Race Results and a Tour round my new home

I did it (The Great North Run that is!) I have purposely waited before writing this post, hoping that I could add one of the official photos from the race, as there are photographers all around the course - but hence - No! - There is not a single photo of me to prove I was even there, all I can assume is that I was so fast that all the cameras could capture was a passing blur!
Neither did my poor long suffering hubby Tim manage to get any evidence, after dropping me off in Newcastle Town Centre at 9.15am, he drove to South Shields (the finishing line) as suggested by the race organisers, but didn't get there till 1.30pm - some 10 minutes or so after I had finished - makes me think it would have been quicker to run!!!
Anyway, I know you are all dying to know - well, I got round in 2hrs 25 minutes, I must say I'm a little disappointed, but it was very warm and due to the numbers taking part, it was pretty congested in parts and hard to run at a constant pace (enough of the excuses now!)
I thought you would like a little look round my (new) home, I say it like that, because we have lived here before, but it has been rented out for the past 3 years. It has needed lots of cleaning, decorating and TLC, but the lounge is almost finished


Just need to get some curtains and cushions make up in a lovely duck egg crushed velvet I sell in my shop and we will be done (Oh, and I need to hide those wires poking out from under the sideboard - visible wires is a pet hate!

The bedroom is on its way too - I would like a white leather buttoned headboard and am saving up for some of that mirrored furniture that is everywhere at the moment.
So, I am settling back in very well - I said to hubby yesterday that I feel like I have got some of the old me back, as nice as Filey was, being close to the sea and all that, it wasn't for me and didn't allow me to be myself. I have actually only driven twice in the past 3 years, because there wasn't really much need, but for that same reason I felt a bit too closed in. Tim has been away this week and has left me the car, so its been quite nice, getting used to driving again and feeling like the old me! - Anyway enough of the mad ramble and a big thanks again to those who sponsored me and supported the charity "Beating Bowel Cancer" I have raised almost £300 so far, but I'm still collecting, so If you would like to donate a pound or two, the link is in my sidebar - Bye for now
Natalie x

Long Time, No See!

Well, What a hectic Summer it has been, I don't know quite where to start.
I suppose first came my sisters wedding on the lovely island of Zante, very Mamma Mia and very Hot! - 35 degrees most days.

Here is a pic of my lovely sister Mel and her new Hubby Dean - Don't they look great?
Secondly is the news that I'm not so much 'Summer By The Sea' anymore, more 'Summer slap bang in the middle of the country' - but it doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it? - We moved back to our home town of Doncaster a couple of weeks ago, just in time for the boys to start the new term at their new schools, so the past 2 weeks has been a flurry of unpacking, Decorating and getting straight.
This sunday sees me taking part in the Great North Run, I am quite nervous but really looking forward to it. I am running in aid of 'Beating Bowel Cancer' a fantastic charity which aims to beat this horrible disease, but which relies on charitable donations to keep it going. I am falling well short of the total sponsorship I need to raise, so PLEASE, PLEASE SPONSOR ME IF YOU CAN - EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A POUND OR TWO, IT REALLY WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE - The link to my just Giving Page is in my sidebar. A big thanks to one very special blogging friend, you know who you are for your kind donation.
Anyway, nearly enough from me - I'll be back soon, now things have settled down a bit with some pics of my new home and what we've all been up to, but in the meantime, if any of you are on facebook, would you be so kind to visit my facebook page and 'become a fan' of Georgia Bo Interiors

Keeping Shop

As you will no doubt know by now, I run a little shop in Filey called 'Georgia Bo Interiors' named after my 3 year old daughter (Don't you know all the best shops have girls names - just think 'Laura Ashley!') anyway speaking of Laura Ashley, we have just had a beautiful new range of fabrics into the shop all in the Laura Ashley style, lots of really beautiful linen mix fabrics and subtle florals, checks and ticking stripes. I re-did the shop window yesterday, using some of these fabrics, but you can't see them very clearly on the photo so you'll have to take my word for it!
Business definitely seems to have picked up with quite a pace this last week or so, I'm not going to jump the gun and predict that the economic tide is turning, but for small business owners like myself, it's definitely a good sign.

The pincushions and hearts continue to be a good seller, the five I showed you on the post before last were all snapped up, so last night saw me sitting down to polish off another 10 - these ones have a crochet flower in the centre.

