Back in the Crochet Saddle!

I have realised recently that I don't seem to have been devoting too much time to me recently. By 'me' I mean spending the time doing the things I love - mainly reading, crafting and running.
So I have made a conscious decision to try and fit more of this into my life and started by doing a bit of crochet. For those of you that have read my blog before, you will know that I taught myself to crochet a couple of years ago, but so far I have limited myself to cushions and granny squares, so it was a pleasure to have a go at making something from a pattern, and here's what I came up with


It was really nice to make something that will be very useful at this time of year too (plus it matches her coat!)
I got the pattern from this book, and to say it is the first time I have followed a pattern, I found it really easy to follow!

The snow continues to fall here, and only 25 days to Christmas - lots to look forward to!

I'm Back!

Well, Its been a while since I blogged, 4 months to be more precise - Where is this year going? it seems to be flying by at a rate of knots. There have been many reasons for my prolonged absence - work and settling back into a routine at Doncaster have been mainly to blame, but also, for a while, I think I lost my sense of 'self' - All of a sudden 'Summer By The Sea' didn't seem so apt and I almost felt like I had nothing left to blog about. But then I realized that whilst my location may have changed, I hadn't and I still do all the things I did before, only a little more inland, so while my posts may still be sporadic, I will try to post regularly as I do miss all your comments and friendship!
I won't bore you with the day job, but I have been very busy setting up my new Ebay shop 'Pretty*Lifestyles'

Here I will be selling a variety of Shabby Chic, French Style items all of which must firstly be 'pretty' enough to grace my site!

Since the site is very new, I really need to get some feedback behind me, so for a short time, anyone who buys from my shop will receive a free gift as a thank you for helping me to build my feedback - How can you resist?

You can find my shop here
We have also been very busy with our other business 'Georgia Bo Interiors' - we are planning an overhaul of the website soon - updating it with some new colours, photos and fabrics - we stock a lot of made to measure curtains that are available from Next and M&S and seem to be doing quite well off the back of that - Our curtains are made in exactly the same place as theirs are, to the same high quality only ours are more competitively priced.
Last week saw my little girl turn 4 - I can't believe how quickly the last 4 years have gone by - she starts school in September - already! - it feels far too soon although she is more than ready.

She was very pleased with her 'Rock Star' guitar!
Finally, my hubbie has also been busy building a course, bringing together his 20+ years of experience, the next 'Success Mentor' course will run in June, so If you know anyone who would benefit from a little direction in their lives or help to succeed and make the most of their life - point them in Tim's direction - you can find out more about Success Mentor here
Anyway, thats enough for today - But I promise I will be back soon
Natalie x

Welcome 2010

Well, its been a while I have to say and after much bullying (in a nice way of course) by my sister Tracy @ Sewn Up - I decided it was about time I posted again.
We had a very lovely Christmas and the New Year saw both my hubby and me celebrating our birthdays - For once, we had a joint party which was great fun!
I'm afraid there has not been any crafting to speak of lately, I have just been too busy with other things, children, the house, and settling back into a new routine in Doncaster. - But I am getting that crafty itch I need to scratch soon though, so watch this space!
One thing I have done recently is become a trader for Phoenix cards. If you have not heard of them, they sell beautiful greetings cards, gift wrap and stationery at only £1 each.

It was a perfect way for me to make new friends and meet new people, especially with all 3 of my children starting new schools, and I also held a 'card party' for friends and neighbours as a good way to re-integrate myself back with my neighbours.
If anyone is interested in receiving a catalogue, please just e-mail me at nlhowlett@btinternet.com and I will be very happy to pop you one in the post.
So what will my first crafty project of 2010 be? Well, I fancy making a door stop for my hallway and also have an idea for something I want to make for my little girl, just need to get my backside in gear!
Happy New Year to you all xxx

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