tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45680629085894604132024-03-21T18:46:01.612+00:00Cosmos and CottonMy Bouquet of life with kids, making, baking, sewing, crochet and all things vintage ofcourseHannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-15966040265666453672014-11-02T17:35:00.002+00:002014-11-02T17:35:25.439+00:00November Mandalong and a Paleo Pumpkin Pie recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello and Happy Halloween! I honestly can't believe that we have already stepped foot into November, where has the year gone? Before we know it we will be hanging tinsel and sipping mulled wine (well some of us anyway). </div>
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Earlier this month we took the kids to see Disney on Ice and to be honest it came as a bit of surprise to us all as both hubby and I kinda forgot that we bought the tickets ages ago, don't you just love it when this happens? We didn't tell the kids we were going and it was so lovely to see the excitement and complete shock light up on there little faces as soon as we walked through the arena doors. The show was amazing and the ice skaters did such an awesome job, just a shame that the much loved Elsa didn't make an appearance in the end, one little girl was very disappointed. </div>
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Many of my old readers will know that even though I love a good plan, I also like to wing things, nothing is more satisfying that just going with the flow to see where we end up. When I started this blanket, I made no attempt to try and calculate how many squares I would need, in fact I went and bought 9 balls of wool in colours that I liked and thought that that would do the job. Well, it seems that unless I want a toe warmer I might have slightly misjudged the situation. As a matter of fact it seems I am going to need a great deal more squares before I can call it a blanket of sorts. So I am interested to hear from those of you who have made a blanket big enough for a single/small double, how many balls of wool did you use? So sadly for now, I have had to move it to the back burner to make space for other little projects that I need to work on, but I am still enjoying admiring them from a distance as they do look rather pretty and cheery. </div>
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At the beginning of the school holidays we set off to visit a good friend of mine who lives in Knaresborough. We had such a lovely weekend with them and enjoyed a really lovely visit to the 12th century Knaresborough Castle, which I must say was rather fabulous. I love spending time in Knaresborough, it is such a pretty market town.</div>
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Halloween is something my kids, especially little Es talks about all year long, in fact she absolutely loves it, so needless to say this week our house was running high on Halloween fever. </div>
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We had fun decorating the house and ...</div>
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a little more fun decorating ourselves before we set off to go and watch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2262227/">The Book of Life</a> at the cinemas dressed and ready to scare. In fact I had to do a little alterations to my make up as I didn't want kids running out of the cinema because they were too scared of the woman sitting behind them, so I opted for red lips rather than stitched up lips in the end. </div>
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The kids had a ball trick or treating and came back with enough sweets to last a month, so all in all two very happy kids. Happy Halloween!!</div>
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I even managed to do a little experimental baking on the day and ended up with a grain free and dairy free pumpkin pie, which to be honest was so so easy to make and both me and hubby (who are both paleo now) absolutely loved it, in fact ssh don't tell anyone but its gone. At least this time of year we can blame the ghosts, now who said whooooo?!</div>
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I shared the recipe on Instagram, but for anyone interested here goes.</div>
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To make the grain free pastry I used</div>
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250g ground almonds</div>
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4-5 tbsp melted coconut oil (you don't want it too sloppy so start with 4 and then add another if you need to)</div>
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2 tbsp honey</div>
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1 egg beaten</div>
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Simply mix all these ingredients together and then push it into a pie dish, I just use my hands and push it in ensuring that it covers the entire dish. You don't want it too thin or too thick. Bake at 180C for 10 mins max.</div>
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For the filling</div>
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1 can pumpkin puree</div>
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1 can coconut milk</div>
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2 tsp ground cinnamon</div>
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1 tsp freshly grated </div>
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3 tbsp of honey</div>
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2 eggs beaten</div>
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I popped all these ingredients into my mixer, make sure to mix thoroughly before pouring it onto your pastry. </div>
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Bake for 40-45 minutes and leave for at least 20+ minutes before serving. </div>
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I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I think we will be making another one very soon.</div>
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So before I go, I will quickly share my November mandala with you. This month I made Marinke Slump's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/12-round-mandala">12 Round Mandala</a> as I figured it would be a little strange doing a whole year's of mandala's without using the staple pattern used by the queen of Mandala's right?! </div>
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It is a quick and easy pattern to make and I really like the look of it too. Not my usual colour choices, but it was suppose to be gifted, so I opted for something a little different. Sadly I don't think I can gift it now as I am not very happy with the end result of the use of the standing stitch. It has created some holes in the mandala, which gives it a rather unfinished look. I have used standing stitches on other crochet projects in the past, but I have never used it with a mandala and I am not sure I am going to rush to do it again. I would really like to hear your experiences with using a standing stitch with mandala's or crochet in the round for that matter. Did it create a holes???</div>
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Last month I also mentioned that I had an idea and well, I figured a few mini mandala coasters might come in handy. What do you think? </div>
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I really like them and they are so so quick to make. It took me an evening to make all four, so I have a little nifty plan to hook up a few more to slot into some Christmas presents. Speaking of Christmas, this month I decided that we should hook up something in preparing for the big day in December and I figured if we like it, it gives us enough time to make a few more for presents. Fortunately the very lovely <a href="http://myrosevalley.blogspot.co.uk/#uds-search-results">Annette</a> behind the gorgeous blog My Rose Valley kindly agreed for us to use and share her beautiful <a href="http://myrosevalley.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/last-minute-christmas-mandala-free.html">Christmas Mandala</a>, so who's playing? It looks like a straight forward pattern to work and I love the Scandi chic style finish that it gives. I can see a few of these scattered around the house at Christmas. So for anyone on Instagram, please make sure to use the following hashtags: monthlymandalong, christmasmandala, myrosevalley and that way Annette can also see what you guys have been hooking up. Obviously I would still like you all to link up your pretties at the bottom of the page, so go on grab your hook and some christmassy cotton, you know you want to!!</div>
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So that is it for today my lovelies. I have been thoroughly enjoying some very beautiful sun rises before the clocks went back last weekend. We have been quite lucky that its been quite mild here in the North of England, but its all set to change tomorrow, so get those woollens out and light those fires or if yore lucky enough to live in the southern hemisphere I suppose it's flip flop time. I hope you are warm wherever you are and I also wish you all a beautiful and happy November. </div>
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Make some beautiful memories!</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-92140889124715887572014-10-02T20:11:00.003+01:002014-10-02T20:11:44.860+01:00September saw so many beautiful things including a Mandala<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello lovely readers, it seems that I have been a little quiet here lately, but I intend to make up for it in buckets today as I have heaps to share with you. September has been a beautiful month here in the North of England as we were blessed with beautiful clear skies and warm autumnal sunshine. This meant that far too much time was spent on my yoga mat outside and far too little time holding my crochet hook, logging into my computer or let alone mention the old sewer that seems to be gathering a great deal of dust of late. I did however manage to turn my September Monthly Mandala, that I wrote about <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/september-monthly-mandalong.html">here</a>, into a cushion and I must say that I am rather pleased with the outcome. It has been my intention for a while to make a ripple blanket, but seeing that I still haven't managed to get around to it, this seems to at least satisfy a small part of that chevron urge, for now anyway. </div>
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Sadly the light at this time of year is not particularly good in this little space of ours and to be honest the photo doesn't really do it justice. I don't know about the rest of you in the Northern hemisphere, but there has definitely been a shift in light and rooms are feeling much darker (and colder). I have started lighting candles again and there is no doubt that autumn has finally kicked his cold toes under my blanket. For me this change most certainly became most noticeable after the appearance of the Harvest moon this month, did you see it? Oh my it was really spectacular! They say that it tends to be larger and more colourful than other moons due to the tilt of the earth and the reflection from the atmosphere and I have to say that it looked so very big and colourful from the bedroom window.</div>
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September has been a month of harvest here too, with runner beans, cucumber, beets, and lots and lots of kale making it into our kitchen. Fortunately it also seems that we may even have enough Kale for another month or two, which is a blessing as we do love a bit of Kale in our house. Have any of you tried making kale chips, if not you must, its so easy (kale + olive oil+ salt+oven=delicious!). I also enjoyed the last of our delicious apples and am currently thinking of ways in which we can squeeze in another apple or pear tree in the garden, but I am faced with the slight dilemma that the little wendy play house is in the exact spot I would like to plant it, so I might have to wait a few years for the kids to outgrow their little space. </div>
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September has been a month of struggle with my health, but it hasn't stopped me from becoming even more obsessed with yoga than I already was (not that I thought that was possible!). I was also incredibly lucky to enjoy two days of being taught by the very talented yogini, <a href="http://www.kinoyoga.com/">Kino MacGregor</a>. Lets just keep this short and say that it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, I really enjoyed every minute of it even though my batteries were a little flat at times, it definitely is a memory I will always cherish. Here is a little memento of my weekend with Kino.</div>
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September has been a month of slowly getting back to warmer foods and soups. I have experimented with Vegetable Soup, Tomato and Basil soup and made my all time favourite Carrot and Coriander Soup. For those of you who follow me on instagram @Scrummytritious, some of the recipes are there. For the rest of you, here is the recipe for my vegetable soup.</div>
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So basically to make the vegetable soup, you are going to need:<br />
Tablespoon of Coconut oil<br />
7 Large Carrots<br />
3 Large Courgettes<br />
3 Onions<br />
2 Stalks Celery<br />
A generous bunch of fresh Coriander<br />
2 Cubes of gluten free vegetable stock (I use Kallo Organic)<br />
1.5L of water<br />
Some Himalayan Rock salt & pepper to taste<br />
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Method<br />
Chop all your vegetables (medium size chunks). Gentle fry the onions and carrots for around 5 minutes, then add the celery and cook for around 5 minutes before adding the stock and water. Bring to boil and then reduce to a simmer and then add the courgette. Cook for around 10 minutes max and then add the coriander before blending it partly with a hand blender, leaving some chunks of vegetables in there. Enjoy!<br />
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Septemeber also saw the return of a loaf of bread to our lives. We have now been Paleo gosh for around seven to eight months and even though I wasn't having much bread before I was still enjoying the odd bit of grains, like rice and things baked with brown rice flour every now and then. This <a href="http://www.image.ie/Living/Foodie/Paleo-Sun-Dried-Tomato-Basil-Bread/">recipe</a> for this delicious Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Bread is completely Paleo and made with ground almonds. I use ground almonds often, but have never thought of making a savoury bread with it and I must say it was delicious and I will definitely be making it again very soon. </div>
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September saw our gigantic sunflower come into bloom. For some reason we NEVER succeed in planting sunflowers and even though we planted over seven establish seedlings, I think the Raven's and Jackdaws must have been too quick to dig out the seeds still attached to the plant. Does anyone else experience this? Fortunately for us, this beauty was overlooked and how very special for us. </div>
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September also finally saw the final touches going on to our stairs that has been a WIP for many many months. Earlier this year I had this massive urge to remove the rather tired looking carpet from our stairs. To be honest it is something I have been meaning to do ever since I since I received <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Home-projects-furniture-decorating/dp/0857831429/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412273519&sr=1-1">this </a>beautiful book from a friend for Christmas 2012. The problem you see is that I never thought I would have the guts to pull and see what mess lies beneath an old tattered carpet. Well it seems that one very cold and frosty January morning, those worries and concerns where very far from my mind, instead I felt brave and ready to conquer all (I must have had a mild does of brain freeze one thinks). I must add here that it has taken me a little longer than anticipated, but I got there in the end and wow, what a transformation. I love this idea and it has made such a difference to the light and feel of our very narrow staircase. Thank you Sarah Moore for your wonderful inspiration, it seems collecting old wallpaper does come in handy after all. I used an eclectic mix of mostly old, but a few modern prints are hiding in here too as I really like the combination of old and new. </div>
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Last, but not least, September has also been a month for yet another monthly mandala and this month it was the rather sweet little mandala pattern by Zooty Owl as mentioned <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/september-monthly-mandalong.html">here</a>. This fun little Granny Mini Mandala pattern is super quick to work and as I have also come to realise, it offers some rather fun alternative possibilities, but more on that another day. For now though it is show and tell time. </div>
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So for any of you who have joined in the yarn mandala fun, please add your mandala below. For next month I thought it might be fun to try Marinke Slump's 12-round mandala. For anyone interested you can find the pattern on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/12-round-mandala">Ravelry</a>. </div>
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Wishing you all a beautiful October.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-74079642242651004582014-09-02T20:07:00.004+01:002014-09-02T20:08:25.779+01:00September Monthly Mandalong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Helloooo. Well it seems that our lovely summer holiday has finally come to an end and the kids returned to school today with rather glum faces, and in truth mine wasn't a pretty picture either. I have so enjoyed having the kids at home, it truly was a blessing and even though there were moments where I felt the need to pull my hair out (well actually I would need more than a moment to achieve this), on the whole it was peaceful and fun. Both little J & E mostly played together harmoniously and have somehow rekindled their love for each other, something that usually gets lost during term time, I mean its not really cool having your small sis as your best friend.</div>
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When the kids were very little, well up to the point when they both went to school, so really not that long ago, we always found that they would prefer to play with each other when in the company of others kids. I use to really love this about my kids, this deep routed love that they somehow have anchored for each other, possibly during some difficult years where we were cooped inside whilst I was housebound, but like they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Even this morning when we set off for school there were hugs for each other (obviously NOT in the playground, oh heaven forbid!), but it melted my heart. To be honest I didn't need anything to melt my heart this morning, I was tearful from the moment I woke and when I had big cuddles with little J, he was very perplexed as to why Mummy had all these tears streaming down her face. Oh how do you ever explain the love you feel for your child. The love of a parent is something so special, it is a gift and one that should NEVER be taken for granted. I feel sick as I sit here and type this as the house is quiet and my babies are most probably very ready to come home, but what scares me most is the pace life is moving. In a few years I won't have these long cuddles with my son where I can plant a million kisses all over his face whilst he buries his head in the fold of my neck. No, I know, they will be replaced by silent grunts even when he has the urge to hug or kiss. Thankfully we can capture these moments and seal them at the bottom of our hearts and hopefully we can hold on to them till our very last days. One thing I have learnt from the last seven years is that every new phase bring new beautiful memories, so I know they don't end here.</div>
