Tulips and toothache

Apologies for my absence. Is starting a new job, having your kitchen gutted, and suffering from raging toothache (in the same week) a good enough excuse? Still, the kitchen is nearly complete (how can a tiny kitchen take so long, and more importanly cost sooo much) the sun has been shining on Blighty and we just had a lovely long weekend with more of the same due in three days time.

Easter is always a family time for me and my Mum, sisters, niece and I trotted off to Bushey Rose Gardens to enjoy the spring planting in the unseasonal hot sunshine. We loved the eye popping colours of the tulips.

My Mum and co ... we are not women to be parted from our handbags!

And finally this morning, the first opportunity I've had to lie in and luxuriate for ages.  It's lilac time (those precious two weeks) so the view from my bedroom window is a treat.

I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter break. 

Wedding? Did someone mention a wedding?

Good Day Sunshine

Wow, what a beautiful week! The sun has had it's hat on and I've been humming that old Beatles song, Good Day Sunshine. The sun has been out in more ways than one. After months of redundancy looming over my head I had an interview for a new job and ta-da I got promotion! There was me thinking I would be retiring early and now I shall be working in the heart of London town once more.

To celebrate my new job and the warmer weather I have treated myself to a new Cath Kidston bag. I went for spots rather than floral - bit too twee for work.

The sunshine has made the garden burst with colour. Here's some lovely spring flowers in my garden this week.  

After months of planning, finally, my new kitchen will be fitted this coming week - I'm sooo excited! 

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts xx

What a dish!

I confess I'm smitten. I am totally coveting this antiqued iron wire dish drainer from Comptoir de Famille. 

Comptoir de Famille make lots of beautiful things that are perfect for the country home like this delightfully simple raspberry holder (a raspberry holder? well there's something I never knew I needed).

What about a beautiful wooden key case?

Or this divine table bell to summon the servants?

While I fret over the dish drainer decision please do have yourself an excellent week. 

Country Living Spring Fair

A trip to Country Living Magazine's Spring Fair is a delightful way to end a sunny week off work. I always look forward to this event and come home inspired by all the beautiful home and garden stalls in particular. Despite the jostling crowds (do those Home Counties ladies sharpen their elbows especially for the day?) I managed to take a few photos with my iphone which I hope give you a glimpse of some of the gorgeous goodies on display.

Did I come home empty handed? By my rather extravagant standards I was remarkably restrained. I really liked this enamel shaker in the same shade as my new kitchen units.

I can't decide whether to use this metal utensil holder in the kitchen or summerhouse.

You need real stamina for the Country Living Fair let me tell you. After a few hours I had back ache and sore feet - despite the various fuel stops for tea and cake! So I'm back home with feet up and a cuppa reflecting on a lovely day and lots of new ideas for the house and garden. 

More tea vicar?

Why do I always reach for a mug when I have this pretty china tucked away in the cupboard?

Have a good week everyone xx

Tiles and tiaras

I have a long list of things I need to buy for my new kitchen which is being installed in just two weeks time and I'm so excited! I spent ages in Fired Earth last week oohing and aahing over their fabulous selection of tiles. Some of them are eye wateringly expensive but I finally settled on some lovely crackle glaze ones in tarragon and ivory. I really like these soft, muted colours.

My local Fired Earth is in Radlett at Battlers Green Farm http://www.battlersgreenfarm.co.uk/retailers.html, which has a courtyard of shops and a cafe. Its a lovely place to spend a few hours. The shops are all housed in barns and old out buildings. I especially like the farm shop which sells wonderful homemade cakes which I regularly buy when family come for tea - not that I would pretend I had made them myself of course!

Sometimes it's good to get away from crafting, kitchen plans etc. and it's been a great weekend for socialising. On Friday night I attended a birthday dinner in Berkhamsted at my favourite restaurant Gatsbys. The restaurant is in the splendid foyer of a beautiful original art deco cinema called The Rex. It's a great place for special occasions and the food is always delicious.

The Rex Cinema is a much loved venue and has been incredibly successful since it was saved from property developers a few years ago. Getting tickets to see a film here can be difficult due to its popularity but its always worth the 45 minute trip from home to revel in the glorious art deco splendour.

And finally, last night I was off to a fancy dress party for a friends 50th birthday. Those two words, fancy and dress, tend to fill me with horror but as the theme was 'ballet' it was a good excuse to don a tiara. I like it so much I think I might take to wearing tiaras more often - do you think it might be a little over dressed for the weekly trip to Waitrose?

Enjoy your Sunday xx