fifties girl

IM BACK!!!!!!!

2010-04-13T08:30:00.008+01:00

Well after almost 6 months im back!! Busy busy as always. Our baby girl is growing rapidly, now 6months! How time flies.

We have been on a few trips, done a lot of work around the house etc etc. China our Shar Pei is expecting pups at the end of the month so very excited to soon hear the patter of tiny paws!

We have also been busy renovating the vintage caravan.

this was a before....................................

and after.......................................

My sewing machine has been working flat out!

I am very pleased with the end result, just got a few vintage pieces to put in there and dress her up a bit.

Iam also extremely excited as we have been asked to exhibit her by the author of the 'My cool caravan' book, here at the vintage goodwood festival. http://www.vintageatgoodwood.com/ If any of you are going please come and say hello as i would love to meet fellow bloggers. Looks like a great festival so very much looking forward to attending!

We are going away with her this weekend so hoping that this lovely weather continues as it will be the last trip for a while before pups!! Am also hoping for a little thrifting in the sunshine too!!

To my blogger friends, im sorry i have not been around to comment on your blogs in the past months, i have tried to check in with you to keep up but i have a lot of catching up to do!!! x x x

Arrival

2009-10-17T02:57:00.004+01:00

Our beautiful daughter Lylah Rae was born 15th October at 1.10pm weighing 7lb 12oz. All is well thank goodness, we are truly blessed. x x

Makeovers and waiting!!

2009-09-22T10:59:00.006+01:00

Its been a busy few weeks in the fifties household.

With just a few weeks to go before the new arrival is due, i decided as you do, that a new living room was on the cards. So two weeks followed of no skirting boards, bare plaster and no flooring. It was all worth it though as i finally got to use my very favourite Sanderson wallpaper!

I wanted a modern but retro feel to the room and i think the wallpaper gives it just that.

CB was a little reluctant about the wallpaper and wall colour, with it being so bold, but now he is pleased with the result. I really wanted to get away from the boring brown and cream that it was before.

One of my favourite things in the room is the new rug. The pictures dont really show it but its a really unusual texture, really soft but almost grass like.

I love relaxing in there at night as its so cosy, and Fin loves the new floor as his cars go really fast on there now that the carpet is gone!

We have also finished the nursery

Im really pleased with it as its lovely and girly.

Im also pleased with the cot bedding as i made it myself!! I couldnt find what i wanted in the shops so i bought the fabric and made it. Its the biggest thing that i have made with my machine and im really pleased with it.

So now we are just waiting for our little girl to arrive. Still not 100% sure on names so the debate continues!

Take care happy thrifting! x x

I Passed!!!!!

2009-08-15T09:21:00.003+01:00

Yesterday i finally passed my driving test!

After having lessons on and off for a number of years i finally did it!

So now im mobile, i have a whole new world of antiques fairs, car boot sales, collectors fairs etc to visit!

I love these cars and despite just how much i love them, sadly would not fit a double buggy and two baby seats in them. So for me its the estate car.

Oh well a girl can dream!

The Shabby Shed!

2009-08-03T08:51:00.004+01:00

The shed transformation is finally finished!!

When we moved into our house there was an enormous shed in the garden that was kitted out with bird cages. Never been used. The electrics were installed and most of the shed was boarded and lined already. We had been using it as storage for Fins outdoor toys and the lawnmower, but felt that it was a little wasted. So CB built a lean to at the side for storage and I claimed the shed as mine!! With a lot of white paint and a little bargain hunting, the shed is now my shabby bungalow/ summerhouse!
The bedroom area is at the back and we got a brand new ikea sofa bed from ebay for £28! The wallpaper was reduced to £5 a roll and a carpet off cut completed the room.
In the sitting room area the furniture was a bargain £5 for all of it from ebay! There was a huge dining table that is too big for the shed, a chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, table and two chairs- £5!!!!! The paint was buy one get one free and the fabric for covering the chairs was from my stash.

The curtains were another ebay bargain. They are original fifties and i got them for £10. They were originally 2 curtains so i cut them and turned them, them hemmed them and im really pleased with them as i have never attempted anything like that before on my machine!

I am so pleased with the transformation. For less than £100 and a bit of hard work we now have room for overnight guests and a lovely area to sit and read or relax. I have put some of my vintage books in there and some vintage postcards but i still have a list as long as my arm of things i need to get. Vintage mirrors, floral lamp, floral rug, floral pictures will all complete the look. Im hoping the weather starts to improve so that i can visit a few boot fairs and start ticking off the list!

Happy thrifting x

My baby turned 3.......... and a sneaky peak!!!

2009-07-24T11:55:00.005+01:00

Yesterday my little man turned 3. I cant quite believe that he is 3. Where did the time go.
We had a fantastic day from start to finish.

Waking in the morning to find birthday presents
Playing all day with new toys then a party at the pub. Magician, balloon modelling, pony rides, disco, face painting and bouncy castle. Lots of friends and delicious food.

Amazement at a real rabbit appearing from nowhere!!

Taking part in the magic show

Riding on the pony

Becoming a tiger!

Dressing as Buzz lightyear on more than one occasion through the day!

A birthday success!!!

I was also pleased that i had no clearing up of the party aftermath to do this year!

We have been busy batting on with the shed makeover. The bedroom area is almost complete, just a few vintage treasures to add.

The living area just needs the floor painting and pretties adding and we will be there.

Im actually excited to finish this and im looking forward to spending a night in there!

So here is a little peak at the bedroom area. The sofa bed was an ebay bargain and i have made the cushions that are on there. The bunting was bought on our holiday although im not sure if it will stay in there or perhaps relocate to the vintage caravan once i have made over that. Descisions!!! Hopefully progress will resume this weekend and i will return shortly with pictures of the completed shed.

Happy thrifting!! x

Back to reality

2009-07-03T09:29:00.007+01:00

Well we are back from our lovely holiday in very sunny Cornwall. We had beautiful weather and a really fantastic time.

Lots of rockpooling and delight at catching a crab.

Beautiful beaches with white sand and clear blue sea

Delight at finding Cath Kidston, then disappointment that all items on my wishlist are sold out!

Stunning scenery

Beautiful Mevagissey

Fun on the beach

Better luck with the shopping in Joules!

Finding an unexpected car boot sale and finding these fantastic crochet blankets. The multicolour one is huge. A bargain at £2. The smaller ones £1.50. I almost felt guilty buying them at that price, as the wool must have cost more than that. The lady told me that she makes them in the winter when she is bored. The pink one and green one will be finding a new home in the nursery while the other two will be right at home in the vintage caravan.

So now we are rested and ready to continue witht he ever growing list of projects in the fifties household. Progress with the shed / summerhouse has resumed and next week i will hopefully make a start on decorating the inside. I managed to pick up some lovely union jack bunting and an enormous union jack flag on holiday too.

I have also decided on the wallpaper and bedding for the nursery, which we will shortly be making a start on.

We have a certain someones 3rd birthday aproaching fast and so thoughts are now turned to that!

This morning we have woken to thunder and rain. Not good when we have a weekend planned in the caravan at an outdoor proms event. We had planned on a picnic, smart dress and deckchairs in the sun. Now it looks like waterproofs and umbrellas! The good old british summer!

Happy thrifting x

Busy busy..........

2009-06-19T10:01:00.006+01:00

The title says it all really! We have been none stop in the past few weeks.

Firstly a little thrifting. Gorgeous vintage linen pillowcases and a vintage candy stripe sheet. I love the colours of the pillowcases and a bargain at £3 for all.

Originally i was going to use the sheet as fabric for a project but i cant bring myself to cut it up! It will now find a home in the shabby beach hut bungalow that our shed is being transformed into!

We have now painted the shed blue......... a sneaky peak!

I am just about ready to start on the interior now,the best bit! Am going to wallpaper the back wall to make a bedroom area and paint the front area in a candy colour.

I have also been trying to decide on a wallpaper for the nursery. I just cant seem to find the right thing. I have an idea in my head but cant find anything at all similar. The quest continues!

I bought some lovely fabric at the weekend from a stall on the local market. A bargain at £1.99 a metre.

I really love the pink with the cats, its really fifties style. Not too sure what im going to make with it yet but im sure that i will think of something.

On Monday we are off here for a week

Sunny Cornwall. Im really looking forward to it, and have already planned a trip to Cath Kidston in St Ives. Im hoping for a little Cornish thrifting too, so if any of you know of any good bootsales etc in the Cornwall area please do let me know!

So the busy theme will contiue for the next couple of days. Im just off to Chesterfield now to take the dog to the vets, in laws visiting tonight, shopping tomorrow, driveway being dug out tomorrow, dropping off budgie at sisters tomorrow night, more driveway work on Sunday, suitcase packing and preholiday cleaning!!! I will sure need a holiday after that!!!!

Oh and fingers crossed for sunny skies!

Take care Happy thrifting! x

Hectic!

2009-06-05T14:59:00.002+01:00

Im back gain from my unintentional break! Things have been so busy here at the Fifties household.

The most important news from the last few weeks is that we found out that we are having a girl!! Im really happy and have been clearing the blue from the nursery to make way for lots and lots of pink girlyness!! I have some plans for the nursery and have been collecting wallpaper samples for some inspiration. I had originally planned on the Cath Kidston rose sprig but after having received the sample im now not so sure.

I want a girly room but with a vintage feel. Im looking out for a bookcase and chest of drawers now to paint but at the moment the prices on ebay are ridiculous. At one time you could not giveaway that horrible orange pine furniture but now the prices are going crazy. Could it be something to do with our friend Kirstie i wonder!!??

We have been spending some time away from the caravan at weekends and although i am really missing it,im glad that we have managed to achieve some of those jobs that just keep getting put off.

We have also turned our attention to the garden and have had the fence replaced. CB is now making a roof for the extra space that we have gained at the side of the shed and i couldnt be happier as this means that my enormous shed no longer has to be used for storage. It will now be turned into a shabby summerhouse / retreat/ craft room. I cant wait to fill it with vintage goodies and have already bought some vintage linen for the bed! We are currently painting the outside of it and i have chosen a lovely duck egg blue paint.

I have also been busy on the sewing front making a patchwork quilt for the caravan. I have used the offcuts from the curtains so have made it entirely of scraps. Im really pleased with it so far and just need to sew it all together now. I will save pics for when it is finished.

I must sign off now but i leave you with a pic of Finley helping in the garden!!!

Blog shop

2009-05-06T14:44:00.002+01:00

Hope you all had a good bank holiday weekend, we are already looking forward to the next one here in the Fifties household.

I am currently in the process of setting up Fifties Girl The Shop.

I am long overdue a clearout of my overflowing treasure! Please visit the shop via the link on the right above the slideshow.

It will be shortly updated with lovely treasure!!!

Take care

Happy thrifting! x x

Home made Home?

2009-04-24T09:23:00.011+01:00

Last night i watched the second episode of Kirsties homemade home on channel 4.

This week it was the turn of the bathroom, and i did have to smile when she bought the yellow suite.

This was the bathroom in our old house. It made us smile lots as it was soooo bright yellow (pictures not very bright!!) and it was always a talking point when we had visitors. Kirstie would have loved it!!!!

