Saturday, July 14, 2012

bits and pieces


hello! how was your week? here are a few bits and pieces from ours...

i've settled on a pattern for a secret gift i'm knitting. this isn't it though, so it's okay to show. i made a mistake on the piece above, not realizing till almost the end of the first chart (there are five altogether). after three attempts it's okay now. wish i could share. soon...



we (the grands and i) have been making trips to nurseries. emptying out his pockets on the dining table travis shared his finds. they were carefully arranged by his sister sadie.


his favorite color


i have plans to make our backyard a bit (a lot!) more inviting for an after wedding breakfast we'll be having here in september  :)


i was taking photos of travis's flowers here on the dining table when he began 'fixing' his lunch. almond butter, jam and popcorn sandwich


 smooshed down, as you do




 salad received the popcorn treatment too   :)


t & s also had their first junior lifeguard meet, they were both entered in the beach flags event. it was four short years ago i was watching my youngest child compete.


more wedding plans for my daughter, necessitating nursery and florist visits





it is becoming a reality. i thought about it today, wedding day = tears. oh dear.




i won a sweet giveaway. this was my lucky day, i love twysted thystle (i didn't know it before, but now i do). the balm is lovely, it's a perfect consistency and the smell is heavenly. the tea is almost too pretty to use with it's tiny rosebuds and herbs. thank you deborah (the herbalist) and heather (the artist). you can visit them and see all their products (and order) here.



and in the mail, a surprise gift from a friend. all the way from tasmania, evi found this book at an op shop, said she'd thought of me and popped it in the mail. goodness gracious evi, i'm so touched. it's a wonderful book, and it'll be treasured, and put to good use! thank you again.


and three little (but so important) things this week...
finally getting to meet my friends new baby! there he is on the left! he is the cutest blue eyed smiley little thing that i had to squeeze and kiss and kiss again. sigh. and something new and also exciting, sponsors on lori times five. i'll give a proper introduction at the first of the month, linda is a wonderfully talented knit designer and pattern writer and vistaprint makes amazing business cards and many other printed items. mamma 4earth and vistaprint can be found up on the sidebar. to visit, just click on the button. i'm so pleased and happy to have them both here! welcome welcome! 

xxx lori

54 comments:

  1. Lovely sunny pictures and flowers.
    Your backyard looks great and inviting :)
    ♥M

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  2. beautiful tablecloth! ...and simple ok backyard :-)!

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  3. Hi Lori! How lovely square on your wooden needles and the book looks great!
    Wow you are preparing a special wedding, that is really exiting but I'm sure for tears, too! Congratulations for new sponsors! Have a wonderful week! x Teje

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  4. Hi Lori!!!
    it's so nice to "see you" again...I had some problems with internet lately..!!!
    Anyway, your post is so nice and I love the flowers, your boy's lunch (!!!) and all the thinking about your daughter's wedding...
    xxx Alessandra

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  5. Such a beautiful post dear Lori, your photos are lovely as always.

    I'm pretty sure Caiden and Kye would love a sandwich like that too.

    The flowers are gorgeous, seeing them makes me want to knit some:)

    I love the photo of the cat, he looks a little like our Charlie.

    I know I would have tears too, how special it will all be... Your outside area is beautiful.

    Thank you for everything Lori.

    Love
    Linda

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  6. What a very beautiful, colourful post - happy Summer days :-)

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  7. Oh, Lori, my eldest daughter is a little far away from marrying, but sometimes, when I think about, there are some tears in my eyes. I will miss her so much, hope she will be living next door ;)
    How funny the sandwich! I´ve never seen something like that - is this a Californian thing?

    Greetings from Germany, enim sou.

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    1. hi enim sou, i'm pretty sure the sandwich is just a little boy thing, hee hee.

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  8. I think Eamon would love to share a meal with Travis. They both have a talent for concocting new culinary delights. The wedding has come so quickly. Such pretty flowers. Oh my, I cannot imagine the tears. Such joy. Such transitions. Love you and all this. Thanks, Lori.

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  9. How exciting that your daughter is getting married Lori- I bet is a little bittersweet too for you- that day might come around here too some time. Beautiful fresh images the salads...yum..popcorn? Congrats on winning...the balm sounds wonderful- are you still using the products bought via Ivey?

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    1. i know, i hope their mother doesn't read this post, but i am the granmama so a little bending of the rules is okay. :)
      i just placed my second order with the super salve co. the mimosa blossom dream creme is my favorite! i used an entire (small) jar in namibia, it was perfect in the dry desert heat.

