Monday 20 December 2010

let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!


Well, it's finally happened in Cannington! We have so much snow I've been unable to get to work and am enjoying a Snow Day! Yay!
I must admit to having been a bit of a panic-bunny in the last few days as I seemed to have so much still to do before Christmas and just couldn't see how I'd fit it all in, but this morning I've cleaned the fridge, defrosted the freezer, stripped the bed, done 3 loads of washing and made 2 doz mince pies! I feel very pleased with my progress and can feel the tension slipping from my shoulders!
Amanda is house-sitting at the moment and snowed into a remote house with animals to take care of. She's having a lovely lot of down-time, which she so deserves - both because she does so much for other people and because she spent the whole of last week struggling with the flu.
I still have vouchers to buy and my youngest is currently stuck in Weston-super-Mare waiting for me to pick him up and my eldest is at the moment in Scotland, hoping he will be able to get back in time for Christmas! Oh well - always room for more panic!
I hope everyone keeps safe, well and warm in this snowy weather and wish you all a beautiful, peaceful and happy Christmas!
Lots of love
Tina xxxx

Wednesday 15 December 2010

and breathe .... !


Hello lovely people - Tina here! Poor Amanda is laid up in bed with flu and feeling very poorly, so I'll do my best to keep up her wonderful standard of blogging!
We've now finished our last craft fair of the year. It was at Nether Stowey Primary School and we were made to feel very welcome and kept liberally supplied with tea and mince pies, and even some mulled wine! We had a busy afternoon and met some lovely people selling gorgeous things, including the lovely plumduffstuff with their Christmas puddings to die for! I shall definitely be ordering one or two!
Time for us now to get our own Christmas celebrations under way and both of our houses are looking very sparkly and festive, with bunches of mistletoe hanging at every kissing point!
So far we have been lucky (or unlucky?) to escape the snow and it doesn't look like we'll be getting any this week, although more is forecast for all over the country EXCEPT here! I can't help feeling it would be lovely to be snowed in just for a few days at least and I have stocked up my pantry just in case!
We are hoping that early in the new year our website will be properly up and running, but in the meantime if you want to order anything you can email us at bellaandthemoo@hotmail.co.uk and we will do our best to get your order out to you in a very short time!
Hopefully you are all ready for Christmas now and looking forward to parties and family gatherings, a chance to catch up with old friends and to spend more time with those you love.
Happy Christmas to all of you and a peaceful new year.

Tina xxx

Sunday 5 December 2010

Snow is falling .... all around us!


Hi All and sorry it's been a while since we've blogged! We've been extra busy attending several craft fairs and making up lots of lovely orders for people, including some gorgeous fabric party bags made for Lisa and a pretty first christmas stocking for baby Zoe!
On Saturday 27 November, though, we took off our aprons and had a day out! Bella and the Moo went to the lovely Christmas at the Barn in Mells run by http://edamay.blogspot.com/
Amanda and I travelled through some truly lovely scenery in south Somerset which had been sprinkled with snow and looked like a fairy tale! The venue is scrumptious - a 13th century tithe barn which was glowing with fairy lights and happy faces! We were delighted to see http://www.janemaddernsoaps.co.uk/ as Jane had come to our first fair and we love her gorgeous smelling soaps and lotions!
After a rapturous wander round all the stalls we of course sat down for tea and cake, where we met the two most wonderful ladies from the village of Mells who gave us a very interesting potted history of this gorgeous estate village and several suggestions of places nearby to visit!
We headed for Frome, which is full of the most beautiful vintage and shabby chic shops and spent several happy hours browsing them all, followed by a scrummy lunch in a steamed up tea shop with the most gorgeous multi-coloured chandelier in the window! We were certainly two very happy ladies at the end of the day!
We have one more Christmas craft fair to do before we take a well-earned rest over the festive fortnight, then we'll be busy preparing for the next stage of our venture - watch this space!
Happy Christmas everyone - remember to keep the mistletoe handy - and do pop over to see us next Saturday at Nether Stowey School Christmas Fair from 3.00 - 6.00pm. We'd love to see you!
With much love
Tina xxx

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Aaahhhh! It's Christmas!


Hi everyone ... can't believe how busy we've been for the last couple of weeks! We managed to make plenty of Christmas goodies for the two fairs we were attending Friday and Saturday and also unwrapped loads of gorgeous vintage china, glass and trinkets from Amanda's garage. We certainly won't run out of vintage stock for the next few months!
Friday evening's Christmas Fair at Nether Stowey Village Hall was disappointing from the point of view of what we sold, but we did meet some lovely people selling very pretty things and caught up with one or two stall-holders who were booked into our fair the next day too!
Saturday dawned grey and wet and Amanda and I were away from home promptly at 8am! Steve and Matt followed a few minutes later and were absolute stars putting up the bunting and unloading the cars, as well as laying out the kitchen area ready for teas and coffees!
Steve dapped off to Taunton to drop Matt to work and we got busy putting up signage, laying out the tables and generally preparing everything. Our own two tables looked lovely by the time we'd finished, especially with the new battery-operated fairy lights!
From the time the doors opened at 12.00 we had a lovely steady stream of customers who were very kind in their comments and we sold lots of our Christmas goodies and absolute tons of our vintage wares! Lots of people will be enjoying afternoon tea from proper china cups & saucers now!
Steve and Steph were kept busy all afternoon serving tea, coffee and cakes - we simply couldn't have managed without them!
As the afternoon wound down we packed away and cleared up the hall feeling warm and happy after such a busy, busy time and looking forward to the next one in the Spring!
Time to chill with a nice glass of white now!
Look after each other!
Tina xx

Thursday 18 November 2010

We wish you a merry Christmas .... !!


Hi everyone! Thought I'd take a moment to update you on everything that's been happening in Bella and the Moo-land! We're off to our first Christmas Fair tomorrow evening at Nether Stowey Village Hall from 6.00 - 9.00pm so if you're in the area why not pop in and say hello!
Then Saturday sees the next of B&TM's Craft & Vintage Fairs with a very festive feel! Amanda and I will be over in Spaxton most of the day setting up and making the hall look and sound lovely (I've been singing along to Glenn Miller all week and think that will be a fab sound to shop along to!). We've made lots and lots of gorgeous Christmassy items from tree decorations, mini-bunting and cards, as well as some great gift ideas - children's aprons and baking bags, lavender scented tea-cup candles and gorgeous bags! And as well as our lovely things there will be almost 20 other stalls selling everything from jewellery to beautiful carved wood, as well as vintage fabric and clothing!
And if all that wasn't enough the very lovely Steve will be serving tea and cakes along with his beautiful daughter Steph! Do come along and say hello!
Must dash - bells to sew onto tree decorations before tomorrow!!
Hope to see you all over the weekend!
Lots of love
Tina xxx

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Hello ,it's been too long!

Hello Folks,
Hope you are all well and happy and starting to get into the swing of winter. We've been on some pretty stunning walks up on the Quantocks, kicking through the leaves and hunting for fungi's. A few crisp walks on bright starry nights have also been enjoyed, even nicer to come home to mugs of steaming hot chocolate- yummy.
The Moo and I have been so busy sewing, sewing, sewing! We've fitted in a few jumble sales and have been out and about advertising our next Fair this Saturday. Very busy and getting exciting.
I now have a few new visitors to my home, a little family of mice with good taste. They have nibbled their way through some of our vintage lace! A quick text message to friends to ask for humane traps has proved fruitful, 3 down, 2 to go- I think!
So back to the sewing ......

To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Take amazingly good care of each other,

With Love Bella xx

Saturday 6 November 2010

Oooh! Aaahh!

