Yiota's cross stitch

Ive been away from my blog all month, its been a busy one and i just havent had the time or inclination to sit at the computer recently. 

I was contacted by Yiota recently about reviewing one of her cross stitch kits. I was thrilled to! Who doesnt love a new start?! So, after perusing her website i picked this one. "Cottage by the Sea." Pretty huh? I want one of my spare rooms to be beach themed and running up my stairs i already have a selection of my favorite beach pictures, so this one would be perfect. It reminds me of Greece, one of my favourite holiday destinations.

Yiota's kits are lovely and included the chart, a needle, pre-wound threads and evenweave. Personally, im not a fan of madeira threads, i find them quite coarse, but the chart includes a DMC conversion if you are so inclined.  Speaking of the chart, its great. Big, clear symbols and easy to follow; so important when you have so much block stitching. It would make a good first time big project for someone. It's a big piece and i will be sure to mark off on my chart where i've stitched. I did make a small start in the centre, as suggested in the instruction page (which is a very helpful addition to the kit as well) but it was so small it didnt even warrant a picture!

In conclusion, judging by this kit, i would highly recommend Yiota's kits; so pretty, well presented and good value for money. Go check out her website!

Jubilee

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Loved the celebrations! I really enjoyed that concert in front of the Palace (on the tv, we weren't there). How amazing were the scenes that were projected onto the front of the palace (especially when Madness were playing on the roof)? Loved how they lit it up red, white and blue after the fireworks. Fab!

And to the anti-monarchy folk out there....boo hisss! All that talk that people shouldn't be born into the role and we should elect a head of state instead of having a royal family. No no no. I dont like you your opinions as much as i don't like the Scottish Nationalists. I love the Royal family. Not in an obsessed nutty kinda way. Just in a, they make me proud to be BRITISH, kind of way. I love all the pomp and circumstance and the history....i have a BA Honours in History, how can i not be interested in the Royals both past and present. And lets face it, they must bring in a huge revenue in tourism (queue all the bitter Scots *but its only for London* blah blah blah)

My friend Janet threw a Jubilee party. Red, white and blue food, balloons, decorations and guests :-) Look at this Jubilee Pavlova!

Janet's Jubilee Pavlova

We even managed a family picture before we left. Shame Aaron isnt looking!

My proud mum moment

Sometimes you just really need to hear something like this :-)