Summer Blue....

Hello there. It's been a while since I last posted here on Petticoat Lane. The truth of the matter is that how ever much I love blogging, the commenting side of it became so time consuming it began to take over my life.

That hasn't stopped me following all my favourite blogs though; watching with interest how my hilarious and beautiful friend Anna at All things Lovely has turned her Cafe; No.9 into a roaring success collecting local business awards along the way. How the lovely witty Lesley at Notes from my Days has turned into ribbon/fabric/button collector extraordinaire before my very eyes and put me to shame with her wonderful creations, and what a great friendship we now share. How Lulu Carter can make me positively drool at the mouth with her colourful postings and wonderful interior shots and how Carol at Katherine's Dream can create a home so beautiful that she should be on commission from Farrow and Ball and Cabbages and Roses, not to mention win an award for the most Glamorous Granny to such adorable grandsons. My week also wouldn't be complete without checking in at the Hen House to admire her stunning creations and beautiful homes, what a lovely lady she is and what a wonderful blog she has created. My list could go on and on!

You may remember a while ago I posted that I dreamed of owning a home in the South Hams, my favourite part of the world. Since I last posted, this dream has come true. I have decided to continue blogging but I want to do this as a chronicle of our family life to capture all the memories that we will one day enjoy looking back on. I'm sure it will therefore appear rather self indulgent, but it is intended to be a family diary. I've (hopefully) turned the comments off (never was much good at the technical side of blogging), purely because this blog is created specifically as a diary and not as a means of blogging interaction and it would be unfair to receive comments when I'd struggle to find the time to reciprocate.

Please feel free to dip in and out of 'SUMMER BLUE'.

Camper Van love......

Firstly I must apologise that I haven't been around for a while. Having such a long break from blogging over the Christmas period made me realise how much time I was spending at the computer. Being fortunate enough to still have my two little ladies at home with me I realised how precious this time is and I don't want them to remember these pre-school years as mummy sat at the computer drooling over Cath Kidston fabric and granny squares!!!!

I have therefore decided to become a by-stander for a while and blog occasionally, until they are at school when I can give your blogs the full attention they deserve and leave comments on your posts. I apologise for not having left many comments for a while. I will still dip in and out from time to time and will then hopefully be back with a vengeance!!

In the meantime I couldn't resist sharing these with you....... Does the VW Camper Van spring to mind?!!!! This is a Verdier Camper at a mere $125,000....two anyone?

All of these images are via Verdier.

.

However much I love it, it just doesn't have the same style and class as the original split screen VW Camper does it?

Happy New Year.........

I've been thoroughly spoilt lately, a trip to the US, followed by a wonderful family Christmas (which was topped off for us as a family with the arrival home of my sister Rachel from New Zealand), then on the 28th December Mr PL and I flew out to check on the progress of our almost complete holiday home in Cyprus.

On Christmas Eve I finally opened my magnificent parcel from the Christmas swap entitled 'A Cosy Night in', organised by two lovely ladies; Lesley and Mel. I could hardly contain myself when I unwrapped my brown parcel and saw all this loveliness contained within....so generous and so beautifully wrapped.

I was more than happy with just the wrapping believe me, but look at what my parcel contained...an abundance of gorgeous gifts, just for me, made even more special by the amount of thought that had gone into each and every one of them. I especially love the heart that Lesley had made, I hung it straight on the tree and will be re-hung each and every year. Thank you Lesley, not just for my wonderful gifts but for the special friendship that we've developed over the past 6 months via the wonderful world of blog.

Like I'd mentioned above, I was spoilt....Mr PL excelled himself with not only a new (much needed) laptop for me but a stunning Lynn Adler Moss Green handbag from my all time favourite girlie boutique in Bath (Mee Boutique), a Sewing Machine, Cath Kidston Sewing box (You know the one, the lovely cottage sewing box), a wonderful collection of books but most of all the beautiful, beautiful framed picture from one of my favourite online stores; Belle and Boo.

I have coveted this picture for such a long time as it is the spitting image of Imogen. I have a scarf exactly the same and when Imogen wraps it around her, you'd think that talented Mandy Sutcliffe had painted it especially for me. If you haven't been fortunate to view her beautiful work please go and take a peek, I can assure you you won't be disappointed.

