tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45296516066544718902024-03-14T18:49:52.680+00:00The Dress TreeThe Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-40541048339589526562018-08-31T19:01:00.000+01:002018-09-29T14:40:38.423+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANIcRj8KF-FuXe7W9iyI5oDwvPk0t-oQxhPx3iK_DU9ZgjmN8i0xOFbcCF96DuP3pvn1HSRaEkSTSgVKkTIm8cpr5QS156cl6vfhUHnW2IcupKTT8uGLsFutjx8zNUQjbtTdrAc_wE0/s1600/Winter+List+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ANIcRj8KF-FuXe7W9iyI5oDwvPk0t-oQxhPx3iK_DU9ZgjmN8i0xOFbcCF96DuP3pvn1HSRaEkSTSgVKkTIm8cpr5QS156cl6vfhUHnW2IcupKTT8uGLsFutjx8zNUQjbtTdrAc_wE0/s1600/Winter+List+2018.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>HOME</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Get chimney removed</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Fix broken slates above sewing room</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Fill holes in kitchen walls</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paint kitchen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Put up blind in kitchen window</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Clean out chimney</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Check chimney quality and lining</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make door curtain for front door</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Draft proof windows with tape</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make some kind of door for conservatory</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fix coal shed roof</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get ceiling clothes hanger</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><u>GARDEN</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trim hedges</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Prune trees</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Winter-proof chicken shed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strike>Make outside chicken run</strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finish compost bins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make a leaf mold bin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make raised beds for next year</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tidy potting shed and greenhouse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>CAR</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check lights, wipers and washers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Add torch, de-icer, scraper, rags and snow shovel to car</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fix/clean car blankets</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make/buy windscreen covers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>ALESSI</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh my days. Finish her blanket already!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Put winter duvet on bed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top up crafting box for the bad weather days</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make a rainy day activity jar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buy water proof trousers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clean winter coats, hats, scarves etc and make sure they have name labels on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>WARM & FUZZY</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get winter clothes down from attic and put away summer clothes *sobs*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buy new winter boots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buy/make a new winter coat</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dig out hot water bottles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stock up on candles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And ALL the spices for mulled wine and cider!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Try out a seasonal themed coffee. Otherwise, is it even really autumn??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get out for autumn walks with Alessi</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-29254344378678939962018-01-31T08:00:00.000+00:002018-02-13T20:07:45.691+00:00The Gardening Skirt<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nuEP9Gjv_zsINYZSC6cUVAmTUqoUM3XbSUnRs2_UuwasSEp1ZOTUIk8psXmBNpM4DOaJJXDB0N5L__mWIrv_AIAJ5wifJrOXRec8jLH2a8UX2oV0ETR6WWKhhVINrMzdgN2_5PBiqM/s1600/jumper+refashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nuEP9Gjv_zsINYZSC6cUVAmTUqoUM3XbSUnRs2_UuwasSEp1ZOTUIk8psXmBNpM4DOaJJXDB0N5L__mWIrv_AIAJ5wifJrOXRec8jLH2a8UX2oV0ETR6WWKhhVINrMzdgN2_5PBiqM/s1600/jumper+refashion.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Over the up coming year I would like to refashion more clothing for myself instead of sending all the good stuff to the shop. I thought about this a lot before Christmas and came up with the idea of challenging myself to refashion a random item of clothing to see what I could come up with. The trouble with that idea though is that I know myself too well. I knew I would avoid the overly tricky or ugly pieces and pick something within my comfort zone. So I enlisted the help of my husband, handed him £5 and explained my idea. I told him that anything went and that he should pick whatever he wanted.<br />
<br />
What a bloody stupid idea that was.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
He came back with the swamp green monstrosity you see above. He thought this was funny for several reasons.<br />
1) I hate army surplus gear and like crocs, cannot fathom why anyone would want to wear them willingly.<br />
2) I hate khaki green even more than army surplus gear. It's the colour of sludge or what you get when you mix all the Play Doh colours together. In short, this is not the sort of thing I would want in my wardrobe.<br />
<br />
Now as this is my first refashion for the blog, I made some school girl errors. Number one was forgetting to get a good picture of me wearing the awful thing. I'm going to put that down to being too busy trying to figure out what the hell to do with it.<br />
<br />
In the end I went with a tube skirt and then thought "hey no problem! I can dye it black and it will actually look really good!" School girl error number two.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_YsCq65jSA-I2ylDcUrrUAg858oj1cW49nG5NGokE9tiz11lpGf5nn8_H6mEo8jUhl8VtLTYygSEfe-X45DywmVUcVFE9rd_neCWe91cIzRjhBlReZgzfHp5J5-FuQfymD-v_ticTtw/s1600/DSCF0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_YsCq65jSA-I2ylDcUrrUAg858oj1cW49nG5NGokE9tiz11lpGf5nn8_H6mEo8jUhl8VtLTYygSEfe-X45DywmVUcVFE9rd_neCWe91cIzRjhBlReZgzfHp5J5-FuQfymD-v_ticTtw/s1600/DSCF0408.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Always, <i>always</i> read the label first my friends. Preferably <i>before</i> you've spent money on fabric dye and stuck it all in the washing machine.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplnMatqKkRfYkyvvwWbkrKFDzOt8RZpWgsqHW97rIlXuIx3pbHF8yoXzDzNJCUC-omrct1aGB2D6mJBY-SzeY2dYLISy2ZHWeONXQOzKA0br8Jr4Q3jdctuBt3BoAuIvAdnfb9-FykVA/s1600/DSCF0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplnMatqKkRfYkyvvwWbkrKFDzOt8RZpWgsqHW97rIlXuIx3pbHF8yoXzDzNJCUC-omrct1aGB2D6mJBY-SzeY2dYLISy2ZHWeONXQOzKA0br8Jr4Q3jdctuBt3BoAuIvAdnfb9-FykVA/s1600/DSCF0405.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
As you can see, the patches took just fine. However the disgusting swampy green laughed in my face and stayed swampy green. Brilliant. At this point I had to concede defeat with the colour. Due to the fabric being acrylic no dye or bleach would make any difference. Weirdly however, it was the green that led me to come up with my next idea.<br />
<br />
During these cold and often wet winter months, getting outside in the garden can be a bit of a chore. I realised I could make myself a warm skirt that would add an extra layer of warmth to my legs while I'm out getting the garden spring ready. Not just that, but I could make pockets with the patches to keep my phone or secateurs in. Now you're talking!<br />
<br />
So on with the refashion. I simply cut the jumper width ways underneath each arm and then put it on to measure it. I wanted it to have a snug fit, but with some stretch so I ended up pinning it in a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QTV5dItfBQkAEppsqAPHInUojLq2Mrw3nctF50nT5xIeQjWdRHZlPUeksDTc38I1u6yXrjRaZ7hGQWdjdax3i7bxGz5J6_kVjKL8o1od_RveJCQZ8R7jg2QgUAYDjVgoURgYd6CnraE/s1600/DSCF0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QTV5dItfBQkAEppsqAPHInUojLq2Mrw3nctF50nT5xIeQjWdRHZlPUeksDTc38I1u6yXrjRaZ7hGQWdjdax3i7bxGz5J6_kVjKL8o1od_RveJCQZ8R7jg2QgUAYDjVgoURgYd6CnraE/s1600/DSCF0415.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Even the cat doesn't seem to be amused with me cutting this thing up. Am I the only one who doesn't like it as it is??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl7hAS22552snQda2OakUf3iopWPJPomAergWFMJuZwMwstCr-dPvqMMNif_gjBbRzBiVfRAa0I0zZLbAWpzpETdHWhEm2yEj7PS1ZtUNDunFdDp17EfBV71C7GklF7-ktOf-DtOPPJ0/s1600/DSCF0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl7hAS22552snQda2OakUf3iopWPJPomAergWFMJuZwMwstCr-dPvqMMNif_gjBbRzBiVfRAa0I0zZLbAWpzpETdHWhEm2yEj7PS1ZtUNDunFdDp17EfBV71C7GklF7-ktOf-DtOPPJ0/s1600/DSCF0417.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is where I forgot to take photos of the next few steps. Trust me though, they happened.<br />
<br />
I made a waistband using strips from the sleeves and 1" wide elastic.<br />
<br />
I unpicked the patches from the arms to make the pockets and placed them on the sides of the skirt as I wanted to be able to move and bend freely so the pockets had to be out of the way! I also made the pockets deep and asymmetrical so that anything I might have in them won't fall out when I bend down. These got pinned and stitched in place and then et voila! I have a new gardening skirt!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAv5mjjZ8uQzR3S0kMq-Qjz3lxdvRPBv2zhXAmMc2tuOUDh_QPr0OPlOZ09vJyz18W9pJAnogmN9Y-z5k9Pwx_j_kdVt6JSp_L06GTa1t_VxitTcGReXzL90SSMxxIZE-Kl9ayE3mvM8/s1600/Jumper+refashion+the+dress+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAv5mjjZ8uQzR3S0kMq-Qjz3lxdvRPBv2zhXAmMc2tuOUDh_QPr0OPlOZ09vJyz18W9pJAnogmN9Y-z5k9Pwx_j_kdVt6JSp_L06GTa1t_VxitTcGReXzL90SSMxxIZE-Kl9ayE3mvM8/s1600/Jumper+refashion+the+dress+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
It's still that stupid swampy colour so I'm sure my husband will feel he's won something there, but hey ho. It's a refashion I'm proud of, it will get some real use and I can hand on heart say that it is now a part of my wardrobe!The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-21406968927035921382018-01-10T08:00:00.000+00:002018-01-10T11:11:41.447+00:00I Bought No New Clothes In 2017 - Here's What I Learned And Why I Kept It A Secret<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yK65ziPh1KECW5mz0tNvb-sb2AoH4KvS0f-9xJedb4iIV2HOfSvAN5BmxURbFlc6YKJy5rEN_tKjtWiU5INQwFYkZeoqJeRBzBU63_s7Xy7WSe8YipoDla58V6n7nARjWtENbOGBwd0/s1600/No+new+clothes+in+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yK65ziPh1KECW5mz0tNvb-sb2AoH4KvS0f-9xJedb4iIV2HOfSvAN5BmxURbFlc6YKJy5rEN_tKjtWiU5INQwFYkZeoqJeRBzBU63_s7Xy7WSe8YipoDla58V6n7nARjWtENbOGBwd0/s1600/No+new+clothes+in+2017.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hello everyone. I hope you've had a lovely holiday and had time to catch your breath and relax a bit. And if you have a little time to spare I would like to share my first post of the year with you. I promise it's a goodun! I can't believe I actually managed to do it. I also can't believe I managed to keep it a secret for the whole year!<br />
<br />
But I'm getting ahead of myself, let's start from the beginning.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was Christmas time last year..no wait, 2016 (!!) and I was searching for bloggers who wrote about secondhand fashion. I found a fair few, but none matched what I was looking for. Many were old and abandoned blogs, some were rarely updated and others had started in an area that caught my eye, but had since moved on in another direction. This brought to mind the old chestnut "be the change you want to see". I mulled this over for a while and concluded that as most things in my wardrobe came straight out of a high street store, with the exception of one or two eBay finds, I couldn't be that change myself. </div>
<div>
That said, around the same time I had started buying and revamping second hand clothes from charity shops to sell in my Etsy shop. I loved the feeling of giving something old a new lease of life, making it a one of a kind item that someone else would love while also helping to keep it from landfill.<br />
And that's when the idea of challenging myself not to buy any new clothing for a whole year came to me. It seemed like a no brainer given the new direction I was taking the shop in and also, how could I expect other people to embrace second hand fashion and not see it as icky if I wasn't doing it myself? But I doubted my willpower and was reluctant to make my intention public in case I ballsed up in the first month, yet I really wanted to give it a go. So I decided to jump in and just not mention it to anyone. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The start was easy, which I had expected as it was new and shiny and the novelty was fresh.<br />
Then in the spring we moved and I forgot all about it. And I mean <i>completely</i>. So completely in fact that the memory didn't return until Alessi went back to school in the autumn.<br />
I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing when I remembered, (kitchen, knee deep in laundry) and to say I was angry at myself was an understatement and I realised in that moment just how much I had wanted to see it through.<br />
Here comes the best bit though and where it gets interesting. As I cast my mind back to work out just how badly I'd fallen off the wagon, I was amazed to find that I hadn't. Not even a little bit! The swing from extreme anger and disappointment to elation was so sharp I gave myself mental whiplash.<br />
<br />
I sat down and wrote out a list of all the new items of clothes I'd gained during that period. They were all second hand from eBay, bought in a charity shop or gifted to me by friends. Nothing had been new. I was over. the. moon. Not just because I had managed to stick to my challenge, but because I had managed to do so without even consciously thinking about it! That was back in September and for the next few weeks I basked in a smug glow of how easy I found this and how good it was and oh wasn't I doing well! And then I got a little carried away and started taking things further.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-TwnTUbyP2qFnotO2gs0w1a6jIMMrohf0-Jnd_i4NL9gDqkQnTBUQ87KT6-HDy8CzXHu-XfdIxUWX5yRPVqfMc9Jx-XD-BBdi7QptcxAao8pA1vNvha8uu1wc-6i8o2EPTvL8Rn3EmA/s1600/no+new+clothes+for+a+year.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-TwnTUbyP2qFnotO2gs0w1a6jIMMrohf0-Jnd_i4NL9gDqkQnTBUQ87KT6-HDy8CzXHu-XfdIxUWX5yRPVqfMc9Jx-XD-BBdi7QptcxAao8pA1vNvha8uu1wc-6i8o2EPTvL8Rn3EmA/s1600/no+new+clothes+for+a+year.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
By this point I needed some new clothes. Not in an "oh I'm bored of my wardrobe, it needs updating" way, more in an "oh all my clothes have holes in them, but I will not buy myself anything else because I. AM. AWESOME!" kind of a way.<br />
Ok that wasn't actually my inner dialogue, but with hindsight I feel that it should have been. I had become a self righteous wanker frankly. Luckily however, thanks to the whole keeping it a secret thing no one else had to endure this. So I continued to wear my tops and trousers with the holes and ignored the water getting into my boots and told myself that I was doing just fine. I kept reasoning that I could make do and mend, but in reality there just wasn't enough time.<br />
And don't forget that the now funny, but then not so much irony to the whole thing was that I was putting in a lot of time and effort making pretty things for the shop while all of this was going on.<br />
<br />
I can laugh now, in fact I am. But at the time I had started to grow quite resentful and I didn't even stop to ask myself why. In fact it wasn't until I thought about writing this post that I started to dig deeper in to how I felt about it all.<br />
I realise now that I did take it too far towards the end. The challenge was to only buy secondhand, (with the exception of underwear and if necessary, shoes) not to stop buying clothes altogether.<br />
