Call me a bit slow but it has suddenly dawned on me today that not only is it New Year's Eve, but the end of a decade. I know, I know, where have I been hiding! The thing is it is my Grandparent's Wedding Anniversary today. Not just any anniversary, but their 70th. And as you can imagine this event has been much anticipated and for me anyway, has slightly distracted from where we are at in the world in general.

My Grandparents are the centre of our whole family and as a consequence we are an unbelievably close-knit family. Whether some of us are living overseas or elsewhere around England, it's as if we are never away from each other. That is true from the grandparents down to the now 3rd generation of the grandchildren's children.

From when we were children, we have always had a family tradition of Friday afternoon tea being held. When we were all little we used to gather after school. Big plates of bread and butter and jam, crumpets, and chocolate cake would be devoured. Then us kids would scatter ready for 'It's 5 to 5, it's Friday and its'....'! (If you're old enough you'll know what I'm talking about!)

This tradition still takes place today and no matter where abouts in the world you happen to be, you know that anyone who is in Leeds will be gathered at Grandma and Grandad's.

It may not be Friday, but guess where we will be this afternoon, celebrating an incredible event?

Wherever you may be on the cusp of this new decade, I hope it will be a memorable and special dawning for what is to come. Happy 2010 xx

(P.S. The wonderful card was done by the amazing Helen from storeyshop who came up trumps by producing this card super quick over the xmas period when yours truly hadn't got her act in gear quite soon enough to order in plenty of time. Thank you Helen, you are a star!)

Planning ahead

It's definitely that time of year. I don't know about you but, even though we've a ways yet before 2010 is upon us, I do need somewhere to write down things for next year. Next year's calendar is definitely something I need now. I normally get one of M & S's family calendars for the kitchen - lots of space and normally I can find quite a funky one. I've been looking at Etsy to see which to get for my studio however. I'm after something prettier up there. Something that's just mine, that isn't going to have everyone's schedules and arrangements scribbled over. I really only need one to check dates, rather than having to write anything on. Here are some of my faves so far...

Cupcakes sure make me happy and I like the fact that there is a little column to write should I need to (only in my favourite best pen of course). This is one of several fun calendars with great illustrations from Yeehaw

This is a very sweet one from Alidesign, but I'm thinking i'd like something bigger. Cute nonetheless

I love this by Beth Fioretti. Very different from the screenprinted ones I had in mind, but a beautiful piece of art on the wall all year.

Back to the screen printed varieties... again this is veering away from the wall calendars (amazing how distracted you can become when you enter Etsy territory!) but very sweet to have in your bag when needed.

I'm liking this one from PSPapergoods and they have a great one for the kitchen too - just not quite big enough for my lot.

I think you can tell from this snippet, that there is alot out there. Many other contenders that I haven't even included. Go check out Etsy for yourselves. I'm sure you'll find plenty that will make it to your not-even-quite-whittled-down list.