Richard and Mildred Loving 1965

Blog Posts and Writing for Fun!

May I ask you something? If you blog, who do you blog for?

Wow! It's been about a year since I've sat down to write for this blog. Thank you all for the private messages I've received asking if I were ok. Yes, I'm well thank you. And yourself?

Sometimes, things stay the same, and sometimes change rushes in like a typhoon. I feel I've changed massively within a year, don't know if I would still find interest in writing about the things, and in the very same style, as I used to.

When I started this blog, I thought, ' oh cool, a place where I can keep a running list of my craft projects, documenting them with photos and such.' The blog was for me, mostly. Then I started wondering as a few people found my blog, 'What would they like to see on here?' And my first idea went out of the window. I didn't mind, still enjoyed it, but then found so many wonderful, and I mean Amazing blogs out there. Most of my time was spent reading and commenting on other people's blogs than writing on my own, and then ultimately, enjoying my own.

I stopped blogging because the commitment became too much.

Right now I'm thinking about making a blog come-back.

I miss expressing myself in this format. So deciding to enjoy myself this way again means that I'm going to have to say, I wont be able to visit everyone's blog and comment on every post, and respond to every comment that if you feel led to, leave on my posts. I am sorry.

On the bus into work I sometimes take out my mobile phone and read, but commenting on posts is too time consuming and tedious, especially with my slow uploading phone service. I suppose I just want to say that I'm grateful for all of the thoughtful comments made on my previous posts, but if I'm allowed to enjoy this space, I won't be able to keep up with everyone else's blogs every day. If you understand exactly what I'm saying, I understand there's no time to comment to say so. Have fun. xoxox Love Eve

Baby, it's so so cold Outside!!

I can remember living in a few dodgy ghetto apartments when I was a kid. There was my little brother, my mother and I. Some places we lived had horrible windows with the thinnest glass (if it was glass) and the largest gapped window frames allowing cold wind to blow inside. The windows rattled and screeched, and our drapes fanned over the back of our settee.  

My Mom always tried to make the best of bad situations. During the cold winter months she especially put her ingenuity to work. Duct tape worked great along the gaps of the window frames. Cling film and thick plastic worked when the duct tape didn't. Tacked-up blankets and thick drapes covering the blankets was the extra desperate measure. The gas oven turned on high, door open to warm the place, and a few huge water pots boiling on the stove for hot steam to warm us was the cherry on our cheap-living cake. There's a faint memory of an electric, plastic heating pad during the nights as well. My mother did nearly everything to warm our winters, everything next to starting a camp fire in front of the tv. Really, what else could she do with restricted means? It was COLD!

I know you too probably have make-do stories from your Mom as well. Most you remember only by finding yourself repeating them!  I'm happy to have inherited my Mom's make-do skill; to always try to make the best out of what I have. My husband is very appreciative of this skill you see. If it saves us money, he's in. Case in point, it's pretty cold out lately and to keep my body warm, instead of whacking up the central heating to full blast during the night, I place two hot water bottles under my blanket! Bamb!

It's truly a thrifty way to keep warm on the cheap. I really wish my Mom had known about hot water bottles for warmth, but I recall she used them for something else. Don't ask.

I simply half fill them with hot water, squeeze out the air, then tightly seal it with the cork screw. Placing one or two under your blanket for a few minutes before getting into bed would amaze you by how warm you'd be at night!

Hot water bottles could be more popular in the United States than they are. Here in the UK they are very common.  Check out some of these lovely covers for them.

Oh, aint he cute? Found this one on cuddlykingdom.com along with this pretty one with strawberries.

Stay warm this winter! xoxo

Diabetic Chocolates

Oh so swweeet!

My husband gave me a box of diabetic chocolates; the gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas Every One

Merry Christmas one and all!

To all my family I wish you a blessed day, lots of you have gone through tough times but still hold your head up and forge ahead. I love you and you are in my prayers. Hope I'm in yours.

To all my friends, I wish you all the peace and joy only God can give. Merry Christmas! Thank you for being my friend. I learn and laugh and share many of your stories. Let's us be better people in 2011 and keep goodness and hope in our hearts!

