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Thursday 4 February 2010

January

I'm glad its over!!!
I hate January. Strong words, strong feelings!! Its such a meh kind of month after the exciting month of December and I always feel flat. I say always...last year was different as I was prepping for my wedding and didn't have the time to think about what month it was!!!
So I haven't done a lot this month. I had a self enforced no spend month, which was surprisingly easy. The string patches and hexes helped me use fabric I already had, without making me want new.(yeh right like you could ever stop wanting fabric!!!)

I have only had one trip into town to the charity shops all month...and because I have promised my husband I will find a home/get rid of last years finds before I pick up anymore crap...his words not mine....all I came home with was 2 bits of fabric.


Just over a metre of this one...enough for a new kitchen blind.
Laura Ashley for 60p!!!

Nearly 2 metres of this one for 10p. Its American I believe, but I haven't looked up the company yet.
A small person started full time school at the start of the month..This is another reason I have been out of sorts in January, and to be honest I am still struggling. Now I knew the time would come, I have been here twice before...but I was unprepared for how difficult it would make my life!! Getting out of the house on time..which is 8.20 at the very latest..... is proving to be a challenge. Its not as if I'm not up...R still wakes early, but we are pretty hopeless, I'm well out of practice.
There are daily hissy fits...sometimes even from C!!!
Also C has more homework in Reception than my eldest does for his GCSE's..and that isn't much of an exaggeration!! Reading book, Keywords folder, letter sounds, jolly phonic worksheets....I'm afraid we only do it if he is up to it..full time school is very tiring!!! I expect I'll be on the scummy mummy blacklist, what with my poor timekeeping and non compliance with homework!!!
I've discovered this month that I don't have to bake cake ever again!!
This is one of my 12 year old's.
His sponge is perfect. better than his Grandma's, better than mine!!
I intend to make sure he makes it regularly so he doesn't lose the skill ;)

I've been enjoying spring flowers indoors, whilst dodging the snow outdoors.
(not looking their best, but actually I like tulips when they start to flop!! These ones were delivered, a thank you from my sister in law for hosting Christmas.)
I have been staring at my dismal looking garden, wishing for better weather, and starting to plan what I will grow in my raised bed...

I have been finishing some projects from the list of last October!!!
(sneaky peek...more to follow..but check out my mitred corners...first time mitrer too!!!)
I know in January I was a bad blogger. I hardly posted, and I know I haven't replied to all the comments I got. I apologise. I have got lots of new followers, and I'm sorry that there isn't much for you to see round here at the minute!!!
I am working on the principle less time blogging means more time doing...which is true, but then I get that feeling of having forgot something when I don't blog!!!
Please do keep leaving me comments, I will eventually get round to visiting people...honest!!
Anyway its gone now for another year...no more January...so hopefully the cloud will lift and I can come back and have more to say!!
I'm also thinking about swaps....it seems quiet on the swap front right now (unless I just don't know where to look lol!!), so perhaps I should host one? Is it too soon after Christmas?
Let me know what you think...and I'll try and come up with some ideas!!
xxx

17 comments:

Serenata said...

January wasn't too bad for me, although I know what you mean about it being a bit of a 'flat' month. February hasn't started too well!

The cake looks fab - I would encourage that ;-)

Oh sneaky peak of your quilt...want to see more pleeeaaassee!

Jen Walshaw said...

January was a long, long month, but I would be lost without blogging, it is all that is keeping me sane at the moment, the boys struggle when they dont get enough excercise.

Cake looks excellant. I also understand about school, Maxi started in September and Mini starts this septmeber nad then life will never be the same again.

Floss said...

Don't feel guilty! I agree about January being rubbish - mine was frankly a 'lost month' this year. Enjoy the cake and the kids and just blog if you have time!

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

January is my favourite month! We are all home, it's hot and it's usually relaxing. Still we are in summer so that probably helps aye?

Love that sponge cake - clever boy! Think I'll have to try making one of those.

As for homework, it's a whole pile of rubbish in my opinion. Those reader books do your head in don't they?! Guess we'll be back to those in May. Luckily our girls hardly get any homework, great school, they believe in children playing after school.

Hope you get all cherry soon and motivated to make some pretty things again. Love to you, Sarah xx

Shsjndkdns said...

Hi Claire,
Lovely looking cake :) I am liking the hints of your quilt, plllleeaaaseee show more! How did you do your binding? Did you make it yourself or is that folded over from the backing??
As to a swap, sounds like a good idea to me!
xx

lemonade kitty said...

Am I the only person that loves January?? probrably because it'sd my birthday!I'd love to be involved in some swaps Lucey xx

Rachel said...

I struggled too when Joe started school, it's so hard to let go of our babies! I wouldn't worry too much about the homework either, I think reading is the most important thing but worksheets for reception kids?! Love your fabric finds, and a swap sounds like a great idea!
Rachel xx

Thecraftytrundler said...

Thank goodness January, has gone!!! I certainly agree with you there.
Love the look of that cake, what a star! My DS started cookery last term just about everything he has made,has been lovely!
Look forward to seeing your crafting!!

Sharon xx

Pixiedust said...

Cake looks scrummy! I hate January too, and will be glad when feb's been and gone also, roll on the spring I say! I popped a poll on my blog yesterday to see if anyone would be interested in a spring Tilda swap. If its your cup of tea please feel free to add your vote. Well off to bed shortly. TTFN Pixie xxxx

Lalabibaby @ Dreaming of The Simple Life said...

I've never been a Jan to March person really ..... I breathe a big sigh of relief at the end of March after my birthday and do a little winter's over dance to welcome in the spring and sunshine and flowers and the garden and light mornings and light evenings. Oh hurry up February ... there I go wishing my life away again!

VintageVicki said...

January for me has meant getting used to being at home.

Am tired of all the grey & cold too - so am hoping Feb whizzes by and we get to March asap. I look forward to Spring - hopefully sunshine & lots of flowers.

Hope little man gets used to the school stuff soon - think its hard to start in January - both mine did and it took a while to get used to it.

Vicki xx

Unknown said...

Yes, my garden looks a bit dismal too! Now February is here I can sense a small whiff of spring in the air though! suzie xxx

Dawn said...

Hello, just found your blog. I know just what you mean about January. Gl
Glad to see the back of it.
But the days are getting longer and lighter and at this very moment I am sitting in a patch of sunshine. Spring is on the way.

N said...

Hmmm the fabric you've used in your pillow looks familiar!

I can remember how I felt when my youngest started school (now in yr 1) I walked around the supermarket with the trolly seat empty for the first time in 13 years, I missed her so much :-(

Love the pillow by the way.

Hope you have a fantastic Feb!!

Natasha x

made with love said...

Yep, I am glad it's over too. It was certainly a long one.
I am looking forward to seeing your lovely patchwork.
Good luck to the little man and his schooling.
Have a lovely weekend
Rachael XX

Mary Poppins said...

Wow any chance I could have him as a little housekeeper here, could do with a decent one ;) Looks yummyilicious as does your beautiful quilt, well done, keep it up my love ;) Thanks for your lovely comments on my procrastination.

Hugs and a little mwah

X

cathleen said...

What a pretty post, Claire. So many luscious things! Fabrics (I love fabrics) Cakes (I love cakes) and flowers (I love flowers). Thanks for the beauty you shared.