More Vintage

I wanted to get this post on the blog today because not only is it more vintage but it's vintage in my own back yard - so to speak LOL!

Yesterday when Jilly and I were out lunching and enjoying our little town we stopped by this vintage charity store in St John's Street and we were both bowled over by it - in fact I asked the lady if I could take pictures to share.  I had been past this store so many times I've lost track but I just thought it was a reclaimed furniture type store and despite saying I should go in sometime I just never did.

It was only once we were inside that we realised it was actually a charity store!  Clearly I should've been shopping in here ALL ALONG!  Der!!!  I apologise now for the pictures - they simply don't do justice to how lovely this store really looks but I didn't want to push my luck with the nice lady behind the counter.

Jilly wandered around with lots of ooohhing and aahhing and at all the pretties and then saying things like 'oh my mum had one of these' and 'I remember these from when I was a kid'.  See - now that we're both 50 we have all these memories to look back on LOL!

In the back there were vintage and retro wedding dresses, party gowns and other bits and pieces like bags, hats and scarves.  I tend to stay away from vintage clothing - it's not really my thing unless of course it's a vintage apron that I happen to fall in love with.

I was super tempted to buy more wooden spools - they had a few but instead I dug deep and found this lovely vintage fabric instead.  I figured it'd make a nice apron or bag, maybe even a smaller table cloth or something.  There was a fair amount for just £2 so it was my kinda price range but I might think long and hard before cutting into it.

I love the colour combo of red and grey with a splash of yellow and it kinda reminds me of October Afternoon vintage design papers which I happen to love - gee I wonder why? Red happens to be my favourite colour so I'm naturally drawn to anything with red in it.  

One thing's for sure.  Whatever I do I'm definitely making myself something nice with this.  If there was a bit more I could've been seriously tempted to completely revamp my kitchen.  Oh and it would've been fab with the grey and white checked Formica drop leaf kitchen table they had too.  I think I'm going back on Saturday given half a chance just to look some more.  I see retro kitchens on Pinterest and a few blogs I regularly check and this makes me want one myself.  Sadly my creativity doesn't stretch to design interiors.  I see it, I want it, but like most people I can only ever manage to put together bits of it but never the whole look I want.

A girl can dream huh?  That's mostly all I do when I get out my collection of chenille bedspreads, vintage linens and fabrics anyhow.  LOL.

If you're into this kind of thing too then there's a vintage charity store in Peterborough (can't think which one or where exactly but it's on the edge of town centre) and also a couple of really fab ones in Colchester called Emmaus.  You can check out the last one here.   There aren't any pictures of the store as such so you'll just have to take my word for it that it's worth the trip - it's actually two stores - but I think I'm feeling a trip to Colchester coming on real soon too.  Meantime I'm gonna check out Pinterest for some sewing inspiration.

Enjoy

Suezie

Vintage Finds

I meant to share a picture or two of the vintage finds I got whilst hubby and I were on holiday in Dorset but with one thing and another since we've been back I just never got time.

Thankfully we both like trawling through junk shops, antique and charity stores and the like.  This glass pedestal bowl - which by the way is much bigger than it looks here - was about £6.50 but I've always wanted a bowl with a pedestal for trifles, layered desserts and big bowl desserts like Eaton mess - yumm!  It's really chunky too so it's quite sturdy for a piece of glassware and should last like forever LOL!

At the time of taking these photos I had dumped a whole bunch of vintage wooden spools and sewing bits and bobs out of my shopping bag into it.  I found most of these in the same charity store and the rest on a second trip later that week.  Usually I remove the thread - I like to see the wood and then I can reuse them easier too but since I've decided to source a LARGE jar to display and store these in I'm leaving them intact.   I have a space for the jar - I just need to get one but I will - I just have to be vigilant and remember I need one when I see it so I don't miss snapping it up.  These things only come along every now and then so you have to grab em' when you see em'.

