Back in the Saddle

I'm baaack! Yep, we got home on Monday afternoon and I'm ready to sew. I spent the majority of yesterday getting caught up on work emails and packing orders. Today I might get to make something!! That'd be fun.

I picked up lots of great goodies on the trip. I wanted everything at Cath Kidston but went for this cool rolly suitcase. I'd just been saying I needed a carry-on bag with wheels. Happy Birthday to me! (Thanks Nick for making me get this) I also got this. If Mrs. Kwitty ever comes over I better lock it away, I know she'd try to steal it. hehe

Nick also got me this gorgeous navy blue trench coat from Laura Ashley. This is probably the nicest item of clothing I own now & I love it! I have such a nice husband.

I must say, these two were happy to see us return. They've been very nearby since we got home. I think the live-in cat sitter was a great idea.


And now I can get to this lovliness that arrived right before we went away. Can you believe that? A whole pile of Heather Bailey goodness has been waiting for my return the sewing room. What shall I make first?

Wedding Reception v2.0

Wedding reception #2 took place this past Sunday and it was lovely. People came from all over the world to see us . Considering the weather they've had this summer in the UK , we were very lucky to have a nice sunny afternoon.

Here's the River Stour where the party took place.

There was a big tent beside the river where we had dinner.

This is what it looked like inside. Recognize those table runners? It was mostly dark by the time we were in the tent. I'm glad I took a photo earlier in the day.

And here's the cake. What a great evening it was. Don't ask me to recall the names of all the guests! We'll be flying back on Monday after a visit with Nick's sister & a few more days with family. It will be nice to have a break after our break, haha.

UK Visitors

Greetings from England! Nick and I are finally in the UK for our second wedding reception. The party's tomorrow then we're off for a short little train trip.

My coffee monkey, Fisher, on a boat cruise up the Thames.
We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, very tired and happy to find our hotel. We spent Thursday, my birthday, seeing the sites in London with my friend Jenny who's come over for the big event.

Green Park
We walked all over the city and met Nick's parents for dinner and a show. It was a great day!

The fabric department at Liberty of London
I got a chance to stop in at one of my favorite London shops too. Liberty is gorgeous and has the most beautiful fabrics.

Here's a little taste of what I'm bringing home from Liberty.

The Rovers Tye in Colchester
We got a chance to see the location for the reception this morning & afterward had lunch at a pub we used to frequent when we lived over here. It was nice to be back in our old neighborhood.
Couldn't blog without mentioning my latest monkey. This one was a birthday present from Nick's mum. He's a pencil case and is sooo cute!

Bye for now. I'll post some reception photos in a few days. Have a great weekend.

Food Fetish

Inspired by ChickenGirl's post about Re-Ment, I had to tell you about my strange fascination with fake food and food that looks like something. I know, I'm kind of weird. But when I'm browsing Etsy and I come across stuff like this or this, I can barely keep myself from buying it all. Do you think Nick would notice if these were in his lunch, rather than the real thing. Yeah, maybe.

Anyway, on to the new book I got this weekend. I think many of you know what a fan I am of the cupcake. I love 'em. This book is just too cool for words. It's filled with pictures of the greatest cupcakes that you can make with ordinary candy & everyday stuff.

Check out the TV Dinner cupcakes. Oh my gosh. These are first on my list. I love the mash & gravy cupcake, and the peas & carrots. Isn't that hilarious?


Take a look at this cupcake vegetable garden. haha Whenever I see a patch of veg I can't help but think of my favorite gardener, Gromit. Which reminds me of another excellent book I already have on the shelf.

I got this one when we lived in the UK. Naturally, I haven't used it yet, but I really do enjoy the lovely photos.

See? There's the Were-rabbit surrounded by veg. Can you believe that's a cake?

Next week's my birthday. If I was going to be home, maybe I'd try to make this one for Nick & I. Look at little Gromit with his knitting. So cute.

Oh if I only had the time to bake all day and run around in my bare feet and an apron. Some day.