At Home With MelMel

It's the little things in life........

2012-01-24T20:07:00.002Z

......................that make me smile.............

Really very berry happy with my printers tray.........

..........................now I just have to find lots of tiny treasure to fill it up!

My new job begins tomorrow........nervous but happy!

Love Melxxxx

Something Old Something New.......

2012-01-18T16:07:00.001Z

Something new..........My lovely, fabulous, marvellous kindle case.......I love my kindle!

Cor! my eyes were popping out in CK today!

So many super nice goodies to look at!

I ohhed and ahhed over the things I listed on a post below......

Let me tell you T.H.E.Y A.R.E F.A.B!!!!

Something old........my amazing, super, wonderful printers tray!

Gifted to me by a lovely friend.......thank you friend!

Love Melxxxx

Vintage Cheese Safe.

2012-01-15T14:54:00.001Z

Good afternoon!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunny weather........bbbrrr it is a bit cold though!

I'm at home today.......after rather a full week last week and two (thankfully!) very crammed weeks ahead......I decided a day at home was just the ticket!

Now look at this beauty!

It's a vintage cheese safe, date around 30's 40's? Might be older or a great deal younger! Not too sure and can't find out a lot of info via the W.W.W!

It was my birthday gift from my brother Richard last year.

At the time he was living in a rented Victorian house.

When they decided to move, Richard asked the landlords if he could buy the cheese safe for me!

I'd been to visit you see and had gone into ecstasies over the larder cupboard, where this little treasure was living!

The landlord was only too happy as he was going to throw it out anyway! Yikes...can you imagine!!!???

Anyway, it was filthy, covered in a matt paint, which happily I managed to wash off.

I've left some on there, as it looked kind of nice in a shabby vintage way.......

My friend gave me these wonderful plates and the sweet little jug.......they came from the local church, and were used in the Sunday school....so cute!

When they were having a clear out, these were being binned, so my friend took some and now I have some too.....all ready for my move (one day....not now!).

Pickle on the window sill..........enjoying a lazy Sunday at home with her two best buddies........Olly and Mel!

Thank you for all the lovely comments.......I am astonished that so many people come by to read my humble little blog.......My new job will be starting a week next Wednesday, I'm nervous and excited at the same time!

Have a super smashing week!

Love Melxxx

"The" interview......

2012-01-11T18:21:00.001Z

I got the job!

It's part time with the National Trust!

I'll be a Visitor Receptionist!

I'm delighted!

Thank you for all your good wishes!

Love Melxxx

A Serious Case Of The CK Wanties!

2012-01-10T16:44:00.000Z

This fantastic pinny and glove remind me of the old style Cath stuff.......love the colours....

Cute tins........

A couple of new bags.....

My biggest wantie.......I've saved the rest of my Christmas money to buy one of these........the other stuff WILL be purchased if things pick up ££££ wise!

Love Cath Kidston!

Once again a fabulous lot of new wonderful goodies!

Melx

1940's Wartime Week. EDIT!

2012-01-08T18:01:00.001Z

1.Wartime fun and games, a chance to turn off the T.V, listen to the wireless and play lots of board games!

I was just watching 1940's house and had a bit of a mad idea!

Who fancies a wartime week?

I thought a week at the end of February.

Which gives ample time to research your chosen category(you can pick one or do as many as you like!)

2.Wartime work.......volunteer your services locally at a charity shop! Just like the W.V.S!

3.Wartime washing and cleaning, Clean and wash your clothes the 1940's way! A bit of a challenge!

5. Make do and mend.......crafts, up cycling and sewing......must be something special for the wartime week.

6.Wartime weekly menu, research the rules on rationing and feed your family on thrifty treats!

I know...it sounds crazy!

But it might be fun!

The only rules are to be as authentic as our houses allow......you must be willing to commit to the whole week.

Computers and cameras are allowed, to record progress.

Feel free to dress the part!

Moaning and hair pulling optional!

Let me know what you think......then I'll set a date!