Following Christmas, Mr PL and I found ourselves in Cyprus, child free for the very first time in 4.5 years!! This was made possible by the generosity and kindness of my sister Rachel whom her nieces were delighted to see again, 'Super Nanny' Michelle, who my daughters adore as she plays beauty salons and delights them no end with hair and make-up sessions, oh and not to mention trips to London on big red buses, (Imogen is still rather disappointed that she didn't see the Queen; Michelle if you're reading this, please make little note to self to organise for future trips)!!! Auntie Sue and of course Nana, all of whom did a magnificent job of looking after the girliewigs for Mr PL and myself to not only spend some much needed quality time together but to get lots of final bits and pieces done on the villa in the knowledge that out children were very happy and content back at home...

It was great to see the work in progress on our home that hopefully will provide many, many happy memories in the sun for our family.

We still managed to fit in a few trips to our favourite golf club where we like to sit on the terrace and admire the views....we of course were the only mad Brits to be sitting outside on a cold day and boy was it cold!....

The villa is almost finished now and my favourite time of the entire trip was when we were out on our upper terrace as the sun was setting, the workmen had all finished for the day and we gazed out at our fabulous view listening to the sound of the waves breaking...... The beach is a 2 minute walk away from our home.


We have a villa that sits directly behind these bungalows. We chose this particular plot not just for the views but because it has a lovely big garden for the children to play in and just gives us that little bit more space. Obviously it's not all finished yet, but it should be over the next few months....hopefully!

The blogger within me and of course my obsession with pretty trees meant I still couldn't resist taking a few random pictures! The first of these was an olive tree on the side of the road with this rather charming homemade ladder propped up against it..

And secondly this pretty little orange tree at the front of our hotel. I can't wait to plant an orange and lemon tree in our garden out there. Our girls will be able to pick oranges to freshly squeeze and enjoy with our breakfasts eaten out on the terrace looking over the sea...Obviously there's the small point of all the fruit they produce falling off the trees and rotting in the sun until we are next there to collect it all, but hey, that's a small point...shan't let it ruin my dream............

All that's now left for me to do is to wish you all a 'Happy New Year' and may 2009 be a year full of good health, happiness and fun, oh, and not forgetting many hours of dreaming, coveting and laughing here in Blogland. x

Mickey's Christmas Party

Whilst over in the US, we were fortunate to be able to take our girls to Mickey's Christmas Party. This is an event that is pre-bookable, where by they close the park to the general public at 7pm and only those with tickets are able to attend.

Now, little did I expect when paying to attend such a bash, that our family would be attending with 21,996 other people!! Oh my, now for one that doesn't cope too well with large crowds, when entering the Magic Kingdom, I could quite easily have turned around and left! Two eager children however prevented this from happening, so I took a deep breath and negotiated the 22k strong crowd with the pushchair...yikes...and decided to delve deep inside the Cath Kidston 'Stanley' Backpack (that accompanied us everywhere on our trip), and pull out my best, crowd coping 'Christmas Spirit' to make it an evening to remember.

As the time progressed, it really did turn into a magical evening, the air was filled with the smell of gingerbread and hot chocolate, which was being served around every corner and fireworks exploding above the beautifully lit castle as Dumbo flew by!

The girls had fun dancing with the Ugly Sisters....

We were even sprinkled with snow as we promenaded down Main Street..OK,OK...'negotiated' Main Street, avoiding people's ankles...

The parade was truly spectacular with all the magnificent floats lit with thousands of tiny lights accompanied by fabulous Christmas music creating an atmosphere that only Disney know how...

We were all mesmerised as we eagerly awaited the next perfectly decorated float.

Two Peas in a Pod!!!

In between the floats that looked good enough to eat, we were treated to Santa's helpers dancing past....

Gingerbread men leaving behind them them the wonderful aroma of Christmas spices....

And my all time favourite Toy Soldiers

As we stumbled out of the Magic Kingdom at 11.30pm, two children fast asleep in their pushchairs we knew we had created memories to last a lifetime....

'Always Coca-Cola'......

To me Christmas always commences when I'm sitting down in the evening and the very first Christmas Coca-Cola advert comes on to the television, I love those adverts, truely magical, they even give M&S food adverts a run for their money (you know the ones where you want to reach into the tv and plunge your spoon into the melt in the middle chocolate pudding)?

Well not only am I addicted to Coca-Cola, and actually experience withdrawl symptoms if I go a day without a glass (I know, not very healthy), but I also I have a penchent for the packaging....the older the better.