That said I'm glad I did take it that far as I have learnt so much from the experience. Mainly that I won't be doing it again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So to round up, here's what I learnt from the whole year.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>1) Shopping in charity shops can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared</u></b></div>
If I go in with no idea of what I'm looking for then more often than not I will come out with something I don't want or need. It might seem like a faff, but look in your wardrobe, have a think about what you need and then using that as a guide, go and look for it. DO NOT be afraid to leave empty handed. I do that now more often than not and am much happier as a result. It means that when I buy something, I really do like it and will want to wear it again and again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>2) Use changing rooms!</u></b></div>
I'm speaking from bitter experience here. I hate changing in shops, but I've learnt the hard way that you need to know how an item feels when you're wearing it. Not just to make sure it fits, but to check out how it moves on your body, it's texture and simply how it looks on you as opposed to the hanger. Top tip: when trying on tops, jackets, dresses etc, always cross your arms over your chest, then raise them above your head. This pulls the fabric taught as you move and will tell you how comfortable the item will feel as you move about.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>3) eBay can be a bit of a gamble</u></b></div>
People aren't great at providing measurements, usually you just get a size, 10, 12, 14 etc. If you don't have a standard sized body (for example I'm petite and even petite sizes can be a little big on me) then you will need to dig a little deeper to find out if clothes will actually fit when you get them.<br />
Also colours can be different than pictured and don't get me started on the amount of times I've received items that honk of perfume.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>4) Buying new is not a crime</u></b></div>
Probably my biggest take away from this whole experiment. In fact next year I will be buying new occasionally and already have a few things on my wish list. While I will continue to buy secondhand as my first preference, sometimes I will need something new and I feel that as long as I do so thoughtfully and use a bit of common sense it's fine.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>5) You can have a lot of fun revamping secondhand clothes</u></b></div>
This is another big lesson that I'm taking away from this whole experiment. At the start of the year I put so many things that I loved back on the rail just because it wasn't quite right size wise. I want to prioritise more time to work on my own wardrobe in 2018 so I will be able to alter anything that isn't quite right. I might even start posting some tutorials if there's a demand for it.<br />
<br />
And there you have it. My not so dirty little secret is out and I'm already looking forward to more charity shop delving this year.<br />
<br />
So what about you? What are your thoughts on buying secondhand? Do you find buying second hand icky or a lot of fun? Do let me know, you can find me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedresstreeblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/thedresstree" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and I love a good chat.<br />
<br />
x</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-1556219876000853692017-12-31T21:32:00.001+00:002017-12-31T21:32:22.391+00:002018 Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsRcvu6zS8WS2DpfwRt9JHefvSyWb30krjK419Y90Vt8eul_Ln_5aPfV5GVacEWM2xjmPbgEkFfQEmZC6KWkArJE05gFcxNcRP58Gh-SljmzXd6lwehMbm4g9fcATaZAXJFHKIt5jsGE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsRcvu6zS8WS2DpfwRt9JHefvSyWb30krjK419Y90Vt8eul_Ln_5aPfV5GVacEWM2xjmPbgEkFfQEmZC6KWkArJE05gFcxNcRP58Gh-SljmzXd6lwehMbm4g9fcATaZAXJFHKIt5jsGE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+resolutions.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carry on trusting my instincts</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-72638436317425657822017-12-06T08:00:00.000+00:002017-12-06T19:03:47.194+00:00Wales - 8 Months In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdudR-WBAItYuJEa7rKL-T5iw6o6rBuhr9hVE2YyTG9jLoJjplxJdfyUhA47Ga0jLdsKnpJJ9TIbQpLkF7JqNwT9Dm0S67M3ZvBwTClCyf8PMmOZgQ80d7hjO4YnSxO1ZaTQ5HftWbNQ/s1600/the+dress+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdudR-WBAItYuJEa7rKL-T5iw6o6rBuhr9hVE2YyTG9jLoJjplxJdfyUhA47Ga0jLdsKnpJJ9TIbQpLkF7JqNwT9Dm0S67M3ZvBwTClCyf8PMmOZgQ80d7hjO4YnSxO1ZaTQ5HftWbNQ/s1600/the+dress+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in May I wrote <a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/settling-in.html">this post</a>. We had been in the valley a month and it was my intention to write another update after we had been here for six months. That was two months ago and I'm only just getting around to it. So here it is, Wales. Eight months in.<br />
<ol>
<li>The biggest change to me is the valley itself. Back in May the valley was a palette of greens, often set against the brightest blue skies. The wildlife was everywhere (including the house) and I was knee deep in brambles. Fast forward to December and the valley hills are now a palette of earthy browns and yellows set against grey skies. It's darker, wetter and colder, but still beautiful.</li>
<li>We no longer have wildlife living in the house with us and thanks to a new wood burner there will be no jackdaws filling the chimney up with twigs next spring. </li>
<li>The brambles have also been tamed. It took <i>a lot</i> of work that one and I lost count of the amount of hours I spent in the orchard pulling up bramble and nettle roots. In case you were wondering, nettles are easy and quite satisfying to pull up. Brambles are the actual devil. The orchard now homes Alessi's slide, trampoline and mud kitchen. We don't spend nearly enough time out there at the moment due to the rain and cold which feels like a huge waste somehow.</li>
<li>Which links nicely to the mud. It's everywhere. Every time there's a storm or a spell of hard rain/wind, the windows get covered and I have to wash them again. Not because I'm precious about windows, but because they genuinely get that bad!</li>
<li>The roads in the valley become interesting to drive after these periods of heavy rain. Water and debris from the trees cover the roads frequently now. My car hates it and develops an annoying squeak in wet weather. Speaking of my little Starlet, she's now almost permanently covered in a layer of mud. Poor girl.</li>
<li>The bathroom has become Baltic once again. </li>
<li>During the summer the grapevines in the orchard's greenhouse went mental. I was too busy battling brambles to tackle them then, but last month I finally got around to pruning them. It was like Day of the Triffids in there, but less orange. They are now pruned and the chickens are safely tucked away in there, protected from the worst the winter weather can bring. </li>
</ol>
<div>
All in all, it feels like the time of discovery has past. I don't even feel like this is our 'new' life anymore, it's simply our life now. And that feels good. It also feels like the right time to move on from the valley. The great Welsh experiment was a success and we now know that we made the right decision to move here and want to put down roots of our own. While I love this house and the valley, I need a home to call my own and earth to dig up and plant as I wish. Hopefully we can find something next year, but if not, I can certainly think of worse places to rent while we wait.</div>
<div>
<ol>
</ol>
</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-12498033777707612142017-09-25T07:00:00.000+01:002017-12-04T13:24:13.567+00:00Winter List 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uVUtOrII38rmPoseAm8hUm3eXlAhpPHGwEvJNxRomPLfniVx8HCuuCHhwYprKfWrUihEhIEIyJgq_yhL8SxSnBOSfbEPfWUuk-npDn28m_KYErLn9WzIHDMYDx3USCQ2pNNyfwvxfN0/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+Winter+List+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uVUtOrII38rmPoseAm8hUm3eXlAhpPHGwEvJNxRomPLfniVx8HCuuCHhwYprKfWrUihEhIEIyJgq_yhL8SxSnBOSfbEPfWUuk-npDn28m_KYErLn9WzIHDMYDx3USCQ2pNNyfwvxfN0/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+Winter+List+2017.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am very late posting the winter list this year, but finally here it is. I've decided to update it as I go along this time around so if you return back to this post after a few weeks, it <i>should</i> look a little different. Also instead of including a long list of previous Winter Lists at the bottom of this post, I've just added a link to last years instead. That should be enough for the curious among you.</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Home</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Door curtain up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Draft excluders for front and back doors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Dig out fairy lights, candles and lamps</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put together a Power Cut Box (candles, torch, camping stove, matches etc)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Pull out blankets from storage and air out</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Dig out the hot water bottles</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Rug for living room</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Clean all windows</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Finish painting the house!</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Start stocking up firewood</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Garden</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trim hedges</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mow grass </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Harvest sunflower seeds and put up heads for birds</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Clean bird feeders</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Move chickens in to barn</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Move tender plants in to greenhouse</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take cuttings of flowers to keep and move indoors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Car</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Put together winter box (blankets, torch, de-icer, ice-scraper)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Check lights, wipers, windscreen washers, tyres and heaters</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give it a good clean</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Misc.</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Change Alessi's nature table to autumn</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Put up autumn decorations</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stock up on the Vicks vapour thingies, (expensive, but a god send during cold/cough season)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Freshen all coats, scarves, hats and gloves</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Check boots for holes</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/winter-list-2016.html" target="_blank">Last year's winter list</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-35670287929362038832017-08-30T07:00:00.000+01:002017-08-30T07:00:03.622+01:00A plastic-free aisle? Yes please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPT4qaJp9s7UtqlNYnuLZzvj4lO34HPdXK3LAwXmz5EIYQCvZncHBG_BLMonBn04MbeEoYSHC2E96MUAgGr3ZcIWs9bEWKl2eWnYjODAF50SfdnFsihTBBvt6dAI3Yu5oNNh_PeHsKc2I/s1600/plastic+free+aisle+the+dress+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPT4qaJp9s7UtqlNYnuLZzvj4lO34HPdXK3LAwXmz5EIYQCvZncHBG_BLMonBn04MbeEoYSHC2E96MUAgGr3ZcIWs9bEWKl2eWnYjODAF50SfdnFsihTBBvt6dAI3Yu5oNNh_PeHsKc2I/s1600/plastic+free+aisle+the+dress+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Have you heard about the Plastic-Free Aisle campaign?<br />
<br />
If not then it pretty much does what it says on the tin. It's campaigning the UK's supermarkets to provide a plastic-free aisle so customers can chose to buy food without all the unnecessary plastic packaging.<br />
And it needs YOUR help! The more support it gets, the more likely it is to happen so if you haven't already please, please, pleeeeease give them your support and help make this awesome idea a reality. You can support them in any of the following ways:<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Follow on social media, Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/aplastic_planet" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>here</b></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">,</span> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weareplasticaddicts/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>here</b></span></a> or Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weareplasticaddicts/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>here</b></span></a><br />
<div>
<br />
2) Make a short video of yourself saying "My name is [insert name here]. I am a Plastic Addict but I am ready for change. I want a plastic-free aisle." Then email the recording to <a href="mailto:addict@aplasticplanet.com">addict@aplasticplanet.com</a> so it can be uploaded to their website. </div>
<div>
<br />
3) They have a petition that you can sign <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.change.org/p/all-ceos-of-the-uk-supermarkets-we-want-a-plastic-free-aisle-in-our-supermarkets" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></b></a>. </span></div>
<div>
<br />
4) There is also another petition which is unrelated to the campaign, but as it's basically calling for the same thing it's definitely worth signing too. You can find that one <a href="http://here./"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>here.</b></span></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Please do get involved, even if only to follow them on social media somewhere.<br />
This is such a good idea which could easily make a major difference to how much single use plastic is generated here in the UK.<br />
And don't forget to also shout about it too. Share the petitions on social media or make and share your own video. Let your friends and family know about it and urge them to support the cause as well.<br />
<br />
And lastly, if you would like to find out more about the campaign and the folks behind it, you can do so by visiting A Plastic Planet's website<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://aplasticplanet.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></b></a>.</span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
Thank you friends!</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-87991542324156334002017-08-21T07:00:00.000+01:002017-08-21T07:00:05.994+01:00The (Invisible) Ripple Effect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfk8uBdTtMhTls2j_g4wuoLw5Mnv-GSn8YtNWwKMKAQ4WWniESjqX5dPbpISgHHw48qrlPtVGl5YrOJVLOfYge2mxDQA6Jzljg_DNKWfqG7mVd6N6_ZZl_kTDat23lCSs4qVM3w2f3jg/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+Blog+-+invisible+ripple+effect+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfk8uBdTtMhTls2j_g4wuoLw5Mnv-GSn8YtNWwKMKAQ4WWniESjqX5dPbpISgHHw48qrlPtVGl5YrOJVLOfYge2mxDQA6Jzljg_DNKWfqG7mVd6N6_ZZl_kTDat23lCSs4qVM3w2f3jg/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+Blog+-+invisible+ripple+effect+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been thinking a lot lately about how far the effects our actions can reach, even the smallest ones. How what we do, or even the things we don't do can have a ripple-like effect. And how we don't get to see how far these 'ripples' actually go. I've been thinking a lot about that last bit specifically.<br />
<br />
I believe that not only are you capable of shaping and changing the world, but that you're doing it right now already. And you do so in such small and unassuming ways that you're probably not even aware that you're doing it.<br />
Sometimes we get caught up in the feeling that to change the world we have to do these huge and amazing things. We're just average people living average lives right? And we can't all change the world or make a difference. We have jobs to do, children to raise or we just don't have what's needed to make a meaningful impact.<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