Love Melxx

EDIT......Thank you for the interest.....I'll leave this up for the next few days, if anyone you know fancies a stab at it....send them over here!
If you think you might want to join in but can't commit to the week, them please let me know and I can modify it......I just think it might be a bit of fun!
It's something a lot of ppl might find interesting to do, especially if you have watched the program...or Land Girls....and the like!

Vintage love......

2012-01-07T16:38:00.001Z

Evening Campers!

Recently I won a give away over at Happy Harris's blog!

(see side bar for link....Happy blogger picture)

Happy has got the "happiest" looking caravan EVER!

I was thrilled to win....as I've always been a fan of camping and the like.

For years now my mum and dad have had a caravan on Anglesey.

It's not fancy but it's dry!

I wish it was as lovely as Happy's!

This year my parents hope to buy a new van.......so that will be nice....we will have heating and more than one light! LOL!

Inspired by all the vintage yumminess.......I thought I'd share some pictures with you.......

I found this tin on a car boot a while back....it's twin lives in Posy's house and one just like it appeared in an old CK catalogue....wish I owned that copy!

For Lacey....if you pop by....2" to the side of the this pic of the spare/guest/sewing......ironing storage space....is an over flowing wall mounted bin...that needs empting....it's been like that for over 2 weeks...see how fab pictures can be so fake! hehehehheh!

I was sent this lovely necklace from Happy......it's so pretty!

........................and this fab anchor brooch.......which I love, I'll be sporting this pinned to a denim jacket this coming Spring/Summer!

A huge thank you to Happy for this super give away!

Love Mel Melxxx

Making me happy today........

2012-01-03T15:49:00.000Z

Hello everyone!

Gosh it ain't 'alf windy out there today!

My new year is starting off on the right foot (touch wood!!)

So making me happy today..............

*I've been out to work today (cleaning), so I've earned!

*Came home to find my agency had phoned and I'm booked in at a lovely school on Friday, next Monday and next Friday! YAY!

*I've enjoyed changing the throws on my bed and found a bedding set I'd forgotten about in the airing cupboard! (the white cover with blue flowers on.....)

*I found a super pair of navy leather (sensible) shoes in a charity shop on the way home!

*I've got a job interview next week.........hence the need for sensible shoes! I'm very excited.......but I'll wait to see how it goes before I go on with myself too much!

*Came home to find that my CL mag had come......

I had this as a subscription from a lovely friend for my birthday last year!

*Enjoying the Christmas decorations while I can......I love this little cross stitch tag, it came attached to a belated Christmas gift from my S.I.L........it's so cute!

*So what is making you happy today?

Love Melxxx

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:13:00.003Z

Happy New Year to you all.......

Here's hoping this year is better than last year!

Love Melxxxxx

A Wonderful Christmas!

2011-12-27T16:20:00.000Z

Hello my friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful/peaceful/happy/chaotic day!

We did!

I received some lovely well chosen gifts and quite a lot of vouchers!

I've already been to the CK sale and bought myself the tins (above) and a new soap dish!

Olly bought me a Kindle!

After the year we've had I did not expect such a fab gift!

He really is a bit of a great hubbie!

He loaded it up with lots of free books and also bought me two I've wanted to read for ages.....Death Comes To Pemberley and Mini Shopaholic.

The best bit was the fact that my mum was feeling well and enjoyed the day, with her grand children and children.

The two little birds were from my sister.

They are so cute!

Really hope you all had a super nice Christmas!

Love Melxxxx

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:35:00.001Z

Just popping into blogland to wish you all

a VERY MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

I've wrapped the gifts (one of many bags!)

Mainly using brown paper bags that I've saved and some CK wrapping paper.........

I've hung the stocking on our Edwardian cast iron fireplace.

Our bedroom looks so cosy and festive!

Wonder what Father Christmas will bring me this year?

I've moved the angel I made from the shelf to her rightful place.

As you can see from the picture below....Pickle has moved herself to her rightful place! Cheeky!

And now all that remains is to sit back and eat many of these.....

anyone fancy one?

I know Christmas can be a tricky time for some of us.....

I'm thinking of you all........as I think of my little brother Jason and other people who won't be here.....

Much love to you all!