To all my enemies, I hope I don't have any, but if I'm a lover of Christ Jesus than I know you are there. Merry Christmas. I wish you great peace to you and yours. And I wish you understanding and forgiveness only found in the Lord.

I hope EVERYONE is having a wonderful, festive, joyful Christmas with this holiday spirit in balance in your hearts! Keep it real and remember the reason for the season.

All the very best!!!!  Eve

Congrats To The Winner!!!

Apologies for announcing the winner a bit late, I haven't been around my computer as I've been really beat after work. I'm happy to say Random.org chose the winner to be the lovely KMQ Knitting Machine Queen of the fantastic blog Smoking Needles.


She said: "I want it, I want it, I want it. Want what you ask?? The entire set of course. It is beautiful. I'd wear that set and work it like a government mule! LOL" So funny. KQM please email me your mailing address and your items will be on their way!

I would also like to give you this blog award for having a Blog with Substance!

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.
I will try my very best to visit everyone’s blog. See ya soon!
Eve

My New Job and a Giveaway :D

Hi there!

Thank you to everyone who's wishing me well with the new job! You know it was a long time coming. Though, I must admit, I had slowed down with job searching because I was basically demoralized. But I kept praying, and felt that others were praying for me too. And once I stepped up the searching again I was quickly hired somewhere! "They liked me, they really liked me." 

My new job is so outside of my comfort zone, however I believe being in a midlife crisis has spurred me on! When did I get the nerve?!? Just really wanting new changes in my life. Usually I don't prefer to speak much. But now I'm a ... (wait for it...) Customer Service Advisor in a Call Centre!!! I have to yap it up all day! 

Right now I'm in a two week training group, and guess what, out of the 40 other people in the group I was picked as the person with the best phone voice!!!  I almost bit my tongue when it happened. Can you believe this girl from Brooklyn beat out a room full of proper English accents! I still can't believe it! The company is going to give me a nice gift, I'll tell you what it is once I found out. That would be right after I find out 'what were they thinking?' :D hahaa

But enough about this chick.  I think it's Giveaway time! (Yay!)

Oooh, What is this mass of red loveliness...

and these interesting red dangling delights...

It is a brand new jewellery set! Large hoop earrings with sterling silver ear clasp, bow tie necklace and an adjustable glamour ring!

When I first started making jewellery I called my endeavours "Evette Sparkle" simply because I love sparkly things. Well, these definitely have that sparkly vibe, with the red colour making this set especially nice around the holiday festive time.

What I wanted to achieve with the earrings especially was a balance of dangle and shine, with different features on each one. One has the word 'love' and the other a 925 Sterling Silver Eiffel Tower inspired my by trip to Paris. The set also includes a butterfly, hearts, and flowers mix. I hope this set inspires and alludes to all that's lovely.

How to Enter: Closing Date Friday, November 19th 2010

This is open only to my blog followers. 

Comment on this post mentioning anything about the jewellery set. That's it. So if you want to say anything about my new job, like advise me to run fast from all call centres, that's cool too, but if you mention the jewellery set in your comment, you are entered to win the set whether you like it or not. hahahaa heheheee hahaaa :D

I will use Random.org to choose the winning comment number, which can be a bit quick for me. Maybe I should place all names in a hat and ask the hubs to pick one. Hmmm. Well, whichever method I'd choose, trust that it shall be fare and square and you just might be picked!

By the way, I have lots of lovely items in my jewellery kit, so a good response to this giveaway would sort of let me know if I should keep having jewellery giveaways. I enjoy doing this.  

So all you good folk, take really great care of yourselves. Until later. Cheerio!

Just a bit of Good News!

I've landed a job!
I'm happy!
Although I'm trying to force myself not to get my hopes up.
I'm tired of let downs.
It's totally out of my comfort zone.
I'll tell you all about it if it works out,
heheehee
Have a BRILLIANT day!

Calling All Animal Lovers! Giveaway

Are you an animal lover? Do you know someone who is? Particularly fond of cats? Or do you just simply like reading good books? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then this Giveaway is certainly for you!

I'm very fortunate to be able to offer two wonderful books by Sylvia Murphy. 

BIG GINGER: The Life of a Remarkable Cat

And

TYFOON'S TALE: The True Story of a Seafaring Cat

Both are signed by the author,

And

Sylvia Murphy has passed along a little trinket to also give to the winner of this Giveaway!!