My obsession with Coca-Cola continued throughout our trip to Disney World and I just adored all the vintage merchandising throughout the parks. I thought I'd share a few of these piccies with you because only you can truely understand my enthusiasum at a rusty old coke machine!...people stared in wonder as I stood photographing such things...they just wouldn't understand!!!

Isn't it great? It still had the original bottles in it! A bottle of coke for 3 cents..bargain!

Look at these old crates stacked and awaiting my camera to snap them.


When in Asia......

Obviously these are vending machine/cool boxes from bygone years and have refreshed people from all over the world, however if I fancied fueling my 'addiction' whilst wandering around the parks I was even treated to purchasing them from these unusual outlets.

This beauty was full to the brim with ice and bottles just waiting to re-energise me..

This kiosk was found at Hollywood Studios (previously MGM Studios).

This was my favourite however located at the entrance to Hollywood Studios, where the entire entrance is Art Deco themed which delighted me no end.

Whilst I'm having a little 'red & white' themed post, lets just throw the 'big guy' in for good measure...I was going to show you a picture of him with the girls but they didn't co-ordinate!!!!

Oh, shucks...now I feel guilty.... what mother doesn't include a picture of her children because they don't match?!!!

Santa Claus and Coca-Cola..."It's the real thing".

'Mickey Christmas Everyone'.........

I explained in my last post that I hadn't been around for a while....the reason for this was because I was trying to get everything prepared for Christmas and all the family coming before we went on holiday to America, enjoying Disney World and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. I wanted to be totally prepared; presents wrapped, decorations up, food all bought before we departed so I could enjoy the holiday in the knowledge that I didn't have it all to do when we returned.

Also my wonderful, kind and generous (is that enough creeping now?) sister Rachel, who is returning home from New Zealand this week has VERY kindly volunteered to look after the little people whilst Rob and I enjoy a week of bliss straight after Christmas, visiting our holiday home in Cyprus, ordering furniture etc ready for our first family holiday there in May next year. This has meant that I have had to be really organised and prepared, but it has all been worth it.

The girls were told on many occasions by total strangers just how lucky they were to be experiencing Disney at Christmas, but to be honest I think it was the other way around, we were the lucky ones to witness the sheer enjoyment and pleasure plastered all over our little girls faces for the entire 2 weeks. Many have said that they are to young/won't remember it etc, etc but to be honest I think that's total nonsense...it's the perfect age to take 2 little girls obsessed with princesses to see those characters brought to life in front of their very eyes

How I struggled to pack for a family of 4 into 2 suitcases...... even though we were allocated 4 pieces of luggage each, 2 other pieces of luggage were used up for car seats (I am not a huge fan of the American car seats). One case was full of clothes for 4, taking into account the fact that the weather could and did change from 86 degrees one day to 60 degrees on another and the last of course was full to full to bursting with Nylon Princess dresses that the girls insisted were vital for such a trip (yes Hen, if you're reading this, you were right)!!....to hell with mum and dad trying to manage with very limited clothing....

Of course with 2 daughters of a similar size and age they were able to swap and change a little according to their mood and the princess of the moment.

The highlight of Imogen's entire trip was meeting her idol Ariel from the Little Mermaid. They discussed in depth having the same colour hair...

Thankfully she didn't realize that their faces had changed!!

Now I could go on and on and on with princess pictures, as you can imagine I have about 150. However I'll try not to bore you. Just one more for Auntie Rachel who has been eagerly awaiting a picture of Mickey on this blog....

And another of little Beatrice....Who could argue that this little lady wasn't having the time of her life?....



OK,OK, enough ..not very 'bloggy' I know; nylon dresses and Disney characters, in fact I'm pretty sure I could even get thrown out of 'blogland' for even entertaining such a holiday let alone admitting to it!! We did do other things I promise you, which I'll hopefully show over the next week...that is if you haven't all given up on me by then as I haven't had the time to read your blogs and leave comments recently...I have missed you all terribly and look froward to spending a lot more time in blogland come the New Year and my return from holiday no.2....I know, I'm a very lucky lady indeed..2 holidays in a month.

Back to our trip.....

Evenings were spent more often than not relaxing...our favourite spot at the Animal Kingdom Lodge was sat around the campfire on the rocking chairs.

Each evening someone from Africa (A high proportion of the staff are from Africa) tells stories to all the children about the African Bush, however Imogen & Beatrice preferred stories told by daddy..oh and the odd cuddle now and again.