Th idea of this programme is great.

Im all for re-using, making over and finding new uses for things otherwise destined for the rubbish tip, but after watching this programme i feel that a lot of us in blogging world have been doing this and appear to be a lot better at it than Kirstie.

Im proud of some of the things that i have made over. My £25 dresser- similar sell for over £1000 in Laura Ashley, my 99p ebay stools that i painted and recovered

I am constantly on the look out for bits and bobs in second hand shops, junk shops and carboot sales. If i need a piece of furniture these days I look on ebay etc and see if there is something that i can make over / reuse, rather than heading to ikea etc.

This week i have painted my wooden garden furniture that was looking very tired. It now has a new lease of life and i will be happy with it for at least this year. Afew years ago i would have thrown it away and bought new.

I also like using my vintage pots and pyrex in daily use. Bargains that i have picked up for as little as a few pence.

Its amazing what you can reuse and makeover to make it desirable again. I am always amazed when i look at other blogs and see the thrifty finds that people have had and then turned them into beautiful pieces!

I have been a little shocked at some of the prices that Kirstie has paid for what she calls 'bargains', but all in all if it encourages people to reuse then it cant be a bad thing. Just hope there are still some bargains left for us long time thrifty girls!!!!!

What are your favourite thrifty finds??

Happy Thrifting! x

Bad blogger!!!!

2009-04-16T17:00:00.007+01:00

Yes im a bad bad blogger!!!

After my unintentional break im back. Over the past few weeks i have been so tired that i have had little energy for anything other than the usual everyday chores, and somedays i have not even completed these! This pregnancy really seems to be taking it out of me this time. So i firstly must apologise to all of my blogging friends, thanks for your comments and i apologise for not visiting and leaving comments on all of your lovely blogs. Hopefully i will be back to my old self soon and normal blog visiting will resume!!

While i have been sitting with my feet up i have been determined to crack my crochet problem. I just cant sem to get the hang of it. I have been using the tutorials on Youtube etc online and also following the instructions in my 'happy hooker' crochet book. The result?? Well it kind of resembles something crochet like, but im not sure it deserves the crochet title just yet!!

I am so desperate to be able to crochet, i really want to make some granny squares to be made into baby blankets. Hopefully i will get there soon!

I have also made some bunting for the fifties kitchen

For a first attempt im quite pleased with the result and i have some more triangles cut and ready to sew for Fins new bedroom. He has now moved into the completed cowboy room, as he likes to call it, and im really pleased that he loves it so much. I was a little worried about putting him in a 'big boy bed' but have been pleasantly surprised that once in bed he actually stays in bed! I had visions of him playing with his toys all night but thankfully it has turned out well. I have not yet taken pics of the completed cowboy room but i will do soon.

This of course means that what is going to be the nursery is now a blank canvas. Im waiting on my next scan, when hopefully i will find out whether its going to be painted blue or pink!! I already have some ideas for the room so now just have to wait and see.

The thrifting season has begun and i have had a couple of lucky finds already

This lovely Brexton picnic set was only £2!! Its missing the flasks but i just love the floral plates and the blue cups. Will be great for the vintage caravan!

Im also loving these tins for just 20p each. The collection continues to grow!

I leave you with a picture of Finley with his grandad Col-Col, performing at Col-Cols 50th Birthday party!! A great night had by all, Fin certainly enjoyed being part of the band!!! x x x

Happy Thrifting! x

A flying visit!

2009-02-25T14:54:00.004Z

Yes i am still here!!

I have been so busy these past couple of weeks leaving me no time to post.

I have a little news since my last visit....................... There is going to be a new baby in the Fifties household in August!!! We found out a couple of weeks ago and im just now waiting for my appointment at the hospital for a scan.

We have explained to Finley that he is going to have a brother or sister and he seems quite excited and happy although he has told me that he has a brother in his tummy called Sam!!

We have already started thinking of names. When we had Finley we knew he was going to be a boy and we spent ages trying to decide on a name. At the time i worked in a school and this put me off a lot of names as there were names that i used to like but after meeting some of the not so desirable kids i swiftly changed my mind!! CB also has the same problem as he cuts the hair of half the population of the town so of course meets lots of children!!

I am convinced that this time we will have a girl. I would love a pretty, perhaps old fashioned name but CB is having none of it. Some of my suggestions that have been answered with a straight 'NO' have included Mable, Violet, Florence and Heidi. I have still not thought of any boys names that i like. I find that boys names are harder to decide on than girls. If Finley had been a girl he would have been Ruby. I still like it although its quite popular now.

Any suggestions for names would be greatly appreciated!!!! Both boys and girls!!! We like unusual but not silly, and of course it has to go with Finley!!!!

I have been busy decorating Finleys new bedroom. Its getting there slowly and im sure in a couple of weeks he will be in there. I just have to find a piece of furniture that i have a picture of in my mind but cannot seem to find anything remotely similar in the shops or online!!

For now i leave you with a pic of Finley. I will return soon with pictures of the new bedroom!!

Happy Thrifting x x

Valentines, thrifting and Cath

2009-02-14T10:48:00.004Z

Happy Valentines!!

Here are two of my all time favourite vintage postcards that reside on the wall in the fifties kitchen 'gallery'.

The top one is from 1907 and has the address beautifully written on the back. Im not sure of the date on the bottom one as its unclear. I love them though. The fact that they were sent to someone from a loving partner / admirer all of those years ago. I always wonder about the people when i look at them. Did they marry?, Have children? or did nothing ever come of their love? Truly fascinating.

I have managed to do a little thrifting

Roses seem to be a common theme at the moment. The two little rose bud pots £1 for the two, the blue rose cups and saucers are a set of 6 £1.25, and the pretty jug £1.50. CB thinks the cups and saucers are particularly hideous but hey what does he know!!! I love them and am still deciding where to display them.

It has been busy busy in the fifties household this week. I decided that Fin has finally grown out of the smaller bedroom that hes in at the moment and would be better suited in the larger currently spare room. Lots of planning, moving toys etc to follow. I have decided to decorate his new 'big boy' bedroom in the famous Cath Kidston cowboy range.

I intended to paper the whole room in this but as CB kindly pointed out, we spent A LOT of money last year having the room decorated. Luckily its cream. So im going to make some huge framed wall art out of the wallpaper to avoid redecorating the whole room. A new carpet is being fitted on Monday and we are on the hunt for a single bed and a cowboy rug!!! Cowboy curtains and matching duvet set will complete the look along with lots of vintage cowboy stuff!! I love redecorating its fab!!

I also have a little project im working on at the moment, i managed to buy some fantastic fabric on ebay printed with Peter and Jane at the funfair in all their retro glory!! I only bought a FQ so im going to make some small bunting to edge my new shelves. Pics to follow!!

Have a happy Valentines Day,CB is taking me to my favourite turkish restaurant so im looking forward to that!

Happy Thrifting! x

Wanting......

2009-02-07T01:17:00.006Z

You know sometimes when you really want something. That ache that you get. Remember when you were small that toy in the toy shop window or when you were a bit bigger, that extravagant outfit or pair of shoes. Well, this week the fifties household has been FULL of wanting. I really wanted Fin to use his potty and fill his reward chart with reward stickers. He really wanted a Diego set that he had seen. We worked together and look what happened!!!

You can gather from the chart the days that we went out. Hes not quite ready for an outing without nappy yet so the days there are few stars are when we have been out. I'm so pleased with him. He was rewarded tonight with his 'want'.

Those of you who have babies will I'm sure, know all about Diego. Apparently, when you are two its the equivalent of a thrifting holy grail::::: Vintage Pyrex, fifties goodies etc...

I rang Clint to remind him to pick this up on his way home and luck have it a bargain, reduced from £25 to £9.99. Clint gave it to Fin and Fin proceeded to tell him for about 15 mins 'Thanks Daddy you are such a good man!!!' I think he liked it!

We start a new chart next week, the reward will be for pulling down pants and trousers and peeing in the potty. Fin has chosen... guess what.. the other Diego set that clips to this one!!!!

We are so proud of you Mr Finley ........... although i am slightly confused.

Conversation approx 3pm Friday:

''Mummy are you from Spain''

''No Finley I'm from England the same as you''

'' If you were Spanish you would live in Spain and speak Spanish. Do you like Spain and Spanish?''

''I love Spain and i would love to speak Spanish''.

FINLEY: ''I will teach you Mummy, don't worry''!!!

This boy is three on July 23rd this year. He amazes (scares) me of what language he understands and knows. BIZARRE!!!!!!!!

Anyhow, here is the object of my desire this week. I cheated. They were an EBay buy but i just had to have them. I love them chips and all

Problem is i have to create a new gallery for these. I am already watching a few on EBay and as i have a little eBay spendo in my 'special account' i feel some 'friends' joining them!!!

I hope you are all OK in the snow, we have about 20 inches here still after 3 days!

Keep warm

Happy Thrifting!!! x x x

A new month, a tag and lots of snow!!

2009-02-03T15:37:00.005Z

I blinked and think i missed it!! Where did January go?? I seem to have been busy and fitted a lot in to the last few weeks and it seems to have flown by. Im glad though as it means that we are creeping ever closer to spring them summer. Hurraaahhhh!!!

Firstly i have been tagged by the lovely Mary Poppins. The rules of the tag are to post the fourth photo from your fourth file. Here it is... China as a pup.

... Im going to pass on this tag to A thrifty Mrs.

I must of course mention the snow. This time it was real snow. The kind of snow from childhood that you could actually play in. We Awoke yesterday to find a very good covering had arrived overnight. Around 8 - 10 inches maybe a little more. Fin was happy as his Nanna was off work due to the school being closed, and he spent the morning playing barbershop playdoh with her!

He also enjoyed the snowy walk we made later in the evening with our wellies on once CB finally made it home. The shop is about 3.5 miles away from home but it took him an hour and a half to get home lastnight as the roads were so terrible.

As we have been confined to the house i decided to try and push on with the potty training. Fully armed with a reward sticker chart. Fin has been doing fantastically, although he doesnt like wearing the pants, not where he should anyway!

Touch wood we have had no accidents on the floor yet and he is very good at using the potty. Next step is venturing out clothed but with no nappy on!! Wish me luck!

I have promised him a treat if he fills his chart with stickers by the end of the week and the object that he seems to have chosen is a 'Go Diego Go' safari set. Looks like im toy shopping at the weekend!

The schools here have been closed again today so Fin has once again enjoyed his Nannas company and they have been making things this afternoon.

I have enjoyed this snowy weather as it has given me the excuse to snuggle at home reading books. My reading has been somewhat thin on the ground of late as i have been crafting instead, but i have enjoyed reading 3 books since Sunday. I love that feeling; once you have got to know the characters and then you cant wait to pick the book up again to find out what happens to them!

I leave you with a picture of the snow remnants in our back garden!

I feel a little crafting coming on, so hopefully i will return with pics of finished projects... i hope!

Oh i must say that if i have not visited / commented on your blog for a while, ive been a little busy with the potty training. Im looking forward to visiting you all soon though and catching up.

Happy Thrifting x

Looking forward......