And here they are in the window!
We are off back to South Yorkshire this weekend - Dad's to visit and all that - we are all looking forward to a relaxing weekend, we have a BBQ planned for Sunday which we will spend at my Mum and Dads with the in-laws there too, so lets keep our fingers crossed for warm weather!
Have a good weekend everyone - Natalie x

Cushiony Crochet!

Well, I have been busy again with these round crocheted cushions - there is something so theraputic about going round in circles and the flowers and frill are a satisfying way to finish it off - however there are only so many of these pretty cushions one can adorn ones house with - so these two are for sale - £15 each plus £2 p&p - If you would like one, please e-mail me and I will send you a paypal invoice. I am also happy to make these to order in any colours of your choice


The pink one is a paler pink on top and a darker strawberry pink underneath - it has a cream frill
PINK ONE NOW SOLD


The blue one is a pale blue on top and cream underneath with a cream frill
Hope you like these as much as I do
Natalie x

Keeping Busy and Pretty Things

Well, its taken a while but I think my mojo is coming back! - Thank you to all who left kind messages after my last post, its nice to know that so many people care. Anyway - anyone else wish the sun would come back? - that will be all of us then! - No sooner had I got used to wearing my white linen trousers, I have had to put them back in my wardbrobe in favour of warmer gear - Oh to live in England, and our great British 'summer time'
I have been busy as you can see, making another batch of pincushions which I sell in my shop, I have also been doing a lot of crochet too, but I will save that for another post.

I also made a little purchase this week from the Charity Shop (well, I use the word 'I' loosly, in actual fact what happened was I sent darling Hubby into the charity shop to make aforementioned purchase for me!) - You can't see on the photo very well, but the dress is a really vibrant emerald green and white print with a lovely cerise sash. It cost just £4 and is 100% silk - Bargain!

Next is this lovely Aynsley posy ornament which mum found when she was sorting out my Grandmas things, and she knew I would like it, and also this lovely china posy brooch, also a gift from my mum

Finally, I know so many of you are a fan of hand embroidery, so I thought I would show you this gorgeous bolster cushion which my mum made for me a month or two ago, she has even embroidered a lovely personal message on the reverse. Isn't it pretty? It sits on my bed at the moment and I get pleasure every time I look at it.

Well, that's about it from me for the time being, the training for the half marathon is still going well and I am running about 5 miles at a time now roughly 3 or 4 times a week, I can feel myself getting fitter and that is motivating me to keep on, even though sometimes when I get in from work, running 5 miles is the last thing I want to do!
See you all again soon, and in the meantime cross your fingers for some sunshine!

Sorry its been so long......

But its been with good reason. Sadly in the first week of May, my lovely Gran passed away suddenly. It was (and still is) a great shock to us all as she was so full of life and active for her 92 years - she was due to go on holiday just a couple of days after she passed away.
I will miss her so much, although we lived 100 miles apart, I was lucky enough to see her just a couple of weeks before she died, I will cherish the memories of that day, she was so happy, sitting in my Mum and Dads conservatory watching two of her Great-Grandchildren play. I am thinking of all the happy times and that is what has seen me through and bought a smile to my face even though I am sad. Unfortuntely this all happened very close to Georgia's 3rd Birthday, so the 'Pirates and Princess's' party we had planned had to be postponed, but we are planning to have another party later on in the summer.

Moving on, I needed something to focus on, and I am ready for a challenge so on September 20th 2009 I shall be taking part in the Great North Run in aid of 'Beating Bowel Cancer' This is a half marathon (13.1 miles!) in which over 50,000 people take part. If you would like to sponsor me, I would be very grateful - please send me an e mail and I will contact you with my details.
So off I was this morning in the drizzle running along the sea-front against the wind wondering if maybe I had bitten off more than I can chew?- Hmm - I'll let you know on that one!
I have kept up to date with all your blogs and even though I haven't been leaving comments, you have continued to put a smile on my face. My mojo is now on its way back, so I will post again soon
Natalie x
Added 1/6/09 - You can now sponsor me by clicking on the link in my sidebar - thanks so much!

Springtime

I just love Springtime - its there on my sidebar as one of my favourite things, and I think I love Easter almost as much as Christmas. Perhaps its the prospect of not one, but two bank holidays, or maybe its when we start looking forward to warmer weather and lighter evenings - but whatever it is, this time of year is flippin fantastic!
If you cross over the road from my house and go down the road for about a minute you come to this lovely path, known as 'Martins Ravine'......

which leads directly to this......