Hello lovelies - sorry it's been a while since we've chatted! Amanda and I have been SO.O.O.ooo busy! Amanda has been going heart-mad at her house and has made dozens and dozens of really cute felt heart decorations, as well as some of our lovely squishy hearts! She's busy making aprons too! I don't know where she finds the time to fit everything in!
I've been busy making Christmas cards ready for our first craft fair of the season on 19 November at Nether Stowey Village Hall. Hopefully we'll see some of you there!
Oh and yes - wow! We sold one of our lovely cushions to the USA! How cool is that ... Bella and the Moo go global! Yay!
We're off to meet with a craft gallery owner in Taunton on Thursday to arrange a space for us to permanently sell our lovely things, which is so exciting!
We have to keep pinching ourselves that so much has happened in less than a year!
Steve and I went to fabulous firework display on Thursday to launch the Bridgwater Carnival - such a shame that there was a technical hitch just before the finale and it had to be abandoned, but it was very, very good! I love fireworks - they bring out my inner child (never far from the surface!).
Christmas will pull her out completely I think! Yay! Can't wait!!
Mistletoe, mulled wine and mince pies, gifts and lots of love with all the family and friends! Oh and everything covered in glitter!
Keep warm everyone and enjoy the season!
Tina xx

Sunday 31 October 2010

Trick or treat!

Hello lovely people! Amanda and I are having a very busy few weeks and we're sorry for not blogging for a while! Yesterday was lovely as we spent the morning driving through gorgeous Somerset villages putting up posters advertising our next Christmas Craft & Vintage Fair which is on 20 November, then we went to a nearby garden centre where Christmas had well and truly arrived - so much sparkle and festive loveliness!!

We topped off the afternoon with a jumble sale where we managed to find some lovely vintage china for Bella and the Moo and some fab jewellery for us!! And of course we couldn't leave the village hall without sampling the tea and coffee & walnut cake!

I've had a very productive afternoon today making two bags and a very pretty cushion cover, which will be on sale on our folksy shop in the next few days!

We're off to the village quiz in a bit ... hope we don't win the curly wurly for coming last!!

Have a lovely week!
Tina xxx

Sunday 17 October 2010

Christmas is coming!

No really - it is! And Amanda and I are now having a frantic push to get lots of lovely Christmassy things ready for the four craft fairs we have coming up! Lots of red fabrics and spotty ribbons are flying about, as well as Amanda's lovely gift tags and the many, many Christmas cards I have been making too!
I've also finally sorted out the web domain (check me out!) and we now have a coming-along-nicely website - www.bellaandthemoo.co.uk - have a look and let us have any suggestions for it's improvement / future!
Steve and I had a lovely few days down in Cornwall this week and the weather was absolutely glorious! I can't believe I actually got a sun tan in October!! I have come back feeling very refreshed and chilled out.
I've also been busy making some more girly pink baby bunting, as this seems to be popular with lots of people! The fabric is lovely Laura Ashley and it looks heavenly!
Must dash - hearts to sew, cards to embellish and sparkle to add!
Tina xx

Saturday 9 October 2010

These boots were made for walking ....


Hello lovelies!
Amanda and I have had a gorgeous day out today for some retail therapy, and of course tea and munchies!! Amanda got some fabulous new shoes and I treated myself to not one but two pairs of boots, which should keep me snuggly warm this winter and stop my feet from hurting so much! I have come to realise I am getting too old for killer heels! (at least for walking any further than the car to the bar!).
We also stocked up on lots of Christmassy bits n pieces to make some wonderful cards and gift tags - I'm really looking forward to seeing a lovely pile of festive things appear on my table! Especially as we have now booked to attend 3 Christmas Fairs on top of our own Craft & Vintage Fair next month! We will be busy, busy, busy!! But it's so much fun ... like being a child all year round, as I get to do the things I love all the time!!
It's wonderful to see the shops now starting to fill up with all things sparkly, glittery and festive! I must admit Christmas is one of my favourite times of year - sends a lovely warm glow through me!
That's all for now and remember, life is a gift - unwrap it and enjoy!
Tina xxx

Saturday 2 October 2010

Bbrrr Baby It's Cold Outside!

Hello, hope you are all well and enjoying the Autumn. I just love this time of year, all the leaves in their autumn glory, the smell of woodsmoke, all the berries ready for picking, the misty mornings and watching the birds coming down to the feeders in the garden.
Of course Tina and I are thinking ahead to Christmas. We have our second Bella and The Moo fair coming up plus several other fairs we are attending, so we are busy sewing Christmas decorations and gifts. The sewing machines are whirring away and our work spaces are a sea of seasonal red and green. Ooohhh it's so exciting, this time of year brings out my inner child, well it's not that hard to do as it's never far from the surface,the anticipation of all the yummy foods, time to spend with family and friends, snuggling up in the dark evenings to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life', wondering and hoping it will snow, the list is endless. Oh and I have been a very good girl this year!

My thought for today; Happiness is like a kiss, you must share it to enjoy it.

Work hard and be nice to each other,
With Love Amanda aka Bella xxx

Friday 24 September 2010

... and here we go again!

Hello lovely people!

What can I say, we have barely sat down for a cuppa after the last fair when the next one on 20 November is already full steam ahead! We have booked nearly all the tables and had offers of help to man the tea stalls from both hubby (Steve thoroughly enjoyed himself last weekend and has offered to do the whole afternoon next time) and our dear friends Kim and Katrina.

Amanda and I are already busy planning our Christmas display and ordering lots of lovely fabrics and ribbons in red and cream ready to start sewing next week! We can't believe how this is all taking off now ... it's so much fun it never feels tiring no matter how long we work!

Amanda has won some tickets to the South Western Game & Country Fair at the lovely Powderham Castle so Bella and the Moo will be on a road trip at the weekend. We're really looking forward to it ... it should be a lovely relaxing day, as well as yet another source of inspiration! I just hope the weather holds fair!

I'm off to visit the lovely Maddie, Freya and Fi after lunch for some fun and laughter ... they are always such a source of joy and contentment to me.

Thought for the day - when it's raining, look for the rainbow and when it's dark, look for the stars!

Tina xxx

Sunday 19 September 2010

We did it!

Hello everybody, what can I say? WOW! Bella and The Moo's first craft and vintage fair was a huge success. It was a beautiful day, which was encouraging, and got us all smiling. Tina, Steve and I set off early to put up signs and to get the hall decorated with all the bunting we've been busy making. It was hard work and lot's of fun and by the time the stall holders started to arrive the hall and pavillion were looking lovely and we were playing war time music to set the scene. The atmosphere was lovely, everyone was busy and there were lot's of oohhs and aahhhs as boxes of pretty vintage things and gorgeous crafts were unwrapped.
The pavillion had now become the tea rooms and all the cakes were a sight to behold. Thank you so much to our two very good bakers, Kaz and Jane, YUMMY!!!!
As the fair opened we were thrilled to find so many people coming through the doors, At times there was no room in the very big car park!It was quite overwhelming for Tina and I to look up and see all those people. We had to keep pinching ourselves, all these people were here because we'd organised this!
What a wonderful first fair, we met lots of lovely people, who were all saying very positive things.
We couldn't of done it without the support of all our wonderful family and friends, they all came along on the day and it was lovely to see them all. Extra big Thanks to our wonderful tea ladies, Sarah, Rachael and Steve (yes Tina's Hubby has many talents!) and to Kaz who donated lots of scrumptious cakes. We feel truly blessed.


I read this and though it appropriate
'Live one day at a time and make it a masterpiece'
Dalai Lama

Bella And The Moo's first fair truly was a masterpiece.

Take care and look after each other

With Much Love Amanda xxx

Monday 13 September 2010

We've gone all pink and purple!