Plus I also picked up some vintage/retro napkin rings which reminded me a bit of something you'd see in a Cath Kidston catalogue so yeah I had to have them too.  The jury's still out on these but I kinda like them so I might have to put them to use some time and see how I feel about them.  There are eleven in total so there's enough for a BBQ or dinner outside in the back yard.  Shame there wasn't another red one or I'd use em' when the grand-kids come over.

I have another vintage post that I want to share with you but it will have to keep for a minute whilst I go cook dinner.

Hugs

Suezie

Jilly and I spent the day together today.   We had set a date to go out for a birthday lunch and I knew exactly where I wanted to take her.  We sat outside in one of the two courtyards at the Bushel in St John's Street and I can highly recommend it.   In fact I was there with another friend for lunch last week and I might even be able to go back next week who knows?

Since they have two courtyards they have one for smokers and one for non-smokers which is kinda nice for those of us who don't wish to inhale second hand smoke whilst eating our meal.

And in case you think your eyes are deceiving you - they're not.  The next two photos are in black & white.  Maybe it's an age thing (now that we're both fifty LOL), maybe not but we both get such red faces in photos that I wasn't about to post these pictures until I'd toned us down a bit.

I took her picture first and then she kindly took mine - although we did get the really friendly waitress to take a few of us both later on.

I discovered the Bushel for lunch during an away day for our team at work.  We used the local Quaker Friend's Meeting House just a couple of doors up for a day to work away from the office, the phones and the hustle and bustle of the work day to brainstorm and work through new projects and presentations.  Fourteen of us went to the Bushel for the lunch time special menu - £5.95 for a main, side and a drink and were quite impressed - hence the reason I have been back a few times already!

Today, however, was a special treat so we had to sample the dessert menu - just £5 for two desserts.  Who could possibly argue with that  I ask you?

Jilly had the summer fruit pudding which was brioche (hope I spelled that right) cubed and soaked in the fruit mixture all in a cute Kilner style jar and topped with crème fraiche and a sprig of mint.  I think I will have to try to make this one myself.  We have several different berries coming on at the allotment that would be a perfect mix for this and I just love the idea that I can make these ahead, pop them into the fridge and then top them with cream to serve and with no cooking at all.  Could it get any easier?

I on the other hand had the chocolate, caramel, salty hazelnut duo dessert thingy.  OMW!!!  It was devine!  It had melted chocolate in the very bottom topped with chocolate mousse, topped with hazelnuts, topped with dark caramel sauce, topped with crème fraiche!  NEED I SAY MORE!

Oh but I do, I do - you have sooooooo gotta go try this dessert!  Next time you're in town, stop in at the Bushel just for dessert if nothing else.

I am hoping to meet up with a couple of gals next week and if can talk them into going here - I'm there!  The service is excellent - we had literally just ordered and our lunch was being brought out to us. A couple of times we were checked on by two different members of staff, both of whom were friendly and chatted to us - one sweet gal even gave us a brief history of the place too and the bill was super reasonable to boot.  Jilly and I kinda have a rough budget when we go out - keep it simple, nothing too expensive.  

The only downside I can find is that this place is so good all round I might be the size of a house if I go there too often LOL!  I think I will have to reign it in a bit between visits.  Yeah that's what I'll do cos I still haven't taken hubby there for a treat yet.

What with the tea and cake we had at the Methodist Church earlier, Loom's Lane in town (another place I highly recommend you go on a Wednesday morning - used to go there with my mother when I was younger) and somewhere else I'm introducing everyone else to, I've just had an all round scrumptious day today.  Might have to be salad for dinner tonight then.  Nah!

 Blessings

Suezie

Jilly's Gift

I just have to share a few quick pictures of Jilly's gift.  I scoured around town for ages trying to find her just the right gift and couldn't settle on any one thing until I stopped in Palmers and saw this.

