Celebrate!

It's been nearly two weeks since I came off on holiday for Easter. Where has the time gone? I haven't really done much; I've just lazed around, crafted a bit, went out for lunch a few times with my mum or Paul.  Oh! And I also celebrated my birthday on Good Friday. We (Paul and I) thought my gifts should be practical this year; bits for the garden and as I'm in the process of re-organising my craft room, some pieces for that too. Paul bought me one of the cool frogs in a half tree yoga pose. I've had my eye on one of these for a long time, the one in the photo is the biggest one. I think there's two other poses in the range.  Paul also found some cool wicker baskets to go on my new shelves; they are a good size, sturdy and deep, so I think they will be great for storing fabric or wool. I also received a quirky little gift, a Tina Belcher keyring (Bob's Burgers) and some tasty Lindt Orange Chocolates; I've been craving another box of these since Christmas time (I think it really shows willpower that I've held out until April). Lol!

New subscription came this month in the form of a medium sewing box kit by Sew Hayley Jane . The theme for this month was France. I have to say I'm very impressed by the goodies; it includes: 2.5 metres of dressmaking fabric a floral georgette,  4 fat quarters and a selection of haberdashery items and sewing gifts. I also received new sewing machine needles size 70/100, 4 covered buttons, 1 metre of spaghetti cord by Frou Frou, a matching reel of Gutermann thread and two lollipops. Not quite sure what I'm going to make with the georgette, I may leave the box until my summer holidays (only 10 weeks away, not that I'm counting down or anything). That way I'm not rushing into things and I've got plenty of time to find a pattern. The fat quarters, I may use one for a crochet hook case and save the others for another project.

All in all it's been a good month. I've finally caught up with my Scheepjes Hygge Cal shawls,  after crushing my fingers in my garden door and I've made a respectable start on my little garden too.

Until next time, take care and be good to yourself.

xoxoxo

Questions You Should Ask Before Toasting A King!

 

 

Yesterday (14th of April) I celebrated my 45th birthday. Seems like only yesterday I was celebrating my 21st. Anway, I was going to write this post yesterday but I didn't have the time, what with opening cards and presents, responding to well-wishers on social media and then getting ready to head up to my favourite city; Edinburgh. The only similarity with turning 21 and 45 is that I spent both birthdays in the capital  (I lived in the city for 8 or 9 years) however, my 45th was a lot quieter and a bit more of a sober affair. I did celebrate this birthday with a few drinks and a meal but I didn't want to ruin my big treat of visiting the Vaults (subterranean city of Edinburgh) through a company called Mercat Tours. I wasn't sure what to expect on this tour and before participating in it I thought I knew a lot about Edinburgh's (dark) history, but boy was I wrong. Starting the tour in 1685 my other half Paul (dressed in blue standing against the wall) and an American friend (Brad) learned the hard way.  You do not toast any monarch during 1685, with a dram or ale, especially the King (Charles II). With jeers and abuse from the crowd, Paul or John (as he had to select a Scottish name of the time) was frogged marched with his friend Brad to a local statue.  Here they were first whipped, salt rubbed into their wounds and then one by one Brad's ears were nailed to the statue,  his spouse was then ordered to pull and tear him away.  Paul (John) suffered a far worse fate; his tongue was placed in a clamp until it started to swell in size and a blood blister formed on the tip (this didn't really happen to him). His wound we were told would then explode showering the crowd in blood. Bleurgh!  If that wasn't enough he was then cut from ear to ear resulting in a grin that would remain with him for the rest of his life. Poor Paul (John) but it does make up for the time I was put on trial as a witch for innocently holding a broom for a woman so she could sort her shoe at the Edinburgh Dungeon.  So back to Mercat Tours, we were then shown the site of public executions; a doorway of the reconstructed Mercat Cross of 1885  that now leads to St Gile's Cathedral. The stairs didn't exist during the time of the executions, which we were told were of a hanging variety (kick the bucket and then custom built gallows).  Saying goes that these stairs are now haunted by a young man who escaped his first hanging when one of the gallows trap doors jammed and the crowd took pity on him and rushed to free his body from his execution.  He was later executed when the crowds were dispersed when met by armed guards from both the castle and church. Now, when I looked at the door during the story telling (19.00) I never saw what I now see in the photo (taken at 21.30); a faint cross in the middle of the door.  How spooky!