2009-01-27T14:48:00.006Z

I am looking forward to getting rid of this cold that has plagued me for the past week.

Fin had an ear infection last week and now i have it. You know that horrible nagging pain in the ear. The only thing worse must be toothache!! We have been feeling totally bllleeeuuuuuggggghhhhhh.

We are looking forward to spring soooooo much now too. Getting out in the garden and planting seeds and bulbs. Seeing them bloom into beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. It seems so long since the summer. This year we surely deserve a long hot summer after the last few disappointing rainy ones.

We had a lovely weekend spent at Mamma and Col-Cols house. There was plenty of singing, dancing, guitar playing, lovely food, drinks and laughter. We all had a great time, and i have acquired more treasure which i will post about soon.

I am the lucky recipient of two awards. The first is from the lovely Mary Poppins

The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in proximity in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be new friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandisement. Our hope is that when ribbons of these awards are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give your kind attention to these writers.This has to be passed on to 8 bloggers who will choose 8 more and include the above cleverley written text to the body of the award.

I now have to pass this on to 8 people.

I hope that none of you have had this before so here goes..........

Vintage Kitten see here http://thevintagekitten.blogspot.com/

Silkie Sue http://silkiesue.blogspot.com/

Lucy Bloom http://lucybloom.blogspot.com/

Raspberry Grace http://raspberrygrace.blogspot.com/

Cloudbusting http://andrea-cloudbusting.blogspot.com/

Ragged Roses http://raggedroses.blogspot.com/

Hen house http://henhousehomemade.blogspot.com/

A thrifty Mrs http://athriftymrs.blogspot.com/

I really like that this award mentions the friendships that are made through blogging. Its so lovely to meet (through a blog) other likeminded people. I also like to have a look at all of your lovely homes and pictures! x

I have also received another award from Taz http://cutitandpinit.blogspot.com/

I have to pass this on but this time i would like to award it to everyone. So please feel free if you visit to award yourself this award!!! I must sign off ,have dinner to cook.

Happy Thrifting x

Birthday weekend!!

2009-01-20T11:34:00.008Z

I am back from my birthday weekend and its back to reality!!

Friday was a lovely day, visits from friends and a lovely family meal. I had some REALLY lovely presents and felt very SPOILT!!

Some lovely shabby chicness from Sarah and Dean

They also got me the much wanted union jack doormat.

Two lovely cookbooks from Jim and Val and a pretty hat box and fifties scarves from Mamma and ColCol.

I also had some vintage deckchairs from Auntie Alison. They belonged to my mamma so they will be treasured.

I had some gorgeous fabric from my sister Rae. Not sure what im going to make with it yet but probably some bunting for the kitchen..... with my new sewing machine that mum and dad got me as a joint birthday / xmas pressie!!!
I am a very lucky spoilt girl!!

My present from CB was a night away in one of my favourite places. Uppingham. A small town near to Rutland Water.

We stayed in a fantastic hotel called the Lake Isle. Its on the main street surrounded by lovely antique shops. Opposite there is an interior shop that sells Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater and a bit of greengate!! Can you imagine the joy!! It was short lived however as the shop was closed for the duration of our stay!

(I have borrowed this photo from the website and cant seem to get rid of the corks and food!!!)

Here is the link to the hotel http://www.lakeisle.co.uk/ If ever you get the chance to go please do its FANTASTIC!!

We arrived Saturday evening and were shown to our room. It was a kind of cottage. A small beamed sitting room, a winding staircase and upstairs a cosy bedroom and bathroom. Much nicer than staying in the usual run of the mill hotels. It had that quirky feel to it which i like.

I drank champagne in the lounge of our room whilst CB enjoyed the complimentary decanter of Brandy. We then hit the town! We had a lovely meal, i had duck and CB had the Guinea Fowl. It was delicious food. I particularly enjoyed the people watching and designer handbag spotting!! There was an abundance of reunions going on too. There is quite a famous boarding school in uppingham, Stephen Fry and Rick Stein are just a couple of very privileged celebrities to have studied there. The fees are about £90,000 per year plus other expenses so im sure you can imagine the type of people that were meeting up with their teenagers who are boarding at the school!!! It made for very interesting listening indeed!! We visited a number of bars and we thoroughly enjoyed being childfree for a night out.

Sunday we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel then headed off. We of course had to drive through the next village, Riddlington, where CB lived as a child. I was once again was taken on the obligatory drive past their house, the lane, the field they used to ride in etc etc!!

We then stopped off at the Car boot sale at Melton Mowbray on the way home.

CB treated me to some lovely goodies. TG Green, Midwinter Domino plate, Fifties handkerchief bowl, fifties tin, floral jug, and a poole side dish. The hankie bowl has been on my wishlist for an age, one was also featured in this months homes and antiques magazine.

I have had one of the best birthdays ever. Thanks to everyone for my pressies and thanks to CB for taking me to one of my favourite places!

I had a fantastic time.

Oooh before i forget i must show you a house that was for sale that i liked. 2 doors down from the lovely interiors shop and 3 doors away from the antiques centre. I looked through the windows and ooohhhed and aaahhhhed for quite sometime. It was for sale too!! Must be quite cheap i said to CB as it was on the high street. He laughed! On the way home driving past i asked CB to stop to let me take this photo. Not the best as we had to hold up the traffic

An check on the estate agents website later................ the price............. sadly not in my price range!!!!!

Happy thrifting!!! x x

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!

2009-01-16T13:40:00.003Z

Yes today is my Birthday!! I have entered the final year of my twenties!

We are having a meal tonight with family and then CB is taking me away tomorrow night. Hopefully this excursion will include nice food, drinks and a spot of thrifting.

I shall post some pics on my return!

Happy thrifting x

Georgie porgie pudding and pie............

2009-01-15T23:05:00.003Z

...............................................I HATE BIRDS AND I DONT KNOW WHY!!!

Until i met this guy!!! Clinty always had littles budgies etc, i however have always been scared of anything that can fly at you!!!

We bought this guy home today and i must say that my fear of birds is declining, as long as he stays in the cage im fine!!!

Fin, however, loved him and was asked to name him. He chose George because he loves Peppa Pig's sibling!! How funny!!

Anyhoooooow, i once would never have let this bird enter my abode!!! He now lives here. I must be mellowing!!!

TO CLINT: DO NOT LET THIS BIRD OUT OF THE CAGE. EVER. HE CAN LIVE HERE IF HE STAYS WHERE HE IS. NO FLAPPING, CAGE CONFINEMENT AND WE WILL GET ALONG JUST FINE. LOVE FROM Mrs Grinwold x x ( Fiftiesgirl) x

Collecting collections!!!

2009-01-14T14:50:00.007Z

Someone asked me what i collect. What do i collect? Im not quite sure!!

I dont know what it is but i just cant collect one thing.

I like to buy things that i find beautiful but also useful. This pyrex fits the bill perfectly. Trouble is there are so many designs, then so many variations in colours too.

Recently i picked up two vintage glass candleholders. Then looked what happened.

As soon as i bring something home it seems to be swiftly followed by similar items. I cant just have one of anything. Im sure there must be a name for this problem! Perhaps obsessive collecting disorder??!!! Do any of you suffer from this too???

You may remember that i posted about the huge amount of postcards that i bought. I have now started to sell the ones that are not in the style that i 'collect'. There are 717 in total to sell. I have sold 3 so far and bought 31 more from ebay that i just HAD to have.

In a effort to streamline my collections im now going to draw up a list of what i collect and stick to it!! No more new collections!!

So here goes:

Anything Fifties

Vintage books

Vintage pyrex

Vintage ceramics

Vintage aprons

Vintage tea towels

Vintage tablecloths

Glass candlesticks (vintage)

Vintage tins

Vintage postcards

Vintage posters

Vintage records

Cookbooks (Vintage of course)

Ok. I think we have a common theme here. I collect Vintage things that i like!! It shouldnt be too hard to stick to that should it?????

Distractions......

2009-01-12T13:49:00.002Z

Just a quick post today as i have a million and one things that i SHOULD be doing. Cleaning, tidying and sorting are the order of the day but i just cant seem to get motivated and keep getting distracted. Pretty blogs to look at, fifties magazines and books in the dresser and my new sewing machine. These things all seem far more attractive to me today than a hoover, polish and duster! I must say that generally i do like cleaning. I like the feeling when everything is in the place where it belongs and the house smells fresh and clean. It makes me feel on edge when things aren't quite right.

So now im off to tackle the house. Ive promised myself a couple of hours on the sewing machine this afternoon if i can get all of my jobs done!

Happy thrifting. x

I forgot to mention................

2009-01-10T21:39:00.004Z

.................. in my previous post. The very lovely Jim and Val gave CB some genuine 'Jailhouse rock' for his birthday. How cool!!! But how hard to photograph!!! I hope that you can get the idea from the photo. It now takes pride of place in a fifties glass in the dresser. Love it!

Anyhow i must get back to tonights entertainment.

Pink Elvis vinyl on the red record player. Vintage heaven!!! x

Happy thrifting x x

Birthday carpet and pretty things!

2009-01-10T12:42:00.010Z

I must first say thanks to CB who arranged an early birthday treat in the form of bedroom carpet. Very much needed and appreciated. Thankyou!! After having horrible thin brown carpet in our bedroom for the past 18 months, its such a luxury to have lovely thick cream carpet!!

Im also looking forward to my other birthday treat which is a stay in Uppingham in a nice hotel. Im looking forward to the two of us having a child free meal, a few gin and tonics, a peaceful nights sleep and a leisurely spot of thrifting the following day. Roll on next saturday!!!!

I did a spot of charity shop thrifting yesterday and managed to get these lovely glasses in a box for £2.50. I of course dont need them but such thrifty loveliness cannot be left behind!!

We have had a busy week in fifties household. CB has now created a lovely place for his birthday present from his mum and Colin. Here it is in all of its glory.

Vintage vinyl has been playing in the kitchen since it arrived. We love it so thankyou Mamma and Col-Col, it looks great and sounds great too. Only trouble is you have given me another obsession to thrift for. Vintage records!! Luckily these can be picked up for a few pence!

Remember i mentioned my Christmas present from Mamma that was a carboot in a box?? Here a just a few of the treasures that were in there. A gorgeous Arthur Woods jug

Gorgeous little sugar bowl and eggcup

A very much desired fifties magazine rack.

There was also vintage pyrex, bone handled cutlery, lace tablecloth, retro eggcups and tupperware! I love, love, love it all thankyou sooooo much!!

Only problem is i think that my dresser is full to bursting of all of the new treasures that seem to be appearing week by week. I have arranged and rearranged it on more than one occasion this week. I feel some new storage is required in the fifties kitchen!!

Happy Thrifting! x x

Remembering......

2009-01-03T20:23:00.008Z

Its been and gone for another year.

Christmas came and went and from preparations to parties its been a blast.

Presents were opened and opened and opened!!!

(This picture was round one of five!!!)

Delicious food with family on Christmas day.