How cool is that? 

I'm really happy about doing this giveaway because reading books is my favorite treat, so to be able to give away two great reads puts a smile on my face. 

If you know me, you know I'm a little scared of cats, so a book about a cat wouldn't seem to be on the top of my reading list. But I'll tell you, once I started reading Big Ginger, I loved it and finished it in one sitting!! The second book gripped me just the same.

My bookshelf is full of what they call "misery memoirs", but it seems these days Animal Memoirs are hot commodities.  Check out the author's website to see all of her wonderful books. 

 Click here Sylvia Murphy

I'm also pretty proud to say Sylvia Murphy is my wonderful Mum-in-love :D

To Enter: Leave a comment below stating one thing you've noticed on Sylvia Murphy's website. That's one entry.

For a bonus 2 entries, blog about this giveaway then leave two more seperate comments with the link of your blog.

You don't have to be a blog follower to enter.

You don't even have to be an animal lover, I'm sure you know someone who is and these books would make a great gift to an adult reader (not for children).

And even if you don't win this time, you can still purchase from the author herself.

I will use Random.org to choose the winner.

This Giveaway ends Monday,  November 22nd 2010.

Open to all countries!!! 

My 1st Blog Giveaway Winner is....

Thank you to everyone who entered this Giveaway!  I'm so excited about this. It was really fun. There's always that trepidation that no one would enter. But you all liked the prize and said so!  

I was really excited about finding out myself who the winner would be!! Also, it was so so interesting finding out what you all liked. From good scissors, to cupcakes, to shopping and dancing; there wasn't a wack idea in the bunch! You guys Rock!

I used Random.org to enter the numbers 1 to 15, I closed my eyes and had my husband see the number as I clicked. And the winner Number was 5!! I went to my blog to check who left the 5th comment, and it was Uma Preve!! Uma is a great gal from UmaPreve.com. I'm so happy for you Uma. Congratulations! Contact me and your gift will be on it's way to you! Also, I am giving you this lovley Blog Award! because your blog is Awesome!!

Thank you to everyone who entered, I have more cool prizes coming up soon!

Two Days Left to Enter my FIRST Giveaway!!

Check out the simple rules and enter Here.

Giveaway ends Nov. 2nd 2010, London evening time.

All The Best - Eve

Kicking Off The Giveaways!

"Her stingy self is finally doing a blog giveaway."

Hahaa. Don't even say it!

I've been sharing my life, my loves, my encouragement, my recipes, my creativity, my heart. Do these things not count for anything?

"Whip out the goods, sister! Everyone likes free stuff!"

Hehee – and don't I agree!
So without further ado, up for grabs is this lovely jewellery set.

These bold costume jewellery pieces were designed and created by me. The set includes earrings with sterling silver ear clasps, a chain linked necklace featuring an extender chain to adjust to the length that you prefer, and a matching bracelet that should fit any wrist size as it’s stretchable for adjustment.

The colours are silver, black, brown and beige, with a leopard print twist.

 
Would you like to enter for a chance to win this set? Here's all you need to do.

Be a blog follower of Eve's House by Google and leave one comment below telling me that you are a blog follower, then share something with us that you like. Anything!

For example, "I'm a blog follower and I like cookies."

I will use True Random Number Generator to pick the winner on Tuesday November 2nd, probably in the early evening London time.  

And this Giveaway is open to all!! Follow the rules above, and you're in!

Fast, simple, with honest choosing, you can't beat it. And stay tuned for more fun giveaways coming your way!  WINNER HAS BEEN CHOOSEN: Congratulations Uma!

In Love In Love

It's nice being in love. Especially with your husband. It's like having a constant sleepover with your best friend. And more.

Now, I'm not too bad in the kitchen, I can crack an egg with the best of them. But can I talk about my husband? He's awesome in the kitchen! He likes trying new things, adding a bit of his own ideas to simple dishes, even came up with baking cupcakes for our neighbours until I talked him out of it. (I'm a native New Yorker, we don't do that- even in England) lol

Check out some of the dinners he's made for us.