Hello lovely people - firstly, apologies for being away for so long! Amanda and I are getting really busy now ready for our first craft & vintage fair this coming Saturday! Ahhhh! Scary, but very exciting!!
We've both been busy making bits n pieces and writing lists so we can get everything sorted before the day, and I'm sure it will be a gorgeous time for everyone! We've already half booked our November fair too and are well and truly on a roll!
I went round to see my lovely niece Kassie this afternoon, as it was her little one's 3rd birthday - can't believe where that time has gone! We had a double celebration last week too when Maddie and Freya celebrated their second birthday .. they were dressed as fairies, complete with wings, and it just brought a lump to my throat!
The weather seems to have turned very autumnal today - I had to put me cardi on for the first time in months! I hope we haven't seen the last of the warm weather - I'm not ready to put the heating on and get my boots out yet!!
Bella has been suffering with a cold for the last few days, but has been taking cider vinegar and honey and she swears its cured her! (Think she just passed it on to me really as I've been sneezing and coughing today! At least we should both be fit and well for the fair!
Hope to see you in Spaxton for a lovely afternoon at the weekend!
Tina xx

Friday 3 September 2010

Peg bags and polka dots!

Hello lovely people - feels like ages since I've blogged! I've had a lovely day off today, sewing pretty peg bags and sorting through all my fabrics and trimmings! It has inspired me to make loads more things.
This afternoon Fi and I took Maddie & Freya (aka Bella and the Moo) to look at a nursery. It was lovely to watch them playing and to see the confused looks on the faces of the staff as they tried to work out which was which!!
I'm off to pick Elmo up from work in a minute, then cook a big roast dinner for everyone, then I think I may even take a night off!
I have the weekend all to myself this week, so am hoping to get loads of sewing done, ready for our craft fair. I can't believe it's only 2 weeks away! Ahhhh! Bit scary as it's our first one ... still, we have sold all the tables and have lots of lovely volunteers helping us out with teas and stuff.
Bella and I are off fly-posting tomorrow. I hope if you see one of our posters it will encourage you to come along! After all, what could be a nicer way to spend a Saturday afternoon than mooching about through lovely vintage and craft things, then sitting down to a cuppa and a delicious slice of Jane's cake!
Take care lovelies and remember to laugh every day.
Tina xx

Wednesday 25 August 2010

It's raining again!

What better excuse to stay in and bake and sew!
The kitchen is rather warm today, I have fruit cake, courgette loaf, spicy veg soup and cottage pie on the go! At the same time I'm sewing 'bunches of love', lots of gorgeous hearts all tied together with jute. I've made some in pinks and reds and they are so lovely. In fact a friend popped in when I was sewing them and ordered some to give as a wedding present!
The Moo and I are hoping the weather cheers up for the week-end as we are having a stall at the Stogursey 'It's a knock-out' and fayre, hopefully we'll see you there. We are also getting increasingly busy for our craft and vintage fair in September at Spaxton village Hall- look out for the posters going up near you soon!! We are really looking forward to meeting you all!

And if it carries on raining then what better excuse to don your wellies and go splashing in the puddles!!! Have Fun!!!

Look after each other, work hard and be nice to each other

Lot's of love from Bella and The Moo xxx

Sunday 15 August 2010

Night glow and knitting wool!


Hi there lovely people - Moo here! It's been a very busy week and a lovely, lovely weekend. I'm very lucky because my weekends last three days every week ... on Friday Fi and the gorgeous twins visited and we went for a lovely walk to the park, through the village and to the shop for chocolate! (for the twins not us!!) We had to take William the bear with us and he rode the swings and slid down the slide ... and we all had a lovely time!
Friday afternoon I decided to give the sewing machine her first outing for a few days and made three lovely cushions in a gorgeous cream linen with a heart motif ... I've listed them on folksy.com so we're hoping someone will love them enough to give them a new home!
Yesterday Bella and I took Mother Bea to a craft fair at Maunsell Lock. Unfortunately the weather wasn't kind but we met some lovely people! After that a visit to the craft centre in our local garden centre, where we were introduced to some fabulous knitting yarns and ideas to use them! We all came away with a ball of wool and a plan to use it! Thank you to the lovely lady who showed us how to knit gorgeous ruffled and sparkly scarves!
Bella and I braved the weather yesterday to visit the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for the night glow ... the weather meant none of the balloons were able to take off early in the evening, but later on after the sun had gone down and we'd kept warm with yummy hot chocolate, we were treated to a lovely music and light spectacle, followed by fireworks! I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet!
Bella and I had to clamber our way back up through Ashton Court in the dark (with no lighting) to the car park. It was very wet and muddy as there had been a lot of rain throughout the day. Bella stayed very elegant and clean whilst I slipped and landed on my dignity in a large puddle of mud!! A sense of humour always helps in these situations!! We took a little while to find Scarlett O'Cara once we got to the top but spotted her from a distance because of the posters in both windows advertising our Craft Fair! What a relief!! Shame it took us an hour or so to get out of the car park, but it would have taken longer but for the lovely young man who let us into the traffic queue!!
I am amazed that Bella was able to stay away long enough to drive us home, as I was no use nor ornament by that time! But she did and we finally drove into our little village just after 1am! Early nights for us tonight I think!
I've had a lovely chilling day today, knitting myself a sparkly scarf!! Watch out family and friends - you may all be getting them for Christmas!!
Bye for now and remember to Live, Laugh and Love!
Tina xx

Friday 13 August 2010

busy baking and messy chutney

Hello Folks, well that's another week flown by! I hope it's been a good one for you. It's been another busy one for Bella and The Moo.
Tina and I sourced some gorgeous fabric and Tina is buzzing with ideas, I can almost hear her sewing machine from my house! We have also got some lovely vintage mirrors and some old furniture to work our magic on, I will be busy sanding, painting and distressing.
Today after work I decided to get baking and cooking. I was given plums, apples and runner beans so decided to make chutney. I am a messy cook! My kitchen ended up very sticky indeed. It didn't help that I was baking rich honey cake, flapjack, tea bread, muffins and vanilla butterfly cakes all in a tiny kitchen at the same time!! You know I love cake, although it isn't all for me-honest! I was baking for a friend who has just come out of hospital and another friend who has just had her first baby, a gorgeous boy named Reuben. He is beautiful!
I have also been busy adorning pretty hearts with vintage glass buttons, they are lovely even if I say so myself.

Saturday tommorrow and Tina, Mother Bea and I are off to a craft market at Maunsel Lock on the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal, really looking forward to that. Try and come along if you can. In the eve we are off to The Bristol Balloon Fiesta to see the night glow, so we are really hoping for good weather.


Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

Enjoy your weekend and take really good care of each other , Amanda xxx

Friday 6 August 2010

yippee it's Friday!

Hello, it has been a lovely week, however it's the weekend and time to shop and sew!
Tina and I are off to choose some new fabrics for our new range. Thats always exciting, usually too much to choose from and difficult to make decisions. No doubt we will stop for tea and cake and make our choices then.
I have just finished making some bunting using vintage fabrics in shades of blue, tempted to keep it myself !
Now it's time to pamper my aching feet, a foot soak and then another big decision-which colour nail polish to choose!! My friend Laura is treating me to some time at The Clifton Relaxation Centre tomorrow, which I'm really looking forward to. I will be all revitalised and ready to go again!

My lovely, crazy friend Corrina said to me the other day "if you can't see the bright side of life then polish the dull side", that's a very good piece of advice. You'll be able to meet Corrina at our fair in September, her stand 'Sticks & Stones' is going to be just so tempting. Her work is amazing!