I recieved a great pressie from Mum and dad; a brand new top of the range sewing machine, which i cant wait to use! Also a fantastic pressie from Mamma and ColCol. Remember the car boot in a box.... it deserves a post of its own so i will blog about it later!! Beautiful perfume from CB that i had wanted for an age but could never justify buying for myself. Then boxing day saw the dreaded big 4. 0. for CB. The day was spent singing karaoke as CB's friend does professional karaoke and lent us his system for 3 days!!! I dont think there was a song that wasnt sung. One of the highlights was surely Mamma and I singing These boots are made for walking!! I told Simon Cowell to go back home and how rude that he disturbed us on Boxing Day!!! Mamma and Grandad Col-col joined us all day on boxing day and we had such a great time, although after cooking Christmas dinner for 9 then catering for a party on boxing day, i did feel that i would never get off the merry go round of cooking and cleaning that was Christmas!! Everyday i would clean the house ready for guests, cook food then party. Only to do it all again the next day. It was well worth it though and would do it all again. This Christmas has really been one of the best ever. Memories were made for sure!

The last picture is one of my favourites of Christmas. It shows Mamma, CB and Ben. Her eldest son CB. 40 years old. Her youngest son Ben 18. She also has 3 other sons inbetween and two others that she has inherited!! And she doesnt look a day over 21!!!

Another highlight of Christmas was visiting Auntie Vicky and the gorgeous bulldog pups!!

How could you not fall in love with these beautiful puppies!!

7 of them in total. All absolutely adorable. Finley loved them and has not stopped talking about them since. ''I want one of those Mummy', appears to be a common phrase regarding the subject. My response is of course ''So do I''. CB i hope you are listening!!!! x x

New year bought a trip to the caravan, and luckily for us in these sub zero temperatures we managed to stay in the Bed and breakfast instead of the caravan. We did not fancy winding the legs down and setting up in this weather!!!! A fantastic night dancing in the barn at the disco. Truly magical! x

2008 bought many things to be grateful for. A caravan, a new pet, a kitchen makeover, lots of thrifted treasure and many many happy memories. I must however mention the not so good memories of 2008.

Dob, Auntie Linda, Grandad and great Grandad Bartlett, were all taken from us in 2008.

You may all be gone but you will never be forgotten. RIP we love you all x x x x x x x x x

Heres to a happy 2009 and looking forward to whatever it may bring!!!

Happy thrifting 2009 x x x x

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T13:17:00.003Z

Happy New Year to everyone. Normal blogging shall resume shortly, with tales of Christmas and birthday fun! We have had a great time this year here in chez fifties. Even the random usually dull days between Christmas and New Year have been good this year. I hope your Christmas has been great too.

However you are spending New Year's Eve, have a great time.

Wishing a Happy, Healthy, prosperous New Year to all!!! x

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T00:12:00.002Z

Heres hoping your Christmas is full of love, happiness and many many best wishes. At this time of year its a time for contemplation, reflection and enjoyment.

Best wishes from the Fifties household to yours. Enjoy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. x x x x x x

Christmas respite!!

2008-12-20T21:58:00.003Z

After all of the panic of recent weeks i feel a little relaxation coming on. I have that little tiny gap in the manic and mayhem of Christmas where i can breathe a sigh of relief. I have done all of the shopping that can be done at the moment. I have cleaned places in my home that i didn't know existed. Until i cleaned them that is!! I have a little break until tomorrow/ Sunday possibly. I'm hoping Monday. Having a husband that has a milestone birthday on boxing day, leads to a little planning shopping wise! I have a dinner for 9 planned on Christmas Day and a party for who knows how many on boxing day! So here's to a relaxing Saturday night. I know i have a shopping frenzy that is imminent!!
Happy Christmas thrifting x

Perks of the job........

2008-12-18T23:16:00.003Z

Sometimes its not what you know but who you know. Being self employed, you miss out on those bottles of gratitude at Christmas, birthday chocs and gifts for thanks. Sometimes we get gifts but not that often!! Yesterday however i was offered this lovely box for £15. It contains 700+ postcards, mixed, not sorted. It was a chance. I took that chance and im sooooo pleased that i did!!

It came from a converstion with a customer. Having his haircut discussing random things. Like i say, a perk of the job. How else would you know that this box of loveliness could be bought for £15!!! Christmas cards from 1927, birthday cards from 1930. Greetings from 1947 and every two years there after. Postcards from far flung destinations dated various years in the last 100. Sometimes people dont realise what treasure they have in their rubbish. He was going to throw these out. He had no use for them. What use have i got for them............ none whatsoever. But i have saved them i wont throw them out.... Ever!!!!

I have some special ones but im saving them to show you another time.... x x x

Happy Christmas thrifting x x x

A love story..................

2008-12-14T00:17:00.013Z

Ok, usually i show you treasures of a purchased kind. This treasure that i have is different. I found him. In a dingy dark local pub he was there. I knew him before that but we kind of got to know each other. We went through a lot of things together, had A LOT of fun, then we got married. Then we got pregnant. All of a sudden we had a gift so precious. He was perfect in every way.

You take us to crazy places. We go out for 10 minutes and come back 5 hours later. You buy me special dogs, you take me thrifting for endless hours, sometimes you moan. You put us all first. You sometimes buy me expensive flowers (please dont.... think what i could do with £40!!!!!). You dont moan when i buy old things. You look gorgeous when you cut the ribbon the with miss leicestershire. I miss you every day. We both do. Sometimes you make really strong tea and its the best!!!

All the time you do cool hair cuts.

Sometimes you get upset about things. Because you worry. Sometimes you buy us old houses with old bathrooms. We laugh at them but we love them.

Sometimes we own beautiful cars .

Sometimes we dont do any of these things. Sometimes we just love each other.

Sometimes we fall asleep on the settee BUT ALWAYS........................................................................................ WE LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE ................................. CB...... CLINTY BARBER.

OUR ONE AND ONLY. WE LOVE YOU MR CLINTY BARBER X X X X X X X X X X XX X XX X

Powerless.................

2008-12-13T23:40:00.003Z

Friday. We planned it all week. The CB will have the day off (two staff drafted in to cover.) I got up as usual, pottered around cleaning for an hour. 9 am : NO ELECTRICITY!!!!!!

A phone call later to EON ; who we pay £200 pounds per month to.........''oh yes, you have work on that circuit.... it will maybe be on at 1.30 but maybe not!!!!

Well ok. I have to wash and dry my hair. Sometimes owning a salon has its perks. A wash and blow dry later im looking like some kind of human!!!

Today we have been shopping all day with mum. My lovely sister Sarah came with us. Mum was really proud, she bought 3 presents, food for 6 for tonight and less than £35 in Asda. Back home food on the go......... NO POWER. 5 FIREMEN 1 FIRE ENGINE 1 RUINED DINNER.... X FACTOR FINAL!!!!! The underground cable had caught fire. Flames coming from the pavement!!! Luckily she lives 150 yrds from me and on a different circuit. We shared our power and got take out. Food ruined though. A lovely evening although not planned, very much welcome!!!

Translation.

2008-12-10T23:19:00.004Z

Sometimes in life we dont look hard enough. As the saying goes; we dont see the wood for the trees. Sometimes things are more than what we see and most times we dont see it. We dont have time to stop and think for that extra moment that perhaps might bring us comfort in hard times and understanding in bad.

Sometimes there is just more.

Sometimes we find more. Those small insignificant things suddenly seem relevant. Not always at the time but maybe a little later. We can take comfort and strength.

I bought this piece of beautiful embroidery back in the summer. I just liked it. The work that has gone into it, the person that spent hours stitching it and the reason it was for sale on a house clearance stall somewhat intrigue me.

I also like the story that led to me purchasing it!

I have a favourite seller on a local car boot sale. He does house clearance. We have an understanding now. He knows my need for ANYTHING fifties style/ my style!! He keeps it for me then i pay him. Great. Just as an understanding should be. I spotted this way back when the days were hot, sorry i meant rainy, and our base for the weekend was the retro caravan, (Summer).

He wanted £15 for it. Not a lot considering the work but i dont call it thrifting for nothing!!

Week after week it would still be there and each week he would lower the price. I gave in at £3 and its now mine!!!

Its now happily housed in a frame, waiting to be hung in a prime spot in the 'gallery' (kitchen wall)!!

It now means so much more. The words and meaning become clearer everyday.

'April showers bring forth May flowers.'

When we sat around the table at lunchtime today, after laying Grandad in his final resting place, Auntie Vicky, Auntie Alison, Kezia, Mum, Fin and I, those words could not have meant more and been more apt. There were no April showers only May flowers.

April showers are terrible, but somewhere at the end of it; flowers do bloom....... if you let them.

Take care Happy thrifting x

I am Gretel.........

2008-12-08T23:46:00.007Z

..... As in Hansel and Gretel!!

I now have a gingerbread house.

I have always dreamt of one day owning a 'chocolate box' cottage in a truly charming village somewhere not too far away from here. Now i have one!! Ok not quite livable but charming nonetheless!

Since Mum got me the ikea £1.50 gingerbreadhouse, I am now the lucky owner of my dream house. A charming snow covered cottage!! See me skating on the frozen pond in my tu-tu??

Yes it is a little cold to be wearing such brief attire i must come in now!

I am very pleased with my gingerbread house and i have another to make for Christmas, this was the practice one. I decorated it with one of those sweetie bracelets. On the instructions it was done with smarties but in true Fiftiesgirl / shabbychic style i think the pastel colours compliment it a treat. Have you noticed the marshmallow smoke coming from the chimney?? Its eco- friendly!

This was a great kit however i fear i have committed the cardinal sin of melting sugar in your best saucepan! (sugar is what is used to stick it all together). Instead of scraping the oozy gloopy melted sugar into the bin whilst still oozy and gloopy, when finished, i'm now left with this mess and conundrum!! In the excitement of showing off the finished Fifties cottage to CB i have left the melting sugar to go hard in the pan. Then, in a moment of total random stupidity i poured cold water on it- result- one ruined pan!!!

I also pulled the brush out of it with all of my might. Resulting in hair glued forever to the pan and a bald brush!!

Note to self- Do NOT get carried away again no matter how excited you are over finished project.

At this moment in time i'm thinking, take pan out of water, allow to drain, heat sugar to boiling point, tip in bin, scrub pan, wash in sink, dry, put away, DONE!!!! or DUMB!

If the cap fits and all that!!!

Anyhow i hope that you are liking the tunes. Ive added some of my favourite music to try and make my blog more personal. Sorry if its not to your taste but i'm sure you have a volume button if not!!!

Further to my last post i did not complete my Christmas shopping on Thursday. CB had a hospital appointment and was a little worse for wear afterwards which resulted in us heading home earlier than planned. Ho hum there's a little time yet!

Saturday night we were blessed with a visit from Mamma Nesta and Grandad Col-Col ( SEE NESTA I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WOULD BE MENTIONED AGAIN SOON IN FG BLOGLAND!!!!) She is so organised ( Nesta is CB's mum!!) that she bought all of our Christmas presents over and they are now in my spare room!!! As I type this i am resisting the urge to open my pressie. They have given me a 'Car boot in a box'. IM SOOOOOOOOO excited. Only Ness would know my ideal pressie and she has given it to me this year. The box is enormous and full of treasure so i'm very excited to open it!!! Only problem is that i feel a set of shelves is due to provide a home for my ever growing collection ..... are you reading this CB??????. (Above the window is looking promising!!!)

