En cas de doute, la réponse à cette question est TOUJOURS oui. Surtout s'il s'agit d'un sac Kelly d'occasion trouvé aux puces dans les studios de Brick Lane.
Note personnelle: il faudrait quand même se calmer pour un moment. Le mari n'a pas semblé trop impressionné...on se demande pourquoi...

slow spring

My, have I been bad lately...it looks like I have neglected my little web corner here and not been visiting much. I'd love to say it's because I've been sooooo busy with interesting and challenging projects, but unfortunately I haven't. Or have I?
Well, let's see. On the work front, I have just finally finished all the oral exams for those who needed it (3 classes of Y11 and one Y13) and now mentally prepare myself for the end of year reports.
At home, I have managed to move on from my latest quilt project to a less challenging new series of lavender bags with vintage lace trims. Nothing like quick sewing satisfaction to make you feel good! I have also embarked on a "sewing bee" kind of competition with my colleagues. We have all chosen this pattern to make a dress during the upcoming half-term. The textiles teacher will judge our creations. So far, I have opened the pattern, looked at it, selected the fabric...and that's it! Hopefully I will get started this week.
And so I hope to have more to share in the next few days. In the meantime, back to my cup of tea, Baby, baking a tray of muffins for after dinner while watching the TV adaptation of Fargo. is anyone else hooked already?

Oh, que j'ai été vilaine ces temps-ci...on dirait que j'ai négligé mon petit coin de blogosphère et que je n'ai pas beaucoup été présente. J'adorerais vous dire que c'est parce j'étais trèèèès occupée avec des tas de projets intéressants, mais malheureusement ce n'est pas le cas. Ou l'est-ce?
Eh bien, voyons. Au boulot, je viens enfin de finir tous les oraux des classes qui en faisaient (3 classes de seconde et une de terminale)et maintenant je me prépare mentallement pour les bulletins de fin d'année.
A la maison, j'ai réussi à bouger de mon dernier projet de quilt à une nouvelle série de sachets de lavande avec de la dentelle vintage. Rien de tel qu'un projet couture rapide pour se sentir bien et satisfaite! Je me suis aussi enbarquée dans une compétition de couture style "la meilleure couturière" avec mes collégues. On a toutes choisies ce patron pour faire une robe pendant les vacances de fin mai. La prof de couture nous jugera. Pour l'instant, j'ai ouvert le patron, l'ai regardé, choisi mon tissu...et c'est tout! Avec un peu de chance je commencerai cette semaine. Et donc j'espère avoir plus de choses à partager avec vous les jours qui viennent. En attendant, je pars retrouver ma tasse de thé, Bébé, et préparer une fournée de muffins à dévorer après le dîner devant l'adaptation télé de Fargo. Vous êtes accro, vous aussi?

fabric baskets

The patchwork baskets are finally complete! This is such a nice easy projects for patchwork beginners, and the finished product is great for organising your work station / sewing corner / changing area. Ayumills' instructions are straight-forward and the picture tutorial is easy to follow. You can find it here, among so many others. I highly recommend her tutorials!

Note this post - contrary to appearances - is NOT sponsored by Pampers. However, if the lovely people at pampers want to send a me a couple of years' worth of nappies, I won't say no ;)

I already made this basket (in a much bigger format) a couple of years ago under the hot summer sun in Spain with my sewing partner in crime Atina Alga.

vintage fabric

Whilst rooting through some old things back home last month I came across these vintage fabric pieces. I had completely forgotten about them. I must have been about 14 when I decided I was going to sew something all by myself without any help or anyone showing me. I made the simplest little rucksack (basically a rectangle with a string) which I don't even remember using too much - I just liked the idea of sewing it. Now I wonder where THAT's gone!

Anyway the minute I spotted those in the back of a cupboard in my old room, there was no hesitation to bring them back with me. Funny how things come and go, no?

Cath Kidston autumn bag

Today I wore my lovely old-fashioned watch from the flea market at Camden. I took this picture ages ago (you can still see the Christmas tree in the background) but never featured my new mini bag from Cath Kidston. I'm  in a flowery mood today! I tried to make myself a new pink and flowery banner but technology and I are not friends today...it'll have to be another day!
Also, do you remember those Liberty bracelets? I made a couple of new ones last weekend, and I'm even trying to make some ear rings this week. It's all pretty exciting, but I can't help thinking I must sound like Susan in the last season of Deperate Housewives...oh dear! Well, never mind, I'll wear my own stuff at least.

lavender bags

There's still loads to improve on those lavender mini bags, but they're so lovely I had to show you what the felt ones look like at the moment. As posted a few days ago, they are destined to be wedding favours, but first of all I need to bride-to-be to say which designs she likes best. I am also preparing a few fabric hearts, and then she can make an informed decision. To finish them off, I'm going to have special labels made and attach them at the back with the names and date of of the wedding.
Married women, or brides to be, I would just love to hear your comments about them. Do you think they'd be appreciated? What did you have for your wedding favours (if any)?

Oh, and talking about weddings, as usual a few bloggers are getting married this summer, and I just have to mention Alix's fabulous-looking wedding. Even if you're not a big fashionista (I'm not, really), you'll love her blog about Paris, accessories, and shoes. Worth a peek!

And of course, for those who have been following (by the way, if you want to follow, there's still space ;) ) I simply cannot let you go without showing you the magnificent - oh so sublime - gorgissimous chocolate tart I made this weekend for my half! Let me tell you, the half was happy! But then who wouldn't be?

broken camera :(

The heat.
The sweating.
The not being able to sleep because it's so hot. 
My camera still in limbo.
The football.
Finally seeing a movie I had great hopes for(hover over for link), and hating it.
Cyclists in the middle of the road when there's a lane especially for them on the side.
Problems in work when you thought all is was going well.
A friend who just cancelled dinner tonight.
Because of the heat!!!

I tell you, there are days when surely you should be able to pull a special card out of your bag, and just say "no, today, guys, you know what, I'm saying home". Not sure what I'd call this card, but maybe you have ideas?

The only smile on the horizon is...well, actually, there are quite a few nice things right now if I think about it...let's see...

In two weeks I'll be on holidays in one of my favourite places.
With some of my favourite people to be around.
I bought myself a super nice dress last weekend.
Went to the hairdressers'
And made a summer shoulder bag.
With Cath K. fabric!

(doesn't this picture remind you David Lynch? Weird, no?)

So, all in all, I guess it's not all that bad! 

curvy clutch

Right. I just have to give up on using natural light these days! That said, I have managed to get home a bit earlier today, and to play with the camera a bit. I am SO happy with my new clutch. Have a look!

I have made it using the fabulous patterns from Keyka lou (see the links on the right hand side) and the precious fabrics sent to me by Atina (link on the right too). It's always very exciting to try a new pattern and see it coming to life. I've become a great fan of KL's patterns. They are really thorough and detailed enough for you to understand each step accurately. It's a pleasure to use them.

Tomorrow if I have a bit of time I'll go and get my fabric and sequins for my new "it" bag. Can't wait to embark on a new project...but what exactly is this obsession with bags, purses and clutches? Can anyone explain it? Are we - girls - just born with it?