April 2014

4 months have already marched past!

April was a good month with lots of making including my first ever sewing project..... check back for my Sew for Victory post over the weekend. I spent time with my girls (as always!), had a day out with the family, started to count calories (not so good) & started walking to work again after a 5 year break!

It was a year ago on Monday when I walked out of Laura Ashley for the last time, I can't believe I was that person who was so unhappy & being ill everyday because I didn't want to go to work. I hated the bosses & was treated like a child with no thanks for the hard work I put in. I don't get much thanks now but at least at the end of a hard day I know I've helped the animals which is a great feeling!

It also helps that I don't have to work Sundays & had 4 days off for Easter..... a first since 1997 for me! We've changed our opening hours this week so I actually get to leave at 5pm.... I got home at 5.20 today........ fantastic!!! In my previous jobs I would be looking at 6.45.

All in all this makes Joe a very happy girly :)

New Job!

If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I haven't worked at Laura Ashley since the end of April.

I really struggled with the company/store & tried to change things but I might as well have banged my head against a brick wall!!

I was told I had so much more experience then the other managers so I had to help them do their job..... then I was treated like a child that knew nothing.

It was all very confusing!!

In February I had a bit of trouble, which I won't talk about on here, which dragged on for months & months..... this of course made me worry & then I became ill.

So after having 7 weeks off sick with stress I decided enough was enough so I handed in my notice.

I'd forgotten who I was..... I didn't like the miserable cow I'd turned into, nor the panic attacks & the sickness that happened every morning when I had to leave for work!

But in true LA style I heard nothing & when I contacted them on my last day to ask if I could collect my things I was asked to reconsider & stay!

When I went in to the store I was treated so badly I knew then that things would never change.

So I was free!!!!

Now I know you must be thinking I'm crazy giving up a job in these times but my health is more important & I had enough money to take a year off.

Which is what I planned to do..... maybe work part time to pay the bills but I wanted to focus on my crafty stuff.

(BTW Cath Kidston turned me down yet again..... I don't have enough experience to work part time in their stores!)

When I heard about a new RSPCA charity shop opening in Exeter city centre I thought I'd apply for the managers job...... I had no charity experience but I hoped my 23 years in retail would help!

I've always wanted to work for them but knew that an inspector would be out of the question!

This was something I'm good at (Yes Laura Ashley I am good at my job!) & I could help raise money for a charity I'm passionate about.

It took 5 weeks to hear back but I was lucky to get an interview...... I was going up against managers from charity shops so I had to know my stuff!

They interviewed all day & at 7pm I got the call to say 'they loved me'!!!

But because I had no charity experience I had to return to the shelter to meet some trustees to show them I could do the job.

They offered it to me on the spot!!

So this week saw me start my new career!

I'm working for the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter which is separate from the main RSPCA as all the money raised helps just that one shelter.

(Jean & Popsy came from here)

Some people have been surprised by my career change but I think it'll look good on my CV..... lets face it if I can manage a team of people working for nothing then I'm sure I can manage anyone!

I'm training in another store this week before I start setting up my own store over the following 2 weeks.

After 4 days I'm really enjoying it....... it's like going back to basics for me, lovely easy till system, chatting to the customers with no pressure to make them spend thousands or worse open a credit card!

We've had lots of laughter & I've spent loads!!

I've also been shopping for display pieces for my shop..... they're letting me have free rein & I'm planning on doing something slightly different from a normal charity shop but I will tell you more when it happens.

So do you want to see what it looks like so far???

Looking a bit empty but I'm sure it'll fill up soon... I'll let you know when we open so if you're local you can pop in (a bag of goodies is always welcomed!)

I'm sure I'll be very happy here!!

Book Review

In the winter of 1952, Isabel Carey moves to the East Riding of Yorkshire with her husband Philip, a GP. With Philip spending long hours on call, Isabel finds herself isolated and lonely as she strives to adjust to the realities of married life.

