I promised

Hi everyone,
well, I have been absent for too long and for that I apologise. I have no real excuses, I just had my procrastinators head on and didn't motivate myself enough to write anything here. I had a chat with my eldest son,( and closest confidente) this morning and promised him that I would get off my lazy butt and blog today. I kept my promise, and here I am!

What has been going on here, you may ask? Not much really, life is pretty normal at the moment, save for a bit of  furniture re-arranging, a few days of horrendous gales last month that blew away both of my greenhouses and destroyed them,oh, and a new business idea! (well, not new but re-considered!)

I have definitely decided to start making teddies and rag dolls, stuffed dragons and unicorns (and various other stuffed toys) from recycled fabrics and try to make a bit of income by selling them on Etsy and Ebay. I was going to include household textiles and other bits and pieces, but I'm not sure now, any opinions? We will have a very big reduction in income from May next year when my youngest son reaches 16 and we lose all monies for his care. I need to find a way of replacing at least some of that money so I thought I would give it a go.

Talking of Jack, he recently won the Merseyside Young Sportsperson of the year award to go with his many other awards that he has won this year. He is being kept very busy with trying to combine school and table tennis training, in preparation for the 2012 Paralympics in London. good luck to him!

Meanwhile, Chris, my eldest son is tackling his University studies, and also holding down two jobs! Another busy boy! (shouldn't call him a boy really, he will be 23 next month!)

Myself, well, I have already made three cute teddies (photos to follow), and cut out the pieces for four more, so at least I have made a start and I will make at least one more each day until I have quite a stock ready for sale. Each one is unique and being made from recycled fabrics ( curtains, clothes, linens etc), they are eco friendly too, which is always a good thing. I can but try.

until next time

Blessings

Rae

loft space first phase complete

Hi everyone,
well, today has been another busy day! I had the loft flooring company here and they did a great job of laying some good strong flooring so that I can store most of my craft goodies up there, saving me loads of space down in the craft room. Officially that particular room is the dining room, but, as in many houses in  theUK, it was only used for storage.It will now become the master bedroom, giving my daughter her own room in time for her third birthday on Boxing day. it will be done as a surprise for her, so I'm going to be really busy in the near future trying to swap our current bedroom downstairs to the new room, and setting up her room in its place. i have already got the wallpaper and paint needed, its just a case of getting around to getting it done!
My lovely landlady has sent a handyman round to give me a hand to get this place back on its feet, and he completed quite a few tasks on my to-do list when he came on Tuesday. This included the front garden and drive areas, and making safe the paved path for my son's wheelchair. Just seeing the difference between the before and after he completed it has given me a huge boost and has made me get into action myself, making me start getting the rest of the house in order and maintaining the order when sorted.
I have decide to start making fabric shabby chic style teddy bears and rag dolls to sell on ebay and etsy so I have been collecting sewing patterns and fabric as I come across a bargain, hopefully this new venture will allow us to get some kind of money together to pay the bills and maybe make some savings for future house projects.
Meanwhile, I have managed to get a bargain walk-in plastic greenhouse for my ongoing self suffiency drive. It will need to be put up, maybe next week and it will hold quite a few shelving units to hold my pots of seedling vegetables. I have been saving yoghurt pots and getting some half price gardening items such as packs of mini plant pots from the local shops that are now coming into christmas season and selling off the summer stock. I love a bargain!!
well, its nearly midnight here, so my bed is calling as we are up at 5am for Hubby to get to work for 6am!
until next time,
goodnight, sleeptight and have good dreams
blessings
Rae

I'm back!

Hi everyone,
first of all, many thanks for the comments received after my last post. I have decided to carry on writing this blog, but to include much more info, and photos about what is going on in my life at the moment. I have have had a pretty eventful time recently and I promise to fill you all in tomorrow.....
until then
goodnight and bright blessings
Rae

Is anybody reading my blog?