I knew the 'folksy' patterns and almost 'watering can' shape would be perfect for Jilly.  She has quite a different style to me - kinda earthy, natural and more folk art.  I would prefer a more rounded, traditional shape, a bit fussier and fancy.  I loved the vibrancy of these florals too and the colour combo as soon as I saw it and I thought immediately of her. 

It wasn't until I had actually purchased them and was walking home that it dawned on me they fit the theme perfectly as well.  I just kept thinking how nice it would be for Jilly to have a brand new tea set and of course I had to get two mugs so she could have tea with a friend (wink, wink).

I had a vintage tablecloth in the same bright kinda colours which was perfect and had recently picked up a couple of vintage napkins with the tiniest embroidered flower detail in one corner.  I decided to purchase a lace tablecloth to go with these items for the times when she might want to go all out.  The only thing missing as I look at this picture, I realise; is a tea cosy - Arrgghh!  Still it gives me something to either make or keep a look out to buy for her to add to this.

I had loaned out my Sizzix Bigshot machine and several dies a while ago otherwise I would've used my PTI doily die and a label die to create a fancier tag but you know what?  Sometimes less is more so instead I went for a simple kraft coloured block with some small alphabet stamps and black ink instead.  Like I said Jilly's not as fussy as I am.  By the way the darker colour on the teapot is a kinda 'aubergine' purple which is just gorgeous.  Jilly and I both happen to like the colour purple.

I think this evening I will go collect my Bigshot now that my friend's western party is over. It's been gone way too long and I feel like a bit of crafting might be coming on this weekend, especially as hubby is working Saturday.

And this teapot had mugs to match rather than cups and saucers so that even without the teapot they are robust enough they can be used every day, meaning she'll get way more use out of them.  I know she has an older tea set that she's had for a number of years but I was hoping she'd like a new one for the next however many years to treasure and enjoy.

I made sure the tag 'tea for two' was tied to the teapot and up front and centre and then wrapped the entire thing in clear wrap to keep it all together and make it more presentable as a gift and there you have it!

Enjoy it Jilly and maybe before Mr Sunshine is gone we might both get to enjoy some of the Twinnings tea together.

Big HUGS

Suezie

50th Birthday Tea Party

The Sunday following our day to the beach we gathered at Jilly's for the surprise birthday tea party that her daughter Natasha had planned.  I'd been collecting old china cups, plates and other bits and pieces like cake stands for several weeks running up to Tasha's return to the UK.

I make no secret of the fact that I love car boot sales, junk shops, emporiums, flea markets - all that kinda stuff and I especially love that there is a regular car boot sale on the Rougham Airfield which we pass on our way to church.  I trawled this for several weeks running to come up with a whole bunch of pretty china.  I would shop in Charity stores but their prices are often way beyond what I want to pay - even more so since retro and vintage have come back into fashion!

We offered use of our tent/come marquee which sadly is green (a nice white colour would've been much nicer) but not to worry - we decorated it up with a few strings of home-made bunting.  Jilly later hung all her birthday cards over the bunting which I forgot to take a picture of but looked so cute.

I offered the use of a couple of pretty floral vintage sheets that I found in a Charity store just the weekend before (£2.50 for two double sheets - bargain!) and had only just washed and pressed ready to tuck away.  Tasha's Aunt had loaned a pretty white linen tablecloth that worked perfectly over the top.  We could've had lace too but that tablecloth had gone into the basket I put together for Jilly's birthday pressie.  Next time LOL.

My only regret is that I didn't take more photos of the table as we added to it.  These photos were taken long before Jilly had arrived by which time it was positively heaving with food and china.  We had to use a separate table for the cups and saucers - all of which were a lovely eclectic mix of florals.

Tasha's Aunt Angie had made a giant 'teacup' cake which formed the centrepiece and the girls had gotten together the day before I think to make flowers in teacups for the tables in keeping with the  theme - thank you Pinterest!