Melxxxx

Kitchenalia

2011-12-18T12:18:00.001Z

Good Afternoon bloggers!

I'm on the drag today, but while I was eating my breakfast

in my small but perfectly formed kitchen this morning...........the following things caught my eye......

I seem to have a lot packed into this bijou space.

Photos always come out so much nicer when the sun shines!
The colours really "pop"!
I love colour!

My absolute favourite thing in my kitchen, has to be the cupboard.

I like to see my collection of mugs, cups and other stuff!

Yikes......better dash now....we are off to the shops for yet more Christmas shopping.

I'm bargain hunting for gifts in TK maXx today!

7 more sleeps to go!

See you all later!

Melxxxxx

Christmas at Ikea.

2011-12-15T16:00:00.001Z

Really like these items from IKEA......

I think I will be purchasing the rug.

It will look super in my hallway!

I love red........

Mel

xxxxxxxxxx

Christmas Is Coming.............hope I won't be the goose that gets too fat!

2011-12-12T16:01:00.001Z

I've finally put my decorations up!

I didn't know if I'd be up to it

as I'm not feeling very well.

I think the cold weather and all the sick cover I've done lately at the schools, has finally caught up with me!

So, it was a slow process, but it's all done now!

I've not gone too over the top.......or have I?

My tiny tree.....I really wanted a real tree this year.
However, my purse has snapped firmly shut!

I made this little snowman when I was a wee girl.
The tree was a gift last year from a friend.............loving having it out for this Christmas!

My good friend Dotty gave me these Christmas Kitties......they are so cute!

My" new to me" cushion came!
Bought it of Ebay..........and it was a lot lot lot less than I would have paid had I purchased it new from CK.

I just adore the Radio Times cover this year....so delightfully festive!

Hope you are all enjoying putting up your Christmas trimmings.

I'm going to pop a few pills.......legally!

In the hope that I'll feel much better soon!

The Wizard of Oz is on TCM........perfect!

Love Mel

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just Call Me Kirstie!

2011-12-08T17:24:00.001Z

Good evening all!

Today I went on my first stained glass making class.

I've had so much fun! If you get a chance try it!

This course was run by the Vicar at Styal church.

We could try this craft for the bargain price of £15!

Normally you would pay quite a lot more!

This form of stained glass construction is the one used by Tiffany.

It's a copper edge which you then solder tin/lead onto.

So you end up with a silver outline.

Like this.......................

We did not have to do the glass cutting.......maybe next time.......but for a first attempt at this craft I was more than pleased with my two ornaments!

It was a bit fiddly doing the tin/lead bit, but I managed to keep a fairly straight line........I so enjoyed it......next time I'm aiming for something like the picture below.......made with lead edging.....
I'll show the ornaments in all their glory, on my tree, when it gets put up on the weekend!

I thought this was a lovely piece of work.........

Vintage coat hooks.

My fellow crafters.

See you all soon!

Melxxx

Mirror Mirror On The Wall..............

2011-12-06T16:14:00.001Z

Hello everyone!

I am shattered!

I've been to do my little cleaning job today.

I decided to walk and it started out quite mild, not as cold as yesterday, on the way home.......yikes.... HOW the temperature dropped.....and then it blimming rained!!

I stopped at the Mad Cow Cafe for a take out brew.......much needed!

Then I thought, I'll get off the bus early and go to the costume museum......stupidly I have never checked if it's open on Tuesdays....it wasn't! Typical........so then I stomped home, however the path I was walking on in Platt Fields, was flooded....so then I thought well, it can't be THAT deep......hhmmmm it was!!!!!! AND muddy.....

I was so glad to get in my cosy little house!

Which is looking very cheerful and welcoming.......I noticed this when peeling of my wet clobber and crawling gratefully into warm PJ'S and a dressing gown.....

I am a BIG fan of mirrors like this, I have two, this one and a white painted smaller version.

They would have originally have been attached to a dressing table, on swing hinges.

I found this one on Anglesey in a reclamation yard.

I always go there when on holiday, as he has such fab stuff.....dirt cheap!

Vintage book courtesy of Happy Harris.....I ordered a couple of treats a while back and Happy popped this in too!