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So, to stop the flow of tears, I am swiftly moving on to something a little more cheerful, yes my Mandala. I must confess that I am now officially in the habit of leaving this to the last minute so I will endeavour to start this a little earlier next month. This months mandala was the <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/daisy-centre-mandala-square.html">Daisy Centre Mandala Square</a> by the very talented Zelina Olivier. I again used Drops Paris, as it simply is the best yarn for mandala's in my opinion, if you take away the weaving in ends bit. </div>
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For some reason the cotton always splits when you try and weave in the ends, which is really the only thing I dislike about Drops Paris. It is a fairly simply pattern to work from and I wanted to have something a little different from my usual colour scheme, something a little 'warmer', yes a little more autumnal. Last winter I lost my heart on mustard and even throughout the summer I just couldn't get enough of this beautiful colour, in fact so much so that I had to invest in not one, but yes two mustard bags whilst on our jolly in Italy (but more on that another day). </div>
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I must confess that there was a bit of pulling out towards the end as I tried desperately to finish this whilst trying to focus on the amazing routines on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021nzx5">Tumble</a>. Honestly I just LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this show! Aren't those celebrities just doing the most fantastic job. So common spill the beans, does anyone else watch this and do you like it or love it? We initially recorded it for little E, who started doing gymnastics a term ago and absolutely loves it, but it seems this Mamma is enjoying a great deal more than little E. What I would do to do a little gymnastics, mind you I would seriously injure myself!!! So yes the problem with crocheting mandala's is that they do involve a bit of counting and concentrating at times, which can prove a little difficult when you can't take your eyes off the telly!</div>
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If I am honest I really thought that this Mandala would be a great deal smaller than it turned out, but actually I am delighted with the finished size as its inspired me to make something with it, but for now I will have to keep you guessing! Unfortunately I haven't blocked it yet, so none of these images do it justice as I always find blocking your work makes the world of difference. </div>
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So for October, I have chosen something small (yes clearly I still have this urge to make a slightly smaller Mandala, so lets hope this is!) and again I have chosen a pattern by Zelina Olivier. I promise to move on to someone else at some point, but I really enjoy Zelina's designs and patterns and the problem is there are so many of them that I want to make! What I like about this pattern is that I think this pattern might make quite a few little presents for Christmas (oops, yes there I have said it!). So for anyone interested in joining in, you can either make a mandala of your choice, or you can find the pattern for the <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/granny-mini-mandala.html">Granny Mini Mandala</a> here. </div>
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That's it for today my lovelies. A big and warm welcome to all my lovely new followers, I hope you enjoy your visits here and I look forward to getting to know you a little better. For now though I have to get the sprogs from school and I am going to leave you with a lovely memory of our last morning in bed before school started (yes not the most glamorous, but who cares about that!). </div>
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Happy September and Happy Autumn & Spring!</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-22330012932396433462014-08-09T12:00:00.000+01:002014-08-09T12:00:00.564+01:00Sew and Tell<div style="text-align: center;">
So as promised a quick sew and tell, the truth is that if I had my way I would have my bottom firmly screwed down in front of the sewer for a good few hours a day, but hey somehow life gets in the way, but its not all bad.</div>
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So first up is my Margot pyjama bottoms. I was so excited when I first learned that Tilly Walnes was writing a book. I absolutely LOVED her in the first series of The Sewing Bee and was guttered when she had to leave. I just love everything about her style, so needless to say when she announced that you could pre order the book, I wasted no time. For those of you who haven't flicked through this fabulous book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-First-Stitch-Demystifying-Dressmaking/dp/1849493650/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407326182&sr=8-1&keywords=tilly+books">'Love at First Stitch:Demystifying Dressmaking'</a>, you should seriously do yourself a favour and get your mitts on it. It has some really lovely sewing ideas with some lovely patterns. I really love the fact that the patterns are all full sized, so no enlarging or faffing required, which suits a gal like me down to the ground.</div>
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Now for quite some time I have been meaning to make some PJ's and seeing that there are quite a few easy patterns floating around on Pinterest it was only going to be a matter of time before I got around to it. The first time I flicked through this book, I immediately knew what my first project was going to be, yes you guessed it, the Margot PJ's. I bought the fabric, but as is often the case it got put to one side to make room for something else, well that was until I could wait no longer and as they say the rest, well, was history.</div>
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These are really easy PJ's that you can make in next to no time. I think all in all (ignoring hand sewing the hem) it took me a few hours, but now that I know what I am doing I suspect it will take me a little less time to make the next pair, they are just too comfy not to!</div>
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A few weeks ago, I spied a fabulous looking magazine on no other than the very lovely <a href="http://lazydaisyjones.blogspot.co.uk/">Daisy</a>'s Instagram feed and it was only a matter of days before I was flicking through it. I love everything about this magazine (thank you Daisy!), it is so varied with so many different and lovely sewing ideas and projects, in fact I can feel a little subscription coming up, ssshhh don't tell hubby! This months issue comes with a pattern for a rather lovely little tunic, so I wasted no time in reaching for my shweshwe fabric, which I purchased during our recent visit to South Africa, and got started.</div>
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Again, seriously, this is an easy peasy pattern to follow and such a quick sew for a rather lovely finish. My only criticism about it is that it came out far too big for my liking so yet again I had to take it in! This seems to be an ongoing trend with my dressmaking, but I suspect sooner than later I will start understanding what my true size is. </div>
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If it wasn't for the alterations, this would have taken no more than a few hours from start to finish. It is simple and uncomplicated and for any new sewers out there, give it a go!! I am definitely going to make another one, in fact it would seem a shame not to!</div>
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So whilst I was packing and tidying, I spotted a pattern for a sunglasses case (again part of this month's Love Sewing Magazine) and needless to say I just somehow had to make one...</div>
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Fortunately it was really quick sew that I just about managed to squeeze in and I must say I'm very impressed with yet another Sewgirl pattern. The only criticism, yes you've guessed it, its a little too big for my liking ;-), in fact its the perfect little make-up bag.</div>
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So that's it for today and for my sew and tell. We are soon jetting off on summer jolly and going back to beautiful Tuscany, so needless to say we are all feeling a little giddy with excitement, but as usual there is quite a lot to get ready and prepared, so I better get on with it! Wishing you all a beautiful couple of week and leaving you today with some beautiful lavender from the garden (Ma this one is for you!).</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-22542838099782480002014-08-06T12:54:00.001+01:002014-08-06T12:54:01.220+01:00A little trip to the seaside<div style="text-align: center;">
The day after the schools broke up for the summer holiday we set off for a few days to beautiful Anglesey. After our recent visit (which I spoke about <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/a-new-computer-and-little-update.html">here</a>) we just knew that we didn't want to wait too long before we dipped our toes in the gorgeous coastline around Anglesey. By the time the last few manic weeks of school term was over we were all very ready for a few days of chillaxing by the seaside.</div>
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What is it with pitching tents that brings out the 'man' in us all. It surely is a sure way to see who wears the trousers in the house, and when it comes to pitching the tent there sure is a tussle for the braces in our household! Needless to say this can lead to all sorts of dilemmas when the real testosterone kicks in and one knows when to step back jack! So yes apart from the sweltering heat and the fact that it really annoys me that men can just take their tops off whenever they are hot (not fair right?!), not to mention water the plants when they need to spend a penny and then get to take over when pitching the tent, it all went swimmingly well and by the time we were pitched, we were very sweaty and very ready for a dip in the freezing cold Atlantic and cool this hothead of mine! Fortunately for me I grew up swimming in the Cape, so these waters are pretty warm by comparison. I think if you can swim at <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bloubergstrand&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=8lbeU6j-J8W90QWD24GIBA&ved=0CCQQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=611">Bloubergstrand</a> in the Cape, you can swim pretty much anywhere.</div>
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We enjoyed lovely cups of teas, ice creams and food from this gorgeous little cafe on Lligwy Beach. For anyone on Instagram, you may very well be familiar with Cheryl's gorgeous feed (@thehouseonahill). It was so lovely to meet her in person and to put a face to an Instagram account that I love. Our little furry friend, Bryn, joined us for our camping jolly and I have to say the boy was so so good!! I think he has fairly earned his camping badge and deserves a gold medal for being the best behaved dog in the campsite and on the beach! This could very possibly be because he felt at home, after all he is Welsh, hence the name Bryn. We all had a good few giggles at road names called after him.</div>
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Little E and myself enjoyed some morning yoga on our first morning followed by a lovely healthy breakfast. There's always something to forget when you go camping and this time it was the kettle!!! (yes OH NO! you heard her say), especially seeing that I am a gal who likes my teas no matter where I am. Fortunately I could use our coffee pot and our friends arrived with two kettles by mistake, I mean what are the chances?!</div>
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On our first evening there we enjoyed THE most spectacular sunset and this was the view from our tent. I mean how tiny and insignificant does this big sun make you feel, but doesn't it feel good to know that we are blessed to live in a world where are free to walk outside and enjoy the benefits that this beautiful star bring.</div>
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On day two friends joined us for the rest of our stay and it was just jolly nice to be in good company with like minded friends. We enjoyed a trip to the Beautiful Cable Bay, definitely one of my favourite beaches now, where we all just spent the day swimming, playing bats, badminton, frisbee, whilst enjoying lunch and cups of tea on the beach. Lets just say we did it in style (do we need an excuse? heck no!).</div>
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We did have a plan to enjoy fish and chips on the beach one night, but sadly it started to rain and we made it to a fish and chips shop where we could sit outside and enjoy our meal and I hasten to add that not only did they allow us to drink some wine, but I also enjoyed some GLUTEN free fish, I mean really, who would have thought! I honestly can't remember the last time I ate fish and chips, but one thing is for sure it was good. </div>
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The rest of the time we just enjoyed Lligwy Bay, our local beach, which was literally a three minute walk from the campsite. The kids built sandcastles, played in the water, played beach bats and frisbee, whilst us oldies joined in or just relaxed.</div>
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We were very lucky with the weather as it all changed on our last night there , which honestly I think was quite fun for the kids as we enjoyed a meal cooked in the tent, games and stories, it was a whole new experience for them.</div>
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I was a little unsure about how I was going to cope with camping for four nights, but honestly I can't believe how much I did physically. It was AMAZING!!!! We were all in bed by 11 and the kids were flat out till around 7.30 - 8am every morning (the above pic was the kids flat out till after 8.30 one morning!). Lets not talk about the noisy birds (not me for once) as its a sore point with the other half! It just felt so so good to have a little taste of life again and especially seeing that we were always big on camping, it feels so good to have done something we both enjoy with our kids at an age they will most probably remember.<br />
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I feel that all the hard work I have put in this year is paying off. I swam in the sea, I even played beach bats and most of all I walked, yes I didn't use my wheels once, so it was such a massive breakthrough for me. I will add that I am feeling it this week, but then I can't expect it all to be good without any payback, that's just not the way Fibromyalgia or ME works, but I know that with rest and care it will get better. It is definitely a little trickier now that the kids are home, and despite the fact that we have a super busy week planned, I will do what I know works best, good food, yoga and a little down time. I am still incredibly strict with my routine and diet and I am feeling all the much better for it. There is one word the keeps coming back to me over and over, if you are DISCIPLINED, you can achieve so much in life!</div>
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Leaving you with this sweet little sign, that pretty much sums up how I feel!</div>
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Wishing you all a wonderful week.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-52708573056145706082014-08-03T16:51:00.001+01:002014-08-03T16:51:09.095+01:00Monthly Mandalong<div style="text-align: center;">
Helloooo. Well its a good thing I've got this monthly mandalong thingy going on as otherwise I would never get to blogland. Honestly I don't know where the time goes or what I do with it (well I do to some extend), but I never seem to have time to sit down to read blogs or even write to you all. I must confess I do miss reading all your news and staying tuned with all your crafty developments (sorry for being so slack!). For now though the school holidays are in full swing and it seems I have survived the first week, phew! Only another four and a half to go :-)) she says. We quickly forget just how full on it is having the kids home 24 hours a day! To be honest I am quite enjoying it and we have been super busy, so there's been no time to sit and just be (which I miss!). So without wasting anymore time let me share my recent mandala with you.</div>
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As mentioned last month, I agreed to make another Starflower Mandala for Lucy (Attic24) for the Yarndale Festival. At first the idea seemed pretty straightforward especially considering that I had already made one, I mean how hard can it be?! Well my dearies it seems that this girl here grumbled and groused and pulled out row after row, possibly because I was trying to do this on route to Anglesey and back whilst being the co-driver. Is it just me or is being the co-driver harder work than being the driver, especially with non stop demands from the kids at the back? Anyone else have this problem?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMB5mX7F7MBt_KewNApnygl1ZbxBtSroXGtRynGp2xrrOMg4PZjok8pqhxYFCyJHBnRiXjYrLrHawi1Tzslv4vhVpkX4e7CiZXARnUGHlBuarHT74i84M3dH4lgHzHOZMZCdU5m4mi_c/s1600/augmandala9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMB5mX7F7MBt_KewNApnygl1ZbxBtSroXGtRynGp2xrrOMg4PZjok8pqhxYFCyJHBnRiXjYrLrHawi1Tzslv4vhVpkX4e7CiZXARnUGHlBuarHT74i84M3dH4lgHzHOZMZCdU5m4mi_c/s1600/augmandala9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So yes for me this gorgeous pattern by the very talented <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/">Zelina Olivier</a> does require some attention and its not the kind of project you can work on whilst doing other things (well that was my experience anyway). Once I found a few minutes here and there to do a little uninterrupted crocheting, it was plain sailing. Clearly bad planning on my part, I should have finished it before the schools broke up, lesson learnt (or has it now?!). </div>
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I really loved doing this project in Drops Paris and much prefer the final finish to the Stylecraft Special that I <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/july-monthly-mandalong.html">crocheted</a> last month. I also really love the colours that I used for this <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/starflower-mandala-pattern.html">starflower</a>. I wanted to have something summery, yes a bit like Ice Cream and I am very happy with the way it turned out. In fact as I was photographing this I found that it perfectly matched our deck chair, so need I say more!</div>
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In fact there is a little part of me that doesn't really want to part with this mandala and I have to confess (even if it is through gritted teeth) that I might just have to make another starflower mandala.</div>
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So the next Mandala pattern yet again comes from the very talented <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/daisy-centre-mandala-square.html">Zelina Olivier</a> and honestly I am feeling a little exited to start making this pretty daisy in a square mandala. Personally I am already envisaging ticking a few crimbo pressies off the list (ssshhh don't tell anyone!). So for any of you interested in joining in you can find<a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/daisy-centre-mandala-square.html"> this</a> pattern on the lovely Zelina's blog and you can add the link to next month's link up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9SjgDyWFsYGNOA93_YZifcPeVRypFNdw2RKfoZl38Ssev2xRKxBGiMNWdsddwmblkQUEf7C4o9V4o7EQRVL2GoaFN5ePZo6MBMDmFghnyV7wGzHZ6EQjJIWY8-DXE-LBW2AMyYruFOg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9SjgDyWFsYGNOA93_YZifcPeVRypFNdw2RKfoZl38Ssev2xRKxBGiMNWdsddwmblkQUEf7C4o9V4o7EQRVL2GoaFN5ePZo6MBMDmFghnyV7wGzHZ6EQjJIWY8-DXE-LBW2AMyYruFOg/s1600/014.JPG" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo from Zelina Olivier's blog: Zooty Owl's Crafty Blog</i></div>