Woken by intense cold one night, she discovers an old RAF greatcoat hidden in the back of a cupboard. Sleeping under it for warmth, she starts to dream. And not long afterwards, while her husband is out, she is startled by a knock at her window.

Outside is a young RAF pilot, waiting to come in.

His name is Alec, and his powerful presence both disturbs and excites her. Her initial alarm soon fades, and they begin an intense affair. But nothing has prepared her for the truth about Alec's life, nor the impact it will have on hers ...

So book 4 of 50 is done!

I brought this cheap on Kindle months ago after reading a review on Landgirl1980's blog (I think)..... not sure what I thought at first, it seemed really odd but I read it in 2 days!!

I couldn't really understand what was going to happen so read really fast...... I still don't know what I think. I did enjoy it but don't think I'll be in a hurry to read anymore of her books. If you look at the reviews on Amazon I'm not the only one with mixed feelings!

6/10

Book 5 is going really slow!

Hopefully things will be back to normal from now on..... I've done 3 weeks in Bristol, going up for a few days at a time.

Now I need to set my floor up for Spring/Summer...... the fun (& hard work) starts tomorrow.

But for tonight I'm crochet flower corsages for Crikey!

That was January!

First month of the year done....... didn't it go quick?

I started the month with hopes of an exciting new year with new challenges..... 

My 50 book challenge is going well..... I'm now on book 4!

A lovely week off was had..... new curtains..... spending time with my lovely girls.... working away & learning more about the politics of the company!!

And I got to see a little snow in Bristol :)

I didn't do anything on my list..... oh well, fingers crossed for February!

It's our Make, Do and Mend's 3rd birthday party on Tuesday..... yes you did read that right, we've been going for 3 years! Can you remember when I set it up?

We'll be working under the cover of darkness making Exeter look pretty with some yarn bombing!

Other then that I can see February going just as fast as January..... lots of reading to be done & making as I have my first fair of 2013 on the 2nd March.

Once again I've left it to the last minute!

I'll leave you with a photo of Jean on my lap on Friday...... do you think she missed me?

Another Book.....

Another book finished........ only another 48 to read!!!

From the writer of the highly acclaimed novel The Boy I Love - Paper Moon explores the complexities of love and loyalty against a backdrop of a world transformed by war. 

The passionate love affair between Spitfire pilot Bobby Harris and photographer’s model Nina Tate lasts through the turmoil of World War Two, only to be tested when Bobby is disfigured after being shot down. Wanting to hide from the world, Bobby retreats from Bohemian Soho to the empty house his grandfather has left him, a house haunted by the secrets of Bobby’s childhood. Here the mysteries of his past are gradually unravelled and he discovers that love is not only skin deep.

I read The Boy I Love in October & really enjoyed it.

I was pleased to find out there was another book in the series but I've now found out it's a trilogy & this is the last book...... not sure if I should read the middle one, although they're cheap as chips on Kindle.

It was lovely to find out more about the character's lives & remembering who's who!

9/10

I hope you're all staying warm & safe in the snow. I'm very jealous that we have none in Devon.

I'm hoping it comes down very heavy tonight so I don't have to go away for work tomorrow.

I have to go to Bristol...... get this.....what sort of company makes you share a room with someone you don't know plus no breakfast or evening meal..... talk about being tight!!!

I know it's only 1 night but I really don't want to go...... I will miss my girls!!

So much for not getting too attached this time!!!

September 2012

Autumn is well & truly here........ this year is speeding by!

I love autumn & I'm enjoying being able to wear my cardigans again...... if you love fair isle cardigans then pop in to Primark, they're so nice I brought two!

September saw lots of knitting for Crikey, my 4th anniversary & losing my wisdom!!!

1 year ago today I started my new job in Laura Ashley....... it's odd to think back to that first day, I was planning on not staying long but a year later I'm still there!!

