Tuesday, February 15

a 'hip hip hooray' giveaway...

oh it is so grand to be back, so grand indeed... my grandness led me to do a little jig not five minutes ago, around my studio with clippity clogs upon my feet. Little Olive tucked up in her suitcase joined in tippity tapping her 'way too long' nails upon the floor.
(she is aiming for the Guinness book of records title 'longest nails on the littlest doggie')
Used Dog did her usual prancing, alas her old age makes prancing a dangerous occupation these days and therefore only moments such as this high level of grandness can i allow such prancing behaviour.
now they are settled back into their mid morning slumbers and i am able to get on with my 'hip hip hooray' giveaway.


for indeed a birthday or two needs to be celebrated and what better way then with a giveaway. 'tis been 4 whole years since i opened my little shop and despite it often sitting there with empty shelves i am truly blessed by wonderful customers, many of whom have come back to shop over the years again and again, so i am thinking 527 sales is worthy of celebration.
and as if that were not enough, my happy shiny place, the place i like to ramble upon is just shy of turning 4 too! gosh how terribly thrilling to be celebrating two birthdays and more to the point how terribly thrilling you are still reading this here ramblings after 540 rambles. surely you deserve way way more than a gold sticky star!
(although i am thinking they are in themselves, quite the prize)

so for my 'hip hip hooray' giveaway i will have two prizes
(gasp!)
to celebrate two wonderful moments in my cyberworld history and to say a grand 'thanking you kindly' in the besty best way i know how.
the winners will be picked using buttons! i am quite delighted when this thought struck my cogs this morning.
(the sort of delight that results in a little hand clapping and gleeful squeal)
yes indeed, a jar full of buttons will indeed risk their little buttony selves so i may pick out two winners randomly. each entrant to this giveaway will become a number, the final number of entrants will become the final number of buttons in the jar. the jar will then be held up high, the buttons will then become a little fretful at the height of which they are held.
i will do this all blindfolded so i will not have to see their little buttony fretfulness. i will then dangerously and quite recklessly tip the jar over towards a waiting large 'cookpot thingy' container below and with a bit of luck some of the little buttons will make it into the container. i fear a few will miss the mark and others may just plain faint with the whole trauma. i do so hope no button will end up broken, not sure i will be able to forgive myself.

upon looking in my cookpot, i will count the buttons and there will be winner number one! hip hip hooray!
i will then deduce from this number as to whether i will double it or halve it, and then we will have winner number two! hip hip hooray! i will then take those two numbers and match them with their entrants to the giveaway...

for example, 72 buttons land in the cookpot, #72 commenter in the giveaway is the winner.
(i gave that example as quite honestly having reread the whole button fiasco thing it all seemed somewhat confusing, but do not fear i do know what i am doing, but i don't think the buttons quite realize it just yet)


i will be giving away two 'loopy-de-loop' embroideries, i made quite a few of these last week and i experimented with letter sizing. i have decided to go with itty bitty sized letters and so two sweeties with their larger lettering are looking for new homes. i think the upside of their large lettering is one does not need specs on to read them.
and
you can see them looking most 'doilified up' on the left hand side of my blog page and way way way on down, at the foot of my blog page
(which really makes me smile)
i have no idea if anyone would ever find her but she is waiting as a little happy thought. they are sewn on to vintage sheeting and ready to be pinned up in their new abodes. i am also going to pop in a 'most happy' notebook and a 'perfectly peachy' tea towel with each loopy embroidery, so they may travel safely in numbers.

here is the nitty gritty if you wish to be entered to win one of these sets of prizes
and please do read the nitty gritty

1: please answer the following question
"what lifts your spirits on a low day?"
(here i would say, crocheting and a cup of tea perhaps or talking to Our#1 on skype)

2: be sure to leave a way for me to contact you

3: due to my ridiculous button counting, number thingy picking ways, you will have to enter here on my blog, so i am unable to take emails this time around (big sorrys here)

4: does not matter where you are in the world you are welcome to enter

5: i will close this competition on Sunday 20th Feb (9pm pacific time) and announce the winners after the buttons have done their thing, on Tues 22nd Feb

6: i think that is it, although i must say i will be strict, if the question is not answered then i will not publish your comment, (that sounds terribly strict doesn't it) only folks that have done so will become a death defying button

7: if my brilliant button picking random thingy does not workout then i reserve the right to think up another hair brained scheme for picking the winners

i am quite sure there will be something else that pops into my little brain but for now i just wish to thank you for your custom in my little shop and your lovely comments over the years on my little blog, without you i would not be doing all that i am, nor all the things that lay out before in the coming months... they are down to you all and for that i am thanking you kindly
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

she is off to get the crock pot out, the oven gave up the ghost over a week back and 'tis time to bring in the big guns, ha ha, hee hee ~ Tif

355 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 355 of 355
Unknown said...

Relaxing with a cup of hot coffee and something creative like crocheting or sewing always lifts my spirits!

Allison S. said...

My favorite thing to do when I am feeling down is to go thrifting. I love hunting for treasures. :)

astokoszynski@triad.rr.com

Little stitch and me said...

Too many things to mention lift my spirits
My little boy's smile
My mums Meatballs and rice
Fresh flowers from the garden
A sunny day in the depths of winter
Crocheting a new project, maybe not finishing it that would make me very happy indeed
Sewing anything
And I could go on and on but I better stop there
Squigglingabout.blogspot.co.uk

jill s said...

on a low day what really makes me feel better is going for a run. or eating a healthy meal. but what i usually do on a low day is have a bit of chocolate + look at happy blogs.