This hotel is amazing. Every time you walk through the doors you instantly relax and are transported to the African Savannah.... Everything about this hotel is beautiful and authentic...no Disney tackiness here..... genuine African artifacts displayed around the hotel, African music piped throughout (even relaxing me whilst watching the girls play in the playground), giraffes, zebras and buffalo grazing below the terraces of the hotel rooms and a beautiful pool and spa, flood lit at night to relax and unwind after a stressful day in the parks. Anyone reading this and would like to let their children experience Disney, but want a little luxury and relaxation for themselves I'd highly recommend this hotel.

When we had enough of the Princess's, well me anyway, (the girls or Mr PL for that matter, could never tire of these beautiful ladies), we'd hop in the car and unwind on one of the many stunning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.



Where we walked along the seashore collecting seashells..


And made lots of sandcastles with the beautiful white sand.

Disney I know is not for many of you, in fact I'm sure it would be your idea of living hell ,but for those with young children it can be truly magical and create moments in time that both you and them will remember forever.

If ever you get the chance and you have small children, save enough pennies and go. If you can, make it Florida rather than Paris as they are streets apart. Especially the Animal Kingdom Park at Disney World. To me ,only the Americans can really 'do' Disney and create the 'magic' that Walt visualised when he turned that vision into reality on 17th July 1955.

The Magnificent Seven.........

Thank you so much to the following ladies for their kindness in giving me the following awards;

Thanks Lesley

Lesley, you're too kind...

Now you're REALLY spoiling me Lovely Lesley!
Thank you for thinking of me Sian.

And to Joanne thank you for the following award.

I feel a bit of a fraud, as you may have noticed that I have been somewhat 'absent without leave' over the last few weeks. I have been extremely busy (I'll blog about this at a later stage - don't get too excited though, all very boring)!! I've had to be very disciplined however to get things done, as once I sit down at the computer, one blog leads to another and another....you know how it is?!! It's amazing how much I've achieved in the last few weeks though staying out of 'blogland', I must admit though, I have missed catching up with everyone's news.

Now, I've been tagged by Joanne to reveal 7 things about myself, well 42 actually, blimey that'll get the old brain going!...so here we go;

7 Things I'd like to do before I die.

Take my children to visit the countries and homes I lived in around the world.
Take a 3 month 'whistle stop' tour around the world with the girls before they leave home.
Live in our home in Cyprus for a period of time, enabling the girls to experience another culture/schooling system, as I did.
Own a Donkey!
Watch my children grow up, whilst growing old with Mr PL.
Study photography.
Learn to sail and buy a boat to keep near my 'dream house' in the South Hams (obviously haven't yet bought boat OR house)!

7 Things I do now.

Hyper-ventilate every time I look in the mirror at how many lines I now have and how tired, old and haggered I'm looking these days!!!
Wonder; "Should I have botox"?!! at least 5 times a day.
Spend far too much time and money internet shopping having not quite got to grips with 'window shopping'.
Dream about what lovely things I'd buy if I hadn't spent so much money shopping on the Internet.
Bake lots of glittery cupcakes.
Attempt to fill grey/dull/wet days with interesting and fun things for two very 'demanding' pre-schoolers.
Try and remember to buy 'essential food' at the supermarket when there are far more interesting things to spend money on!!

7 Things that I can't do.

Stop myself pressing 'Confirm Order' on the Boden website.
Cook; I can bake but I am a hopeless cook.
Crochet.
Anything too technical on the computer!
Speak a foreign language fluently.
Stop worrying about silly things.
Leave my daughters and husband without telling them I love them.

7 Things I say often.

Be nice to your sister.
Go back to bed, 5'o'Clock is far too early.
I'm SO tired.
Archie be quiet (the 'vocal' dog).
You're driving me bonkers!
Do you need a wee? we're going.
It wasn't 'that' expensive!

7 Things I find attractive in the opposite sex.

7 x 1 million pounds in the bank!
Oh and of course, caring, good sense of humour, nice shoes and all those things!!!!

7 Foods I like.

Cinnamon Rolls.
Cheese (The stronger the better).
Potatoes in any form.
Enchiladas.
Pickled Onion Monster Munch.
Key Lime Pie.
Stilton and Sweet Potato Soup.

So, if I ever I come to your house for dinner you'll know what to make me....Stilton Soup to start, followed by Enchiladas smothered in strong cheese with potatoes on the side, and Key Lime Pie and Cinnamon Rolls for dessert...Oh and a bag of Pickled Onion Monster Munch to take home!!!! Anyway fancy joining me?