Hi everyone,
well, i'm becoming very despondant about my blog recently, I do wonder if anyone is actually reading it, as nobody has left any comments for a while. If you think its worth carrying on, please let me know.
Until next time,
bright blessings
Rae

problem sorted

Hi everyone,
I haven't been able to blog recently because my system was playing up, but now it seems to be sorted.
An update...
Jack got a gold medal at the UK school games, and also got himself a job as a peer mentor working with other young people with additional needs, helping them to make their way in life, and learning the ways of dealing with society and its expectations.
He is also about to start working with soldiers who have returned from Afghanistan because they have been injured or disabled. He will be working voluntarily for Help The Heroes,  a charity set up to support injured servicemen and women. He will teaching them to play table tennis and helping them to learn to live life in a wheelchair, as he does. All this at the age of 15!!! I am sooo proud!
On to the rest of the household, I have been researching methods of simplifying living and have been collecting books on the subject (only when they have  been in thrift shops, at bargain prices!)
I have also been scouring the local charity shops (thrift shops) looking for clothes for myself and my daughter ready for the winter season. I got some really good bargains and have been sorting out clothes that are no longer required and passing them on to the charity shops in return.
I have been looking into the vast (600 plus!) collection of sewing patterns that I have accumulated over the years, and have been sorting them into groups ie crafts, costumes etc. I have discussed with my friend and we have decided that it is about time that I got off my lazy backside and started to use them and my many years of sewing experience to make an income. I will use the soon-to-be floored loft as my craft room and will sell my craft and household textiles through the like of Etsy and on various craft fairs throughout the year, as well as through the cheapest form of advertising, word of mouth.
I have found a great site to help with the craft business set up, it is http://www.startacraftbusiness.co.uk/ and it is full of really useful information to help me on my way.
My goal is to have everything set up by this time next year in time for the christmas business and although I fully expect it to be in full swing by the end of this year, any earlier than the goal date will be a bonus.
If anyone has any advice for me on either learning to live simpler, like Down to Earth and similar sites, or has any comments or experiences to share then feel free. I aim to write my blog at least three times a week if not more, so i promise to keep in touch regularly and would appreciate any feedback.
many thanks for now
many blessings
Rae

family time

Hi all, happy sunday!
Well, it has been another busy day here at home. My Hubby took Jack to town to get some games exchanged whilst me and my 2yr old went to our friends next door, where little un gave her a hand to clean out their guinea pig cages. When the boys got back, DD helped her Daddy with his jigsaw and me and Jack made some sponge cakes. Quite an enjoyable time was spent by all, and no cross words between anybody!
We might have some family time like that again, when we get the chance.
Well, got some more cake to eat, so until next time
blessings
Rae

still being positive

Hi all,
I've been quite busy this week, so haven't really had much time to blog. I must get my routine sorted to include blogtime each day. Added to that my gorgeous Hubby has been off work for a week so I have eased off a bit on everything.It has been good having him around.
I finally got round to getting my eyes tested and now have to wear glasses all the time. It's a bit confusing for my brain because I have bifocals, and each time I look down I get blurred vision unless I'm reading!
I have been quite good recently at keeping up with my housework and general chores, and even managed to do some light gardening this morning with my eldest son.
I always have a massive list that needs doing around the house, and gradually, finally, I am working through that list and actually getting things done that have needed doing for ages.
I am very proud of my youngest son who got his GCSE grades today. He got an A for Media Studies and two C's for his Science papers. Well done Jack!
Well, got to go now,
Until next tiome
Blessings
Rae

jack loved his room

Just a quick update to let you know that Jack got back from boys camp. He loved his new look room! I have wallpapered and Rob did all the paintwork, then I pinned up all of his 60 ish medals from all his sports around his walls. Apart from managing to hammer my finger very hard, the room went together fairly quickly and we had it ready in time for his return.
I think we will do our room next, it is in dire need of a refurbish, to put it nicely!
until next time
blessings
Rae

onward and upward!!

