Scones and Rugby

First of all my apologies for not posting my usual Friday photo, our Internet was down on Friday and then I didn't get a chance at the weekend to catch up.

This weekend was spent watching rugby. Coming from a town and family which is rugby mad, I've been brought up watching rugby. Here in Italy where rugby is not so popular it's difficult for me to watch games on TV. We don't have Sky TV at home and there are not many bars in Perugia who show rugby. However, at the weekend we managed to find one bar who was willing to show the 6 Nations Tournament for us. Unfortunately Scotland lost their game against Ireland and Italy lost their game against Wales. However, at least I was able to watch the games and spend a couple of sociable afternoons in a bar.

Watching the rugby at the weekend made me think back to watching games when I was a child. We'd pull the sofa closer to the TV and the whole family would gather round to watch Scotland play. At half time my mum would make up a batch of scones and a pot of tea. It always amazes me how my mum is able to make something so delicious in such a short space of time. Watching rugby in a bar in Perugia where we are the only customers is not quite the same and I definitely miss my half time scones!

Wedding Wednesday Chapter IV - Garden Party

After the ceremony, we remained in the garden for a couple of hours drinking champagne, nibbling on canapes and having photographs taken. It was lovely and relaxed being at home, children were running in and out of the house, people were able to go into the kitchen and have a cup of tea and even our family dog was able to join in. Matteo and I were able to escape with the photographer for a while and we got some amazing shots taken around the farm.

Making Plarn

From the 1st January this year Italy has banned shops from giving out plastic bags. Shops can now give out only paper or biodegradable bags. This is a huge step for a country who was previously Europe's biggest consumer of plastic bags. I've been using canvas shopping bags for years however, there were often occasions where I forgot to take them with me and I'd have to use a plastic bag. I think it's fantastic that now I don't have that option. Either I take my own reusable bag or I have to use a paper bag.

Despite the ban I still seem to have quite a few plastic bags around the house from packaging or from shops who are still using up their stores of plastic bags. I decided I wanted to do something with all of this plastic rather than throwing it out.

From a google search I discovered 'plarn' or plastic yarn so I decided I'd try making some. You basically cut the plastic into strips, join them together and then you can use it to knit or crochet all sorts of things from pot scrubbers to handbags.

I've started to knit a pot scrubber. It's not very easy to knit, I think I made the plarn a bit thick and it's difficult to pull the plastic through, if you pull too hard the plastic breaks. However, I'm persevering and I should have a pretty durable pot scrubber when I'm finished.

What do you do with your plastic bags?

Friday Photo - Last of the pumpkins

We have one pumpkin left over from the Autumn. Any ideas what to make it into?

Happy weekend everyone x x

Wedding Wednesday Chapter III - The Ceremony

I hope you are not getting bored of these wedding posts yet as there are still a few more to come!

Surprisingly I'd felt fairly calm all morning until the moment the music started for me to walk down the aisle. We'd chosen the traditional Scottish Unst Bridal March which was played on the fiddle by a family friend. As soon as the music started I felt my eyes start to fill with tears and I thought there was no way I'd make it through the ceremony. However as soon as I made eye contact with Matteo and smiled my nerves disappeared and the rest of the ceremony went by like a dream. I'll not say any more about the ceremony, just let the photos speak for themselves.......

Happy Valentine's Day

We celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday by spending an afternoon in the centre of Perugia then going out for a meal and to the cinema. We don't usually exchange cards or gifts just spend a nice time together.

Hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love x x

Friday Photo - Pretty Things on Hooks

One of my little obsessions is hooks with baskets and other pretty things hanging from them. These hooks were an anniversary present from my husband - he knows me so well!!

Hope you have a weekend full of prettiness! x x

Wedding Wednesday Chapter II - Details

First of all, I apologise for my week long absence. I've been a bit under the weather with a bug so have been having a little break from blogging. I'm starting to feel much better now although still lacking energy.

So now, for part 2 of my wedding posts I wanted to share with you some pictures of all the details of my outfit...

The dress

My dress was a beautiful gown from Jenny Packham. I loved all of her gowns and had a hard time deciding which one I wanted.

Hair accesories

I chose a hair comb also by Jenny Packham and a veil from Richard Designs

Shoes

My shoes were from Dune and despite the pretty high heels were pretty comfortable to wear. I used heel stoppers to stop me from sinking into the grass during the ceremony.

Flowers

My bouquet and the men's buttonholes were from a local florist, Stems of Jedburgh. I wanted a natural country look using in season flowers. I pretty much left it up to the florist to decide which flowers to use and I think she did an amazing job.

So, with everything finally in place I was ready to go and get married!

(All photographs by McBeth Photography)

Wedding Wednesday Chapter I - Getting Ready

After looking back through my past year of blogging I realised that I didn't really finish writing about our wedding. Some of you may have seen the feature on Rock My Wedding but I have so many photos that I'd still like to share. So, for the next few weeks every Wednesday I'll post a few wedding photos.

Our wedding was at 12 noon so it meant getting ready in the morning was a mad rush. In total there were 11 adults and 4 kids staying in my parents' house which meant we had to have a rota for the shower!

I escaped some of the chaos by going off to the hairdressers for a bit of peace and quiet!

When I returned home a couple of our lovely neighbours had arrived to make everyone bacon rolls for breakfast. I was handed a roll and a glass of champagne and sent upstairs to have my make-up done.

Beautiful bridesmaids..........

As I was getting ready I could hear guests start to arrive in the garden and soon music started to trickle up from below. Despite the chaos it was suddenly all very peaceful.

My make-up and hair done, bridesmaids dressed and only 15 minutes to go, it was time to put on my dress................

(Photography by McBeth Photography)