Knitting at Studio NL

I first learned to knit when I was a little nipper but then when my joints got bad during my late teens, I had to give it up because it just wasn't worth the pain! However, as my wrists have been much better recently, I have been thinking for a good while that I would like to take it back up again, but I completely forgot what I was doing.

When Tracy of Norah George announced she was doing a begninners knitting workshop in the Leicestershire countryside, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pick up some needles and start again. I travelled to the other side of the county to Tur Langton, the home of Studio NL where the workshop was hosted.

We had a lovely morning, learning the basics. Casting on, knit, purl and casting off. As soon as I got home, I spent my afternoon with my feet up, the boys playing and I made myself a lovely little stripy dish cloth. However, Dan said that it is far too nice to use!!

Many thanks to both Tracy and Roz for the wonderful day :)

Waking up to sun streaming through the windows, today was all about our Mr Bee. 

Picking conkers from on the lawn, a family visit to the cinema to watch 'Planes', painting with puffy paints around the dining table, replenishing the playdough stock and preparing activities for during the week and watching nature documentaries.  

What a beautiful autumnal day.

Be ready for 9 o'clock and don't eat breakfast

This morning we were up bright and early with no clue as to what our day had ahead. Anna arrived at about 9, we were ferried off into town to meet Becka at an undisclosed destination.
Greeted with a large star balloon and starry confetti all over the table, we had a lovely breakfast and then headed back home.

In my balloon!

 My lovely bridesmaids arranged a lovely craft afternoon, decoupaging wedding memory boxes! What a great idea from my wonderful friends :) I loved the story of the hat box having its own seat on the train back to Leicester....!

 I was treated like a princess with an amazing hamper from Anna, special coffee, cheese, delicious crisps, chocolates and biscuits, my word, I can not WAIT to tuck in!! And a gorgeous top from Becka (who has amazing taste...!) and a copy of the Velveteen Rabbit, these girls know me so well.

Stars, food, collared blouses and childrens books. Perfection

.

 Not to mention the homemade chocolate cake which we devoured so fast that I didn't even get a photograph but guess what... it was a star. Isaac devoured two slices and even licked the plate clean, I think it had the seal of approval!

Thank you so much to my favourite ladies for spoiling me today! It was just what the doctor ordered :D

Snippets

Busy
Morning; soft play.
Afternoon; painting, making birthday cards, assembling hampers.
Evening; family dinner date, quick shop, bath, bed

You can find more snippets here.

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

Leicester City Centre always have a beautiful Christmas lights. For the third year running, we have kept Mr Bee up late for the evening so we can show him the pretty lights. The highlight has to be Town Hall Square, where large displays are created for the children. I think this years Noddy and Paddington Bear have to be one of the nicest displays I have seen (and I have been every year too!). Not to mention the beautiful Nativity scene which is always so lovely. As you can see, Mr Bee was pretty fascinated by the pretty lights.

 Yesterday, Becka and I had a Christmassy craft day. Whilst Becka made these beautiful Christmas cards, I worked on a present for a friend all day! Followed by a warming winter dinner around a full table of friends and family.
The Christmas spirit has well and truly landed!

{This Week}

A stubborn boy.

Eats.

Lots of work at the desk.

Dressing like a Lady.

Handmaking candles with the bee.

Hamper Prep.

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt

At request of the small, buzzy one, we took a walk through our favourite woods. Autumn never fails to astound me with its beauty.
As we walked, we collected fallen leaves. Big ones, little ones, brown ones, yellow ones.
We sang, we jumped, we got muddy, we laughed.
He has the best ideas.

We came home to make collages with our leaves, checking the species in our Tree book. Glitter added that finishing touch.

I hope to hang them on his wall whilst he sleeps, he will love the surprise when he wakes in the morning.