National Stationery Week

It's National Stationery Week and to celebrate, we are offering you

30% off

EVERYTHING

from Monday to Friday this week

(offer ends midnight Friday 4th April)

Simply use the code NSW30 at the checkout.

HAPPY SHOPPING

Mother's Day

So it's Mother's Day - 

I'm thankful to my Mum for all she's done for me. I must however get a more update photo of us together, this was taken 14 years ago!!

It's also a day when I think fondly of Jeff's Mum who sadly passed away 6 and a half years ago now and is sorely missed by us all.  

Me, well I was a lucky Mum and have been spoilt rotten - tulips, daffodils, homemade flapjack and

an Emma Bridgewater 'Mum' mug - lucky me x

Thank you Sophie and Sam for being you x

The weather has been absolutely glorious today out in the garden and I was able to sit until 5.30pm with the clocks going forward - such a treat.

On a work note it is National Stationery Week this week and to celebrate, we are offering a special code from Monday to Friday to aid your shopping on our website. Look out for more info tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Mr dots and spots

Today is Mr dots and spots Birthday. He has to work but breaks up for the Easter holidays today so not too bad. The pressies are wrapped and waiting for him on his return.

 

We have cake for tea!

So Happy Birthday Jeff xx

The Cedars

Last night we had a rare night out, on a 'school night'. The Matron from Cedars Boarding House at Wells Cathedral School was retiring after 25 years of service. We were lucky to have worked with her during January 2002 until August 2004 when Jeff was Housemaster there.

I was reminded of this photo which was taken as we were leaving the Cedars, the children with their suitcases packed ready for our new adventure. We had a very happy time whilst at Wells. It was Jeff's childhood school and family home as his father had been the Junior School Head for many years. We had our Wedding Reception on Cedars Lawn and then later lived in The Cedars as Boarding Houseparents. Sam was born there and Sophie started Nursery School during our time there.

We lived in this most amazing building, taking up half of the middle floor and had these beautiful grounds as our garden out of term time. We chatted with the current Houseparents that whilst there, you never truly appreciate living in such a magnificent place. The children don't really remember their time there, Sophie possibly has vague recollections, Sam none at all, which is a shame. I wonder what next big adventure lies ahead of us, I have another one, if not two or three house moves in me yet! Just don't tell Jeff! It certainly won't ever be as grand as The Cedars.

Day off!

So today is my day off - I work 2 Saturdays then have a week off. It started well, the sun was shining and I had breakfast out in the garden. I then decided to walk down to town with the mail bags but in the process managed to pull my calf again, such that I had to hobble home! It's so frustrating!!!! 

I am so not a good patient, in fact I'm not 'patient'! I want to be up, doing, walking, being busy - not sat with a bag of peas strapped to my leg. I desperately don't won't to sabotage the good work that I've put in so far, especially as the scales showed half a stone weight loss this morning.

I know patience - sigh!

Have a lovely weekend x

And I was doing so well!

It had to happen I guess, I've suffered my first sports related injury!

During my walk/run today I've really pulled my calf muscle. I upped my running and then sort of felt it 'go' and am now hobbling around feeling sorry for myself. See, I knew there had been a good reason not to run these last 20+ years! I now have to rest it - apparently it can take up to 4 weeks to heal and I was doing so well. I'm hoping I'll be able to walk again in a couple of days without the pain. 

Bother!

The 'long' weekend!

 The children had an INSET day on Friday so it's felt like a long weekend. The weather wasn't on our side, it was cold and foggy and thoroughly miserable. Sam did my run/walk with me and we generally spent the day at home. I treated it as my Saturday as this week it was my day in the shop.

  

I really enjoy working in the shop but I've struggled the last two weeks as the sun has been shining outside and I'm inside. I've realised that being my own boss over the past 3/4 years has meant that if it's sunny I change things around to make the most of the sunshine. When you commit to someone else, you can't do that. I know most people have to work whatever the weather and I'm lucky to be able to change things around to make the most of the good weather most of the time. I think it's because we've had such a miserable wet winter, that you feel you have to make the most of the sunshine when it's around.