I don't believe anyone is average when it comes to this and everyone can affect things even from their sofa, or while working their nine to five or just generally juggling life's responsibilities. You are more powerful than you realise. It's in the way you talk, the words you use, what you share of yourself with the world, all of it will create a ripple.<br />
<br />
So if you can believe that even the smallest of your actions can have far reaching effects, maybe you can believe that you have more power to spread some positivity than you realise. Just you being you will create positive ripples. Or negative ones.<br />
The choice of what you put out there is yours and yours alone. You may not get the reward of seeing the positive outcome of your actions, but that doesn't mean they won't be there.<br />
<br />
This is what I remind myself of during times when it feels as if all our efforts to do some good are having no impact whatsoever. I truly believe they are, we're just not seeing them. And sometimes it will feel that we're not making any impact at all and sometimes we will see a glaringly obvious sign that's impossible to ignore.<br />
I suppose what I'm trying to say can be summed up in that well known phrase "be the change you want to see". And you can do that from the sofa. With greasy hair tied up in a messy bun, with yesterday's clothes on and an overwhelming need for more sleep, you are <i>still</i> all powerful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed reading maybe you would like to sign up to my newsletter. The first one will hit inboxes on September 1st and will include a lot more of things like this.<br />
Sound good, come join me!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://eepurl.com/cRDEVX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>NEWSLETTER SIGN UP</b></span></a></div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-74695292341035830132017-08-14T07:00:00.000+01:002017-08-14T07:00:29.707+01:00Slow Fashion Outfit Of The Day<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I kick off this post, I quickly want to invite you to join my newsletter mailing list if you haven't already done so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each month I'll be putting together a collection of things for you to make, do and read whilst also giving you updates on what I've been up to each month, including a monthly challenge. The first one is due to land on September 1st and if you would like to receive it, simply sign up using the form at the top of this page. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, if you have any ideas about what you would like to see included, let me know! I would love your feedback.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Now then, back to the post..</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For ages I've wanted to start a series of slow fashion outfit
posts, then over the weekend, out of nowhere I had the urge to share the outfit I was
wearing on my Instagram Stories and I was blown away by people's reactions to
it. It's given me the oomph I needed to get on and start this thing so here it
is folks, my first slow fashion outfit post.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was the outfit I shared on Saturday. Please excuse the poor quality,
it was fresh off the Insta Stories press. As you can see it's nothing fancy. I just wanted something
warm, comfy and nice enough that I didn't feel flumpy in it. Flumpy is a
thing.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejb8E5vlUpqaJbAYIACda5Ggc4vhZ53ObsYrot1KZdO0WobzY10Y1GRVD6Yd30XfEthzcqf0ksDK0klabMKfH_LPlFhKg1bXnEi1PRwR97EFWnokEpPshMJhlostzxBHjXp0BYsoTj84/s1600/Photo+12-08-2017%252C+11+23+58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejb8E5vlUpqaJbAYIACda5Ggc4vhZ53ObsYrot1KZdO0WobzY10Y1GRVD6Yd30XfEthzcqf0ksDK0klabMKfH_LPlFhKg1bXnEi1PRwR97EFWnokEpPshMJhlostzxBHjXp0BYsoTj84/s640/Photo+12-08-2017%252C+11+23+58.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Sandals:</b> New Look from 6 years ago<br />
<b>Jeans:</b> Charity shop<br />
<b>Top:</b> Ebay<br />
<b>Cardigan:</b> Vintage<br />
<b>Necklace:</b> Handmade by yours truly<br />
<br />
And this was my outfit from yesterday. The sun came out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT40AOsK9qL2v_eIyfRT-x1m-h0ack9caF7yB4WigH4UZK6-h1YHGGzuiBDvDF_8Oaf8KEOF18dbqWFwt9BOHqHsmKAL9OVkgCi0iD8myVLeirS-10Sq4It3Kw1qvZiCALZ8aFK7lztQ/s1600/charity+shop+ootd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT40AOsK9qL2v_eIyfRT-x1m-h0ack9caF7yB4WigH4UZK6-h1YHGGzuiBDvDF_8Oaf8KEOF18dbqWFwt9BOHqHsmKAL9OVkgCi0iD8myVLeirS-10Sq4It3Kw1qvZiCALZ8aFK7lztQ/s1600/charity+shop+ootd.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sandals:</b> Same as above (I pretty much live in these and flip flops over the summer..when the weather is behaving)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Skirt: </b>Charity shop</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Top:</b> H&M</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Headband:</b> Handmade</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was taking these pictures I realised that so far this year I have
only bought two brand new items of clothing - leggings and underwear. Everything else has been secondhand. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So seeing as I appear to have accumulated a wardrobe consisting largely of secondhand, upcycled and handmade clothing, I can't see any reason not to continue with these posts now. I'm even feeling less awkward taking pictures of myself which was a massive hurdle before. Although maybe I need to do something else with my feet! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So until next time folks, take it easy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">x</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-60532298067988819552017-07-10T11:45:00.001+01:002017-07-10T11:46:04.281+01:00The Grateful 10 - JuneJune was ridiculously busy, hence the lack of updates here. It's nice to know that the business has grown to the point where it can now pay to keep the roof over our heads, but it did come at a cost. I had very little spare time and felt like I was juggling all the things at top speed. No balls were dropped though and I've learnt a lot over the past few weeks so it was a good experience. Plus I did manage to find a lot of good moments in there too. Enough to make it difficult to chose just ten of them for my Grateful Ten list. These were my top moments from June..<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>My new found secret spot</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8YS4kLPPpWHZYFDLyuoZXpUYMTdfBdvSl6p-T7CaRQcQGmIvnL6BvVBNqacyDUU2k_b4pieJ67OIygFW7sL0TBml4PhZdr-RIwfOhoVNNP9Yb0C4I8Ts-y1jKXX153CPsk_TWOPLcm0/s1600/Photo+01-07-2017%252C+15+14+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8YS4kLPPpWHZYFDLyuoZXpUYMTdfBdvSl6p-T7CaRQcQGmIvnL6BvVBNqacyDUU2k_b4pieJ67OIygFW7sL0TBml4PhZdr-RIwfOhoVNNP9Yb0C4I8Ts-y1jKXX153CPsk_TWOPLcm0/s1600/Photo+01-07-2017%252C+15+14+12.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
It's not much at the moment, but I've found a secret spot behind the house which is the perfect little hidey hole. Even Alessi doesn't know about it! It's sunny, but has a shady spot and somehow still picks up the wifi from the house! If I can find a table and chair, I could easily work out here which would make getting on with things on sunny days so much easier. I procrastinate like you would not believe on sunny days when I'm forced to stay in the house so this could be a real help. Not to mention it's just lovely to feel the warm breeze without being blinded or worrying about sunburn while being able to hear bees and birds and look up at the woods behind the house. It's a little nook and it's all mine!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Roses and dried petals</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfj00umZWTIKvI2Cg6YhgbseCy56WjRg-DooORRHKlPGW8KE7YOhyphenhyphenL3hvsdc2ZhThY271rOIKYxIPmTJWF5cvET5pvk2AUPU6LlvHLeb8pBHld84WfzPMrh9OqDYdDUdqZAH7CmcImqc/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+13+31+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfj00umZWTIKvI2Cg6YhgbseCy56WjRg-DooORRHKlPGW8KE7YOhyphenhyphenL3hvsdc2ZhThY271rOIKYxIPmTJWF5cvET5pvk2AUPU6LlvHLeb8pBHld84WfzPMrh9OqDYdDUdqZAH7CmcImqc/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+13+31+42.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
The roses are starting to die off in the garden now so I'm starting to pick them and dry the petals. It's so easy and just makes them go that little bit further. Plus it makes the kitchen smell amazing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Chimney of bees</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTBoQa_TkhZfKLeNkwz3aatRpsJa3ksdQxFu_l7QzoJPSXDGeZ3AqqxiwI6NL3Siq87A25v917s7tUEF48IYyCygdZAZxxKmcX3FKuwZc1SsdahtNMHgfm54Wpj9DBYMKM57_BPbvjlk/s1600/Photo+02-07-2017%252C+19+23+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTBoQa_TkhZfKLeNkwz3aatRpsJa3ksdQxFu_l7QzoJPSXDGeZ3AqqxiwI6NL3Siq87A25v917s7tUEF48IYyCygdZAZxxKmcX3FKuwZc1SsdahtNMHgfm54Wpj9DBYMKM57_BPbvjlk/s1600/Photo+02-07-2017%252C+19+23+10.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Oh my. I completely nerded out over this last week over on my Instagram stories so I don't want to bore you too much. In short we ended up with a large swarm of honey bees living in our chimney. A beekeeper came over to try and move the hive by putting a specially designed basket over the chimney which had some honeycomb attached inside which then dangled down. The idea was that all the bees (queen included) would move up the chimney to concentrate on this honeycomb rather than the bit they'd already started. Then the beekeeper would simply take them all away. He even put a separate box out in a field just behind the house in case they decided they preferred that instead. But the following night it rained and when we woke up the chimney was silent. When I went out to check, there were hardly any bees left flying around. The beekeeper returned a few days later and confirmed that the swarm and abandoned the chimney (probably due to the rain). He removed his basket and said the remaining bees would probably move on during the next rain fall. Failing that we could try smoking them out. I'm not sure how keen I am to do that to be honest as the chimney hasn't been used for a few years and has also had birds nesting in it. It's wet today so hopefully they'll move on now. Weirdly, I'm going to miss them. The whole thing was fascinating and I could have spoken to the beekeeper for ages. One day maybe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Sparrow watching</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLe7ZsfzrUTdfJSccS8rMMxL7K4Sqj7EeAo5p40N4rRqEjbklhpM1bKvlqZOwXUwyOD_KRSkOYI0ApDf5l9st3IEqNN73KKWdTewf5drKvJKiy84kS-VwY2tqZOOmQOUKi2l-lYszRgk/s1600/Photo+05-07-2017%252C+07+31+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLe7ZsfzrUTdfJSccS8rMMxL7K4Sqj7EeAo5p40N4rRqEjbklhpM1bKvlqZOwXUwyOD_KRSkOYI0ApDf5l9st3IEqNN73KKWdTewf5drKvJKiy84kS-VwY2tqZOOmQOUKi2l-lYszRgk/s1600/Photo+05-07-2017%252C+07+31+27.jpg" /></a></div>
Most of springs nesting birds have long gone, moving back to the woods or orchard which is now overgrown again after I neglected it last month. But the sparrows and sparrow babies (although they're not really babies anymore) remain and I love sitting by the back door watching them in the mornings with a cup of coffee. This is definitely one of my favourite parts of the day at the moment.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>The sunflower wall.. again</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNfs73xr13qvrpyomq5tGQpOsP9Hjowt4tkT3aqVyOJlH4yKSN4LIR2DyrBm32iLwJ10EWRoIMTYBUjBmtZzoJyFMwu0spvjPMme230ZqJtzFn0R3Fik5AaPpO4NLEIpOgapnWf0uj1U/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+13+51+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNfs73xr13qvrpyomq5tGQpOsP9Hjowt4tkT3aqVyOJlH4yKSN4LIR2DyrBm32iLwJ10EWRoIMTYBUjBmtZzoJyFMwu0spvjPMme230ZqJtzFn0R3Fik5AaPpO4NLEIpOgapnWf0uj1U/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+13+51+37.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
They've gotten so big and it's so cheerful to see them out of the kitchen window. And I'll be able to dry the stalks out in the autumn too and use them next year as stakes for the next batch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>After school hangs</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kjNt1tNp08hueVrUKyUP6SvCf40IoJn_2IT2oDh8QDociJNBEcxbXCruwz0Yre1QpRf1iBoarcFVWmKSMqAfZ1A-kHKg6ua7UrxGbau_QmRwwTg3kIO6H9ObcJ4vb3zZ3omdw_ppu3w/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+17+17+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kjNt1tNp08hueVrUKyUP6SvCf40IoJn_2IT2oDh8QDociJNBEcxbXCruwz0Yre1QpRf1iBoarcFVWmKSMqAfZ1A-kHKg6ua7UrxGbau_QmRwwTg3kIO6H9ObcJ4vb3zZ3omdw_ppu3w/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+17+17+38.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
When Alessi comes home it sees me switch from shop mode to mum mode. We just hang out and do whatever she wants. This last bit of term before the holidays always leaves her feeling a little frazzled so this helps her relax a little bit. I think we're both ready for the holidays though and a more relaxed pace.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>My new-to-me dressing table</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvPgBXsgDG8ifFPk3UqYsPEsymtUtzZoYy2YzDTCJx_bbEAi_gReH7CmI8pMbKv7AVq8Buyh-P8EGrqrb8CyzaNrfM3UdsTHegTK6YFGIUSfcgilf_KK0RNbNV9iV3beBa-Dv6GKZXms/s1600/Photo+08-07-2017%252C+11+18+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvPgBXsgDG8ifFPk3UqYsPEsymtUtzZoYy2YzDTCJx_bbEAi_gReH7CmI8pMbKv7AVq8Buyh-P8EGrqrb8CyzaNrfM3UdsTHegTK6YFGIUSfcgilf_KK0RNbNV9iV3beBa-Dv6GKZXms/s1600/Photo+08-07-2017%252C+11+18+10.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen this beauty in my feed. Basically I came across it in a local secondhand shop and promised myself buy it if it was still there the next time I popped in. I wasn't very hopeful though as things move quite quickly there. When Dan got home from work the following day he asked me to help him carry something out of the car and there it was. Best. Surprise. Ever.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Alessi dancing</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYXTlqltcLA7sZl2XKBzwcbTVJm6flBwCf6sFGHWo4kr6gMGphrSHxjKW1Pb4Qc0-1qIVHkAQN1ytSovB7cdBrpgNEcXMNnqAAi95zBy3yOzN7hf-kWSMNJ3-LWPXhdG4ZSEa0xr1R9M/s1600/Photo+04-07-2017%252C+19+32+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYXTlqltcLA7sZl2XKBzwcbTVJm6flBwCf6sFGHWo4kr6gMGphrSHxjKW1Pb4Qc0-1qIVHkAQN1ytSovB7cdBrpgNEcXMNnqAAi95zBy3yOzN7hf-kWSMNJ3-LWPXhdG4ZSEa0xr1R9M/s1600/Photo+04-07-2017%252C+19+32+02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
All the time. Oh and singing. It's a joy to watch. Especially her made up dances. My faves are the 'I've got a wedgie' dance and the old favourite 'cockney' dance that Dan taught her. She's such a wonderful little weirdo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Sky lights </u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBhNUoQbXPHnMhDtzXOuMxij460JbMTL_IbSSBREE8Pm41INotif96kHZ_3s0asqk1GQHJvYVJ27k12SOKDE0dA05OI5E9jLZlbVzKFN4IehTCf0Z5WoUm1S5Ld2iaBqr4lxtQWsyKi0/s1600/Photo+04-07-2017%252C+21+50+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBhNUoQbXPHnMhDtzXOuMxij460JbMTL_IbSSBREE8Pm41INotif96kHZ_3s0asqk1GQHJvYVJ27k12SOKDE0dA05OI5E9jLZlbVzKFN4IehTCf0Z5WoUm1S5Ld2iaBqr4lxtQWsyKi0/s1600/Photo+04-07-2017%252C+21+50+44.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
I've watched stars and a couple of full moons glide across the night sky from the comfort of my bed as well as listened to the sound of birdsong and falling rain. I never thought I could love a sky light as much as this, but I do and now they're on my list of things my dream house would have.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Pretty plates</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_sMKx6Xl0QdaQ-TNZIQCntSs-o7ry_vUcXDom_fy_sT5TtGizcZ7tBCRZR4MsaTi6Vk0VzSk68duH0PR8WPCmV_U3jnWSDqis1bS6_In8NSSk8vT7mUlzqBnTY4nVAgnX3-yh5G6HEw/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+14+20+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_sMKx6Xl0QdaQ-TNZIQCntSs-o7ry_vUcXDom_fy_sT5TtGizcZ7tBCRZR4MsaTi6Vk0VzSk68duH0PR8WPCmV_U3jnWSDqis1bS6_In8NSSk8vT7mUlzqBnTY4nVAgnX3-yh5G6HEw/s1600/Photo+06-07-2017%252C+14+20+21.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
Ever since I decided to make the kitchen table and specifically meal times more of a thing, I've started serving up meals on pretty vintage plates because what is the point of owning them if they stay in a cupboard and rarely get used? And I won't lie, they also help distract from the fact that dinner is often burnt. "Dinner is charcoal but hey, it's on a plate with flowers on so TA DA!"<br />