 BBQ Chicken, Mint Peas and Bow Tie Pasta



Creamy Linguini with Chicken and Bacon

Sweet Steak with Broccoli and Chinese Style Rice

 Chicken Flavoured Rice, Pepperoni Pizza, and awesome Salad

Crispy Pork Chops, Fresh Spinach and Chick Peas

Most dishes there's no time to grab my camera for, we've already said grace and I'm eating!! Mmmm.

What's your love's favorite thing to cook?

Giveaways on the way...

Everyone likes free gifts right? My good Lord knows I do, I wont front.

For the longest time I wanted to treat all you lovely blog readers with chances of winning nice Giveaways, but just couldn't decide on, or figure out, what to give away. Well I'm about to get my act together so I'm seeking out some nice things.

Stay tuned yall... and thanks so much for doing so.
You all are so AWESOME!!!

I also would like to give a Big THANKS! to these lovely ladies:

Marla from Girl From Rio

I WON A BEAUTIFUL BROOCHE, made by Marla herself!

and

Ruthy Ann from Discovery Street

I WON $40 from CSN Stores Gift Card!

Also

Thank you to folks who have shared blog Tags and Awards with me!!!

Midlife Crisis?

Hello fine folks! Firstly, I want to give a big THANK YOU to all of you who are still here at my blog!

This blog-break that I seem to be on wasn't intentional at all. I have been away from my computer so much because I'm battling a Midlife Crisis!!!!

What exactly is a Midlife Crisis?
(described by Wikipedia)

A period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in the "middle years" or middle age of life, as a result of sensing the passing of their own youth and the imminence of their old age.

Characteristics:  Individuals experiencing a midlife crisis have some of these feelings:

Search of an undefined dream or goal. (check)

A deep sense of remorse for goals not accomplished . (check)

Desire to achieve a feeling of youthfulness. (double check)

Need to spend more time alone or with certain peers. (not really)

 

They exhibit some of these behaviors:

Abuse of alcohol. (no, but chocolate has been calling my name) 

Acquisition of unusual or expensive items such as motorbikes, boats, clothing, sports cars, jewelry, gadgets, tattoos, piercings, etc. (Big Yes! Two pairs of glasses, expensive boots, wigs, make-up, etc.)

Depression (yes)

Blaming themselves for their failures. (yes)

Paying special attention to physical appearance such as covering baldness, wearing "younger" designer clothes etc. (yes- see above)

Entering relationships with younger people (either/or sexual, professional, parental, etc.) (no)

Placing over importance (and possibly a psychologically damaging amount) on their children to excel in areas such as sports, arts or academics. (If I had children, Yes!)

These women on the mag cover seem a bit older than I am, but maybe they are expected to live up into their 80's. I'll be glad if I could kiss 60, according to my family history. So my midlife is NOW!

You guys know what I look like, right? So what on earth am I doing with wigs, blue eye shadow and red square glasses??

I feel so drawn to personal aesthetics. I’ve never really felt this strongly about outwardly beauty at any other time in my life. It’s troubling me, and I’ve even mentioned this to my doctor, but she said it was a good thing and sent me on my Dolly Parton way.

It's really quite strange, suddenly having a midlife crisis at 39 when I’ve been really looking forward to turning 40 for the past 3 years. To me it seems 40 means no longer caring what other people think of you. Well, this is a really fine way of approaching that stage! Like getting speared by thorns before smelling the sweet roses.

But I will survive.
As for this blog, I'm fighting a very strong urge to turn everything red and black! (please don't leave if it happens. It's only a phase :D

I did something really cool today. Got myself a really pretty journal book and dedicated it to listing all that I’m thankful for. Hey, why don’t you join me? It’s a great way of documenting all that’s good in your life, and writing it down keeps it in mind. My first entry was about my husband, so thankful for him in my life. And my second was regarding my ratty washing machine. A girl doesn’t have to lug a wobbly-wheeled pushcart to the local laundromat and fight over whose got next on a coin guzzling, dirty washing and drying machine any more! YES!

And even if I did have to lug clothes to my local laundromat,

 I should still be thankful and think of these women, who

would be really grateful of such a luxury. I'm no better than they are.

Can you imagine how badly your back would be killing you after washing clothes like this? I know I personally have a lot to be thankful for.

