As promised in my last post ~ here are some of my wares!
I love wood and have been making wooden plaques and hearts in particular. They seemed to be quite popular at the stall I had on Saturday night.
On the subject of hearts ~ here's a lovely cushion adorned with vintage buttons I bought from Tracy at Cupcakes at Home.
This is just a quick post as I should really being doing the housework. Have a great weekend everyone
Love Charlotte xxx
Look what the postie brought me this mornin! 
A very talented lady called Victoria over at The Cornish Candle Company makes the most delightful natural soy candles in the most charming fragrances! I was like a little girl on her birthday when opening my parcel! They are also being sold over at Cherry Menlove, another lovely lady and Samantha over at Plump Pudding also took them to her stand at the Country Living Fair in March.
There were so many nice scents to choose from and I found it very hard to limit myself to just two.
Eventually I decided to go for the 'Lilac & Raspberry' large candle and the 'Tea on the Lawn' votive set, which consists of 'Cucumber and fig', 'Strawberrries and Cream' and Camomile Lawn' ~ the perfect scents for summer.
Victoria describes this set as "A set of three perfectly complementary fragrances that are reminiscent of summer tea parties, of glass bowls filled with sweet strawberries, of cucumber sandwiches and delicate floral tea cups set out on a blanket in the shade of an oak tree!"
Wow! I f that doesn't sell it to you then I don't know what would.
They are just yummy! They smell exquisite without having been lit yet. Don't know if I can bring myself to burn them just quite so soon after receiving them though.
Does anyone else have this thing about candles that they buy them because they look pretty and find it difficult to burn them? I've got a huge pink candle in the hallway still in its plastic packaging because I don't want to "destroy" it!
I will however pluck up the courage and do these candles justice by light ing them and letting their frgrances fill the summer air. My windows are wide open and the sound and scents of summer are floating in. Along with a bl**dy bee! Better go and shoo it out. Here's hoping I don't get stung.
Will be back soon to show you some thing I have been making and doing. I do craft believe it or not! I just haven't really shown you anything yet.
Love Charlotte
xxx
AND BY GOLLY THEY DO! Calum and I took the Myers ~Brigg personality type test! I advise you to do so aswell! It will make you understand yourself and your partner if you have one so much more! Go on, take it! It was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers.
Firstly there are 16 different possible personailty types.
Made up from a possible combination of
INTORVERT or EXTROVERT
INTUITIVE or SENSING
FEELING or THINKING
PERCEIVING or JUDGING
I am an INFP ~ Introvert ~ Intuitive ~ Feeling ~ Perceiving
and blow me down what is Calum? ~ the COMPLETE OPPOSITE! This has not only helped me understand why we are so different but, helps me see the way Calum sees things ~ totally different to me! and to accept our differences and work together on them. I did the marriage test and being complete opposites I thought surely that can't be good ~ but no!!! We scored 82%!!! Pretty damn good match if you ask me.
My sister said that if we are complete opposites and cover all the characteristics then Murray is one lucky boy! He's got everything. I'll need to wait till he's old enough to take the test himself to find out just what he is.
He already takes after me ~ being LEFTHANDED!!! I love being left handed. I just feel that bit more special. Any lefty's out there??? They do tend to be more artistic as they use their right side of the brain.
There have been many famous left handed people, and the associated right brain hemisphere that is said to be more active in left-handed people has been found in some circumstances to be associated with GENIUS and is correlated with artistic and visual skill.
Right handed people need to complete one task before they can start the next. Left-handed people, by contrast, are capable and comfortable switching between tasks. This seems to suggest that left-handed people have an excellent ability to multi-task, and anecdotal evidence suggests that there are more creative stems due to this ability to multi-task.
SO TRUE! I never finish one thing before I start the next!
Really must finish this post and go do some housework though! Off I pop, ~ will be back soon~Tonight perhaps.
I do have a life outside of blogging, don't worry! I just like to try and post as often as possible and share with you guys my little stories in life.