<br />
There's always something to be grateful for. Always. And I swear by listing ten things in any moment to be a great way to lift your spirits or at least take the edge of a crappy day. Give it a go sometime and see!The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-83467646832102330152017-05-30T07:00:00.000+01:002017-07-10T11:45:46.329+01:00Introducing: The Grateful 10 - MayHi folks. I'm excited to share this post as it's something I've been thinking about doing for a long time and now seems like the perfect time to start it.<br />
At the end of each month I'm going to make a list of ten things I'm grateful for, great and small. I'm starting up a hashtag on Instagram too called #thegratefulten where I'll post my grateful ten lists whenever I feel the need. Feel free to join in and add you're own too!<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here are ten things I've been grateful for this past month:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-1-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>My family</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two are the family I chose for myself and they are my everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PIXg0OnMBVnjB-LIpM96_tDk0niuiolGGqawKbpot427vlL1ZDHUxlEXIQog-E5dgRQzQISSVP5jhShab3coyqLNvCIdicX5SA3Z2EClvjoGsvPC660o1zvcLdv_-QAZYWcdG0HqA_c/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+08+52+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PIXg0OnMBVnjB-LIpM96_tDk0niuiolGGqawKbpot427vlL1ZDHUxlEXIQog-E5dgRQzQISSVP5jhShab3coyqLNvCIdicX5SA3Z2EClvjoGsvPC660o1zvcLdv_-QAZYWcdG0HqA_c/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+08+52+26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-2- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>The view from my windows</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope. Not bored of this yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3buLftXb1jChPYJfvoqeBZW5ezliD93f2sz3SjvyoAh6L0pSoonb2K9mIwACHNhkhVFOiRV14I40o06thktAb43iSyxObIGr_Qg5T__d2_aqQys8M48eHpoiArVNgNdaECdBDsWefn60/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+15+53+51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3buLftXb1jChPYJfvoqeBZW5ezliD93f2sz3SjvyoAh6L0pSoonb2K9mIwACHNhkhVFOiRV14I40o06thktAb43iSyxObIGr_Qg5T__d2_aqQys8M48eHpoiArVNgNdaECdBDsWefn60/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+15+53+51.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-3- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Birdwatching while washing up</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well it certainly makes it more interesting anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ySGxk0893y1kEQyRrDpv8vTut2SLujWNQdQgKKFDIKeBEyR6Tf48trGJFk7pmymfARW_Zuj5VBcSqRuYVKmqneqh5vwQmfhheVySE96-KVFNwMFtGdhoJ4ahD8gvQkZQekUJMKxrznQ/s1600/birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ySGxk0893y1kEQyRrDpv8vTut2SLujWNQdQgKKFDIKeBEyR6Tf48trGJFk7pmymfARW_Zuj5VBcSqRuYVKmqneqh5vwQmfhheVySE96-KVFNwMFtGdhoJ4ahD8gvQkZQekUJMKxrznQ/s1600/birds.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-4- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Beach trips after school</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is such a treat for Alessi and I'm loving the time we get to spend together here. I learnt a valuable lesson on our last trip though. Always, ALWAYS bring a change of clothes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVo-VShb4SUflZF-J13WwZ7pTUj-R5qZGnCFWQG_D4SyI_PMkxZpZp6jPNJ9os_tWHy5khKiRUf3plaqjWUAi8p8sNcFYkO6b9nedrXgflt3sJPqffmu2iIkpQcZTvWR9cBIL5pAvGYs/s1600/Photo+05-05-2017%252C+16+23+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVo-VShb4SUflZF-J13WwZ7pTUj-R5qZGnCFWQG_D4SyI_PMkxZpZp6jPNJ9os_tWHy5khKiRUf3plaqjWUAi8p8sNcFYkO6b9nedrXgflt3sJPqffmu2iIkpQcZTvWR9cBIL5pAvGYs/s1600/Photo+05-05-2017%252C+16+23+29.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-5- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Flowers from the garden</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The original owners of the cottage where keen gardeners and they seem to have planted flowers, bushes and bulbs to ensure that there's always something blooming at any given time of the year. No sooner has one plant died back than another is starting to burst with colour. I've never been one to grow many flowers before, preferring to focus on fruit and vegetables instead. The garden here has completely changed my mind about that and it's something I will take with me when we move.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfOVXqF-ZEBZO96Yo8qGMENEwGAIIHk_hDB9RRnkvJPKpXMlK5IQTmHbOYKst9e6jS56wFotaCRhBBm0r2f7W4BVtEHqjr9oYRrTiTC4Vh4-JVg8dx0i3jbeDSVeSwciQsadk_I_W-w/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+22+20+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfOVXqF-ZEBZO96Yo8qGMENEwGAIIHk_hDB9RRnkvJPKpXMlK5IQTmHbOYKst9e6jS56wFotaCRhBBm0r2f7W4BVtEHqjr9oYRrTiTC4Vh4-JVg8dx0i3jbeDSVeSwciQsadk_I_W-w/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+22+20+41.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-6-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>This spot</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week I posted this picture on Instagram after getting the urge to carve out a lovely space for us to come together as a family. Since then it's seen more burnt meals (me), more squabbles (Dan and Alessi) and is now my favourite spot in the house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZKIs3NLICtB8Zx5gGCtGANDH4Z5KZmA-jnQlcU_FU2Izrf20t9joi-tvFLPil-9CBL1NbzLHdlU7xuQaW8R2IE9NZ2LLc6brKUDZh-pxVU7vkBis07zROOvlGxoFeHLcpkfjBypdPpY/s1600/Photo+25-05-2017%252C+16+55+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZKIs3NLICtB8Zx5gGCtGANDH4Z5KZmA-jnQlcU_FU2Izrf20t9joi-tvFLPil-9CBL1NbzLHdlU7xuQaW8R2IE9NZ2LLc6brKUDZh-pxVU7vkBis07zROOvlGxoFeHLcpkfjBypdPpY/s1600/Photo+25-05-2017%252C+16+55+32.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-7- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Nature spotting</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've seen rabbits, mice, kites, buzzards, squirrels, woodpeckers, kingfishers, slow worms and this little newt all in the last week. I wanted to live closer to nature and oh boy am I ever. Of course this also means sharing the house with some nature too, but I'll take that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HMDuGblEK7cfIgOnPhM531XZ9FoIwLY02kcXbBPSb6R5c4lRazhSmD7bx0TJNomMvNO5Cwd-Wa1-mRNoONNRaVRts_qICIistH269z9Hy3P4vUaCy4cG2S5HMvwF3Hlkq1-_WIHN7rA/s1600/Photo+27-05-2017%252C+12+41+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HMDuGblEK7cfIgOnPhM531XZ9FoIwLY02kcXbBPSb6R5c4lRazhSmD7bx0TJNomMvNO5Cwd-Wa1-mRNoONNRaVRts_qICIistH269z9Hy3P4vUaCy4cG2S5HMvwF3Hlkq1-_WIHN7rA/s1600/Photo+27-05-2017%252C+12+41+35.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-8- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sunflower wall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It wasn't just the snails that were after my sunflowers. The chickens kept having dust baths next to and on top of them, as well as getting the odd peck at the leaves in too. So I took a leaf out of a certain President's playbook and built a wall. If he wants to learn anything from my experience, it was a faff to put it up and it doesn't work anyway. I'm forever scooping the chickens out and chasing them off. Forget your bad hombres, they've got nothing on Tufty Sue and Snowball.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Dtgye8KC-MPARSsRW16HMPqxI-TohPkj76aYdVn94Ola_2BB3QF-1xB-gCUzYv01d_XQ-R6zoLS4GyIbSPQ-HbWNpeMcfQX7aEUC3wNxET4xvwbJ9AixF7JgP1X7i2I9cRus0qucys/s1600/Photo+21-05-2017%252C+16+19+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Dtgye8KC-MPARSsRW16HMPqxI-TohPkj76aYdVn94Ola_2BB3QF-1xB-gCUzYv01d_XQ-R6zoLS4GyIbSPQ-HbWNpeMcfQX7aEUC3wNxET4xvwbJ9AixF7JgP1X7i2I9cRus0qucys/s1600/Photo+21-05-2017%252C+16+19+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-9- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>The chickens</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite the aforementioned dust baths, I am so grateful for these two. I still miss Titch, but I'm happy that these two are still here. Tufty Sue has really come out of her shell (Titch was a bit of an overbearing chicken) and is a lot friendlier than she used to be. Snowball is currently broody so we're constantly chucking her out of the coop to make sure she remembers to eat and drink. And she's constantly telling us off in return.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qjTSc6jya5pjhMui1l4_s7lRIlFCYv4-rgG8hut1KwGxMiyJu4Pn9vFmrt6nWiTA9704m1Ja1jSoHLQWVvU0QIKu1swrb_3AGWYRFrza-_QnhuEwNxn9vPJlnpB_fH6l6WONtgX7aRg/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+14+23+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qjTSc6jya5pjhMui1l4_s7lRIlFCYv4-rgG8hut1KwGxMiyJu4Pn9vFmrt6nWiTA9704m1Ja1jSoHLQWVvU0QIKu1swrb_3AGWYRFrza-_QnhuEwNxn9vPJlnpB_fH6l6WONtgX7aRg/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+14+23+54.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-10- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Being home</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No words needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ikJWBpSOV2zC-vfHfPVWdm_W7KeIOKrv-Pex2cVZdL2ievC4PDscEa_5eQV4IUgrDUMiG5YILD8gK6wvbQom3fXCshL_vDtm1H2wpPK-1cIV7dhjveWvLe5wzPuI0Y3mp63Dbs3ZA00/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+15+10+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ikJWBpSOV2zC-vfHfPVWdm_W7KeIOKrv-Pex2cVZdL2ievC4PDscEa_5eQV4IUgrDUMiG5YILD8gK6wvbQom3fXCshL_vDtm1H2wpPK-1cIV7dhjveWvLe5wzPuI0Y3mp63Dbs3ZA00/s1600/Photo+28-05-2017%252C+15+10+22.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
And so endeth The Grateful Ten list for May. Come and join me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/TheDressTree/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Instagram</span></b></a> and post your own list using the #thegratefulten hashtag!The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-32630825364044273042017-05-17T07:30:00.000+01:002017-05-17T07:30:18.419+01:00The Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKCljw8LS22Dogct-b5kNZb27VT7G-Em_FSM5UAHZ8NIq8hFHbnVZ2Fa2NyafgkYACa8E55LBlEsuRvdEHaQxyiEtMFRLpzACuqQKTzOSfSaZWHhPdrm6S3kfMOcrrK-7g2gyHF0JP9Q/s1600/Eco+frual+living+-+The+Dress+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKCljw8LS22Dogct-b5kNZb27VT7G-Em_FSM5UAHZ8NIq8hFHbnVZ2Fa2NyafgkYACa8E55LBlEsuRvdEHaQxyiEtMFRLpzACuqQKTzOSfSaZWHhPdrm6S3kfMOcrrK-7g2gyHF0JP9Q/s1600/Eco+frual+living+-+The+Dress+Tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
When we moved we knew that one of the biggest sacrifices we were going to have to make would be a financial one. And in the limbo month between putting our house on the market and holding the open day, I decided to keep mind occupied by planning the different ways we could cut back and live off of a smaller income.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I did that, even if it was just a way to distract myself from stressing about what we were doing at the time. Having been here a month now we are at the point where we're getting a solid view of what we can expect in the bank each month, and what needs to come out. Note the word "needs" there. Because we have been a bit silly these past few weeks. Not ridiculously so, but silly nonetheless. There's room for improvement on both sides and I've decided to start blogging about this as a means to stay focused and hold myself accountable.<br />
<br />
Over the next few months you can expect to see a slight shift on this blog from the odd dressmaking post and other random witterings. I mean these will continue, I am a dressmaker after all and I do love a good wittering. But I will also be writing more about living more frugally. And I don't want to stop there either. One thing I've wanted to do for a while now is live a more greener lifestyle too. In some ways I already am. I'm cutting down on the amount of plastic we buy, replacing broken plastic things with non-plastic alternatives, recyling blah, blah. But as living a greener way of life ties in rather nicely with frugal living, it just makes sense to me to combine the two.<br />
<br />
So what can you expect from this blog now? In a nutshell, my experiences (successes and fails), any tips I think are worth sharing, the odd tutorial and I would really like to start a sustainable fashion series too. I'm thinking outfits comprising of secondhand, handmade and refashioned clothes. This will mean of course, getting over my awkwardness of being in front of the camera. I'm not sure I'm loving that part of the plan so much to be honest, but I'll give it a go.<br />
<br />
Basically, I just love the idea of showing that being green doesn't mean being crusty and living frugally doesn't mean cutting out the fun.<br />
<br />
Whether I'm up to this challenge or not is another thing, but it's one that I really want to try and I would really love it if you would join me and follow my progress. And if there's anything you would like to see me cover, please let me know!The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-58155279883327850552017-05-10T07:30:00.000+01:002017-05-10T07:30:15.519+01:00Settling in<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQoX1YmlFxp0kWW07s82LgWheh8pOOOOvzDpv9RUG_-RGinvQp17r1C6XcWnSpUqdAHtigS0IxP2e3dPtN5gIgs0uou-LTEWwKGroXZzt0680UQShuEQ38nKYj4cUc8eHVOpIPHT7-Vs/s1600/The+Dress+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQoX1YmlFxp0kWW07s82LgWheh8pOOOOvzDpv9RUG_-RGinvQp17r1C6XcWnSpUqdAHtigS0IxP2e3dPtN5gIgs0uou-LTEWwKGroXZzt0680UQShuEQ38nKYj4cUc8eHVOpIPHT7-Vs/s1600/The+Dress+Tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
We've been living in Wales for a month now. The boxes are unpacked, the dust has settled and with Alessi back at school, we are starting to form new routines.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The cottage is a dream. An old and quirky dream. </div>
<ul>
<li>The windows upstairs are sky lights so we've been using towels as make shift curtains. This was supposed to be for a few days, but we're still yet to buy blinds for them. Whoops.</li>
<li>I've been waking up early most mornings with the dawn chorus. This is in equal parts beautiful (come on, it's birdsong) and annoying (it's birdsong at 5.00am).</li>
<li>Internet access is sloooow and sometimes disappears entirely. </li>
<li>We have no phone signal whatsoever so calls and texts are received by way of a phone app and wifi. Although to be honest, I'm not finding that very reliable either. The up side is that it's forced me off my phone and I can often be found searching the house for it because I'll have put it down somewhere and forgotten about it. It literally never left my side in Bath.</li>
<li>The house is full of spiders. I'm usually a 'pop them outside' kind of girl, but I must confess I've resorted to the hoover a few times now. DON'T JUDGE ME THEY ARE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE.</li>
<li>Other wildlife who currently share the house with us are ants, moths and a couple of jackdaws who are nesting on top of the chimney. I can deal with the birds, but the moths and ants need to go.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dWjQGOXAt9T6O8X2BOC9e7KIVLY9bkmYakZ3AMczR5ZCLSMCvT-8llRJS5NRfYAoKlTCRP0WqCc893PgZTSDYBmMFDxFKGBHud7sLQpD-LSxKFqpoLY4VoyesR8I1rzGDuh_L85MsRM/s1600/Chickens+-+the+dress+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dWjQGOXAt9T6O8X2BOC9e7KIVLY9bkmYakZ3AMczR5ZCLSMCvT-8llRJS5NRfYAoKlTCRP0WqCc893PgZTSDYBmMFDxFKGBHud7sLQpD-LSxKFqpoLY4VoyesR8I1rzGDuh_L85MsRM/s1600/Chickens+-+the+dress+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>The chickens are loving their new surroundings. Well two of them are. Sadly Titch died last week so it's just Tufty Sue and Snowball loving the freedom and the orchard now. We have to be careful when the kites are out hunting though so they can't be left out unsupervised. One kite in particular, (whom Alessi has named, Flappy) hunts very close to the cottage and has clocked the chickens a couple of times. </li>
<li>Unless the weather is gloriously sunny, the bathroom is freezing. We have to brace ourselves each time we need the loo and baths are only attempted once we've heated the room up first with the aid of a small electric heater at the end of an extension lead. Fun times.</li>
<li>There aren't many plug sockets in the cottage. We did however inherit a large amount of extension cables. </li>
<li>We've bought smoke detectors for almost every room</li>
