Vintage rocks!

I was up in the loft this afternoon looking for some long forgotten vintage pieces for the shop when I came across some much treasured badges from the 80s that I thought I had lost. Vintage Boss! 

Do you think I'm too long in the tooth to dust these off for Bruce's tour this year?!

More vintage rock - well country to be precise - next week when I'm off to see the Secret Sisters on Monday night in Islington. These gorgeous vintage style gals hail from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and my son was totally smitten when he saw them sing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Unfortunately, work prevents me from getting to see them sing in the Apple Store, Regent Street, during the day - something my son has arranged (perk of the job!) - but I am so looking forward to hearing their beautiful harmonies.

Have a listen...

Fabulous aren't they?

Enjoy the weekend

xxx

Ripping yarns

A lovely sunny, mild Saturday in Hertfordshire and I was off hunting for vintage treasure today. A rummage through the Oxfam shop at Bishops Stortford turned up these rare 1920s books for boys with wonderful illustrations and stories of the British Empire - politically incorrect of course, but absolutely ripping yarns!

Spiffing eh what?

Enjoy the weekend xx

Cath Kidston addict

I was in a prison the other day (for professional reasons I hasten to add) and the Governor pointed to my bag and said "Is that Cath Kidston?" Is no one immune to the Kidston empire? I remember a time when nobody had heard of CK. She had just one tiny shop in Notting Hill. I bought my rose pattern bedroom wallpaper there when I first moved into my cottage nearly 13 years ago and was served by Cath herself - I told her I'd bought my cottage just so I could decorate with her wallpaper!


I've tried to wean myself off Cath overdosing with little success. There's definitely an Olympics influence in her new range. Look at these lovely new additions. 

I so want this bag!

Are you a Cath addict too?

Eight days a week

If this week is anything to go by 2012 is going to be a very hectic and exciting year! In fact 7 days in a week is just not enough time - I need eight! 

The week got off to a great start when I received the super giveaway that I won over at Our Favourite Things


Don't you just love getting a parcel in the post? Oooh the anticipation!

Look what was inside!

So pretty!

and...

Don't you just love this necklace? I've been wearing it all week!

Thank you Claire xx

You can find more gorgeous things like these to buy in Claire's Etsy shop.

It's been a brilliant sunny week here in Blighty. I work in London and it's felt so spring like and I have been tempted outside to walk at lunchtime. Days like these remind me why I love London. This great deco building is near the office.

But when Saturday comes around it's the country for me and today was, crisp, cold, with brilliant sunshine - perfect for hunting for treasures around Hertfordshire for my little shop at the Hertfordshire Craft Collective. My trip took me through the lovely market town of Hitchin, and Buntingford, an attractive village in the east of the county. Some great independent shops to browse.

But this trip was all about finding some lovely goodies for customers not me (I have to keep reminding myself of this) and the day produced some smashers that I have put in the shop back in Radlett this afternoon.

(I can hardly bear to part with this)

I've been working on the shop display too - it's gradually coming together!

Phew! An busy and brilliant week! How's your week been? Has the sun shone on you too?

Open for business!

After all the making, sourcing and planning my first shop opened for business at Hertfordshire Craft Collective at Battlers Green Farm today! More stock to go in over the coming weeks but I was so excited to finally open!


It's been such a fun but exhausting day getting things set up so I'm going to sit back with a cuppa while you enjoy the first photo's.

I'm joining the party fun Ivy and Elephants a most wonderful blog - do go and visit!

Cottage of the year 2011

A special welcome to visitors from Post of the Month Club

Who doesn't go weak at the knees at the sight of a cosy English cottage? Those who have been following me for some time will know that I can't resist taking snaps of pretty rural homes I find on my travels across the country. Peering over hedges, peeking through fences - nothing stops me in my quest to bring you pictures of the perfect English cottage! 
It's hard to describe what makes the perfect cottage - it's something that pulls at the heart strings, that little sigh when you first spot it.


I couldn't resist the opportunity to show again some of the cottages that tugged at my heart strings this year. Here is my top five contenders for cottage of the year 2011.

5

Proving that small is beautiful, this tiny fisherman's cottage just a stones throw from the sea at Whitstable caught my eye. 

4

The pretty Cambridgeshire village of Lode was simply groaning with the most beautiful properties. This thatch framed with hollyhocks was just picture perfect.

3

Still in Lode and another pretty thatch - the paint work was heavenly. It also had the most amazing garden.

2

The Cotswolds has an abundance of beautiful cottages it's so hard to chose. This simple and unadorned house was just stunning, the architectural detail quite wonderful.

1

It's back to the village of Lode for my number one cottage of 2011. The little winding path up to this cottage gave tantalising glimpses of this utterly charming home.

Nestled in the prettiest of gardens with hens on the lawn it was irresistable!

So there you have it. My top 5 cottages of 2011. 

Do you have a favourite?

I can't wait to discover more beautiful cottages in 2012!