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For those of you who have made a mandala this month, you can add it to the link below. Thank you to everyone who has participated to the Monthly Mandalong thus far, it has been fun seeing all your beautiful creations. Honestly I am really enjoying doing this, it is a good way to ensure that I do something different every month and if I am honest also good to be crocheting as I seem to be a little obsessed with sewing right now. Speaking of which, I will pop back before we jet off to show and tell a few sewing makes. For now though, its time to alter a tunic and to prepare the roast dinner for tonight. I hope you all have enjoyed a glorious weekend. Thank you for stopping by!</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-12625114606233535012014-07-17T20:20:00.000+01:002014-07-17T20:20:02.754+01:00and so she sews...<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about you, but for me I always have this list of things I would like to achieve before the school holidays kick in. I know as soon as the first day of the school holidays start I can wave my little crafty project goodbye. So amongst many other things,<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Simplicity-sewing-pattern-14-22-Dress/dp/B00CYK5IXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405620492&sr=8-1&keywords=simplicity+1609"> this</a> dress was on this so called list. I will add here that since the beginning of the year, when life changed directions, my so called to-do-lists were chucked out the back door and I must confess that even though there are days I feel very tempted to put a pencil to paper to make a list or two (as really I am a gal who likes a good list), I no longer allow myself the pleasure. So when I refer to this before-the-holiday-start-list, it really is very much a mental list, but hopefully it comes without the pressure (or so she says!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TqvhEbynECqM2ewxhZCeGkYsGfqsSHmBtNBm9qvykWnXT6Kf9IdrqllBxN7DRKOT2mCTBsmFcRACQhLtmOCpJtL6XspvugHtDnspjwfhuYOYO3XHAlrZdj_8j7ILnMc1pEHt-PX9AzM/s1600/retrodress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TqvhEbynECqM2ewxhZCeGkYsGfqsSHmBtNBm9qvykWnXT6Kf9IdrqllBxN7DRKOT2mCTBsmFcRACQhLtmOCpJtL6XspvugHtDnspjwfhuYOYO3XHAlrZdj_8j7ILnMc1pEHt-PX9AzM/s1600/retrodress3.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></div>
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So coming back to this dress. Now a few years ago I was in our local fent shop when I spotted this rather gorgeous, what I would class as retro looking, fabric and I knew that despite the fact that it was rather pricey, I just had to buy it there and then. Now years later I found the pattern and it seems the rest is history. Honestly from start to finish it didn't take too long, we are not talking hours here, in fact much more like days, but it was still good going for me that is. I seem to be getting a little better at understanding patterns and how to use them and this one threw a few tricky curve balls my way just to make sure I was concentrating, but I got there in the end (oh Google what would I do without thee!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcvnjcULaj5nwvSfM5FcymmvaTW5XHKYY4Bp2WnFlRHD35NOHlUMxF-Cmjf3xb8ulo47CS0yh_ak7METseysktDuPoc3ILCYUJTpfahYbHBUuPiyFE6mCPdY4cXLshVoMlp6tcloK-Zk/s1600/retrodress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcvnjcULaj5nwvSfM5FcymmvaTW5XHKYY4Bp2WnFlRHD35NOHlUMxF-Cmjf3xb8ulo47CS0yh_ak7METseysktDuPoc3ILCYUJTpfahYbHBUuPiyFE6mCPdY4cXLshVoMlp6tcloK-Zk/s1600/retrodress1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now as I was nearing the end, having just done all my interfacings, I was trying to trim away some of the excess bulk around the neck and arm areas in order to get a clean and crisp press finish. Well it was all going swimmingly, until my Fiskars Micro Tip scissors couldn't get through the bulk of the layers of fabric and I reached for sewing scissors, when yes, brace yourselves, I cut through my dress, yes interfacing, dress and all. Now all you Instagram folk shared my panic and pain and offered much support and fortunately after a knock on the door, a cuppa, and a moment to breath, I returned on a mission to put it right and fortunately I managed to do just that, phew! (yes a big phew!).</div>
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One thing I am still struggling with is to ensure the dress fits <u>me</u> perfectly. Both the dresses that I have made fit, but not like a glove and that is the whole point of making your own clothes right. So this is something that I need to figure out. I am forever having to take darts in to get it a little snugger and after wearing this dress for the first time today I will be making a few alterations to it over the next couple of days. So if anyone has any good advice on good books or youtube links, please share as I would be very interested to hear your input.</div>
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As for the rest of my mental list (no pressure is the mantra!) there are quite a few things I would like to achieve by next Tuesday, but honestly when I look at the calendar, I can only but sigh and breathe as it is looking rather unlikely.<br />
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This week Tuesday we celebrated 15 years of being together and it has been the best 15 years of my life. Who would have thought that 15 years ago when we sat in some dingy pub in London just off Fleet street and my man plucked up the courage to ask me to court with him (yes he comes with good manners!), that we would be the best team ever. We work so well together, we gel in oh so many ways and I love my man more than words can say and there is not a day that I don't feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Tuesdays are busy days in our household and by the time we get back from gymnastic, kids are fractious and hungry, this week to add insult to injury little J joined hubby for an orienteering fell race and by the time they both walked through the door tired and muddy it was LATE.<br />
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A table was set in the garden for the two of us, nothing fancy but all the same it was special. The kids enjoyed a late telly session whilst us grown ups longingly looked into each others eyes declaring our undying love to each other (well actually it was more along the lines of 'oh my what the hell happened in parliament today?', need I say more!). One thing is for sure, Romance is NOT dead in our house. It was such a lovely evening and I look forward to sharing another 45 years with my man. He is my best friend, lover and the most amazing Dad to our two kids, what more could I ask for in one lifetime! I am truly blessed.<br />
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(and yes of course there had to be a little dessert, Paleo all the same. Basically its one avocado, cacao powder, a little honey, one can coconut milk, and some dates. A bit of an improvisation and it possibly needs a little tweaking but one day when I get around to setting up my new blog it will be on there! All in all not too shabby at all).</div>
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That's it for today, I will be back soon with another project that I worked on this week, for now though I am wishing you all a very lovely week.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-36340621201266114662014-07-13T20:34:00.000+01:002014-07-13T20:34:20.742+01:00A sweet little crocheted Hexie showermatToday I quickly wanted to share a sweet little hexie shower mat that I finished a few weeks ago. I am quite a neutral kinda girl, especially when it comes to the bathrooms, I like whites, greys and muted colours, so I figured it might be time to step out a little and inject a spot of colour into our very grey shower room.<br />
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I used Drops Paris yet again largely because I know exactly what I am going to end up with. I know from experience that my stool covers and step cover get a great deal of daily use, which means they are often hanging on the washing line and always come out looking like new. A shower mat is something that you want to wash often so this is the perfect yarn for the job. It has already been washed and as expected it came out looking even better than when it went in.</div>
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So basically it is 29 hexies all sewn together or join as you go and you end up with a rather lovely shower or bath mat. </div>
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In fact we are loving it so much that I will soon have to make one for the bath room. They really don't take that long to throw together (if you ignore sewing in those pesky ends!). </div>
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A short and sweet post today. Wishing you all a fantabulous day!</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
<br />Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-2439680531365245132014-07-01T19:09:00.000+01:002014-07-01T19:09:02.928+01:00July Monthly Mandalong<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello and happy July to all you lovely people out there. Honestly I can't believe that we are half way through 2014, where is the time going? Someone please slow that wagon down!! So lets not waste any and get straight to today's post which is all about a MANDALA. For my most recent Monthly Mandalong, I decided to crochet the gorgeous <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/starflower-mandala-pattern.html">Starflower Mandala</a> by the very clever Zelna Olivier and I must confess that not only do I love it, but I thoroughly enjoyed making it, which is the reason we do it right?!</div>
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It was my first time to make a mandala using Stylecraft DK and I really like the end result of it. It is not as thick as Drops Paris cotton and doesn't really offer that perfect trivet feel, but it is really soft and looks beautiful draped over one of my little tables. </div>
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There was no specific colour strategy it was all about going with the flow, which made it all the more fun to work.</div>
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Don't be mistaken, this is no ordinary Mandala, no it really is lovely and big and personally I think it will make a wonderful cushion cover. I know one little creature would definitely like it as his little seat or bed cover, so I suspect there might be another two future projects for the log book. Thank you Zelna for kindly sharing this beautiful pattern with us, it certainly was a real pleasure to make.<br />
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Now I suspect many of you have been beavering away making mandala's for the Yarndale Festival, sadly I couldn't include it in my Monthly Mandalong for June as planned, but I have spoken to Lucy and it seems that she is after some Starflower Mandala's but made in Cotton, which will look fabulous! Lucy is hoping to use a few of the large <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/starflower-mandala-pattern.html">Starflower Mandalas</a> to suspend from the ceiling for an extra wow effect, so if anyone is up to the challenge that would be great, just drop me a line at the bottom of the post so Lucy has an idea of how many she is likely to receive. For those of you who have already done their bit and don't fancy another, I have an exiting mandala for us to work on next month, so stay tuned. For anyone wanting to know a little more about the Yarndale Festival and Lucy's input, you can read more <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2014/05/mandalas-for-yarndale.html">here</a>. </div>
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That's it for today, I hope you all have a lovely week and don't forget if you have a mandala to share, please add your link below.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat </div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-65078276641426371532014-06-24T14:54:00.000+01:002014-06-25T14:54:11.606+01:00A new computer and a little updateHello lovely people, oh I can't even remember when last I sat down to write a little post and to be honest I haven't a foggy as where to start. I still have so much news to catch up on, our trip to SA, little Es's party, general news and the monthly mandalong that I couldn't post thanks for our computer.<br />
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For months now our computer has been driving me doolally with taking ages to open, crashing all the time and not allowing me to do a blog post in under five hours. To be honest I stopped counting the number of times I wanted to throw the darn thing out of the window and jump on it, but I kept mindful and calm and carried on until we both finally blew a fuse and it just couldn't do NO MORE. So after a trip to the computer doctor, which half took some time we now are proud owners of a new computer that will hopefully make life a little easier, well she hopes! So without further ado, lets get on with the goss.<br />
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So yes, I know I am a month behind in my monthly mandalong and really I should be making that my first post, but I figured a month out wouldn't harm anyone and with so much other news to share, I would rather just get on with daily drivel. So in the last month I have enjoyed finishing a gorgeous little crochet project that I will share with you very soon, in the meantime here is a little sneak peak.<br />
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I also managed to do a little sewing. Now many of my regular readers will know that I am most certainly NOT a dressmaker, in fact I have only ever made a couple of dresses and two of those were for little E and two for myself. This time though I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I am hopeful that I will actually wear this dress, unlike the other two I made. I must confess that I find it hard to buy dress patterns that I actually like, but <a href="http://www.minervacrafts.com/simplicity-3833-simplicity-sewing-pattern-3833-miss-and-miss-petite-dresses-choice-of-sizes.html?gclid=CjkKEQjww6SdBRDls9vxsf7EoM0BEiQART_xPjxwY_3r8skNBfVp0J7WUDej6k6AO73WxIq5J-sRMcLw_wcB">this</a> sweet little pattern immediately caught my eye. It was a pretty straight forward sew, a zip in the back, some darts and some interfacing around the arms and neck. I also enjoyed adding a little trim around the neck, just to add that little something extra. I used some gorgeous traditional <a href="http://www.dagama.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=164">shweshwe</a> fabric that Mum gave me as an early birthday pressie when we were over in SA for Easter. I absolutely LOVED working with it and I also love the texture against my skin. All in all I am pretty pleased with the outcome and it has put me right back in the sewing zone.</div>
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Last week I celebrated my birthday and I had such a lovely day in the company of good friends and loved ones. I enjoyed a lovely lunch with a girlie on my actual birthday, but then several others throughout the rest of the week. Isn't it great when birthdays go on forever?! I was also thoroughly spoilt and received some gorgeous gifts and quite a number of plants and bunches of flowers. Thank you also to the very lovely <a href="http://joyjinkscreations.blogspot.co.uk/">Joy</a> who sent me a little something special all the way from Australia. We have become such lovely friends and I absolutely adore her and feel very blessed that our paths have crossed. Thank you Joy for sending through your gorgeous gifts and for making my day extra special.<br />
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So needless to say the girl had to make a birthday cake and even though I am still on my no sugar, no grains, no soy, no dairy lifestyle, we indulged in a very delicious Paleo chocolate cake that was beyond scrummy and yes there was a little exception for sugar on the day. For anyone interested you can find the recipe <a href="http://livinghealthywithchocolate.com/desserts/paleo-chocolate-cake-grain-gluten-dairy-free-3341/">here</a>. </div>
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This weekend just passed we braved it and went camping for the first time in five years. In fact the last time we went camping was when little E was three months old and it was shortly after we returned that I fell ill. I have always loved camping and have wonderful memories of camping with my family when I was a child. I was a little apprehensive about how I would cope with the lack of sleep and if I am honest it most probably wasn't the best idea, but I loved it all the same and had such wonderful time. </div>
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We drove to Anglesey, an area we have been dying to visit for so many years, and found a campsite two minutes walk from the beach, so perfect for me without my wheels. </div>
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It couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was warm, well it didn't rain, we were virtually right on a gorgeous sandy beach (I have a thing about this!) and the campsite was clean with everything you need. </div>
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We all loved it and even though the kids have been camping before (well E maybe won't remember), they just loved every minute. We made sandcastles, collected pebbles, did a little yoga every day, played football and swam in the sea. I think if anyone had to ask me what I would like to do before I die, it would be to have a swim in the sea, I love everything about it, the feeling of the saltwater on my skin, the cold sensations that swirl through my body and most of all I have to put my head under the water to get the complete sensory experience. The water was freezing, but for me that's all the better as it just fuels my veins with energy and life. I often wonder whether I was a fish in my previous life as I have always been a water baby, with a special love for the sea.</div>
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It was just sooooooo wonderful to be able to walk with my family and enjoy these little moments that I have been lying in bed dreaming about for so many years. Don't get me wrong they certainly exhausted me, but I did it and that for me is just such a massive achievement after years of struggling. </div>
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Lligway Bay is just such a beautiful place and the beaches are truly stunning, I would highly recommend a visit here. </div>
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I even got the opportunity to try out my birthday shoes and I have to say these shoes are just so very comfortable, thank you hubby!!</div>
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Well the weekend ended on a perfect note, a lovely cup of Teapigs chai at this very sweet little cafe on the beach after a wonderful swim. It certainly was a fabulous weekend and we are all looking forward to our next visit to Moelfre, Anglesey. </div>
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Well that's it for today, I will be sharing a little crochet with you soon and in the meantime I will try and catch up with some of your news. Wishing you all a very lovely week filled with happy moments and lots of laughter!</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-57309522176191016632014-05-25T20:02:00.002+01:002014-05-25T20:02:17.016+01:00This and that ...<div style="text-align: center;">
I just quickly wanted to pop in today to say HELLLOOOOO. It has been so wet and grey here in the North of England, but if I am honest, I have rather welcomed it. I am not sure how I will feel by Thursday with half term upon us and kids at home being cooped in, but for now it has been rather fun and mostly quite chillaxing.</div>
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Today I even managed a little time in the garden, yes with my rain coat on and I feel rather satisfied that things are slowly starting to take shape out there.</div>
