Sometimes I scream for ice-cream

Well maybe not, but sometimes I am a grumpy rat even if not a screaming rat.

CBC is VERY GOOD at trying to make interesting plans for the weekend. Inevitably though, they are often thrust upon me last minute. Or I have a headache. Or both. I am an ungrateful wretch but I do find it hard to be grateful when I have a headache. I just feel like the proverbial bear with a sore head.

Like yesterday.  CBC went off to cover some cello teaching for someone.  And then he came back and invited me out on a walk with his boss linked to World Challenge. I don't know why I was so grumpy about it except that I had a headache and it was raining and I had a headache.

 We went and although the headache did not subside, it was really good to be outside and walking.
He also wanted to go to the Leigh Folk Festival afterwards.

I don't really like outside festivals. It's a combination of crowds, no where to sit, being stuck in roasting sunshine, amplification and just the slow speed at which you can progress anywhere. And I had a headache (did I mention that!??!)

Yet, despite this, he was right that it was good to be there, although we didn't see alot and so we went along today after church. And despite my still being a grump and it being very hot, we saw some really wonderful music.  Cardboard Fox and Nick Pynn were amazing. So sometimes, it is worth being dragged out unwillingly.

Not much to say about the accompanying outfit except I wanted this Emily and Fin dress was SO LONG! I fell in love when I saw it on various bloggers. I resisted for a year and it sold out of course. But sometimes the odd Ebay search is fruitful and I got myself a new one for a third of the RRP in January and have bided my time to wear it.

Of course, I had to pair it with my DIY Ice-cream cone brooch!

Hope all of you had a good weekend.

xx

Lindybop Lindyhop lobster

Good Evening, Villagers!

Hope all is well with you.

I generally dislike Wednesdays (mostly due to just ONE class grrrr) but this was one was quite fun.  After an awkward start with a class (one horrid child) they managed to pull it together and perform well as did the other year 4 class. In Singing assembly, because it is Shakespeare week, I taught the kids to sing Henry VIII's Pastime with good company, which we accompanied with our timpani playing a drone ostinato that set it off remarkably well. Survived the horrid class and had a good one (except WHY will they always try to cheat in Music Vocabulary Bingo. There's always ONE!) and then after school I did a Tudor Dance one-off session for years 3-6. Had about 24 children which was a nice number. Most of them had done in it year 4 when I taught them but there were about 7 year 3's as well. It worked really well. We learnt Branle des Lavandieres and a simple, but effective, dance to Pastime with Good company.    It made for a jolly end to the school day. 

CBC and I went swing dancing almost two weeks ago and it gave me a chance to wear my Christmas present from CBC- a Lindy Bop dress. I love it when someone buys me a dress! Yay!

I got the idea to do red accessories from Louise at Polka Dots and Freckle Spots who wore a similar dress with red. Charity-shopped red Monsoon cardie, George dalamation spot shoes and Erstwilder brooch plus a hair flower.  We tried to take pictures out a the Kursaal where the dance was. It was the 7th Anniversary of JiveSwing teaching in Southend so it was really nice to go along and celebrate that.   All the photos or nearly all were rubbish at the Kursal apart from this one

...which was still dark and grainy!

So you get some photos from my entrance corridor to my home with its speckled wallpaper, doormat and vanity case!

Hope all is well with you.
xxx

1 more get-up...

5 brooches #22

Hello there,

Welcome to the latest bunch of brooches who have shared my lapels or the suchlike. I hope there is something that you all like!

 Up first are my Ladybird likes owl collar clips- I am STILL having issues pinning these straight- I don't know why I can't seem to pin them evenly, but there's always a drunker looking owl than the other one!

 Here's my 'Message in a bottle' resin brooch from CBC at Christmas.  Made a rather boring outfit (except for clock skirt) a bit more bonny!

 The glitter dino collar clips are back again and the Stegosaurus is heading off somewhere!  I tried to wear them with this purple and turquoise outfit and perhaps it was a bit too much! They didn't really like the lapels of this silk shirt so may have to rethink that one!