After a stressful year of looking for a new job I found out at the end of August the lady I was covering was not returning. However my years contract finishes day & I've yet to receive the new contract :(

It's taken over 4 weeks for the top dogs to agree to keep this position & I was told last week that the contract would be in the post. I'm really concerned about working without a contract but I've been told if I don't work I will loose pay....... I'll be glad once this is sorted!

So it's a new month & I'm hoping for some good luck!

Birthday Continued ....

It's been a while but here's a peek at my lovely birthday presents!

My lovely Japanese colleague gave me the kitty money box, it came all the way from Japan!

Have you seen them?

If not take a look at this..... it helps if you're a crazy cat lady too!!

I love the Stanley money box but think I won't be using it for change!

I better get reading!!! 

I still have books from 2 years ago, I'm not reading so much which is a shame as I used to read at least 2 books a month!

What happened? The iphone & ipad came along :(

I knitted a fluffy kitten from the best in show book!

So autumn is here, my favourite season of the year. I find it more up lifting then spring..... it makes me want to do things, sort things..... like a fresh start. Fingers crossed this will give me the boost I need.

So I'm starting with updating my blog........ Hope you like it!

Four years ago today I lost my lovely Charlie

The reason why I started blogging...... so I guess that means it'll soon be my anniversary, which surely mean a giveaway..... right??!!

Quick update on the job front..... I'm staying at Laura Ashley!

John Lewis did offer me full time sales assistant but the conditions & hours were very poor so I turned it down. So for now I stay put....... hopefully I can start to settle down. 

It's been a stressful year!!

Back soon

Busy Week

Hello...... well that was a busy week!

Job application completed at the beginning of the week which took about 4 hours!!

A trip to Bristol on Thursday for a training course..... isn't it sad that we have to be trained on how to deal with angry customers. We were told about body language so we could work out if we were going to be attacked!!!! What is the world coming too..... *shakes head*

And to top it all off I've been busy making red, white & blue things!!!

I've just popped the bunting & bunting brooches in my shop if you want to take a peep!!

I'm getting ready for Crikey Queenie It's Vintage on Saturday 2nd June

Now back to work, another 6 days until my next day off, not liking that!!!

Happy St Patricks Day

To you all!

What plans do you have this weekend??

I can't believe my 2 weeks holiday is nearly over...... only 2 days to go :(

We celebrated St Patrick's Day yesterday while watching the last day of Cheltenham & the gold cup.

The good news is this year I only lost 50p with the bookies!!!

That's the best Cheltenham I've had for years...... a weeks entertainment for 50p..... can't be bad!

I'll be in a mad panic for the last 2 days doing all the things I should've done in my 2 weeks holiday!

Busy week next week...... a interview for a new job (I've found out my job will finish in September as planned) & a visit to the doctors to get my blood test results. I've been feeling out of sorts for a while & keep having dizzy turns..... I went to the doctors & told her the symptoms, before I knew it I was rushed in to have blood taken! Hope it's nothing to serious :(

I will be back with Grease photo's..... it's been a while now!!!

Have a good weekend

PS Hope you like my updated blog...... boy did I regret making the changes yesterday when everything went wrong!!! But a change is as good as a rest!

Laura Ashley Dresses

You would never have guessed a few years ago I would be doing a fashion post!!

I'm the most unfashionable person I know & just buy what I like even if it's not cool!

But I wanted to share news about a new collection of clothes we have coming in for February..... 

if you love this...

and lets face it who wouldn't.... then wait until you see the new collection.

It has a 1950's seaside theme with dresses..... like this one..... with boats on (very Cath!) & beach huts!!

I'm very lucky as I thought there would be nothing for me but since I've started the collections have been good but for 2012 it looks like they're going to get better!

I plan to try this dress on tomorrow in the hope I look stunning in it so I can get it for my uniform.

I've already tried on the culottes which looked terrible so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

If you haven't looked at LA for clothes lately take a look

Christmas Gifts

Hello everyone...... I received some lovely gifts this Christmas but haven't got around to photography them all.