She is such a lovely lady.

Errmmmmm......I've also been a bit naughty.....bought this candle holder...I had the small red one already.

I have a few like this in various colours, some are new some are vintage.

Look who has come to join me!

This is Pickle's new "bed" she loves to snuggle up on the floral quilt........but then who wouldn't?

Thank you for all the delightful and friendly comments....I love reading what you have all been up to!

Love Melxxxx

A Typical Saturday......

2011-12-03T16:45:00.001Z

Good Evening to you all!

Been a bit wet and nasty today!

Usually we go out for a country walk, followed by

the food shop.

But today..............we went straight to Didsbury.

I made a bee line as always to Oxfam, and boy, was a ever glad I did.

I spotted this mug........it's a Cath one......£1.99p!

Mint condition!

Cheers to whoever donated it!

Then we popped to ALDI........they have some super Christmas foodie bits in....like this Panettone!

I've just finished a piece and it is so delicious!

The rest of the shopping is total dullness........so I won't bore you with that!

I'm also making my own cards this year, using this little bird from the CK gift catalogue (spare copy) there are 26 birds which can be cut out, which is handy as I don't have loads of cards to send out. I'm a little bit smitten with this bird design......I purchased the honeycomb bird along with the other stuff that day in CK (see two posts down)It's too cute!

I bought the red envelopes in a charity shop for pennies and I already had the stiff white paper!

So they are practically free!

Brill!
Well, I'm going to make yet another cup of tea, grab some chocolate (ALDI choccie is yum!) and watch Notting Hill.
Tomorrow I'm heading to Buxton......visiting my good friend Adele!

I'm so looking forward to it!

So how are you spending your typical Saturday?

See you all soon!

Love Melxxxxx

I love blue and white stripes!

2011-12-01T13:49:00.001Z

Good afternoon all!

I've been out on the flea markets today.

I was thrilled to spot this

super little Cornishware salt shaker!

Actually it was my mum who

saw it first.....eyes like an eagle that women!

I'm thinking of calling her "Lovejoy" from now on!

Her top haggling skills made this a total bargain.......at £3.50!

I was so pleased she was able to come out today.

She felt well enough to brave the cold.

Mum enjoyed it too, as she hates being cooped up!

I have a small collection of Cornishware, as the prices

are usually out of my moth infested purses comfort

zone.

So, I tend to buy pieces that are chipped, crazed or having missing tops...etc!

I just adore the shade of blue and the jolly stripes

really cheer up my day!

See you soon....

Mel

xxxxxxxx

Feeling Festive.

2011-11-29T15:38:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

I wasn't feeling all that festive, until today!

Olly has had a couple of days off and as my cleaning job had been moved (again!) to tomorrow.......we decided to have a rare trip into town!

But before we get to the pictures......just a quick update to

say the work thing has been ok. A little school I liked has asked for

me last week, this week and has just booked me in for two days next week!

I'm very pleased!

Ok........on with the rest of the blog post.......!!!

We took a stroll along King Street.

We found a chap selling roasted chestnuts and as we both love em, we had to buy a bag.......they were gooooooddd!

As you would expect, I did pop into Cath kidston.....no interior photos allowed today!

The Christmas market was amazing! So many fab things to buy and lovely food to try.......apart from the cheese stall.......normally I love smelly cheese....but today....it was not my friend!

I really enjoyed being out with Olly, but he did keep getting some odd looks!

Why?

Well, until tomorrow he will be still sporting his Movember moustache. I have to say, I'll be glad to say goodbye to it....but glad he has raised money for the charity.

We were going to stay in town for a while longer but the rain came

and so we dashed into Marks and Sparks and

bought some buns to take home.

I love the M&S food hall at Christmas.......just looking at all the goodies makes my waist expand!

Oh look!

Why can I never go into CK without buying something?

Well, a nice tweet does us all good once in a while......
I loved the brooches when I saw them in her booklet......
also fell in love with these bobbles........navy blue stars.....
love navy blue.......I'm wearing them now!

Must fly.......

see you all soon!

