Beautiful Baskets!

It occurred to me the other day that some of the most beautiful objects around us are often the most practical. Baskets are so useful for everyday items but can also make a very pretty display too.

I think an old painted or fabric covered basket would be useful in every room of the house...

They are also ideal for filling with Summer blooms. I have some lovely big roses in my garden at the moment but I don't want to cut them - so here's the next best thing...

Mmm, I really do think I should start collecting vintage baskets!

What do you keep in yours?

Fabrics, Fragrance and Floribunda!

Well I never, what's this? Roses growing in my apple tree? No, but the next best thing; three of Niki's gorgeous handmade bags! I'm sure you've heard the expression that a girl can never have too many bags, well if they're made by Niki, then that is certainly true! I was lucky enough to 'bag' (excuse the pun!) the patchwork of roses bag yesterday, when she updated her website. It arrived today, how's that for service?!


Here are some more wonderful things I have recently acquired! I spotted this pretty glass lamp on ebay and luckily for me it was on a Buy It Now - so I did just that! It has little glass droplets just visible under the lampshade. The very kind seller sent me a surprise gift too, this really pretty oil painting of roses, how lovely! When I saw Sue recently at the antiques fair, I couldn't resist her handmade lavender bags made from vintage fabric; they smell wonderful! The lavender bag tied with black lace was another surprise gift from another ebay seller; aren't there some very generous people out there?! The beautiful wisteria note paper was made for me by Bonnie; thank you so much Bonnie, I really adore it and don't want to use it!

Here's a photo of one of my Sweet Williams, which are growing in abundance in my borders this year!

Last year they were non-existent but have decided to appear everywhere this year! Do you have any surprises growing in your garden?

Taking Stock!

I have been filling my cottage with beautiful and showy stocks! I love their heady scent and wonderful colours. It's been a busy time for me as I have also been gathering new stock for my shop. Then I realised that I had brought together several similar types of flowers!

I have found some beautiful things recently and many of them are decorated with pretty lilacs, lupins and stocks. This sewing box is covered in lilacs - and roses of course, I couldn't leave them out could I?!

This delightful old dish is decorated with lupins.

Some of these items will find their way into my shop in the coming days, that's if I can bear to part with them!

Finally, here are some photos of my rain-soaked irises. We've certainly had our share of rain this past week and the poor things were almost lying down with the weight of the raindrops! Now I must get back to working on the website; hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Soft and Muted Florals

Although I really love bold and cheerful colours I am also drawn to subtle and muted tones, especially in vintage tapestries such as the one above.

This beautiful fabric is Victorian...

...and this pretty Barbola wall plaque is decorated with wonderful softly painted anemones.

Perhaps we're getting a little bolder now, although the colours in this old chalkware plaque are quite gentle.

I have selected these pretty pieces for my shop - but I couldn't help it - I've just had to include something bright and cheerful!

What do you prefer; bold and bright or soft and subtle?

Good Times and Happy Memories

We recently spent a wonderful weekend on the Isle of Wight, catching up with family and taking in the beauty of this tiny isle off the South coast of England. Spring is a lovely time to visit as it can get a little busy during the Summer months! We visited the beach...


...the beautiful countryside...

...and the Havenstreet Steam railway, for a journey back in time!

This week, we had the very difficult task of saying goodbye to a dear friend. He was extremely positive throughout his illness and took the opportunity to experience some once-in-a-lifetime goals, one of which took place last September when he rode 2,000 miles on a motorbike down to Land's End, up to John O'Groats and back again, raising thousands of pounds for charity. His good friend, my husband, had the privilege of sharing that journey with him and I know he will treasure the time they spent together. We have wonderful memories of our friend - who could ask for more? Here he is when they reached John O'Groats - it was a very wet and windy day, but nothing could dampen his spirits!

Gifts and Glasses Galore!

I really don't know where the days go to at the moment! I have had so many lovely things I'd like to show you but simply haven't had the time to update my blog as often as I'd have liked! But I am pleased to show the gorgeous hand-made items I received from Alison who has a lovely blog and makes some very pretty cards and fabric hearts etc. Everything arrived wrapped so prettily with ribbon and pastel flowers - what a lovely surprise it was! Alison was so thoughtful adding the bookmark as she knows I'm currently on the look-out for a certain book!

I promised some photos of my 50s glass collection and here they are! I have quite a few and they vary from the very tiny tot glasses right up to the pint glasses for beer! This isn't all of them - there are lots more in the cupboards and dotted around the cottage!


I haven't actually counted the glasses - but I know I have more than enough for a garden party!


I'd like to thank Louise, Dorothy and Bonnie for very kindly nominating me for the Thinking Blogger Award. Thank you so very much, I am extremely flattered ladies! I know I should reciprocate and choose my five favourite blogs. However, all the wonderful blogs I visit have already received the award! If you have a look at the many listed in my side bar you will be in for a treat! Don't forget to visit Dan's Blah Blah Blog - his observations on day-to-day life are so entertaining! In fact, his current post is very timely!!!

