Two weeks to go

Only two weeks to go until the marathon now. Two weeks. I can’t believe how quickly it’s come around (everyone always says that about these things don’t they, but it is so true!). As my leg has been so bad, I decided to take the plunge and get it looked at last week. I’d put it off until this point because I was scared they would tell me there was something seriously wrong, and thought ignorance was bliss. But with only a few weeks left I realised I needed all the help I can get.

The good news is that the physiotherapist thinks that I should be able to do the marathon.

The bad news is that it’s costing quite a lot and I wont be able to do another long run before the marathon. I think an investment in my health is a worthwhile one, and I’d much rather not do another long run, and be there on the day. It will be harder mentally, but that’s just part of the challenge. David was originally planning on running round himself to try and get a good time, but is now strongly considering running round with me which would be a massive help (he hasn’t done quite the amount of training he was planning on). I think it would be lovely if we did run round together, especially for when it gets really tough in the last 6 miles or so.

I wasn’t feeling too well last week so David decided to buy me a bunch of flowers

They're beautiful, I’m a very lucky girl. The added bonus was the cellophane they came in (I’m not sure cellophane is the right term, but I can’t think what else to call it).

I’ve saved it as it’s just so pretty. I’m sure I can use it on a little project later on.

I hope that you have all had a lovely week. Now I’m feeling better I’ll try to post more regularly.

Take care,

Kirstin xx

New skills - Decoupage

On Saturday I went to the Stitch and Craft show in Kensington, London. I wasn't too sure what to expect from it, but it was amazing. There was so many inspiring stands with lots of lovely craft materials and ideas. I thought that I would share my purchases with you along the way when I have projects in which to use them. I've started with decoupage. I'd never heard of this before, but it's "the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured paper cut outs on it" - thanks Wikipedia

It can be done on pretty much anything from what I understand and can look very beautiful

So I thought I would give it a go. I bought a brush, some glue, a couple of sheets of the special paper and a nice box to decorate.

You need to brush glue onto the surface that you want to put the paper on, and then brush glue over the paper once you've put it in place.

I did this in small sections along the box until it was finished. Ta da!

I'm fairly pleased with this as a first attempt. I've realised that you have to be really careful where you put the joins of the paper as they can be seen more clearly than I thought. Depending on what paper you're using it might be really important to ensure the patten is continued.

I might use this as a jewellery box, but it does have hooks on the back so I might decide later on to frame something in it and hang it up.

Any questions about decoupage, please feel free to ask me - i'll try my best to answer them. Or if you have any tips for a new beginner, I'd love to hear them.

I hope you are all having a good week.

Take care,
Kirstin xxx

3 weeks to go

Today is three weeks until the marathon. Three little weeks. And unfortunately my legs aren't having any of it. I had to take about three weeks off training to rest what I think was shin splints in my left leg about two months ago. Thankfully it got better and I was able to do the half marathon training race. Now my right leg is really painful, even when I walk on it *fingers crossed* It'll get better this week so I can my all important last few runs in.

Here's a few inspirational pictures to keep me going for the moment

I hope you've all had a lovely weekend.

Take care,
Kirstin xxx

Spring Saturday

Good morning everyone. Today is a lovely bright Saturday morning, once again reminding me that Spring is almost here. I put a simple pink ribbon around my vase to brighten it up too

Now I just need to pick up some flowers to fill it.

I've also been buying a lot of wool recently. I've found a shop that sells it fairly cheap and thought i'd stock up

I've built a good base collection now I think for some little projects I've got underway.

Today I'm off to the Stitch and Craft Show in Kensington Olympia, London. I don't really know what to expect from it, but it'll be a lovely day with the girls regardless. I hope you all have a lovely Saturday, whatever you're up to.

Take care,
Kirstin xx

Knitting project 1 complete

As some of you might remember David's birthday was back in February. I was knitting him a scarf...which looked like this on his birthday:

Finally I have managed to finish it, and David looks very happy with it

I couldn't get great photos of the stitching - this was the best I could do

I cast on about 25 stitches and then did two rows of knit stitch, and then two rows of purl over and over again. I love knitting and have another project underway which I shall post on here soon.

I hope you're all having a good week.

Take care,
xxxx

Homemade smoothies

I went a bit mad with buying fruit in the last few weeks, and there's only so much two human beings can eat!It's just been sitting there for the last few days as I haven't been able to face any more and then I remembered that I invested in a hand held blender. Welcome homemade smoothies.

My first one looked a little like sick I have to admit. I did take a photo but seemed to have deleted it in disgust!

My second attempt looks more pleasing to the eye

To make it I simply added a handful of black seedless grapes, 2 nectarines and 4 kiwis and then blended. I'm sitting drinking it as I type this and it's lovely!!

I've just got back from work, so no pancakes for me, but I hope you've all enjoyed yours if you've had them.

Take care,
xxx

Bits and bobs

Sorry I haven't been posting for a while. I've been busy entertaining in the new flat, with one of my best friends back from Portugal briefly, and then my parents. But in between, I've managed to find the time to get a few bits and bobs.

I've been looking for a nice utensil holder and found this the other day:

I thought it was very cute, and brightens up our kitchen, and only 79p! Bargain!

My parents were very kind and bought this for our new flat:

I'm not quite sure what to do with it. My mum suggested putting sweets in it, but I dont think that would do anything to help my waste line. I'm thinking maybe potpourri or lovely bright stones, but I'm not sure. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

And finally, I know Christmas is a long way away, but I couldn't resist these

They are some awesome Santa's waiting to be put on some lucky person's present, or decorating a card, and some lovely little santa pegs. And the best thing about buying christmas things at this time of the year is that they are all reduced! Now to find a safe place for them until Christmas...one that isn't so safe I forget it.

I hope you are all well.

Take care,
Kirstin xxx

All things micro

I love micro pigs. I love their little noses, the way they scuttle about and just how utterly adorable they are

I've spent a vast amount of time looking at what you need to look after a Micro pig (or a pair as you don't want them getting lonely) How much they cost to get and keep. They are pretty pricey (around £650 each) but then, at my estimates would then only cost around £40 per month and I think it would be sooooooooo worth it.

Ok, I might not put them in wellies. But I would hug them and keep them safe and warm and well fed!

Apparently I talk about micro pigs rather a lot at work as my friend Gemma bought me these on the micro theme

It was very lovely of her, and they are delicious - I'm tucking into them as I'm writing this. I don't know why things are so much cuter when they're mini, or micro, but they are.

These are just to prove a point. And because they are adorable.

If you've got any lovely pictures of things that are micro, or simply adorable, I'd love to see them.

Take care,
xxx