I must also mention yesterdays magical mystery tour. We left here yesterday in our car clothes i.e.: expecting to be kept warm via heaters for the duration. Not wrapped for the elements. We went to the local farm and stocked up on our log quota for the week and a bit of veg for our Sunday Lunch. We then went to get Diesel. CB then decided that we would be embarking on a long journey to who knows where!!! 2 hours later we had our car parked in Lincoln and were walking around the Christmas market.

What an absolutely charming place to visit. The market was lovely but i was more intrigued with the shops.Little shabby shops selling Bridgewater and Cath!! Shabby Heaven!!! THEN to my delight i found an antiques shop. Yes, my radar was working and didn't let me down!! Two floors of FG heaven. Vintage Linen, jewellery, crockery, porcelain, OMG i could have been there all day. Finley took a liking to the owner of the shop and they chatted a while. We then walked down the cobbled street back to the car. I have never been to Lincoln before but it certainly left its mark with me. I liked it better than Bath and told CB we should relocate NOW!! Once home after 2 and a half hours drive ( the traffic was horrendous), i proceeded to search 'rightmove' for my dream home in Lincoln. It didn't take me long. I found one for my lottery win, a million pounds of course, just down the road from the city, and one for my 'real' life. A beautiful 4 bed edwardian townhouse within walking distance of the castle and cathedral. In the words of JLS on Saturday night i'm 'Already there' !! My furniture has been moved in, the walls have been painted and the tree is up! Just a FEW loose ends to tie up here!!!

Mamma you would have loved it (see that's twice now. You are almost famous!! ALMOST!!)

I will take you next time you will love it. x

If you have made it to the end of this post then well done. I'm rambling now!!!

Take Care Happy Thrifting x x x

Christmas panic!!!

2008-12-03T16:35:00.004Z

I may not be around much in the next few days as the panic has finally set in!! I have to do my Christmas shopping.

This year it seems that the panic has set in more than ever.

This year will be the first year that Finley will understand Christmas i think. Last year he was only 1 and didnt really understand opening presents. He would open one then be quite happy to play with that for the rest of the day. He didnt understand that there were more presents containing more toys!

This year is a different story. He tells me what he would like, what colour it should be and how many of them he would like. His favourite time for doing this is the ad breaks on the Nick Jr channel, and what a lot of them there are. I begin to dread the adverts coming on as i know the converstation that will follow:

''I like it Mummy''

''Yes its nice isn't it''

''Get it please Mummy''

''We will ask Santa for it''

''No, dont like wait Santa, want it now''

''We will ask Santa for it IF you are good''

''Nooooooooooooo''...............................

I guess this is why its called the terrible two's!!

I think i know where he is coming from though. Can you all remember when you were younger, asking for something perhaps in late October onwards, the response was: ''We will see what Santa brings''. I didnt like waiting for Santa either! That feeling of anticipation and hoping that 'Santa' didnt forget to bring it!

So tomorrow, footloose and toddler free (he's at the childminders!), I will be buying as many Christmas presents as time and funds permit! No pushchair to load with bags though so will miss that, but wont miss the waiting for lifts, and trying to squeeze myself and said buggy around the shops without damage or injury to myself or others!!

Im hoping those much wanted 'must have' toys have not yet sold out and that i can return home laden with gifts! We will see.

I also notice that Laura Ashley have a 25% off sale starting tomorrow!! I may venture in to buy a few pressies for people and see if there is anything to treat myself too. But Shhhhhhh dont tell anyone!

So heres to preparing for a perfect, stress free, Christmas.

Just off to Tesco's now. Fingers crossed they have the latest, much sought after Christmas themed CK bag. You know to carry my shopping in tomorrow!

Take Care, Happy Christmas Thrifting x x

Feeling Festive!

2008-11-28T17:31:00.006Z

We have been getting into the festive spirit today by putting up our decorations!

A little early i know, as i would usually do it this weekend however im going to be busy!

We have two trees in the fifties household. Every year i think that i might only put one up, but i have such a problem deciding which to leave in the box that i end up with both on display.

Im not sure which is my favourite. The white one is quite modern in style with just black white and silver decorations. The black one however is filled with my treasure. I love my tree decorations and have been collecting them and treasuring them over the past few years. Im aiming for them to become family heirlooms one day!

I love the white tree as its quite elegant and simple but i think that i do prefer the black one.

I like that there is a lot going on in it! Little treasures hidden here and there amongst the baubles.

Here a few of my favourites!

What do you have on your tree?

Continuing the festive feel i have made some Christmas inspired bunting for my kitchen! Im quite pleased with how it has turned out. I made it from felt. Just cut the shapes out and then sewed buttons and ribbons on to the trees and gingerbread men and then stitched them on to a length of ribbon. It brightens up a normally dull corner in the kitchen.

I have some other festive creations in mind that im hoping to have the time to make this week, toddler permitting!

I must sign off now as i have dinner to make.

Take care Happy Thrifting x

Have a COSY Thanksgiving x

2008-11-27T00:55:00.004Z

To all my American friends that might passby,

Have a cosy, lovely thanksgiving. Check out the photo, COSY. You should try hugging her, shes a walking hot water bottle!!!! x x x

HAPPY THANKSGIVING X

Shabby Table and Thanks!

2008-11-26T17:42:00.003Z

Firstly i would like to say thanks for all of your kind comments that have been left at my previous post, they have really cheered me up.x

I thought i would share my latest project with you.

I bought this table and chairs awhile ago with my dresser from ebay. I had planned on shabbying them and selling them but then i had a little idea. Paint them lovely colours and keep them!!

There was a horrible breakfast bar in the kitchen which we always ended up using, which resulted in us sat facing the wall. So out came my hammer and screwdriver and with a lot of effort and a little cursing it was gone!! I them used the remnants of paint that i had in the garage left over from previous projects to makeover the table and chairs. I moved the dresser to the former site of the hideous breakfast bar and moved in the table and chairs. Im really pleased with the result. I also think that my teaset looks lovely on there with my rose placemats. CB however is not so sure and has mentioned words like ''grandma''.

I think its lovely and i have since added a vintage, embroidered linen tablecloth which i think is the icing on the cake!

So now we sit civilised at the table and I drink tea from my teacup served from my teapot! Theres something about teapot tea. It just tastes nicer.

The table and chairs are also very functional. I have sanded them down to get that shabby look and I dont mind if a certain little boy drags his vintage cars across the paintwork. It adds to the look! My other 'posh' dining table is now safe!!!

I must sign off now as i have somewhere to be. Blogging will shortly resume with tales of thrifting, crafting and baking.

Take care Happy Thrifting x

Goodbye

2008-11-19T15:14:00.005Z

Yesterday we said goodbye to my Grandad. It was a lovely send off for him, and although very sad he would have been proud. He had been very poorly and now he is at peace. He was a lovely kind man and loved by all that knew him. We all have very special memories of him that i am sure will help to ease the pain of his departure. He will be greatly missed.

I must also say thankyou to my Aunty Vicky who did such a good job of arranging and organising everything to ensure a nice goodbye to her dad. She did us all proud by doing a special reading in the church. Grandad would have been SO proud of you Vicky. x

Losing someone always makes us evaluate our own lives and perhaps be a bit more thankful for things that we normally take for granted.

When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little—but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that was once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

Sleep tight grandad we love you x

Reflection.

2008-11-12T14:14:00.003Z

I write this post to explain my absence.

The past few weeks have been a very testing and emotional time for our family.

My Grandad passed away on November 5th after a long illness. He fell peacefully asleep with his 3 daughters holding him.

I need to take some time out from blogging to be with and comfort my family.

I shall be back soon .

Long time no blog!!

2008-10-01T18:03:00.004+01:00

Where did September go?? It was here one minute and gone the next.

Since my last post i have been extremely busy. Paperwork, sorting, cleaning, playing, baking, shopping etc etc. I have managed to go thrifting twice since my last post and have had some lovely finds. I cannot however post pics at the moment as my camera has run out of batteries. Must get more tomorrow! I also have a cold and am extremely tired which doesnt help. A mountain of things to do but i just want to be all snuggled in my bed here.

I have also been relearning how to knit. I have learnt how to long tail cast on and have since been knitting a practice piece to get me back into the swing of it. My hands have been aching and the knitting doesnt seem to be growing much!

I have also bought a crochet hook and intend to master this too. Tonight will be spent with a hot chocolate, crochet hook and yarn and a youtube tutorial entitled 'how to crochet'!

I have also been very busy with another project of late but cannot divulge at the moment as i do not want to jinx it. Watch this space!

Halloween preparations are now in full swing and im looking forward to the annual event that sees me making blood clot and pus jelly, cheesy feet and graveyard cake, courtesy of Nigella,

We also have a serious amount of halloween decorations and have of course been buying new even scarier ones for this year.

I also thought i should tell you about a spooky meeting that we had down to China!

China has a skin allergy so we decided to take her to the Shar Pei specialist vet in Chesterfield, about a 45min drive from here.

Whilst in the waiting room we got talking to a man who had a gorgeous Shar Pei with him. Anyway it turned out that he knew my Auntie (who breeds bulldogs) really well. I told him that i will be looking for a stud dog for China in the future and we talked about his stud dogs. After some chatting i realised that Chinas dad was a stud dog from his kennels and i rang Kim (Chinas breeder) to ask her the name of the dog. She told me the dogs name and it was the dog that Pete (the man!) had with him!!! It really was bizarre. What were the chances of him being there with that dog on the same day and the same time as us!! He has kindly invited us to his home to see the dogs and i am very much looking forward to going!! If you love wrinkly dogs you can visit Pete's website here. http://www.peandokry.co.uk/ But be warned SERIOUSLY CUTE DOGS!!

China has been taking her meds and we are now seeing an improvement.

I must go now as i have dinner on the go and a coal fire to light.

Take care happy thrifting. x

Bucket heads and ear dragging!

2008-09-15T22:30:00.004+01:00

Yes just a usual day in the fifties household. Finley discovers a new use for the sticklebrick bucket. Not just a bucket but apparently also a dancing head bucket. Translation: You must put the bucket on your head whilst singing 'Corrina Corrina' and shaking your booty as fast as you can. Note: Do Not stand still for even a second, Mum might take your photo and put it on her blog for all to see. Blurriness = Anonymity. If all else fails push the bucket further down over your face. Never fails!

No not a dead dog, an ear dragging Shar Pei! For those of you who are not Shar Pei owners, heres the deal. Shar Pei's are not dogs they are a species of their own. They are completely different from every other bred of dog. ( I could go on!!) Extremely high maintenance and highly sensitive they will love you forever and be loyal forever. Originally bred as Chinese fighting dogs, they have come a long way. I may be Fiftiesgirl but one thing i don't like about the fifities is the fact that the Chinese decided to eat these beautiful creatures. They became a delicacy at first but then staple diet. Can you imagine eating your dog!!