This isn't the only spooky experience of the night. During the Vault visit to one of the rooms my left hand started to tingle and tickle and the hairs on my arm stood on end. I don't know why or how this happened, I just remember thinking- Oh! that's odd.  The second room I entered I kept turning around to look at a particular corner of the room because I could smell something sweet. Paul kept asking me what I was doing but I couldn't put my finger on why the corner of the room was drawing me to look. The tour guide overheard me saying I could smell something sweet (no one was standing beside me) they then announced a young woman had been murdered in the same corner. My face at this point drained of colour and I went quite pale.  But, the last room really freaked me out.  I was the last person to enter and I couldn't stop staring at the ground, I felt a tightness in my chest and I then felt a blinding headache come on.  I really didn't like the room at all and wanted to leave.  We were then told this was the 'blood room' where poor women were made to give birth in awful conditions. As soon as I left the room the feelings subsided and I even managed to down a glass of wine whilst listening to ghost stories at the end of the tour. Would I do one of their other tours?  I most certainly would and will be when the summer arrives.

*** I don't know why I experienced the sensations I did, I do believe in ghosts but I never thought I would be as tuned in as much as I was. Was I scared? I wouldn't say so, but thinking about the last room as I'm writing this I feel somewhat panicky and breathless.  Now that is scary. This is a birthday I won't forget in a long time.

   xoxoxo

Another year older

Yes, I'm another year older, one minute I hit 40 now I've jumped to 44, how the hell did that happen? Pffff! I just can't believe it. I wasn't bothered by my 40th, but I'm really feeling this age. I even woke this morning in an anxious mood (rolls eyes), and hunted out all my beauty products so I could preen myself  in an attempt to look just a little younger. I even sat for a whole hour watching a beauty blog, I must be in the thick of a midlife crisis...aaagghh!!!

Anyway, I received some wonderful gifts from my other half, Paul; a gorgeous french biscuit tin (I'm a big decorative tin collector, I use them for storing craft stuff). I also received a Groot from Guardians of The Galaxy I am a massive Marvel fan, I've seen most of the Marvel films 3 or 4 times. So, as you can imagine I squealed with glee when I unwrapped this. My other favourite item is a Daryl Dixon keyring for my new car; a character that I secretly lust over from The Walking Dead, it's okay, Paul is aware of this lusting. Lol! 

Finally, I decided to treat myself to a couple of beauty treats (4th photo down) and then bought more when I went to Glasgow today. This is most definitely a crisis age. 

Oh! Before I forget if you ever visit Glasgow you must, must, must go to Viva Brazil, but only if you really like meat. 

p.s. Paul dared me to use our nicknames when I ordered our Chai Tea Lattes in Starbucks. He thought I wouldn't have the nerve, but I did, and I gave the staff a laugh into the bargain. ; p

Trying to Heal

 

The past couple of weeks has been very hard for Paul and I. We seem to cope okay when we are busy with work but as soon as we have some spare time such as days off, Chievo's passing hits us all over again, so we are trying to talk about our feelings and having a cry if we need to, just generally being there for each other. We are both still trying to find our new routines, as anyone who owns dogs will know they are a big part of the family and their needs come before yours at times. So when Paul is on shifts I'm busying myself with baking, sewing and housework; although I do hate the latter with a passion, but needs must.