I thought I'd start with the lovely blanket my mum made me....

There is a story behind this..... every time one of the family has a baby my mum makes one of these lovely blankets. I've been asking for a while now to have one as there's no way I'll ever have a baby!!!

Little did I know she was busy making me one! It took her hours & she used every last scrap of wool.....  for me this is a perfect present as it was made with love & not just brought.

She had also embroidered on it....

This is my favourite bit & it will last forever!!

This week I've been poorly with a horrible cold...... it seems everyone has had it at work for the last month & the rubbish heating/air con just makes it go around & around!!

I've also been busy playing with my new iPad app.....

It's a fab app & the best 69p I've ever spent!

You'll be seeing a lot more of these!

Teddy update:

After a stressful visit to the vets on Wednesday...... he was there for 4 hours & wouldn't calm down so they could take his blood pressure :( I had to go in & help!..... his blood pressure is 170 & a normal cat should be 120! At least we might have found the problem for his eye sight...... he's now on 2 tablets a day & we need to go back in 4 weeks. He's been told to watch his salt in take so I'm now reading the back of cat food to double check!

I also went to the RSPCA to look at another cat on Wednesday... lucky it was close because I've fallen in love!

The vet then told me that Teddy would be very unhappy if I got another cat as he loves me too much & is too old to fight for my attention.

Oh well no more cats for me at the moment..... I hope John finds a nice new home..... yes I had already named him!!!

Have a good week

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

What do you think?

It's only me & OH so I don't go over the top but I think it look festive! Can you spot my lovely new deer hanging in the middle?...... it was an early gift from my friend :) 

As you can see the cats with pudding are here again! I've had these for so long & look forward to getting them out.

Also my new curtains...... a bargain from LA at only £17.50!!!

My mantle piece is too full this year for my neon tree so it found a new home in the plant stand!

And the tree!!!

I was planning on getting a real one this year but with no car it's very difficult....... I think my retro white tree looks just as nice..... cheaper & kinder!

Looking forward to seeing your decorations 

I'll be doing a Christmas giveaway over on Facebook soon ..... pop over & say hello.

New job update

It's been so long since I last posted..... life just gets in the way doesn't it?

I thought I'd just pop in quickly to let you know how I'm getting on.

The team are really friendly & I really enjoyed the first few days. There is so much to learn, made to measure orders, quoting for curtain fabric, home design service...... I'm not used to knowing nothing!!!

At the end of the week I was having second thoughts but last week was better. 

On Saturday the store manager was off sick so I was left to run the home floor alone..... well me & the weekender (small team!!!)

I doubled the normal Saturday take & felt very much at home....... so it's all looking good!

The uniform allowance is rubbish....... I only had enough to buy one tunic until November!!! I had to buy another top out of my own money as I couldn't wear the same thing everyday!

I get more money in November so hope to be able to buy the dress I have my eye on..... yes me wanting a dress, what ever next!!!!

I'll be back when I have more time & will try to catch up with you all soon

September 2011

Another month has flown by & once again I only managed 2 post!

In September I lost my job after nearly 17 years but did get to spend nearly 4 weeks doing nothing..... ah bliss!

I also celebrated my 3rd blogging birthday...... made lots of rabbit slippers, took part in The Big Knit with Make, Do and Mend ..... 94 hats were made. Went to Bristol to see The Men They Couldn't Hang..... a birthday present from OH. Visited the Creative Stitches show in Exeter & saw the lovely Downton Abbey costumes. And to top it all off last weekend I visited Castle Drogo to take part in their WW2 weekend..... more about that another time.

So September was a good month & the weather has been lovely :)

Just in case you want to see more of the Downton Abby dresses.......

Beautiful but very tiny!!!!

My lovely break is nearly over as I start work on Monday with Laura Ashley.... wish me luck!!!