Monday, January 25, 2010

castles and dragons




I've recently bought some new bed linen for the girls and saw The White Company's "knights and dragons" range for boys. We are SO all the rage, with our locking castle money box, stretchy dragons, knights in a tube etc. Are we becoming trend leaders ?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

the alchamist

Having just settled myself down with my afternoon tea and biscuit, the doorbell rang. Standing in front of me was 'my oh so gorgeous' god son, popping in to see me before heading off for his gap year trip to South America. Like some old granny grateful for attention, my whole spirit lifted, as he talked about old times and adventures  awaiting. I found myself staring at him as he urged me to read "The Alchamist" and to not be afraid of change and "taking a risk". We drank coffee (seemed more "cool" than offering tea) and just caught up. I know I've said it before, but...it IS a wonderful life!

Monday, January 18, 2010

THANK YOU



We take such care  packing and posting out our orders and  hope, that the lucky recipients are thrilled with their new toys. So, a big thank you for this photograph of a bold chivalrous knight and his faithful....pumpkin?

Saturday, January 16, 2010

"just one more chapter"


We have been reading Pippi Longstocking and the girls just giggle constantly, begging for "just one more chapter". I am ridiculously overwhelmed with angst for this poor strange little girl living all alone, but my offspring delight in the pleasures of living a life without grown up rules. The sheer anarchy of eating whatever you want, going to bed whenever you like and sharing a house with a monkey and a horse, just sends shivers of excitement down their spines! Twice I have found them trying to sleep the wrong way round in bed and the pleas for more pets to add to our menagerie have driven me potty.....BUT, the sequel has been ordered and I can barely wait for it to arrive, as I know these special times of sharing a story will, one day disappear. Until then.... "it's a wonderful life"

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

"snow crocodiles"


Happy New Snowy Year.

We're feeling strangely guilty, as we sent our Christmas cards out this year with the seasonal message "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow".

Actually, it is beautiful here in Chesham Bois. The woods around us are positively Narnian and the fields are full of children tobogganing and building snowmen. Our local Thai restaurant managed to build a snow crocodile outside their store, which raised many a wintery smile from locals, dragging sledges to fill with supplies from "Marks Expensives".

I am supposed to be planning for all the trade toy shows starting next week, but find snow falling mildly distracting, not to mention husband (who I love and adore) and the children, who have been forced to stay at home by this unusual weather.....

"city girl in suburbia"


Life has a funny way of surprising you. A city girl like me never dreamed I'd end up living in suburbia with a Chinese husband, two little girls and running a business around school schedules. But, here we are, straight out of a "Peter and Jane" book! With a house full of pets, daddy driving into town to work, mummy working at the kitchen table and the children at Enid Blyton's school.

Moving to the suburbs (so "Mrs Miniver "), reminds me of how children used to play. Inside and out, with local friends and make believe games. Imaginary worlds that flourish for the whole summer holidays. Learning to ride scooters and bicycles on the pavements and skipping games in the park. Brownies and Cubs on Friday nights, (with a special fish finger supper) and "nature clubs" for investigating and exploring the countryside.

Anyway, here we are; "daisy and mouse"

"it's a wonderful life"!