I'll leave you with a photo that I took whilst out walking with Murray this morning. 
Hope its as bright and sunny where you are
Lots of Love
Charlotte
xxx
Killin has certainly been blessed with sunshine this weekend. And boy, did we make the most of it on Sunday.
However, most of my Friday and Saturday was spent in my livingroom on the floor, painting, sanding, drilling and stamping ~ wooden hearts. As I said earlier in the week, I was having a craft stand at a local event on Saturday and here's my stand 
By the end of Friday night, there was paint on my hands, paint on my cords, paint in my hair, but most importantly paint on the hearts! Oh and a few glasses of wine in my tum tum. My friend Judith ( as seen in pic with Dora and Fifi - Black and white striped top) came round with a bottle of wine in one hand and help in the other. Quite a relaxed evening believe it or not. It was saturday that was a bit more stressful ~ trying to finish cards off here and notebooks there. But in the end I got there, set up and ready. Even got a chance to take a pic of the stall although just not enough time to take close ups. The light wasn't that great either as my sister and I had decorated the tables with hurricane vases, candles and pebbles. I should have taken a picture to show you but my camera didn't have enough energy left in it to last the night! I've been using her a lot lately ~ especially today!
My Dad and his friend came down for the weekend, so I took them on a wee trip around Killin and the Loch Tay area today. First we went up Glen Lochay to show Morag our holiday cottage which belongs to my Mum's side of the family. I'm sure I've got a pic of it somewhere, but I'll save that for another day. I hope Cal and I will get married there ~ but lets get back on track. After that we headed up Glen Lochay, over Glen Lyon and stopped at the Glen Lyon Arts and Crafts studio.
I bought a few things from Arran Aromatics Apothecary range to go with my collection ~ I find the products difficult to use as they look so good on my bathroom shelf! Morag bought me a gorgeous aqua/ teal glass pendant. Thanks Mo!
Somehow, I got into a conversation with the lovely gentleman who owned the gallery and I came away with his business card and a request to see some of my cards and gifts as they are keen to stock local wares!
We then went to the Glen Lyon Tea shop and SMALLEST POST OFFICE IN THE WORLD ~ or atleast the smallest I've seen. It was so sweet, all the food was served on floral china. So quaint!
See the area to the left of the picture ~ the tiny counter ~ THAT'S THE POST OFFICE!
I wonder if that one will close! I'm pleased to hear that our one in Killin will not be closing! I would be devastated if it did! After our yummy lunch and scones with cream and jam mmmm! ~ we headed up to see the famous 5000 year old Yew Tree at Fortingall.
Legend also suggests that Fortingall is the birthplace of Pontius Pilot who may well have been half Scottish. The Romans were in Britain in this period and were looking for support from "Metallanus, King of the Scottissman" for the Roman Empire. In this period it is thought that one of the Roman Commanders had an association with a Caledonian woman resulting in the birth of Pontius. The legend also suggests that Pontius Pilot may also have returned to his birth place at Fortingall and died, there being a headstone recovered with the markings PP.
The Yew Tree and Fortingall Church is adjacent to the beautiful Fortingall Hotel. Fortingall is one of my favourite places to come and walk along and then sit in the garrden of the hotel with a light refreshment, taking in the glorious surroundings.
And guess what I found ~ another Cherry Blossom! I'm in heaven.
Sadly the weekend had to end at some point but its still glorious weather in Killin so Murray and I are heading off for a walk to the head of the Loch ~ I'm walking twice a day for the next 6 weeks as my sister has signed me up for the Cancer Research Race for life!
I WOULD BE GREATFUL FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP FROM ANYONE ~ EVEN 50P! I HAVE CREATED A LINK AT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF MY PAGE TO MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU.
I need to get fit and its a great way to do it. So better get my walking shoo sshoo's on as Murray would call them ~ oh and I think he's away to get his on.