We had a beautiful sunset to end the day.

Today has thankfully been just as nice and I got up early to go out for my walk/run! Yes! I'm still doing it, fourth time in fact. With each go I'm trying to 'run' a little more. It's still nothing to write home about and the minute I encounter another human being I walk but my aim is to eventually be able to 'run' the track, then 'run' the lane, then 'run' the road - slow and steady progress! 

It was so nice we had breakfast outside, in fact we spent the whole day out in the garden.

It's now time to cook the evening roast, pack up a few orders, moan at the kids to get homework done and get everything ready for the week ahead. Here's hoping you all have a good week.

All about Mum x

Today's 50% FRIDAY is all about Mum x

Mother's Day is late this year on Sunday the 30th of March but for those organised amongst you, we are offering a selection of our Mother's Day gifts at half price for today only.

You may need to hint to your children or other half 

if you see something you would love to receive this year!

Happy shopping!

O.M.G!!!!!!!

I never, ever thought I would write this but I think I might have just 'run' a little!!! 

I know, I'm in shock as much as you. I don't run you see, haven't done so for 22 years when I last ran around a football pitch as a student, in the dark so on one would see me!

I don't know what made me think I could try. I went on my long Summer walk yesterday to up my fitness, it's a 2 and a half mile walk up the road,

along this track, along a back country lane, down another road until it meets a residential street, back onto our road - one big loop! And I guess it's the bit 'no one can see me' - as I made my way along the track yesterday, I broke into a little jog every now and then, followed by a long walk and so on.

So today I wore trainers and along the the track, back lane and bit of road (blue line), where no one could see me, I  tried to 'run/jog' a bit more than walk. Don't get me wrong, I'm shattered and I'm as red as a beetroot and my legs feel dead but I'm chuffed with myself. 2 and 1/2 miles in 25 minutes and 15 seconds - a lot of room for improvement but it's a start!

Just got to do it again now!

What a bright.....

.......bright, sunshiny day!

I was working yesterday and spent the whole day looking out longingly at the most glorious sunshine, willing Sunday to be just as good and......

.....it didn't disappoint. 

Today has been glorious - wall to wall sunshine and in our sheltered back garden, it felt more like Summer.

The ladybirds enjoyed it too - over 20 all sunning themselves on this one bit of hedge.

We had lunch outside and

the grass even had it's first cut of the year.

Thank you sunshine for your most welcome visit.

The forecast says 'more of the same' - let's hope it's right!

Hello Spring

I think I can officially announce the arrival of Spring, with an abundance of Spring bulbs in flower and a warm, dry, sunny spell forecast for the next few days - Hurrah! Unfortunately, I shall miss tomorrow's sunshine as I'm in the shop all day - not the best planning!

This weather has helped my healthy Lent kick start - I don't mind eating fruit and yogurt, salads and prawns when the sun is shining. Fingers crossed this dry, warm spell sticks around for a bit - I certainly need it. 

Have a lovely weekend, wherever you are and here's hoping the sun will be shining. 

Hello March

Slightly later than normal due to the late Easter this year, yesterday was Shrove Tuesday. I never really give up anything for Lent but have decided this year to just be very focused about what I eat for the next 60 days. I figure a small, concentrated time frame might just help focus the mind and calorie intake!

I'm making the most of this bit of sunshine, walking daily in the park.

It's positively Spring like now - Hurrah! I LOVE Spring and the prospect of a little more sunshine.

  

I even got to sit out in the garden today to enjoy a cup of coffee - bliss!

I finally got around to framing up my Christmas present from Jeff - My Jorey Hurley Print

'Sunlight on the Water'

It reminds me of the sea at my Granny's old house at the end of a Summer's Day.

As a result of changing all my frames to fit my new print, I was left with a little space to fill so knocked up this little bird print. I've also been working on a commission alongside my orders etc. 

The rain is set to return for the next 2 days followed by a promised settled period - let's hope that means a little more of this gorgeous sunshine too.