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In fact I am actually super proud of my veggies (OK, there are only a few), but they are all planted from seed, which has been fun. The potatoes and kale is doing tremendously well and the spinach and beetroot is slowly coming into their own. Today I planted out the broccoli and rather sad looking cucumbers, so we will see what happens to these.</div>
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I am feeling just a tad excited bout the beautiful Camelia Japonica that I bought yesterday for a little spot in the back of our garden that has been rather neglected for quite some time. Largely because this gardening lark can be quite expensive, so it really does take time to get where you want to. It has also been one of those spots that I had far too many ideas for what I wanted to fill it with, but I am really pleased with my final decision and look forward to seeing this beauty grow. </div>
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We also bought another couple of beautiful Hydrangeas, one blue and one pink and just for fun I bought a St John's Wort. So for now I really haven't the foggiest what I am going to do with it, but I reckon that I will find many a good use for it somewhere along the line, especially seeing that I have recently been discovering that there are quite a few nifty tricks one can do with the odd herb and weed growing in the garden.</div>
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So for anyone who struggles with a cough that won't go away and one that's been lingering for a while,or for anyone who just fancies a little lymphatic cleanse (we all need it!), or for anyone who wants to boost their immune system, clear their skin or calm the nerves (reckon I will be needing it again towards the end of the school holiday!), wander into your garden and look for a weed called a 'Cleaver' (pictured above), and for anyone up for a giggle it also goes by the name of 'StickyWilly', so for once we might actually be happy to enjoy a little sticky willy every now and then (who would have thought! pardon me!!!). So basically what you do, pick a very generous handful and make sure to rinse it well and then chop it up, pour some cold water over it and let it stew overnight (with a lid on) and then the next day you can strain it off and drink up to five glasses of the water. To be honest it's actually quite tasty and the good news is that you won't die, I am still here. So for a full lymphatic cleanse you really need to drink it for a week, somewhere between three to five glasses per day and for those of you who can't be bothered with the overnight soaking, you can always stew it up as a tea with hot water if you like, either way it taste quite good. </div>
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So after this morning's little session in the garden, I enjoyed a little time playing games with the kids before embarking on a spot of Paleo baking. I have decided to try out the Paleo diet again, even though I have been here before as I am a firm believer that if something didn't work for you once it doesn't mean it won't work for you at another point in time. Our bodies are constantly changing and especially when you are ill. Take for example my attempts to remove ALL sugar from my diet (no honey, syrup, dried fruit, no nothing!) for over a year and if I am honest it felt like it made ZERO difference, now on the other hand I have seen the most AMAZING changes in my body since cutting it out since the 6th of January, so my motto: Keep on trying. Now I feel ready to slowly embark on the odd treat every now and then and today's cake is no exception. In fact it is just a tad indulgent and very chocolaty and has a smidgen of palm sugar and some delicious forest honey to tickle my fancy and reignite that little sugar devil in me! </div>
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So basically Paleo baking is tricky as most gluten free flours are rice based and seeing that you can't eat any rice or other grains, I used almond flour and coconut flour and I must say the cake turned out rather scrummy. For the ganache I used coconut cream and cacao and rice malt syrup. Lets just say it made the perfect Sunday afternoonsie.</div>
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So despite the fact that I have mountains of crochet awaiting, as I am in the midst of having to pull out my entire Nordic shawl that I crocheted whilst on holiday, as it seems that for some reason I have this massive triangle at the top rather than a straight end (don't ask as I honestly don't have the answer!). I have been putting it off as I think I need to be in the right frame of mind for this job! </div>
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I am also nearing the end of weaving in some ends for another little project I am working on, but more on that next time.</div>
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So why not start another project just when I <u>should</u> really be focussing on making a start on my <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2738661953&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=6983585&frame=1&click=0&user=0">starflower mandala</a>?!! Seeing that 'should' no longer features in my vocabulary, I figured why NOT. So this afternoon when the kids went off to a party I quickly started cutting out the pattern for a dress I have been wanting to make for a while. Now don't hold your breath as dressmaking really isn't my forte, but I am determined to make at least one this summer.</div>
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You see when we went to South Africa, Ma bought me heaps of gorgeous fabric for my birthday which means no more excuses and basically that the girl's got to get on with it. I am actually quite excited by the prospect, just wish I knew a little more than I do, but hey that's all part of the fun, so watch this space!</div>
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So that's it for today. I hope you all have a lovely week ahead. Before I go I just want to say a big thank you for all your lovely comments on my previous post, you are all quite special and for those of you who wanted to know how the Prince concert went, lets just say that it was MAGNIFICENT!!!! I am just a little more in love with the man and his music than I was before I went, my golly he has oodles of talent!</div>
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Time to sign off.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-59439082127613269432014-05-16T11:31:00.002+01:002014-05-16T11:59:58.920+01:00M.E Awareness Week - It's all about MEHello lovely people, you have NO idea how much I have missed you guys. Hopefully all being well I am back and promise to catch up with my news and all your news over the next couple of weeks (yes I know I have already said this, but life threw the odd curve ball at me and that's life!). <br>
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This week is M.E awareness week, and this wouldn't be Cosmos and Cotton without acknowledging that. Many of my regular readers will know that I have been struggling with this debilitating illness for nearly five years now, wow, five years, I still can't quite believe that I have lost so much time in my life due to an illness, pretty scary. I am going to add right here that this year my post about ME is not going to be all doom and gloom as this girl here is on the road to recovery, yes, you heard me say it and you read right. There is NO stopping me now, I am determined to kick this M.E's butt and boy that is exactly what I am doing, and I hear so many of you say, but HOW?!! <br>
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Well, the honest truth, first and foremost through acceptance, you see I haven't really lost so much of my life over the last five years, if anything I most probably gained something that I never would had, had I not fallen ill, and that is compassion and love for myself and my body. You know this illness is tough, there is <u>NO</u> denying it, it throws you through hell and back several times in a day and spits you out when its done with such little regard. It is filled with many sad moments, loneliness, pain, brain fog, or in my case (and many others), just the inability to use your brain full stop, in fact it's more like NO BRAIN. There is constant pain, sleepless nights, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, stomach pain, inability to eat or digest food, let alone absorb any nutrients from it. There are pins and needles, burning all over your body like someone is scalding you with hot water, ear ache, sore throat, muscle pain like you've run a marathon, oh you name it the whole tutti, or as you lot would say the full Monty. <br>
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It is tough, yes BLOODY impossibly at the best of times and why, well you know the funny thing is NO ONE KNOWS!!! Neither does anyone really care as there is no magic drug, which means no additional profit margins for governments or pharmaceuticals, sad, but hey oh so true. It is this invisible illness that hides within each and every one of the apparent 250, 000 people who suffer from this condition in the UK alone, yes in the UK alone, let alone the rest of the world, yet there is no support and no insight into this. <br>
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This is most probably the single most complex illness that exists, and the reason why is because even though each and everyone of us exhibit the majority if not all the symptoms and more, we all have a completely different experience of them as they manifest and affect each and every one of us differently. Well to be honest this is not surprising seeing that each and every one of us have a completely different DNA profile, so not at all that strange right. The issue is there is NO CURE, NO MAGIC DRUG, NO FIX.<br>
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Now there are many so called treatments claiming they can cure ME, Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia and for many people these treatments really work. The question is why do they NOT work for EVERYONE. Well I have an opinion about this, but I will save it for just another minute or so, bare with me. Treatments are geared up to focus on your emotions with specific emphasis on events in your past (I am not ruling out that past events can have a significant impact on our well being), some would argue that it is a build up of toxins in our bodies that affect our lymphatic system and eventually cause havoc with our parasympathetic nervous system (I am pretty much supporting this camp!), others argue that it is all about our thought processes and what we do with these thoughts (CBT), some say that symptoms are emotions-in-motion (you get that e-motion and I am also supporting this camp!), others argue graded exercise is the ticket (hell YEAH, certainly not in my case, it threw me for six!). Then there are a host of alternative medicines, Ayurvedic treatments, homoeopathic treatments, herbs, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Reiki, you name it. I could be here all day typing this up. Now some of these can really help and alleviate the pain, discomfort, reassure, sooth the mind or body, but they don't really focus on the root cause of it (maybe the emotions in motion does). So even though I am sitting firmly with both feet in the 'build-up of toxins overloading the lymphatic system camp', how did they get overloaded in the first place??? Well for me the answer is simple, by ignoring all the signs that my body was giving me when it was shouting, stop doing this activity I really don't like it (headache), stop doing this for too long (back ache), stop eating that (dicky tummy or gas), etc. The same pretty much goes for the treatments that work for some and not for others, the answer in my opinion why it doesn't work for everyone is simply the same reason why some people function optimally eating vegan foods and others being the complete opposite and living life to the fullest on a paleo diet. We are all different and ONLY YOU can really understand what your body needs, no one else can do it for you. They can guide you and support you, but only YOU can unlock the keys to optimum health. All these programmes do (mostly) is give you the tools, you still need to do the work. As for the lymphatic drainage, well that's a physical treatment, so it is helping with unblocking the lymphatic system and believe you me IT REALLY WORKS to alleviate symptoms, I am still doing it four years down the line, so that says a great deal about the <a href="http://www.theperrinclinic.com/">Perrin Technique</a> but it is not the only treatment that is going to get your better. You need to find the root causes (and yes there will be more than one, trust me, we are complex creatures!).<br>
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I am someone who is very 'hungry' for information and also for life itself (we only get one chance right!), so when something like Fibromyalgia (as in my case) happens, you don't take it lying down, pardon the expression as ironically I was lying down for many years. What I did do though was to read a few minutes when I could, listened to audio books even just a few minutes at a time (its a weird thing how you brain just can't take things, it feels like the pressure build up from information is just so intense that your head is going to explode). I read a lot of crap and a great many wonderful and inspiring books over the years, some of which I will list at the bottom of this very long blog post (sorry!). One thing that kept coming through time and time again was that I had power and control, I just needed to learn the tools of how to use it. Now hang on, I can hear those with this illness screaming what I screamed out for so many years: 'but I have complete adrenal exhaustion', 'I have parasites', 'I have really high levels of ESR (inflammation in the body)', 'I have heart failure', I have low white blood cell count, etc. how can this possibly be something I can fix, it is all physiological right! The bottom line is I can't fix it for you, but you have the power within you to make changes to your life so you really focus on what your body and mind needs. This is such a complicated subject and most probably one that I can talk about for hours, but in a nutshell, this illness is a blessing in some way, it is an opportunity to REALLY STOP, YES STOP and LISTEN!!!! Don't think about the pain, the hardship, the sickness, the inability to sleep, no, think about how you can listen to these messages. These symptoms are NOTHING more than your bodies way of talking to you, it is giving you messages that you need to start listening to, that is why they are shouting out at you because you are NOT listening (present company included!!) and the thicker your skin (as in my case) the longer it is going to take. So when you are spending hours in bed cursing these aches and pains and sickness start loving your body and giving it the care and support that it is needing at this time, just like you would with your child. It needs lots of very special TLC, don't just ignore these requests. It also might very well be telling you that it wants something different than what you are doing right now, so try it and see if it works, if the symptoms dissipate or lesson.<br>
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Now if you were anything like me, prior to illness I honestly must have thought I was superwoman, a full time degree whilst working a full time job and two pregnancies, writing a dissertation whilst breastfeeding two or three times a night, gawd what was I thinking??? And when the going got tough I jumped on my mountain bike to blast a few hills just to relieve a little tension, or add some shall we say. One thing is for sure I NEVER listened. I heard all right, the signs were all there, but I chose not to listen, why because how the bloody hell was I suppose to know they meant something. In society we are conditioned to suppress these feelings of discomfort or pain, we are brought up to having to conform and just to go with it even when we don't like it, 'just eat those things on your plate', 'awh you will be OK, just carry on', 'don't be upset', 'don't be ridiculous that's not scary', 'you're OK that doesn't hurt' and on goes the list, you get where I am coming from. Well for me (and don't get me wrong I am not telling you what to do here, I am purely trying to put my perspective out there) it has taken me years to realise that these symptoms, pains around my body, diarrhoea, you name it was a sign that my body wasn't happy with it and now finally I am really homing in to address these issues. I am going to take the opportunity to add here that it is far from easy, it is going to take years of practice, but I <u>will</u> get there!!! <br>
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It's NOT easy, simply because we just aren't brought up to be mindful, we are not conditioned to look into ourselves, that would be seen as being selfish and self centred right, well in my opinion it is far from that. As a Mum of two, I know just how hard it is to look after two small and dependable children when you are not feeling well enough to even lift your arm, so yes I know just how important it is for me to be well so I can give my children and family the best possible care and attention. It is a bit like the life jackets on an aircraft and having to ensure that you have yours on before helping others. Now that I have a different perspective in life, I often giggle when I see people spending hours cleaning every little spot on their cars, polishing the wheel caps, their pride and joy, yet do we do this to our bodies, hell no! We would never spend hours each week or every other week just giving our bodies a little TLC and maintenance, we don't have time for things like that, but why???? These are our gorgeous and amazing bodies (vehicles) and without the correct fuel and love they don't function properly. You wouldn't put diesel in a petrol car would you, yet, we so often put so much crap in our bodies and wonder just why it is we feel so shitty. Hey, I am not preaching here as I am the first person to hold up my hands and say guilty as charged, no more though, I know now just how important nutrition, meditation, time to yourself is and I am never letting go of these golden keys, well never say never (a lesson I learnt becoming a Mum, it sure as hell has bitten me in the bum several times).<br>
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So yes, this is not a conventional post about ME today, but I just wanted to give people a little bit of hope. DON'T give up, never stop believing and never say never. No one can really tell you what your body needs, only you can decipher that and isn't it strange and equally amazing that we all are so very different and that a vegan diet can bring optimum health for one person whilst a paleo diet works for another, lets not judge! Experiment and try them all, the world is your oyster, and have a little fun with it, life is to short to be serious all the time.<br>
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Sorry for this super long post and for those of you who actually managed to get to here, WELL DONE and THANK YOU!! Don't get me wrong I am by no means cured, I still have a long way to go, but it is all baby steps and the confidence that these steps will get me there one day. I realise this is a super long post, but I wanted you to know that despite the fact that I still have heart problems, adrenal exhaustion (yes borderline Addison's disease), high levels of ESR (inflammation in the body), very low white blood cell count I am on route to hopefully turn some of these around. I have gone from not being able to walk at all to now being able to walk small distances, I am no longer lying down in the day (yay!!) and I am grabbing back a little of life where I feel I can. I will also stress here that the last couple of years (not so much the early ones) I was happy with life, I accepted my life and I was content with being mostly confined to my house, being at ease with your situation no matter what it is has got to be a good thing as it brings calm to our minds which in turn affect our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Constant negative emotions and thoughts breed illness and there is no doubt in my mind that a positive mind will bring a positive body over time. I am NOT saying that thinking yourself well is going to get you there, NO not at all. What I am saying is being positive, tune in, take time, listen, figure out what your body needs, how it operates and how to get it to function optimally, only you hold the key to solving this mystery. <br>