<li>After years of trying (with little to no success) to coax birds in to our old garden I am finally living somewhere that's over run with them and I can see them right outside my window. The two most unusual sightings so far have been a Pied Flycatcher and a Redstart. Now my problem is trying to keep up with the amount they're eating. I know what you're thinking, where did you put that tiny violin?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5NwoUERNWQiwcATRE7L2H50hP9yAqOE5EnyB6tIP77Q43Qekmt2RHOdaHlUhNbUJtnx7HoeKjRrnNHeDgu7Gnawkg6cTREfYUfNQLkjabJ2z6LSy7LVbBsSsE11YAh3gNXHmUBKUERo/s1600/Photo+14-04-2017%252C+14+46+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5NwoUERNWQiwcATRE7L2H50hP9yAqOE5EnyB6tIP77Q43Qekmt2RHOdaHlUhNbUJtnx7HoeKjRrnNHeDgu7Gnawkg6cTREfYUfNQLkjabJ2z6LSy7LVbBsSsE11YAh3gNXHmUBKUERo/s1600/Photo+14-04-2017%252C+14+46+02.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>There's a steam train that runs through the valley. Alessi is obsessed with it and will shout at us to come and watch every. single. time.</li>
<li>There are brambles everywhere. I've made a start, but taming this thorny beast behind the house and in the orchard will be a work in progress.</li>
<li>That's right. There's a freaking orchard! Once the brambles are tamed it will be our garden for the duration of our stay and I've already discovered my new 'spot' along with some raspberries, apple trees and an abandoned greenhouse full of grapevines. </li>
<li>There are also woods at the back of this space. If you ever can't find Alessi, this is where she will be. Looking for cuckoos.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBrNpnlp3_g9rPFy_vnDNsWr9fEM1aa_sVxC9AZx8bpWXC1B1zHzD7xq6_gbqvG1q8wYPBMWzwUW4b_YcDai8CgVFxxshxaJt9_oLG8rIv4bmGITYX9wnBo8MoDiWvcqW0Tdk64zVNxw/s1600/Photo+30-04-2017%252C+15+25+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBrNpnlp3_g9rPFy_vnDNsWr9fEM1aa_sVxC9AZx8bpWXC1B1zHzD7xq6_gbqvG1q8wYPBMWzwUW4b_YcDai8CgVFxxshxaJt9_oLG8rIv4bmGITYX9wnBo8MoDiWvcqW0Tdk64zVNxw/s1600/Photo+30-04-2017%252C+15+25+18.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>I'd forgotten about the fighter jets that practice in the area. They come out of nowhere and the sound can be immense. We're getting used to the low rumbling sound they make as they approach now so know when to expect most of them. That said we've been caught out by a couple of low flying ones which results in a lot of swearing and laughing at each other. You have to make your own amusement out in the sticks!</li>
</ul>
<div>
So there you have it. It was a huge leap to leave everything in Bath behind, but there are no regrets. Alessi settled in to her new school straight away which was a massive relief. She came home the other day and sang a song she'd learnt in Welsh which made my heart explode.<br />
<br />
I don't know what the future holds for us here. Renting feels weird as it prevents us from putting down permanent roots so I don't feel 100% settled. It's always at the back of my mind that it's someone else's property and that we will have to move again at some point or that they could ask us to leave at any time.<br />
Instead of worrying though I know in my heart of hearts that right now we are exactly where we are supposed to be. And I am certain that whatever the future has in store for us, it's going to be fine. In fact if we can continue to make choices true to ourselves the way we have done these past few months, we'll be <i>more</i> than fine.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksQH0BYpfyjfcFJAgo_3aYcyUf9dom8Ha3jecXtJXb6ByWA7zzMkK1zx3TntmzErxkxgjQNow_amimD7kkL0MGXxIRNn6OsjC8ko092VZC05ECLqtZCULUwoxp9dV_V91vbzuhMfmq3s/s1600/DSCF9797.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksQH0BYpfyjfcFJAgo_3aYcyUf9dom8Ha3jecXtJXb6ByWA7zzMkK1zx3TntmzErxkxgjQNow_amimD7kkL0MGXxIRNn6OsjC8ko092VZC05ECLqtZCULUwoxp9dV_V91vbzuhMfmq3s/s1600/DSCF9797.1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-89599698705998772792017-03-09T07:00:00.000+00:002017-03-09T07:00:00.156+00:00The Great Welsh Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnLNIMWzkEWOIPF5c3rPm6VGD_oCBbS0BNsFORz7h0C5jS50XLoMl08GMXgFaPWkJz6r0Ug-wTH4c371QF9n3yOHRnzDtC18LY_956078ew-JaVzhUvBmBVx6-x6NSMiF65LLMFyriLo/s1600/Photo+22-02-2017%252C+09+53+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnLNIMWzkEWOIPF5c3rPm6VGD_oCBbS0BNsFORz7h0C5jS50XLoMl08GMXgFaPWkJz6r0Ug-wTH4c371QF9n3yOHRnzDtC18LY_956078ew-JaVzhUvBmBVx6-x6NSMiF65LLMFyriLo/s1600/Photo+22-02-2017%252C+09+53+13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the last three months there have been massive changes going on here which I've only been able to allude to for fear of jinxing things. So it is with no small amount of relief that I can finally shout (or type in very annoying capital letters), WE'RE MOVING BACK TO WALES!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh that felt good.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've sold the house, quit our jobs and all being well we should be moving in to a beautiful little cottage in a few weeks time. It feels like it's taken an age to get to this point, when in fact it's only taken us three months. And by the time we move in, it will be just over four, which is actually insane. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
This is also why I've been letting The Dress Tree cruise on auto pilot over the last couple of months, so I could focus on the challenge that is chasing estate agents/solicitors, cleaning, clearing, traveling to and from Wales and school hunting. I'll be back on it once we're settled and will be listing new things again in May.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for now, the rest of March is looking to be a blur of packing, cleaning and tying up loose ends. Oh and Alessi's birthday is in there too somewhere to add an extra dusting of chaos.<br />
<br />
There's going to be a lot of change and muddling through. Not knowing if this will work for us long term. And for once, I'm at ease with the not knowing.</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-31216993193037544462017-02-13T07:00:00.000+00:002017-02-13T07:00:19.261+00:00Chicken update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hLKw-hDmyNONS7KKkRC-V-0_6ZFxLscvNj50zGD6c88fNPOe1f2yN0W-cAZ2u3ljFH1TYe93coEQNg8NOJOrNntUMxkVAhDvEc3lHlClaQV6uegI8CaEqioauF_Zst72DbNPrVGb1jE/s1600/Chicken+lock+down+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hLKw-hDmyNONS7KKkRC-V-0_6ZFxLscvNj50zGD6c88fNPOe1f2yN0W-cAZ2u3ljFH1TYe93coEQNg8NOJOrNntUMxkVAhDvEc3lHlClaQV6uegI8CaEqioauF_Zst72DbNPrVGb1jE/s1600/Chicken+lock+down+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We're on lock down here at Casa Bliss as are all chicken owners across the country at the moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2aewB9qOBViKzUQ2cXw0_55A_wrth_ffj5U9X9WWFP47769SjFZiW96r_t5iAEdkxE9w-5OhBRmlADp9dPSbwMR-PNQYKDK_BB2np8kbzw16pb1B4enyoL7wdhJ9cWZCNWbEKVYj4II/s1600/chickens+lock+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2aewB9qOBViKzUQ2cXw0_55A_wrth_ffj5U9X9WWFP47769SjFZiW96r_t5iAEdkxE9w-5OhBRmlADp9dPSbwMR-PNQYKDK_BB2np8kbzw16pb1B4enyoL7wdhJ9cWZCNWbEKVYj4II/s1600/chickens+lock+down.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In case you hadn't seen it in the news, cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the UK and as a precaution, all poultry owners have had to make sure their birds are kept indoors where possible.<br />
And if that isn't, then to take precautions to keep them away from wild birds. I'm not able to keep my three indoors, but they have an enclosed run so they've just been kept in that. I hate it though. This run is big enough for them, but I preferred to just keep them in it when we weren't around and let them roam freely when we were. Not being able to give them this extra freedom hasn't been too bad over the winter as they prefer to stay in their coop during bad weather, but now that spring is just around the corner they've started to become restless. <br />
<br />
This lock down is in place until the end of February, but this date has been pushed back twice already since the they first announced it back in December and I suspect it will again.<br />
If this is the case I'm going to make them a larger enclosed run so that I can add more things to keep them entertained. At the moment I'm relying on straw for them to scratch about in and various treats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4u_d7BzQ-mEOstPso8gB5o0uleup_LGUF6rUcLt5BLbYz3-soonCQLIa4kYqn7-ru_Ic_Yf4BURGUu_bF6Ah7i9blvDmmOuxnWiHFtoeqgVoJvOYpQJTontZe7c4k1OtpLvkr2JAM-w/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4u_d7BzQ-mEOstPso8gB5o0uleup_LGUF6rUcLt5BLbYz3-soonCQLIa4kYqn7-ru_Ic_Yf4BURGUu_bF6Ah7i9blvDmmOuxnWiHFtoeqgVoJvOYpQJTontZe7c4k1OtpLvkr2JAM-w/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt1Y22i9UYqMJWmMNx1ePg_VYVrFx66uGRXPaIC3EFNLnA5ojVp1VF1ABaG35uSLVXnVUu1sT0prcqy_I9mmc9HIPHaywBPfZgSk3He3hbk8ExK_nEPwE7J3TJQtHs8FIv3C8FBXZV_g/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt1Y22i9UYqMJWmMNx1ePg_VYVrFx66uGRXPaIC3EFNLnA5ojVp1VF1ABaG35uSLVXnVUu1sT0prcqy_I9mmc9HIPHaywBPfZgSk3He3hbk8ExK_nEPwE7J3TJQtHs8FIv3C8FBXZV_g/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's doing the job, but it's a pain having to remove the food scraps each night. And to be honest, I think they just miss the company. Keeping them under the apple tree is great to shelter them from the worst of the wind and rain, but it's at the bottom of the garden and they like company. It's why bantams make great pets and are so tame, anyone remember Snowball jumping on my shoulder last summer for a snooze?<br />
Fingers crossed it doesn't last much longer, I miss having my girls bumbling around the garden. And Titch is extremely pissed off about the situation. Chickens have personalities and while the other two are fairly laid back, she is not happy and likes to make sure I know it. Mainly by shouting at me. Look. I even caught her in the act. After three months of being cooped up, she wants more than straw and turnips and I can't say I blame her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGQKrXvag2g-Mpq79xUPsNk6XGe6k5xHhm6DyVioRZOjUfkSU20F1pmsEdsv8aWYNGkZVyHBfgg10nQQmV4SBuzICHRP3KigHplA9Rid9BlfFlTeXeCQFq4Ch-5XY16l8bfhLcG_fQLU/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGQKrXvag2g-Mpq79xUPsNk6XGe6k5xHhm6DyVioRZOjUfkSU20F1pmsEdsv8aWYNGkZVyHBfgg10nQQmV4SBuzICHRP3KigHplA9Rid9BlfFlTeXeCQFq4Ch-5XY16l8bfhLcG_fQLU/s1600/Chickens+lock+down+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
On a brighter note (and a sign that spring really is just around the corner), Tufty Sue and Snowball have started laying, no more shop bought eggs for us! Alessi loves going to the coop each day to see if there are any waiting in the nesting box.<br />
She asked me to take a photo of her with the chickens the other day and was all ready to give me the thumbs up, but when I took the picture what I'd actually captured was all eyes on her snack! Even Titch was momentarily quiet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEx5kGaBre6fThhptE2x77QtHNLUJybEn1VMhitJWgpu_ysManoahZyr5OxHoA10kuzC5nqO4Lx6ZJT1zts24fSDgov5Uwm_QObS24M9sQezS65GTq4qhM_ZkMXvvT61VnBpotLKMajs/s1600/Chicken+lock+down+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEx5kGaBre6fThhptE2x77QtHNLUJybEn1VMhitJWgpu_ysManoahZyr5OxHoA10kuzC5nqO4Lx6ZJT1zts24fSDgov5Uwm_QObS24M9sQezS65GTq4qhM_ZkMXvvT61VnBpotLKMajs/s1600/Chicken+lock+down+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So all in all the chickens are getting on great, considering they're cooped up. Their first winter was a lot milder than I had thought it would be and the coop has stood up to the elements well. Fingers crossed we'll be able to let them out again soon though.The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-90059584901728567052017-01-01T07:00:00.000+00:002017-02-02T11:23:37.097+00:002017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdARa07kVBTdr1t4g1C3FAOi6sHAQOPBQjphzbmNEpA_VWslFP6K6Oi7VsaZQa8alO8BQn-Om2SoPJRB5Z2w8AOl9PSlaZyLixHTWbo4qZrwB9j0IBxnaV2RoqBdpBz1AvUOOhRt_LPqU/s1600/afterlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdARa07kVBTdr1t4g1C3FAOi6sHAQOPBQjphzbmNEpA_VWslFP6K6Oi7VsaZQa8alO8BQn-Om2SoPJRB5Z2w8AOl9PSlaZyLixHTWbo4qZrwB9j0IBxnaV2RoqBdpBz1AvUOOhRt_LPqU/s1600/afterlight.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Follow my true North</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a difference between what you want, and what you believe you <i>should</i> want and I've caught myself getting the two mixed up far too many times last year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Celebrate my accomplishments. Again</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't completely fail at this last year, but I didn't manage to make a habit of it either. So I'm going to try again because when I did manage it, it felt brilliant. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Start saving</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a very specific goal in mind, but more on this another day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there you have it. I've been sat here writing this list for nearly two hours and this is all I've come up with. Three things. The truth is, for this year as I see it, these will be all I need.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy new year everyone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
X</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-39629209360165982052016-12-29T07:00:00.000+00:002016-12-31T19:36:13.579+00:002016 Resolutions - Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHn_n-pPeCzOPaJVBwND9sScUL7SFv9vY7JQ4YZgHKGnPOGqbsz2ZUVrYggJAxCkoGmU93agzKAp_yI0c4ATwaboGIYlsRCGHuIm1BdJC5bJZ5A_5rWKPOe10J3Om5upeZpKqCpPAtWQ/s1600/New+years+resolutions+2016+results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHn_n-pPeCzOPaJVBwND9sScUL7SFv9vY7JQ4YZgHKGnPOGqbsz2ZUVrYggJAxCkoGmU93agzKAp_yI0c4ATwaboGIYlsRCGHuIm1BdJC5bJZ5A_5rWKPOe10J3Om5upeZpKqCpPAtWQ/s1600/New+years+resolutions+2016+results.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b>Work, keep it simple</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
Check!</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
To do lists were kept short and focused. I made a plan for the year and stuck to it. I even recognised the need to stop making kimonos in the summer so that I could work on new stock ready for the autumn. Resisting the urge to keep up with demand is something I've usually struggled with. I would keep on saying yes ultimately biting off more than I could chew.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b>Time with Alessi, make it count</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
Meh. Sort of.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
By the time summer rolled up. She was over it. Over nursery, the games she used to love playing, her toys. The lot. Those last few months were a struggle. I do think we made the most of it, but in the end it looked closer to making the most of a bad situation than the rose tinted images I had in my head! </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b>Accept myself</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
NAILED this one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
From my post pregnancy body, slowly aging face, constant need for solitude and finally accepting that I just don't like wine, I'm more at ease with it all than I ever have been. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b>Read </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
Big. Fat. Fail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
I don't think I've read a single book. Well not for myself. I've read hundreds of children's books over the year though. It doesn't quite count, but seeing as the whole point was to keep Alessi interested in books (and she is), I'm not losing too much sleep over this one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<b>Celebrate my accomplishments</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
Hit and miss.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
Ok I'm a little annoyed about this one as I did (and still do) believe that it's important for people to do. I achieved a lot this year and in some cases, surpassed my own targets, but often failed to celebrate them. Reasons included not having enough money (to treat myself), not making the time and just generally not organising myself properly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
I still feel the same as I did this time last year in that I believe this is an important habit to get in to so I'm going to carry this resolution over to 2017 and hopefully with practice, it will become something that comes a little more naturally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