Bye for now and have a lovely weekend
Bella aka Amanda xxx

Thursday 5 August 2010

Hello lovely people - I'm so glad it's the start of my weekend! It's been a very busy, stressful week and I can't wait to get back to what I love best - my family and crafting!!
Bella and I had a meeting last night, over a glass of fizzy rose, and made a new business plan, which involves spending time choosing new fabrics and designs! Can't wait ... we will be launching our new range around the time of our craft fair in September, so watch this space for lots of lovely pics!
We also drooled over Jane's list of cakes and selected some yummy ones to sell in the tea-tent at the fair - ooh, I'm so looking forward to it. We have two lovely helpers coming along to serve the teas, Sarah and Rachael, so pop in and say hello! Rachael has just moved into a lovely new home, so I'm sure will be looking for lots of gorgeous things for it!
I'm off swimming with the little Bella & The Moo tomorrow, and I can't wait! I have my ear defenders ready (they were a bit noisy for the first 10 minutes of the session, as it was very new to them), but have been asking all week for Tina Swimming? so off we go again!
Digit, my fat cat, is eyeing me strangely - how do they always know when it's time for their annual visit to the vets for jabs? I bet she'll be nowhere to be found when I try to get her into the basket tomorrow morning!!! Little darling!
Well I'm off to bed now so night-night all and remember to be nice to one another!
Tina (aka The Moo) xx

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Hello

Well it's been a while since I've had time to write. Life has been so busy, I've been away house sitting, so had a techno break. Have been spending my time living 'the good life', walking various dogs, collecting eggs from the hens, collecting produce from the garden and generally chilling!!
Tina and I have also been out and about, teas at Halswell House - a lovely way to while away an afternoon and Bella and The Moo have gone Global! Lot's of networking with people from all over the world at a garden party. The Americans simply love us darling- all that tea and chintz!
Off to Moo's for a business meeting in a mo, I suspect the wine is chilling in the fridge!

Always remember when life get's to hectic, "keep calm and eat a cup cake"

Take really good care of yourselves and each other

Bella aka Amanda xxx

Sunday 1 August 2010

Wanted - Mojo!!

Hello lovely people - sorry I haven't updated the blog for a while - seem to have been so busy (and unfortunately not with lovely, creative, Bella & The Moo stuf either!).
It's been a very busy week - back to work after a week off, which was very busy, and lots of bits and pieces to see to, as well.
Fi and I took the angel babies swimming on Friday - they hadn't been for quite a few months, so it was all new to them, and they weren't very pleased to be in the water for the first 10 minutes or so! They both clung to Fi and screamed their heads off. After that they slowly got used to it and we even had some giggles in the end - in fact, they managed almost an hour in the pool, which was lovely. We're going to do it all over again next Friday!!
Amanda and I trundled out for a run yesterday morning and managed a lot better than our previous runs, so we must be getting somewhere!!
We have a business meeting planned for Wednesday, so will both be looking to get our mojo back and start creating again! I've just made a lovely cotton shopper in a beautiful floral Sanderson print as I felt I just HAD to do something creative!! It does look great and will be on sale at our craft fair in September.
We've both realised it's only 7 weeks away, so need to build up some stock for that, and for the Stogursey Its A Knockout day during Bank Holiday weekend, where we will have a stall.
More soon peeps!
Lots of love
Tina xx

Sunday 25 July 2010

Perfect Sunday afternoon!

Hello lovely people - Amanda and I have just spent a perfect (if windy!) afternoon at Halswell House in beautiful Somerset. We drank tea and ate cupcakes sitting on the lawn listening to the jazz band. It was gorgeous! We did resist the lure of the Pimms & Champagne tent as we both had to drive today, but spent a couple of blissful hours wandering amongst the 20 or so stalls selling gorgeous goodies, stopping to chat here and there with fellow crafters!
We twice missed the start of a tour of the house by the resident ghost, so had to content ourselves with staying out in the sunshine, watching lots of small children learning the complicated game of croquet and riding in Victoria swingboats!
Back to reality with a bump tomorrow, as I am returning to work! I haven't done half the things I had planned, or half the crafting! Never mind, I'll have to have a spurt this week to catch up! I do feel very chilled though ... the week off gave me time to stop and enjoy life - to appreciate where I live and how lucky I am!
Hope you all have a lovely week!
Tina xx

Saturday 24 July 2010

Where did it go??

Hello everyone - can't believe my week off work is already over! It disappeared in a slowed-down haze of pottering about finishing off projects, researching on the net and drinking tea with Bella!
We managed to get our bums in gear and go for a run yesterday, which was lovely! We were much better than the first time we went out on Monday and only needed two hours drinking tea and chatting to recover ourselves!!!
I've been busy listing lots of our things in our folksy shop - have a look at http://www.folksy.com/shops/tinadarch and let us know what you think of our goodies!
I was hoping to take Bella and the Moo (aka Freya and Maddie) swimming yesterday with their mum Fi, but Quantock Lodge doesn't open for summer family swims till next week, so the girls came to visit instead ... cue lifting all my craft projects about 4' up in the air, so the girls can't "explore" them! It was lovely to see them and Freya has renamed Steve "Silly Grandad", which everyone but him thought was hysterical!!
It's very quiet here at the moment as I have the house to myself - Luke and Steph are both working and Steve is out playing golf with two chums! So I'm not having to listen to the golf on the telly in the background or the dulcet strains of Slipknot hurtling down the stairs!
Must be time for another cuppa now ... will catch up with Bella tomorrow when we both go over to Halswell House for their open afternoon of croquet on the lawn, tea & cupcakes, strawberries & cream, vintage Victorian swingboats and about 30 lovely craft stalls selling all things gorgeous and unique. Can't wait!
Lots of love
Tina (aka The Moo)
xxx

Wednesday 21 July 2010

the Moo takes a week off ...

Hello everyone - Tina here (aka The Moo) enjoying a lovely week off work. I spent yesterday sewing and made lots of lovely lavender bags - my living room smells gorgeous! Today I have been valiantly trying to finish knitting the baby's cardi I was asked to make before I went to France (I did the back whilst I was away). Bella and the Moo have been so busy since then that I haven't found the time, so this morning I sat on the sofa for 3 hours knitting and watching the telly!! Such sacrifices I make!
Seriously, though, I have spent some time researching suppliers on the net - need to find good suppliers of fabric, trimmings, bags and tissue, labels - all things gorgeous. Will be speaking to our lovely friend Kim soon too to see if she will start making us some beautiful wirework & crystal heart decorations, along with the fab jewellery she already makes!
We will be out and about again next month in the lovely village of Stogursey, with a stall at their annual Its A Knockout Day! Should be fun!
Be lovely to each other!
Tina xx

Saturday 17 July 2010

And we're off .... !

What can I say - we had a lovely time at the school fair yesterday, where we met some lovely people and received some lovely comments on our pretty things. It was a very strange feeling when we made our first sale ... we both just looked at each other and giggled "we're in business!". It was great fun and hopefully we will reach a time when we can do this for a living - it is fab!!
Amanda stayed for the whole 5 hours whilst I was off dancing and partying at the golf club summer ball - bless her for covering the whole event and having to pack everything away by herself!!
I must say being in the school yesterday restored my faith in teenagers - every single one there was doing their best to make the event a success and to be as helpful as possible. Well done to everyone at Haygrove School for hosting such a successful event!
As well as the things we sold on the day we also came away with a couple of orders, so I shall be back at the sewing machine tomorrow making them!
Take care everyone and remember to enjoy every single moment!

Tina & Amanda
xx

Friday 16 July 2010

Bella and The Moo go to the fair


Hello, hope you saw us at the fair. Our first one! It all went well, we met lot's of people who loved what we were doing, lot's of ooohhhh's and aaaahhhh's and " oohh my granny had one of those". Thank you to all of you who supported us. It was great fun, more like a social really with all the chit-chat, tea and cakes! We have taken several orders so we will be busy sourcing fabric and sewing next week.
It's simply lovely doing the things you love doing!

The great essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.
-Joseph Addison


You all have a lovely, lovely weekend and love each other.

Amanda & Tina aka Bella & Moo xxxx

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Ready, Steady, Go!

Hello lovely people - Amanda and I have just been practicing our display for Friday's Summer Fair. We thought it looked lovely, but had it confirmed when my 18 year old step-daughter came to look and just went "Wow!". Guess we've got it pitched ok!!
It was good to see just how much stuff we had made and collected over the last couple of months since starting Bella and the Moo. Just got to keep our fingers crossed now that we make some sales on Friday! If not, at least we've got lots of things ready for our own fair in September! lol
Must dash - want to write to Ben before bed!
Lots of love
Tina xx

Monday 12 July 2010

Our first fair is coming up!

