Drum roll please..................

Finally, the winner of the "Marie Claire Idees"............Very short on time so I decided to ask Jack to write a number between 1 and 34 down and he came up with 18 - the number of pirates he has. So Lizzie, it's you. Could you email me your address and I'll post your goodies off asap.

Quickie post tonight. It's a bit of a mad week. Mum arrived Monday, Kitty's birthday today and mine on Friday. I planned a lovely al fresco roast chicken birthday tea but Ian managed to amputate one of the chicken's legs, thus leaving only one, which went to birthday girl, leaving eldest child in a state of near hysteria resulting in Mummy totally losing her rag and shrieking in a not particularly flattering way in the back garden whilst Daddy made a hasty retreat. Sound familiar to anyone or is it just our family that's totally dysfunctional??!! Sometimes I wish for a detached house in which to vent my anger but I think my neighbours are all used to us by now!

Anyhow, birthday girl (4 today - how did that happen?) loved her presents which included the following ::

This dolls house was found in a skip outside a house in a very nice neighbourhood. I had to swallow my pride and knock on the door and ask if it was going begging, and it was. A coat of paint, wallpaper to be added yet, and some Sylvanian families and we have a very bijou little residence. I'm thinking of asking if I can move in, I'm sure there's no chicken leg warfare going on in there, it's far too civilised!

The deckchair was part of my car booty this weekend. We came back laden with stuff only to find that Ian had coerced the children into a walk around a fishing lake and locked me out. One of my lovely neighbours had to climb into our incredibly untidy bedroom, over the teetering pile of washing to let me in again. A quick coat of paint and some flowers and we have a very cute little chair, which I had intended to sell but once Kit has set her eyes on it, it became hers.

Last but by no means least, the lovely Sairer has awarded me the following and I must pass it on. Ho hum, it's such a difficult choice but here goes................

:: Fabulous Lucy at Attic24. A relative newcomer and a joy to read, especially those yummy recipes. I also copied the :: from her because I like it!

:: Gorgeous Kim at Ragged Roses. So eloquent and beautifully written and the most fantastic photos.

:: Witty Ali at Domesticali. Honest, funny and thought provoking. Ali has the brain I wish I had and I love all her posts.

:: Lovely Suzie at Suzie Sews. One of the first people to ever comment on my blog. Lovely thoughts on motherhood (and boy, is she a good mother!), crafts and life in general.

:: Fantastic Catherine at Mollycupcakes. I've mentioned her many times but you really should visit, she's a joy!

There are so, so many more I could mention but take a look at my faves to see who I love - reminds me, I must update it asap.

Thought I'd finish with my usual house shot. Ian has purchased a snazzy new camera which means we can take evening shots without a flash - what a revelation! It has far too many gizmo's and extra bits for me to have got to grips with yet but I can't wait to give it a proper go.


Thanks for reading, I'll be back soon. I will be visiting you all but probably won't have time to comment this week. Take care all........................ xx