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?

Childhood Days

As the promise of Spring nears and the days begin to get longer, my thoughts turn to childhood, those carefree years when time really did seem endless. Growing up in the country was wonderful; days were filled with adventure playing hide and seek in the fields and building dens in the hedgerows. I have a real fondness for the fun and colourful make-believe characters of my era, in particular the Golliwog and Noddy - two of my favourite childhood toys and stories. I was an avid reader as a child and my staple diet of Enid Blyton's wonderful books kept me enthralled for many years, including the Famous Five, Secret Seven and Mallory Towers books - think I read them all!

The photos below are original Charlotte Becker prints from the 1940s, well before my time of course! She painted beautiful soft and delicate pictures of babies and animals, so perfect for a nursery wall. These are two of my favourites, isn't that dog so cute?!


Who are your favourite childhood characters?

Picture Perfect!

Many, many years ago, before I had even heard the words 'shabby chic' or 'vintage' I fell in love with the pretty floral and distressed painted look that epitomises everything that is English country cottage. I didn't know of any good flea markets where I could find old watercolours or oil paintings, so I created my own vintage-style pictures at home! I painted and distressed the wooden frames and was inspired to frame all manner of everyday items that I thought were beautiful. The delightful floral picture above is, in fact, a paper bag! The one below is a greetings card. I found a delightful coloured mount which exactly matched the feature wall in our bedroom, and there it has hung ever since. In fact, I have had both of these pictures hanging on my walls for many years and despite having found some beautiful paintings in the years since, I still think they look lovely!


Of course, I absolutely love the roses paintings that I have managed to find over the years - this beautiful oil painting is one of my favourites!

I think it is a wonderful talent to be able to paint! One of my favourite artists is a blogger too! If you haven't seen Joanna's work then you really will be in for a treat!

The pretty picture below is an original 1950's print and has a very interesting history attached to it. These are roses gathered from the gardens of the Glaxo premises in Greenford, England and are awaiting arrangement as they lie on the reception desk of the entrance hall. The original was painted by Gayford Rix (what a brilliant name!) Each rose is named on the reverse of the print. This delightful print will be added to my shop later this week! How I wish I knew where the original painting was!

Is there anyone who can resist a painting of roses?!

Ready for Summer!

Well, we've certainly had our share of nasty weather this week! Gales, heavy rain and a cold wind! I know there has been the odd peek of sunshine too, but it's not enough! I find myself yearning for the days when I can wake in the morning and throw open the bedroom window as the sunlight streams through. I look forward to long evenings when I can leave the stable door open. How lovely to sit as the sun slowly sets, reading a book and sipping on a cool glass of wine.



It would be wonderful to breathe in the beautiful scent of my ancient rose as I tend the garden. But that is not to be just yet. So, in the meantime I hope you enjoy these photos which were taken during last Summer.

Of course, There are always these colourful, floral delights inside my home, which I surround myself with all year round!





I shall be counting the days until the clocks go forward on 25th March!