phone pfaff

I have always found my iphone a bit of a disappointment.

I got lured into getting it when I was working as a manager earning lots of dosh. There was no personal use of phones or internet allowed at work, so it seemed a good idea.

But it was slow. It didn’t seem to work properly, which was confirmed when my partner got one and his did things that mine just refused to.

But I have been loathe to replace it. You get used to things. You find ways around their quirks. And I couldn’t face the cost and hassle of getting a new one.

Until now…

My old phone had slowed down to the point where I could make a cup of tea whilst it considered letting me look at the internet.

It spent a-g-e-s chewing over whether it would let me see what friends were up to on Facebook, before deciding no, it wouldn’t.

And it spat me out of Instagram at crucial moments, leaving me spitting with frustration. I could almost hear it’s evil electronic cackle.

It was time to act.

So I have a new phone! But it has been a ridiculously complex process getting it up and running.

Somehow, mine and my partner’s phones have become seemingly inextricably intertwined. Which would be fine, except his phone calls all the shots.

We have both spent hours on the line to technical support, as yet to little avail. I still can’t see my emails, which on the computer come addressed to him. His phone receives all the texts he sends. And his photostream has vanished into thin air – or rather, you can see it on my phone, but not on his.

Anyhoo, rather than throwing both phones against the kitchen wall, which is what I feel like doing with them, I decided that I will coddle my new one in a brand new case.

Here are my favourites so far…

The last one is the winner at the moment. But if anyone has seen – or makes – any other lovely ones, please let me know.

My sister said to me, just before I went into hospital to have lad, “take a cute hat. If the baby comes out ugly, it’ll help you bond”. She was right. My gargoyle-baby looked adorable in a cute hat.

I’m hoping that a cute case will help me bond with my new phone. Because we’ve got off on the wrong foot and I need to not feel like I want to grind it into dust.

Got to be worth a try, eh?

disillusioned

When I was younger I used to go to festivals.

I went to Glastonbury in the 1980′s, when people still pitched tents in front of the main stage and you could climb over the fence and get in free, if you were brave enough.

There were lots of other, smaller festivals too. Generally, I had a great time.

But then it all turned sour.

Someone staggered into and destroyed our tent in the night. An extremely drunk couple thought our tent was theirs – and refused to leave. Too many aggressive, scary people around. Knives and threats. Lots of drugs and alcohol. Huge expense to be there in the first place.

So we stopped going.

We only recently started trying out a few festivals again. Just safe, friendly ones. Because kids get a real sense of freedom on a smaller site, meeting others, trying new things. There is some great music to be enjoyed. And the culture has changed from those days when it just didn’t feel safe.

At least, that’s what I thought until this weekend.

We went to Ashleyhay Festival. Small, friendly, local. We went to have fun.

But someone visited a good proportion of the tents, including ours, and, whilst we slept only inches away stole whatever they could reach from inside. Including all our money for the weekend. Even the small change. Even a child’s pocket money.

I’m amazed I didn’t hear them. But what would I have done if I had?

People were nice about it afterwards, but I didn’t want to be there any more. I just wanted to go home.

And I feel sad and angry and disillusioned with festival-going all over again.

Am I over-reacting? Possibly.

Do I think my feelings will change? I don’t know.

But I don’t want my child to be frightened of people coming in the tent in the night, going through our stuff. Actually, I don’t want to be frightened either.

So sadly I think that, for me at least, it’s time to admit that my festival-camping days are probably over.

taking the pledge

Today I have been feeling a little behind the times, somewhat dispirited and kind of can’t-be-bothered.

I’m not sure why.

I have a ton of stuff to do, but have had trouble rousing myself to actually start doing any of it.

So the Twiggy Pledge could be just what I need…

The Twiggy Pledge is the idea of Karly Plant of Retro Plants.

The way I read it, the pledge is all about making an effort.

Something I sadly need to do a bit more of.

No matter which photo of Twiggy you care to pick, she doesn’t look like she would spend all day lolling around browsing Pinterest, does she?

If you haven’t had a squizz at Retro Plants yet, I suggest you pop over and check it out.

And feel free to sign up to the Twiggy Pledge yourself. Interpreted in whichever way you so desire.

Personally, I’m not about to start sporting a mini skirt and drawing on giant eyelashes.

But glamorising my days and making a bit more of an effort is something that’s definitely on the agenda.

Especially now that spring is finally here.

happy weekend

I have been rather unproductive this week and therefore must admit that I have no sewing or, for that matter, any other makes to show you.

But I have enjoyed being reunited with a working laptop since my return from Cornwall and getting pleasantly reacquainted with the interweb.

So I thought I’d show you some nice things I have seen there instead.

As always, just click on the photos to visit the source.

Happy weekend everyone! x

early birthday

Usually when I celebrate my birthday in April it is reasonably ok, weather-wise.

Barring those pesky April showers of course.

There have been years when we have gone for sunny-but-blowy walks in the countryside. There have been years when we have walked in short sleeves along the Dorset coast. And there have even been years when we have picnicked under cherry blossom.

So far there has only been one year when it snowed on my birthday. That was in 2008 in the Cotswolds.

Here’s the evidence:

I thought that was a freak occurrence. But this birthday could prove me wrong. To me it already feels like my birthday is happening early – some time around January.

But whilst the wintry weather is unwelcome, an early birthday present is always appreciated.

Especially when it is as special as the one I received on Sunday from Rachel.

You may remember this teaser photo from yesterday:

Well, hold onto your hats and stand by your beds for the full, glorious, vintage-fabric-to-make-you-hyperventilate monty!
Told you it was special, didn’t I?!

A huge thankyou to Rachel. I will be returning the favour next month with a selection of the pride of my stash.

I just hope it doesn’t snow on her birthday!

tea break

A little round up of my favourite images, recently-discovered via pinterest.

So, put the kettle on, make yourself a brew, put your feet up and enjoy!

Click on each photo to visit its source and see more. x

There… doesn’t that feel better?