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So here are some of my all time fave books (in the order of preference)<br>
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Quantum Healing. Exploring the frontiers of the Mind/Body Medicine - Deepak Chopra<br>
When things fall apart - Pema Chodron<br>
Fat Chance, The hidden truth about sugar, obesity and disease - Dr Robert Lustig<br>
Self Compassion. Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind - Kristin Neff<br>
The power of Now - Eckhart Tolle<br>
CFS - Call for Soulwork - Gretchen Brooks Nassar<br>
Unconditional Parenting - Alfie Kohn<br>
Mindfulness in plain English - Nhante Henepola Gunaratana<br>
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT? DO THIS! - Sam Obitz<br>
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You will note that I have added a parenting book, but it is a book I read alongside the Science of Parenting (which is another fascinating book) by Margot Sunderland, which really emphasises why as a society we are developing in the way that we are, not being able to express our emotions or at least when we express it that it is accepted and understood. It also explains why we develop this feeling of never feeling good enough and always striving to please. We can learn a great deal from ourselves and our problems by looking at the way that society raises children. Alfie Kohn's book really brings many issues to the forefront that mothers and father will be able to relate to so if you have ME and have children, you might find this read insightful. <br>
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So that's it for today's post and thank you for sticking with me. I would love to hear your comments and thoughts, so please don't be shy to share your views. I was actually hoping that by now my new blog, which would be more geared up for these kinda posts, would be up and running by now, but you know its not and hey I don't do pressure anymore, it will happen when it will happen, se la vie! For those of you new to my little space, a very big welcome, I suspect this post might blow your socks off, I promise a little crochet related chatting next time.<br>
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Wishing you all a very pleasant weekend, I am actually going to my first concert in years tonight as I just couldn't miss the opportunity to see the legendary Prince, and 'tonight I am going to party like its 1999' (haha). <br>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-54324420248778047722014-05-01T17:20:00.000+01:002014-05-01T17:20:18.507+01:00Its May and time for the Monthly Mand-a-long<div align="center">
Hello lovelies and Hello May! I am super excited to share my May <span style="background-color: yellow;">mandala </span>with you today. </div>
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So instead of taking this little project with my on my jolly hols, I figured I would be able to whip it up in a night or two on my return, well it seems the girl was wrong (<strike>yet again</strike>)! Not so much because the pattern was complicated, but largely because I seem to have fallen out of love with my choice of colours just before the final hour, just a little annoying right?!</div>
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So the night before last, two rows before finishing, issues with composition brought on a dichotomic moment when sheer excitement stared sheer frustration right in the face and out came the yarn, yikes, don't you loathe it when this happens. Saying that sometimes it just has to be done.</div>
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<a href="http://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/make-a-crochet-mandala-for-your-home--craft-2744">This</a> gorgeous pattern by <a href="http://winkieflash.nl/2013/01/30/weekly-mandala-week-14-dream-of-flying/">Wink</a> has been heaps of fun to work (thanks Wink!). </div>
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It certainly kept me mindful throughout, well as much as one can be whilst trying to watch the first few episodes of the first series of <a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad">Breaking Bad</a>, oh my where have I been??? I have been um and ahhing for some time now to buy the series and then finally succumbed upon our return. Lets just say that our evenings for the next month or so are firmly secured and that I am avoiding all social invitations (well mostly!). Anyone else addicted? or is this just so yesterday?!</div>
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On Tuesday my gorgeous friend spoilt me with some beautiful crab apple blossom and Camelia's (one of my fave's) from her Mum's garden and I have had such fun admiring these pretty blooms against the gorgeous colours of this Mandala. </div>
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I worked the Mandala using Drops Paris in colours, Apricot, White, Light and Dark Grey, and Dark Turquoise. I kinda love the unusual colour of the Apricot, anyone else used this before?</div>
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So for June, I am planning a cute little Mandala that I am quite excited to start work on. I found the lovely pattern on Ravelry and for those of you who want to join in and hook the same Mandala, you can find the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starflower-mandala">'Starflower Mandala' </a>pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starflower-mandala">here</a> on Ravelry or you can find it on Zelina Oliver's gorgeous blog <a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/starflower-mandala-pattern.html">Zooty Owl's Crafty Blog.</a> Isn't this pattern just gorgeous?? I just <u>Love</u> it and can't wait to hook it. To be honest it wasn't the original plan for June, but when I saw it I just knew I had to hook it. Fortunately it also seems that the lovely lady is more than happy for us to hook away, so thank you so much Zelina, how very kind of you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvTuh6DYndKQer8gbDxNsrgnlJ1w2x57qzuAhAqckbVTP2DQQtzu-lhrRHvCqVJKz8GYLEUi04RGZJcbwAhX-hdJdGaegIUOw3_fRTa9ePoSF771XumwoJnnxlLb5XVAUxAb9aYEWHzBV/s1600/starflower+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mandala" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvTuh6DYndKQer8gbDxNsrgnlJ1w2x57qzuAhAqckbVTP2DQQtzu-lhrRHvCqVJKz8GYLEUi04RGZJcbwAhX-hdJdGaegIUOw3_fRTa9ePoSF771XumwoJnnxlLb5XVAUxAb9aYEWHzBV/s1600/starflower+1.jpg" height="392" title="mandala" width="400" /></a><br />
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Image courtesy of Zelina Oliver (<a href="http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/">http://zootyowlcards.blogspot.co.uk/</a>)<br />
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For those of you who have managed to create a Mandala, I would love to see your creations so please add your link below and for those of you who haven't yet managed to get around to it but would like to, don't worry the link up is open for a month, so you can add your link anytime or you can just join in as and when you feel up to it. For those of you who are new to my blog or are just visiting (hello and welcome!) and would love to join in over the next months, you can read more about my Monthly Mand-a-long <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/monthly-mand-long-project.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9fNzkT0MIjf2WxtxNxL4odP6VzZlXlPohoOMki9J6BOi_Aafs-5Dn6gxEhlc9yOGKtDSr6pay2IpbyvUL_m9HfttR-d0s55jcnnJ1a_K-S1kGEGIKilPjIrQxpvsm3TFI4Pm7qN-qvs/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9fNzkT0MIjf2WxtxNxL4odP6VzZlXlPohoOMki9J6BOi_Aafs-5Dn6gxEhlc9yOGKtDSr6pay2IpbyvUL_m9HfttR-d0s55jcnnJ1a_K-S1kGEGIKilPjIrQxpvsm3TFI4Pm7qN-qvs/s1600/party.jpg" height="400" width="375" /></a><br />
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So before I sign off and return to my bake-a-thon, I will just take a humble moment to yet again grovel that I haven't gotten around to any blogs, bare with me I promise to get there soon. For now though there is a party to organise for Saturday and shortly after there is a great deal of sewing I need to do for school, but somehow in between it all I will make some time to catch up on all your news. For now though I have a kitchen covered in a cloud of flour dust and blue icing, oh the joys of parties, its a good think I love doing them!<br />
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Sending you all much love and wishes for a fun and creative May and a wonderful May Bank Holiday for those of you in the UK, may the sun shine down on us, pretty pleeeeeeezzzze!!<br />
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Warm Wishes<br />
Hannapat<br />
xoxoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-65550420675555336342014-04-25T13:56:00.001+01:002014-04-25T13:56:23.510+01:00Back and ready to share some holiday goss...<div style="text-align: center;">
Helloooo my lovelies, we are finally home after a glorious few weeks away. I hope you all enjoyed a bountiful Easter in the company of loved ones. We arrived home late Tuesday and to be honest this week has been a little surreal. It seems that a big part of my heart is still in South Africa, but I am equally embracing the comforts of our own home and spending time with our creatures whom are beyond happy that we are home. Today I just wanted to quickly share our pit stop in Amsterdam on our way to South Africa.</div>
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We didn't have a great deal of time, but we hoped to at least manage a visit to the house of Anne Frank and the Rijksmuseum. Sadly the cue to get into Ann Frank's house was beyond anything we could have endured with two small children and as it turned out the Rijksmuseum closed too early for a proper visit, hey ho, it certainly didn't stop us from enjoying our afternoon in Amsterdam.</div>
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We enjoyed a lovely trip along the canal and when we finally got off at the Rijksmuseum, the kids ran straight through to the park at the back of the museum and that is where we spent our last hour of the afternoon. It took the kids no time at all to get themselves pretty wet and the water fun didn't stop there! They also found this amazing fountain where they could dance in the middle without getting a great deal wetter and the most fun was had trying to synchronise their running with the water, lets just say there were quite a few excited screams. It certainly provided good entertainment for everyone around.</div>
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I could have spent hours in this pretty park, which seemed like the perfect place to soak up the ambiance whilst enjoying a good book, and maybe even a glass of bubbly, now one can but dream. Our brief visit to Amsterdam seemed like the perfect way to begin our holiday and definitely made the journey a little more tolerable. </div>
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I have spent the last couple of days starting to work through our jungle of a garden, I honestly couldn't believe how much things have grown in the time we were away. We also celebrated little Es's fifth birthday yesterday and I still have to pinch myself that my baby has turned five, where has the time gone???!! It really only feels like yesterday when I held her small body in my arms and looked at her beautiful face with complete love and adoration and how that love has grown, wow!</div>
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This of course means a birthday party to prepare for next Saturday. Now any of my friends will tell you that I am a girl who likes a good kiddies party and if I am honest I generally tend to get a <u>little</u> carried away with the whole affair, but hey who says we can't! I am however usually soooo organised by this point, but this year it seems that my more laid back approach and my 'no-lists' motto might be landing me in a pot of hot boiling water, or not, time will tell. Not that I am too bothered about it seems as I spent a few hours this morning cutting fabric (not for the party I will add), which is pretty constructive right?!</div>
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It seems I have hundreds of photos to work through from our holiday in SA and I promise to share a few posts about our trip. In the meantime though, I need to make a start on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-mandala-for-your-homebetter">this</a> mandala for the <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/monthly-mand-long-project.htmlget">Monthly Mand-a-long</a> project, for any of you who missed this post you can catch up <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/monthly-mand-long-project.html">here</a> and for all of you lovely people who already joined in <u>THANK YOU</u>!!! you are amazing and I look forward to spending some time over the next week visiting all your blogs and catching up on these gorgeous mandala's you have created! </div>
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For now though </div>
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I have piles of washing awaiting a hot iron, parcels to post, letters to write, emails to deal with, not to mention blogs to read. I suspect that I will struggle to catch up with all your news from the last three+ weeks, but I promise to do my best to at least get to the most recent ones. </div>
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Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, lets hope this rain goes away for us folk here in the UK.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-53376693110831931442014-04-01T12:39:00.001+01:002014-04-09T21:47:16.462+01:00Mothering SundayI just quickly wanted to drop in to share a few of my Mothers Day moments with you and also share my lovely little blog swap that I did with the gorgeous Penny behind <a href="http://lisfourlove.blogspot.co.uk/">L is for love</a>. <br />
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Jo from <a href="http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/">Three Stories High</a> organised a lovely little handmade Brooch swap and I was fortunate to be paired up with the very lovely Penny from <a href="http://lisfourlove.blogspot.co.uk/">L is for Love.</a> She sent me two very beautiful brooches and a very beautiful beach pebble that she covered in a crochet jersey and then for a little love she also included a gorgeous little lavender bag, thank you Penny, I really love my gifts and I have my brooches pinned on my jacket that I am wearing in SA.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I am really not a brooch maker, but I quite enjoyed making Penny's brooches for her. So this is what I sent her, a little embroidered brooch and a lace and crochet brooch. Thanks Jo for organising.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">So now on to Mothering Sunday, I didn't have the best starts to my day as it seems that my health has crashed again and some days this just seems a little too much if I am honest, but nothing that two small kids jumping on the bed can't put into perspective. It is times like this when you realise just what really matters and even though I would like good health, all that matters at the end of the day are the people around me and the love we share. It was so lovely to be pounced upon by two small creatures baring gifts and gorgeous cards and I was so very touched by the beautiful poem that little J wrote for me and the fact that little E couldn't just give Mummy one card, no it had to be three, all 'because mummy is special', oh how blessed I am to have two such perfect and beautiful children. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A poem for Mum</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gifts for my Mum</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will give you</div><div style="text-align: center;">a beautiful rose that smells</div><div style="text-align: center;">of love</div><div style="text-align: center;">a bowful of cheesy yummy lasagne</div><div style="text-align: center;">a stirring cheetah on the African planes</div><div style="text-align: center;">hearing the ocean splashing around</div><div style="text-align: center;">in a hermit shell</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a cuddly hug from me</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">What a gorgeous poem and it is clear that this six year old already has some insight into reverse psychology as he attempted to order his favourite food, lasagne! It sure made me giggle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV1jjWHbATNzu_awLwUih4OTdqvObOOICX6cZtZ1Tu_ZTn1NWB6mZO96K81EWUPLKbvwF4B4iC73WF4bjGCWPccB_5oZ01xGH2Q4pAcGPBRzEvawZj9HuvcLwSUzy5-xpNEdqN4L0bfU/s1600/plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV1jjWHbATNzu_awLwUih4OTdqvObOOICX6cZtZ1Tu_ZTn1NWB6mZO96K81EWUPLKbvwF4B4iC73WF4bjGCWPccB_5oZ01xGH2Q4pAcGPBRzEvawZj9HuvcLwSUzy5-xpNEdqN4L0bfU/s1600/plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV1jjWHbATNzu_awLwUih4OTdqvObOOICX6cZtZ1Tu_ZTn1NWB6mZO96K81EWUPLKbvwF4B4iC73WF4bjGCWPccB_5oZ01xGH2Q4pAcGPBRzEvawZj9HuvcLwSUzy5-xpNEdqN4L0bfU/s1600/plate.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so spoilt with a gorgeous plate that I have wanted for quite a while. I spotted this on Etsy quite a while back and just thought that it was the perfect Mothers day gift and fortunately for me hubby was quick to act. I am not normally a Wedgwood fan, but this gorgeous plate has my birth year on so I just felt really drawn to it the minute I saw it. Now that I have it, I am really beyond delighted with it. I also received a beautiful dress that I can't wait to put to good use during our holidays. </div><br />
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Dad and little J baked me a vegan and gluten free chocolate cake, which was beyond delicious and I am not sure who loved it more the kids or me. They would have eaten the entire cake if they were allowed and what is great about this cake is that it is also free from refined sugar. Definitely worth a try.</div><br />
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<div align="center">Fresh bread was baked by the darling other half, the picnic basket was packed</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qG04zkZ_xZ3imGM0uZHRfOPckjlY0yCp55QJH55CSFfv_kcewEgy8IHfQtBAZSkbyenuUMH6ncMhr4uRZq2yOH1-9O7iHd0qFTrj35NMOy7ibwnkiRS1TStHTULgHNf6IP46aSlxeIM/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qG04zkZ_xZ3imGM0uZHRfOPckjlY0yCp55QJH55CSFfv_kcewEgy8IHfQtBAZSkbyenuUMH6ncMhr4uRZq2yOH1-9O7iHd0qFTrj35NMOy7ibwnkiRS1TStHTULgHNf6IP46aSlxeIM/s1600/picnic.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">the most idyllic spot by the brook secured (not that we had anyone else to compete with)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsXpQ0d33TDzOpzx2kULiZ9HQfMWVWH9wM47mKE71E-fG7OO-tAJSjsFcKXlYSz6eWUoU3vivHdBjvshRkIujxrsC2jGwpZ6r8wqFK4LJQjLZaqmXGgwo2VpyCGj6_NiXl-Zt1WTIPF4/s1600/picnic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsXpQ0d33TDzOpzx2kULiZ9HQfMWVWH9wM47mKE71E-fG7OO-tAJSjsFcKXlYSz6eWUoU3vivHdBjvshRkIujxrsC2jGwpZ6r8wqFK4LJQjLZaqmXGgwo2VpyCGj6_NiXl-Zt1WTIPF4/s1600/picnic3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qG04zkZ_xZ3imGM0uZHRfOPckjlY0yCp55QJH55CSFfv_kcewEgy8IHfQtBAZSkbyenuUMH6ncMhr4uRZq2yOH1-9O7iHd0qFTrj35NMOy7ibwnkiRS1TStHTULgHNf6IP46aSlxeIM/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">and lots of fun was had by all. The kids just ran around for hours on end laughing and having fun. They enjoyed endless downhill races where the fall at the bottom seemed the biggest hit (pardon the pun). They crossed streams not always too successfully and little E got absolutely sopping wet, but fortunately for Mamma this called for lovely cuddles under the picnic blanket. It was a perfect Mothers Day, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two such gorgeous and funny children, thank you for making my day so special.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I hope you all enjoyed your Mothers Day in the UK, I know that my Mum and those in Oz & NZ and America will be celebrating it in May, so we look forward to sharing it with you then.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Warm Wishes</div><div align="center">Hannapat</div><div align="center">xoxo</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0pa9c_cZX-oevDwMm17KtUUHedPAo-YQndfoLCl7S87-cSqCsIahYNrNeTWY5oDvzEobM7VnCKUNMzMlzuClLllSj2oRnUP1_S8XS4Wcak_9lYO0ttvsPFbEcWUiQX7WDgpDSL74jBY/s1600/giftspenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br />