Their skin is known as too big for them, the idea being that in the fighting ring when bitten, they could easily shake off their competitor. The so called 'meatmouth' (the gorgeous cheeks that i love to squeeze) was so that it was hard for competitor to bite the face and that the Shar Pei had a bigger bite. The ears are also quite strange. Almost sealed down to the face. Also in the ring less for the opponent to grab. Downside is now that these little gorgeous ears let no air into them what so ever, meaning the dog is plagued with ear problems if not correctly cleaned once a week. This weekly ritual becomes no easier each week and missy hates it more and more each time. Once a week i squirt the cleaner into each ear, once a week she tries to run away. Once a week she realises she cant get away so once a week she tolerates it. Then when its done she licks my cheek, shakes her head, sprays everyone and everything in the room with ear drops. Then for 10 minutes she does the funniest thing ever. She puts her ear on the carpet and runs in a circle. This continues until she is so dizzy that when she stands up she falls over!

How we love you China Belle.

Her full name is also quite amusing: Ula Punto Princess China Belle.

Ula: Her mothers kennel affix

Punto: She was born in a Punto on the way to the vets

China: Because we couldn't agree on a name. I wanted to call her Betty or Dolly but CB not so keen! We opted for something so cliche that its actually unusual. No-one surely would call their Chinese Shar Pei 'China'. Yes. We did. !

Princess: Because she is

Belle: Because she is beautiful!

So there you have it. Everything you never wanted to now about the Shar Pei. May i also add. She is the most fantastic, intelligent, stubborn, mind of her own, loyal, guard dog, warm water bottle snuggle, loving companion that i have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is a treat to spend your day with and she is a mysterious lady who i hope will be with us for a long time.

Love you missy x

The fridge has arrived!!!

2008-09-13T15:29:00.005+01:00

Who would think that anyone could get so excited about an everyday item such as a fridge! I have however been without such a luxury since 26th August!! I am now going to do a huge shop of chilled and frozen goodies and enjoy the commodity!!

I must now say Happy Birthday to Jim!! We are going to the caravan to celebrate his birthday tonight, no doubt with lots of karaoke, Elvis of course!

I have made my craziest cake to date for Jim.

Dont think you can get the full extent of it from the picture but i have named it the Elvis quiz cake. There are 17 hidden Elvis songs on this cake. The easiest one being American Trilogy, the three flags. If you get the idea!! Im not terribly good at drawing though so the rest of the clues drawn with the food colouring pens are a little less easy to fathom out. He first has to decipher my scrawl!! Should provide amusement though!!

I am really looking forward to tonight as the little man is staying at his Nanna's house allowing us grown ups to party into the wee small hours! The sun has also been out here today so has hopefully dried up some of the mud on the caravan site. If all else fails i will be sporting my multicoloured wellies. Great for mud but not so good for dancing!

I always aim to look glamorous when i set off to the van, but somehow after 10 minutes, with hair stuck to lipgloss, mud over clothes, i give up. I then retreat to my faithful black hoodie. When it gets that bad i can pull the hood up so as not to scare any young children in the vicinity!

Hoping the sun stays with us tomorrow as there is a boot sale on the way home tomorrow that i may just have to pay a visit to. CB permitting!!

Hope you have a great weekend, i shall return soon with campsite tales!

Happy Thrifting! x x x

Going potty!!!!

2008-09-11T21:55:00.010+01:00

No not me, Finley!!

Yesterday Finley used the potty for the first time hoorah!!! I have not been pushing him as im a firm believer that children progress when they are ready, and sure enough he has. To date we have had one little accident on the floor but i would say that is pretty good going for a just turned two year old!!!

He has been to the childminder today for the second time ever. After being at home with him since he was born i was a little apprehensive about leaving him as he has spent so much time at home with me. Its only for 5 hours a week on a Thursday so that i can spend time in the office doing paperwork for Mr Taxman! Despite my reservations he thoroughly enjoys it. He talks about it all week and kisses me goodbye when i drop him off. Thank heavens there are no tears that would just be too much to bear! When i go to collect him he tells me that hes staying there and says bye to me in the hope that i will leave him there a little longer!!

No thrifting finds to report as the car boot season here has been well and truly rained off for this year. Oh how i will miss my Thursday boot sales. The anticipation of what you might find, the joy of finding that treasure, the excitement of the haggle, and the long walk home; thrifting bag laden with goodies and head full of thoughts of where to put my ever growing collections!! Finley has also become quite good at thrfting this year. His eyes are peeled for action men. He has even realised to look low for action men as they are usually in boxes on the floor under the tables. When he spots them he shouts 'actionman' at the top of his voice in a bingo fashion!! I dont know what i am going to do all winter with no thrifting fix. The charity shops around here are hopeless. Anything half decent costs more than it would have done when it was brand new, and any vintage goodies are priced higher than they would be at an antiques fair. I am craving looking at old things already and we are still in September!

I still also have those all important 'wants' that i NEEEEEED to find. Things that i have been looking out for all year but still not managed to find!

I would love to find a kewpie doll. I have found a new love for these dolls but have never been lucky enough to find one. I could get one from ebay but i always feel like ive cheated when i use ebay. Typing the name of an item that you want; then clicking to buy is nowhere near as satisfying as hunting down that special item and buying it for a bargain price.
The hunt continues!

Take care Happy Thrifting. x

The Sun came out!!!!

2008-09-10T13:25:00.005+01:00

After yesterday's winter inspired post, the sun came out!!

We decided to venture outside and go for a walk. We are lucky enough that just around the corner about 250yards from our doorstep is some lovely countryside.

Would you like to join us on our walk.......

This is the footpath up there

We looked for birds, counted trees and picked blackberries

And on the way back we threw sticks and stones into the stream.

It was a lovely breezy sunny walk. Just what we needed after all of this rain!

We will be making a blackberry and apple crumble for tea. To be served with custard of course!

I hope the sun has been shining where you are today.

Happy Thrifting. x

Winter has arrived!

2008-09-09T12:01:00.005+01:00

After a non-existent summer and non stop rain, i have now resigned myself to the fact that winter is here. I have tested the central heating and it still works!!

I have been buying wooly jumpers for us and packing away summer clothes.

Although i love the summer, i also love the autumn and winter. Snuggling under cosy fleece blankets, chunky wooly scarves and jumpers, and best of all a lovely fire.

At present we have a hideous electric fire that came with the house. We are however hopefully changing it to one of these

Hopefully it will conform to our plan of heating the water and the house and in a bid to beat the rising costs of fuel, we will hopefully have a cosy house this winter!

Not much else to blog about really. Lots of sorting and cleaning for the winter. I am waiting for the rain to stop to pack away the waterlogged ball pool and bouncy castle that are sat in my garden.

I am also hoping to pick some blackberries this week and i am aiming to make a batch of blackberry and apple jam. With all of this cold wet weather i have been inspired to cook winter inspired comfort foods. Pies, stews and soup are all on the menu this week.

I have also bought 3 Christmas presents this week! I am aiming to be organised this year and hopefully by the time December arrives i will have Christmas sorted. Thats the plan anyway!

So after this winter inspired post i will sign off and carry on with some sewing. Holes to mend and buttons to replace!

Happy Thrifting x

Please visit Nie

2008-09-06T00:49:00.002+01:00

Please visit Nie. Check out the link it explains all.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html

This is where to catch up with their progress

http://blog.cjanerun.com/

Heres wishing all of the best wishes in the world. x

Lovely things!!

2008-09-03T12:36:00.007+01:00

After a week full of problems with various things, i thought i would begin this post on a positive note. First of all would like to say a massive thankyou to 'Sootypea' from the Shabbychic forum who has kindly sent me one of the elusive Cath Kidston Tesco bags. These are supposed to be for sale in all Tesco's however after paying a visit to our local Mr T's, once again, and asking if they have any, the staff once again no nothing about them! Thanks Sooty.

I dont know what it is but i just HAVE to have them! Not only are they gorgeous to look at but they are also ideal for various uses. Especially as 'thrifting' bags. An ideal size and super strong, to hold your finds at the car boot sale. Just got to get my hands on a stripey one now and i will have the full set to date. Although two more are being released this year so the hunt will continue!!

Yesterday the postie arrived with goodies.

The red one is a tea towel and the other an apron. Both 1950's of course. I love the colours of them they are so cheery and so fifties. The stitching on the apron says 'Toucan wash up.' They will look great with my other fifties aprons and teatowels if only i can think of a clever way to display them. Im running out of space in my kitchen and am racking my brains to find them a home. If any of you have any ideas please let me know!

Yesterday i visited the market and found some lovely ribbons and crafty bits and bobs. I dont know what i will make with them yet, probably some cushion covers for the caravan, but i can never resist ribbons and buttons!

On a more serious note this week and a warning to all of you other dog owners, i must tell you what happened on Monday.

This little girl was following me around whilst i was cleaning (as she always does). She spotted a wasp and sniffed it. The wasp then stung her on her cheek several times and embedded itself in her cheek. Eventually i managed to pull it out. The area was swollen and bleeding but she didnt seem too bad. Literally 10 minutes later she was laying on the floor and having what i can only describe as a fit. She was shaking violently and frothing at the mouth. After a frantic rush to the vets she was given a jab of adrenalin and was fine. Very frightening and very worrying. The vet said that she had an allergic reaction to the wasp venom and that she could have died within an hour. I am so thankful that i actually saw the wasp sting her. If she had been outside on her own i dread to think what could have happened. Apparently wasps are more aggressive at this time of year so sting more frequently. I will certainly be keeping a look out for those horrible wasps.

Thankfully she is on the mend now. Still not quite herself but getting there. Lots of cuddles in order i think.

Anyway a heap of cleaning, washing and ironing awaits so bye for now.

Happy Thrifting. x

One of those days!!

2008-08-26T16:52:00.008+01:00

Last night we got back from staying at the Caravan since Friday. We had a fantastic weekend with family and friends. Lots of dancing, laughing, eating and drinking. Just how a bank holiday weekend should be. The weather held out for most of the weekend and we managed to sit outside for most of the days. Finley particularly enjoyed himself as he rode on two different tractors, which are his favourite things at the minute.

Last night i decided to take some meat out of the freezer to defrost overnight for tonights tea. The freezer really needs defrosting but you know its one of those jobs that i never get around to doing often enough. I couldnt shut the door for all of the ice that was there so in my tired state began hacking at it with the handle of a dessert spoon. I soon gave up and asked CB to help. A few minutes later there was a hole in the freezer and gas was escaping. End of fridge freezer.

Today i have had to throw all food away and i now have a waterfall in my kitchen as the freezer defrosts. I have been on a mission all day to find somewhere that will deliver a fridge freezer today/ this week. No chance. 5 working days is the earliest delivery. I have given up!!

The TV in the kitchen has decided to die today also.

I decided to get on with the mountain of washing that i seem to have bought back from the caravan. Two loads done and hung on the washing line. The washing line decided to snap. Yes you have guessed it. Two loads of clean washing on the ground. Could today possibly get any worse??!!!

I intended to spend today catching up on jobs washing, cleaning, paperwork etc but none of that has been achieved. Instead i have spent my time mopping water, emptying bowls full of water and trying to track down a new fridge freezer. I have finally picked up the washing from the ground after staring at it for ten minutes wondering what to do with it!!