Hello lovely people - just a quick update before I'm off to bed! Amanda and I have just spent a happy couple of hours pricing up lots of our gorgeous handmade and vintage treasures ready for the Haygrove School Summer Fair on Friday. It's our first outing as Bella and the Moo, so we're not sure how it will go, but hopefully dipping our toe in the water will give us some idea of where to pitch ourselves!
I've still got to make a banner with the lovely Cath Kidston iron-on letters I got on ebay as well as customise our two aprons .. oh and I've got to get some more cushion inners and we have to practice putting our display together! Golly we'll be busy!
On top of all that we'll be doing our day jobs, slimming world, yoga, visiting the real Bella and the Moo and lots of other stuff! Lovin it!!!
Remember - if you love life, life will love you back.
Take care of each other.
Tina xx

Sunday 11 July 2010

Staff Away Day!!

Hello lovely people - Amanda and I had a lovely day out yesterday (for my birthday). We called into Watchet for a mooch about and had a cuppa, followed by a lovely al fresco lunch in a tea-garden in Dunster. Then we spent alot of time bimbling about in the local shops, which stock fabulous things ... we get lots of inspiration and I couldn't wait to get back to my sewing machine! Amanda made the day so special for me - she is such a gorgeous person!
Today I have been busy at the machine and have made some blue camouflage bunting (for Mummy's or Daddy's little soldier) and a great checked cushion with a heart motif on the front.
We have our first craft fair event this coming Friday at Haygrove School, so if you are out and about looking for some lovely things - pop in! It's happening from 3.30pm - 8.30pm.
Lots to do - it only seems like yesterday we had a vague kind of "what if ..." sort of conversation and here we are - doing it!!!
Take care of each other!
Tina xx

Monday 5 July 2010

Tina's face was a picture!


At last I can stop being Agent A, secrets are such hard work!! Tina's friends and family all brought goodies for the table and a few tipples, and the champagne that had been hiding in my garage was flowing nicely!
Tina is one of lifes good people, always doing things for others, being there when times are tough and generally being a rock, so it was lovely to do this for her. Tina is one amazing 50 year old and I love her to bits!
Now we have to get Bella and The Moo back on track as we are at a charity fair in two weeks, sewing machines at the ready. We are fully booked for our fair in September and have taken lots of bookings for our Christmas Fair, so it's all looking good.

All for now, remember "work hard and be nice to people"

Take very good care of yourselves xxx

Sunday 4 July 2010

Bonjour mes amis!


Hello everyone - it is lovely to be back. I have had a gorgeous few days in France, with my lovely hubby and arrived home yesterday tea-time to find my fabulous best friend Amanda had organised a surprise 50th birthday garden party for me! The house and garden were festooned with gogeous bunting and streamers and everywhere looked very, very pretty! All my closest friends and family were there too and I had the most amazing few hours. The champagne flowed, there was food aplenty and such a lovely, lovely atmosphere. Thank you especially to Amanda and Kim for all their hard work in not only organising the party, but in managing to keep it secret from me!!
I have come back from my hol refreshed and with loads of new ideas, so will be getting the sewing machine out in the next day or so to have a go!!
Yesterday evening was very very special for me and it made me feel so warm and blessed to be surrounded by such lovely, lovely people ... it's so comforting sometimes to take time out to appreciate all the fantastic blessings in our lives, and I have plenty!
Lots of love
Tina xx

Sunday 27 June 2010

jumble sale heaven and chicken sitting

Hello folks, long time no blog. I have been away house and pet sitting with no PC. Too busy walking dogs and looking after chickens. Although I had plenty of time to make bunting, heart shaped embellished with buttons, it's really pretty.
The wedding went well as did Tina's Birthday Celebrations. Hard to believe my best friend is 50, she doesn't look it at all.
Bea, our finder of lovely things, and I went to a jumble sale on Saturday. It was huge with a long queue outside, always a good sign. So elbows at the ready, only joking, although I had my lovely jumble sale bag and lot's of change at the ready! I picked up lot's of gorgeous fabric so I must get sewing.
We also went upto Brymore Open Day and enjoyed a yummy cream tea while sitting in the sunshine and listening to the jazz band play, what a lovely way to spend a summer day. I also met lot's of fellow crafters, some of whom are having stands at our fair in September, nice to do a bit of networking. Crafters are such lovely folks.

The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions- the little soon forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind look, or heartfelt compliment.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Take really good care of yourselves and enjoy the summer

Amanda xx

Wednesday 23 June 2010

Over 50s Club!

Hi everyone from way over the hill in the Over 50s Club!
I am in the middle of the most wonderful birthday celebrations - I never thought turning 50 would be so much fun!
I went out for a lovely meal with lots of close friends and colleagues from work, and Amanda joined us too! A gorgeous time was had by all at Bottelinos in Weston-super-Mare and I came away laden with good wishes, birthday cards and gifts!
Today I have been to visit Bella and the Moo and their lovely mummy Fi before being taken on a very relaxing drive and picnic by Steve through Watchet and Dunster - bliss! And of course the weather is perfect.
Tonight I am out for dinner with Steve and Luke, which I am so looking forward to!
Tomorrow I'll be packing and shopping most of the day for our holiday and on Friday morning we're off!
I'm sure by the time we get back Amanda will have floated Bella on the stock exchange!
Here's hoping the weather stays beautiful here AND in France where we will be camping!
Love to you all
Tina xxx

Monday 21 June 2010


Hello everyone - I'm back from the wedding! We had a lovely day - the sun shone, the venue was lovely and Fi and Shaun were able to be married out on the lawn, watched by loving family and friends including the beautifully behaved Bella and the Moo, who sat spell-bound whilst mummy and daddy took their vows and signed the register!
Steve gave a lovely speech, which raised a tear or two, Fi looked radiant, flanked by her four lovely bridesmaids in raspberry pink and Shaun, handsome as ever, in his morning suit.
Back to reality with a bump! We've booked a table at a local craft event next month, so I will have to get really busy once I get back from France! Aaahhhh!!
Amanda and I are off with friends to celebrate my "special" birthday tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to! Bottelino's here we come - the girls are going to party!!
Have fun and love life!
Tina xx

Friday 18 June 2010

I do love a summer wedding!

Hello everyone! I can't believe that Fi and Shaun are getting married tomorrow! Seems only a short while ago they announced their engagement! The weather forecast is looking glorious so the wedding will be able to be outdoors in the sunshine - how wonderful!
I looked after Bella and the Moo today whilst mum and dad finished off last minute wedding tasks ... what a treat! We splashed in the paddling pool, walked all the way to the village park and back and played happily for hours! (Except when Elmo arrived home on his bike and they took one look at him and burst out howling!!). Poor Elmo!
I've checked my outfit and shoes, got my nails done and taken a breath ... let's go!!!
Pictures to follow next week!!
Tina xx

Thursday 17 June 2010

big blue skys and white fluffy clouds-yippee!


Hello People, what a gorgeous day! The whole world seems a lovlier place to be when the sun is shining and you can't get anywhere nicer than somerset in the sun ( although Tina's hubby Steve might disagree and tell you that Devon is nicer).
After work I went for a lovely long walk around the fields and golf course of Cannington picking elderflowers to make cordial, hopefully it will taste delicious- I'll let you know. Bumped into my lovely neighbour and her gorgeous newborn baby, Douglas-what a cutie,almost makes me feel broody again!! As my youngest at home is nearly 18 I think I'll just enjoy my freedom. Anyway I'm far too busy with Bella and The Moo. I'm going to make some heart shaped bunting and embellish the hearts with vintage buttons, they should look gorgeous.
Enjoyed a delicious supper in the garden with Tina last night, a bottle of rose and lots of ideas for lovely things to make, so had better get busy. Tina has a special Birthday coming up next week and it's Katies 21st party this weekend so it'll be cards, bunting cakes and candles galore. Fi and Shaun will be getting Wed this Saturday, so even more celebrations! Oooohh I just love parties, you can't beat a good 'do' .Happy Days ahead and long may they continue.

just a thought for you,'The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap'

Take really good care of yourself and enjoy the sun for tommorrow it will probably snow xxx

Mr Blue Sky ...

