Puerto Pollensa revisited

Just back from a relaxing week in Majorca. This is the second time The Cliftons have visited Pollensa and it didn't disappoint. Beautiful scenery - the craggy mountains, a backdrop to the beautiful coast line, lovely dining in The Square and Pine Walk and gorgeous weather.

Spent our days mostly lounging around and in the pool and I even managed to finish a book - one of the highlights of my holiday - The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal. Mimi has a monster tan (despite the factor 50 sun protection!!) and Dr Green and Cakes are off white.

As usual, we had a few disasters - lost our holiday money, left an ipod touch on the bus, broke the apartment key IN the lock AND(we could struggle to top this!) got stuck way up high on the side of a mountain behind a private locked gate(don't ask - but maybe Dr Green will listen to me next time?).

Now back in the UK and thinking about next year's summer hols. Not sure if anyone caught Three Men in a Boat this week but Croatia looks stunning. Or maybe we'll take a cruise in the Med. Bring it on.

Bye bye girls

This trio of lovelies has been packed off to Roses & Rue and hopefully will be re-homed soon.

On a separate note, found a great bit of burlap printed bunting on Etsy. May have to try this out very soon. How exciting!

Mini cheesecake heaven

Check out these little beauties over on the Pink Whisk Blog. She's a clever girl that Ruth. Think I'll try this recipe very soon (using my brand spanking new Kenwood food processor!).

Rainbow cake....

... a little something to make you smile.

It's been a while...

... since I last blogged so I think a quick update is in order.

The kids are finally doing their first full week at school for sometime (HOORAH!). Am so looking forward to a week of getting organised and whipping the house into shape.

The new kitchen breakfast room works a treat and is very near to completion. We just need to drum up some enthusiasm/energy to sand off and paint a few bits - I hear a groan from Dr Green.

Mimi enjoyed her birthday weekend immensely!! In fact, she cried and cried last night and this morning because she'd had such a fab time and didn't want it to be over. Think it may have had something to do with the fact that she was exhausted after the 2.30 am bedtime at Friday night's sleepover. Note to self: 6 girls for a sleepover - NOT to be repeated.

I've being doing a bit of sewing tuition at Roses & Rue. So far we've covered bunting, cushion covers and zips. Thank you to all who've come along so far - I've been sooo impressed with everyone's efforts. Next on the sewing course schedule is lined bags, aprons, seasonal gifts (ooohhh!!) and maybe a bit of quilting.

Mabel is settling down nicely. We've had some amazing walks over at Two Tree and in Belfairs Woods. I'm embarrassed to say there's so many great walks I've discovered during the past few months, even though we've lived in Leigh for 12+ years, I had no idea how picturesque it is by the marshland.

Right, will close now but promise to blog more often. Later.

Violet!!

Here's the last of the rag dollies. I have LOVED making these so there could be more later in the year. As per usual, profile designed by Mimi:

Name: Violet
Age: 7 and a half
Hobby: Sports, sports and more sports (and annoying her brother)
Fave School Subjects: PE and swimming
Best Friends: Alice and Lulu
Current Project: Ultimate pranking with baked beans
Fave Colour: Green
Fave Sweets: Haribos and sherbet
Fave Teacher: Mrs Marathon the PE teacher

Noisy kids

It's noisy in my house!! The kids are on half term and they have friends here to play. Unfortunately, the boys and girls are playing with each other - it's going to end in tears or me shouting very loudly.

I'm taking it easy in the kitchen with the dawg. Just need a pair of ear muffs.

I wanted to post a photo of my latest project. It's a crocheted, yes crocheted, really crocheted, granny stripe blanket and I am making it. This is a huge breakthrough for me as up until now I have been a crochet thicky. However, thanks to my very patient friends at Roses and Rue, Sharon and Sue, I seem to have got the hang of it.

It's got a long way to go before it adorns the back of the sofa in the living room. But its keeping me out of trouble and it'll make its way back and forth to knit and natter sessions at the shop.