What about you? Did you make any resolutions at the start of the year and if so, how did you do?</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-23802621528332164012016-12-22T12:49:00.000+00:002016-12-22T12:49:21.687+00:00I hate DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-DrDA8ulQk_d785Ydv1z7Jaw8iA8XdCD3_mlPufGJC_2j8v9tfTjeRSpgtruH8Ljz_khd8BIMtdSsqd7Lhc6nUYKtGRc3LU5Qjj2wNFwHFlYmhUeK-lyQ9VuJpAKlG8F4SEKsEQMCUM/s1600/Photo+11-12-2016%252C+14+29+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-DrDA8ulQk_d785Ydv1z7Jaw8iA8XdCD3_mlPufGJC_2j8v9tfTjeRSpgtruH8Ljz_khd8BIMtdSsqd7Lhc6nUYKtGRc3LU5Qjj2wNFwHFlYmhUeK-lyQ9VuJpAKlG8F4SEKsEQMCUM/s1600/Photo+11-12-2016%252C+14+29+32.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Not long after my last post, Dan and I decided that the house needed some work. Two months before Christmas. I wouldn't recommend it .<br />
<br />
And now with two days left until Christmas we have <i>finally</i> finished it all. The relief I feel is immense and all I want for Christmas now is an uninterrupted nights sleep, a lie in and some cheese.<br />
<br />
So here's to not seeing abandoned paint brushes dotted around the house, paint smells, touching wet paint, cursing and having to do it again, measuring, cutting, more cursing and just generally wondering what the hell we thought we were doing.<br />
<br />
Here's to sleep, pickles and cheese. Watching Alessi's face light up when she opens her presents and going to see the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. And here's to surviving 2016!<br />
<br />
Whatever you decide to do with it, I hope you all have a restful and happy holiday.The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-24803522005344031602016-10-28T11:11:00.002+01:002016-10-28T11:11:24.882+01:00Garden tidy up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjzx6wS1kAcPSNqGlyUYX9XGYefYog8ppBaF-9ZG-lx6B4XKkbPrgU0RXRq6HQMiF5F9Jp2pz7PmOWUEFYU9wj9yCg10LSll4zOIiFpR13SprdknfzJoPcdtspatZAUvJOyJYYza9uC4/s1600/Bird+feeding+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjzx6wS1kAcPSNqGlyUYX9XGYefYog8ppBaF-9ZG-lx6B4XKkbPrgU0RXRq6HQMiF5F9Jp2pz7PmOWUEFYU9wj9yCg10LSll4zOIiFpR13SprdknfzJoPcdtspatZAUvJOyJYYza9uC4/s1600/Bird+feeding+station.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately I've been slowly getting the garden winter ready. Progress has been slow as we are still in the process of giving the house a good clear out too (which is taking forever), and our DIY list continues to demand attention. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wet weather and old houses don't mix well, and it doesn't do chicken coops any good either. I'm kicking myself for not getting the coop painted when the weather was dry and sunny. Pink or not, the wood is old and needs weather proofing. So I went out yesterday with the intentions of finishing the job off only to find that the pink paint has disappeared. Now admittedly, I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, good riddance. May I never be that stupid again. On the other hand, damn it. Now I may have to buy more paint right at a time that I'm trying to save, not spend. That will teach me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the coop remains unfinished for now, but at least the chicken run is up and being enjoyed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHvGpQgrh6lHDKSUnGYjRkzYmUN8pKADkaEzMezZlIBuw5QuQp-VsojVx6kuZBgqaQvVFzg6u_Cjuh4kYHT6u1WybP_aeS88-uCEiI7YYTgTcA1W4tD9FagcGGvQaX4zchZkEKpNe6HA/s1600/Chicken+coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHvGpQgrh6lHDKSUnGYjRkzYmUN8pKADkaEzMezZlIBuw5QuQp-VsojVx6kuZBgqaQvVFzg6u_Cjuh4kYHT6u1WybP_aeS88-uCEiI7YYTgTcA1W4tD9FagcGGvQaX4zchZkEKpNe6HA/s1600/Chicken+coop.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I still need to add some kind of supports as although it's pretty sturdy, it's a bit bowed in the middle. Other than that, the idea to make a long and narrow run over the flower bed to keep cats off and the weeds down seemed like a great idea. However I can already see the ground looking a little compacted since I moved the chickens there and while they are only little and compaction won't be too severe, it won't help next years plants one bit so now I'm thinking of moving the coop and run AGAIN. Always with the tinkering! But they need a little more cover from the wind and rain too. Also, I need to put something down to protect their feathered feet from the mud and wet. I've got a few ideas up my sleeve, one involves pallets which will thrill Dan no end, but I do love a good pallet project!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk8F1US_OY4CRcoIcwUf6rKipdntmYSpYOrnT0lOrT6sRORL_SgGMP6MDbuOsYL0EGvRrwomZdDFs7AwiLQLoKFhKxfGT3v-kClJ0Y70GZZoGEXGv84WH6Z1hFFsslpA3UIOB2A9UHCI/s1600/Chicken+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk8F1US_OY4CRcoIcwUf6rKipdntmYSpYOrnT0lOrT6sRORL_SgGMP6MDbuOsYL0EGvRrwomZdDFs7AwiLQLoKFhKxfGT3v-kClJ0Y70GZZoGEXGv84WH6Z1hFFsslpA3UIOB2A9UHCI/s1600/Chicken+run.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another thing I finally got around to doing was putting up some conker garlands in the shed windows. The amount of spiders and webs we get in there is ridiculous and while not everyone believes that conkers deter spiders, I personally think they do. Until the conkers get old and dried up at least. Either way, they look pretty and make the shed look more interesting from the kitchen window so I'm happy spiders, or no spiders.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-zzvkq0Qmt7Q_IBTnZAq725MSBsk0JOksFSD1igtNbObadQDRKUpyIw7qbkMf1r9Bm1LKF9Ry2iaEI2KYHq-eFfCxwleEXVa4mEU4yHvEjg9yRUpd8KeshOn0apvfyypqx16_hL7ak/s1600/conker+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-zzvkq0Qmt7Q_IBTnZAq725MSBsk0JOksFSD1igtNbObadQDRKUpyIw7qbkMf1r9Bm1LKF9Ry2iaEI2KYHq-eFfCxwleEXVa4mEU4yHvEjg9yRUpd8KeshOn0apvfyypqx16_hL7ak/s1600/conker+garland.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alessi got really excited about making a bug hotel and wanted to make one out of bricks like the one at her school. I had initially just planned to drill a bunch of holes in the existing tree stump so in the end we made two. She also wanted to put up a sign and her wind mill toy, (anyone know what those things are actually called?) so the bugs would know where to go. Seriously that kid kills me everyday with how her mind works. Take the tree stump for instance, have you seen its grumpy face?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn9fLc-Yzdvvq3VVGJ8HqrlOEeyxPHJfS1aJqYmAfPtWX9qgIOKjPoAgCCRkfkfYb5Yx7_vHAHSJIrcnV7hVo7gWg0i7cDl3RaGPRfSum7CPNqfErphc9vBL3FQBiHoCMeHMCkDxTg90/s1600/Bug+hotel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn9fLc-Yzdvvq3VVGJ8HqrlOEeyxPHJfS1aJqYmAfPtWX9qgIOKjPoAgCCRkfkfYb5Yx7_vHAHSJIrcnV7hVo7gWg0i7cDl3RaGPRfSum7CPNqfErphc9vBL3FQBiHoCMeHMCkDxTg90/s1600/Bug+hotel+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See? You can't miss it. She decided that it was grumpy because it didn't have a hat. So now he has a hat. And apparently it's only pretending to be grumpy now to scare away the bad bugs. It's things like this that make me forgive that poptart for getting up before 6am most mornings. Seriously, those of you commenting on about how you love the school holidays because of the lie ins you get? They make my face go a little bit like our stumpy friend here. I jest of course. As long as there is coffee all is good in my world! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd83bxEMrIe_awJkMrynjDSRl0ZgwuNexfNM-JJtrwytLhe-htNK9IufEHpgEBGlJliW1bWTHkMjhjJcJ-wz_hAU1cPmx2TKPlA4tl0WBqJA-2ek2CbubphpA9JSofHeTKJBWE03q2JM/s1600/Bug+hotel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd83bxEMrIe_awJkMrynjDSRl0ZgwuNexfNM-JJtrwytLhe-htNK9IufEHpgEBGlJliW1bWTHkMjhjJcJ-wz_hAU1cPmx2TKPlA4tl0WBqJA-2ek2CbubphpA9JSofHeTKJBWE03q2JM/s1600/Bug+hotel+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Early morning grumps aside, I still get to be a little bit productive in the day once the caffeine has kicked in. Yesterday I also managed to fix my little portable greenhouse with the help of some duct tape. Those bars no longer keep clanging to the floor and the roof actually stays up now! For how long is anyone's guess and I suspect that the winter winds will have some fun with this, but it's worth a go. I want to try and get through winter without losing all of my strawberry plants this time. Fingers crossed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXem7jSyF05vyEcChPoI6w62r4B92zSOh7Oa7EUwBuHYpdbgqDEKJgCfX-3lLtv1VBnYgCtc_vg6ggmqkeKPui_Dknsgn2YT5_Si-5Jf5O6XqWqsZNVv1_huQkRTMlbBqXJ4khQQLmkc/s1600/greenhouse+fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXem7jSyF05vyEcChPoI6w62r4B92zSOh7Oa7EUwBuHYpdbgqDEKJgCfX-3lLtv1VBnYgCtc_vg6ggmqkeKPui_Dknsgn2YT5_Si-5Jf5O6XqWqsZNVv1_huQkRTMlbBqXJ4khQQLmkc/s1600/greenhouse+fix.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of which, here are said strawberries. I'm loving the autumnal colours of those leaves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlSLmP8lHiYcdxvMOH8LMY7BjsUsZLP-4DXTrdnikTG-k4IDgtTuSUxfYyFrpC5tzna6cJD1x3s-xSTRRwu-AQlD6A2z3w_CJG043ekfXFHqPsZuS_rysSvWu8FLijGpc6XCDa00tlkI/s1600/strawberries+greenhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlSLmP8lHiYcdxvMOH8LMY7BjsUsZLP-4DXTrdnikTG-k4IDgtTuSUxfYyFrpC5tzna6cJD1x3s-xSTRRwu-AQlD6A2z3w_CJG043ekfXFHqPsZuS_rysSvWu8FLijGpc6XCDa00tlkI/s1600/strawberries+greenhouse.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as rain and mud is a given in our garden during the wetter and colder months I thought it would be a good idea to give Alessi's mud kitchen a bit of a revamp. I brought it up for under the shade of the apple tree, (no more hot sun to hide from now) so now it's on the patio next to the house, making it easier for her to nip in and out as she pleases and as such, more inclined to play there. It's also right next to the water butt which she loves. No more carrying her watering can up and down the garden! And you see what I mean about my love of pallets? They may not look pretty, but you can do so much with them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WyIYswSPGmK-g68pz4uphgcRmNubGWVFF2yodqJi4cb1UyBJodWboQZNQpX0uilsAH_6IWlR0wn9_4ifHEozsgyFrbg4piFLlZseDQSsVTCyDVaHWrX5CRLJvscV56NTnOSx7sRfajU/s1600/mud+kitchen+The+Dress+Tree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WyIYswSPGmK-g68pz4uphgcRmNubGWVFF2yodqJi4cb1UyBJodWboQZNQpX0uilsAH_6IWlR0wn9_4ifHEozsgyFrbg4piFLlZseDQSsVTCyDVaHWrX5CRLJvscV56NTnOSx7sRfajU/s1600/mud+kitchen+The+Dress+Tree.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last, but not least I finally got around to mulching the potted fruit trees and honeysuckle. First with a thin layer of compost, followed by a layer of leaves from the lawn.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrIqTPsWPOFQZW07Hib6qcSgKAPaFUtHGVp9Cl7eKKdwOs2dnulWB7RYahI7RtHwIn2P0vxNYCScCKFfjIKopvMK-vjpl3WolwKc4UKRMc3jeU8cokFP5RPu6vpDUgsWakjareUvIbmo/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrIqTPsWPOFQZW07Hib6qcSgKAPaFUtHGVp9Cl7eKKdwOs2dnulWB7RYahI7RtHwIn2P0vxNYCScCKFfjIKopvMK-vjpl3WolwKc4UKRMc3jeU8cokFP5RPu6vpDUgsWakjareUvIbmo/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Followed by newspaper and straw. I gave the whole lot a good watering and bish, bash, bosh, they're done. Hopefully that will help protect the roots this winter and put a bit more roughage back into the soil. I only did this for my apple tree last year and unsurprisingly, it was the one that grew the most and produced the best fruit. So no laziness this year, I did it properly and I did it to all of them this time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtNbo19nxsVC_J8isuiA3XN1fu2aEJ0xgaiCVOXZUXOyC7fYno9WcBcJQn9aBX1lq_mWi-CcqZOUCZySnLlxsufvFGFXw8fqL89NO6vsUy9COmx-9M_bjY8VW2W0K3ORiwfXuIxlbGoE/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtNbo19nxsVC_J8isuiA3XN1fu2aEJ0xgaiCVOXZUXOyC7fYno9WcBcJQn9aBX1lq_mWi-CcqZOUCZySnLlxsufvFGFXw8fqL89NO6vsUy9COmx-9M_bjY8VW2W0K3ORiwfXuIxlbGoE/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, and Alessi added her own finishing touch. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1f12ZSg_g3DJrg3t8AibSZjgsS0qLb2nwFM2NtGMuyjQJEkSAP4UwpLSTe1LZ8Hl-u9cUY7Uzxli2Az2RJQGa_ATVB_aNGYaQqi_rKQ_a09PTsCenqBfhXbGpordFQsBurkNP3JsUA8/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1f12ZSg_g3DJrg3t8AibSZjgsS0qLb2nwFM2NtGMuyjQJEkSAP4UwpLSTe1LZ8Hl-u9cUY7Uzxli2Az2RJQGa_ATVB_aNGYaQqi_rKQ_a09PTsCenqBfhXbGpordFQsBurkNP3JsUA8/s1600/mulching+flower+pot+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the garden's autumn clear up is over for another year and now I'm toying with the idea of making a little winter fire pit out there somewhere. Realistically, I'm not sure how often we'd get to use it, this is Britain after all and winter usually just means rain. But on the off chance that it does stay dry, some days out in the garden baking potatoes on a fire pit does sound pretty awesome don't you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And it'll be a good way to use up all that left over pallet wood I'm going to have lying around! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry Dan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-28582770741345468822016-10-10T07:30:00.000+01:002016-10-10T07:30:34.870+01:00October my heart<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk3wL8XwsLJn5ArlL8V8vVBTxfnlp3JDy_rM5Pxme2KTKhkWHf2eAJgrUSQ7nL0fyaapQGxPVWlGwDP7A2T9psp8DMNdj931oVHE1t2W87XmVebRYLQFtJi9NtUk2FS0bYuwV8Kl7XiE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+baked+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk3wL8XwsLJn5ArlL8V8vVBTxfnlp3JDy_rM5Pxme2KTKhkWHf2eAJgrUSQ7nL0fyaapQGxPVWlGwDP7A2T9psp8DMNdj931oVHE1t2W87XmVebRYLQFtJi9NtUk2FS0bYuwV8Kl7XiE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+baked+apples.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Oh am I glad it's October! If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I was struggling with Alessi's settling in days at school last month. And so was she. Having her routine change from one week to the next confused her no end and while I had initially thought that I would be able to get stuff done around these hours, it quickly became obvious that wasn't going to happen.<br />
No matter. She's finally started her full hours and we've all settled in to the new routine without too many hiccups.*<br />
<br />
And so now I find myself looking forward again.<br />
<br />
My winter clothes have come down from the attic while my kimonos, strappy dresses, sandals and shorts went back up. I've been reunited with my favourite tartan scarf!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGdse74ZGjhKxMuCt-omOOk4lrJs-1p_KL89-vHsbaz8kmMQrqj52fk8wkER4ucoGb_DDVbwcNMKnpQ-h76FJ2hlYOF5eAevKfHW5yFLAlwlyUA4pNaVAJgGeQw8wwmwnJZYLWE7iY-M/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+winter+woollens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGdse74ZGjhKxMuCt-omOOk4lrJs-1p_KL89-vHsbaz8kmMQrqj52fk8wkER4ucoGb_DDVbwcNMKnpQ-h76FJ2hlYOF5eAevKfHW5yFLAlwlyUA4pNaVAJgGeQw8wwmwnJZYLWE7iY-M/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+winter+woollens.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Along with my winter clothes came my box of winter projects. A crochet blanket that needs fixing, the fabric from my ill fated tweed coat (I will make that one day) and two of my favourite jumpers that were ruined by being stretched out of shape. One by Alessi, then a toddler and the other by the washing machine. I'm in the process of upcycling them in to cardigans. It's a slow process because I LOVE those jumpers and I'm afraid of ruining them for good, but I'll get there.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHusNtg5kJjhHN7oZ5mJ_aYHOkVOQBtesRTUrNiETOOWmX4sv7DJjDYlIeH-VSQgHKCkBSfOvWjD0E5lbskSqbbZMKTQq_qvWWWBy3HnmmFxi8WHWIT7LySWEyAEtk5xI784H-K-wioqI/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+autumn+activity+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHusNtg5kJjhHN7oZ5mJ_aYHOkVOQBtesRTUrNiETOOWmX4sv7DJjDYlIeH-VSQgHKCkBSfOvWjD0E5lbskSqbbZMKTQq_qvWWWBy3HnmmFxi8WHWIT7LySWEyAEtk5xI784H-K-wioqI/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+autumn+activity+book.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Last month I bought Alessi a book of things to make and do in autumn. The idea was to give us some ideas to fill the afternoons after her settling in mornings at school. As she was too angry/upset/tired/filled with murderous intent to do them then, we're only just making use of the book now. The first activity she picked was making baked apples which she LOVED. Seriously, it was like some kind of crack for kids. She ate hers and polished off mine because I'm a soft touch. I had to promise we'd make them again this week.<br />