Sunday was gorgeous here, usually there is quite a bit of a breeze on the beach but it was sunny and dare I say it? - almost warm!
There was plenty of sandcastle making to be done and plenty of this too....

So now I have 8 glorious days off work - there is so much I want to do, Projects I want to crack on with and places I want to visit. I started as soon as I came in from work today by arranging this little easter display in our hallway. I am quite pleased with it, but think I will add a pretty potted primula and a basket of mini eggs (bet they won't last long!)

There has also been a little more crochet done too....

I can't wait!
Natalie x
P.S - Thank you to everyone for your kind comments on Callum's birthday, he read them all and we were all touched by your kind words and well wishes, you are such a friendly bunch and I feel lucky to have your friendship

Happy Birthday Callum!

Tomorrow is my lovely Callum's 11th Birthday - wow! where have the last 11 years gone? it seems like only yesterday that I was cradling my firstborn and now I am getting ready to pack him off to 'big school' later this year. Wouldn't it be nice to step back in time just for a day to re-live those days?
Callum - you are growing into such a special young man, who never fails to make us proud - we always know that when we go to your parent evenings that the teachers will have nothing but praise for you, we are sure you will go far and we thank you for being no trouble to us (yet!) - long may that continue! I love how you always have a kiss for me when I leave for work and again when I get home, and although your now too old to hold hands with me in public (embarrassing) I know you would do anything to make us happy. Thank you for being a wonderful son and for always doing your best
Love you lots - Mum and Dad x x x x x

I love Hearts!

There has been a distinct heart theme round here lately, firstly I have been very busy making these little hearts which I sell in my shop. Although we are primarily a curtain and blind shop, being by the coast, there are naturally a lot of tourists, especially in the Summertime. Whilst we don't have much to offer visitors in the way of souvenirs, I do like to make up a few bits which sell really well in the holiday season.

Secondly there has been the heart swap, and my swap partner was Gemma from Deravelled - I received some lovely goodies including some lovely cards which Gemma had made and some charms and stickers so I can make some of my own - there was also some lovely smelling soap slices and the pretty black and white handmade heart you can see in the picture,

Thank you Gemma - I love everything!
I have a busy week ahead, It is my eldest son's birthday on Thursday (he will be 11) and it is also my last full week at work before I have some nice time off around Easter - I have lots I want to do, things to make, books I want to read and places I want to go - I love Easter time and can't wait
Natalie x

Mothers Day

I had a lovely weekend and in particular a lovely Sunday, which was Mothering Sunday here in the UK. Some lovely choccies (which were gone before lunchtime) - and later a trip into York, where I was treat to a pair of lovely Cath Kidston pillowcases. I had got my eye on the CK 'pins' & 'buttons' tins and the boys raced into the shop clutching their saved up pocket money, but they had sold out! - Oh well, it will just be another excuse to return!
Later on in the afternoon we went to Frankie & Bennys which is one of our favourite places to eat out as a family - & I even treat myself to the chocolate orange profriteroles for afters! - Yes it was a lovely weekend and I was spoilt rotten. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend whether you are a mummy, or an Aunty or a Grandma.
I have been busy making things to sell in my shop and of course busy doing more crochet - but more about that later in the week
Take care everyone!
P.S - As you can see, the children had a good time too, although none of them would co-operate for the photo - probably because they knew it would end up on here!!

Pretty things

Just wanted to show you this delightful tin I picked up this week at a lovely little shop in Scarborough. Thankfully we don't have much call for first aid supplies in this house, but I daresay that might change when the weather warms up and the little ones get out and about on their bikes a bit more! - I think it will look lovely on my kitchen shelf to hold my collection of barbie plasters, cotton wool and TCP!