Molly aka Posy Mosey said...

My favorite way to chase the blues away? Well, a lovely huggy from one of my little ones is quick and always reliable. Aside from their sweetness, it always lifts my spirits to have time to myself to recharge , going to the bookstore or thrifting without chasing little ones is wonderful!

Debra said...

what a lovely giveaway! the happy sound of my daughter singing, warm sunlight and mint tea lift my spirits :)

AlliT said...

Hugs and kisses from my littles always brightens my day. As do a large cup of iced sweet tea with lemon and maybe a cinnamon bun... :)

From the Dotte said...

Lately, browsing colorful craft projects "to do" has brightened my low days. As well as receiving "happy mail", which usually correlates with colorful projects "to do". Thank you for the giveaway.

Tallulah said...

Congratulations and happy birthdays! I just love the nice thoughts embroidery (need to get thinking some of those today, nasty weather and public transport strike not helping). The thing that most lifts my spirits is sitting curled up on my sofa, knitting something warm and colourful, my red teapot in its lovely Noro jacket full of rooibos tea, and my daughter nearby, reading or singing and dancing as she loves to do.

Tivoli West said...

The things that lift my spirit on down days are crocheting/knitting/sewing and getting out and about in the fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine. I especially enjoy a trip to the wilderness or a more natural setting than the urban one that I currently inhabit. Love the blog!

s a n s k u :) said...

you're so fun with words! :)

what lifts me on a low day? beautiful nature, beautiful music, good books, chocolate, hugs from my daughter, reading the scriptures, my husband's humor... oh and did i mention chocolate? :D

Unknown said...

What makes me feel better on a low day? Well, today is a good example, we just lost our puppy of 14 years last night so today, with tears in my eyes I will be quilting. Quilting/ sewingn when i am down gives me time to let my mind think and in the mean time create a nifty blanket to cuddle with on the couch later!

Carolyne said...

Doing something with my family makes me forget about the low swings in life. Thanks! I love your work!

11elevenish@gmail.com

Johanna Smith (hannajo.smith@yahoo.com) said...

Mmm, what a lovely question :). The thing that lifts my spirits most is a sunny day where I can sit and create something pretty on my sewing machine, Helga. Adding any of the following is a plus: my sweet hubby, some tasty coffee from the presspot, and perhaps the cat (as long as she doesn't see my fabricy project as a new place to take a nap upon).

Katie said...

Chocolate and a nice walk outside. Thanks for the giveaway1

Elissa said...

my low-day pick up is a snuggle with my dog, gigi, or an episode of 30 rock which almost always makes me laugh outloud.

patrice longmire said...

A few hours working in my garden usually does the trick. Something about being out in the sunshine with my hands in the soil causes my heart to sing and always lifts my spirit.

Unknown said...

A piece of chocolate and a glass of sweet tea is usually enough to brighten my day, but on particularly bad ones a kiss from my little girl does the trick. Of course I usually have to bribe her with the piece of chocolate to get it, lol.

ispywithmycraftyeyes@live.com

Anonymous said...

Actually, buttons lift my spirits, especially if some really wonderful friend gives me her dear auntie's collection (which has happened three times in my life), of if in my "junking" travels I find a treasure trove of old buttons enticingly mixed up in a big tin or jar! You would think I had won the greatest button-finding lottery of all time! So I am enjoying the idea your planned button selection system hugely! Thanks for being out there inspiring the rest of us clog and bib overall wearing, crafting people with your blog and creativity. And happy birthdays! Claudia Horner (claudiahorner@yahoo.com)

Anonymous said...

so... when I'm a bit depressed in the morning... i bake and this "gym" and the smell makes feel better ;)
Mind you skyping with my nr 1 who also left us to go the UK to study would also make me happy :)
Merci ! I love your blog !!
Bonjour de Geneve,
corinne

Kristen said...

I'm so enjoying reading the other comments on this post. Thank you for asking the question, and welcome back, too, dear. We all missed you.

The one thing that can cheer me up on a bummer kind of day more than anything else is a hug, and even a hug from the dog can do it. Just a little hug from anybody at all, even a mutt, and I am feeling all better. 'Course, a little crochet and a cup of tea doesn't hurt, either. :)

Have a great day!

Meredith said...

What lifts my spirits is always coming home to my pokey little flat and just *being* home. There's nothing quite like it, mostly because it contains all the lovely things that make home the nicest place of all: my knitting basket, my stand mixer for baking, and my lovely and wonderful boyfriend, who knows how to cheer me up in any mood. :)

Meredith
http://householdsciences.wordpress.com/

Tomo said...

What a lovely give away♪ (*^-^*) SOOO peachy and lovely!

When I feel a bit down and having a low day, I usually reflect the moment when I felt happy☆.*

kyoto_bound@yahoo.ca

Molly said...

When I am having a low day I make me hot cocoa with cinnamon and get in my craft room to make something grand, usually a piece of clay jewelry with rhinestones in it, my fave!
~Molly P
mikemolly10805@aol.com

Sincerely Rae said...

Lately, what lifts my spirits on a low day is feeling my baby kick in my tummy. It reminds me that being uncomfortable for 9 months is nothing compared to receiving a little miracle.

sincerelyrae@hotmail.com

Amy N.M. said...

