Sweet Little Turtle - Ooh La Lapin

This sweet little turtle arrived at our home on Saturday morning, hand delivered by the lovely Lou of Ooh La Lapin. She is bringing smiles to people all around Southsea with her cute softies which she leaves in all sorts of places for people to find, adopt and then send her pics of them out and about. I think it is a wonderful idea and I'd love to see the looks on peoples faces when they read the little note she leaves with them. I'm looking forward to seeing what the squid gets up to.

We have named our turtle Frenchy because, although you can't see it in the photo, he has an Eiffel Tower on his butt. We may even manage a photo of him at the tower before too long... we hope to visit Paris in the not too distant future.

my creative space...

Well, I have finally pulled my finger out and found...no made... some time to get creative. I've taken over the dining table and have made some little bean bags for the kids to enjoy...inspired by Crow Rooster Crow via Sweet Sweet Life.

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo.

Natural History Dodo Teatowel

Too nice to dry dishes with so I stuck it up behind the door to our kitchen. Hides the broom and mop behind it too! I picked this quirky teatowel up from the shop at the Oxford University Natural History Museum. It's a great museum for the kids, not too big and they can touch everything and a great place to get some creative inspiration from nature.

Pea & Roasted Garlic Soup....Yum Yum & Wedgewood

Delicious!
From GoodToKnow Recipes magazine Feb 2010. Here.

Do you like the bowl? It's Wedgewood Pennine Oven to Table. I thrifted 5 of them and a dinner plate for a couple of pounds. My mother in law has the dinner set so I buy them whenever I see them. I'm making good use of them until I see her next! Love the way the green looks against the brown.

Printers Tray

I've always wanted one of these antique printer's trays and now that my son has started collecting all sorts of fossils, rocks, pine cones, etc during our travels, I have the perfect excuse! It arrived early this morning from The Old Printing Shop of London and I'm thrilled to bits. The Big Ben stamp is from there too.

I love that all these beautiful little items for display come straight from nature...the best designer of all. I'm tempted to fill it up with all my bits and bobs but I've refrained as I'd like the kids to be part of the process so that when they look at it they see all the places they've been and the fun times we've had.

Pitty the photo is so dark but the weather here is grey and wet...can't complain though as it's been so lovely for the past couple of weeks.

Made in France

Well, I didn't win anything but I'm still a winner because during my hours of browsing I discovered this book - Made in France - cross stitch and embroidery in red, white and blue. I don't remember the blog I saw it on...sorry...but thankyou! It arrived yesterday and I love it! Only problem is deciding what to do first. I made a start on this lovely cross stitch peacock feather last night and I'm on the hunt for some more linen so I can keep stitching.

BTW, I buy my books through the Book Depository - they seem to be cheaper than elsewhere and they have free delivery. They include these great bookmarks designed by customers...I've got quite a little collection going.

So Many Giveaways!!!

I'm addicted. I can't help myself. I've spent the last few days exploring blogs from all over the world via the Sew Mama Sew giveaways. I've entered so many that my hands are sore from typing but I've loved losing myself in all these wonderful blogs. My reader is really huge now! I hope I am lucky enough to win somthing but I've enjoyed the ride so much that it doesn't matter if I don't. It's given me the motivation I need to make the time to get creating again.