Secondly, here is a photo of the goodies ready to send off to Gemma of Deravelled for the heart swap organised by mollycupcakes - Goodness knows how I have managed to be so organised, that I have them wrapped and ready to send a week early! - I even found another use for one of my crocheted flowers, can you see it there adorning the gift tag? - I am enjoying this week, it has been very busy with work, the shop, parents evenings and all the usual housey stuff but the lovely Spring weather has put a Spring in my step! - Hope you are all enjoying your week - Natalie x

Loving to crochet

I am just loving crochet at the moment, and inspired by similar cushions made by Julia and Jane I decided to make one of my own, and I am just loving it! - It is so nice to start a project and see it through to completion, especially since I have recently taught myself to crochet and six months ago, didn't even know how to hold a hook!
In the background is the granny blanket I started in the summer, and I am hoping this photo will guilt trip me into sorting it out - typical of me, I thought I could take short cuts and didn't bother to block the pieces, but now I have decided I must take apart the pieces I have stitched together so far, block them and then crochet them together.
Here is proof that I blocked my circular cushion

It really does give a better finished result and I am now planning on making some more of these cushions to display (and hopefully sell) in my next shop window display which will be in shades of dusky pink and mink.
Almost forgot there about my one year giveaway - I put the names in a hat (well, actually a bowl) and the name the little hand pulled out was English Teacup, so congratulations and hopefully I will get a little parcel of goodies off to you in the next couple of weeks.
Next on the 'to do' list is working on the heart swap, I have been paired with Gemma and I can't wait to see what heart shaped lovlies she sends me - I love receiving things in the post! - Anyway hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and enjoying the mild spring weather
Natalie x

What a tosser!

Sorry about the title - couldn't resist! Happy Pancake Day everyone - this is of course my lovely hubby Tim, tossing our pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, the pancake is actually out of shot, somewhere between the pan and the ceiling (hopefully not on the ceiling!)

It is also my one year blogiversary tomorrow - where has the last year gone to? To celebrate I will be doing a little giveaway, which I will draw in a week or so's time. A pretty little package of goodies will wing its way to the lucky winner! - It would be lovely to hear from you all, so come on, even if you're usually just a lurker, let yourself be known - you never know you might be the lucky winner. To add to the fun, simply tell me something you could not live without (and you are not allowed to include family or friends!)
Be back next week with the results!

Sunday: Fun with yarn

On Sunday, with a few hours to relax and do as I please, I felt like I wanted to make something, It has been a while since I knitted or crocheted anything and I decided to do a bit of both. I had seen the tutorial over on Lucy's blog and thought I would have a go, and without really knowing how, I managed to create these cute little flowers. Lucy's instructions are so well written and the photos so clear, that I honestly think anyone could make them - so thank you Lucy!
Although the flowers are very pretty, I don't yet know what will become of them, but it did give me the idea that I would like them to adorn an item of clothing, and so in a few hours I knocked up this hat for Georgia, It has a deep rib which tuns up and the rest of the hat is knitted in double moss stitch. I added two of these little flowers in the same colour as the hat, this time with a button in the centre. It was a very satisfying project combining both knitting and crochet, not bad to say 6 months ago I didn't even know how to hold a crochet hook!

I have a feeling that these little flowers are going to be turning up everywhere from now on!

The little things that make me happy!

A lovely roaring fire when its snowing outside

A cheery vase of daffodils giving a glimpse of the Spring to come

A Little treat to myself - my new Cath Kidston travel purse

Lovely new catalogues to browse.

Sorry I've not been around much lately but there have been some major changes here in the Summer by the Sea household. Just after christmas I was offered a job interview out of the blue, a job related to the kind of work I used to do ages ago had come up and they thought of me - After much deliberation I decided to take the job although it would mean big changes, it is a good salary and with things as they are in the retail industry, I thought it couldn't hurt to have some of our eggs in a different basket. I am only 3 weeks in, but things are going ok so far - I am quite tired as I am still working 2 days in the shop, so Sundays are to be cherished, and hubby has had to adapt as well, now doing most of the childcare whilst trying to run the shop on his own for the 4 days I am at work. It has also meant some other changes as well, once a self confessed train virgin, I now find myself hopping on 08.11 train every morning with confidence. Evenings so far have been a blur of household jobs before falling into bed around 11pm exhausted but hopefully as the weeks go on, our new routine will start to become easier.

We have added a blog feature to our website now and seem to be moving up the google rankings, we have had quite a few orders and as soon as we find the time we have a pile of about 50 more fabrics to upload to the site.

Finally it is coming up to my one year blogiversary (on the 25th Feb) so I may do something special then, maybe a little giveaway?! Which leads me on to the Valentine swap - I am so sorry I missed out there, I typed a response to add my name to the list of participants, but it obviously never registered, and when I logged on to see who I was paired with, I wasn't there (boo hoo) I had even started making/collecting bits to pop in my parcel, so if anyone else missed out and would like to do a belated valentine swap please let me know!

Take care everyone - Natalie x