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  10. Popcorn sandwich! I thought I was unusual loving peanut butter and pickle!! Your grandchildren are lovely and I wish I lived as close to mine. Although, at the end of the week they both arrive and "let the fun begin!"
    Wedding plans with your daughter will make for some of the best memories; I cherish both of the times with my daughters. Love, XOXO

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  11. Nice summary! Thanks for the nice words about Twysted Thystle. Can't wait to see more photos of your backyard transformation!

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  12. I must admit i always get a little dizzy when I see what all you are doing during a week! Even knitting a little hat takes me weeks, and your patterns all look so complicated and evenly made, I wonder how you do it.
    Your grandchildren are precious (and well liked over here!!).
    How is your weather? We have 17° C and often rain, no real summer. Your beach looks inviting! Keep going, Lori, but get some rest, too!

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  13. i love travis's popcorn sandwich - i've been known to put potato chips in mine, never tried popcorn. must do that now... what beautiful flowers and kim's dress and skin... she's going to be such a beautiful bride. i'm sure your pictures and stories will have us all crying too! i love weddings. : ) i'm so happy we were a part of your wonderful week lori. we love your presence and presents!

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    1. Dear Lori! I am just now visiting to catch up (I haven't been very "tuned in" lately). How I love your photos ~ and the knitted little gem is simply lovely! I also love Travis' food sense...I'm sure Miss Sunshine would love to have a picnic with him and his sister (I didn't know there was a little Sadie)! But also, nunu said Kim is the bride! Wow! Much love to you and your sweet lovelies!
      xo Jules

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  14. Seems that mistake knitting is in the air :) I will be reknitting something soon. Oh my, I cannot imagine not crying at a wedding....I say buy waterproof everything and get some beautiful lacy hankies and let the festivities begin. You will be fine :D

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  15. A whole of things to love with this post Lori. Now I must confess the popcorn affair brought a big smile to my face. Love that! Can't wait to see what pattern that knitting becomes.The wedding flowers, just the sight of them gets me a little choked up. And yeah to wonderful prizes, I love girly things like that so I am off to check out that shop.

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  16. i imagine all the planning that must be going on with a wedding approaching! so exciting. and the days with your grands sounds lovely, popcorn sandwiches and all ;-)

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  17. i am most impressed (touched) that travis collected those flowers and stems and leaves and pods. that says so much about him. not to mention that anyone who makes popcorn sandwiches clearly knows how to live

    those flowers are peonies, yes? have they been chosen? such a special flower, hahaha, even the ants can't resist them!

    i am glad you have these kinds of days in your days, lori sf.

    xoxoxoxox
    kj

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    1. i think the same thing about trav kj, he's the most incredible lovely boy, thank you for saying that about him. the flowers do look like peonies, but they are an antique rose. their grown here on the coast and will still be in season in september. :)

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  18. Such lovely things today.....the sweet little square of knitting looks so pretty, and i loved seeing your grandson's meal with popcorn garnish :) The flowers are so pretty too....I hope all the plans go well for your daughter's wedding...(thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog, i was so delighted to hear that your daughter is sharing the lavender love too)....such a special and magical time!
    Have a wonderful week, dear Lori!
    Helen x

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  19. Beach Flags!!!! Favorite jr guard past time for me :)

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  20. Love the popcorn sandwich, a man after my own heart, and the flowers are so sweet. Lovely gifts you received also.
    Happy wedding planning.
    xoxo

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  21. Oh the photos and colors, with your words always so sweet and kind...So happy to see you soaking in the season, enjoying every bit of your grandchildren and the wedding preparations....may it continue on and on!!
    xo

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  22. I'm gonna have to try that popcorn sandwich - it sounds so lovely and textural. lovely photos as usual -

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  23. Wow, popcorn sandwich! That's one I haven't heard of before. So happy you met Indy and yes, so jealous. He is so cute. Hope you had a lovely time xxx

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    1. he is SO cute! sorry! can you skype with her?

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  24. The popcorn sandwiches brought back fond childhood memories - only for me it was Ringolos (a chip-type snack) on a buttered bagel. The popcorn is much prettier. And healthier.

    Ah, wedding plans. Happy, happy things are in the air.

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  25. I cry at the thought of Mickey and Minnie tying the knot----I'm hopeless at a real wedding!!
    Gotta try that popcorn sandwich with my grands.....I'm sure they will want theirs with peanut butter.
    Have a great week!!!