I always feel better after doing something productive, such as jogging or cleaning the house and putting out a new flower arrangement. anmcdavid@gmail.com in Florida

Uncanny Festoon said...

When I am low I grap my camera. It changes the world for me. I have to focus or sometimes not on a different view. It throws be from left brain into right brain. I always know that I have gone to right brain because time has escaped me! All is well again!


Joy............always

amosclutchpedal said...

Coffee. I am a better person with coffee. A loving touch from my husband, a phone call from someone I love, a new magazine in the mail, a kiss from my little girl, eye-candy blogs, a clean house & something yummy for dinner.

Unknown said...

I pick up my wee ukulele named Lani and play a little tune. It's impossible to be sad when you're strumming such a happy instrument.

Unknown said...

Embroidering and books always lift my spirit when I feel blue. A soft blanket with a cup of tea on the sideboard and my little chihuahua (Bailey) on my lap.

Charity



cherrypicks.by.humboldtcherry(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

What lifts my spirits...good chocolate, a kind word, a phone call from a friend, getting crafty, curling up with the cat will make all right with the world again.

Mira said...

What lifts my spirits on a low day is the colour of my neighborhood, the beautiful old houses in so many colours. Whenever I'm down I just need to look out from the window, no matter what kind of weather it is, the houses are always so pretty!

Seamingly Sarah said...

All I really need to do is count my blessings to lift my spirits on a low day. The simple enough things of having my loving family, a roof over our heads and always the ability to provide for our basic needs is what will pull me up and out. But a quick dose of sugar (whether candy, cake or actually sugar) helps too! =)
seaminglysarah at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

paulacarter@cox.net

What lifts my spirit on a low day is sifting through my stash of vintage linens, creating something wonderful from bits & pieces and then giving it to a friend!

BunTine said...

Congratulations !
I love your lovely Blog, but my Englisch is not as good as I like to....
On a low day it lifts my spirit to drink a cup of coffee or chocolate or something "bubbling" and think about new ideas, projects, or make plans for next vacations.
♥BunTine

Fate Filled Times said...

oh, this is a sensitive one for me. the past few months have been rough on me.

on a low day i sometimes call my mom and cry it out. i also make tea and wrap myself in a quilt. i write down my fears and feelings and do some random cut-n-paste/painting/collage. i also go to the gym and sweat it out...and cuddle my favourite cat miss scarlet. <3

Kate Shepherd said...

On a low down day I like to drink tea, sew and listen to a Terry Pratchett audio book. Then give my lovely daughter and son as many hugs as they can stand.

Neza said...

There are many lifting things for my many low days, so I could choose, but than I rather grab the first that comes along: like a flower or a snowflake, some hot soup or sunshine,soft fabrics or a kiss,a funny photo or a hug,a cup of coloured pencils or a nice thought... But TODAY - what lifts my spirits is sweet expectation of a bunch of friends that are coming for a visit, to taste some cupcakes or muffins, that I baked this afternoon - and they are quite lovely if I can say so myself - and they are all coming to celebrate MY OWN birthday that is tommorrow.

So I am wishing all the best birthday wishes to your blog and shop and yourself and also a little wish for me!

XOXO Neža

blueberries in the fields said...

when i am feeling low, husband is always close by to hug and kiss and make me laugh. what i really like as well is to cuddle near the fireplace ( on cold wintry days of course )dosome knitting, sipping tea and chat with my old cat. she always seems to know when i am feeling low and she too, like hubb, will try to confort me.
Oh Tif, there are so many people here who are crossing fingers to win this lovely things you will so kindly offer, i am hoping my button will win the battle !!!
but no matter if i loose, reading yourdaily rambles is enough to lift my spirit ^-^
sendng love to you all...and olive too!

Hello, my name is Scott Hale. said...

The blog looks perfectly FAB! Been missing you, Tif... and am getting very bad at writing these days. But here is my entry:
On a low day, my spirits are lifted by kind words from friends and/or strangers; having new customers; and last but certainly not least - my children getting along well.

I am contactable many ways, and I believe you know the better ones. Love, your friend,

Tasha

Emma V said...

A cup of strong coffee, something peachy on my crochet hook, an open new Country Living Magazine and a kiss on the cheeky by my five year old, with an unsolicited 'I love you',bliss.
You are an inspiration, much love

Margaret said...

Nothing lifts my spirits more than going out for coffee with my mom. :) Not sure if it the coffee, or her (most likely) or the combination of both.

Jill said...

To head to my sewing room for even just a bit will raise me up on a low day. Congratulations on all you have accomplished. It is such a delight to read your blog!
jrruskamp@msn.com

Katie Bee said...

Nothing ever makes me smile like a good cup of tea, some sweet and silly movie or novel, and a good bit of crafting (preferably of the successful sort), especially after a super busy or during an icky crappy day, which seem to be frequent when one works overtime. Of course, a sweet kiss on the cheek from my husband or a hello from my parents or sister is also wonderful for lifting the spirits on a low day. But the cup of tea, now, that is most essential of all. There's nothing like a cup of chamomile to soothe the self, now, is there?
I am so very happy you're back and blogging. I've missed it so! I do hope to save enough to have a wee bit of spare change and purchase something from your shop...I can't decide what, of course, because I do love it all!

SoFarBlue said...