 This one is camouflaged rather well- can you see it? There he is- a bird's head- for some reason I feel like he has a flat cap on even though I know he doesn't! He came from a charity shop before Christmas and I don't think I shared him!

Last but not least is a handmade brooch by me! These pencils were one of the disasterous attempts to use my heat tool instead of the oven with Shrink plastic- they are a little bit battered but since they are so small, hopefully it isn't noticeable!

Any favourites here?

Char sported her axolotl brooch here: http://www.trexesandtiaras.com/2016/03/cocktail-hour.html 

Nocturne in black and gold: the falling rocket

Whistler- Nocturne in black and gold: the falling rocket

I love this painting by Whistler- Nocturne in black and gold: the falling rocket. At first glance, it looks dark and mainly black but you look more closely at this and it is full of so many hues of blue as well as the beautiful fireworks. I'd love to see it in person.

It is this week's choice for Style Imitating Art with Salazar at 14 shades of grey.

If you don't know the premise of Style Imitating Art, Salazar, Jess or Jen take it in turns fortnightly, to pick a painting. They post it on their blog and then anyone who wishes to take part then puts together an outfit and sends it to whoever is hosting that week and they put together a post of all the looks. It is so fun and inspiring to see the different takes on the look- it is surprising how diverse we get! I've taken part fairly regularly for a good few years now, at least 3 years (just checked, since September 2012), if you look at my Style imitating art label, you'll see a variety 

So here's how I interpreted it.  My galaxy dress resembles a night sky of fireworks so I took that as my centre and wore it with a black top underneath, black cardigan over it and black blazer over the top (yep, got that layering for church) with a cashmere scarf.   Silver sequin ballet pumps were a further nod to the glittery nature of fireworks in the sky. 

Couldn't be bothered to adjust the exposure on these photos and try and make them more flattering so you get the knackered old bag look today!

My mum came over today (thank you for taking the photos Mummy) and helped me sort out the garden stuff ready for moving. We emptied all the pots and planters of their compost and emptied the entire compost heap onto the one bed at the back. It is really high. Seems such a shame but I can't take it with me. The landlord is going to have some really nourished earth there. Hope he doesn't look too closely and see all the bunny poo under the surface which was in the compost heap from my smuggled poo shenanigans from last summer.  We've lined up all the pots and canes and things to go against the back of the house. Also lined up the strawberry plant, raspberry, mint, then Olive and fig tree and the lavender in the bicycle planter.  It was a real help to get that done. It was so kind of her to make the time to come over and do this, particularly as she's in agony with some awful lower back problem which is making it hard for her to walk. It was so nice to see her as well. Never underestimate the joy of being with your mum!

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and worried about the move at church today over the packing and all the admin of man with van etc and worries over whether I was causing issues for the people whose house we're moving into. Two friends, a couple, whose daughter I bonded with over Doctor Who were so lovely to me.  They gave me honest, loving hugs (the kind that really make you feel better, you know they really mean the hugs) and tried to think how they could help.  Later tonight, they phoned and said that He had talked to another church guy and said that they'd organise a few of the men to bring cars and hire a van and help us move. It was so giving and kind and thoughtful of them to think of it. I was so touched.  I stressed over the decision (as I do with most things). In the end, I decided I would go  ahead with booking my man with van (for various reasons) but wasn't that a wonderful kind gesture. It really touched my heart and made me think of how loving and sacrificial that was of them. They've often done similar things to people not only in the church, but in the wider community, to strangers or people who need help. Moving house for people, painting the fences of a school, cutting all the hedges of a residential care home and many more humble gestures of support.  

 Our new abode is currently having electrics rewired and new windows at the back done. It will probably still be in process as we arrive with maybe a lot of dust and chaos, so I am doubly grateful that the people who are renting to us (church friends) have been so kind as to let us rent it even though it is causing undue stress to them. I'm anxious about stressing them out and worried they're regretting letting us move in and just anxious in general, so if you do have the time, please keep it and us in prayers. Or general positive thoughts if you're not of the former kind.   I know to trust in the Lord, but I find it hard not to stress anyway,the thoughts do seem to dance into my head uninvited.

