The Boys earning CAS hours as Zwarte Piet

Living in The Netherlands the kids attend an International School. Part of their Educational course includes them doing 'Community and Service' hours. The boys were offered the opportunity to earn some CAS hours and act as Zwarte Piets assisting Sinterklaas at my husband's office. A great opportunity to have some fun, use their Dutch singing traditional songs and throwing pepernoten to the children as Sinterklaas arrives. (Please do not take offence - Zwarte Piet is black because he has to climb down the chimneys with presents for the children.)

Here are some pictures of the preparations and fun ...

handing out pepernoten

chance for a cuddle

enjoying the kids suprised faces

saying goodbye to all the families as they leave with Sinterklaas

After a long afternoon, 21st Century style Piets

As you can see the boys had a lot of fun with all the families and were very happy to have taken part in something so traditional. Bye for now, Ali.

Apologies, The Christmas Fair and The Tree!

Firstly HUGE apologies for not posting this blog sooner. The fair was a good first outing for 'Vintage Dreams'. The gorgeous daughter came and helped and we were lucky enough to sell several cushions, some vintage china and take several orders. Below are some photos our our little stall and some of the other lovely stalls there.

the gorgeous daughter at our little stall

some of the handmade cushions and vintage china

home-made italian dishes

Archie's fave - 'Jamin' sweetie stall

gorgeous jewels - the pearls in the middle are now mine!

And now for the shock of arriving home only to find a neighbour's tree in our garden ...

Well the tree is proving a bit of a nightmare, but I won't bore you with all of that. Better dash and start cooking. Bye for now, Ali.

Today is the Day

Today is the day and here are a few piccies of bits and bobs I am taking to the fair. Did not get much sleep as I have never done anything like this before and not sure how it will go ...

I have made a selection of cushions using new and vintage fabric, more piccies;

And a few hearts too,

So I will be back later today with pictures of the fair and news of how things went.

The Violenschool Christmas Coffee Bazaar - November 18th 2009, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

This takes place at Sint Vituskerk Annagebouw Building, Emmastraat 7, 1211 NE Hilversum. A variety of local vendor's selling Christmas wreaths, children’s books, candles, candies, jewellery, cookie & brownie kits, artwork, Italian products, children’s mittens & hats, fabric gift bags, English products, bath soaps, pillows, scarves & shawls, seasonal treats, and many, many more wonderful gifts in time for both Sinterklaas and Christmas.

Feeling more than slightly nervous, as have taken the opportunity to take a stall and see how my hand-made cushions and a small array of vintage china are accepted by the International Community here in Hilversum, The Netherlands. Was not banking on coming down with a yucky virus the last 10 days which has meant that I am more than slightly behind! Better planning next year!

Looking forward to seeing lots of friends and new faces next week. Ali x