So now i have a bowl of water as a makeshift fridge! A pint of milk and a tub of butter are bobbing around in there.

I hope that tomorrow turns out to be a better day!!!

I remembered that i never got round to doing the green olympic show and tell. Have just scanned my treasures and i have not got anything green. I dont know why because i actually quite like green but i have nothing at all that is green. The only thing thats kindof greeny is the seat pads on the 99p stools that i made over. I have already posted the picture somewhere but here it is again. Its a kind of mint green that looks really nice with the pink.

I must say thanks to Sesga, who has given me an award .
I think i now have to pass the award to others. I love your blog sesga but oviously you have had the award already! So im going to award it to the other people i like to visit. Check out their blogs on the right hand side of this page. Fredsworld, Happy loves Rosie, Polka dotted world, Hollyhocks, and Sophie Honeysuckles English decor. Your blogs are all so inspiring but so very addictive!!

Ok im now going to relax for half an hur before CB comes home. Thanks to the no food situation we are eating out tonight. Every cloud does have a silver lining!!

Take Care Happy thrifting x x

Yellow show and tell!

2008-08-18T12:09:00.004+01:00

Continuing the olympic show and tell, today is yellow. I have quite a few yellow bits so here goes. Im not sure which of these i like best. It used to be the Babychams but im always changing my mind, i think thats why i have so much stuff. I can never decide on one thing to collect, i just collect things that i like.

The yellow trio is Midwinter and i got it about 6 years ago from a collectors fair. I really like the tin at the moment. Its to mark the coronation in 1953. Its a bit scratched and bashed but i like things that show their age!

The book is also quite charming. Its a News of the world household almanac from 1956. It has allsorts of articles including, diy, health, recipes, beauty, shopping, holidays etc. I love reading it and the adverts in there are really fascinating aswell. Theres a really interesting question and answer page on air travel. Questions such as: 'is air travel expensive'?, 'How does one book a ticket'?, 'Can one take luggage'?, 'Can children travel by air'?. Its amazing how much things have changed and how far we have come!

I have not been thrifting much recently but yesterday called in to one of my favorite places, Whitemoors antiques centre. Its not really a thrifting place as such as some of the prices are quite high, but if you are after something special its well worth checking them out.

I came away with this lady.

I have wanted one of these for a long time but have never been lucky enough to find one at my usual thrifting haunts. After a lot of sorting through boxes i spotted her. She still has her original earrings in, which is unusual as they normally are missing. She only cost £3 which i thought was a bargain. She has now taken up residence in the dresser and looks lovely in there!
Im not sure what year she is from but would imagine 50's/ 60's, probably a souvenir from a hot faraway destination. Trouble is i think she would look great with a couple of friends so the hunt for these dolls continues!!

On Saturday night we went out to celebrate Rae's 18th birthday and her getting a place a uni. We had a great time and lovely food.

We continued the party at mums with a spot of singing on the 'singstar' game. Fin entertained us all by doing his best Elvis impression. Singing into the microphone with the trademark foot tapping. In the past weeks he has become somewhat obsessed with Elvis! Maybe something to do with his Daddy and Mamma Nesta i think! At two years old im sure that he must be one of the youngest tribute acts out there! He is perfecting his skills gradually by requesting to watch Elvis DVD's day and night. He used to like watching cbeebies but of late has been watching Elvis, the 68 Comeback Special appears to be his favourite! He definitely takes after his Daddy!

Anyhow a mountain of ironing awaits so i must get on.

Happy Thrifting! x

Smarty Pants and red olympics!!!

2008-08-16T01:08:00.004+01:00

See this smartypants girl???
Shes just got herself a place at uni!!! Going to be studying Accountancy!!!

We are sisters. We both did exams, only one of us took A levels and passed. Miss Rae this post is dedicated to you. You are the cleverest person we know and we love you very much.

Kyle, we love you also, you are gorgeous too x x x

Good luck to you at Uni, we will miss you like crazy but will be very proud that you are there.

You are our one special girl.

We love you soooooooooooooo much (as fin would say)!!! Dont 4get about us.

You are gorgeous and clever and we are lucky to have you hunny!! x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

ITS THE RED DAY HOOORAY!!!

I love red. It makes you happy. It makes you mad and Happy Mixed with blue and pink is gorgeous and happy. Olympic show and tell : RED:

Red spot Winton wear (yes Winton and not Minton!!). Red Beeko cake cases. They are still in there. 21 of them from (i think 1954) I Dont want to take them out to check!, Red rose tea set, oh so fifties, oh so gorgeous.
Just love it all!!
Do any of you have a Shar Pei???? Any advice on skin and allergies would very much be appreciated at this time!!!

Elvis, British seaside and Olympic show and tell 2!!

2008-08-12T08:58:00.010+01:00

As many of you know, we went to Bolton on Saturday night with our friends to see 'The World's greatest Elvis.' Can you remember the show on BBC hosted by Vernon Kay?? Well it was the winner of the show performing.

We travelled up there in Jim's car and listened to Elvis all the way of course!

We couldnt believe how close the hotel room was to the arena.

Once dressed went to the bar for a drink. We met others in costume and had lots of photos taken. We were photographed by Manchester Evening News and other local newspapers.

It was such a fun time.

The concert started with my favourite act of the night. His name is Justin Shandor, from USA and he performed as the 'fifties Elvis' which is of course my favourite era!

He was so talented, looked and sounded like Elvis, he was also Very goodlooking, which helped too!!

Another couple of acts and then it was time for the headline act, Shaun Klush. He won the greatest Elvis title.

He was really fantastic

A great night had by all!!!

On the way back home we stopped off for a visit to Blackpool. As usual the wind was blowing a gale but the sun did shine. We had a wander round and then had fish and chips. There really is nothing like seaside fish and chips is there??

CB on the beach!!

Ok i need to carry on the Olympic show and tell so today the colour is black.

I dont really have many black items but i do have some gorgeous Homemaker pieces.

I really love them as they are so retro.

I also love this glass cocktail shaker, i suppose it counts as it has a black lid!!

We also went to Alton Towers yesterday. I only have one picture as the batteries in my camera

decided to die.

The rain stayed away for us so we managed to stay dry all day!

I didnt go on any of the big rides as i have done those before. So i spent my day going on the toddler rides with Fin!
It was his first time at a theme park and he really enjoyed it. He especially liked the Mcdonalds farm area and driving the green tractor!

There were lots of things to see and do and by 3pm he was fast asleep in his pushchair!
We really enjoyed it.

So as you can imagine a very busy past few days and now i have lots of cleaning, washing and ironing to catch up with. Its amazing how being out for just a couple of days can lead to such a backlog of jobs.

I dont mind doing jobs today though as the weather here is dreadful. Not only is it gray and drizzling it actually feels quite cold. Not a bit like August.
When I was younger i can remember summer as being really hot and winter as being really cold and having a lot of snow. Where have those days gone? When you could wear summer clothes in the summer and woollies in the winter!
I dont have many summer woolies unfortunately!!!!

Hope the weather is better where you are!

Happy Thrifting, dont forget to show us all your treasures in the Olympic show and tell. x x x

Olympic show and tell

2008-08-08T16:45:00.004+01:00

Ok, as today is the start of the olympics i thought i would base this for the theme of a show and tell. Thought i would use one of the olympic ring colours each day to show one of my favourite items in that colour. Today is going to be blue, followed by black, red, yellow then green.

Anyone else feel free to join in this show and tell.

So here goes for today.

Ok so i had a little problem choosing one item, i found a few that make me happy.

My favourite (i think!) is the cat. He is the blue half of a pair of Holt Howard 1950's salt and pepper pots. His other half has a pink bow. I have had them for about 6 years and also have a pair of mice and a pair of rabbits that are equally charming.

The glass candlestick holders are tinged blue and really pretty when the light catches them.

The egg cups are laura ashley, i love polka dot.

The Gaydon cups and saucers are a really lovely blue shade and i also love the shape of them.

The blue flowery glass is one of six and has a matching jug. They are a lemonade set i think and are really pretty and remind me of hot sunny days spent sipping homemade lemonade.

I love the cheese dish as its so retro and fits in just right.

Ok so its not the same shade of blue as the olympic blue but blue nevertheless.

Happy Thrifting. x

Cakes and kisses!

2008-08-07T17:56:00.007+01:00

Today i thought we would bake some cupcakes. Finley put on his new apron and got out his new wooden utensils. It all started well but didnt go according to plan when Fin decided he needed to eat the flour, butter and sugar raw from the bowl! How do you explain to a two year old that you dont eat what is in the bowl, despite the fact that normally he is told to!

He soon decided his birthday toys were far more interesting than mixing so off he went.

So here are the finished cakes. What better way to decorate them than to co-ordinate the icing with your kitchen! Can you see the hidden message on the red ones? Its supposed to say L 'heart' C. Thats our initials because tomorrow is our fourth wedding anniversary.

How time flies.

Four years ago today we were staying here

The gorgeous Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire. We stayed for 4 nights. The men played golf and the ladies relaxed in the spa. We arrived on the Thursday and got married on the Sunday. The weather was some of the hottest i can remember. There were about 20 of us staying here so we had a great time with friends and family and went out for some lovely meals altogether.

Sunday arrived and we got married here

Morley hayes in Derbyshire.
It was a lovely day and evening and we all looked like this

I cant believe its four years ago, although so much has happened in 4 years that it seems longer.

We have moved house twice, opened a business and had Finley who is now two!!

Quite scarey really!!!

Hope you are all enjoying any sunny weather you might have had, we had a little sun this afternoon so made the most of it in the garden.

Take care Happy thrifting x x

Where has summer gone???

2008-08-05T16:25:00.000+01:00

We had so many plans for this week, getting the garden tidied, playing with Fin's new outdoor toys, day trip to the seaside and a day trip to Alton Towers.

The weather however is not complying. If you are listening mr weather man please send some sunshine our way we are fed up of all of this drizzle.

Finley however is quite happy wearing his new rainmac!!

A great weekend!!!!

2008-08-04T17:11:00.000+01:00

Once again we spent the weekend at the caravan. We were joined this week by our friends Jim and Val and their family. It was a fantastic weekend.

It began when we arrived at the caravan and in the distance i spotted Elvis Presley coming towards me. No im not mad, it was the owner of the site, Chris, dressed in an Elvis outfit complete with the wig. He had bought one for CB and one for Jim too!!!

So Saturday night arrived and out came the Elvis costumes. I may not have mentioned that CB and Jim are both Elvis mad.

We had a bbq and then 'M' and 'A' decided that they wanted to have a 'try on'. (M is 19 and A is 17).

Half an hour later they were in full character and been around the campsite meeting and greeting fellow campers in the style of Elvis!!!! They kept those outfits on for most of the night and they were great Elvises or is that Elvi??

We then made our way to the bar for karaoke. Everyone singing Elvis of course. A fantastic time was had by all. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing and enjoyment.

Finley also joined in with the action. He has perfected his Elvis dance.

The party then continued at the caravan. We had a great time and i have not laughed so much for ages.

A really lovely weekend. Thanks guys. x x x x

Talking of Elvis, we are very much looking forward to going to Bolton on Saturday night to see http://www.elitetributes.com also with Jim and Val.