Love Melxxxxx

Bagging A Bargain!

2011-11-21T14:29:00.001Z

I've always had an eye for a bargain........whether it's on ebay........where these two beautiful cups and the dotty pot came from. (Bought a few weeks back)

Local charity shops..........I was thrilled when I found this wonderful little wire tray.

In one of my fave colours! (Purchased a few weeks ago)

Bridgewater goodness...........found in TKMAXX!
(A recent purchase)

Ebay again.......it's surprising what turns up on there.......this cozy was missing the bobble from the top.

I really wanted this when I saw it in CK, but the price tag put me off.......
(A recent ebay win!)

My latest find.........on my way back from my power walk today, I came across a little community shop

who have items gifted to them.

I found this Keep Calm picture, I asked the man how much, he said make me an offer, I said to him, it kind of depends on what's in my purse (80p) so he accepted that! Honestly!!!

I had a mooch in the boxes outside and there were Emma Bridgewater folders, recipe books and garden journals.....for a £1 each! I kid you not!

I then skipped to my sister's house, grabbed her and we made our way back.

She found a large pale blue pail and a bulbs and seeds tray and 3 heart candles....£5!!!!

The stuff is a little rough around the edges, but we were more than pleased with our finds!

The picture looks lovely just below my Cath kidston patchwork sample........as it's £150 per roll, I thought

£5 for a 52x52 cm piece was a steal! AND I found the frame in IKEA's bargain corner for pennies......

Good times!

What has been your best bargain?

Love Melxxx

P.S....I've got work booked in this week! hurrah!

Flights Of Fancy.......

2011-11-17T09:53:00.001Z

Just pictures today..........some of my fave things in my home right now....
can you guess what connects them?

By the way......I found my camera phone.....hurrah!
Hence all the blog posts......I'm celebrating with LOTS of pictures!

Love Melxxxxxx

Contain yourself!

2011-11-15T13:22:00.001Z

Afternoon campers!

I'm in one of my "let's get organised" moods!

So armed with cute flip top jars and a stack of stickers, I'm whipping my

cupboards into shape!

I'm loving these jars, they come in a variety of colours and sizes, but I love the duck egg blue, green and the tomato red!

Flip top jars from Jamie Oliver at home.
The La Parfait jar is from Unicorn in Chorlton (fab shop)
Spotty lidded jar is from DOTCOMGIFTSHOP!
Stickers taken from CK scrapbook.
Food....local super market!

Mel
xxxxxxxxxx

P.S.....Cleaning job day changed to tomorrow, he has the builders in!

BUT I did go to work yesterday courtesy of the agency, they sent me to a small school which was lovely and I had a super day in the nursery!

And so to bed.................

2011-11-14T20:50:00.001Z

Nearly bedtime............

.........................can't wait to snuggle down under my lovely new blanket....................bought ages ago,
I've been waiting to use it.......tonight it's cold enough! YAY!

....fresh bedlinen night is the BEST night..........

...........................as you might have guessed (and lets be honest...it would not be "my" blog if Cath goodies did not make a regular appearance!) it's a CK blanket.........found for a Bargain price.......at the factory outlet at St. Neot's.........if you get the chance, go! It's super!

Love,

Mel

xxxxxxx

Scrub a dub dub.......

2011-11-12T17:53:00.000Z

Good Evening everyone!

Hope you have all enjoyed the sun today?

We went to Styal Village (just for a change!)

Olly took some pictures on his "posh" Camera.

I'll try to upload some soon. I'm actually in the middle of hunting for my mobile cam.

I can't think where I've put it!

It must have been tidied away when we had visitors a few weeks back and it's clearly in such a safe place that it can't ever be found!

I went to see the chap last night about the cleaning job. It's mine!

I start on Tuesday and as it's not too far away.....I can walk.....it'll take about 45 mins, not bad!

It's only once a week, but maybe I'll manage to get another little cleaning job.

Hopefully the agency will have something for me this week.

I know I'm probably TOO excited, but it means such a lot to have something concrete set up!

I took these pictures ages ago, I did add them to the CK FB page.