At such times, sitting wrapped in a hand-knitted shawl, with a hot cup of tea (any kind really) nearby, and the hands busy at creating something, is the best remedy for me (that or being busy putting pictures to the words of a lovely, smile-bringing fantasy book!). They are not even exclusive....
The button idea is brilliant! May they not hide under the furniture for days after their exercise :)

Greenmare said...

what lifts my spirits on a low day is petting my kitty and listening to her purr, that and drinking a nice glass of wine. ;-) Crock pots are the best, I have about a zillion -rough estimate here- crock pot recipes, and I have 3 different sizes of pots depending on what I am making and such.

fee @ chipper nelly said...

a little count of my blessings...or a lovely pair of shoes, depending on the kind of 'low' (and how shallow I'm feeling!)
fee x

www.chippernelly.blogspot.com
fingers crossed!

Maryvonne said...

creating new things, knitting, sewing, embroidering or crocheting.... Baking a bunch of fresh cookies and ofcourse looking at my 2 beautiful daughters!
And my spirits are also lifted by beautiful blogs such as yours!
vonken@casema.nl
Let the buttons come down!

Lizzy said...

Love your blog!! Standing in the doorway of my shed, with a cup of coffee made on the camping gas stove, looking out at my allotment. seeing what is growing and the horses and geese in the distance. This makes me happy. Very very happy! I call this my "little bit of heaven"

Jasmine said...

On a low day what a reeely reeely like to do to is to ring my lovely, scrummy, artistic mother in Oxfordshire. I miss her so much when I am at university, a lot of the time I feel blue, and I can't quite place it, and then I figure out it has been too long since we had a cuddle or a coffee afternoon, or browsed the antique shops together. Then I simply mustmustmust give her a bell, or jump on a train to the shire, and I know she will be waiting for me with a cup of tea and some new delight she has baught/made and we will ooh and ahh and I'll be happy again :)
we have been following your blog for a little while now, and the bits about your no1 so far away never fail to make us weep!
lots of love,
Jasmine 19, An Oxfordian displaced in Surrey (Egham of all places...)

stephanieT said...

a little bit of sunshine and a whole lotta sugars from my sweet baby boys :)
js626@bellsouth.net

JennyTheArtist said...

i just ran into your adorable blog & am happy to enter your giveaway.
My ferret, Pup, always makes me smile even on the gloomiest of days.

Unknown said...

I never feel low, but if I were to feel low, I would spin my hand dyed wool or knit my hand dyed yarn or make fused glass buttons or 'paint' with my hand dyed fluff or make a fairy batt or paint a pastel picture or design a necklace. Maybe I'm never low because I get to do things each and every day. I'm a lucky girl!

Gabs said...

Your blog lifts my spirits when I'm feeling "crappity crap", but the main recent happy thought is the sproglet currently baking in my oven... I'm seven weeks preggo, and gorgeous vintage print baby bedrooms dance through my head at all hours of the day and night, what a happy thought! I'm over at www.texaninvasion.blogspot.com and on texaninvasion@gmail.com, I hope my button wins! (I'm picturing tortoiseshell, just so you know)

Charlene said...

Thanks for the opportunity to play! When I'm feeling low, I try to remind myself how lucky I am to have my fabulous twin boys and my loving husband.

annemarie said...

A little me time to sew or crochet makes me happy.

Rachel said...

A cup of tea, a square of chocolate dabbed with peanut butter, a letter in the mail, or best of all, a long hug from my husband!

Bron66 said...

What lifts my spirits on a low day? It depends on why my spirits are low. Sometimes it is a good moan with a friend on the phone or over a coffee, sometimes a coffee and a cake while reading a good book, sometimes a good movie or show on the tele,but my latest pick me up and forget it all is to trawl through all the wonderful blogs I follow!

Rose said...

Cooking and music lift my spirits when I'm having a low day. I like to put on some good music and choppity chop away. Also, some chocolate couldn't hurt.

My contact: orders (at) thelaughingmonkey (dot) com

Country Mouse said...

A phone conversation with my lovely, beautiful talented daughter!

Tracy said...

My Muriel, my sweet 5 year old. Tonight, after a hard day at work we spent 30 minutes making up, "Did you hear the one about..." and then a bunch of random silliness. She made my day!

furrybees said...

You are wonderful.

It is an equal tie between chatting with a good friend and pottering in my little studio and letting my creative brain have a little freedom - both are soothing to my soul.

Lorene said...

Listening to my boys laughing with each other never fails to lift my spirits. If they are not in a laughing frame of mind, then tucked in bed, reading magazines, with a cold or warm beverage close at hand.

Cornstalk said...

If it's a cold or cloudy day, then I love to curl up with my daughter under a blanket and read books on the couch. Baking helps too.

Laurie said...

I must say, coming by here can lift any low spirits. Also, working in the garden, taking a walk and thrifting can do the trick. Congratulations on your two milestones!

Polly Jones said...

Congratulations for your four years!

My spirits are lifted on low days by sitting at the table looking out the windows at the birds, squirrels and our sweet dog and making a list of what I am grateful for.

Laura said...

Whenever I am feeling low, I try and sit still for as long as it takes to think of something I am REALLY thankful for. Usually it is something so incredibly simple (healthy children, heated house, food when I am hungry) and it always puts me in a better state of mind even if it's only temporary...I repeat this exercise thoroughout the day if necessary (some days are darker than others!). Of course, popping into your blog always brings a smile!

Unknown said...