Hi everyone,
sorry I havent blogged for a while but let me explain why.
Since my last post I have been thinking a lot about what I really want from life and have been talking about it with my Hubby Rob.
We have decided to have the attic converted to a storage space by getting flooring and a loft ladder installed so that we can move all the craft collection to the attic, thus freeing up both the room and my mind from the jumble that is my crafting obsession!
This decision has snowballed into a plan for major re-sorting of the whole house! We have already made great headway into cleaning and decorating Jack's room, ready to surprise him on his return from boys camp on Friday.
We have plans ready for action between getting the attic work done (September 28th) and Christmas. I will reveal them as we get closer, so as not to give any secrets away to the family, who may be reading this blog! Let me just throw a hint though, I think I know of a little girl who will have a wonderful surprise for her 3rd birthday on Boxing day!
Well, got to go now, while I'm still in such good spirits.
Until next time
Blessings
Rae
p.s I discovered my very first tiny cucumber and tiny tomato on in my greenhouse yesterday, I have been trying to grow some veggies and I'm so pleased that they are finally showing some signs of sprouting !
xx

The Secret

On Thursday, my DH bought me a great book that he had heard was an inspiration to many people. It's called The Secret and it is brilliant!
It has made me rethink my life and myself totally. I realise  that I have spent my life so far being ill, moaning about everything and always being of the mindset that we havent got enough money for this, that and the other. From now on, I try at all times to be the opposite, not to mention if i feel bad, upset or depressed. To be thankful for each and every thing that i have and that my family have, not to dwell on the past because it doesnt matter now, what matters now is The Here and Now.
Life is brilliant, and each moment is a new one, ready to fill with as much as you want to. There is always enough of everything we need, and if we dont have it now, then we will one day, when the time is right.
We will have a lovely bungalow one day with a smallholding for a few pygmy goats and the kids will all have their own space, Hubby will have his own study where he will be able to finally write that book that he has always wanted to write. I will have a craft room with all built in storage for everything that I currently hoard. we will have everything we will ever need and more. The universe will provide.
On other matters, we had a really good day yesterday, and after dropping Jack at his summer camp we went to a lovely place for dinner. I had a really great steak and thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful, and for the first time didnt feel guilty about treating ourselves.
Hoping you all have good weekend!
Until then,
Blessings
Rae

shopping day

I spent a very pleasant morning shopping for clothes with my two sons. Jack is going away to a boys camp on saturday and he wanted some new clothes. He had some earnings left from when he did his filming, and he bought himself some smaller clothes, now that he has lost 3 stone in weight.
My eldest son Chris came with us, and although it was raining very heavily, we had a good time looking for bargains. It was nice to spent some time with the two of them, its a thing we don't get to do these days because they are both so busy.
The afternoon was spent with my husband Rob, who took me along for the ride whilst he went on his usual Thursday quest for comics (sorry-Graphic Novels!).  As usual, I looked for more bargains whilst he was busy buying his books. Got some more cheap tee shirts for Jack and even found one 'alternative' enough for Chris! Isnt it strange that us parents always end up buying for the family instead of ourselves?
Romana-Dawn had a good day at nursery school, she is toilet training at the moment, and she didn't have any 'accidents' today, so she is very happy with herself for being such a big girl. She was so busy playing in school that she didn't have a nap today, and this evening she was asleep by 8pm! That is a first! She normally turns into a little demon around 9pm and I'm normally asleep before her! She is getting such a big  girl now, it's hard to believe that she is three on boxing day, already.
How time flies.
Until next time
Blessings
Rae

I want......

I want to able to wake each day in a tidy room.
To be able to prepare a snack or drink in the kitchen at any time without having to clean dishes or surfaces first..
I want to be able to access my sewing machine and use it daily, perhaps to make an income...
I want the house to be 'guest ready'at all times..
I want to have no more stresses about the condition of the house, and start thinking about myself and my upkeep more..
I want to be able to do what I want at any time, without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else instead..
I want a happy, healthy and contanted Husband and family, and feel that I can achieve this by performing to the best of my abilities in all of my tasks and pledges to myself.
What more can I say?
Until next time
Blessings
Rae

OOps, missed a day!