The book also comes with a weather chart which you can change daily. It's a lovely little book and I can't recommend it enough. Happily, we haven't had to change it for a little while. Sunny and golden appears to be the order of the day. And long may it last.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAP9vWVhie9PInWfP991KYR18P1h3xvXOpGaZ5qJitnZn4QXbO5xC_s2jScKpMxUxa_MLqFQqH1ujEz3Uzi4ArRkT2OrVo2T_IbcEVjgXR1bVBBj3G7u3DEulsXMYK3CN6RUhZeXxcmI/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+weather+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAP9vWVhie9PInWfP991KYR18P1h3xvXOpGaZ5qJitnZn4QXbO5xC_s2jScKpMxUxa_MLqFQqH1ujEz3Uzi4ArRkT2OrVo2T_IbcEVjgXR1bVBBj3G7u3DEulsXMYK3CN6RUhZeXxcmI/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+-+weather+chart.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
*I have yet to get her to school on time, I forgot her PE kit and the homework she's already getting is making me give the education system serious side eye, but <i>apart from that,</i> we're all settled.The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-89622132398897294892016-09-27T07:00:00.000+01:002016-09-27T07:00:13.010+01:00Harvest time<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqcJQVzpiEi4d-WdRFczwd97ePt2QSNm3sSzYlWo-4Qn2AB9OHdlc0q-cYo7iC5tg0Ptltrb6JwLOdfcbvMDkH-alVokkN2PM7Ag4I-tKZt3DWAjWQKHXrngkfU-xksgo0q_AFxWmpFQ/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqcJQVzpiEi4d-WdRFczwd97ePt2QSNm3sSzYlWo-4Qn2AB9OHdlc0q-cYo7iC5tg0Ptltrb6JwLOdfcbvMDkH-alVokkN2PM7Ag4I-tKZt3DWAjWQKHXrngkfU-xksgo0q_AFxWmpFQ/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I love this time of year, but parts of it are so fleeting. Like the period of spring when the blossom trees bloom and for a short time pink petals turn trees in to candy floss clouds and sprinkle the pavements with nature's confetti. Autumn also has it's fleeting beauty, apple trees weighed down with fruit, conker collecting, catching the best of the autumn colours as the leaves turn and fall. They all happen so quickly that sometimes I'm scared I'll miss it all. There is always something so stop and appreciate at this time of year. And right now for me it's the harvesting phase.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used to do so much with my little garden. I was having a good old trip down memory lane the other night reading old blog posts and I found this photo of me sitting at the bottom of the garden, feeling very sick and sorry for myself while pregnant with Alessi. But look at the garden!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLQKShTtD62n1Rc6iNUmX3VN6lyauqiCZQ-lejVwv3bSOa2bDFps609J81iqBBlqunPXSQ45LI1ffgd_pAWqYaGlT7dQAFAjg6Ixp9faeW1rL8Tp5Dmzav-lKXQ_1ImcRcyZ2n2_JD9w/s1600/lhjhfg26n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLQKShTtD62n1Rc6iNUmX3VN6lyauqiCZQ-lejVwv3bSOa2bDFps609J81iqBBlqunPXSQ45LI1ffgd_pAWqYaGlT7dQAFAjg6Ixp9faeW1rL8Tp5Dmzav-lKXQ_1ImcRcyZ2n2_JD9w/s1600/lhjhfg26n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's not much in the way of lawn. The majority of the garden was dedicated to the chickens and my vegetable patch. Fast forward four years and the landscape has changed dramatically. The chicken run has gone, the vegetable patch has been pushed back and the garden is almost entirely lawn again. And this is exactly as it should be. The garden is and will continue to be for years to come, Alessi's domain. Also, since she was born and even more so since I started the business, gardening has been right on the bottom of any to do lists, if included at all.</div>
<div>
So it's with some pride that this year, despite not having spent much time out there and the slugs and snails eating the shit out of my sunflowers, I <i>still</i> have a healthy, albeit small, garden harvest of apples, sunflower seeds and strawberries from the hanging baskets. Which FYI, is a brilliant way to grow strawberries if you're pushed for space, as well as making it a lot easier to keep slimy critters off the fruit!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And although I've never tried it before, I harvested the seeds from one of the strawberries too. Fingers crossed these will grow in to lots of little strawberry babies next spring because I have another project in mind involving a pallet. My husband is THRILLED. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIA3UR4RVgA9zvYnTVhDj7oeIG1Maz1q0gEROKnVFjr9HS-OIJciDb692rq8rapWx6sBpa_1SryLyP5Aeoc_qNl2dKpiO0-1I8iJfvuId0-U-Ojs0lpPz3u7VUZQtNB_bZvKDywIA-tcA/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIA3UR4RVgA9zvYnTVhDj7oeIG1Maz1q0gEROKnVFjr9HS-OIJciDb692rq8rapWx6sBpa_1SryLyP5Aeoc_qNl2dKpiO0-1I8iJfvuId0-U-Ojs0lpPz3u7VUZQtNB_bZvKDywIA-tcA/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCEq8xetuXHwvHVhShhic44452pid8FIiy91GAhDR4PMw9EbFTj4nWcV5aBuoXKRSMq8ThzcMStWcnIg_M2xJIkAP37LPU0XM8gBL_63kTKIbQEwNv7R-geVBFouZt2USJEQlp2FHpvg/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCEq8xetuXHwvHVhShhic44452pid8FIiy91GAhDR4PMw9EbFTj4nWcV5aBuoXKRSMq8ThzcMStWcnIg_M2xJIkAP37LPU0XM8gBL_63kTKIbQEwNv7R-geVBFouZt2USJEQlp2FHpvg/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1nRX4u1icfKpQhrHds4a4OLEvwmBfjLWch5sOSQ3bGthiV2gsQMFnfXQG5G9Im0eaVC7-9akjsZ_MvtNkyn0LDlRdheJpwedWG2MMhwUH12bufMXz4RPDQ2FcRZ6NnmmozGSupiz6bU/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1nRX4u1icfKpQhrHds4a4OLEvwmBfjLWch5sOSQ3bGthiV2gsQMFnfXQG5G9Im0eaVC7-9akjsZ_MvtNkyn0LDlRdheJpwedWG2MMhwUH12bufMXz4RPDQ2FcRZ6NnmmozGSupiz6bU/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+4.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So we are in full autumn mode here in Casa Bliss and I'm loving these moments of calm because in all other areas, things are pretty chaotic! We have one more week of Alessi's settling in hours (her school does them for a whole month) and the lack of a consistent routine has been challenging for all of us. Autumn has been our consistent and steady anchor.</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-46666762935480752112016-09-12T07:00:00.000+01:002016-09-12T19:50:16.183+01:00Winter List 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o6vMaDrYGOK9QNEwHg_Ewt4-iMrk1lk2lc5U9rEXUQjZmRQFwrae0dx6kvuAL_ap7oTgKekoa4EwwrbrMRpCS8syPyfnN6p_MbgOLucMg7HAwsfbDmaZGoZeh0WfBb1qAg0rS5PscyE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+.120916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o6vMaDrYGOK9QNEwHg_Ewt4-iMrk1lk2lc5U9rEXUQjZmRQFwrae0dx6kvuAL_ap7oTgKekoa4EwwrbrMRpCS8syPyfnN6p_MbgOLucMg7HAwsfbDmaZGoZeh0WfBb1qAg0rS5PscyE/s1600/The+Dress+Tree+.120916.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's kind of ridiculous how excited I get about putting together these lists. I tend to start thinking about them in late summer and they really help ease me in to the new season.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Home</u></b><br />
<b>(stopping draughts, deterring spiders and generally just getting cosy)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wash windows<br />
Collect conkers to deter the spiders who want to make this house their winter home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make door curtains for the front door and living room archway</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Draught excluder for the living room door</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fix conservatory roof seals to stop the leaks when it rains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check attic roof for leaks while we're at it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dig out the fairy lights and candles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get blankets down from attic </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Draught proof living room floor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rug for living room</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Garden</u></b><br />
<b>(the big autumn tidy up and preparing the chickens and garden wildlife)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Collect conkers for shed to keep the spiders at bay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weather proof the chicken coop and add things to keep them entertained</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check fences and fix where necessary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paint new fence panel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mulch flower bed and pots</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prune trees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pull up weeds from the front of the house and tidy. It currently looks a right state</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rake up leaves and add to flower bed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put the bird feeders back up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make an insect hotel with Alessi</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Harvest sunflower seeds and store for spring</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Move tender plants undercover</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Car</u></b><br />
<b>(getting an old car ready for the elements)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put together a winter box for the car (torch, blanket, deicer, ice scraper etc)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check lights, tyres, windscreen wipers, screen washers and heaters. Important as my car is <i>old</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Wardrobe</u></b><br />
<b>(keeping us warm during the colder, wetter months ahead)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pack away summer clothes (which I barely used) and get winter clothes down from attic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stock up on winter socks and jumpers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buy a good pair of slippers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Misc</u></b><br />
<b>(crafting and other cold month pleasures)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fix granny square blanket</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make a hot water bottle cover</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finish Alessi's blanket<br />
Dare I attempt to make that winter coat this year??<br />
Dig out the autumn decorations<br />
Help Alessi make up her autumn nature table<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
<u>Previous Winter Lists</u><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/winter-is-coming.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2015</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/winter-list-2014.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2014</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/winter-list-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2013</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/as-nights-draw-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2012</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/time-for-new-list.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2011</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thedresstree.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/winter-list.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2010</span></a></div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-78705780382182875362016-08-30T17:16:00.002+01:002016-08-30T17:16:28.534+01:00Our camping trip. Or proof that lists are a force for good<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-mimFnpfN1iTgZffqM55XAxUDbm-GuasPuz3DOhHZB2PtCeUlKEQuTUeKS5vz2e3MhrdrefaG6Bl-BG8rj9o10GrPSZB-8c7dRtw5fhLNMS6NKU35mb72YMqSaN0QBKKBddYdx38oqY/s1600/Wales+Trip+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-mimFnpfN1iTgZffqM55XAxUDbm-GuasPuz3DOhHZB2PtCeUlKEQuTUeKS5vz2e3MhrdrefaG6Bl-BG8rj9o10GrPSZB-8c7dRtw5fhLNMS6NKU35mb72YMqSaN0QBKKBddYdx38oqY/s1600/Wales+Trip+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're back from our latest trip to Wales which was both exhausting
and relaxing in equal measure. Choosing the busiest weekend of the summer holidays
was probably our first mistake. Camping always catches me out in that it seems
like such a laid back and easy way to holiday. In reality, it takes a fair
amount of organising to do it well and forgetting this was definitely our second mistake.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We left everything to the last minute. The morning before we left,
Dan dropped Alessi off at nursery before heading off to work, leaving me at
home to get everything together. If we had put together a list first, this
point of the process would have been very straight forward. Instead it was
basically me running around the house, remembering things as I went along and hoping
I didn't forget anything. Which of course I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have no idea why we were so rubbish this time around. I can
only think it's because we've been juggling other things at home too. DIY and
an attic clear out have left the house (and our thoughts) in a bit of a muddle. I
guess trying to organise anything when our minds were so jumbled was always
going to be a struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All that said, we were back home surrounded by trees, hills and
sea so in between the odd pocket of stress, we both had moments where we were
able to breathe it all in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY_5DqLDSluhGBGIV7XSCKduRd_BRDM18f3Z5WCrQBC-7ewuUbqnQpU3H5plsTjO4y5Z203Afk9yrpteSiOTBY5I8_0EjJZuDoreq7YEoljb1LvG4C88nJSDSfgniNGLolOT2j-TXgCk/s1600/Wales+Trip+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY_5DqLDSluhGBGIV7XSCKduRd_BRDM18f3Z5WCrQBC-7ewuUbqnQpU3H5plsTjO4y5Z203Afk9yrpteSiOTBY5I8_0EjJZuDoreq7YEoljb1LvG4C88nJSDSfgniNGLolOT2j-TXgCk/s1600/Wales+Trip+14.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And looking on the bright side, as I said to Dan, each time you go
camping, you learn something new which will make future trips easier. This time our
lesson has been to plan well in advance! Actually, you can add avoiding bank
holidays, meal planning and if you value your sanity at all, remembering to
bring along toys to keep kids entertained, to the list of things we learnt from this
trip.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkWZ9sGYgjEjd-iuoSBcissTVPbrtt4svKbzaENchyIlZsw8muIvDNGNUvY56vQ4XAgQzP-wVwD3IPn_OyH90NOLGiDQZI96_JkzM00XXk7FlibxwKxzkYuDjasBsx-ZeV0N69jVDJg8/s1600/Wales+Trip+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkWZ9sGYgjEjd-iuoSBcissTVPbrtt4svKbzaENchyIlZsw8muIvDNGNUvY56vQ4XAgQzP-wVwD3IPn_OyH90NOLGiDQZI96_JkzM00XXk7FlibxwKxzkYuDjasBsx-ZeV0N69jVDJg8/s1600/Wales+Trip+13.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But oh, Wales. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't have thought it possible to feel so connected to a
place if I didn't feel it myself. It’s home and I miss it. Unfortunately though I can't see us moving back any time soon. Dan and I are very different people in terms of what we need. I like the quiet life and countryside. He likes people, stuff to do and reliable internet access. To be fair, I'm with him on that last one. And of course there's Alessi and what is ultimately best for her. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aKZraVj277afxbykl7gNpCUYdeykTQM-8xV4KVmubfRmD6kHQqo5DCAbEA7XffDy4PCkBwlK81ULeOZy7Ae7jX0eoDhngzASivVYQr1btK2U2sUL0N0H75w2H1EBd1k64tP5SiSxEvU/s1600/Wales+Trip+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aKZraVj277afxbykl7gNpCUYdeykTQM-8xV4KVmubfRmD6kHQqo5DCAbEA7XffDy4PCkBwlK81ULeOZy7Ae7jX0eoDhngzASivVYQr1btK2U2sUL0N0H75w2H1EBd1k64tP5SiSxEvU/s1600/Wales+Trip+11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who knows, maybe one day we'll return to the motherland, but for now at least</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> there will be more trips like this one (well, not <i>too</i> much like this one I hope), and more posts with
