Anonymous Restaurants and a Chocolate Box

Friday again huh? School is nearly out, my teacher presents are still not complete and I’ve a ton of baking to do. I guess I should have been doing that today but Steve has an uncanny knack of making you avoid what you’re supposed to be doing. To be fair, I haven’t seen lots of him recently so it was quite nice just having  a wander today with him and Will. I wasn’t intending on shopping particularly (as shhh, I don’t really enjoy shopping that much!) but as Steve had lots of pennies to spend from his Birthday this week, he wanted some shoes. I have eschewed Clarks shoe shops recently due to the fact that  think they’re often overpriced and not alays that robust (kiddy shoe-wise)- BUT, allured by the promise of 75% off, I tiptoed in and came out with some beautiful shoes at a price I was more than happy with. Don’t get me wrong, my kids feet are important to me, but not enough to allow myself to be exploited on a termly basis! After all these years, I think I just might have a clue whether the shoes actually fit and have enough growing room! Phew, shoe rant over.. I’ll remain quiet now until in a few weeks when I have to get school shoes- then-don’t get me started!

I have had a fair few lovely evenings this week and been to one amazing restaurant. I’d love to rave about it so you could all visit, but I simply can’t remember the name and no amount of Googling or searching has turned up any clues. Needless to say, if you’re wandering about in the Old Hall Street area of Liverpool and come across an Italian restaurant- don’t hesitate, throw yourself through those impeccable doors and drink in the atmosphere. I could have sat there eating absolutely nothing- the ambience was incredible and the design was gorgeous (I know, the food is what you go for, but trust me, the rest of it completes the whole experience). We’d popped in (and rapidly out) of the new Jamie Oliver restaurant in town- just wasn’t inspired (sorry Jamie). Steve said he’d already been there that lunch time (!!!) and had the best chicken salad he’d ever tasted. Me?- I ate Mussels for starters and Lobster risotto at the undisclosed eaterie and it was sublime.

There. Finished ranting …and raving!!

Back to the craft- suppose you want a bit of info about that box. It was supposed to be for a class I’m doing- but its been sidelined as a pressie for a friend whose house I’m visiting tonight. The star stamp and swirl are actually from a Christmas set- but are versatile enough to be used for anything. The set is called ‘Spotlight on Christmas’ and it’s £18.95 with 6 stamps in the set. I love it and will use it loads over the next few months. Its a simple acetate band with two shallow boxes top and bottom, all secured with the Choc chip ribbon. The colour combo was a complete accident- it had to go with the bargain choccies I’d picked up. It should have been Bashful Blue with snowflake tags but maybe thats for next time!

Ok, better reduce the washing mountain that’s waiting patiently by the washing machine- bless it, there’s always a pile there and it’s always so very longsuffering!

Keren xx

Get in touch if you need any of the supplies to make the box! kerenjb@hotmail.co.uk

Supplies for box – Acetate (window sheets). Chocolate chip ribbon and cardstock and ink. Whisper white cardstock. Linen thread. Versamark ink. Brilliant blue cardstock. Rhinstone brad.