Hope you have the best of weeks.

xxx

Dusky aubergines and chocolate cake.

Good evening!  I hope you are well and having a lovely start to your weekend!

I apologise for the quality of the photos but they were from the day I first had my hair cut and it was late by the time I was able to get home.

I look wistfully at these photos where I am wearing a sleeveless dress,no tights and light ballet pumps and think of the unpredictable weather which necessitates a yellow raincoat, Doc Martens, cardigans and a longsleeved top and I frown.  There's still hope of a late warm spell in my heart!

My hair looks so shiny and bouncy and shaped here but I am terrible at styling my hair so it's now doing a weird flicking bushy version- a bit Hermione Granger!

I've decided the fruits are aubergines on the recently charity-shopped dress! Too big for plums!

Today at school, we had a Macmillan coffee morning to raise money for the Cancer charity. Staff brought in cakes and sold them to parents- I nipped in at breaktime to buy a cake and chat to parents.  I ended up chatting to two parents about their foster daughter who's just joined and apparently is loving music and Tudor dance so far- we then ended up talking about what beginner instruments sound like sick animals:

Saxophone= sick cow

Oboe= sick duck

Violin= Dying cat.

I'd missed breakfast apart from a piece of toast so I ate some chocolates that had been brought in by some teachers for Eid. Then I ate a piece of chocolate mars bar crispy cake with the parents- it was SO sickly. At lunch, because of Tudor dance club and setting up the room for the year 5's, I didn't have time to eat.  Then after school, there was a teacher's tea-party whilst I had Music Makers club and they saved me a plate of cakes which I felt obliged to eat. I felt thoroughly sick after a slice of Apple Strudel and a large chocolate slice. It was then that I realised that all I'd eaten all day was chocolate cake. I feel now,like I never want to see cake or chocolate again!

Hmmm, one of the year 1's (5 years old) ran over and hugged me after music- she leaned against my tummy and then turned round and suspiciously said, "Are you pregnant??" .  

?@£%@!!!!!!

"No, I just have a very full tummy at the moment!" I retorted delicately!

HUMPH!!!!

Hope all is well with you and a 5-year old hasn't indicated to you that you clearly ate all the pies!!!

xx

Ladybirds v polka dots

 Hello there!
Firstly, I'd like to ask something:
1.) If you're a reply blogger (e.g. you're not a noreply blogger), if answer your comments, do you get it emailed to you?
2.) If no, to the following, do you read replies?
I never know whether to reply to comments or not as I'm not sure if they're read or not!

Secondly, thank you for all your encouragement re the choir. A few days on and I've managed to get the choir number up to 20. I've approached a few children and discovered: one form got lost, an older member didn't send a form in; she assumed she was just in; a few thought they could only apply for one club so didn't put down another choice and a few, I've asked them and they'd obviously not even thought about being in a club so hadn't applied and were happy and pleased to join. So that's a bit more positive. It's not the 53 I had last Autumn but that was 4 years groups as opposed to 2 but I'd like 25- that's a good number but, thank God, I am grateful for my now, 20!!!
My drumming club is the perfect number of 18- any more than that is too noisy! I CAN take up to 23 BUT it's a bit unruly!

 Today, a fellow staff member bought me in a beautiful green 1950's dress that doesn't fit her niece anymore- she hoped it would fit me as it is tiny, so I am hoping it will- it's stunning! Apparently, her niece reminds her of me and she says we have very similar taste!

 I thought to combine these clothing items together and I'm pleased how well they went.  I adore this charity-shopped dress (worn as top) but it's got a dodgy loose button down at the bottom which I worry about popping open so wearing it as a blouse is perfect! Worn with me-made ladybird skirt (By Hand London Flora pattern adapted) and a cardigan bought in a pop-up shop in Wallingford and my Rieker sandals bought from the shoemender on Haltwhistle high street- I like to support the independent businesses in Haltwhistle when I go up there!