pictures like these..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9w6DNeU-HZTxwn5i4Ad666dbFuiL8CzDQYGoakZKYmIh3bmesWLn_Uge4Y3qhUhaucFkkesa0EelVtm9xmyy2YPPc788jymq5Vz3GJ3clKRPPopsq-M00FQ6GJf1M1jFVBctIa6spxs/s1600/Wales+Trip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9w6DNeU-HZTxwn5i4Ad666dbFuiL8CzDQYGoakZKYmIh3bmesWLn_Uge4Y3qhUhaucFkkesa0EelVtm9xmyy2YPPc788jymq5Vz3GJ3clKRPPopsq-M00FQ6GJf1M1jFVBctIa6spxs/s1600/Wales+Trip+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZWSAiuUsVt35ZV9ZbBTdaIky38YeN0mQNC03Pp7eT_jSjF71cTOvhOvcKyk-BqKygD02YlLgGjht1sGcUClJXn6s_AgjeQBECjt1aK1CSBJcYrwKfKD7ycnk-60tFTD_-aVLM8OZltU/s1600/Wales+Trip+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZWSAiuUsVt35ZV9ZbBTdaIky38YeN0mQNC03Pp7eT_jSjF71cTOvhOvcKyk-BqKygD02YlLgGjht1sGcUClJXn6s_AgjeQBECjt1aK1CSBJcYrwKfKD7ycnk-60tFTD_-aVLM8OZltU/s1600/Wales+Trip+9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXT0C3raODningQ1KfLl4ljiHj77iQ_QWi4USOh97vmaENXF1fvisY_ILvFf6erS6iWGmr7TRdSFCy9Bvla2PLiS6stPGJReEMauQpT1KYK3CIrH6QDuFcqT72pZNR5JRkVwu5M9bgcI/s1600/Wales+Trip+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXT0C3raODningQ1KfLl4ljiHj77iQ_QWi4USOh97vmaENXF1fvisY_ILvFf6erS6iWGmr7TRdSFCy9Bvla2PLiS6stPGJReEMauQpT1KYK3CIrH6QDuFcqT72pZNR5JRkVwu5M9bgcI/s1600/Wales+Trip+10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16ps5EYYwC4imU5EzeE3QmBnGGK7Rh8GW0BFcnz-MS6Ocn86A9ditLHaWDuenl1Im2sHZe5KLODv7gIX363CvQx0QH797s6hyphenhyphenBBqqo-tfifS-wZsjwWUXDQQU-ndbIaM6IMcMWdnTWOk/s1600/Wales+Trip+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16ps5EYYwC4imU5EzeE3QmBnGGK7Rh8GW0BFcnz-MS6Ocn86A9ditLHaWDuenl1Im2sHZe5KLODv7gIX363CvQx0QH797s6hyphenhyphenBBqqo-tfifS-wZsjwWUXDQQU-ndbIaM6IMcMWdnTWOk/s1600/Wales+Trip+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBJJlWOdSUMjz7hX97dC24tCjwTUHdwgkS1uknViKwkSVKqchpMb5KZ1jQ1Kuy06M7IDgmDDHxy5E2rNgDHlGnoFzZQkG38-wjMdVC2Kw0NhWA7jtQUO7xHy9gX3mtuVdAq3bzWNCVB8/s1600/Wales+Trip+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBJJlWOdSUMjz7hX97dC24tCjwTUHdwgkS1uknViKwkSVKqchpMb5KZ1jQ1Kuy06M7IDgmDDHxy5E2rNgDHlGnoFzZQkG38-wjMdVC2Kw0NhWA7jtQUO7xHy9gX3mtuVdAq3bzWNCVB8/s1600/Wales+Trip+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz3UEoMQlo_fu-yj7A3OuMBxWhI3PVVf-o6PigqzVf4jD_FFgt2GXm8w0apw9d_Bq8FN7AKBsQkgv_UbcLInphC1l14YFqDQfjarIRQxhD8Y9sCAByqCz17je3S8sbo_DzmyswFr-7aA/s1600/Wales+Trip+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz3UEoMQlo_fu-yj7A3OuMBxWhI3PVVf-o6PigqzVf4jD_FFgt2GXm8w0apw9d_Bq8FN7AKBsQkgv_UbcLInphC1l14YFqDQfjarIRQxhD8Y9sCAByqCz17je3S8sbo_DzmyswFr-7aA/s1600/Wales+Trip+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi5jveAWcsJxMPS2N6bqXNZ8VNJ1yFBUYtdWebkpLeOW_9PL5XeWbHEmU_C9ymxZdTMp5bXHoY2xY9Oa20HtZRJRA8OrvDz92Uo6Slka1C9kI1AMrCLE4DLf9XbwCpd6vXNrQ54Nu1mM/s1600/Wales+Trip+12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi5jveAWcsJxMPS2N6bqXNZ8VNJ1yFBUYtdWebkpLeOW_9PL5XeWbHEmU_C9ymxZdTMp5bXHoY2xY9Oa20HtZRJRA8OrvDz92Uo6Slka1C9kI1AMrCLE4DLf9XbwCpd6vXNrQ54Nu1mM/s1600/Wales+Trip+12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoNfhU6UnmpvZRthyeazqtre-ykopWl8RoeRhre30lyHhh7ggWcbqgqqhklpHVi77Yf2jPO9XZKEdSbB5tSbmB2xHOXftdiuS6UfzYKooiM-nHTkB-NUqNC9MKzouxVyKIuQ7ad-Ex7U/s1600/Wales+Trip+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoNfhU6UnmpvZRthyeazqtre-ykopWl8RoeRhre30lyHhh7ggWcbqgqqhklpHVi77Yf2jPO9XZKEdSbB5tSbmB2xHOXftdiuS6UfzYKooiM-nHTkB-NUqNC9MKzouxVyKIuQ7ad-Ex7U/s1600/Wales+Trip+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CabetKzBABFHxXrxCcPSMnFomx7SGpXUSHuHzPTRXuoWK2bIH4-gh18egLDD688WEJs_iIk07Ir3eLm-neT3ftPDd9Fimm5FBTY22FBLoLwVnkM1erHrnVjn2xo1hu_uYVdCp3HWgCc/s1600/Wales+Trip+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CabetKzBABFHxXrxCcPSMnFomx7SGpXUSHuHzPTRXuoWK2bIH4-gh18egLDD688WEJs_iIk07Ir3eLm-neT3ftPDd9Fimm5FBTY22FBLoLwVnkM1erHrnVjn2xo1hu_uYVdCp3HWgCc/s1600/Wales+Trip+7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueOF0DLfCI7sDcKItch8fHk9BSawyHIM9_7eXc8L0zu3NAnhyphenhyphen9krxuDZIFI9lcd3GFM1xHVhYeL7NWBcOxwGp9vd70AfAAc68TZL6JacT4r_K9H7hiH8jPw1uoTS-fZ0q1So6tb2NLT8/s1600/Wales+Trip+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueOF0DLfCI7sDcKItch8fHk9BSawyHIM9_7eXc8L0zu3NAnhyphenhyphen9krxuDZIFI9lcd3GFM1xHVhYeL7NWBcOxwGp9vd70AfAAc68TZL6JacT4r_K9H7hiH8jPw1uoTS-fZ0q1So6tb2NLT8/s1600/Wales+Trip+8.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnMdN_ZRDAJ9ChrslgDcJ7ID2rqThlepc1d-dLZikgqdI_WbV7IIF0JhtP9h6c-RZoDLXoz0VtcTKJHS8qn4zPW5Tsx2_hl-3jHgmuhzrZlcMYn61jdVz6Yvy5D_65GLk-6GKCPSR358/s1600/Wales+Trip+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnMdN_ZRDAJ9ChrslgDcJ7ID2rqThlepc1d-dLZikgqdI_WbV7IIF0JhtP9h6c-RZoDLXoz0VtcTKJHS8qn4zPW5Tsx2_hl-3jHgmuhzrZlcMYn61jdVz6Yvy5D_65GLk-6GKCPSR358/s1600/Wales+Trip+15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8dD0Jw5Rk7kheZnju0eKJGvZ8PdrOVdc44kf6_EsLC4RqZgH00nFYWbVE1Ohdjzp91sitUWnp9n322hSaDX1MH_MYpPZeEtupIMHdASxFvWg0gww9W5cAzPmYudZm1pRpkBY0FypzIE/s1600/Wales+Trip+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8dD0Jw5Rk7kheZnju0eKJGvZ8PdrOVdc44kf6_EsLC4RqZgH00nFYWbVE1Ohdjzp91sitUWnp9n322hSaDX1MH_MYpPZeEtupIMHdASxFvWg0gww9W5cAzPmYudZm1pRpkBY0FypzIE/s1600/Wales+Trip+16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tent is now lying in the garden drying. And so endeth the camping spam. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-25210448895586234412016-08-22T07:00:00.000+01:002016-08-22T07:00:32.019+01:00Time flies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbvMpeCo5AW-pZL5F-RimQ9pvYKwO8sZlN61OxkQg2nZq_JTj8C333n2CKWUwWYkuTIwZeMSph6BeU6m6yMYwGb9AXnxpF1QDizIzNXGnboKXDEX035_FSh4Hl8y6fKz-HqO2VbE-KqY/s1600/Photo+11-07-2016%252C+10+44+55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbvMpeCo5AW-pZL5F-RimQ9pvYKwO8sZlN61OxkQg2nZq_JTj8C333n2CKWUwWYkuTIwZeMSph6BeU6m6yMYwGb9AXnxpF1QDizIzNXGnboKXDEX035_FSh4Hl8y6fKz-HqO2VbE-KqY/s1600/Photo+11-07-2016%252C+10+44+55.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Well hello there.<br />
It never ceases to amaze me how much I miss writing this blog when life gets too busy to update it. I can't believe the last post I wrote was about the chicken swap. That feels like a long time ago now.<br />
So I guess this will be another update post, with the hope that I can get back in to updating more regularly again.<br />
<br />
Obviously one of the things that's new here is that we now have Titch back with two new chickens. Although they no longer feel new. Meet Tufty Sue and Snowball. I don't think I need to point out which one is which.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5jyq6aLnzLB3WSGH7IjZDnKrXi5OongU5pkfLzhV_coLd7icMZnh_x6rnd-YBGWqmaLtda3zgQZWrKIhVzha38oCEjWCUaUVB8mgAUEPasE6nZOWHGH-K2wD9qT_BS4bRV1QzqrI22A/s1600/Chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5jyq6aLnzLB3WSGH7IjZDnKrXi5OongU5pkfLzhV_coLd7icMZnh_x6rnd-YBGWqmaLtda3zgQZWrKIhVzha38oCEjWCUaUVB8mgAUEPasE6nZOWHGH-K2wD9qT_BS4bRV1QzqrI22A/s1600/Chickens.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Since getting these hens the change in Titch (the original chicken) has been amazing. She had been at the bottom of the pecking order and bullied by the other two. Now though, she is the leader of the gang and a proper cheeky little boot she is too. Snowball is a little fluffy dream. She's so friendly and will often creep in to the conservatory while I'm working and fall asleep on my lap (or feet if I push her off). She's even jumped up on my shoulder and settled down happily. Not so happily for me though as each time I'd start to relax she would peck my ear. Not that it hurt, but it would give me a start if I was concentrating on something! And then there's dear Tufty Sue. She's at the bottom of the pecking order, but not bullied. She's just cautious and follows the example of the other two. If they are relaxed so is she. If they aren't however, then even if she doesn't know why she's not ok, she'll carry on not being ok along with them. Divvy thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETXk1qpDI_Pz4rE8yQtmcaVv8eKXPrlIEdEftdSSv1GhpmlJLLAREVCthH545agh91cGB8DCH57r-a0bbtl6ZSVe0-innqwiqxXGFHUsAtcHQGdVnhE_bsffG72zm8BMZfVEOfbbyeNQ/s1600/chicken+on+shoulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETXk1qpDI_Pz4rE8yQtmcaVv8eKXPrlIEdEftdSSv1GhpmlJLLAREVCthH545agh91cGB8DCH57r-a0bbtl6ZSVe0-innqwiqxXGFHUsAtcHQGdVnhE_bsffG72zm8BMZfVEOfbbyeNQ/s1600/chicken+on+shoulder.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
They've all settled in brilliantly and it's amazing to see the difference bantams make to a small garden as opposed to regular sized chickens. For a start, they're not big enough to scratch up the grass or dig holes. Sometimes I move their coop to give them fresh grass to peck at, but mostly just leave it where it is and let them roam the garden when we're home. They like to hang out by the house which means the patio gets covered in poop if I don't clean it every day. Sometimes it feels like a faff, but then if I had a dog or a cat I'd be cleaning up after them too, so really not so much. Especially as I can just hose it off or throw the droppings on to the vegetable patch. I say vegetable patch, the slugs ate everything a long time ago so really, it's just a patch.<br />
And that's them.<br />
<br />
In other news we finally got around to sanding the living room floor after pulling up the fugly old carpet. I had thought that the wood had previously been treated as it was so dark. Nope. Just years and years of grime. It also had that horrible tar-like paint that old floors have around the walls. Luckily though, it wasn't too much of a nightmare to sand down. Here's a before pic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n5H6unn4JMCt2y2Zu3_7XddgYhyphenhyphenyl_8CZoHfDQvFotvlooyOAT5CTYv8TasFPLadE3f3xjhC5oZa6c2Hrt2UG7zQ46qGWBkypbKhklQ6_TB3nRnf1PMhPm0CpEeobSnsgnJbv9IwLsI/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n5H6unn4JMCt2y2Zu3_7XddgYhyphenhyphenyl_8CZoHfDQvFotvlooyOAT5CTYv8TasFPLadE3f3xjhC5oZa6c2Hrt2UG7zQ46qGWBkypbKhklQ6_TB3nRnf1PMhPm0CpEeobSnsgnJbv9IwLsI/s1600/Before.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
And this was it after Dan and my brother had spent the a whole day sanding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT71uf8SgFCtRHi5u4vKZ8bAzkfaCIIaPqmPw4jPad3Oz1UR9T4xJ2iaFBD35awQErtlKaSBOdgN-8bpehRcRqzjZTUwe2Fs27eiiMxkczmje9EhbVxMBCe24hqMOsh6kFW5XPo794RQ/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT71uf8SgFCtRHi5u4vKZ8bAzkfaCIIaPqmPw4jPad3Oz1UR9T4xJ2iaFBD35awQErtlKaSBOdgN-8bpehRcRqzjZTUwe2Fs27eiiMxkczmje9EhbVxMBCe24hqMOsh6kFW5XPo794RQ/s1600/After.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've wanted wooden floorboards in my house for as long as I can remember so I am head over heels in love with it as you can imagine. Of course it will get cold in the winter. This is the problem with old houses. The space underneath the floorboards and ventilation bricks in the walls means that we're going to have some wicked drafts in the winter if we don't draft proof it. That will happen though, but we have to wax them first. We're getting there. Slowly.<br />
<br />
What else? I've put myself on the waiting list for an allotment. The garden is really Alessi's domain now and other than flowers, there's not really room to grown veggies without taking away some of her space so I thought, why not? Not to mention that any veggies wouldn't last long with the chickens around. The waiting lists are over a year long and I may not get one at all, but I figured it couldn't hurt to at least try. And in the meantime I can keep growing the odd thing in pots. I'll figure out the chicken proofing next year!<br />
<br />
Work wise, things continue to grow which fills me with pride, but this summer I really struggled to stick to my 'keep things simple' resolution. Although unlike previous years I quickly recognised the signs that lead up to burn out and took my foot of the gas a bit. As a result, I got back on track. I finished the autumn stock last week and I'm now enjoying a well earned holiday. I say "holiday" although the shop is still open, but not having to worry about the sewing part feels like such a luxury right now. And I really wanted to clear the decks so that I could focus on Alessi before she starts school next month.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRT_-NFe4nQn-xBP7QPsLJDTOrgVFq8NPK7tB6r0Buuobk5EgWAW0ddSO8WD-DsF69xKAo5Yf3AG55B4uwMqU_1vVKigWQ69KRA5EuBoigGOvroackD93npU08fkVD1f_JxTUqF30odw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRT_-NFe4nQn-xBP7QPsLJDTOrgVFq8NPK7tB6r0Buuobk5EgWAW0ddSO8WD-DsF69xKAo5Yf3AG55B4uwMqU_1vVKigWQ69KRA5EuBoigGOvroackD93npU08fkVD1f_JxTUqF30odw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Oddly, I'm not feeling the way I thought I would be over Alessi starting school. I was expecting to feel sad, but I'm actually really looking forward to it.<br />
I'm nervous for her. I want her to enjoy school so I do worry about that a fair bit, but otherwise, I'm not sad that my baby has grown up or that she will soon be at school instead of here with me. That's not to say I didn't have a wobble though.<br />
It was in the lead up to finding out which school she would get in to. Most people I know were excited or nervous to find out, but I just ignored it and didn't even bother to look on the day. It was Dan who looked during his lunch break and let me know. And then came the tears! So I did have a wobble. Maybe I've just had it early? Since then I've come to feeling that it's the next natural step for her and if weren't time that led me to feeling that way, then it was Alessi herself.<br />
She is so done with nursery now. My bouncy little girl who used look forward to going and would run off without giving us a second look, now no longer wants to go. It's boring and babyish she told me one morning. And it's not just nursery either. I'm finding it harder to keep her entertained at home at the moment too. She's outgrowing her old games, toys and the things she used to like to do. She's ready for new challenges and realising that has made me a lot more laid back about the whole thing. If anything, I'm looking forward to seeing what the latest version of my daughter will look like. What things will catch her imagination and interest. Where her spark will lie this time. Watching her grow up is by far one of the most fun things about being her mum and yes, sometimes it's also heartbreaking. Thankfully though, right now it's mostly just the former.<br />
<br />
So that's pretty much where we're at at the moment.<br />
A mixture of enjoying the last of the summer and preparing for the next season and all that it will bring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529651606654471890.post-80770167857832881332016-07-11T07:00:00.000+01:002016-07-11T07:00:03.850+01:00Chicken update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfahikzWLpWytgKGzdHLzfE3tD0LkhqHiKZQrGyFj-sojVB_mukgHC5M3ZG41ysvr2YRCzoFLKomqnAa36zW5Xfkydj_hITHhn_EIi9sVLkVKwiYuviDEgwSdG6Tm9_5Vq5Mqsr1rP-o/s1600/Photo+09-07-2016%252C+12+17+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfahikzWLpWytgKGzdHLzfE3tD0LkhqHiKZQrGyFj-sojVB_mukgHC5M3ZG41ysvr2YRCzoFLKomqnAa36zW5Xfkydj_hITHhn_EIi9sVLkVKwiYuviDEgwSdG6Tm9_5Vq5Mqsr1rP-o/s1600/Photo+09-07-2016%252C+12+17+57.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been a while since I've updated about the chickens and a lot has gone on since I last introduced them.<br />
<br />
The chicken coop is currently empty as all three of my girls have gone back to the breeder so I am henless. The reason being, the two silkie hybrids that were supposed to be bantams, turned out not to be. They got pretty big, pretty fast and it became clear to us last month that they were too big for the current coop we have. Also, they both kept rounded up on Titch a fair bit so something had to be done.<br />
<br />
I don't have the space for a coop large enough to accommodate all three chickens and I chose bantams as I wanted to avoid the destruction the previous ones made to the garden. It's not just the grass you lose. They dig! The wonderful thing about Titch is that she's small enough to scratch away at the grass to her heart's content, but she's not big enough to scratch it all up to the dirt and then keep going. And she's certainly not big enough to hold her own against two larger chickens who don't have enough space.<br />
<br />
So. They're back with the breeder who happily offered to rehome them. We're going to get two more chickens to replace the silkies, actual bantams this time! And that's why Titch has gone back too. The breeder is going to introduce her to two new friends and watch them for the next week to make sure they settle in well together. If they're happy we'll be pick them up again this weekend.<br />
<br />
I'm sad that we had to say goodbye to Elvis and ChickyMcChickface, (Alessi renamed Gertie almost immediately after my last post) but I know they'll be better off for going back. And Titch will be home soon with two new friends who won't keep pecking her everyday.<br />
I'll introduce you to the new chickens again next week once they've settled in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRro7TcC5D1ezqva_G3sKrvAqoEj9b5PyDb30HzMiJCNcMLBO3zda1SyyC7sdDXB-LIbXUMdqWqLwhvJCoxsowQPzjtjHeR_K_8-TyTRJSf8J4jiZphyccYA5DLgAZzopskzOCYPBJPI/s1600/Photo+09-07-2016%252C+12+18+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRro7TcC5D1ezqva_G3sKrvAqoEj9b5PyDb30HzMiJCNcMLBO3zda1SyyC7sdDXB-LIbXUMdqWqLwhvJCoxsowQPzjtjHeR_K_8-TyTRJSf8J4jiZphyccYA5DLgAZzopskzOCYPBJPI/s1600/Photo+09-07-2016%252C+12+18+11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />The Dress Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544744148010707632noreply@blogger.com0