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  26. Hi, what lovely photos and such exciting times ahead! I have to agree the popcorn sandwich looks odd but strangely inviting : )

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  27. Looks like a lovely week of bits and pieces. Always enjoy seeing what you are working on. I like a pb&j sandwich, salad and popcorn -- but not all together, or at the same time. Ha! My hairdresser/friend's daughter is getting married next week in London. Instead of a fresh bouquet, they collected vintage broaches over the course of the past year and made a bouquet out of them. So beautiful! I know your daughter's wedding will be lovely. Those products you won look so lovely -- the artwork is wonderful. I like the name of that tea. :) Wishing you a great new week. Tammy

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  28. So much to love here, with a popcorn sandwich at the very top of the list. And I think your back yard looks pretty wonderful already! Weddings = tears for sure--stock up on some vintage hankies. :)

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  29. Gorgeous post as always Lori!
    Popcorn actually sounds delish on a leafy salad :-)
    Love your daughter's OM tattoo ♥ and such a beautiful shade of roses. Happy Wedding Planning xo
    Have a wonderful week.

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  30. Hi Lori! Popcorn. Genius! Runs in the family, evidently. :)) I get to see my oldest tomorrow after almost a YEAR. Seems almost surreal. I don't think he really wants to leave Spain, but I'm happy to get to see him. Time marches on... :)) xox

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  31. All life's joys in one post :D A birth, grand children, a wedding, pets, knitting, flowers and the perfect sandwich (well maybe minus the popcorn!).

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  32. Oh so much goodness packed into one post. First horray for beach flags. Second horray for sponsers. Third love the beautiful flowers. I carried an artificial bouquet of piones as my wedding since flowers make me sneeze :) No one knew they were fake and they are still beautiful today. I love how popcorn goes with everything :) Have a great day.
    xxAndee

    are you business card printed by the above sponser? I love your card!

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    1. yes! thank you andee :) that photo was taken in zimbabwe in 2009. i love that you can customize your card with your own photos if you like!

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  33. Lori, this post made me smile a lot, so colorful, many ways to eat popcorn ;o) I love that!
    Your backyard is so cozy and inviting, I love the terracota vases you have.
    Today it´s so cold that I could feel the warmth of your place right in my living room, thank you!

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  34. Wonderful and inspiring! I enjoyed my visit here very much. :)

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  35. Looks like you've had a lovely week Lori. Hope you post some pictures of your decorated back yard, I can only imagine how wonderful you are going to make it look!
    I love the picture of the knitted square on the needles, makes me want to make one just to hang on the wall - the needles make a great frame.
    You must be having so much fun planning your daughters wedding with her.
    Popcorn sandwiches! my boys would definitely go for that!

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  36. Popcorn sandwich? Leave it to kids, they think of all the good ideas. Those roses and that orange kitty are beautiful!

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  37. Your tears are a guarantee, but the bride will be so radiant, they won't last long.
    Your Travis & Sadie are so beautiful,,tanned with beachy blonde hair,,truly Kalifornia Kids.So creative in the sandwich department, Travis is.
    Lori, I've noticed in your posts the embroidered tablecloths. Have you done these yourself? They're gorgeous!
    Looking forward to lots of wedding photos,,,,

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    1. i haven't made these babs, though i've always wanted to, they are just ones i've collected!

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  38. Una demostración de quetambién en lo cotidiano existe la belleza. Ha sido un placer pasar por tu blog.

    Un saludo.

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    1. thank you for the kind words antonio

      he said:

      A demonstration that there is also the everyday beauty. It was a pleasure going through your blog. A greeting. (thank you google translate!)

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  39. snowflake patterns,
    Travis treasures,
    patio for after wedding breakfast...how about stenciling white floral designs on the concrete? Or scrolls and flourishes? Simple acrylic craft paint will last ;)
    Tonight I'm going to add white cheese popcorn to my ceasar salad!
    Oh my, those roses!
    Orange kitty, blue hydrangeas.
    wedding!

    Oh my, sigh.....

    xo
    Lo♥

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  40. P.S. I just got one of the namibia books and I adore it!♥

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  41. How many times have I started a project more than once until the penny drops. Good feeling when it finally works. I had to smile at the treasures from the garden centre. I wouldn't have been surprised to see them appear from my son's pockets, except he would have stones in there as well. Happy days. Enjoy the wedding preparations.

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  42. hi lori, it's been forever since i checked in on your blog and i'm loving catching up this morning. congratulations on your daughters wedding. my daughters and i love peonies - too! happy planning xx india banks

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  43. oh I wish you and your familiy a good time and a perfect wedding for your daughter! and I love the photo of all these beautiful finds...really small treasures!curious to see your new work finished!
    sarah

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xoxo lori