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-40899450655586696072014-04-01T11:49:00.001+01:002014-04-01T11:50:30.619+01:00Monthly Mand-a-long - A Project<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my lovelies. I have something exciting to share with you today, no April fools pranks I am afraid. All my recent Mandala making has got me thinking that I would quite enjoy trying out a few other Mandala patterns and it suddenly occurred to me that a Monthly Mandala project might just be the thing to do. Anyone fancy joining in??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbL6LlC37_6XQ6f8_fwpwM3Ci3CxVi81sEUbY34Q0Fmg2ujl3vdDvu0rAvhl1DX6kGQBDXjt0_BDjelNPBtoQHKlsR4ioZVDxcUc-WBWbZGVl6NkyBkc3FWq_oK4UmT5uHmkrp19Fel0/s1600/monthly+mandala3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbL6LlC37_6XQ6f8_fwpwM3Ci3CxVi81sEUbY34Q0Fmg2ujl3vdDvu0rAvhl1DX6kGQBDXjt0_BDjelNPBtoQHKlsR4ioZVDxcUc-WBWbZGVl6NkyBkc3FWq_oK4UmT5uHmkrp19Fel0/s1600/monthly+mandala3.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
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So the plan is to report in on the <u>first day</u> of the month with your newly made Mandala simply by adding your link to the link-up below my post. For anyone interested in grabbing my button, you can simply add it to your blog just by adding the text below my link on the right hand side of my blog. As for patterns, I will be sharing a few patterns here that I will be working on from time to time, so you can either join along with these or you can use your own pattern, the choice is entirely yours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwDejCq1ujtlY90sWneWEjaxMoT6NR9hU3_zvoqosgNLCPEFBHpGjyL7PZQVXA3Kxf5NIE-2DxLTiKyVc8XTUTZvx1jNJTe9pOjbdfH43V-Bvf36QygA7ckjFbZ5vbwv-Kg09Bg47eh8/s1600/mandala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwDejCq1ujtlY90sWneWEjaxMoT6NR9hU3_zvoqosgNLCPEFBHpGjyL7PZQVXA3Kxf5NIE-2DxLTiKyVc8XTUTZvx1jNJTe9pOjbdfH43V-Bvf36QygA7ckjFbZ5vbwv-Kg09Bg47eh8/s1600/mandala1.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJID5fH-EASmhnzaf8qkrYOhfXjqWN71WB1e3QSWsSlmTKza1LZUWWLQu_0Q75-yy0pd70YPYWaD-S4-yQoVfhLDaJUb99VXKJmG0-M1MbtsiA466lJ2gukK6LWFiyHz47w3JPTdvAoK8/s1600/mandala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJID5fH-EASmhnzaf8qkrYOhfXjqWN71WB1e3QSWsSlmTKza1LZUWWLQu_0Q75-yy0pd70YPYWaD-S4-yQoVfhLDaJUb99VXKJmG0-M1MbtsiA466lJ2gukK6LWFiyHz47w3JPTdvAoK8/s1600/mandala.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
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To kickstart it this month, I have yet again followed the gorgeous pattern by <a href="http://winkieflash.nl/">Wink</a> that was published in the Simply Crochet Issue 7. In fact I have now officially made around ten of these mandalas and NO I am still not bored of this pattern. Each and everyone has turned out differently and that is what I so love about the concept of the Mandala, colour and mood plays such a pivotal role here. For those of you who want to learn a little more about Mandala's you can read <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/finding-my-inner-peace-through-mandala.html">this</a> post I wrote a few weeks ago. Now don't worry, I know that none of you would be prepared for this months 'Monthly Mandala', if you like you can join in next month, or else you can add yours at any time this month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuksKjmih6v30VV5QqAdAz06kMI6A08fwRlS6jr26biTQG8yyQeqEVLtQ7JrzQfV0odLjznhTCFUbaxwaQPUSr9dnAr4ojSepd_kVCUkgKyjOgYhmmmTGAMexVzAiH5ahqC_iCQldVOs/s1600/mandala2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuksKjmih6v30VV5QqAdAz06kMI6A08fwRlS6jr26biTQG8yyQeqEVLtQ7JrzQfV0odLjznhTCFUbaxwaQPUSr9dnAr4ojSepd_kVCUkgKyjOgYhmmmTGAMexVzAiH5ahqC_iCQldVOs/s1600/mandala2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My aim for this project is to try and make twelve mandalas, so yes I am going to run this project for twelve months, by far my longest crochet project yet, but I am actually quite excited about it. I love having these mandalas scattered around the house and in the garden and what I really like about this project is the fact that it might just, dare I say it, have me a little more prepared for Christmas! Yes, I can't quite believe that I have just uttered the Christmas word, but it seems that this gal has already got her Christmas-gifts thinking cap on. Last year I made a few of these for presents and they were a BIG hit amongst some friends, so I figured a few more might just be in order, so I am starting now. No time like the present and all that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2zeCnUMLEGcJZBzOjjIbP_60r01fAGbt3uoFYvkLbL_Ks5lVNskdrNzMkAl8F_HAPBR2BvoMW9qGX_5qW_ZM5BgvjfWfC0vqjdJWiQh6E8NQ7efMiUo8wniRSyWIRYQhEMXq9-8ayyc/s1600/mandala4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2zeCnUMLEGcJZBzOjjIbP_60r01fAGbt3uoFYvkLbL_Ks5lVNskdrNzMkAl8F_HAPBR2BvoMW9qGX_5qW_ZM5BgvjfWfC0vqjdJWiQh6E8NQ7efMiUo8wniRSyWIRYQhEMXq9-8ayyc/s1600/mandala4.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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So on to the next month's Mandala project, yes you've guessed it, it's another <a href="http://winkieflash.nl/">Wink</a> project, I mean this girl has oodles of talent and especially when it comes to making Mandalas. I have chosen <a href="http://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/make-a-crochet-mandala-for-your-home--craft-2744">this</a> tutorial that I found on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-mandala-for-your-home">ravelry</a> largely because it just looks like a fun project to work, so if anyone fancies joining in, lets get started. We can show and tell both here and on ravelry and get some colour inspiration for the next month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFVMtgU9dusCYfbRwTvgv61FY_VHyRyC3I8YT07iLslgdtvit-OGXMTBxp8F9qYQ0gQDby6Rzhn0VCMEFuZtJ8DI8nXmfwbNJVOL035a3rBhN1OdWt2o1pj0D0GdYEnsrp3Lc437_b6A/s1600/finished-mandala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFVMtgU9dusCYfbRwTvgv61FY_VHyRyC3I8YT07iLslgdtvit-OGXMTBxp8F9qYQ0gQDby6Rzhn0VCMEFuZtJ8DI8nXmfwbNJVOL035a3rBhN1OdWt2o1pj0D0GdYEnsrp3Lc437_b6A/s1600/finished-mandala1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnh3WZEDwJe0OoW9A_pOsug2sG7h0q2qZqU0WCTPjLysAnsLypFcg9URQmgZAhL9MVDzCluxcsvNEZvrfHXZk_1D8uUHwUydRohZvUY4hKN6-IpaShHURcYHq0G4skg8ApT4jZtj-Wjk/s1600/mandala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Now when I typed this blog post up on Friday last week, I was completely unaware that the very lovely <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/">Chrissie </a>and <a href="http://lazydaisyjones.blogspot.co.uk/">Mrs Daisy</a> had been plotting and writing up a very similar post, dare I say great minds think alike! Fortunately it seems that their little project is a one off and will only be lasting for a week or so, so I figured I would go ahead and stick with my original plan and get the idea rolling so to speak. So if anyone fancies continuing in their mandala mode, then do pop over here once you have made the gorgeous <a href="http://winkieflash.nl/">Wink </a>mandala on <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/">Chrissie's</a> blog to come and try another one of <a href="http://winkieflash.nl/by">Wink's</a> patterns over here. This lovely lady is happy for us to hook away and she is also happy for us to use a couple of her other patterns, thank you Wink!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnh3WZEDwJe0OoW9A_pOsug2sG7h0q2qZqU0WCTPjLysAnsLypFcg9URQmgZAhL9MVDzCluxcsvNEZvrfHXZk_1D8uUHwUydRohZvUY4hKN6-IpaShHURcYHq0G4skg8ApT4jZtj-Wjk/s1600/mandala1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnh3WZEDwJe0OoW9A_pOsug2sG7h0q2qZqU0WCTPjLysAnsLypFcg9URQmgZAhL9MVDzCluxcsvNEZvrfHXZk_1D8uUHwUydRohZvUY4hKN6-IpaShHURcYHq0G4skg8ApT4jZtj-Wjk/s1600/mandala1.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a><br />
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Now you don't have to commit to the entire twelve months, you can simply join in as and when you feel up to the challenge or in the mood to make a mandala. The beauty of the Mandala is that it works up so very quickly, so it is all in an evening or two's work and should hopefully not interfere with all our other crafty plans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCkkZIVXR2-wtWmHqGkXQ0dQkCgNfWfU8iHpPVWxqKnWxaXIXWe-HaSwhJdiqzjCQY1Goep2TQtePLDfSZo8qMu5H3tbF14r51qZkrCZnZlOgTCtGNx-g0zYgEwXlacLE_I25Ky1wMv4/s1600/mandala3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCkkZIVXR2-wtWmHqGkXQ0dQkCgNfWfU8iHpPVWxqKnWxaXIXWe-HaSwhJdiqzjCQY1Goep2TQtePLDfSZo8qMu5H3tbF14r51qZkrCZnZlOgTCtGNx-g0zYgEwXlacLE_I25Ky1wMv4/s1600/mandala3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So that's it my dearies for now anyway, I am very soon jetting off, in fact only one more sleepy, and who knows by some minor miracle I might just have one more blog post to share with you, but don't hold your breath. <br />
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For now though totsiens!<br />
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Warm Wishes<br />
Hannapat<br />
xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-3370643389869103342014-03-28T20:39:00.000+00:002014-03-29T08:47:34.985+00:00A little award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G_PYEi7wnfEX-uW6rh-ODmjdFL0GOeNTiM16MvGC0_LZHq48FkxS18qQgYVztw4bCffjSxIbU92G2gi24W5O1Yv9o5Re83ivo40V4z-c09G3PGAjLq9UI1jB0pNczDJohIH4p-gxoFQ/s1600/flower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G_PYEi7wnfEX-uW6rh-ODmjdFL0GOeNTiM16MvGC0_LZHq48FkxS18qQgYVztw4bCffjSxIbU92G2gi24W5O1Yv9o5Re83ivo40V4z-c09G3PGAjLq9UI1jB0pNczDJohIH4p-gxoFQ/s1600/flower3.jpg" height="640" width="528"></a></div>
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So a few weeks ago the very lovely Clare from <a href="http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/spring-has-sprung-plus-award.html">The Summerhouse by the sea</a> nominated me for this very special award, and if I am honest, I was very touched by it all!! This is what she wrote in her post: 'First up we have the lovely Hannapats blog, which is a joy to read, such a positive and fun place to escape to, it's really an inspiration as to how much can be achieved even when you are battling this terrible illness. Plus there are lots of tips and healthy recipes.' </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcplqBN2xh6PRV6_8Nyu5VP_pcT7TlCY-M6D5z6LtjjmId4Qgevi5QQIgFRE2HqZCUP2PCN4kLK00man-ul-c5tQMzapoq6RLnNKtbnz1tKShoRI5tE6fnQEnXRLZVn_J5OuSSuFiXsL0/s1600/flowers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcplqBN2xh6PRV6_8Nyu5VP_pcT7TlCY-M6D5z6LtjjmId4Qgevi5QQIgFRE2HqZCUP2PCN4kLK00man-ul-c5tQMzapoq6RLnNKtbnz1tKShoRI5tE6fnQEnXRLZVn_J5OuSSuFiXsL0/s1600/flowers2.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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As I have mentioned before it was never really my intention to make this blog about my struggles with Fybromyalgia/ME, but seeing that it is just such a big part of my life, I have found it near impossible to exclude it. You see my first dilemma came about last May when I knew that ME Awareness week was fast approaching and I just knew that I couldn't NOT use my blog as a platform to raise awareness, so I just felt that I had to bite the bullet and get on with it. Don't get me wrong writing this first post was very far from easy and I very nearly didn't post it, but I kept thinking of all the thousands of people affected by this debilitating condition and how people really need to start being a little more aware of this so called 'silent illness'. You can read my first post <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/me-awareness-week.html">here.</a> I also included three videos in this post, which might be of interest to some of you and also some information for those looking for some support.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6s_SceFmssxvRQ6HVr4UdHAWbVdGHMbcG5pd2MtnAeOT23TC3-93BhTgD3I3byhkO_X0RFXA93zWee7HHNwEB-fcoV2tzsjIiKT8ogSFdMua3JvXRFUa-OXS7Xgmox57s958gLwzKOQ/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6s_SceFmssxvRQ6HVr4UdHAWbVdGHMbcG5pd2MtnAeOT23TC3-93BhTgD3I3byhkO_X0RFXA93zWee7HHNwEB-fcoV2tzsjIiKT8ogSFdMua3JvXRFUa-OXS7Xgmox57s958gLwzKOQ/s640/028.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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Another M.E post was inspired by one of my bloggy friends, someone I will be nominating today for an award, who shared this video on Facebook and you can read/watch it <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/canary-in-coal-mine-preview.html">here.</a> One other post that I know has really helped my Mum and other people to pass on to others asking the dreaded question that is so difficult to answer, 'but what is M.E??', is this 'Sleepydust video' which I shared <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/sleepydust-video.html">here</a>. If you haven't already watched it or you don't know much about this condition, then do yourself a favour and watch it to give you a little more insight into this very debilitating condition. After the ice was broken the rest was pretty much history.</div>
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I think there are so many wonderful M.E blogs out there and credit goes to those people behind these blogs who keep writing about this day in and day out, it sure takes a great deal of courage, energy and dedication and it offers such a wonderful support to so many sufferers who so desperately need it, so thank you!! </div>
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So without further ado, I would like to nominate this award to: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW04KSxlIkwq5N9Ryo2JuSa-76fvhQm8ICofZKwK1mYIitpEOg-tilGoGV-JyGxrQ2lqqaS3_t98e4nAvnCpx0r_pK6Ls84wuXNynsD0fpvuexAUWhBnADNhLfeAidHMLFy1T9lFYqzMYI/s1600/80680-bloggeraward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW04KSxlIkwq5N9Ryo2JuSa-76fvhQm8ICofZKwK1mYIitpEOg-tilGoGV-JyGxrQ2lqqaS3_t98e4nAvnCpx0r_pK6Ls84wuXNynsD0fpvuexAUWhBnADNhLfeAidHMLFy1T9lFYqzMYI/s1600/80680-bloggeraward.png" style="height: 320px; width: 292px;"></a></div>
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First up is my lovely and gorgeous friend Leisa behind the very chic and stylish blog <a href="http://vintagebirdgirl.blogspot.co.uk/">Vintage Bird Girl</a>. I love everything about Leisa's blog, not only does this girl have the worlds biggest collection of fabulous vintage clothes, but she has oodles of style and what I love most about her is her get up and go and ALWAYS positive outlook on life, regardless of her health. I have become so very fond of her and it feels lovely that we have established a close bond outside of our blogs too, it is just such a shame she lives on the other side of the world. Even though Leisa doesn't write specific ME posts on her blog, she is a very strong advocate for it on Facebook and is clearly very passionate about it too.</div>
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Then we have the very lovely Annie from <a href="http://knitsofacto.blogspot.co.uk/">Knitsofacto</a> who admittedly doesn't write specific ME posts, but as a fellow sufferer she has been incredibly supportive of my little space and especially my health.</div>
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Rosie from the <a href="http://oldmagnoliatree.blogspot.co.uk/">Old Magnolia Tree</a> - I really enjoy Rosie's blog as it is always such an honest account of life and one would never know that Rosie has been struggling with Fybromyalgia for some time. I love her crochet work too and it has been a gift to meet someone else also battling daily with the challenges that come with living a life with Fybromyalgia.</div>
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Then there is also the lovely Sue from <a href="http://sweetpeafamilyblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Sweetpea Family</a>, whom Clare already nominated.</div>
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So for those of you who need to pass it forward, here are all the information that you will need.</div>
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<strong>ME & CFS & FMS BLOGGER AWARDS:</strong><br>
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Awarded by bloggers, to other bloggers, to acknowledge outstanding endeavour in promoting awareness of Myalgic Enchephalomylitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and/or Fibromyalgia (FMS).The blogs receiving the awards do not need to be dedicated solely to ME, CFS or FMS, but they should contain at least one post that has helped to increase awareness.It is hoped that these Awards will increase blog readerships and also encourage networking between ME & CFS & FMS bloggers themselves. No matter the title of our diagnosis, patients of these conditions all suffer from a frustrating state of health that is poorly recognised by most of society. </div>
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<b>HOW IT WORKS:</b></div>
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1, On receiving the ME & CFS & FMS BLOGGER AWARD, you should be directed to a post that describes why you (and others) have been given this award. The page will also include this set of instructions and the two award images.2. Please note, you do not need accept the award. The aim of the awards is about recognition and a bit of fun, NOT extra work! Please do not feel pressured to participate.3. To claim your award: a) Create a new post on your blog, in which you thank the individual who gave you the award (remember to include a link back to their blog). You can then copy the images to your blog post and/or side bar as you wish.</div>
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Below is the code for adding the small image as a link in your blog side bar if you wish to do so:<a href=”<br>
<a href="http://sallyjustme.blogspot.com/2014/02/launching-me-cfs-fms-blogger-awards.html" rel="nofollow">http://sallyjustme.blogspot.com/2014/02/launching-me-cfs-fms-blogger-awards.html</a><br>
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< img src=”<a href="http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i4/salpublicphotos/BloggerBadge_zps26d28ded.png%E2%80%9D/&gt" rel="nofollow">http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i4/salpublicphotos/BloggerBadge_zps26d28ded.png”/&gt</a>;<br>
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b) List three to ten blogs that you would like to recommend, giving a brief description of why you think each one is special. A couple of lines is fine, but be sure to include a link to each blog you name (or specific page if you prefer) so that others are encouraged to visit.c) Copy and paste these instructions into your post. Copy from the first *** above, to the last *** below to ensure that every thing is included. (Add the images separately if they don’t copy automatically. Control-Shift-V also removes crazy formatting during pasting if that is a problem. <img alt=";)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif?m=1129645325g"> )d) Alert your chosen blog owners to their awards by making a comment on the most recent post of their blogs. The comment could simply read: </div>
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“Congratulations, I have nominated your blog to receive an ME & CFS & FMS BLOGGER AWARD. Please visit <insert link to the post you have just created> to collect your Award”3. Hopefully these awards will spread far and wide. I would love to keep track of where the awards end up, so I would be very grateful if participants would also copy their list of awards into a comment beneath this post:<br>
<a href="http://sallyjustme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/my-nominations-for-first-me-cfs-fms.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sallyjustme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/my-nominations-for-first-me-cfs-fms.html</a><br>