What lifts my spirit?
A hot bath with bubbles and candles! and of course seeing the geese at the cemetery.

Anonymous said...

coming home after a long busy work day and hearing 'mommy!' and being embraced with a tight hug. Oh and of course, kisses smack dab on the lips from the kids.

thanks Tif for the giveaway and having us all reflect on what's important.

Rita S.

Lora said...

I love to curl up in a comfy chair in my kitchen, with the sun washing over me and page through a beautiful home decorating magazine where I can look at perfectly clean and decorated homes, and all the while ignore my own dust and piles! A cup of hot tea and something sweet would be nice also.

gypsysticks said...

what lifts my spirits on a low day?
- firstly, going to my favorite local book shop and buying some thoroughly inspiring, artful magazine fare
- secondly, to go home and sit in a quiet little corner and enjoy my new purchases accompanied by nothing other than a cup of tea and maybe a bit of chocolate
- paradise! lifts the spirits every time. ;)


congratulations on all your successes.
blessings and happiness,
Athena

Susan said...

coffee in the morning lifts my spirits up and tea in the afternoon, better yet, being able to sit still, drink my drink, watch my family and not have to rush off to get anywhere.

Diana Smith said...

My grandkids always lift my spirits. Crocheting usually does the trick. Oh, and dark chocolate! And I must say that reading your blog seems to bring a smile!

Mandy said...

getting a text from my hubby, happy mail, a hug from a kiddo...
they all lift my day:)

CindyS said...

I cup of tea and a good book always lifts my spirits. And if the house was clean before I sat down with my book, even better. No guilt about spending time lost in a book. Love your little blog.
CindyS (an American expat living in Zurich)
wcstrick at mac dot com

Tanja from germany said...

Hi Tif,

what a wonderful chance to win something very special from dottie angel lovelies...

My spirits would be lifted if I listen to some music. Music is the most wonderful inspiration for me. For the moment is this the lovely Rebecca Karijord with her "wear it like a crown" and her other fantastic songs. I go down on my knees at this song, and it inspires me in a way I can´t describe...
Just have a look at you tube...

I wish you a great day and a funny evaluation with all this inspirations...

Yours, Tanja
tanja abeln-bil@gmx.de

Anna said...

Doing anything crafty always lifts my spirit. Whether it's crocheting, sewing or doing a stitchery - I always feel my spirits being uplifted when I can exercise my creative side!!
And DEFINITELY skyping my ever-so-lovely-family-who-I-miss-so-muchly 3000 odd kms away gives me the kick I need to get going again!!
Anna Allan
anna@ourinfo.biz

Anonymous said...

when i need some "spirit-lifting" i fix myself a nice, huge cup of tea and take out the box with the photographs of my 3 three (almost) grown children. never fails! xo, jo

(josmall177@yahoo.de)

Mylene said...

Planning my next adventure always cheers me up! I love to travel. Just thinking about my next trip makes me giddy.

Creating something always works too. Knitting, spinning, cooking, making soap... all good things for the spirit.

Nennes said...

Follow your dreams!

MarmaladeRose said...

Congratulations on your double anniversaries! You're a little sparkle in our little corner of blogland.

So many things lift my spirits in different ways, lovely comments and emails from my blog readers that make me chuckle, watching the shadow of the clouds on the hillside, seeing that my bread dough has risen! Sharing my life with my Wonderful Man. Aaaaaaah...

love fi x

Unknown said...

A quiet prayer and lots of warm hugs with my hubby and children never fail to make me feel blessed.

Scented Sweetpeas said...

hhmm what makes me happy, listening to my kiddies giggle, spending time with family, eating warm cookies and doing craft projects.... ooohh quite a few things really :-)

Anita said...

Dear Tif,
I do hope you have enough buttons!
What realy lifts up my day is a big hug from my children or my husband. That makes everything okay!
Keep on tippe dee tapping your ramblings!
hohoanita@hotmail.com

sylviesgarden said...

A cup of steaming hot coffee, my hook and yarn and a nice cosy spot are things that lift my spirits.
x

Unknown said...

When I'm stuck with a day that's gray....

I go to my favorite vintage shop or to the library, (books make me happy) or watch a old favorite movie.

Works every time.
:)
Angie
ang7676(at)gmail

ms.vervain said...

Closing the curtains, lighting candles, and dancing my heart out to music that moves me. Beautiful, sensual movement a la Sheila Kelley's S Factor. Always works like a charm to banish any remnants of Gloom :-)

ginny said...

Spending time with my grandkids making crafts or baking lifts my spirits.

Anna said...

snuggles from my pupcakes Scout, fresh baked donuts, and blog reading!!
donelleohio@gmail.com

VictoriaG said...

I have to say that for the most part, on a low day...well, you will find me sleeping in a bit and then quietly tapping away on the computer, hopping thru blogs and finding little bits of delight here and there. Always uplifting to me, this outpouring of creativity and personal thoughts that abound in blogland. Truly spirit lifting for me...

Pure Ella said...

I lift my spirits on a dull day actually by reading your ramblings but I don't just read it quietly in my brain in my normal reading tone for a Canadian gal, I read it in my head with an English accent - and I am NOT English by background so this makes it even more so amusing ;). So there, that's what picks me up - you :) and I guess hearing my head reading in a strange accent is a pick-me-up in itself.
Congrats on your anniversaries! To many many more! And thanks for doing the giveaways ;) Go buttons!