Hi everyone,
Well I managed to be so busy yesterday that I didnt get around to writing my blog entry! Sorry!
Just an update today, Jack did really well yesterday at  the competition, hubby had a role play gaming session at his friend's house, and I did lots of washing for my eldest son Chris!
Little Romana-Dawn, my adorable daughter was her usual funny self, and had me laughing at her antics for a lot of the day. She is a little treasure, and sometimes appears to be mentally much older than her two years, a little old soul! We had lots of fun dancing around the kitchen and she kept me entertained with her brilliant imagination and stories. It was nice to spend some time with just the two of us.
I didn't get any sorting out done, I don't tend to do that during the weekend because everyone is normally at home and I don't have time, I will start again tomorrow, although i have at least been working on a task list and have plans in place for next weeks tasks.
Well, Romana-Dawn is trying to learn her alphabet using her favourite book and she is reading it to me, so before she closes my laptop again, time to go!
until next time
Blessings
Rae

Just a quick one today

Hi,
It has been quite a busy day today, but in a different way. My son jack, aged 15 is  a wheelchair user due to Cerebral Palsy and is a member of the Great Britain Paralympic table tennis squad. He is due to go away tomorrow for a really important competition in another county in England. Today has been mainly filled with sorting and washing/drying his clothes and kit, organising his transport and making sure that all the planning is done, prior to tomorrow. This situation normally finds me on the morning he is due to travel, trying to sort him out ten minutes before he is due to leave!
That at least is an improvement, albeit a small one. My time management is improving daily and my confidence is growing every day, and every time I read the lovely encouraging comments. Many thanks
Until next time
many blessings
Rae

First day as a reformed procrastinator

Hi everyone,
well, today has been quite a good day for me. I used a vinegar and water spray and cleaned my whole kitchen, units, worktops and appliances. I have to admit it hasnt been done by myself for too long, although my Hubby does a cursory wipe now and again!
I also did some more gardening, trimming the cut branches from the trees we trimmed last week in the back garden. They had to be cut smaller so that they can fit into the green recycling bin, nearly done now. maybe one more session, but it rained today so that is enough now.
I rescued my friend from a moth (she's phobic) and had a lovely chat with her and her husband, setting the world to rights. I have only recently got to know this couple, even though they have lived across from me for at least two years. We found that we have so much in common, and she has the same set of values and ideals as myself. I have introduced her to down-to-earth and she is pleased to find that there are more people like her in the world!
I have learned a valuable lesson thanks to the comments that I received after my first post, you CAN do a lot in 15 minutes! Thanks ladies, and thanks Flylady!
I'm a flybaby fluttering my first fluttering flight,
until tomorrow,
Rae

new beginner!

Well, I have finally been dragged into the blogging world! I been reading a number of blogs for a long while now, and thought it was about time that I joined in the fun myself! My son has set me up, and I'm still trying to find my way around.
The reason for this blog is mainly to give myself, and maybe others in my position, a bit of encouragement to get up and do something, instead of sitting on my behind moaning that I haven't done it.
Take for example my main bugbear at the moment. I have a dining room in the house that has totally been taken over by me and my unruly crafts and fabrics. I keep promising myself and the family that I will get it tidied up, and finally start to make the time to craft items for the home that I hope to able to sell one day via an Etsy or Ebay shop. I have promised  this for years now, but instead of doing something to sort it out, I just keep buying more stuff that I "might need one day". Anyone know what I mean?
I am pretty disgusted with myself for being so lazy and not making use of my skills and equipment, and fabrics that I have already. I blame the fact that I have Bi-polar disorder and various related illnesses, but they are really just an excuse.
I have decided that, from today, I will not only spend at least one hour per day sorting the 'craft' room, but I will also attempt to make at least one item from my extensive pattern and fabric collection that could be sold.
So far today, I have spent one hour sorting and made my 2 year old daughter a pair of  trousers from an old tracksuit that my Nan had finished with. My first step has been completed, and I even managed to include some recycling too!
Until next time.
Rae