But thought they were so suitable for this post (cleaning job) that I decided to pop them on!

I do like a nicely posed picture!

Thank you for all the lovely comments and emails.

I have missed doing my blog and reading yours!

You have all been so busy, lovely holidays, making beautiful items and so on......lovely!

Right better dash, I'm cooking fish kebabs for dinner and I dislike over cooked fish! YIKES!

Oh, and it's Strictly and Merlin tonight too! Bliss!

See you soon.....

Love

Mel

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Knock, knock.....anybody there?

2011-11-11T13:44:00.007Z

Hello,

It's been a long time since I've blogged!

I've had a lot going on and I needed a real break from blogging so I asked Olly to reset my pass word, so I could have that break.
But lately I've missed it, so Olly undid the whole thing. I have still popped by to read all my fave blogs, such lovely things you have all been up to!

I have had a busy time, no further with any kind of stable job......but we are getting by.
I did win a nice bag via the FB Cath Kidston page....so that was a stroke of good luck!

I was toying with the idea of popping back earlier, but then we had a family upset, my lovely mum had a heart attack and it knocked her and us for six......it happened back in September, she is feeling much better than she was, but will have to take it much easier.....no more 4 hour walks, looking for goodies on various flea markets! I'm so thankful that the doctors can do amazing things these days.......

So here I am, sat at home, no work today (again! ggrrr! ). I'm seeing a man about a cleaning job tonight, beggars can't be choosers in this day and age! You have to take what you can get and I don't fancy all the form filling that I would have to do, if I wanted to sign on! So if that means sticking my ( Cath Kidston-ed ) rubber gloved hand down someone's loo, so we can pay the bills, then so be it, I'm not proud! Plus it will be excellent exercise!

What have you all been up to while I've been away?

Till next time!

Melxx

Pinch! Punch!......1st of the month!

2011-02-01T13:00:00.008Z

Wow!

Can it really be February already?

At the weekend, we enjoyed a visit to our friends house in Styal.

We took a walk down to the local gardening centre.

It's not a huge place, but it's full of colour.

Styal is my happy place, guaranteed to make me smile.

I have a lot on my plate at the moment, just waiting for the job's I've applied for to reach close dates.

There are two that would make a huge difference to our life.

So I'm hoping to get an interview for both, really, really....hoping to get one of them.

I'm at a local school at the moment, working with an emotionally damaged child, its a really tough job, as its so sad.

I can't really say anything else about it, but the main upsetting problem is that this child

has really grown to trust me, but because of government cuts, the school can't keep me and I can't afford to carry on much longer.

Even though I'm doing a great job....according to the school.......which is nice to know.

l
But my conscience is getting the better of me, so I'm getting

a lot of sleepless nights.

Thank goodness, I've got a great Hubbie, a fab family and wonderful friends, the weekend before last I popped to Macclesfield to see my friend, I've not seen her for about 2 months, she has 3 kiddies and a hubbie who works away a lot, I love going to their home, as its always warm n cosy (they have an AGA.....it always makes me smile, I like to pull my chair up to it and warm my toes!) it's a house full of fun and laughter.....they are the type of family who really make you feel part of things.

Good friends who are totally supportive are a rarity, it's only now all these years later, that I think I "get" what the word friendship really means!

They bought me a really thoughtful gift......a pretty diary and some cute tins,

perfect on my desk, I've been writing up my observations today and catching up with friends via letters.

Pickle is much much better, thank you for all the lovely

comments! She read all of them!

She has been sitting in the sun today, bird watching......

Her fave spot on the microwave, sat on her own oven glove, she had taken to sitting on my

CK and Bridgewater ones, so we had to buy her a little cheap one!

She leaves too much hair on the kitchen gloves....not nice when serving up food!

HA!

Thank you to all the lovely people who pop by

here often, to read my musings and enjoy the pictures.

I do love to hear from you all, I do enjoy taking pretty pictures, to make

you all smile.

I popped by Jane's (POSY) today, her blog is a joy!

BUT, I so enjoy many, many blogs!

Love

Mel Mel

xxxx

Pickle's home.............:>))

2011-01-27T11:44:00.004Z

Today Pickle is at the vets.