I thought I'd include a rubbish out-take.  A spin that just didn't work!!!

Hope all is well with you and you have a delightful weekend planned. I am playing at a village 'Last night of the  Proms' concerts and have to dress up American flag themed! We're playing a virtuoso flute duet based on American tunes like Yankee Doodle by Doppler! Apart from that, it's DOCTOR WHO time and a quick look in the charity shop in the village with my duet partner!!


Love
Kezzie xx

Rainy day madness!

One of my favourite blog people (do I have favourites? I love you all for different qualities?) for zany brilliance is the wonderful Melanie at Bag and a Beret. Heck, she has a HAT in her blog title- that's enough!

She puts together some brilliantly kooky outfits that are so imaginative, it is brilliant!

I decided to try and put together a kooky rainy day outfit to counteract the misery of rain in the summer holidays!

So in this armoury of rainyday kook, what do we have?

Yellow raincoat: Fairly standard.

Spotty wellies- check

Cloud skirt - check

Umbrella print top.

Umbrella necklace.

Umbrella hat.

I must admit, I laughed lots when my this turned up in my Christmas presents from my Mum!

It's totally ridiculous but she thought it was too funny not to end up in my millinery collection!

I figured today was the day to break it out!

My Mum was highly amused by this and agreed to taking photos in the pouring rain for me when we  visited the park so she could see it at long last!

I suppose, though it looks daft, it would be good for an occasion where you couldn't hold an umbrella!

In the spirit of fun, my Mum did her best rain ghost impression!

Can I also point you towards Ally's haute couture black PVC novelty outfit too!

Brilliance.

How to make your ballet pumps look cute in 5 minutes

I hate to disappoint you, but it's not one of those types of posts but I thought I'd introduce the post in this way.

I've been making pom-poms a lot this holiday, so I decided to add some to my pink ballet flats just to make them look a bit cuter.

Easy-peasy, easily removable but made me laugh to look down at my feet and to torment the local cats as I bounce along the street.  They detract from the chipped front of the shoe!

Next, I'll be adding bright ones!

Summer happiness is dresses every day.  I love my blogging friends because 'Dresses every day' is normal for many of you!

I love that this Dorothy Perkins dress (charity-shopped) fits perfectly.  I feel a bit Elizabeth Bennet in a neckline like that. Hats maketh the outfit more girly (hat also charityshopped)

Plus, as I said, it's been brooches all week.  Except I have a real hard time putting them on whilst wearing something? Any tips?  I get really boggily eyed and sometimes have to contort myself to get my hands at the angle needed to get it on! Does anyone else ever get cramp from trying to do up a dress or put a brooch on.  Or is that just me?

Alon-sy!

Spray flowers

Hello there!

I hope you are well.

I love the summer holiday. It is the one holiday where I can truly get away from teaching for a while. I love my job but it really is all consuming. I talk about it, think about it, worry about it all the time, agonize over little details, worry about lessons which don't go well or things I may have said.  Even in the holidays, there is still the stress and anxiety and the overwhelming feeling of misery at returning.  As I said, I love my job but it can be really hard to ever escape it or feel you've done everything.

Is your job like that? Do you find yourself constantly thinking or talking about it. 

Whilst both being teachers is useful in terms of holidays with CBC and having shared interests, it's not always healthy or conducive for us both to have this sense of all-consuming work.  This holiday, we can escape from it more.  Of course, we are doing work and preparation and more will be done towards the end of the holiday, but just for a little while, we can forget.

I like having relaxing mornings, not having to rush, eating breakfast, taking time to dress. On the sunnier days, CBC and I have sat in the garden drinking tea for a little while. A slower pace of life is something I am grateful for.

Today,we went to a designer outlet village and a town for CBC to get a new suit for work and to get his smashed phone fixed.  I contemplated buying a Yumi dress that I've admired for about  year but knew I did not need a new dress. In the end I bought a new black cardigan from there as most of mine have got holes in (bizarelly only in my black cardigans) and a new fox purse as my purse inexplicably also has a hole in it!