I hope that collecting all the recommendations in one place will help each of us to find and explore new blogs.</div>
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<b>THANK YOU ALL FOR PARTICIPATING.</b></div>
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Sally<br>
<a href="http://sallyjustme.blogspot.co.uk/">http://sallyjustme.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFrKpVp3LJdiC1lM_pUuzzZBcrLIx8ChQVx79jPNbHsRLEgfW1dsGEt60ch22FSrWJnite6hbX7s2ytVYagI_hAOFob0O8DoVyRfzrAfAyCL1JJ9DVQS4yVHynqeHnFwrRbFG8_OqPa8/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFrKpVp3LJdiC1lM_pUuzzZBcrLIx8ChQVx79jPNbHsRLEgfW1dsGEt60ch22FSrWJnite6hbX7s2ytVYagI_hAOFob0O8DoVyRfzrAfAyCL1JJ9DVQS4yVHynqeHnFwrRbFG8_OqPa8/s1600/Flower.jpg" height="624" width="640"></a><br>
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Thank you for reading another looooong post, but some things just has to be done! I hope you all have a lovely weekend ahead of you and that you all enjoy a very special Mothering Sunday. What do you have planned?? We are very hopeful for some good weather as this Mamma here just wants to have a picnic, so fingers crossed the sun shines. The rest of the weekend will be spent getting kids to birthday parties (do they ever stop?) and trying to get organised for our little trip 'home' that is SA for those of you who don't know. I haven't been home now for well over five years as my health has not allowed for it since the little 'princess' was born nearly five years ago now, in fact the last time we visited I was 22 weeks pregnant with her. So you can just imagine that we are all just a little giddy with excitement right now and the kids especially so as they will be meeting their cousins for the very first time!!</div>
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I do promise to pop back soon as I am really hopeful to share at least one post with you before we jet off. A big welcome to my new followers, it is so lovely that you have decided to stop by here and I am really looking forward to getting to know you a little better. </div>
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Wishing you all a very happy and fun weekend.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-35542119208117905702014-03-22T12:11:00.003+00:002014-03-22T12:12:23.449+00:00My finished Spring Throw<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello lovely people. I have been meaning to show you this blanket since I finished it in the middle of February, but for whatever reason, it is finally happening today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcMRe2NcZ4_PPZDj8NMIGPzSv_x_QY49DZnMPcSyZcU9S9RZTVAna5FNPSy-T5bZHBm8XJ3n4q1I9_5Mcf_lpszcyM_jSvr3IyFzbE7gHGOQnXRYZxm61VMbryG9zpjGmx-URDb0hh7I/s1600/blanket12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcMRe2NcZ4_PPZDj8NMIGPzSv_x_QY49DZnMPcSyZcU9S9RZTVAna5FNPSy-T5bZHBm8XJ3n4q1I9_5Mcf_lpszcyM_jSvr3IyFzbE7gHGOQnXRYZxm61VMbryG9zpjGmx-URDb0hh7I/s1600/blanket12.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started this blanket during our holiday to Italy last year, it seemed like the perfect poolside companion and also a good way to kill time during our journeys to Pisa, Florence and Rome. Sadly due to my fund raising commitments at the end of last year it was put to one side as soon as we returned from holiday and it didn't get a look in until shortly after Christmas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOwOt3UR6rQ7PdfCt9XkKvo5glDOotTs9XJIWWaSvCZ9RtokuvCgDT990B8k_nJS234lOaDraCIRqN4ZP83Rq7UkKay1A6ygOYbgEsaqEh-MHx4DzKU9gSKYXmnPI2IRDjo0HwRWaMjM/s1600/blanket11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOwOt3UR6rQ7PdfCt9XkKvo5glDOotTs9XJIWWaSvCZ9RtokuvCgDT990B8k_nJS234lOaDraCIRqN4ZP83Rq7UkKay1A6ygOYbgEsaqEh-MHx4DzKU9gSKYXmnPI2IRDjo0HwRWaMjM/s1600/blanket11.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHFnz7Co9CVXwtM3b_DsrtOgIi8zgLSU2ZSz0lmX0cjlSGnuX7PYrS8hm_MjvqMXrUVvQwFyrG8AtVUxWrNrSIXlSQowJCE8olUDoQqo6Jhne9D71-hYdWQ0X0KbOmH7ogN98jNShiJU/s1600/blanket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHFnz7Co9CVXwtM3b_DsrtOgIi8zgLSU2ZSz0lmX0cjlSGnuX7PYrS8hm_MjvqMXrUVvQwFyrG8AtVUxWrNrSIXlSQowJCE8olUDoQqo6Jhne9D71-hYdWQ0X0KbOmH7ogN98jNShiJU/s1600/blanket2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed working on this throw, not only was it very easy crocheting, but it was also the perfect companion through the cold and dark winter months whilst watching countless episodes of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007y6k8">Silent Witness</a> and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018ttws">Sherlock</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bLzXbN21Ru8zGFir52d0aueMd6ZImeUUwhdvHQNJyyA_mKT51JHMFVZc15kXBrohjkKTeQ01RDCpDl14MZgCp1iUTcZBvOh3vXTjFbppGjLONtuFRedJj5VLysQcgpkP-06kjRUVVzo/s1600/blanket4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bLzXbN21Ru8zGFir52d0aueMd6ZImeUUwhdvHQNJyyA_mKT51JHMFVZc15kXBrohjkKTeQ01RDCpDl14MZgCp1iUTcZBvOh3vXTjFbppGjLONtuFRedJj5VLysQcgpkP-06kjRUVVzo/s1600/blanket4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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All in all it took me around two months to make my Spring Throw, baring in mind that I very rarely crochet during the day and generally only crochet for around 45 minutes max whilst I watch telly at night. So if you have a little more time each day, you could whip this up in no time at all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuO6NswIl4qfpAB-DRNkCoSclPKm5xmfMvnK9ankia4PFfAp92CjQzAc1qB3xd4GjLPBaF32LQBIWU2uUgo8jUmfx5zuQdLlUHVN1GLJm8RtUHiyD9kjlgIn2kUXq0y7gU8NEobfC3UA/s1600/blanket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuO6NswIl4qfpAB-DRNkCoSclPKm5xmfMvnK9ankia4PFfAp92CjQzAc1qB3xd4GjLPBaF32LQBIWU2uUgo8jUmfx5zuQdLlUHVN1GLJm8RtUHiyD9kjlgIn2kUXq0y7gU8NEobfC3UA/s1600/blanket1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=stylecraft+special&order=relevance&dir=desc">Stylecraft Special DK</a> and followed a pattern from Catherine Hirst's book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Granny-Square-Crochet-contemporary-traditional-techniques/dp/1908170883/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1395486565&sr=8-6&keywords=the+granny+square+book">Granny Square Crochet,</a> which I have spoken about <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/holiday-makes-granny-square-crochet.html">here</a> and even though I wouldn't say that this is to my usual taste, I am just a little in love with this throw. I am very much a muted colour kinda gal (greys, pinks, greens, blues, etc), but I love the zingy and zesty spring colours and it certainly knows just how to lift the soul. It also feeds my current obsession with anything yellow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHV0mFM-778Oo-5K7l0MPbf5X0TJ6Wbz0R8F22rHYiwOoPr6g_4a35-Pgy_iu4X1f_xZbZb8IDw1AsABscdlGqNzoRCTfp3EKIU7pefDjbAW3aJVcxom3hxuH5q5b5vXBneTurstLrCE/s1600/blanket5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHV0mFM-778Oo-5K7l0MPbf5X0TJ6Wbz0R8F22rHYiwOoPr6g_4a35-Pgy_iu4X1f_xZbZb8IDw1AsABscdlGqNzoRCTfp3EKIU7pefDjbAW3aJVcxom3hxuH5q5b5vXBneTurstLrCE/s1600/blanket5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The process was devoid of any systemic approach with regards to the combination of colours, but that worked well for me. Vibrant and free.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbdIfK6Us-on4OpyOpsFrAqCzNI_6B5j0WA7lrt5d0AVsn_iaiNiGGbNXRkYyMacd_paYNSIxX8Hu9LAD416ghCxvX8eCBqvOftNP7Npc7zhKtfHXWlMq6ZiYZOB5bclMVJcJFO-2MbM/s1600/blanket6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbdIfK6Us-on4OpyOpsFrAqCzNI_6B5j0WA7lrt5d0AVsn_iaiNiGGbNXRkYyMacd_paYNSIxX8Hu9LAD416ghCxvX8eCBqvOftNP7Npc7zhKtfHXWlMq6ZiYZOB5bclMVJcJFO-2MbM/s1600/blanket6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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For the border I just worked the recommended crab stitch edging, largely because I was curious about how it would look. I must confess that I was very tempted to give this blanket a picot edge, but in the end, I went for the simple crab stitch, which I personally think is a little to simple for my liking. Maybe one day I will feel the need to redo the edging, but for now it is happily lying on our bed waiting for warmer days so I can pack away the eiderdown to reveal its full beauty.</div>
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This is the second blanket that I have crocheted and I must say that despite hubby's comment that we don't need any more blankets around the house, I am already secretly planning the next, which I suspect will be another picnic blanket (ssshhh don't tell him! Lets hope he's not reading this post!). What is it with my obsession with picnic blankets? I suspect that it is my constant yearning for a little sun and some warmer days where we can ground ourselves whilst lazing around somewhere by a brook enjoying family picnics.</div>
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One of the things that I love about blogging is that you can look back over your achievements and record your emotions surrounding a particular project too. We often forget how we felt when we made something or the exact time we made it, what inspired it, etc. Life is short and precious and I often feel so grateful that I can surround myself with handmade things that bring a little colour and joy into my life.</div>
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Before I go I just wanted to say thank you to each and everyone of you who read and commented on my <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/balance.html">Balance</a> post. It was something that I just felt an intense urge to write. Thank you for all your words of wisdom, love and support, you are all pretty AMAZING! </div>
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Wishing you all a very lovely and enjoyable weekend.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-51642746815370555322014-03-14T13:06:00.001+00:002014-03-14T13:06:26.374+00:00Balance<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is a gift and one I am truly grateful for. Each day my understanding of gratitude changes and improves, I have learnt, through meditation over the years that gratitude is something we can feel, touch, taste, hear, something that awakens the most intimate parts of our bodies and minds, but it is something we so seldom sit and really embrace</div>
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The last few months have been somewhat of an interesting journey for me, one that has brought many questions to the forefront of my mind and one that has left me a little unsettled as I confirm yet again that I am still an all or nothing kinda gal, one who dives in the deep end and shriek with joy as I approach the biggest waves, one that loves the thrill of fear, the buzz you get from looking for your next gear placement whilst half way up a mountain, one that thrives on the excitement of getting my wheel just in the right place on a thread bare downhill single track. My association with life is to live to the fullest, with a glass always half full, so when I embarked on yet another journey to wellness in January, I dived in with all fours with new excitement and hope that this journey would be the one that will finally bring me closer to improved health and finding the essence is of my existence.</div>
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You see life is a little like balancing spinning plates and one that requires skill and precision. Over the last couple of months I have worked closely on learning this skill and building on my existing knowledge and if I am honest it has been a struggle. Often it feels like this work-life balance is an illusion, one that despite our best attempts we can only maintain the perfect balance with our pretty plates spinning at the right time and right place for a certain time before we realise that we are missing something, balance and the inevitable chaos that comes with being human. </div>
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Right now I am standing at the edge of reason, as I face the next phase. You see I have faced three months of sheer dedication and focus on my health during the day with a dedicated morning to healing, rest after lunch and spend my time as a good mum in the afternoon, wife in the evening, before I pamper my tender loins for a good nights rest, and injecting any spare time I have into research. Don't get me wrong I am loving my new routine, it is a pleasure, I rise get my kids to school, come home do some gentle yoga followed by a long meditation, prepare my lunch and do the must-do jobs and read up about foods, go to bed, rest, get up and so on. My soul feels calm, grounded, nourished and loved and for the first time in my life I feel pretty happy in my skin, happy with who I am, grateful for my being and excited about my future.</div>
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One slight problem is that some pretty plates have fallen by the wayside, I miss my sewing machine, my crochet hooks, my embroidery floss and most of all feeling balanced in the sense that only works for me. There are no right answers, there are no gimmicks, this is life at the core, in the deep end, but I can swim and I want to and somehow I know with time I will find my balance.</div>
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For now, I feel a little torn, like I am leading a double life. You see, I made the decision earlier this year that I would really inject every ounce of my being into my recovery and for me the best way I could see this happen is through doing what I am doing now, but also to finally start a blog where I could write about my journey to recovery. Over two years ago, from my bed, I made a feeble attempt at starting and ME blog, nothing about it felt right, but now I am geared up and ready. My focus will predominantly be around food and as a result I have started a new Instagram account called <a href="http://instagram.com/scrummytritious#">Scrummytritious</a>, the name I hope to use for my new blog when I get around to it. It feels a little strange to be living two sides of your life, but it works for me. <br />
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Cosmos and Cotton has been my savour during a time when I needed to reconnect with the world and re-engage my brain. You see four walls can get pretty lonely at times and this little space has given me light, love and hope, but above all a place where I can express the creative side of me and talk about family and gardening. My need to be creative has always been there, since I was a little girl and I love that Cosmos and Cotton has become a little platform for me where I can feel inspired by like minded souls. This little space was never really intended for ME, but its my life and ME is such a BIG part of it, I couldn't keep it separate. Now however I feel ready to do a little more, be a little more focussed and I honestly don't want to start incorporating my weekly journey with M.E here, so I feel it best to shift the gears in a different direction. This comes at a strange time, especially seeing that the very lovely and dear friend <a href="http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/">Clare</a> have recently nominated me for this rather special award for promoting ME awareness, which I will share with you soon. <br />
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For now though, things may be a little quiet here, but that is just because I keep dropping these plates and I am learning how to balance everything without loosing the essence of what I am setting out to achieve. You see like those spinning plates we can try our best with everything at once, but generally it only lasts a few days, weeks, months or years before something happens to disrupt it. I want to find a lifestyle that I can keep, one that will see me through the rest of my days even when I am well again and this will take some time to figure out.</div>
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I know this is a really long post and one with very few photos, it just goes to show it can be done. It can be so powerful to put your thoughts on paper and really appreciate the enormity of what you are trying to achieve in life. I am missing you all and you are never far from my thoughts and I am hopeful that one day soon I will find the perfect equilibrium, for now though Namaste. </div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-81540411153698642062014-03-11T11:00:00.003+00:002014-03-11T11:00:56.402+00:00Sunshine and a Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello lovely peeps, its such a beautiful day here in the north of England, in fact its the third beautiful day we have had in a row. It feels so lovely to wake up to clear blue skies and a bright and big sun that beams beautiful warm sunshine onto your skin. I almost felt blinded when I took the kids to school this morning, it feels good to know that hot goddess is back, oh joys.</div>
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On Sunday we made the very most of this glorious weather and packed a picnic, our second of the year, I think, and set off to a lovely little place called <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill/">Hare Hill,</a> a really pretty little spot that's perfect for my wheels and the kids. My gorgeous man kindly made some gluten, dairy and soy free bread and after a lovely gentle yoga and meditation practice we set off to go and count some Hares.</div>
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The kids loved exploring and searching for the 12 carved hares scattered around the grounds. This is the first time that we actually managed to get around most of the grounds. Thank you National Trust for doing an amazing job making it a little more wheelchair friendly. Finding wheelchair friendly places to visit can often be a little bit of a challenge, but fortunately I have my trusty forever fell running pusher who is happy to go anywhere, apparently it's all good training (and given my weight, errm I reckon the man might just be right for once! Operative word being once!). </div>
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Halfway into our walk we found the perfect little spot for our picnic. It was really lovely and quiet as other people tend to have theirs within the walled garden, but little Es knew best.</div>
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The kids ran around, climbed trees and had heaps of fun learning how to skim stones on water</div>
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We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and what I loved most about it was that the kids were outside straight after breakfast and didn't come in till around 6pm. It makes such a lovely change after months of being cooped up indoors and it sure feels like a rather lovely tease for a beautiful Spring to follow.<br />
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So now on to the exciting bit, the winner. I roped little Es in yesterday afternoon as we had a lovely girly afternoon with big brother away at a play date and it seemed like a good opportunity for her to write her numbers. Who needs a random number selector when you have a trusty four year old to assist.</div>
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numbers were written in a fashion and popped into a hat and in less than two shakes of a lambs tail little Es selected the winner</div>
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Congratulations Heather from the lovely blog <a href="http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.co.uk/">my little red suitcase,</a> please leave me a comment with your email address so I can get in touch with you.</div>
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There has been quite a few things happening here in our little pad, but one of them is finally getting some new shelves in my kitchen. When we knocked the wall through two years ago, we lost the majority of our cupboards and even though we have acquired an island with good storage and a lovely big sideboard, I am forever needing more space, so I am tres happy with these. All they need now is a little paint and maybe some lovely wallpaper, time will tell. </div>