Had a big weep when we had to leave her.

Sat here feeling very sad without her, the house is very

dull with out her cheery presence........

Love that little kitty so much.

She is being spayed, I feel awful though, I'm taking

away her chance to be a mummy cat.

So looking forward to having her back later.

Pickle is home, apart from

a great patch of fur missing, she seems fine....licking the

fur around her sorely bit though....normal??

I'm so glad she is home.

I've made her a nest to on the best

chair, complete with a thick sheepskin.....

nothing is too good for her!

Thank you for your kind words......:>)

Mel

New Land Girls.................

2011-01-18T14:49:00.001Z

Fancy a bit of 1940's romance???

Loved the Land Girls last year?

Check out the new series....on Iplayer now for those who have missed it!

Love Melx

That Friday feeling............

2011-01-14T16:22:00.004Z

I've got that warm fuzzy "it's Friday!!!!!" feeling!

All the weekend to look forward to! Lots of fun stuff......no early starts.......no rushed showers......

It's going to be a croissant and jam weekend..........

Relaxing to classic FM.........eating home baked goodies.........reading the new CL mag and feeling laid back and peaceful!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.............

Love Mel....xxxxx

If I could blow the bill money.....I would have a splurge on the following!

2011-01-13T18:48:00.003Z

Perfect skirt for work.......

A couple of pretty new cushions for the sofa...love this new design!

A cute top.......another "must" for work skirt.......and the sweetest piggy bank........maybe I'll just buy the piggy and save my money instead! That's what the wise women would do.......trouble is I am not that wise!

So what do you love at the moment?????

Melxxx

A pottering kind of day............

2011-01-11T12:23:00.005Z

Hello everyone!

How are you all today?

I returned to school last week, it's a nice local school, I'm there (all being well!) till the end of March, while the school trail 1to1 support for a pupil.

It's the same school I was at just before Christmas, the reason I like it so much is, it's part of a cluster of Roman /Catholic schools, and it's local priest is Father Pat, who kindly did my Brothers Funeral, one of the cluster schools is my Nieces, so it's lovely to be part of it all. AND its such a great school.......lovely old fashioned feel about it, with staff I can relate to.....fingers crossed a job might come up!

So here I am at home, today's is my day off, I have my sewing out, still in the middle of trying to finish the little cross stitch purse. Now my sewing machine is fixed, I will be able to make the whole thing up soon! It's horrid when the old chine goes wrong!

Also, see the sewing threads??? Found those in a pound shop the other week, the colours are perfect for the CK badges mentioned in the book, the ones that are on the green saddle bag.....just need the fabric to make them, which I'll get from the haberdashery at the weekend. At a £1 a pack, not a bad buy!

I have two job applications to fill in as well, even though I really like the school I'm in, I must keep applying, as nothing is ever set in stone, I have found this out the hard way....last year was a shocking year with jobs, not sure I can do another year like it!

AND finally.................when I've got a spare min....I might well swing my legs up and just relax......!

Now, I guess you will know straight away it's not a real "log burner" but it was a thoughtful gift from my parents from the car booty, after a quick test done by my Uncle, it was deemed fit to use!

My parents thought it might "do" till I can afford the real thing........what great parents I have.....:>))

Hope you are all enjoying the new year so far, Spring is on it's way....I'm SO happy.....soon the dark evenings will be bright! Nearly seaside holiday time! I'm missing the old caravan! Might treat it to a make over this Easter School hols!

TTFN.Melxxxx

P.S......I'm not on FB at the moment......finding it hard to keep up with it, sorry not to see you guys on there, xxx

A lovely christmas......

2010-12-29T15:34:00.007Z

Hello ladies!

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas?

I certainly did!

I was given some lovely gifts.......a beautiful antique jug from my Sister.......I love it! It looks so pretty on my cast iron fireplace!

Lovely smellies!

A very useful present from my niece......it holds my book open! Clever!

Just the thing as I got a few new books!

Pickle was given some posh cat treats! From my Sister and Jessie!