So... is this Midlife Crisis just a bunch of hogwash? (check)

I'm hoping to grow out of it really soon. Frankly, aesthetics, and things and possessions and depression are tiny bits of escapism that can accumulate to turn one into a big unsatisfied mess.

I may not be a boxer, but I'm going to fight my way out of this one. My wigs and I are going to come out swinging!!!! hahaa

Stay tuned...

[photos from google images]

Mirror Makeover - Inspire My Spirit

I love this project!! Do you remember those two cheap mirrors that I paid £1 for at car boot? Can you say FUNKY REDO?

The Funkiest of Redos!
Two basic mirrors with wood around them, painted white with pink cupcakes.  Yuck!

Don't get me wrong though, I do love real cupcakes! :D

But these mirrors, as they were, weren't really to my taste, so I painted the first one back with Acrylic paint. As you can see, my sewing machine is right there also, because my creative space is so small, I can only use the edge of my kitchen table to work. :D (enter your jealousy here)

I tend to horde old Ebony magazines, but decided to use some for my mirror project. I was determined to make something inspiring! :D  

  

I cut out all the pictures that I could find of women with a certain look. I wanted to feature an afro hairstyle or a natural, simple lowcut style. These women where to inspire me to keep up with my own afro hair style that sometimes challenges me.

  I wanted the pictures to be rough edged so I carefully tore around the images with my two fingers.

 

 I manoeuvred them around the mirror, seeing what worked best. Not all of them were keepers. I then glued down the ones I felt were perfect.

 

 Hmmm, something feels missing, I thought. There's a certain vibe that I want when I look at the mirror. A unique individuality vibe! And with that, I knew just the person who should grace the top spot!!!

 Fabulous Model Nikia Phoenix!!!!

She's so gorgeous! She's one of the most uniquely talented models out there! She's smart, opinionated, speaks out on the ills of her industry, uses her strength to the pinnacle, makes clothes look like a million bucks and screams confidence!

Have you ever seen her?

She's quite hard to forget!


Nikia's industry is plagued with cookie cutter images, many runway models look the same, and many designers and casting agents like it and prefer to keep it that way. Nikia's look is very different. She has a freckled face, unique features and a killer, ripped body. And guess what, she's a nice person too.

How do I know?

Because I didn't have a magazine picture of her, but desperately wanted to include her on my mirror. So I did what I thought was right, and asked Nikia if I could use one of her own blog pictures, and she said yes. That's right, I said I ASKED HER, and SHE SAID YES!!!!   :D

She is so nice, she said she's looking forward to seeing what I do with my mirror!! Check out Nikia Phoenix's blog,  it's awesome!!  Model Liberation is so informative, fun, serious, heartfelt, fashionable, stylish and not at all boastful. She has a very beautiful spirit about her. 

So rightly fitting, I've decided to call my mirror Inspire My Spirit!

To make it really personally me, I gathered all the things I like; lace, beads, buttons, jewellery, stickers, fabric flowers, and dried grass weeds. I brought out the hot glue gun, wires, and white screw hooks that I found in my husbands tool box (To all my artsy sisters, I advise you to raid your man's tool box every now and then, you could find some nice items in there.) 

 Ladies, do you ever look in the mirror sometimes and not like what you see? Is there something physically about you that makes you stand out from other people? Tough going? When I see Nikia I think of doing my own thing, not letting anyone stop my flow, being who I am, knowing what my strengths are and going for it!

Pictured below is my new mirror that hangs on my bedroom wall. I love it and am so happy with the end result. It's very useful as I can hang some of my necklaces, bracelets and earrings on it. It hangs over my Mother's old mantel piece that I had shipped to England from the States. 

Hmmm, now what should I do with my hair today?

Uh oooh, I'm getting ideas.  

But would it work? Well, if I don some funky jewellery with it, I just might end up hot! 

Oh yes, this is working. So glad I purchased this wide toothed comb.

 

I'm just going to do me, and be the best me I can be.

Excuse me while I shape my afro. 

 Thank you all for reading this post.   ANd thank you Nikia. You inspire me to enjoy uniqueness and individual style.  ~ Happy Weekend Everybody!

psss... want to know what I did with the other mirror?