It takes a village

It's been over a month since my last post.  I have a number of excuses, all of them reasonable but mostly I've just been outside enjoying the beautiful Spring weather with people I love!

After a 2 week vacation (1 week in NJ with my fabulous family and most of the following week in sunny Puerto Rico with 3 of my favorite people)  I am back home and attempting to settle back into normality. 

One thing that I've come to realize this past month is how important surrounding yourself with amazing people is.  I am so lucky to have a wonderful network of friends and family on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Something that I've really come to appreciate is the fantastic village where I've lived for the past (almost) 5 years.  Although it's a rather sleepy village without a shop, there is always something going on; especially now that the weather is nice! 


In traditional English style we celebrated the Royal Wedding with a street party.  A huge stretch of the road was closed off in front of the village hall and church and everyone brought picnics and set up tables right in the middle of the street.  The kids were able to run free and had an amazing time taking part in relay races, playing games,  having their faces painted, and eating loads of food!  Most Fridays the village pavilion opens and families all congregate on the cricket ground to enjoy a drink and watch the kids play on the playground or run across the open field.  Because it's a small village everyone knows everyone else and the kids all play together, regardless of their age. 

I grew up in a small suburban community with much the same feel.  There was a strong sense of community, lots of kids and frequent parties and events planned.  I'm so glad that I've found a similar place to raise my family!  I love the idea that my children will grow up with friends they've known forever and a community of grownups that they know and trust. 

A Woman Obsessed!

Ok, so maybe I have a fairly addictive personality... or maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones coursing through my body but I have been insanely fixated on different things recently.  Right now it's salads, the more creative the better,  and mixed fruit, strawberries, blueberries and green grapes.  I've also discovered chocolate covered raisins, which I'm trying to keep far away from! 

Another recent obsession is Ebay.  Since winning my fantastic new Bugaboo (I'm still in love!) I've been trolling the pages looking for other fantastic deals.  I've since won/purchased a ton of fabric, a few pieces of maternity clothing and a dress for Miss Livylu.  What is the fabric for you may ask?  Well another obsession of course!

Which brings me to my new-found desire to make absolutely anything and everything.  I'm not sure exactly what sparked this new creative outlet, maybe it was the bunting.. but since then I've come up with a few other projects that I'm desperate to try out.  Using some great fabric that J sent me, I made a pillowcase for Livylu, picture to come!  She was estatic to find it on her bed when she woke up the other morning.  I'm also keen to make a blanket for Baby Marshmallow and have bought some cute fish fabric and super soft fleece for my first attempt!  Other projects on the list is a maternity skirt for me and a summer dress for Livy. 

One of my favorite new finds is this site.  They have a huge selection of beautiful and unique fabrics... I managed to buy  only 6 yards!  

I'll be sure to post pictures of my finished projects, all that I need to do now is find some spare time!

I just found this link for making a toddler dress from a men's button down shirt... must give it a try!
girls dress