How I get the BUZZ back

When you run your own business, the to-do list is endless and it can really be overwhelming because it seems never ending. I'm sure a number of you out there get what I mean! When I worked a "normal" office job, I had NO IDEA it would be so tough to be your own boss.

I've found that I can combat this somewhat by just getting a little bit of me-time at the sewing machine, making something for myself (rather than a sample for the business for instance). Doing something for me seems to give me a bit more I buzz that I can in turn give to the business. It is the BUZZ that counts, don't you think?

I might only get half an hour or an hour at a time, but it adds up, and presto - a new outfit!When I'm sewing for me, one rule is to use what I have in the stash first, saving money of course, but also because it is getting out of control. 

So in fact, it is a new outfit for free.

I've been practising with pin curl sets with wet hair and I find it fabulous! It takes my hair 24 hours to dry but then I have *good* hair for maybe 5 days. This is my hair on day one, and I haven't brushed it out on purpose, just separated and arranged the curls with my fingers. 

No I haven't dyed it - it is some trick of the sunlight! And yes, I'm still in the UK, it is just that the sun was out last week.

With this dress I made a reversible jacket. I'm so glad I did, because now I'm planning a skirt and blouse in plain colours, that I can accessorise with the floral belt and the floral side of the jacket. Ohhh the options are endless! (over excited now, maybe my true passion in life is Co-ordinating - oh dear!)

And since we are on the subject of doing something you love. Heres my latest Etsy find - a seamstresses broach!

The dress without the Jacket.  I'm not mad on the asymmetrical line of buttons, but at least I tried the pattern out. I think it would look better on a squarer figure. Not one that is quite so packed with curves such as mine. 

Look! Pockets!

The shoes are commented on by everyone who sees them, yet I nearly didn't buy them. I got them at the Hemsby car boot fair and wasn't mad on the colour (Nutso - since they go with nearly everything I own) or the high ankle strap (also Nutso - since it is such a vintage look). 

Anyway they are Clarks Originals, but must be a few seasons old, so ebay being the best bet if you'd like  a pair.

How have you been doing with your Level of Buzz? Do you need a bit of ME time too?

Shona x

When you become vintage

I knew I've been away for a while, but flicking through my last entries I realise that I haven't really shared much at all of late. I'm really sorry. I think I have been 1) tired and held back by some kinda bug after the war and peace show and 2) preoccupied with work and other important things.

Specially made mini 40th Birthday Cake! (sorry iphone pic not the best)

One of those important things was my 40th birthday! Wow. How did that happen? I used to question people who said that it "crept" up on them, I mean, that isn't really possible since you know how old you are, and when your birthday is...don't you? But in truth it does creep up, or, more likely, you ignore it until it pounces on you.

Ealing Jazz festival in my birthday week

Well, I don't mind being 40, it doesn't feel any different really, it still feels like 35, or 29 or even 18, I still feel like me. It's when I drink too much and stay up too late that it 40 shows itself the next day!

I haven't done too much for my birthday. My own celebrations will wait a bit, but the Olympics committee were nice enough to put on a big spectacle of fireworks and ring Big Ben to tell all that it was my birthday.

And all these really fit people paraded about and the Queen jumped out of a Helicopter!

I had to wear this dress to celebrate - it's the one that has presents on it

And then a dancing friend had his 60th birthday so I got to go to a party with all my friends AND I didn't have to host it. I think that is some kinda clever really

Here's Mr Wolf and Matt doing the Dean Collins Shim Sham back to back. They love getting together and doing all their fancy footwook.

Friends Jenny and Barry on the dance floor. Check out the print on her dress! It is divers and submarines!

Another friend Susie and our fans

I also see that I'm nearing the 600 followers mark on my blog! Hello lovely new people?
Ohhh what shall we give away?

Shona x