disaster averted...

 i went on a rare but much needed shopping spree on sunday morning.

i was desperate for a pair of summer flatties, as well as a couple of other bits n bobs, so i sprang into town on sunday morning for a swift hour.

i found the perfect flatties in both colour and in style and was so chuffed that the fact that they pinched my toes didn't deter me from buying them. They would soon stretch out...

...or not.

i have been away for a couple of days for a meeting and having worn them constantly the realisation that my perfect beautiful new shoes really are too small ;-(

but what a wonderful place the internet is.

having googled a remedy to my problem, i first tried the inserting a water filled plastic bag in the freezer trick (apparently the water turning to ice stretches the shoes) but that failed miserably with water going everywhere before the bags were even filled. 

then i found this unbelievably quick trick. if this worked it would be a miracle.

and it did! incredible! 

i was seriously sceptical, despite the long list of comments wowing over it.

if you have any fabric shoes that are a little bit pinchy go try it. seriously, a miracle.

all i need now is a little bit of a suntan to pretty up my pale feet.

Mean Ol' Mummy

Do you think our children appreciate us? Do you think they sometimes wished we were just like all the other Mummies? Do you think they wished we didn't possess a sewing machine? Artists materials?

I know for a fact that Ruby has these desires every now and then. Like when we had a 'discussion' about why she couldn't have plastic High School Musical Party Bags that she'd seen in Tescos. 'But EVERYONE HAS THEM, Mummy!'

Everyone who knows me knows I would NEVER allow that to happen. And I'm sure all of you out there agree with me.

After Ruby's momentary lapse of sense had faded she agreed that a handmade party bag was the way to go. And after we found these fab scarves (pink - tick) in Gap reduced to £1 each (price - tick) she was more enthusiastic than ever.

What's more, she has had so much enjoyment being part of the process, than simply handing money over at the checkout. This morning, along with her friend Sadie, who knows all about homemade is best, we've cut out the fabric, chosen ribbons and threaded them through for the ties.

I think she's rather proud of the outcome and will love handing them out tomorrow filled with all our handmade goodies.

(Thankyou all for your feedback on the keyrings...I think the consensus is that I can go ahead AND that people might actually buy them!)

A change from Christmas

I HAD to go dress shopping today. Sometimes life is really really tough. Today was one of those days. Next month we are celebrating my nephew's Bar Mitzvah (a big deal for 13 year old Jewish boys) as well as my cousin's son's Bar Mitzvah. Consequently a girl needs dresses. Yes, not just a dress, but dresses.

Unfortunately the dress I had seen in Hobbs only had one in my size and that had a flaw in it. I was offered a discount, but how gorgeous would I look in a beautiful red dress (could only download a photo in black) with a diagonal pull across the front? Tempting as it was, I declined.

I trawled round Whistles...nothing. Jigsaw...nothing. Walked past Harvey Nics...well, maybe if I only needed one outfit. So I down scaled and did Zara. I didn't really want to, but the advantage of needing party dresses at this time of year, is that they are EVERYWHERE.

I picked out a lovely slate grey rouched short empire line dress. Tried it on. It fit. So I bought it.

Next stop Gap. I thought I might get fixed up for the day dress I needed. I decided on this, which is more fitted and much better in real life (honest). What's more it will look great over jeans. I have a big problem with buying things specifically for one occasion. Don't get me wrong, I would love to buy endless dresses for endless occasions, but the budget won't quite manage it so I have to think laterally.

Final need was the cousin's Bar Mitzvah party at The Hippodrome. Something hip for The Hip was definitely needed. I have a fab red SJP-esque skirt that needed a little sprucing up. It's had many an outing and I still love it, but it needed something fresh. Something new. And lots of jewellery to accessorize. Again, Gap obliged with this cute silk black top.

So out comes the red skirt - again. I'm hoping it will be hip enough.

And whilst I was shopping. Rule number 73... don't forget your asyers...'as you are going...' I thought this little black shirt would be quite useful this winter. No?

It will probably all go back tomorrow.