Hello lovely people! Isn't it lovely to have so much sunshine and warm weather!! Amanda and I had supper together yesterday sitting in the garden, with a glass of chilled rose - perfect!
I was a little lost for inspiration after the weekend so put the sewing machine to bed for the week and got on with some lovely summer-themed greetings cards - the results were really great (but I'm keeping the most gorgeous one for Amanda's birthday in September - don't tell her!!).
Picked up a fantastic sewing book from the book people who come round to the centre I work in and it's fully of gorgeous ideas! I will be putting a lot of them to the test when I get back from my French camping holiday at the beginning of July, so watch this space for some gorgeous pics!
If you've never seen our cushions, bunting and bags then check us out at folksy.com/stores/bellaandthemoo
Make sure to go out and about and enjoy the fabulous weather!
Tina xx

Sunday 13 June 2010

the sun has got it's hat on, a fur lined beanie!

So it's back to cloudy grey and wind.What better excuse not to do the garden and read a very good book instead, oh and catch up on the blog to all you lovely people. Went out with the girls last night for supper and the pic's to see Sex and The City 2, what a great evening. Good food, good company and Big- oh well a girl can dream! Lucky Carrie!! And to top it all she meets up with the GAWJUS Aiden AND gets new shoes!! Although new shoes seem to be the order of the day, I met an old girlfriend for lunch and some shopping,I got a cute little pair of sparkly flip flops. Just need some sunshine now.
Got some lovely fabric this week so I will be getting my sewing machine out later, pretty lavender hearts spring to mind.

Love does not make the world go round; Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Take really good care of yourself and remember to smile- it's contagious

xxx

Thursday 10 June 2010

Time off!

Hello lovelies! I wish the weather would make up it's mind - is it summer, or is it winter?? It's very chilly at the moment and my poor garden is getting blown about! All the flowers are dipping their heads trying to keep them!!
I'm off to see Ben tomorrow, as he's now completed his 5 weeks basic training at Sandhurst and is entitled to a weekend off! Yippee!! That'll be lovely!
Amanda and I had a fab business meeting last night, accompanied by a bottle of rose! Got lots done, but seem to come away with an even bigger list of things to do!! We both want to get back to being creative, but know we need to sort out all the paperwork and technical stuff too!! We've decided to book a date for a Christmas fair too and hope everything works out well!
We're off to do a car boot sale on Saturday morning, so if you're passing Puriton pop in and say hello!!
Tina xx

Sunday 6 June 2010

sun,rain,cloud,sun,sun,cloud,wind, wellies,vest,bikini

Hello Lovely People and Morris Men,

As ever the weather is interesting, sun burnt shoulders (silly girl) and soaked through all in one day, Yippee! Cycling home and got caught in a shower, at least the herb plants I was carrying in my basket got a nice drink!
Went to Glastonbury today, climbed the Tor and nearly gone blown off the top it was so windy! The view was worth it. Walked back into town and got a restorative cup of tea and a scrumptious lemon muffin. I also found some lovely old fabric in a charity shop, which I think will look lovely turned into a patchwork quilt - now that's what I call upcycling.
Came home and decided to cook soup as the sun had gone in again. Lettuce, asparagus and stilton - looks like pondweed, but tastes yummy. Also roasted pepper and red lentil soup, that's tomorrow's lunch sorted. All thanks to my little bro who brings me home the end of day stuff that's nearly past it from the shop he works in.
I also made a bag using Tina's pattern, must learn to use a tape measure!! It will be good for knitting but not a lot else!
Nearly finished the squares for my 'Romany' blanket, will get back to it in a mo but thought I'd grab the pc before my darling teenagers come home and hog it.

While at Glastonbury I saw this and thought I'd share it with you 'Life is not about learning to survive the storms;it's about learning to dance in the rain'.
If you get the chance, go and see The Morris Men, great fun. Let's support these Great British Random Traditions.

Take Really Good Care of Yourself,
Amanda xx

Friday 4 June 2010

stolen by the morris men!

Hello everyone - what a lovely evening we had yesterday! Amanda cooked Steve and I a tasty supper and then we wondered down to our local pub - the Friendly Spirit - to watch a troupe of morris men - the West Somerset Morris Men. What an entertainment! At one point I was spirited away to join them in the dance, much to Amanda and Steve's amusement! They were a lovely group of gentlemen and if you ever get the chance to see them, do go along!
Not much being made or bought for Bella and the Moo this week, and this evening we're all off on the West Somerset Steam Railway for a trip and a ploughman's supper, which should be lovely! Mother Bea is coming too!
Take care.
Love to all
Tina xx

Tuesday 1 June 2010

Bea The Busy Bee and Bunting

Hello all you lovely people, long time no blog from me- my PC only plays when it feels like it!! SShhh, but I think sewing machines are much nicer.
Anyway ,Mother Bea, our finder of lovely things, has been busy- so we will have an interesting selection of gorgeous vintage goodies for our fair. OOhhh, it's hard to resist bringing it into my home to use.
I've been busy making bunting, yes more bunting, for Katies 21st Birthday party and of course baking! Baking is my stress therapy, I just have to make sure I give all the cakes away or I wouldn't be able to reach my sewing machine!!
Tina has been busy with all the techy stuff, ooohhh scary stuff, absolutely fab results though, check out our website www.bellaandthemoo.yolasite.com or follow our blog on www.blogger.com - we'd love to know what you think.
I'm still trying to finish my crochet blanket, it's going very slowly and have found some lovely fabric to make lavender sachets-mmm my home always smells lovely and calming when I'm making those.
Anyway just time to do a bit more sewing before yoga this eve.

"The happiest people seem to be those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing" we're sewing; therefore we're happy.

Take really good care of yourself
Amanda xx

Monday 31 May 2010

Sarah said "make things!"

Hi All

My sewing machine and I have been very busy today - I've made some padded hearts, a lovely little bag and a union jack cushion. Photos to follow, as my camera has just packed up!

Amanda's lovely mum, Bea, has given us some lovely bits n pieces for our fair and our garages are starting to look very full again. I feel another car boot sale coming on to make space!!

Got to dash - more to do!

Tina xx

~

Sunday 30 May 2010

Back to work!

Hi everyone - Amanda and I have been busy all this week, making cakes, sewing lovely things and updating the website and our facebook page. If you have a mo take a look at our new website at www.bellaandthemoo.yolasite.com and check us out on facebook.
We've uploaded lots of photos of our lovely vintage china, glass and homeware, as well as pics of our pretty hand-made goodies.
I spent a lovely hour or two yesterday with Bella and the Moo (these are the lovely names we use for our lovely grandchildren Freya (Bella) and Maddie (the Moo) and after whom we named this exciting venture!! They are 20 month old identical twin girls who are absolutely adorable and I spend as much time as possible with them, inbetween working and making or buying pretty things!
I had an unsuccessful trip to Taunton on Friday - I was hoping to pick up some lovely vintage fabric to make into bags, cushions, hearts or whatever, but didn't strike lucky on my shopping spree! Never mind - there's a jumble sale next Saturday so who knows what will turn up!
In the meantime I have heaps of fabric to keep my going and a head overflowing with ideas for bag and cushion designs!!
Must dash - off to the pub quiz with Amanda though not sure if our brains will work too well as we were on a hen do last night!!
Tina xx

Tuesday 25 May 2010

The website is finally on the go!!

