Mum and I walk every day (sometimes we skip it if it’s raining – rain is  sure to bring on a “Bad Hair Day” – to which both of us are susceptible!). My best walks are when Dad and T come with us.

More often than not, we walk up our road, which is a really pretty road.

At the top of our road is The Park. It’s where I often meet some of my buddies. There is some cool stuff for T to play on as well. Sometimes on a Saturday afternoon, the Upham Harriers come and play football here – I wish I could play with them, but I’m not allowed to. I get my lead taken off here!

And I’m free!

After we’ve crossed the football pitch, we head out into the fields. My family love to admire the view.

Upham is built on the top of a hill, so you can see for miles.

During World War 2, there was an observation point in this copse of trees. Soldiers were permanently stationed here to keep watch for planes coming over the channel from Europe.

My Mum loves the red berries on these trees, I don’t really care about them, because I can’t eat them…

I love this section of the walk – it’s often where we come across pheasants – and I chase them! I’m not really supposed to……Mum is a bit scared of the gamekeeper …..but that’s her problem, not mine!

A little later on, we turn up and walk adjacent to the pigs. They are much, much bigger than me, so I generally leave them alone.

Next is the really scary part we have to walk through – there’s a massive bull…..

Did you see him? Did you see him? He’s enormous! But whew, we do manage to get past him ……

And then we head back up our road – almost home….

The rest of my day is spent lounging around, sleeping, chasing the squirrels or pigeons that dare to enter my garden and hoping that Mum might leave a pair of her leather boots around for me to chew on….!

]]> http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2010/03/07/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-poppy-dog/feed/ 4 http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2010/02/16/corazon-latino/ http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2010/02/16/corazon-latino/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:31:21 +0000 Jenni http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/?p=597 I am always on the lookout for new materials to try, at the moment I am getting to grips with copper (but more on that later…)

Amber is a semi precious stone that I have often seen, but never used, I’m not sure why, it might be that it’s a colour I don’t ever wear and so don’t gravitate towards. Lately though I have noticed amber in varying colours, some very unusual.

When I looked at Catherine D’ Arcy’s site I was delighted to see how many of these variations she is using in her designs.  Catherine designs  her range and commissions the Mexican Taxco silversmiths to manufacture to her specifications. Her pieces are bold and striking and she uses the most wonderful stones in her amber jewellery.

Some necklaces contain a Dominican fire amber pendant. This particular stone is a rarity outside of the Dominican republic and is considered a collectors item.

But my particular favorite piece of her silver jewellery is this necklace which has a collection of silver baubles attached, it’s whimsical and pretty, very unusual and seriously wantable!

Image courtesy of Corazon Latino

Image courtesy of Ella Doran

We’ve had loads, and what else can you do but enjoy it! I’ve taken Poppy out for a walk today. At some places she has barely been able to walk and has bounded her way through – it’s been an adventure.

Tessa and Charlotte have built a massive snowman.

Brush Cottage looks magical!

Boudoir Blush!

It’s cold outside, but warm and toasty in here……

The cake is made and decorated…..

Presents have been wrapped……

The Wreath is made and is on the door…..

Sleeping dogs have been left to lie…..

I think I’m ready for Christmas……

Come On!

This year, in Cologne, I came across this beautiful shell pearl bauble (Note the Twinkleberry pink and brown colours…)

I could not resist this delicate little felt Pansy Fairy…..

But the star of the show has to be this glamorous reindeer!

The Cathedral is one of the world’s largest, took over 600 years to build and is the biggest Gothic church in Northern Europe.  It dominates the city and I was astounded that is still stands after the pounding that Cologne took during the second world war.

While the outside of the building is dark and brooding, the interior is architectural perfection, with light streaming though the myriad of windows.

There is a market right  beside the cathedral, as you walk through the stalls you are tempted by the most wonderful things to eat and drink, Gluhwein and traditional German foods, French crepes and Belgian waffles – for us – the caramalised nuts were irresistable!

You could skate under the sparkling lights……..

Or have a wonderful, wacky hairdo!

You could watch a sculptor carve an owl, out of a chunk of wood, sparks flying and the scent of pine filling your nose ( no Health and Safety here!)

The gnomes and other magical creatures keep an eye on you………don’t forget to look up to catch a glimpse of them!

You can buy the most delicious Stollen from this lovely lady:

and even meet a handsome man!

No, you can’t have that one – he’s already been taken!

Cologne is a wonderful city to wander through. It was devastated by the bombing during the war, but every now and then you come across beautiful buildings, full of architectural detail that holds the eye. The people are friendly and welcoming – the climbing frames are great!

We came across this little library, that borders a huge park and play area – what a cool place for a library!

Saw ancient jewels, that make your heart skip a beat……….

And at the end of the day, when you are tired, cold and your feet ache, a beer hall is the perfect place to recharge your batteries! For traditional food and Kolsch – served in uncharacteristically delicate glasses!

Wonderful!

]]> http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2009/12/10/cologne-christmas-market-trip/feed/ 8 http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2009/11/17/smoky-quartz-earrings/ http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/2009/11/17/smoky-quartz-earrings/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:03:12 +0000 Jenni http://www.twinkleblog.co.uk/?p=543 Smoky Quartz must be one of my favorite stones and I am partial to the very intricately faceted shapes  available at the moment. I’ve made this pair of earrings using a perfectly round stone, a brushed silver angled disc and a smaller Smoky Quartz stone cuddled on top. Perfect for winter!