Life update....

So it's been a while since I opened up about my recent struggles so I thought I would give you an update on where I am at the moment and what I've been up to....

I have been told I'm brave for opening up but believe me I don't feel brave! The good news is therapy has started and I'm starting to understand myself better and the route of my problems, it's a journey but I'm on the right road to recovery. Thank you to everyone who reached out to offer their best wishes and virtual hugs, I really appreciate your support and understanding.  I have been touched by the personal messages where others have opened up and have shared their emotional battle scars with me. 

The risk with blogs and social media is that everyone looks like their life is fabulous but I hope I have showed that everyone can have a bad day/week/month/year but not everyone will want to share it and that's fine. My blog is supposed to be a happy, crafty place and I wouldn't usually choose to share something so personal but I hope I have helped others in some way, even if it is to realise they are not alone and that there is help out there. 

If there is one thing I have learnt it's not to compare my life and success based on the highlights of others on social media. So if you are having a bad time of it, don't think you are the only one and everyone else is living the high life, the truth is you don't know what is going on behind the computer screen.

So what else have I been up to....
Although I've been quiet on here I have been doing crafty stuff, I've been working in No3 Royston and focusing my production to replenish my stock in there. I was pleased I was able to attend the Royston Craft fair that I had booked.  If you are a regular reader you know this is a favourite of mine.  I've made great friends and it is a good excuse to catch up with other crafters as well as promote the shop.

I had a lovely day out on an Art Deco Photowalk, organised by the talented Kate of Made By Mrs M. There were 6 of us, I only knew Laura (of Bugs and Fishes) who I've met up with before on fun days out and it was lovely to meet the others. 

I had a great time meeting new people, looking at tube stations in a different way as well as getting to practice with my DSLR camera on manual. I'm pretty pleased with some of the photos. I just need to go through them all now. Don't worry I will be sharing them in a post soon, but here's a taster....

In other news....

Meet Jenson, the newest addition to fizzi~jayne's HQ! 

He's been with us for nearly 7 weeks now and he's the most lovable pup, even when he's naughty! He's called Jenson because he's cute as a button (like the racing driver!) and he's an F1 Cockapoo! He even has his own Instagram account and at this rate he will be more popular than me on there. He has been a welcome distraction and been keeping me busy. 


I've made him a toy by upcycling an old fleece jumper....

I can hide treats in it as well for him to find.

What's planned for the future....

The plan for the next couple of months is to work part-time hours and focus on getting ready for Christmas.  I have been planning ideas for my blog and will be working on new posts in the next few weeks.  

This time out has helped me to take a step back and given me the space to think about how I want to develop creatively. Hopefully I will soon be in a much better place soon and ready to take on the festive season as well as anything else the world has to throw at me!

fizzi~jayne x

Autumn and apples....

I love this time of year, I think it might be my favourite season. I love the colours on the changing leaves of the trees, I get to wear my winter boots and dig out my jumpers Ooo and wear a scarf, my essential accessory. 

In our village every October we have an Apple Day. The local park has an orchard and after every harvest they celebrate by selling the apples along with stalls selling apple related products as well as local produce.  It's a popular local and family event but for some reason we have never been in the 6 years we have lived here! It has clashed with craft fairs or weekends away but this year we were at home and the sun was shining so a perfect day to walk down to the park with my camera.

The event takes place in the Walled Garden

I took pictures of lots of trees changing colours for colour inspiration

and there was apple cake yummy!

we walked back home along the field and these are the fields out of the back of our house

Our purchases from the Apple Day

The day inspired me to cook Apple Crumble! Crumble is my favourite and it is how I got my Girl Guides cook badge! However, I haven't cooked it for ... well probably since I did my cook badge! 

I sort of remembered how to make it so referred to two recipes and then did my own thing.

Ta dah!

and made far too much!

I was so impressed with it, (even if I do say so myself) but especially considering I am not a cook.  My hubby is the chef in the household and he said it was "the best crumble he has ever had!" it was a winner and I have plenty left! 

fizzi~jayne x