Chrissie en Heidi said...

Hello! It makes my day when I start with a cappuccino on my sofa, sun through the windows, magazine and laptop nearby, flowers on the table and thinking about what to do or what to change or to craft in my lovely house.
I looooove all the stuff you make!! So beautifull and inspiring!

Bye, bye from Holland,

Heidi

Creative-by-nature said...

There are so many ways I lift my spirits... a piece of good chocolate, a trip to the art gallery, reading a great book, having a little dance about... and of course doing something creative! Happy anniversaries Tif!

finvara said...

what lifts your spirits on a low day?"...

a little warm ray of light coming through the window after rainy days. my cat looking at me with this "mummy"-look on her face. the smell of rain in summer. a book and a free day. crocheting something new. walking though the woods...and, the wind.

Maminka Girl - Loribeth Robare said...

A mug of hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream and reading lovely inspirational blogs of course!

solovelydecoration said...

hello,bonjour,
what lift my spirit on a low day?
when i' m in a bad mood,i try to travel to an another world,bigger than my own little world!
i say to myself:
i'd rather be blogging!because blogging makes me happy.
SO,i' m searching for people sharing lovely thing,and say to myself, now it 's your time to share maybe it will lift someonelse spirit
sincerely,sophie from france

YarnRoundHook said...

the thing that lifts my spirits on a low day is a snuggle on the sofa with my perfect-sized-for-cuddling 2 year old.

Elle said...

Why going thrifting of course! Finding lovely Forties and Fifties clothing is the perfect way to brighten my day!

Good luck with the buttons Tif - it looks like you'll need a lot of them!

Ilaria Chiaratti Bonomi said...

What lift my spirit on a low day..I'm a very simple person, so I say: my husband's kisses, my camera and my crochet work!

(ida.lifestyle@gmail.com)

Colette said...

I try to remember how lucky I am to have a Mr that works hard, so that I can stay at home and play house with the little ones.
Of course a little bit of cake and stitching can do wonders for the spirit.

Sarah said...

as you say, a nice cup of tea and a sit down, perhaps with some chocolate on the side, and the glimpsiest-glimpse of some sunshine from behind those darned February clouds, that certainly lifts my spirits

Unknown said...

A cuddle from my (nearly) three year old.
Meeting up with friends.
Fresh flowers.
A leisurely flick through a glossy magazine.
Browsing in a bookshop.
Going for a walk.

6girls3boys...for now said...

Taking time to do something crafty or spending time intentionally with one of my kids or husband or a good workout can all lift my spirits on a low day. And lately, reading my favorite blogs!

Kirsten said...

Making valentines with my 3 year old with lots of glitter - how can one not feel better with glitter and a child! Also, walks in the woods, cup of tea, roaring fire.

Unknown said...

in no particular order: alone time, your blog, coffee, color and reading.

jessicajane said...

First of all thank you for the lovely giveaway you are hosting! I am truly inspired by your creations.

What lifts my spirits on a down day? Well, today I slept in rather late. Later than I would have liked. As soon as I open my eyes, my dog gets really happy. I'll take her outside, and she will look at me and want to jump up on me, because she is so happy that I am outside with her. While she found a little spot to empty her little bladder, I looked up at the sky. I normally do this at night, admiring the stars. Today, I got to see big round cottony, painted looking clouds. The most perfect clouds I have seen in a while. They made me happy.

Also, winning awesome giveaways ALWAYS brightens my day :) You can contact me at jessicajane.love at yahoo.com if I get to be so lucky!

Amy said...

Working on a sewing project just for me or my children. And squishy hugs from my girls, and maybe a chocolate mint brownie cookie from a local sandwich shop down the street :) And thrifting, especially when I come home with some yummy finds. And back rubs from my hubby, really I could go on and on :)

Congrats on your anniversaries, Iam so happy to be able to read your blog, it is always inspiring and makes me smile.

vintagefern[at]gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Ohh crap, I hope that jar has alot of buttons! I was gonna comment as number 1, but then I thought..fat chance that the jar only has two buttons. I guess I waited a bit long..fingeres crossed!

What makes me happy on a low day, is a great magazine and a cup of tea, or me and my man making our baby laugh by doing a silly dance.

If I for the first time in my life should win a lottery you can contact me on: miip_17@hotmail.com

warm greetings from Norway

Belinda aka beeware said...

On such a day I should do some sort of yoga pose for a wee while, then make a nice cuppa tea (from a pot preferably) and sit down with some luscius wool & knitting needles. All day if I could I would vary between these activites..& I would surely feel lifted.

sarah said...

Hi Tiff,

In answer to your question, what lifts my spirits on a low day I would have to say firstly my 2 little cheeky monkees, chacha and tom, secondly my beautiful huskie massimo, he always seems to know when I am down and comes and rests his head on my lap. Thirdly, crochet and remembering my little gran, (4ft nothing high she was) who in her determination that we would all learn to knit, as she was a master knitter, never gave up on me not being able to and one day said.....
'Sar, I was thinking maybe you should try this instead" and produced my first ever hook, and pattern and I was in crochet heaven......
Love u gran and miss u loads x

all these wonderful things cheer me up and make me think, life is not so bad, why even crochet is helping me now mend my broken heart.
xxxx

kelli said...

A trip to my favorite thrift shop is always a sure cure for the blues - and finding that perfect treasure just makes my day!! :)

Kelli@nycap.rr.com

Inthesky said...

