Year of colour

Patterjack and Tweed--Year of Colour

I have been told that Patterjack and Tweed has become a cosy homely page people like to visit with a cup of tea. I have this quoted.. I must find it!

As a rule I love earthy tones, from my clothes to fabrics. Except for my tights 😉 if you know me in real life, you will know what I mean!

Thrilled to see this has been reflected in my colour report!

Little things ☺

XxP&TxX

#yearofcolour #patterjackandtweed #colour #earthy #natural #brown #blogger #noplacelikehome #homely #green #cream

The Beauty of Nature

It's amazing the discoveries that children find when in garden.

Collecting kindling for the fire and my Annie found this Holly leaf skeleton. She was astounded at how beautiful it was. 'Look Mummy! A leaf Ghost!' What a wonderful way to look at a leaf skeleton and such a lovely imagination.
As adults, we can often walk around blind sighted by the jobs that need to be done. In some instances, getting it done fast. But if we slow down and see what the children see.... We might just spot the small treasures that make our world so beautiful for our children.

XxP&TxX

#patterjackandtweed #home #countrystyle #nature #mothernature #skeleton #childhood #mummyblogger #magical #gardening #children #discoveries

A Best Friend

Christmas is without a doubt, the most wonderful time of the year.

Spending time with family, eating delicious foods and the giving and receiving of special gifts.

Being prepared is probably the most important part of Christmas. I for once found my self in a position of relative calm as the big day crept up. I had my Christmas shopping done in record time. I had been able to handmake gifts for family and friends. I started my Christmas food shopping early, so aside from a quick dash to buy more cheese (you never can have enough primula!) I was pretty organised.

I listened to a Vlog from Philipa Hanna a while back about being your 'Own Best Friend' and it intrigued me. If I prepared earlier than normal, bought in advance and bought well.. I could be my own best friend when it came to Christmas.

So that's exactly what I did. As Philipa said, the 'future me: does not have to deal with the' past me: being disorganised. By getting the job done.. I am being the best friend for 'future me'.

So. For next year, I am preparing to be my own best friend for the 2019 me! I have written a list of things that have worked well, things we forgot and things we loved.

This list has been stashed in the Christmas decorations box ready to be brought out the first weekend of December 2019. Hopefully, this will lead to an even smoother running Christmas!

Is anyone else going to give this a try?

Best the best friend the 2019 you could have.

XxP&TxX

Fun at the Farm

Fun at the Farm

Nursery Opening Day

This week , we enjoyed the official open day of our lovely Nursery class by local Author Angela McAllister

https://www.facebook.com/angelajmcallisterbooks/

The back field of the school was turned into a farm which the children absolutely loved. From Bee Keeping, to milling corn,Tractors to Ducklings - there was plenty to experience.

The nursery is a fantastic addition to the school. There has always been a sense of 'Family' at the school , now even more so with our littlest people being welcomed in by the expert care of the nursery staff.

Judging by the smiles and excited giggles all around the field on Wednesday, my children werent the only ones having Fun at the Farm!

XxP&TxX

Working Together

As a family, we like to have a project on the go. Im quite creative and like turning my hand to different crafts and baking ideas. My Husband is a Product Design Teacher and Photographer, so there are always projects being worked on in his little 'Man cave' corner of our dining area.

The children like to get involved when ever possible. Their age and ability often limits them with big projects so we decided to simplify it a little and make something as a family they could enjoy.

We made a Teepee together for the garden which has brought all three of my children hours of entertainment since. Working together allowed them to choose their own fabrics, chose what part of the process they would get involved in and who would lead each task. 

My eldest daughter Evie was able to take the lead on some areas of the building process, guiding her little sister with threading twine through the channels for gathering. It was lovely to watch her take the time to show Annie how to place her hands and how the threading works. An important moment in their lives where they actually sat and listened to each other and made it work without adults intervention.

The project all together cost £5. I already had the material in my fabric hoard (it is huge!) , but the value of the Teepee is limitless. Their imaginations have given them new games to play in a whole new environment. 

Working together is such an important life skill. This generation of children are so swamped by technology ( which as a family we have massively rebelled against when it comes to our children ) that they are not learning basic life skills . Communication, Team Work and Imagination.

My ways may be different to the norm and what our schools are pushing upon them increasingly, but I want my children to be able to work together to make and solve throughout their lives without any device telling them the answers.

Now . If you want me. I shall be in the Teepee thinking of our next family project!

XxP&TxX

The Beautiful skirts my girls are modelling are handmade custom items from https://www.facebook.com/myHollyandIvy/

My new special piece of jewellery.

We paid a visit to The Lantern today. It's a special shop I have been taking my little girl to since I was expecting her.

She was in absolute awe today at the gem stones and rainbow makers. We decided to make our own necklaces!

My daughter chose a rose quartz. Rose quartz is said to promote unconditional love, compassion and healing. She can be quite an anxious child at times so this was the perfect choice for her. Something she feels will make her feel happier when she is uncertain. 

For me, she chose the Turquoise stone with black veins. The turquoise stone is said to protect and dispel negative energy . I thought for a five year old to want her mummy protected from bad things was so special!



Together we chose the Amethyst stone for my youngest daughter. It is said to promote calm, balance and peace. It is also said to eliminate impatience. She is a rather spirited child so this was a perfect choice for her.



It was a wonderful experience to give my daughter. She has been off from school for a couple of days and has missed her routine. We have done some alternative  home schooling in this time which she has simply loved.

Regardless of your thoughts with regards to the power of these stones, to my little girl - they mean everything. The stone necklace will hang above her bed whilst not being worn to protect her and remind her of our lovely morning together.

XxP&TxX 

Rydale Clothing

Rydale Clothing

If you follow my Instagram page, you will have seen we are acquiring an ever growing collection of these beautiful Rydale Fleeces and Gilets, 

We have most certainly turned to Rydale Clothing to kit us all out this winter. After falling in love with my boots and rugby shirts, we explored the rest of the range. The fleeces in particular are so warm with the rather chilly winter we have just experienced ! 

It is not often as family we find a collection that suits all of us but Rydale has definitely achieved this. In a practical sense, the clothing is warm, washes exceptionally well and dries quickly without losing its shape. In a style sense, its perfect. The fit is brilliant , the embroidered motifs and logos add a lovely finish to the garments without taking away from the quality of the product which so many designer brands do. 

I have been taking full advantage of the generous sales they have had, and certainly looking forward to kitting us out this Summer !

XxP&TxX