Have got my outfit sorted- fifties inspired of course, and now i cant wait!!

Take care Happy Thrifting x x x

Busy Busy Busy!!!!

2008-08-01T13:53:00.000+01:00

A long time no blog!!!

Firstly i need to say thanks to the lovely Elaine (Bloomin Myrtle http://bloominmyrtle.blogspot.com/ who has given me my first award.

So someone does read my ramblings!!

These past couple of weeks have been so hectic.

My little man turned two!! I cant believe that my baby is two. Time goes so fast.

We decided to celebrate the occasion with a small party. The numbers soon escalated and in total around 55 people came!! The party started with a steady stream of people from 2pm and at half past midnight the birthday boy was still going!!

We filled the living room with balloons the night before whilst he was in bed and this was him first thing birthday morning

The party was great and luckily my two days of frantic shopping paid off with all of the extra mouths to feed. We had typical party food. Sandwiches; cut into triangles of course, Jelly, pink wafer biscuits, iced gems and snowballs. Of course all served on vintage tableware!!

One of the highlights of the party was the pinata. For those of you who dont know about these ingenious inventions, its a paper/ cardboard horse that you fill with treats and toys, hang it up, give the children a big stick and let them take it in turns to bash it until it explodes and the treats fly everywhere. The scramble then follows as the children try and grab the toys.

I can highly recommend this for a party. Fun for all!!

An excellent day spent with friends and family. Love you Finley Happy Birthday x x x

Do you all remember my WIP dresser?? Well its finally finished, i say finished, just needs two handles fitting on, a job for you CB.

And here it is in all its glory full to brimming with my favourite vintage treasures

Im really pleased with how it has turned out and theres lots of storage for my pyrex!

We spent a long weekend at the caravan last week Friday until Monday. It was fantastic. Glorious sunshine all weekend. Its amazing when the sun shines you can sit doing nothing all day, just reading, playing and chatting. We could have been a million miles away, but were just 20 mins from home! Daytimes spent relaxing and karaoke at night, Elvis of course!!

On the thrifting front, not had any good finds recently, just a couple of bits and bobs.

My other news is that i have passed my theory driving test at long last!! I have been learning on and off for the past 6 years. This time i am going to pass. I must. My urge to drive has become stronger since finding these.

What other car could a girl possibly drive! Not quite sure whether i prefer the duck egg blue or the pastel pink!!

So please excuse my lack of blogging but we are sure making the most of the summer!! Hope you are too.

Happy thrifting x x

Just for fun....

2008-07-10T12:51:00.000+01:00

Today is going to be spent doing a mixture of cleaning and trying to finish the WIP dresser.

Just for fun try this........................................

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

I am An ISTJ !!!!

The Duty FulfillerYou are responsible, reliable, and hardworking - you get the job done.You prefer productive hobbies, like woodworking or knittings.Quiet and serious, you are well prepared for whatever life hands you.Conservative and down-to-earth, you hardly ever do anything crazy.In love, you are loyal and honest. If you commit yourself to someone, then you're fully committed. For you, love is something that happens naturally. And you don't need romantic gestures to feel loved.At work, you remember details well and are happy to take on any responsibility.You would make a great business executive, accountant, or lawyer.How you see yourself: Decisive, stable, and dependableWhen other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, conservative, and egotistical

What are you???

Rainy days and Mondays .............................

2008-07-07T22:13:00.000+01:00

Usually always get me down. Except for this rainy Monday. An unexpected knock on the door can certainly cheer you up. Especially when its the flower lady delivering a surprise-for-no- reason-bouquet. Birthdays and anniversaries command such gifts but rainy Mondays dont. Thanks CB i love you too. x.

These flowers have certainly brightened up a corner in my base (kitchen). I say base as it is the base for everything; cooking, cleaning, paperwork, ironing, phonecalls and of course treasures. I have long yearned for a kitchen that i can put my own stamp on, fill with my treasures and lovely things. I spend 90% of my day in there and am gradually making it a space i can enjoy whilst doing my everyday chores. Our last house was always going to be sold so I could never quite be let loose in there as it had to conform to the beige cream silver brown chrome standard that most buyers desire these days. My style however is far from that beige style. I have been collecting lovely things for many years and dont intend for it to stay in boxes. In the last few years I feel i have grown confident enough to surround myself with the beautiful things that make me happy, ignore fashions and embrace what makes me who and what i am.

Some people like minimalist, but its not for me. I love old things, lovely things and pretty things. The rarity of them and the story of the people who have owned them before just intrigues me and i love the fact that im giving something a new lease of life that may otherwise have been discarded. I have a fascination with old things. I love to surround myself with beautiful pieces, one of a kind treasures and things that dont match! It all adds to the fabric of life.

Its quite easy to dislike your home and see things that you say you want to change. How many times have you said ''i need to do this, change this, get this??? However of late i have seen things in a different light. My home is my home. Make the most of it. See the beauty in what you have got. Can it be painted, changed or surrounded / dressed in treasures to enhance it. Unfortunately i dont own a 10 bedroom 17th century cottage with 4 acres and a moat around it, but until that day im going to be very happy with my lot. x

As its a rainy day with not much to look at outside i have trawled through my pics to find lovely things. Images that make me happy, warm inside and remember happy thoughts. I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings and i hope you enjoy my pictures. Is there anyone reading this anyway?????

Happy thrifting x x x x

The weather has not been kind, but the thrifting has!!!!

2008-07-03T13:00:00.000+01:00

For days now we have had short sunny spells then heavy showers. Just when you think that summers here, another black cloud comes along! Not good when you have a football mad almost two year old that wants to be outside all day!

I have however been a little more lucky on the thrifting front. I have a wish list of items that i would just love to own, some more realistic than others. Glass cake stands, vintage books, pretty crockery etc are all of the more run of the mill everyday thrifting things i like. A never been used, never been out of the box, complete with guarantee and leaflet, gaydon melmex set is one of the more unrealistic things i always wished to find but never did. I have a few mix and match pieces but could only dream of finding a full set. Until Sunday's carboot sale that was.
There it was, in all of its glory priced at £12. A bargain in my eyes. DH however is never happy to pay the asking price and soon had paid £8 and was grinning like a cheshire cat. I felt like i had stolen it at that price and quickly made off incase they realised what a bargain i had. The box is a little tatty probably sat on a shelf somewhere for most of its life, but the contents are immaculate and i have still not taken them out of the box. I cant bring myself to be the first one in prob 40-50 years to remove it. So there it sits, in my cupboard. Dont know what i will do with it just had to own this wonderfully retro breakfast set.

I also found another gem. I have been collecting old advertising tins and spotted this tin which i liked the colour of. I opened it expecting it to be empty, but to my delight it is full of its original unopened contents! Dated at 1959, it contains some weird and wonderful potions and lotions (which i dont think i will be using!) bandages etc and a very interesting first aid advice sheet.

I expected it to be quite expensive but i managed to buy it for the sum of £1!!! When i got it home i noticed it was priced at £25 on the bottom!!! I dont know what i will do with it but sometimes i just have to give these things a home, Put them all together and enjoy looking at them. They are too good to pass by and too interesting not to be interested in.

This morning i have received my Cath Kidston order. A set of three cake tins. Delightfully summery and cheery. Not for keeping cakes in though but buttons of course! What else do you use cake tins for?!!

Talking of Cath Kidston.......... The Tesco Cath Kidston eco shoppers have been released. Limited edition of course and extremely hard to get hold of. Thanks to my shabby chic friends however i now have one of each design. Donna and Amanda very kindly sent me ones that they had managed to pick up. I have never met these two lovely ladies, just met them on the shabby chic forum. They sent me the bags before receiving payment from me. How lovely that there are such trusting kind people around willing to help others. Thanks to both of you.

Bye for now. Happy Thrifting

A lovely week!!

2008-06-20T16:19:00.000+01:00

Well this i s my second post this week despite the fact that i have been really busy on the thrifting and makeover front. Will post pics of thrifting finds soon but first wanted to share these makeover projects with you all.

The folding stools were from ebay a bargain at 99p! The bar stools were another thrifty find at £3 for the pair from the car boot sale. A lick of paint and some scrummy fabric later......

Am really pleased with how they have turned out, didnt take that long either. Just got to get on with the dresser now!

Also today i received my order from Laura Ashley. These lovely gorgeous baskets to hold my fabric stash.

Have a good weekend and enjoy whatever you do. x

Long time no post!!!

2008-06-16T13:37:00.000+01:00

I have been totally slack on the blog front these past few weeks. So very busy and so little time.

I have however been lucky to find some real treasures whilst out thrifting.

Some of which are in the photo above, the rest will be posted when i have a little more time.

As for the rest of my week i have a work in progress. My dresser. Its the third one that i have had, last 2 were sold to fund various purchases!! Im currently sanding this and have the undercoat and paint ready. As a great fan of Farrow and Ball's Dimnity, i intended to use that again but homebase had sold out, so i am using Lime White. Hopefully will get the desired effect!! Am going to line the inside this time with Laura Ashley pink and white polka dot wallpaper. So i had better get on. Will post the 'after' shots a soon as paint has dried!!

Happy thrifting x

The thrifting angel has paid us a visit!!!

2008-05-22T13:36:00.000+01:00

Well, after a terrible few days in which we have been plagued with sickness and tummy bugs, we decided to venture to the local carboot for a spot of bargain hunting. We were not disappointed!

The thrifting angel has definitely blessed us today!!

Here are some of our finds!

Brand new storage tins (very Cathesque!), perfect for the caravan. But also perfect for my kitchen. Descisions, decisions.

Various vintage childrens books, just love looking at the illustrations, Fin has also shown a keen interest in these so will be spending many happy hours reading them to him.

Linda Barker book, great for shabby inspiration.

4 Snowflake Pyrex large plates. You can never have enough!

Vintage pyrex dish, just because!

Very old cook book. For a bit of old school kitchen delights.

A J & G Meakin Glamour gravy boat. Needs a cycle in the dishwasher but delightful nevertheless.

And how much did these treasures set me back. Less than £11 for everything!!

A perfect thrifting day.

For you Mammar

2008-05-16T18:43:00.000+01:00

1 gorgeous, fantastically shabby vintage quilt. For the outrageous price of £1.

Some people however, mentioning no names (you know who you are!!!), have no appreciation whatsoever for this gorgeous piece of history. So im going to give it to you mammar Ness as i know you have always wanted one. So now freshly laundered and plumped, its yours. Enjoy. x x x x

Today we are here

2008-05-16T11:25:00.000+01:00

This postcard sums up today. So much dust so little time!

Snowflakes in spring

2008-05-15T12:33:00.000+01:00

Well how could i resist??

Vintage Snowflake Pyrex. Makes cooking that little bit more enjoyable.

We luv luv luv u China belle

2008-05-14T23:11:00.000+01:00

We have been saying it all week. LUV LUV LUV U CHINA BELLE X MWAH X

Well its only life!!

2008-05-14T22:53:00.000+01:00

Been too busy today to post my first post and its all to do with this man ............. who cares with a smile like that!!!!