All that is left for me to say is have a great week and I'll be back soon.
Charlotte xxx
Today, the Toddlers outing was along to a farm, just out of the village itself, to see the new born lambs. It was and still is a gorgeous day. As we were all strolling along with the buggies I couldn't help but think - Life can't get better than this! I love being in the country. And I wouldn't give two hoots if I never had to visit the city again!
Meet Dora and Fifi, the farmers Grandaughter, Seonag had named them. The two Jacobs on the left hand side of the picture had just been born this morning so were still finding their feet!
I dare not tell Daddy, but for some reason Murray was scared of the lambs! Oh dear. As they are being hand reared they were so friendly, coming up to him to say hello and almost trying to knock him over!
A great morning was had by all. I love being a Mum!
Must go and hang out the washing in the glorious sunshine. Have a great day and weekend.
Charlotte xxx
Need a bit of cheering up or lifing of the spirits? then Cherry is the answer in more ways than one.!
This time of year, there's something that cheers me up everytime I look out my livingroom window, when it is raining,or when I'm feeling a bit low in spirit. This beautiful tree................
I've been thinking about my favourite things recently ~ favourite flowers, favourite numbers etc. And now, two in one. My favourite tree and fruit!
You can't get better than PINK TREES can you!
And Cherries as a fruit are so yummy. 
Cherries are low in calories, low in fat and contain a high percentage of water. Research has shown increasing water consumption will boost energy levels and help increase metabolism!
Oh, and don't even get me started on Cherry Drops...... well oh go on then! ...........
The third and final Cherry pick me up comes in the human form of Cherry Menlove ( Women love her too!) over at Tales from Pixie Wood! What a delight this woman is. If you're in need of inspiration then her site is for you! She has helped me so much in coming to terms with my current situation and making me believe wholeheartedly that being a housewife / homemaker IS valued! Thank you Cherry. This ones for you! ........... 
Charlotte xxx
I've been reading a few post lately that have been talking about their favourite/ special number.
Well, I'm asking whats your favourite flower? Is there a special flower that means something to you?
Mine would be the FORGET ME NOT! Ever since I was a little girl, I would always be leaving things at my grans house. She'd put them in the post to me with the saying FORGET ME NOT.
I love the flower also for its delicateness. So little but perfectly formed.
There's just something about the forget me not - something magical.
I've started looking for things with FORGET ME NOTS on but I tell you its not easy!
I hope to have them in my hair at my wedding and in my bouquet. I just think they are so special.
Charlotte xxx
Forget me not ~ I've been a way for a while but I'm back!
I've been having a bit of a holiday from technology. Not been watching a lot of tv lately and my internet usage has halved over the last few weeks. Murray and I and Calum (when he's not working) have been enjoying the lovely weather. We had a few days holiday up in aberdeen at my mums. A refreshing time where we were able to just get away and have some fun. And we've been spending many hours outside in the surroundings of Killin. Its also given me time to do my "thinking". I do a lot of thinking and some people say that if I did half as much doing as I do thinking, I'd do a lot!
Life's been a bit of a struggle for me lately, trying to work out my priorities between my family and me ~ Charlotte, and what my purpose in life is! I have an incling its to do with art but right now my purpose is to be the best mother I can to Murray. And to be the best possible fiance and Housewife to Calum. But being so creative, I just find it very frustrating, not having the time to do anything for myself and knowing that Braveart could be so much, but just now am only able to let it trickle along. Its a fine balance I tell you! My faith assures me everything will be so and I've just got to believe that!
Braveart (my business) is taking off though ~ I've got a stand at a local event on the night of Saturday 28th April ~ will be reporting on that one for sure! And I've had an enquiry from a girl who is taking over the old smiddy and gallery in Blair Atholl for my cards.
Hope everyone had a lovely Easter ~ gosh, that seems ages ago now. Where has April gone?
