The Post-Christmas blahs

I don't know whether it's the dark days, or just the post-Christmas blahs but I've had the desire to hibernate until spring these last few days. Two whole weeks off work and I've found it so hard to drag myself out of bed. Not that I didn't have some super Christmas pressies, like this beautiful Tiffany style stained glass from my son. Isn't it pretty?

A lovely friend bought me this super Cath Kidston book - Sew! It's packed full of things to make complete with the patterns. I've had a go at making an easter chick - sadly it turned out looking more like a budgie but I'm hoping to have more luck with the egg cosy!

One of my goals for 2011 was to start selling at craft markets and I'm booked for my first stall at the Artisans, Arts & Crafts Market in Berkhamsted in March. I'm going to have to work flat out to have enough soap, cushions and crafts ready but I really needed to have an event booked to spur myself on.

I've had a lot of fun painting these dotty dolly pegs...

But I want to have some easter themed gifts -  please, I need your ideas!!

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I love a good hardware store don't you? The smell of fire-lighters, all those wonderful bits and bobs. Last week my son and I were visiting my sister who has just moved to Bovingdon village. Walking through the village my son spotted an old hardware store. "I wonder if they still have one of those pink paraffin pumps?" he joked. Well surprise, surprise they did! And here it is ... tres vintage!

The young lad who was serving in the shop must have thought we were bonkers as we oohed and aahed over it and took photographs with our iPhones!

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And finally. Christmas is often the time for reunions and this week I went up to Leicestershire where I grew up, to get together with some old school friends, two of whom I haven't seen for over 20 years. It was a wonderful day - how easy it was to slip back into our teenage selves! We met in a country pub in Woodhouse Eaves. Now, this part of Leicestershire is hunting, shooting and fishing territory (I've always been anti-blood sports but when in Rome...) and I was amazed when a group of men came into the pub from a days shooting wearing plus-fours! Breeches - goodness! The scene was straight out of a Hollywood style version of Ye Olde England. I could hardly believe my eyes! I guess some things, like old friends, never really change.

2011 is going to be a challenging year for so many of us around the world.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and creative New Year