The British Homemaker - One day at a time

I love things to do with homemaking, diy and creativity and for the last 5 years I haven't had a fire surround for the stockings to be hung... an absolute must in my house but it just wasn't feasible in our former home given the ridiculous amount of doors in just the living room and radiators on the other. However, a few months ago I gained a dark wood one from freecycle with an electric fire, it needs a good overhaul in all honesty but I just haven't got to that on my to-do list yet. BUT that doesn't stop me enjoying the fact that the kids now have a place to hang their stockings and i get to play at mantel dressing.... or is it a fire place? Here in the UK we call it a fire place/fire surround but our fellows in USA call them mantels....so we'll go with both.. keeps the peace, dontcha think? :) I have a gorgeous dark wood framed picture of the baby Jesus above the fire place/mantel, {another to-do list project, lighten up the frame} which i...

The Lds church don’t believe that Jesus Christ was born on 25th December but we do celebrate the day for a few reasons. One being that it’s an opportunity to share in the birth of Christ with other religions and non faith people, two being that we love to have a good time when it is good and uplifting and three because it’s an event that very often brings people together. Our church is all for unity; unity of people, of faiths and of hearts. Today, in our Branch Council Meeting I was deeply touched by the vision our recently called leaders have for the coming year. We have been called the ‘happening branch’; we are well liked and respected by other wards/branches in our stake and I  know from experience we give the warmest welcomes to visitors, members and non members. Our activities are driven by the spirit (I know cos I am the activities leader!), we are driven to include anyone that wishes to come along and take part. We do not ‘bible bash’ and preach. We are friendly, bus...

Monday Charley nominates me to be one of 4 to make Christmas goodies for the school fair. Tuesday Having 2 ear infections/sinus trouble and a head cold qualifies me to not cook dinner. Yay to two kids! Wednesday There is nothing better than sitting and talking in front of a log fire with someone who is as as appreciative as me on the rights and wrongs of life. Thursday Official meetings can be fun. Businesses can grow by just a good and balanced reputation, which thankfully I happen to have. Friday The day we go for a walk as a family. The Kymin - steep but awesome views and a great trail for gathering natural foliage for my winter/Christmas projects.      

Whilst going through my costume jewellery I noticed how some of my nicest pieces were getting rather squashed in the box so I had a bit of an idea. Downstairs I was in the midst of ripping apart a cd holder unit, the slots that hold the cd’s came out in whole pieces, turn them sideways and look what you get: When I get to it I shall spray paint it to match the accessories colour for the room and add some co-coordinating cardstock to the stripy bit and most likely add a favourite word, such as…nope, can’t think! So for now its a bit erm, cheap and original as well as practical! Another idea I had, which was totally by accident but one that I shall keep (though it needs some decorating): Now I don’t mind admitting that I don’t really like all these extra things hanging around, I hate clutter, but having just a handful of items on my dresser (yes another thing that needs a makeover!!) is enough for it to be just right!! Debs 

An elder Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me.. it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, …envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith." "This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too", he added. The Grandchildren thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied… "The one you feed."

Ok you guys, I need a favour. It’s not for me personally and you wont get anything in return. Other than knowing you have done a good deed for someone. I would like you to do a post on your blog or site about a Canine Partner project I am helping in. The Colour Wheel Appeal is just totally amazing if I do say myself! The organiser, the lovely Stella Hewitt has founded this cause to raise £10,000 for a Labrador dog to be raised and trained to be a daily carer for people who are sick, disabled or dealing with any other kind of impairment that means they are in need of extra help (and loving, cos we all know how dogs love us, right?). First of all, meet Jensen…… Now aint he just the cutest you ever seen? And do you  know what I love about this photo? The fact that he’s so comfortable doing what he is doing. Jensen also chooses Stella’s clothing (though I’m not sure she is keen on his dress sense!!) he gets the clothes out the washing machine, he lets Stella know when some...

Get life going so much that you end up burning out. Why? It’s a harsh world out there, we have mortgages to pay, cars to maintain, children to care for and a whole other range of things but let me tell you something… It is more in your control than you think. Shocking? Shocked that I’ve just simplified life as a mother/partner/friend and all other titles we have? You’ll live. I promise. And deep down you know I am right. I used to blame living in a city on how crazy my life was. I dreamed of living in the country to have the slower pace, the nature all around me. I believed once I had all that my life would be idyllic. Cr*p. It' doesn’t work like that. We do. In my time out I had many conversations with so many different people from all walks of life, one in particular, with a local radio show host (more on that soon as its related to The British Homemaker) and off air we talked about how he felt relaxed and inspired talking to me. He proceeded to ask me the s...

Twice a year The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hold a General Conference where we get guidance and inspired revelation from many of our church leaders. For those that are not in Salt Lake City to be there in person, many watch it via satellite broadcast at their Stake Centres or, like me, at home. However it is listened to or watched depends on what works for the family but it is an event that really should be prepared for in advance to be able to get the most out of it. We watch most of the sessions online whilst in pj’s, eating a range of nibbles and lounging on my bed! Charley will either play with his toys and raise his head occasionally to ask a question about what he’s just heard or, in the last session, he has worked through the various GC packets that have been available to download. The next General Conference is 2nd and 3rd October and now is the time to begin preparation if you haven’t done so already. If you want a totally awesome website to go to with...