I managed to get one to bring home so I took a closer photo of it to share.  It was just a bit of oasis popped into a teacup and then flowers stuck in until it looked full and really pretty.  Angie said she still had bits and pieces scattered in her garden but I saw the photos of the girls making them and they looked like they had a blast!  Tasha bought about a half dozen of these cups and saucers - all in plain white for about £2 so they weren't very expensive at all.  How ADORABLE are they and wouldn't they make fabulous wedding or baby shower table decorations!

And of course I couldn't not share a photo of the birthday girl herself now could I?  She had such a lovely day with guests arriving at different times of the afternoon so she had a steady stream of friends and family to spend the day with.

Tasha's gift to her mum, besides the tea party of course, was a lovely floral pair of Hunter wellies which a few of us had already seen - they were delivered to my house and Tasha just happened to be there at the time so of course I had to have a sneak preview huh?  Jilly modelled them for us and she was sooooo funny.  She completely transformed once she had them on and became like a little girl prancing around in them.  First rain puddle she gets and she will be RIGHT in there I bet!

All in all it was a wonderful afternoon full of sunshine (maybe a little too hot), lots of scrummy cakes, Twinnings tea which I am now hooked on - the taste was delicious - no more decaff tea for me.  I think from now on I will be drinking the real McCoy even if I do have to drink a bit less, and lots of fun and laughter.

And I couldn't close without a fun shot of my gorgeous God-daughter Natasha who sat unaware I was waiting for just the right moment to take her picture LOL!  I had such fun being involved and it was super sweet of her to ask me.  It all makes me want to throw another tea party for the girls!

Enjoy

Suezie

A Day at the Beach

Our church sets a date every year for an outing to the coast and everyone that wants to go makes their own way to the same spot each year so we can gather together and enjoy a fun packed day.  Often everyone's so busy on a Sunday that we don't always get the chance to chat so an afternoon chatting, eating picnics, playing games and even going for a dip or a paddle is a real blessing.  This is our second year so far and I wouldn't miss it for the world.  I had such fun!

There's always a game of volley ball which is the perfect game on the sand isn't it?  Zacheriah is now 13 years old and last year he just stood on the side lines, desperately wanting to play, but too shy to jump in.  This year he couldn't wait to play and was right up front in the thick of it.  He is now taller than Grandma (something he likes to remind me of every time I see him) and seems to have grown up in an instant.  Where was that beautiful baby boy I knew?  Thankfully he still lets me hug and kiss on him now and then - well I guess he tolerates it - but it's important to let kids know they're loved and I love to hug him.

Maddy wouldn't go too deep - maybe up to her knees but next year we should get her an all in one wet suit.  A couple of the kids had these and they went all in.  They're great for keeping the sun off the bulk of their bodies too although the sun didn't put in much of an appearance despite the claims it would be one of the hottest days.  Actually the weather was perfect - not too hot, a gentle breeze, warm but not overly sunny.

And as predicted we had a super quiet drive back home!  I hadn't realised when I took this picture that Zach had manoeuvred his seat belt but thankfully he is still belted up.  Apologies for my blurry thumb in the bottom right hand corner.  I was turned around as far as my seatbelt would allow and Zach was sitting directly behind my seat.  I simply couldn't miss this photo opportunity even if meant I was all contorted to get it.

Poor old Kaleb always gets the seat in the middle - nothing to do with being the middle child, which he just so happens to be  - Maddy always gets the booster seat on one side and Zach simply refuses to sit in the middle.

Doesn't Maddy look attractive - mouth wide open LOL!  They all played so hard they were plumb tuckered out, then a quick stop at the Fish 'n' Chip shop before heading home to fill their tummies and that was all it took.  Just a few short miles into the drive home and all three were out for the count. 

Truth be told Dave and I could've joined em' but he had to drive and I had the job of keeping the driver awake!

And after a busy day today with Jilly's party and an event at the allotment earlier this morning we have just vegged out for the last couple of hours, me on the computer and him watching movies.  I don't think we could've done anything even if we wanted to.