Lastly, I hope I won't hear too many groans of protest, but here is yet another wisteria photo! The blooms are fading now so it will be the last photo, I promise - well, the last photo this year! Although the leaves are very pretty..!

More Wonderful Wisteria!

I know I've already shown you photos of the wisteria and my lane and I apologise if you are experiencing a distinct sense of deja-vu, but I just couldn't resist showing you a few more photos! The wisteria really has excelled this year and is looking quite splendid.

Along with the blossom trees in the lane, we have quite a wonderful show.

I promise to bring you some photos of my 50s glass collection very soon, but in the meantime, close your eyes and breathe in the heady scent of the wisteria blooms...

Views of my village and garden

In response to Lisa's question on my last post, when she asked if the rest of my village is as pretty as our little cottage, I thought I would share some photos with you. Sue inspired me to get adventurous and make a slide show - so I've actually put two slide shows together! The first is a collection of village photos (the SITV stands for Stanford-in-the-Vale, the name of the village, but it's so long I have had to abbreviate it for the slide show!) I intend to get out and about and take some more photos of the village soon but I hope you enjoy these in the meantime!

The next slide show is a collection of photos taken today whilst I pottered in the garden. Here are some lovely Spring flowers, including more of the wisteria! Do you like the signs? I painted the one shown in front of the flower bed many years ago and it sits outside in all weathers! The ceramic sign was created especially for us by the very talented ceramic artist Mary Rose Young. It will soon become hidden by the wisteria leaf, so I thought you should see it while you still can!

I hope you enjoy the photos!

Floral Wonders!

A big 'Thank You' to everyone who has commented on my recent blog posts - I will be catching up with you all soon! To show my appreciation I'd like to share some flowery, Summery photos with you! The wysteria is just beginning to bloom so I will capture more photos of that in the coming weeks, when it is at its best!

The above photo evokes thoughts of Summer for me! Yes, I think we are in for a glorious Summer this year! We've just been spoiled rotten with fantastic weather all over Easter and the long-range weather forecast says we've more to come!

I'd also like to share some of my many collections with you, here's a sneak preview of my 50s glasses, these will feature in my next post I think!

I hope your week is full of sunshine!

An Easter Feast of Treats and Delights (but no chocolate!)

I am so happy to see the weather improving day by day (with the odd setback of course!) and am hoping to spend some time in the garden over Easter. It has been a busy time just lately and I have neglected a few of my blogger friends - so apologies to you all - normal service will be resumed, as the saying goes!!! In the meantime, I'd like to share these delights with you - yes, I've been shopping!!!

Since opening my shop, I've had the pleasure of sending out lots of lovely vintage items to many of you (thank you so very much for your custom!) So I thought it was time I did some shopping too! First up above, are these really beautiful roses cards by Louise - aren't they wonderful? They came sweetly wrapped in ribbon with a lovely vintage postcard - perfect! Then I was 'in the right place at the right time' (sat at my computer in other words!!!) when Niki's email dropped in my mailbox. 'Yippee!' I thought, if I'm quick I'll manage to bag some of her handmade and vintage goodies before they disappear quicker than you can say 'Hot Cross Buns!' The adrenaline took hold and I felt like I was at the head of the queue at Harrod's sale time! I was lucky after all and here are my buys - a truly beautiful bedspread, and two of the prettiest pillowcases to which Niki has applied her magic sewing skills. To make it even more special, she sent me a present too, this beautiful glass! I collect this type of floral glassware but don't have one like this, so Thank You very much Niki!


I'm planning a little more shopping this weekend with a trip to a flea market or two. But before I go I'll be adding some fresh vintage items to my shop just in time for Easter, including this glorious eiderdown!



Have a wonderful Easter everyone!

Buried Treasure!

A few years ago we decided to investigate what was behind a wall in our living room. My husband was convinced there was a large fireplace so, mindful of the mess involved, I reluctantly agreed to get the builders in! I am so glad we did! We found this huge inglenook fireplace, complete with original brickwork, an arched seat, hanging rods and even an old cast iron kettle, which had been buried all these years! From what we know, the fireplace was bricked up in the late Victorian years. The cottage dates back to around 1800, a time when inglenooks were generally no longer being built. Our cottage is quite tiny so it was truly amazing to find this very large inglenook. The builders removed 6 tons of rubble - all of which left via the window!

I didn't want to scare you, so I have put the 'after' photo first!

I wouldn't be without our cosy woodburner now! Logs are a great way to keep the chill out - in fact they keep you warm twice; while you are stacking and piling them and then when you burn them!

I was reading Jane's blog recently and she has also discovered an inglenook! Have you made any amazing discoveries in your home?