I thought I'd share an outfit from last week. I finally wore this Cath Kidston spray flowers dress that I found in a charity shop a while back.  I'm pleased I bought it as I definitely think I could get away with wearing this for 40's themed Swing dance evenings

Kept it simple with a flower in my hair, a pink belt, my Nan's necklace and I debuted my ice-cream brooch I made a short while back.  Also paired it with my Rieker sandals.  I decided to buy a pair in Haltwhistle as I want to support the local shops in such a small place as Haltwhistle and those Rieker shoes I bought last summer have been invaluable and lasted so well! I figure these ones will last a good few years!

I've not paid many specific plans for this week except my Mum is coming to help me with my tomato plants tomorrow and I've been doing some fun craft- making lots of cards,started making a cool headband and some other bits. I've also been typing up some compositions into Sibelius music software. It's good to have time.

xx

Ladybird, ladybird!

So....I made reference to the ladybird skirt that I made over the week whilst camping and here's its own post.

I am so proud of myself that I managed to make this circle skirt as I am not renowned for my sewing skills or any sort of material or thread manipulation. The lovely violinst/violist who ran the workshop was brilliant managing to get 10 of us making our skirts.

 In advance of the workshop, I spent ages trying to find suitable material as we needed 60", non-directional fabric (i.e. not all the things having to face one way).  Anything that was 60" was either ridiculously expensive or dull as ditchwater!  I have been nourished on a diet of Dinoprincess Char and Dolly Clackett crazy materials over the last year so I KNEW I wanted novelty fabric.

Finally, I ordered some pale blue fabric with foxes and acorns over it, last minute, and had it sent to camp.  Except that it hadn't arrived in time for the workshop (It may actually have done but it didn't make it to me until Tuesday when I needed it for Sunday).  So, I made a frantic visit to the nearest town to find some material and found a brilliant shop that had loads of fabric, irritatingly including my very fox fabric but £1.50 a metre cheaper!  In the end, I selected this ladybird fabric.

 It took a while as we only had 4 sewing machine between us and one broke and another also refused to play ball with the zipper-foot but eventually, by Tuesday night (ready for our dance), I had completed the skirt.

I sewed my invisible zip, ironed and turned over the hem very neatly and adjusted the waist-band as it was too big! I've got my own pattern to keep now, so I may just make a green dinosaur skirt as I bought a remnant of material in the shop)

SO unbelievably amazed I managed to make it! Massive thanks to my lovely teacher!  As a thank you, we bought her some fabrics which I chose and I made her a card with dresses made out of music-paper.

 Wore this on Thursday over to my Mum's house.  Can't resist wearing brooches at the moment. Here's my ruby slippers one!

Swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiish!

Swooosh!!!

 Here's a couple of photos during the process...

Oh and a close-up of a box-pleat (I think?)

 and my zip...

Linking to Creative Mondays with Claire Justine! So happy!
Now the question is.... do I buy a sewing machine or go and borrow my Mum's?


xxx

That's the cherry on the cake

I do so enjoy a bit of obvious theme dressing. It is, of course, the type of thing that will make CBC roll his eyes! Ah well.

In this case, cherries.  I've had this Vivienne of Holloway cherry brooch as long as CBC and I have been going out, he bought it for me when visiting there once to get me a birthday voucher.

Naturally, it was my first thought when putting on this Tu cherry-print dress.

Alas, I misplaced my cherry necklace (Peacocks) but luckily the earrings weren't too far!

By the time I attempted a close up on the brooch, my hair was blown all around by the wind.

Ah well, I decided to embrace it, Kate Winslet style! Never mind neat outfit blogging, bring on the messiness!

"CBC, I'm flllllllllllllllllllllllllllllyyying!"

It's been a rather nice holiday so far with trips to the Northumberland coast, a trip to Barter books, an English heritage site, various meals out and waking up late.  Pity we are returning home today.  Sad times. I always hate leaving my northern family.

xxx