Thursday 27 February 2014

Our Wedding, A DIY Project - Make Your Own Garter

I've always liked the tradition associated with weddings of "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" and knew that I would try and stick to it. 
Old was easy, I've always wanted a silver sixpence included in my wedding so I could tick that off the list
New was equally easy;my dress, shoes and accessories.
Borrowed and blue was proving a bit more tricky.
My grandad passed away in September 2000 and had always been someone I looked up to so it made sense to have him with me somehow. My mum has one of his rings so I'm 'borrowing' that for the day and having it attached to my bouquet.
That just left something blue. As our colour scheme is sage green, cream and gold I just couldn't see where blue would fit in, until I stumbled across some garters in a bridal shop.
Hidden under my dress and a bit of fun I immediately knew what my something blue would be.
As complicated as these look they are surprising easy to make.
Mine took about 10 minutes from start to finish.
So whether for your big day or for your hen why not give it a try?!

You will need 
Net or lace
Ribbon
Elastic
Sewing needle
Thread


1. Measure the part of your thigh that you want to wear your garter and cut the elastic 1cm shorter than your leg measurement and the ribbon and net/lace twice the length of your leg measurement (this will give you a nice gather)


2.Pin the ribbon to the net or lace in the desired position and sew a running stitch along the top and bottom of the ribbon making sure there is enough space for the elastic to pass through (don't worry about it being perfect as you won't really see it)




3. Thread the elastic through the garter under the ribbon but on top of the net/lace.  As the material is twice as long as the elastic, once the elastic is halfway through pin the end in place so it doesn't spring back through. Continue threading the elastic through until it's out at the other end.




4. Once the elastic is threaded through, slightly overlap the ends and stitch firmly together.


5. Adjust the material around the elastic until you are happy with the look then stitch the two end of the material together.



If you like you can finish your garter off with an embellishment.

It really is that simple

If you do have a go at making your own garter I'd love to see the finished product.



M xx

Wednesday 26 February 2014

How Does Your Garden Grow - Part 1

Despite living in a flat in London, my heart lies firmly in the countryside surrounded by rolling hills, pick your own farms and beautiful landscapes. I've always dreamed of owning a converted barn in a couple of acres of land where we can keep a few animals and grow as much of our own fruit and vegetables as possible. At the moment, the closest we get to this is our annual visit to Grays Pick Your Own Farm, our weekend visits to The New Forest and using our balcony to grow as much produce as possible.
Last year proved extremely fruitful for tomatoes, radishes and lettuce but we weren't too successful with carrots, strawberries, herbs and onions. This year I am hoping to get myself together enough to really give this grow your own malarky a good try.

As the weather at the moment is horrendous, I'm a little apprehensive about preparing the soil so I'm going to begin with an indoor herb garden.

Based on a lot of the recipes I use, I've opted to begin with basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme and coriander.

Armed with everything I need to get this herb garden started, this years grow your own project begins!


How does your garden grow? Do you have any tips or suggestions?


M xx

Monday 17 February 2014

Weekly Meal Planner

So as the half term break begins I have a sunny outlook and a jam packed schedule to keep the little darlings amused.
I've tried to plan this weeks meals around  our days out and unfamiliar routine!


Weekly Meal Planner

Monday
Toad in the hole, boiled potatoes and carrots and peas

Tuesday
Chilli con carne, rice, tortilla chips and homemade salsa

Wednesday
Homemade chicken and mushroom chow mein 

Thursday
Shepherds pie with beans and sweetcorn

Friday
Fish fingers, chips and spaghetti hoops

Saturday
Homemade pizzas and garlic bread

Sunday
Jerk chicken, rice and peas, macaroni pie, homemade coleslaw and salad.

What will you be serving up this week?

M xx 

Friday 14 February 2014

Rambling Mummy Loves

Like a large proportion of the population my fiance and I celebrate Valentines day, however, after being together for so long it can become increasingly difficult finding something new and exciting.
If you are yet to go out and by your Valentine something special and your worried about it being too late, here are a few ideas to get you started, all available from high street stores...

For Him
You know what they say about boys and their toys!
If you other half is anything like mine then any kind of gadget will be right up his street. Treat him to a radio controlled aeroplane. This is sure to keep him amused for hours.
http://bit.ly/1luoXxc 



For Her

Forget perfume, jewellery or flowers which you've probably bought her for the last few occasions. Think outside of the box and get her something that shows how much you appreciate her hard work and something she will love. Treat her to a pamper voucher and let her choose from a manicure, facial, massage or more. You'll be in her good books for weeks to come
http://bit.ly/M85JRM



For Them

If like us, you've promised not to go overboard or buy each other presents this year why not treat yourselves to a hamper. Grab a dvd, light the candles and get comfy with this Pamper Hamper.
http://bit.ly/1bIamrW

Whatever your plans for Friday 14th February I hope it's the start of a lovely weekend.

M xx

Wednesday 12 February 2014

All The Small Things #1

With the weather in an atrocious state, the news full of well bad news and everyone suffering from horrible bugs at the moment it can be pretty darn hard to find something to smile about but I stumbled across a blog and a linky that put a smile on my face. The lovely Cassie over at Mummy Never Sleeps is helping to spread some smiles with her linky All The Small Things

Every Tuesday whether its a memory or a thought, helping a stranger, a kind word or a familiar smell, blog about the small thing that has put a smile on your face. Sometimes it really is the small things that make a big difference.
This picture always puts a smile on my face. The genuine happiness in their eyes always makes me smile when things aren't so bright.


What small thing makes a big difference to you?

M xx

Monday 10 February 2014

Weekly Meal Planner

After a leave of absence and a day later than usual, here's this weeks weekly meal planner

Weekly Meal Planner
Monday
Tuna,pasta, sweetcorn and salad

Tuesday
Battered cod, chips and mushy peas

Wednesday
Spaghetti bolognese and homemade garlic bread

Thursday
Lamb rogan josh, pilau rice and poppadoms

Friday
Beef stew and dumplings

Saturday
Sausages, mash, beans and onion gravy

Sunday
Roast chicken and all the trimmings.

What's on your menu this week?

M xx