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That's all for today my lovelies. Wishing you all a skippity hoppity day.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-42375639390856944322014-03-05T20:50:00.002+00:002014-03-05T20:50:20.592+00:00A pretty little blog swap<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello lovelies, I hope you are all enjoying a good week. Mine has most certainly been perked up by a gorgeous parcel I received from a bloggy friend. Towards the end of last year the lovely Marianne from <a href="http://ladybirddiaries.blogspot.co.uk/">Ladybird Diaries</a> suggested we did a little swap and needless to say there was no delay in the uptake. After a few emails with some specific questions, we both settled on something for the kitchen.</div>
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Before I go into the detail of what I sent Marianne, I am dying to share my gorgeous gifts with you. </div>
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The parcel was so beautifully wrapped and I just loved the handwritten letter, it feels like ages since I've received a proper letter and it felt super special, thank you Marianne.</div>
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So in my gorgeously wrapped parcel was the loveliest of tea towels, with lots of beautiful hand appliqued flowers on it. I love the fabrics that <a href="http://ladybirddiaries.blogspot.co.uk/">Marianne</a> chose for the flowers and I must say it is already looking beautiful in the kitchen. </div>
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Next Marianne crocheted this gorgeous potholder, which I absolutely LOVE!!! It fits in perfectly with the rest of my collection and if one day life will bless me with a few more hours each day I might get around to making many more of these for my potholder wall that I keep dreaming about. Needless to say I am smitten to bits with this beauty!</div>
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Lastly Marianne sent me this rather gorgeous and sweet sign for the kitchen and she added this beautiful crochet heart to it, such a special and pretty touch and I <u>heart</u> it! I am currently trying to find the perfect little spot for it as it definitely needs to be appreciated every day. Thank you Marianne, you have really spoilt me and I love each and every one of the gorgeous gifts you made.</div>
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From the outset I had it in my mind that I wanted to have a go at making <a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/2013/10/pretty-little-potholder-tutorial-a-diy-step-by-step-guide.html">these</a> pretty little potholders by Amy from <a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/2013/10/pretty-little-potholder-tutorial-a-diy-step-by-step-guide.html">Nana Company.</a> I have been meaning to do these for such a long time and finally I had the perfect excuse to play. Thanks to Amy's wonderful tutorial, it was really straightforward and I really enjoyed the process, in fact I am already looking forward to making myself some at some point.</div>
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what I really like about them is the little pocket for your hands and also the gorgeous little frill, it just gives it that extra little girly touch. Amy is so clever and if you haven't already visited her lovely blog do yourself a favour as there is a mountain of gorgeousness awaiting you.</div>
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I didn't follow the instructions to the letter (yes I know its becoming a bit of a habit), but I felt a little unsure about gluing the back of the bias binding before top stitching it from the front, so I decided to hand stitch the back of the bias in place, just like one would do with a quilt, and personally I think it gives it a neater finish. Marianne told me that her current love was red polka dots, so I had fun incorporating it into both the potholders.</div>
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I spotted this lovely cup a few weeks ago and I thought of Marianne, so it only seemed right that it went to the right home. To ensure that it got there in one piece I had to post everything in a rather big shoe box, which I covered in some old wallpaper I had lying around. Isn't it amazing what a little paper and glue can achieve?!</div>
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All in all it was such a fun project and I really enjoyed getting to know Marianne a little better too. I also love the fact that slowly there are little bits from other bloggers lying around the house giving me a gentle reminder of the people behind these gorgeous makes. It was my first unofficial swap and I must say I am already looking forward to the next.</div>
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Now before I go, I just wanted to say that there is still a couple of days left to enter my <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/one-year-and-little-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> that you can read about <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/one-year-and-little-giveaway.html">here.</a></div>
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Wishing you all a lovely week.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-79870597092932311362014-03-02T13:42:00.002+00:002014-03-02T13:42:23.226+00:00ONE YEAR and a little GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Friday just gone this little space turned ONE, can you believe that?! Honestly I can't believe that a year has gone by since I did my very first post, how time flies when you're having fun!</div>
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So as a little something I wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all you LOVELY people who have been coming back time and time again to read the dribble that I write. When I started this blog, I just wanted to get my head working again after years in bed with serious brain fog and I honestly did expect anything more. I don't think any of you really understand just how much you have meant to me over the last year, you have been my rock through troubling waters, you've kept me smiling at times when I just couldn't see the light. I feel so very blessed that I have met so many wonderful and special people and made some very special friends along the way too. Thank you to each and everyone of you, you really are amazing. </div>
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So as a sign of appreciation I am giving away a few bits, which I am happy to post anywhere around the world. This is the mandala that I spoke about <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/finding-my-inner-peace-through-mandala.html">here</a> and the book is one I love, so I figured that there might be a few more likeminded souls out there who will enjoy it too. Then there had to be something for the kitchen, as it just wouldn't have felt right without, so a nifty book full of pretty preserve labels to enjoy. I think they come in really handy for your sewing bits and bobs too. </div>
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All you need to do is to follow my blog and leave me a little comment to tell me what your fave post was this year and that's it. Entries must be in by next Sunday the 9th at 12pm GMT, and I will draw a name from that hat during the Monday and will announce the winner on Tuesday the 11th.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-81307762065339523522014-02-27T20:38:00.001+00:002014-02-27T20:38:32.837+00:00Finding my inner peace through a Mandala<div align="center">
The last couple of days have been spent loving and nurturing a rather delicate body after half term. I have been yearning for some contact with the ground, some quiet time just to sit and listen to my breath, to gentle turn away the chattering monkeys and to find some harmony and balance again</div>
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I have given the computer a wide berth and really focused on my body and mind. I am nurturing it daily with delicious green smoothies, smoothie bowls and wonderful salads and fascinating books. I am connecting with all my chakras and are feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for all the people in my world (that includes YOU!)</div>
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throughout this week I have had an enormous urge to crochet another Mandala and I simply reached for the same pattern that I spoke hooked <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/crochet-potholder-and-sweet-memories.html">here.</a> It is a pattern from Simply Crochet (August 2013)</div>
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Then to quote what I wrote <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/granny-circular-stool-cover.html">here:</a></div>
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'The word Mandala comes from the Sanskrit Mandala, which means 'circle', it also represents the universe. Some also believe that it is a symbol of the dreamers search for completeness in a dream. What I like about Mandala's is their visual appearance and how it has the power to absorb the mind and to stop all the chattering that is forever going on. It brings me to a state of awareness and consciousness, and I suppose there is a rather hypnotic feel to working these circles. In our busy lives it is so hard to find time to just be with the here and the now and to get rid of all the thoughts that is forever consuming our minds and actions and that is why I am such a great believer in the power of meditation as it gives us a platform to just be here and now but in a quiet place and space to address the underlying issues, happy or sad, that might never really be heard in our busy days. I have to add here that meditation doesn't just have to occur in these quiet places, but can be done anywhere and at any point in the day no matter where you are.</div>
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Another aspect that I really enjoyed when working these Mandala's was the knowledge that it represents giving everything to the universe, in order to receive teaching and or empowerment in return. Now although this goes far deeper than that in the spiritual sense of the word, I did feel quite empowered by ye old granny and most definitely found that I had regained respect for the teachings from this simple yet beautiful stitch.'</div>
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It seemed like the perfect crochet project for me this week and I have already started another. I am embracing the flow of love and compassion that I have felt throughout this week and I have loved this project</div>
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This afternoon we enjoyed the most glorious sunshine and the kids and myself stayed out in the garden till after 5, it certainly feels like there is a promise of Spring in the air.</div>
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Apologies if I haven't visited any blogs or replied to any emails, I will hopefully find the energy and urge to do it soon. I will be back soon with news on my first giveaway, very exciting. Joining in today with the lovely <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/">Chrissie</a> and <a href="http://ladybirddiaries.blogspot.co.uk/">Marianne</a> for their 'Blooming Crochet-A-Long'</div>
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Sending you all healing and happy love</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-3926461759116161142014-02-21T20:05:00.002+00:002014-02-21T20:11:16.054+00:00This week<div align="center">
I have been enjoying my new green smoothie-breakfast routine</div>
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I love starting my day with a boost of chlorophyll and alkaline loaded foods and my current fave is spinach, kale, celery and some variety of fruit (berries, pear or apple) and a little fresh ginger. Sadly I have been using my Kenwood blender as my Vitamix broke after just THREE uses (I know!). Fortunately a new one has arrived today and sometimes we just need to accept that not everything works perfectly first time round, fingers crossed we have better luck this time round.</div>
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The kids have been enjoying making their smoothies and all I need to do now is to figure out how to change the colour of spinach and kale (there goes the chorolphyll!) so it can be added to their smoothies, fat chance I reckon! </div>
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We have enjoyed lazy mornings in pj's, no time pressures, no routine and its been bliss. There's been an obsession of walking around in Mum's heels and wanting to put make-up on whilst listening to ' <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk&feature=kp">Let it go</a>' (can I blame Frozen here?!), I promise it has nothing to do with me in my usual attire of heals and a pinny (oh he can but dream on!).</div>
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I have been glaring at this pile of books in the kitchen that I need to sort through, but its been glaring back all week and I suspect the trend might continue a little longer. Do you have this book cluttering tendency around your kitchen? We have them scattered around all over, but somehow it all blends in, this pile however (a result of book overflow in other areas) is now blocking the door, so it really is time to sort it out. Maybe next week...</div>
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Oh yes spot that The Great British Sewing Bee book there, it's so exciting that it is back on our screens and I can't wait for it to start 'unravelling'.</div>
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There has been lots of drawing and making</div>
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reading and baking</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h7tYhSLh2tpBQuVMro-21YupIz9fQMCVIXVJUz2L1UEzSYgqmmKsr997Xh3Z_iGaboWedWRYTmG7feN4vphwm2FgYXHTun9VW-uDlmz6yNo8Ium1oTGZJV0Dkz0fXaMTggt72Sb5Mvk/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h7tYhSLh2tpBQuVMro-21YupIz9fQMCVIXVJUz2L1UEzSYgqmmKsr997Xh3Z_iGaboWedWRYTmG7feN4vphwm2FgYXHTun9VW-uDlmz6yNo8Ium1oTGZJV0Dkz0fXaMTggt72Sb5Mvk/s1600/baking.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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and even a little more 'raw' experimenting</div>
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We had our first trip to the garden centre for this year and for once the owner roped the kids in to do some chores, whilst I could leisurely peruse the packets of seeds. How is it that the kids are so happy to do 'jobs' for other people yet all I need to do is mention the j-word to send them running in the opposite direction?!</div>
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I enjoyed an evening sorting through seeds and making plans. I'm a girl who likes a good plan and these sorts are the best!</div>
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We have enjoyed some glorious and sunny days, mornings mostly with rainy afternoons</div>
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but it was not all grey, this gorgeous original painting was my latest find at the charity shop, I must say I chuffed to bits!! </div>
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and last but not least I have been enjoying these gorgeous Protea and fynbos all the way from SA courtesy of my special man!</div>
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I hope you have enjoyed your week/half term, sadly there has been no time for crafting, but that will all change next week when these little monsters return to school. There's a little DIY on the cards for the weekend, but more on that another time.</div>
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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568062908589460413.post-62851285435472574782014-02-16T20:03:00.000+00:002014-02-16T20:03:45.500+00:00A little bear called RosieHello my lovelies, I hope you've all enjoyed your weekend?! We actually had a night (yay!) out where we enjoyed a delicious Indian meal and a trip to cinema to watch the epically moving <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024544/">12 Years a Slave,</a> where Sean Bobbitt, the cinematographer did one <u>amazing</u> job. Even though his view was 'to keep it simple', it did everything and more to grip you into a state of feeling so uncomfortable at times whilst you willed the camera <u>just to look away</u>. For me it has to be the best cinematography I have seen in a long while and it comes as no surprise that Sean Bobbitt has been nominated for a Bafta Award. In fact it comes as no surprise that most aspects of the movie has been nominated for Baftas, and it will all be revealed tonight, how very exciting. Credit also has goes to the incredible acting by Chiwetel Ejiofor who played Solomon Northup and the other members of the cast who gave outstanding performances. It was harrowing in exactly the way I expected it to be and it pains me to think that even though slavery is illegal today, it's still going on around the world.<br />
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So moving on to something a little more cheerful, a new little friend has </div>
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joined our family this week. </div>
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After making <a href="http://cosmosandcotton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/meet-fantastic-mr-fox.html">Fantastic Mr Fox</a> for little J's birthday last summer, little E has been waiting very patiently for me to make her a bear. It is fair to say that it has taken me quite some time to actually get around to it finishing it, but this week seemed like the perfect opportunity to do a little hand stitching to sooth my dreaded lurgy.</div>
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Rosie was made using a pattern by the very talented <a href="http://sasha%20pokras/">Sasha Pokras's</a>. I must say unlike my first this little cheeky bear didn't quite turn out as I expected, but I am still very much in love with her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkyOBxx6ya918zsk1xt8d5W5Jpb2NMUtkAB5Z9KxJ6t9XJwutcQx0yRiMW2Sa1Ry4dRwZ38ku42RrnikLURgd1wLBAlJsXheZlsTwZBK4JwM4FtbQE_SqmgBDL99VLRfwJFNlFFTzfkI/s1600/rosie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkyOBxx6ya918zsk1xt8d5W5Jpb2NMUtkAB5Z9KxJ6t9XJwutcQx0yRiMW2Sa1Ry4dRwZ38ku42RrnikLURgd1wLBAlJsXheZlsTwZBK4JwM4FtbQE_SqmgBDL99VLRfwJFNlFFTzfkI/s1600/rosie1.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
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Rosie has largely been hand stitched and I have used cotter pins to enable all of her joints to move. She is made out of lovely mohair and only measures around 11 inches tall, so she's only a wee lass.</div>
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I managed to finish it on Thursday afternoon and placed it on little E's pillow for when she returned from school. She was delighted and it took no time for her to christen her as Rosie. It is so lovely that little E absolutely loves little Rosie and that she straight away included her with the bedtime 'gang'. She is now firmly tucked up with her bestie, Treacle (the bear she's had since she was born) and Rabbity (her handmade Christmas pressie). I love how she really appreciateshand made things and the fact that she really looks after them too. It certainly makes every little stitch so much more rewarding.</div>
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Thank you for all your well wishes this week, they were all very much appreciated. I am fortunately feeling a little better than I did, which is a good thing as I have the two small monsters at home for half term, which should be fun and games. I am joining in with the lovely Chrissie from <a href="http://chrissiecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/">Chrissie Crafts</a> for her 'Stitching Sunday'.</div>
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Wishing you all a very enjoyable week.</div>
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Warm Wishes</div>
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Hannapat</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Hannapathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05973402312667870414noreply@blogger.com27