Hi everyone - we are so lucky the lovely weather has carried on. It makes you feel so much better, doesn't it?
I have been busy this evening trying to work out how to set up the website, and am feeling quite pleased with the first attempt! Have a look at www.bellaandthemoo.yolasite.com and let us know what you think. I'll be loading more photos over the coming days, so keep watching.
We now have 4 bookings for the fair in September, with lots more interest being shown, so are really hoping for a great day! Amanda and I will be shopping and making frantically from now till then to make sure we have a lovely selection of things for the fair!
Tina xx

Monday 24 May 2010

fun in th sun

Hello all you good people,
Wow what glorious weather! As you can see the photo shoot went well, although Dige the fat cat was having none of it! He much preferred the cool shade of the plants. It's hard work taking all those photos, rearranging things etc and funnily enough Steve, Tina's lovely hubby, decided to watch the cricket instead of being our runner. So we soon needed tea and cake to revive us!Such a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially as Tina had just taken part in the race for life. Well done Tina!!
I have a gorgeous new bag, Thank you Tina. I love it! you can get a glimpse of it in the pics- check it out. Even better come along to the Bella and The Moo fair and treat yourself to one.
I took myself off for a lovely walk along the canal yesterday evening, so peaceful and relaxing. Sat on a bench, looking out over the water, listening to the bees buzz and the fish breaking the surface of the water and read my book, absolute bliss. Ain't life just grand!!

'To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.'

All for now, look after yourself and each other

Amandaxx










What a glorious weekend we have had! Amanda and I spent a couple of hours out in the sunshine in the garden photographing our bits and pieces ready for sale. Let us know what you think of our lovely things!

Saturday 22 May 2010

Sunshiney day!

Hi Everyone! Well - another lovely day! Amanda and I spent 6 hours at the card-making workshop and both of us have made some gorgeous cards. These will be on our website by the end of the week, so do have a look!
Amanda was very pleased with the bag I'd made her, which matches mine. They became like a Bella and the Moo trademark today!!
We're hoping the sun shines again tomorrow so we can take lots of lovely photos in the garden of our gorgeous vintage china, as well as our beautiful makes.
Keep an eye out on here and the website for those!
Wish me luck for tomorrow's Race for Life and keep smiling!
Tina xx

Friday 21 May 2010

Summer days!

Hello all - wow! The sun has come out and doesn't it make everything brighter and more cheerful! What a busy day I've had though - a trip to the hairdressers, baking some cupcakes and a lovely afternoon playing in the garden with my gorgeous grand-daughters in the sunshine. After that Amanda popped over for a cuppa. What a great way to spend my day off!
She has been raving about my rose-print shopping bag so I have made her one as a surprise and also made several smaller bags in the same print. I think these will look lovely with a corsage on them so will be looking for some inspiration for those!
Amanda and I are off to a card-making workshop tomorrow so I'm hoping to get lots of lovely cards made, including a wedding card for my fabulous step-daughter Fi and her fiance Shaun, who are getting married next month!
Keep your fingers crossed the weather stays lovely as I'm running the Race for Life on Sunday morning, then Amanda and I are hoping to get our photo shoot done for the website and this lovely blog!!
Keep shining xx

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Rain and cake and bunting ho hum

Hello All, the sun has disappeared so to cheer myself up I came in and baked, works everytime as long as I don't eat to much. A victoria sponge for Mrs T and some fruity buns for my tribe, and I only ate one!
I needed a rest from cutting out bunting pennants, wow my fingers ache! All being well I will sew them up after work this evening.
We now have some lovely vintage jewellery and accessories for the fair, Thank You Mother Bea, our finder of nice things. Lot's more interest from lovely people wanting to have a stall at the fair, it should be a lovely and busy event. Hope you'll all come along and see what our local crafters have to offer and of course enjoy some tea and cake.

Happiness seems made to be shared.
-Jean Racine.

Hope your day is a happy, sharing one and that the sun comes out.
Take good care of yourselves and each other,
With Love, Amanda x

Sunday 16 May 2010

Hi lovely people! I am very excited - Amanda & I have just taken our first booking for the craft fair in September from a lovely lady with lots of vintage clothing to sell! Feels like we are really, really in business now!
Steve and I had a lovely day out today with the angel babies, but came back exhausted!
I did sit down to unwind by making some toy/laundry bags and shoe bags in a lovely blue fabric covered in cars, lorries etc. Will be great for small boys!
Amanda and I are having another business meeting tomorrow, as we have lots to do and lots to sort out!
Bella and The Moo are flying!!
Keep reading lovely people!
Tina xx

Saturday 15 May 2010

Car booty!

Hello everyone! Well, the weather stayed dry for our car boot sale, but unfortunately there weren't too many people out buying. Still, Amanda and I resisted the temptation to buy anything and did sell some of our bits n bobs so we have cleared a bit of space in our garages for Bella and the Moo.
I hope to make some more bags tomorrow, as well as cut out lots of pennants for our bunting, but all that will have to wait, as Steve and I are taking the angel twins out for the day. We thought a visit to the garden centre might be in order ... the girls love running about looking at the startled pets and causing havoc in the china department! Bless them!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend people!
Tina xx

Hello Sunshine

Hello Lovely People, Yippee the sun came out! A very busy week cutting out pennants for bunting, a lot of bunting!! Mrs T, a lovely inspirational lady in her 80's taught me how to make marmalade and it's scrumptious! Lot's of interest in Bella and The Moos 1st fair in September, so we have alot to do. Better get stitching, although in weather like this it is so tempting to go out walking. we are so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and lot's of lovely beaches, rude not to go out and explore. Gather some friends, a pic-nic and off we go!
Saw this and thought I'd share it with you; Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Isn't that lovely and what better excuse just to sit and be. May butterflies alight on you.
Love Amanda x

Thursday 13 May 2010


Hello everyone! I have finally been able to get back to my sewing machine tonight and have made a great bag for keeping in your handbag - very roomy, ideal for a good rummage at a jumble sale or in a charity shop!! Let me know what you think!
Just had a lovely voicemail from Ben, who is having to fold all his clothes into an A4 size and polish his boots this evening! He sounds fine, though, so I can breathe a sigh of relief that he's half-way through the first of the five weeks of basic training!
I have quite a bit more of the lovely rose fabric and will be making several bags of different sizes over the next day or two - they will be great for when Amanda and I go on foraging sprees!!
That's all for now. Love each other.
Tina xx

Sunday 9 May 2010

What a strange day!

Hello friends - What a strange day. I've been up to Sandhurst to wave Bon Voyage to my son Ben. Sandhurst is a very impressive estate, but I did think a bit of bunting fluttering in the breeze and some lovely hand-made cushions would have made it a bit less imposing.
Hopefully now normal service will be resumed. I've got several bags cut out and ready to be sewn together and then I have to price up all the goodies in my garage which are going off to the carboot sale in Burnham-on-Sea on Saturday. Then there's some furniture to distress, cards to finish, loads of display bunting to sew and about a million and one other things to do before next weekend.
Oh well - keeps me out of mischief.
See you soon and look after each other. Tina xx

Saturday 8 May 2010

how cold?!

Hello, so how much colder is it going to get!! Back into woolly vests and socks! Got a gorgeous, colourful crochet blanket at the jumble sale, reckon I'll be using that later if it gets any colder.
Tina and I checked out the village hall for the craft fair, deciding how many tables, how much bunting etc, and of course where to put the tea tables. We then drove out to the pretty village of Cossington to go to the jumble sale. It was very busy. We both got some pretty china and embroidered cloths, will get creative with those over the weekend (once I warm up a bit!).
Think I'll start on the bunting-we need alot!!
A thought for you- Ralph Waldo Emerson once said " A man is what he thinks about all day long" ... so does that mean I'm a cup of tea and a slice of cake???

