Monday 27 August 2012

My new favourite blog - VintageVixen

I love this gal. She's so down to earth, funny, and devil may care. I find myself going to visit her every day.

Her blog is ostensibly about all the bits and bobs she buys at charity shops, car booties and jumble sales, which she models for us. But we also get the back stories of a lifelong disability overcome and heartache around parents, one dead, one alive in a home. However she doesn't dwell on that, she's the type to just get on with it. What comes through is her sense of humour, her ability to take the mickey out of herself, her love of life and her general ability to be happy and have fun. That's what keeps me coming back for more.

Brava!





Friday 24 August 2012

A new kid on the block

Just this morning I have welcomed a new friend. He's brought a few home comforts with him. I think all the excitement has been too much. He's fallen asleep.

He's keen to get out in the garden, but his Mum and I reckon we need to wait until he is fully settled. I'm wondering how to sneak out and peg out the washing...could be tricky.






























































Wednesday 22 August 2012

Barn conversion

I love this barn conversion by Josephine Gintzburger. It's a great mix of modern and traditional with a lovely range of textures and materials. Metal, concrete, wood and crystal.

It's much more modern than I would create for myself, but I could definitely live there.

I think my taste is changing all the time.





Friday 17 August 2012

Lobster and Swan

I've know I've mentioned this lady's blog before, but she really does have a lovely eye for simple things of beauty. Here are a couple of photos from her instagram collection. 
all images copyright lobster and swan

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Out and about in Taunton

The cutest little row of shops down an 18th century side alley. I love everything about that house, but in particular the balcony over the portico. I've always fancied a balcony for breakfasting on. Just like we did on our trip to Sweden.
We also went to the new museum. They've done it beautifully. It tells the story of Somerset from the beginning of time. I particularly loved some of the films they have done, plus the Low Ham mosaic with the screen behind it showing a Roman lady fading in and out like a ghost as she goes about her daily business. It really brings the floor to life. 

And here's the thing. I know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who was in some way involved in its discovery or getting it out of the ground. Fame at last.

Saturday 11 August 2012

Car booty

I don't wish to go on about how awful the weather has been this year. 

However. 

I'm British and that's what we do.

So when we finally got a lovely sunny Sunday, I was out of that bed and down that car booty before you could say 'save all the bargains for me'.

I got about half way down the field before succumbing and then I got on a roll. Here is some of my stash.










Friday 10 August 2012

An impromptu lunch

The garden's a building site, the patio's a bit of a mess and we have no useable table and chairs. But in this weather, it felt right to eat outside. Bon appetit!

Monday 6 August 2012

Vases



I have a crazy amount of them. I know I do. I have teeny tiny vessels that can hold a single violet up to big ones to hold a bunch of lilies or sunflowers.
I like the little ones best...












Saturday 4 August 2012

Song of the day

This is a song that I was introduced to by my friend in Sweden. Into My Arms by Nick Cave. It has a haunting quality and I keep finding it coming Into My Head. My friend said she thinks it is the most romantic song ever written. I know what she means.

Friday 3 August 2012

Amish: a secret life

I love learning about the way other people in different countries and cultures live their lives. Last night there was a film about an Amish family who live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This family was so, so cute. So full of joy. I really liked them.
Life isn't as simple for them as it used to be; the modern world is encroaching and you could see the struggle in them to find the right path for them in that world, whilst wanting to respect the old order. Not easy.

Thursday 2 August 2012

Different ways of being creative

For reasons beyond my control I haven't been able to focus on my design business for the last year, but it's worked out OK. There are always creative outlets, and mine has been the house. 

In some ways this enforced break has been good. It's given me time to get off the hamster wheel and percolate new ideas. When the time and space comes, I will be ready.
I love homegrown meals. Makes me feel like I am living The Good Life.