On the crafting front I have been very busy, I had a clear out or rather a reorganisation of my craft area (I never throw anything away-I'm a hoarder) where I found some kits; cat and squirrel kit (to be precise) pictured, that I bought quite a long time ago. The cat embroidery was purchased from Nancy Nicholson's website. I originally started this piece on a whim, I needed something to occupy my heart, mind and hands, and this kit brought the peace I needed; the more I progressed with it, the harder it became to put it down. Now, originally I had no intention of giving this piece away, I wanted to be selfish and keep it for myself but then I thought my mum would appreciate this piece more than me, so, I gifted it to her for Mother's Day. The other piece with the squirrel, is crewel embroidery work (I nicknamed it cruel embroidery because it made my hands ache so much) it's staying with me, but it's still waiting for a frame as I'm not sure what colour the surround should be, sigh!

Finally, I celebrated my birthday right in the middle of Easter, it was a very mixed day one minute I was excited (I love my birthday and feel like a little kid) and on the other it was tinged with sadness as I wanted the one person with me that I couldn't have; my dog. However, Paul made sure that he was included by signing my card and gift labels from Paul and Chievs which made me smile. The icing on the cake though was the t-shirt with a picture of a dog on it. It took me a bit of courage to ask Paul if it was Chievs, and to my delight it was my little boy on the front wearing 3d glasses. To top it off the t-shirt had Ridgeback written on the back in orange letters; cause you see I always called Chievs my 'little orange.'

Goodbye 30's, Hello 40's!

Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

I celebrated my 40th birthday last week surrounded by my family.   My mum asked if I felt forty to which I replied "No not really, cause in my heart and head I'm still five" haha! haha! To be honest,  I think it has affected my mum more than it's affected me, she has been reminiscing all week.  Today she text me to say that 40 years today she was returning home from the hospital with me and that I was 6lb, 2 and a half ozs. A very random text, still, it put a smile on my face.

Anyway enough waffling on to my surprises and celebrations: 

Prestonfield House Drinks Lounge

My Birthday treat possessed a touch of decadence, romance, drama and magic. It was a night that felt so special and one I will never forget. My partner decided, for my 40th birthday celebration we would dine in style at the  Rhubarb Restaurant  From the creator of the Witchery situated on the Royal Mile, near Edinburgh Castle,  James Thomson's latest venture is the most opulent and prestigious to date and situated in the heart of Prestonfield House.

Entrance Hall and Reception

Entrance Hall

Drinks Lounge

My wonderful and very handsome O/H Paul.  Looking very fine in his suit jacket and tie.

Striking a pose.

 Me, I hate having my photo taken.  Can you tell?  I look like I'm going to beat Paul up with the
camera, haha

 Champers for the celebration.


















A Little Restaurant Info: 

Rhubarb Restaurant (Prestonfield House, Edinburgh)

 The dining room with the plush decor and seating

"Exceptional cuisine is based on exceptional Scottish produce, much locally sourced from small artisan suppliers and inspirational wines come from an award-winning cellar. And the name? Rhubarb was inspired by the discovery that Prestonfield was the first estate in Scotland to propagate rhubarb in the eighteen century."

Rhubarb dining room and our table

Monday Before My Birthday
Four days before Prestonfield House, my sister, mum and myself dined at One Ten Bar and Grill, Glasgow.

This picture really captures my sister's true character, we are both mad as hatters. In the next photo, you will see my mums reaction.













My poor mum, not once did she tell us to grow up or behave. She was truly mortified by our
behaviour and silliness. We don't get out very much lol











Birthday Presents
I was very spoiled for my birthday and received loads of lovely gifts. It's certainly a birthday I will remember for a very long time.

I received Wonders of The Universe book by Professor Brian Cox

                      The Broons Gairdenin Wisdoms book

I'm a huge Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters fan, you can hear this blasting out of the car's speakers as I drive by.

Silver necklace from Paul's parents.

Plus tons of clothes from Fat Face -I'm a huge fan of this brand.  If I had the money, I would buy the whole shop.

My Birthday Flowers

On the iPod :

This week (I also received the Elbow and The Strokes album for my birthday)