Broxbourne antique fair

First things first. A big welcome to new followers. I've enjoyed visiting all your lovely blogs and if I haven't managed to say hi yet I promise I will. I'm looking forward to cosy autumnal evenings in catching up on with new blogging friends.

Talking of autumn. Brrrr. August Bank Holiday Monday and I was shivering at a cold and windy Broxbourne Antique Fair this morning. Never mind, there was lots of lovely goods on display to see. While I thaw out with a hot drink have a look at what caught my eye.

Aren't these beautiful?

 Love these chairs!

I'm off to la belle France for a few days...au revoir mon amis xx

East Coast Bloggers

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for all US east coast blogger friends this weekend. 

Please stay safe and 

I do hope the predictions are all a storm in a (pretty vintage) teacup

xxx

Mon armoire est arrive!

I'm joining Show Off Your Cottage Monday  over at lovely blog The House in the Roses today.

There is something incredibly decadent about getting a new piece of furniture. Something that hasn't been rescued out of a skip, or a flea market. Something brand new and more (substantially) than £50 and a paint job. Yes, my new armoire from Laura Ashley has arrived today. OK, it was in the sale and it does have a distressed finish, but it is so rare for me to get something brand spanking new. Oh it is gorgeous! Regarde tu (excuse me but I'm practising my French in anticipation of my trip to France next week)...

I've had such fun this afternoon deciding what to put where...

Inside...

Putting things in, taking them out again...

And on top...

Lots of umming and ahhing over this...

Until everything was in it's new home (until I rearrange it again of course!)

J'aime beaucoup! I hope in time it becomes an heirloom to be handed down - a vintage of the future perhaps?

White Hydrangea

White Hydrangea. I love them don't you? And they seem to be everywhere this summer.

In the garden

On the patio

In the house

At weddings (Princess Zara's)

and outside my front door

Have a great week xx

The Railway Children at Waterloo

I've been wanting to see the stage production of The Railway Children at Waterloo Railway Station for ages and finally last night I went. Following on from my visit to Oakworth Station last month, where they made the original film with Jenny Agutter, I was as excited as a big kid!

The show didn't disappoint. It was truly magical. Watching the show from the platform either side of the railway line, the production was ingenious, the acting was top notch, but the star of the show was the 120 year old steam train that makes a stunning entrance at the end of the first half. If you saw the film you will remember the sight of Bobby (Agutter) waving her red petticoat to stop the training crashing.

Woo-hoo!

Remember my previous post  Daddy, my Daddy , that wonderful emotional moment at the end of the film that never fails to make you cry. Well last night, cue the waterworks! I think everybody was holding their breath waiting for that moment!

Sob!

But the real joy of this show is watching it through the eyes of the children in the audience - they were  totally enthralled. There rapt expressions said it all. The story of the Railway Children has a new generation  of fans.

Enjoy the weekend!

Camden Passage

Whenever I have time in the working day in London I like to browse a lovely little cobbled street near my office in Islington called Camden Passage. The street is famous for it's antique market and individual little shops.

Islington is a north London borough close to the City. It's a place of great contrasts. Areas of great deprivation, where riots broke out last week, and then the beautiful leafy streets of Barnsbury and Canonbury, lined with delightful Georgian houses. Many, like the one below have plaques naming the famous people who have lived them, typically artists and writers.

On Wednesday and Saturdays, Camden Passage is lined with antique stalls, and little alleys are crammed with tiny shops selling antiques of every description. It's popular with tourists so prices can be high but a bargain can still be found.

It's also a popular place to browse, enjoy an al fresco meal (weather permitting), and buy vintage clothing.

There are some lovely one off shops like The Box Shop...

Or Loop, a delightful knitting shop...

In fact it's a perfect way to spend my lunch break on sunny day in London Town.