WOYWW – What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday
My desk on Tuesday evening.
I have been drying teabags on watercolour paper again, in order to try some doodles on them. I did a post a couple of days ago about this.
This is a new lot drying, and I don’t want to move them until they are completely dry.
I have also got my sewing machine going again. I have bought a dozen flour sack towels, some of which I am cutting into smaller pieces and machine-hemming around. This is part of a household eco project I am embarking on, and I will go into more detail in a future post when I’ve done a bit more.
The sewing machine is a pain – well, it’s me really – I don’t use it often enough, and always have to get the book out to see how to thread it! It’s monstrously complicated compared with my old one which died aged 40 years. It had been my 21st birthday present from my parents and I really mourned its passing – too old to be able to find a replacement for the small broken part, despite scouring the internet for another machine to cannibalise.
Doodly birthday card
A couple of days ago I made a birthday card from one of my wimsical bird watercolour doodles.
A friend had a look at my watercolour doodles, and said that her favourite was the pink floral design. This one was my least favourite! I knew I wouldn’t want to use it for anything, so I dug out a frame from my stash and I’m going to give it to her.
The Drain Forest
The decorator finished our downstairs loo yesterday. I have done some posts about it, here, here and here.
We are absolutely delighted with the result. It is just as I envisioned it – a rich and exotic interior for a tiny room! I still have a few finishing touches to make, once several things arrive that I’ve ordered from Ebay.
Cooking
I’ve been busy cooking again, experimenting with lots of new recipes for our increasingly whole-food, plant-based, low fat diet. More of a way of life than a diet really. The secret is caloric density – bulky, unprocessed foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole, unprocessed grains have a low caloric density and are satisfying and nutritious, filling you up without piling on the weight. I have discovered that cutting down on carbohydrates really isn’t the secret to weight loss; we need them for energy and satiety, which helps us to eat less generally. They just have to be the right sort! My new Ninja Foodi is proving to be a brilliant asset, and I am using the pressure cooker mode on a regular basis for excellent results, and also my gorgeous new sauté pan that I bought at the County Show in May. I have learned the secret of oil-free sautéing which works very well and great for weight loss. My hubby is enjoying the meals, too. I continue to enjoy my oatmeal and blueberry breakfast staple. I am adding a tablespoon of ground flax seeds to our breakfast each day as well, for their numerous health benefits.
The new recipe software is proving excellent, too. I’ve still got a lot of my old recipes to transfer over, and I’m adding new ones all the time from the Internet. The whole system is so convenient and I love using it.
Kitties
They’ve both been really fed up this week because they had to be shut in the flat all the time the decorator was here. Here’s a picture of Ruby in one of her favourite sleeping places – in the little house on the cat tree.
My cut finger
Last week I got my bad finger wet by mistake, and a few hours later the dressing fell off, revealing a manky white finger because it was damp! I decided to leave off the dressing to let it dry out, and realised that it was very much less tender, so I left the dressing off permanently. The nail still has some growing to do but each day it is looking a bit more normal!
Headaches
I am still waiting for a call from the GP about my headaches. Fortunately I haven’t had one this week, which is a relief.
Well, that’s Shoshi for this week. Can’t think of any other news of note. Have a happy and creative week, everybody.
I love the decorated loo! what a tropical paradise! glad the finger seems to be improving. I love the quirky bird card and also the one with the background you didn’t like! Helen #1
Love the downstairs loo Shoshi! I have a new grandkitty called Jess. #2 son and his girlfriend got her last week and she is sooo cute. Black and white of course just like Postman Pat’s cat (hence the name). Glad your finger is healing so well and that the headaches are holding off. Happy WOYWW and meow to Lily and Ruby. Sarah #10
Blimey, that machine does look complicated!! I love my Janome, it’s simple but sturdy (a bit like me, lol!!). You’ve done a great job of marrying up the pink floral doodle with the frame, it looks brilliant, your friend will love it!
Hugs LLJ 3 xxx
I always split the teabag along the seam whilst it’s wet and empty the tea from it, they dry very quickly after that. When we, the bag splits without much effort and it’s barely visible, takes me a minute to work out which side it’s on! Never occurred to me to just leave them!! Your decorator has done a great job, what a powerful decor you have in there…people won’t be able to be discreet about paying a visit because they’ll have to talk about it afterwards!!
Your teabag dying looks very interesting. I’m anxious to see the finished product. Your decorating is amazing. I love the wall paper and think the look is beautiful!
Glenda #16
Hi Shoshi, glad the fingers healing. Love the card you made, and the frame suits the watercolour perfectly. My sewing machine is nowhere near as complicated as yours looks, but I still use it so rarely I have to get the manual out every time!Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #4 X
Ah tea bags I don’t drink ordinary tea but fruit teas, many red in colour so this would be a great idea. Love your fat pink bird very jolly. Hope your kitties are keeping well and cool. Ani #11
Hi Shoshi, I read your post on the downstairs loo the other day but forgot to comment. I was going to say I’ll have to pay you a visit, just to use the loo! It looks lovely, very exotic. Glad your finger is healing up nicely. My cut hand just has a small scab now, will be gone in another week. The pink birdy card looks great – I watched your first video. I’m going to have a go myself at watercolour doodles- looks so much fun. I love the envelope you made to match. I have yet to make any envelopes, I’ve barely mastered making cards! Fingers crossed your headaches do not return! Have a lovely week Heather xx #9
Good Morning…..DITTO on the sewing machine. I got a new one and it is a pain. Mine looks similar. Takes forever to change thread colors, book always needed and I even got out the big box as it has info on the big back panel I need to frame it above my area. I guess I am just old and not so patient with all the new tech that takes so much time. I also have been doing the tea bag drying…dried fast on the HOT patio table !
Hubby bought Bailey a cat tree and he loves that top resting place and the bottom scratch post. He’s now into intense bird watching on our east patio ! Lots of bugs in the brick cracks . Enjoy a great week #22
Struggling to comment again…. this is my third attempt! So glad that the finger is healing and I love that card. I had a quick look at your teabag doodling – gorgeous and so detailed! Have a wonderful week. Love & God Bless, Caro x (#17)
Oh Shoshi, I love your little birds they are so cute. Nice sewing machine and loving the kitty cave. Wishing you a lovely creative week, Angela x13x
I too have to get the manual out for my newest sewing machine. Thankfully my old one (was mums old Singer – sturdily built, all metal parts, you know what I mean) is still working so I do tend to use that for heavy jobs and quick ones where I don’t need a manual. LOL
Love the little bird and I am sure your friend will be delighted with the flower picture.
Glad your finger is healing but sorry about the head aches.
Nice to see Ruby again – how are they coping with this weather?
Off to see your loo now.
Hugs, Neet 2 xx
I love your watercolors, and know that your friend will treasure her floral piece for years to come. Glad to hear your finger is doing better, as well as your headaches. Happy belated WOYWW!