Lifting my spirits on a low day is easy I have a chat with Bob my lovely Budgie, he don't arf make me larf!

Anonymous said...

Oh a rough day sewing cheers me up. I pull out a project and I dont stop until its complete. Cheers me up to finish something and the sound of my machine is soothing!

-Sherrie Anne
sherrieanne@gmail.com

Taylor schapiro said...

I lift my spirits on a gloomy day by looking at my sock monkeys and imaging what kind of fun they could have.
Love your blog. taylor

Allison said...

well hello miss dotty. i think your button picking idea is so funny and perfect. i only wish i could witness it in person.

what lifts my spirits? well, you kind of took my answer with the cup of tea and crochet. however, i will say that being outside makes me happy. even on cold days, the fresh air perks me up. but today was a warm day and the breeze on my scarfless neck felt divine.

Michelle Clement said...

Oh, Tif! As I click 'leave a comment', I'm now sincerely wishing I am not the one to make you count 318 buttons!! Goodness me. lol.

However, here I will say that the thing that lifts my spirits on a low day (or a grey day, like we often has here on the West Coast) - is a cupcake, a warm chai latte, and a fresh bouquet of flowers on my work desk. :) Aaah.

My fingers are crossed!

Anonymous said...

I could say that housework cheers me up but then I would be a big fibber!
When the dark cloud of gloominess comes to visit me I block it at the doorway by baking some biscuits of the yummiest kind.
One whiff of home baking and he knows he is not welcome in my house.
Louise x

Milimelo said...

the sunshine really works for me... unfortunatly I can't have it as soon as I need it... so I think that 's not possible for people around me (mostly my husband and my children) that is not confortable for them to have me around with a sad mood... so I try just to go up and it works !

Lili said...

When my baby daughter is happy and bubbley from her nap is enough to lift anyones spirits plus a nice cup of spice tea dose a world of good :D
liliofthevalley91@gmail.com

Martha said...

What lifts my spirit on a low day?
Walking, writing out what i am feeling, playing in my room, petting a greyhound, making something, talking with a friend, blog reading, an excellent cup of coffee, a good laugh. Thanks for all of the fun and inspiration your blog offers!

Lalalizzie said...

A big hug from my little girl, a bit (or a lot!) of sunshine, chocolate cookies, green tea and me on the sofa reading or crocheting :)

Congrats on your anniversary!

LissyLou said...

hee hee, i love the button idea and i would love a chance to win. I adore your work.

I have a few things i do to lift my spirits - buy some cheap sunny yellow flowers - daffs are my choice at the mo. A scrummy hot chocolate, writing in my gratitude diary and cuddles from my loved ones xx

Tanja said...

Hi Tif,

what lifts up my day, if it goes low is only one thing:

good music

For me music is the only way to come up. It can inspire me in great ways.

I hope this is the right thing to do to jump into the button-thing...
:-)

What a nice price to win and what a nice thing to celebrate: 2 birthdays.
Congrats to your dottie angel.

Greeting from Germany,
Tanja

tanja.abeln-bil@gmx.de

Lorrie said...

What lifts my spirits can vary, but I'm especially content when all of my children are together under my roof. They have all flown the coop and although they live fairly nearby, times together are not that common because of schedules and thus, precious.

By myself, lighting a candle, making a cup of tea and settling in with a good book or some sewing is comforting.

Wendy said...

Hmmm.... A nice cold Crabbies ginger beer, a favourite movie on the box, some popcorn and a huge stash of yarny goodness to crochet the blues away. That is of course an evening blues.... If its daytime and i'm not at work, it would have to be a speedy cycle along the seafront with a flask of coffee in my basket for when my glumness has been peddled out of me!! That, or just a good slab of homemade cake always seems to work wonders! (Dorset Apple...hmmmm...)
; )

fibrefriend said...

My spirits lift when thinking of warm sunshine and smiling family.

Swirlyarts said...

Wow so many comments already! To lift my spirits on a low day I will go up to my craft room and look at all my fabric (it's very pretty!) or spy my button jars all lined up in a row. If that doesn't work and I have some spare time a quick jaunt to the charity shops normally perks me up :)

Unknown said...

What lifts my spirits on a low day are: having a picnic on the beach, eating chocolate and having a glass of wine, eating delicious food, praying to God, and spending time with my family. Window shopping on Etsy also lifts my spirits:)

mermaid58@gmail.com

Julie said...

things i can wear :grey woolly cardigans, handknit arans with vintage brown leather buttons,dungarees, primrose yellow chiffon headscarf and stripey knee high socks.
things i can't wear :ivy on old stone walls, my kids portraits of the family, birdsong, twiglets, ladies with purple rinses, the sea, the beach and Brighton, just the mere mention of the place has me in a happy place.

My spirits are lifted skyward just thinking of a list! xxx

Melissa said...

Ooh, as someone who isn't too keen on heights, I am nervous for your buttons!

Ok, when I'm feeling down or blue, what lifts my spirits is this:
-a big squeezy hug from my kids
-retail therapy, usually of a crafty or thrifty kind, but also a little dose of handmade goodness from etsy :-)
-exercising
-chocolate, or potato chips (or both!)
-sewing something to completion. As a relative beginner, I'm usually cursing along the way, but when it's all done (provided it looks sort of how it's supposed to), I am most overjoyed and feel fantastic!

paperbird said...