Murray is still as cheeky and cute as ever. Its been great seeing all the lambs and calfs on our walks up the glen and around Killin. We are going for a visit to a local farmer with the Toddlers group next Friday, so that should be fun for for him. He's back at nursery, having been off for two weeks at Easter. We're both (me and Murray) loving him being back. Sounds like the wee mans up. Better go and tend to his every need! Be back soon.
Charlotte xxx
Well, my weekend got off to a wonderful start, when my friend who had gone to the Country Living Fair on the Friday had returned home with a spare ticket. My sister and I headed off for the day at9.30am. I had managed to get a ticket for £5.50 so it cost us just £2.25 each to get in!! I'm sorry, but is it just me or is £10.50 ridiculous just to get into the Country Living Fair?!!! If we had been unfortunate enough to pay the full £10.50 each we would have spent £31 alone just getting to the fair. £10 in petrol as we live 1hr and a half away. I know you can book tickets in advance but even subscribers to the magazine have to pay £7! Country Living must be rolling in it. As they charge a fortune for having a stand aswell. I would love to have a stand in the next couple of years, but wonder if it would be worth it. Anyway, sorry for sounding so negative.
The fair was lovely. Met a very nice lady called Lisa!!! Didn't spend too much money. Bought the cute little lavender heart below, some Lime Vodka for Calum from DemiJohn and a gorgeous wallet from Ness for me as you know I love Harris Tweed! How kind they were, they had run out so they phoned their store at the airport and asked for one to be brought over. Now that is service for you!
We didn't get home to Killin till about 6.30pm and was out by 8.00pm to the pub with friends. How pathetic, I was falling asleep by 10.30pm and wanted to go home because I was soooo tired.
Woke up fresh as a daisy on Sunday, somehow! Went to church and returned home to look after Murray. As I had Saturday to myself, Calum was having a boys day on Sunday and went to the cinema in Falkirk to see 300. What a gorgeous day it turned out to be! Officially british summer time began on Sunday and it certainly did it in style in Killin. The sun was beaming down, we even thought about having a BBQ! We being Scott, Judith and their three, Murray and I went on a long walk up the village and out the old road to Auchlyne Farm. There were no lambs to see just yet but we are going for a visit with the Toddlers when they do arrive.
Then it was back to ours for juice and biscuits in the garden. Thats not me in the picture. Its our neighbour who lives upstairs, who we share our garden with. Its brilliant as she loves garening and as long as we don't make a mess we don't have to do much. I will be showing you lots of pictures of the garden over the next few months as it is spectacular when in bloom!
As Calum was showing no signs of returing home by 5pm Judith kindly asked if Murray and I would like to go for dinner. Mmmmm... Roast Pork! And a couple of glasses of wine. A perfect end to a perfect day!
The house didn't get any of our attention this weekend as we were both busy but when Calum returned, we took half an hour just to tidy up before we sat down to watch a dvd. Its all about TEAMWORK!!! I thought I should take a picture of my roses I got for Mothers Day before they start to wilt. So here they are.
Hope you have all had a lovely weekend.
Love Charlotte xxx
Apologies for not posting until now but my worst fear bacame reality on Thursday when I bacame ill and was sent back into hospital with suspected appendicitis. My GP wasn't taking any chances because of my past medical history and sent me in. I was so scared and to top it all, I was in the same ward and I saw the same consultants as last time. I didn't realise how strong my memories would come flooding back the minute I saw them. I had an x-ray and a scan which showed nothing so I was allowed home and all the pain, sickness dizzyness and fever stopped. They never even told me what they thought it was but i think it must have been a viral infection. All is well, thank goodness. I just wish I hadn't had to go back in.
I Had a lovely Mothers Day on Sunday. Will tell you about that shortly. Must get on being a domestic goddess (cough cough!). While Murray is in Nursery today, my friend and I are taking a wee jaunt up to Aberfeldy to look at the nice shops inc Homer!!! and the great thrift shop they have. Hope everyone is well.
Love Charlotte xxx
