{ Mu'Mu }

Simple Pleasures :: a few new things

:: New books.

:: Mustard Yarn. Again.

:: Making plans.

:: Thoughts of knitting.

And nervous breakdowns aside, good friends both real and virtual, who keep me afloat.

Simple Pleasures ::

:: New prints

:: Cleaned corners

:: Teal

Simple Pleasures :: Watching the Games They Play...

Simple PLeasures :: An Example of Good Design

It's probably rather sad that I'm actually blogging about a cup, but I really do love my new cup by Isak and marvel at it's good design. I really wish more designers would put extra thought into the end use of an item and incorporate simple things like: beautiful lotus leaf in beautiful colours. No handle on the mug so mug can also be used as a cannister/jar/caddy.

A wooden lid - keeps tea hot and covered when out of the room.

Lid also doubles as a coaster.

Such a simple, yet elegant design. I marvel at it a lot.

What about you - anything you've seen which struck you as an excellent idea? Or perhaps something you'd like to find that hasn't been made yet? Anything that made you utter - why hasn't someone thought of it before??

Do share.

Simple Pleasures :: Vintage Books

I don't know why old books make me happy. Even if, or especially if, they are battered and bruised. Knowing they have been around a while, and have found a nice cosy home far far away from disrespect and disuse and *shudder* landfill is one simple pleasure that never tires.

Simple Pleasures :: Decorating for Eid

Simple Pleasures :: Watching my boys grow....

... as they learn to be brothers, and grow in friendship {despite the brawls} everyday masha'allah. Insha'allah I pray this continues for the rest of their lives.

Amin.

Ramadan 1st :: Mubarak!

Ramadan Mubarak! It's here! The month we have been living in mortal fear of! Well, I'm sure our nafs have, but now it's here I am sure you all are as excited and as pleased as we are! An excellent month lays ahead the like of which cannot be replaced by any other act of worship, so I hope you are all mentally and physically prepared for this little jihad.

This is my personal jihad this month:

Oh how caffeine is my backbone in times of stress!

Taken yesterday after a mammoth clean-fest in preparation for Ramadan - after an all day clean it was heaven to be able to put my (sore) feet up and sip that tea...

Golden nectar, how I shall miss thee....

Keep us in your prayers!

xx

Adventures in Thrifting

Vintage blankets, sheets and pillowcases.

Chintzy ceramic.

Vintage vanity case.

Plus various bits of fabric for under a pound already ear-marked for crafty things for the babes.

I love treasure-hunting!

Weekend outtakes

Simple Pleasures :: Colour in my Life

What I Love :: Vintage Pyrex

I think I should stop now...

It's an illness, I tell you!

Weekend Leftovers

Simple Pleasures :: The thrill of the chase

Whether or not you score, the thrill of the thrift chase can be so invigorating - better than a day at the spa...

Chasing the sun

You know how it is - you've been under the weather for several days, doing nothing except wallow in illness and having the occasional glass of water, and when you finally feel perky enough to leave the bed you are met with? Well, in our case it would be scenes of aggravated burglary - oh the mess! The piles! Where - where did they come from?? And how?? I mean, everyone has been curled up in the same bed for over 36 hours so just how did all this devastation happen??

So, you sigh and shrug your shoulders; put the first load in the washer and tackle the dishes which seem in imminent danger of cascading over the edge of the worktop. And it's your favourite pyrex so you *have* to do something....

You make mental notes of which piles need your immediate attention first, then in which order you will attempt to conquer the rest.

But there's that quiet nagging in the back of your mind: the babes need fresh air; the babes need OUT.

You try to be Grown Up and tell yourself you have responsibilities, that housework won't do itself you know. But then the sun comes out, and as it has been such a rare sight these last few weeks you know the battle is lost. You've been out-manœuvred. You quieten the Grown Up inside your mind and you listen to what your body and soul is telling you. Instincts take you farthter than To Do lists. You down tools, size up your new mission and get to work.

Basket. Drinks. Snacks. Paper. Paints. Brains. Eyes. Willing disposition.

Off we go.

And you know what? The piles are still there -  they'll get sorted eventually insha'allah, but life? Well, that has to be grabbed with both hands, doesn't it?

Simple Pleasures :: Colours in my life

The type of mail I like

It's good to wake to parcels like this. It puts a whole new boing in your step!

The A-Lot-Dump Report

Hard ground; stones everywhere; impossible to dig; weeds from Hell; no shade; relentless sun; endless battle.

Great neighbours; gooseberry bushes fully laden; working as a family; making plans; planting and hopefully giving our kids a useful education.

Love it.

New

Some of which were on sale. Which is *always* a little bit of a thrill.

Fabric Love

Sometimes I just sit and stare at colour and texture and contrast. I can't explain it. It makes me happy...

This indie fabric is making my very happy - giddy, in fact. I know I say that a lot, but just check out some of these prints by Laurie Wisbrun over at Scarlet Fig.

I tracked her down (hm, that sounds quite sinister...) after seeing her prints in the Spoonflower Flickr Group, 'Spoonflower Fabric Designs'.

I think I actually *gasped* when I saw this one::

And this one might be coming to live with me::

In fact, they are all so gorgeous in such clever retro designs and beautifully modern colours that my biggest headache this week might be just how much to order...

She's a clever girl, no? People like this inspire me and crush me at the same time. On the one hand I am psyched and want to log onto spoonflower myself and start making things just as amazing. And at the same time I feel like I am already beaten by genius whilst all I can do is stand and watch.

But lucky for me, I can never get tired of looking at fabric, nor the legal high it gives me. And this little lot? I'd say it should be making me smile for a while yet...

Simple Pleasures :: Colour

This colour blue in this heat is such a blessing; instantly chilled out and cooled off.

 I hope it doesn't feel too cold in winter though... Hm...

Too Many Teacups...

My latest thrift finds.

I couldn't walk away from these. I just couldn't.

What can I say?? I love teacups....

And vintage tins... it's an illness isn't it?

I know, I know...

Simple Pleasures :: Evenings

I savour my evenings. Time to sit, think, create, watch ... all without the agent of none-stop noise which usually accompanies most activities during the day.
I still haven't managed to get my work space fully functional yet, but I'm not complaining; after full, tiring days I am enjoying just S i t t i n g :: S t i l l

The simple things really are the best.