So many many things there are to lift my spirits.
A day in the sunshine.
Beautiful flowers.
A tender hug from the babies.
Paining- I love to paint.
Creating with paper and old bits of ribbon and lace.
Dancing in the kitchen with my sweetheart.
Visiting sweet angel!

Megan said...

Crochet and a cup of cocoa always cheers me up!

Mroot100@pointloma.edu

lavenderspretty said...

dottie,
on a low day baking a sweet treat always perks me up. As well as curlng up beneath a cozy qult wth a fave book.
thesparrowsneststudio@gmal.com

Di said...

My new puppy Hudson sleeping in my lap! Every time I look at him my heart jumps. He's such a cutie!

Jane said...

Hi lovely Tif
Lighting my fire & listening to it crackle & roar lifts my spirits in the winter. In the summer usually a potter around the garden & the thought of crochet by the fire in a few months!

Suse said...

The best thing for lifting spirits is a cup of English Breakfast tea and a digestive biscuit, I find.

(I have a giveaway on my blog too at the moment, so please feel free to pop over and enter).

Thanks for the lovely giveaway opportunity!

suseinthesoup@gmail.com

kim said...

When I feel slightly in the doldrums, I sneak off down to the bottom of the garden and let myself into my little sewing shed, FBHQ (florrie buntings head quarters), still in an unfinished state at the mo, need to accumalate more funds, armed with hot chocolate and bananas(food of the gods), and a little sock knitting, and dream of all the things I could possibly make when my little haven is finished...........works everytime.
florrie x

Michelle said...

Dear Tif...
I love pottering around in the yard in the late aftenoon...
Sitting with my husband and dreaming up grand plans...
and finding that the kids actually left a piece of chocolate for me...
These small things all make me feel a little bit special...

Christine said...

It certainly lifts my spirits to read blogs like yours and find inspiration - like your "happy hanger" pattern. I love making them. It also lifts my spirit to listen to "oldies" (in my case that would be 70's) music. Thanks for your inspiring ways!

Anonymous said...

a cup of lemon ginger tea and some writing time always soothes my restless heart, or even a snuggle with my little one or a kitty cat in my lap. curling up with a good book in which i can escape is great, too, but i think sometimes being able to see the fruit of hardwork is the best cure, hence the writing.

Karen said...

Hi Tif, Happy Anniversary and welcome back! I love a good book, a warm bath, a crafty project, chocolate, hugs! Lately my 13 year old has been feeling cuddly,which I love since she is my youngest. On a tiring day, she will cuddle on the couch with me and watch an old movie. Lately we've been watching old Bones episodes. Not exactly Pride and Prejudice, but I'll take what I can get! Blessings to you and yours!

lucy said...

I mostly like to fill up a "virtual shopping basket" with things I can't afford. Not check them out, then feel very pleased with all of the pennies which I have saved. Clever me!

verykerryberry said...

dog cat daughter partner and me all on the sofa together- makes me smile, if a little hard to organise

Scout Bibelot said...

My little one eyed Corgi delights me every morning with his joy and excitement of a new day. After this I'm always in a good mood.

lisa@lopecreative.com

~ Junkyard Jennifer said...

Cooking and baking in the kitchen always lifts my spirits on a low day, as does reading my favorite blogs and working on junk projects.

I read every post you write -- even when I get behind by a few weeks as happens at times. Your style, both in life and in crafting, always inspires me! I've been happily along on your cyber journey since nearly the beginning.

~ Jennifer

P.S. Good luck with the buttons! Looks like you're going to have quite a few! :)

Natasha and Jesse said...

Baby cheeks lift my spirits!

Tracy Lorna Nors said...

A phone call to a friend, a nice movie, or some uplifting music and a couple of glasses of chilled white wine....Lovely!

pikkujutut said...

Gongratulations and happy birthdays!
First time ever to leave a comment, a bit shy to do it even now, but still doing it.:)
The best way to lift spirit is to do something with my hands- crocheting, playing with my beads, hold the book, do yoga(well with whole body)...

posymoth said...

I hope I am not too late.... it's Sunday and it is 12.41pm in the afternoon on a grey day in Hampshire, UK.

What lifts my spirits on a low day is listening to Bob Harris (I listen to each show at least 5 times!) at my desk and 'playing' in my journal.... it works well for me :)

Now that I've found your blog... I think coming here might help too!!!

martha brown said...

What lifts my spirits? My mom would hope that I would say "a brisk walk in the forest" but really it is curling up on the sofa under a blankie with a hot cup of Earl Grey and looking at pretty blogs on my ipad. Although if you ask me in the middle of the hot hot summer, I might ditch the blankie and drink iced tea instead.
Good luck with the counting :)

Unknown said...

What a glorious giveaway!

Hearing my mom's voice from afar certainly lifts my spirits on a down day. A special email from a friend with just the amount of zing also does the trick. Really, it is the people in our lives that do the trick.

(Diet coke doesn't hurt.)

notmiranda@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

a hug from my husband and Mr Kipling fondant fancies help me feel brighter.

Tracy♥

n.a.hayward@btinternet.com

Shannon said...

The thing that really lifts my spirits is a cuddle with my little girls. No matter how low my mood, snuggles always do the trick!

Amanda Fetters said...

Forcing myself to slow down, sit down, and read some books with my little chickies always makes me feel better!

amandafetters at gmail dot com

www.hokiecoyote.com said...

A wagging tail.

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