Be safe and be nice to each other
Amanda xx
Hello! Tina here - managed to finally get home safely from Bristol after two hours on the M5! Spent the evening washing 115 socks for my eldest Ben after having foolishly offerd to do some last-minute washing before he goes into Sandhurst! What was I thinking of - I could have been making pretties for Bella and the Moo!
Never mind, I got up early this morning and got stuck into the card-making so we have lots of stylish cards ready for our craft fair.
Off to the jumble sale later and we're hoping to get our mitts onto some vintage fabric and lovely things!
See you soon! Tina xx

Friday 7 May 2010

Scarlet O'Cara comes home and Tina is stuck on the M5 without her knitting

So that's it then, summer over! It's so cold today. Luckily my lovely car Scarlet O'Cara is out of the garage after having her engine rebuilt. Thank You to Mark and Barry at Dean Motors,they know how much I need my car. And of course L made them cake!
Poor Tina is stuck on the motorway, as there has been a pile up. Let's hope all involved are ok.Thank goodness for mobiles, it's giving Tina something to do. Must remember to take a good book and your knitting on all journeys!! Let's hope she gets home in time for tommorow- we're checking out the venue for the Bella and The Moo Fair and then onto a jumble sale. ooooh lovely, hopefully lots of lovely vintage fabric and other goodies. It will help to occupy Tina's mind as she is all upside down at the moment as Her eldest Son, Ben, is off to Sandhurst on Sunday. We wish Him all the very best and think He is very brave. Tina is obviously anxious and very proud. Big Love to You both.
Only did 2 squares to my blanket last night, Outnumbered was just to funny!!
Cheerio for now and let's all do the sundance!
Friendship improves happiness and abates misery by doubling our joy and dividing our grief. Hoorah for Friends!

Amanda xx

Thursday 6 May 2010

Hello again from soggy Somerset! I have been very good this evening and finished off the Peter Rabbit bunting - it looks very sweet and I hope to get a photo of it on here if the weather dries up enough to take a picture at the weekend!
I shan't be around much over the weekend as I have a lot of running around to do with my eldest son Ben going off to Sandhurst - my loft and garage will soon be overflowing with his things (as well as a lot of Bella and the Moo's bits and pieces)!
I hope to catch up with you on Monday evening and in the meantime, fingers crossed for some sunshine at the weekend and that we pick up a bargain or two at the local jumble sale on Saturday!!
Take care, Tina xx

more rain and more cake

Hello You lovely folk,bit of a soggy election day. got quite soggy cycling home from work, poor flowers on my basket, at least skin is waterproof!
More cake today! It's my friend Janes' Birthday so I baked a cake with lots of pink sparkle on top.Hope she likes it.
Just picked some lilac from the garden to bring indoors and remind me it is actually spring!
Now it's time for The Darling Buds of May, a glass of vino, crochet some more of my colourful 'Romany' blanket, probably another glass of wine and then outnumbered on tv-bliss.
Cheerio for now and remember 'work hard and be nice to people'
Amanda xx

Wednesday 5 May 2010

Hi everyone ... no wonder I need to go running with all that lovely cake around!! I've also been busy telling everyone about the craft fair in September and have had several offers of cake-making and tea-pouring!
I desparately wanted to sit down and finish off the Peter Rabbit bunting but put my talents (?) to different use and started setting up our website! Hopefully it will be launched within the next few days when we've taken lots of gorgeous photos of our lovely things and loaded them all on!
Oh well - there's always tomorrow for the bunting, and I can feel a bag or two coming on too! Take care! Tina xx

tea and cake

Hello Folks, where did summer go?? Sat and had tea and cake in the garden with a friend, scrumptious. Although noticed how the grass had grown, no we hadn't sat there that long! so out comes the mower and in goes the sun. After that bit of exercise time to come in and bake ( tea loaves) and sew (lavender sachets), what a lovely way to pass the time.
Checked out local paper for jumble sales, so Tina and I will be out with our shopping baskets on saturday. I can feel more tea and cake coming on! Blissful way to spend Saturday afternoon!
Telling lots of fellow crafters and tea drinkers all about our craft and vintage fair on sept 18th, very positive comments and ideas, especially for cake- there seems to be a theme coming through here. That reminds me must get Mother Bea, our finder of good stuff, onto the fruit cake making, You must try some at the fair!

Hope all is well with you and yours and remember "kind people are the nicest kind of people"
Amanda xx

Monday 3 May 2010

Hello! Having a bit of a chillaxing day today. Decided to go to Taunton this morning to see if I could find a dress for Fi's wedding - found an absolutely gorgeous one in Debenhams.

Steve and I decided it was too chilly to go for a walk so I thought I'd give my new butterfly punch a go and make some lovely wedding cards, which I will get round to photographing and posting on here some time this week! I can't believe how fab they look and how easy it is!

I now have quite a collection of cards ready for our Craft / Vintage fair in September, but will be adding more most weeks. Amanda is making cards today too ... so hopefully we'll have a mountain of choice by the time the fair comes round!
Hello, the other half here. A bit brighter today and surprisingly no hangover from the business meeting last night!
OOhhh it's so exciting doing the things you love, and as my daughter pointed out 'Mum at last you're fashionable' , always been a charity shop queen and crafter.
Tina and I love all things vintage and pretty and of course wine and chocolate, what more could a girl ask for?! oh and I don't quite know every one in the village, most though! it's a lovely place to live, nice people and most people know me from cycling round the village on my flowery bike, wave if you see me.
This is an exciting time for Tina and myself , it will be extra busy and should be so much fun. send us your comments and join us for tea and cake in September. Big thanks to Tina's Hubby, Steve, for all the suggestions and to Mother for all her 'finding good stuff' abilities.
Bye for now and smile , it's contagious xx

Sunday 2 May 2010

Hi there - what a wet and windy Bank Holiday Sunday! I've finished pressing all the penants for my Beatrix Potter bunting now, just waiting for the white bias binding to arrive through the post on Tuesday, so I can finish it.

I've just made another fairy cushion cover too, so now we have a matching pair! And they are very lovely! I'm trying to work out how much stock we may need for the craft / vintage fair in September (and where we're going to keep it all!). Hopefully there will be enough room in both of our garages after we've done the car boot sale in a fortnight's time.

Amanda is coming across the road tonight, so we can have another business meeting - I'll show her the business cards I've ordered and she'll talk to me about the rubber stamp we need to order to stamp our labels and greetings cards! I'm trying to be really organised as I have a feeling the next 3 months will just fly by! Especially as I have a big family wedding next month, followed by a HUGE birthday (50) so will be tied up for a lot of the time.

Off to chill the wine now!

Saturday 1 May 2010

hello again! Had a lovely day today with a very dear friend, at Clarks Village in Street, Somerset. Bought a lovely lot of cardstock at the Paper Mill Shop and a fab butterfly punch which I can't wait to try out!

Hubby Steve read through my first blog yesterday and chuntered that it was he who had first put the idea in my head of getting together with Amanda to form a venture, and that it was he who had suggested we put on a craft fair as our first outing and that it was he who had suggested where was the best venue for the craft fair! Fair enough I say - thanks Steve - you have been a great help in all of this!! And you don't even grumble when you can't hear the telly for the noise of the sewing machine!

Amanda and I are having another business meeting tomorrow evening to see what needs to be done next - must get a bottle of rose tomorrow! In the meantime I have finished sewing the pennants for the Beatrix Potter bunting - just awaiting delivery of the new supply of white bias binding to finish it off (it would be Bank Holiday weekend, wouldn't it!).

Think I'll make some more greetings cards tomorrow - lots of butterflies I think!

Friday 30 April 2010

In the beginning ..

Can't believe we've done so much in a fortnight! From a rambling evening over a bottle of rose (or two) and discussing how we could spend time doing our favourite things - pottering around jumble sales, car boot sales & charity shops looking for vintage china and fabric, sewing lovely things for the home, making fab greetings cards and making our homes look gorgeous with shabby chic, vintage and quirky hand-made items - to launching Bella and the Moo!

We've booked a local village hall to run a craft fair in September, where we will sell our lovely things and invite other local crafters to come along too. Amanda, my partner in crime, knows EVERYBODY in the village and is a wealth of information about who does what, where, so rounding up other crafters is mainly down to her. I, on the otherhand, have a little bit of knowledge about using the net so have been designated to design a logo, set up an email address - bellaandthemoo@hotmail.co.uk, laying out a flyer for the fair and things like that!

Both of us are now busy putting stock together to make our first craft fair fab!

We've even had a business meeting!! Get us!!