Now that the weather has cooled down the allotment beckons and we need to go water everything which is the very last chore of the day.  What is it they say?  No peace for the wicked!  Can't think that we're so very wicked but our weekends sure are busy - even more so this time of year.  I have been working 10 hour days at work but even that seems like a welcome rest at this point. LOL!

Hope everyone's been enjoying the sunshine and to our family back home, hope you enjoy these snaps of the kids.

Blessings

Suezie

Tea Party Invite

I can finally share something with you that I have been keeping secret for several weeks now.  My God-daughter Natasha came over and we spent a day crafting to make up invites for my BFF Jilly's 50th birthday 'Tea Party' celebration that she had been planning.

Tasha has been travelling around the world the past few months so hadn't been home long before we had to get on the ball and get things ready for her mum's big day.  I always love hanging out with Tash as she shares a love for creativity and it was such fun crafting with her.  Years ago when I ran scrapbooking workshops locally - back when Tash was just a young girl (shows how long ago that was!) her and Jilly used to come to my workshops and craft so it was just like old times.

And this was what we decided on for the invite - thanks to Pinterest inspiration!  We both just loved the doily wrapped around an invite idea keeping in theme with the party.

All the 'tea' themed embellishments were then added loose when we tied everything closed with a ribbon.  I used Waltzing Mouse Stamps for the different embellishments.  Tasha decided not to add the one that said invitation and just went with the teacup and party tag in the end.

I always knew this stamp set would come in handy one day and I couldn't think of a better use for it than Jilly's surprise birthday tea party.  We had a perfect afternoon today and Jilly loved every minute of it being spoiled by friends and family.

Fifty only comes around once so enjoy it Jilly - and just think we get a whole year to say "I'm fifty!" LOL!  Well I guess I only have 7 months left and then I'll be over fifty - boy times goes fast huh?

Happy Birthday Jilly - my oldest and dearest friend!  We have been together for 37 years now - longer than I've been married - 33 years in just under two weeks.  Like I said "where does the time go"!

Enjoy!

Suezie

A Few More Holiday Snaps

I am not very good at photography but I still love to take pictures with a difference so I'm always looking at things from an unusual angle.  This first shot was taken under the bridge that crossed over the railway tracks when we spent a day on the steam trains.  I just love how the patterns of the steps and the picket fence are repeated in the shadows too.

I am in love with picket fences and some day I hope to get me one, however small that may be!  There is something so basic, so simplistic about a picket fence and yet it allows you to see in to what lies behind.  Truth be told I'm probably a bit of a nosey parker about people's gardens so a picket fence allows me to see through LOL!

I also love how a fence frames a garden - kinda like framing a pretty picture.

And as I stood under that same bridge and looked across to the other side I decided to take this shot.  It might have been a bit more clever if I'd aligned the central framework but I kinda liked this off set view through it instead.

And there was no shortage of vintage suitcases on every station to take pictures of.  I have a couple of vintage suitcases myself and I just love the look, feel and even the smell of them.  Boy if they could talk - what stories and travels would they reveal?

Okay so I won't be sharing anymore snaps after these - I've probably bored everyone enough already.

I thoroughly enjoyed our day on the railway, getting on and off at different stations and exploring the towns beyond.  Since my father died very young and my mother didn't drive we travelled everywhere by rail when I was a kid.  Mostly on the London underground until I was about 8 and we moved to Suffolk.  I have many a memory travelling by train - like when we had travel rail cards one summer and used them to go to the swimming baths in Cambridge with just enough money in our pockets for a hot Bovril afterwards!  Or the time we were all put on trains (kinda like war children) with name tags pinned to us and dropped off at various stations to spend a week or two in the country with a hosting family - a real treat for city kids.

Boy those were the days eh? We really knew how to live! LOL

It feels good to be back blogging and sharing some of the stuff that makes up my days right now.  I'm crafting tomorrow but it's kinda a surprise so I can't share it but who knows what inspiration it will stir up?  Watch this space.

Blessings to all

Suezie