I also had this lovely notice board AND!!!!!!!! a Kellermans T-shirt....oh my....totally thrilled to bits with this!!!!!!!! As Dirty Dancing is my ALL time fave film! thank you to my lovely Hubbie!

He knows me SO well!

Oh well, back to normality next week....work! yikes!

I've been lazily enjoying all the pottering!

Has anyone been watching "Just William" ??????

Cor...Mrs Browns kitchen is SSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOO yummy!

Its on Iplayer for those who have missed it!

Bye for now...love Melxxx

Yuletide greetings!

2010-12-23T15:43:00.003Z

I've finally put my tree up...........

Wrapped the gifts..............

.............made our home look fun & festive.

So now I'm looking forward to spending my time with family

and friends.

Please be ever so grateful for all the people close to you,

let the focus come off "things"and let your heart be open to the joy of what you have.

Make each day count.

Wishing you all a restful Christmas, full of fun and laughter.

With love.

Mel, Olly & Pickle.......xxx

Job interview.......

2010-12-22T17:57:00.006Z

Hello ladies,

I was lucky enough to be invited to an interview today at Dunham Massey, the Lord and Lady are hoping to appoint a number of Christmas staff to oversee the festive celebrations.

A slightly different interview technique.........I was taught to curtsy and then asked to demonstrate my ability to beat a rug, polish silver and fold the table linen.

I passed all this with flying colours......

~she managed to whittle the many applicants down to just two, so I had to go head to head with a 10 yr old child, who was trying for a position as stable boy. We had to answer a number of questions about the estate and the family.....

Needless to say I won!

Poor lad will had to spend another Christmas in the workhouse!

I'll be starting at 6am tomorrow morning.........I'll be a house parlour maid!

Not sure I'll get much time to relax by this splendid AGA!

Or be invited to tea with the Cook or Butler! I'll be too busy making the fires up and have 100 other jobs to do!

AND I'll be paid £6 per year...............and I'll get to wear a pretty sprigged day frock and white laced edged pinny!

Ok...think I'm once again bordering on making an era in history sound a lot more romantic that it actually was!

It was such fun though, so if you are a National Trust member, check out the website for things to do with your membership.........today was free (once you're a NT member) and if you're not already a member then maybe you would like to join........its great family fun and protects such lovely buildings.......humble and grand alike.....coast lines and national parks......

A membership would make a fantastic Christmas gift......

Love Melxx

Happiness is................

2010-12-16T17:51:00.006Z

..............having a sewing machine that works again........and then being able to make a new bag to keep my sewing in........

..................having a robin come really close to you.........I love robins.....this one lives in Dunham Massey village........his name is Bertie......:>))

.....................finding a fabulous retro tea shop called "And the dish ran away with the spoon"

Its truly A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, all cakes are made on the premises and they serve it all on vintage/retro crockery......the tables are so "pinchable"! Shame my swag bag is too small!

If you want to visit........pop to Burton Road, just off Cavendish Rd, Didsbury.........

Happy times!

Love Melxxx

Covering up.........

2010-12-09T14:40:00.007Z

Hello folks,

When I got in from work yesterday, I was hit with the sudden need to hide the hideous gas fire in our front room/dining room ( we have friends coming over this weekend). Its ALWAYS annoyed me, but that's one of the things you kind of have to deal with in rented property, so using my £1 airer and some lovely CK paisley ( my bargain market stash) and of course the trusty stapler......I set to work to do this.......not very ideal, but it hides it and that is a BIG improvement!

Yikes, should have rubbed the iron across the fabric, also maybe hemmed it all the way round....but it was one of those act first and not put that much thought into it moments! Oh well.......:>))

So as you can see, not quite got there with the Christmas vibe.....but I do now have snow falling gently across my blog screen........much nicer than the real stuff...less cold, slippy....etc!

See you soon....love Melxx

A weekend in Suffolk.

2010-12-03T16:13:00.007Z

Hello there!

Its been a while since I have been on here, life has been slightly bonkers.........and once again, I've fallen flat on my face jobwise.....I seem to be having the most awful bad luck! If its not one thing its another! I'd share but it really depresses me to think about it all!

Last week was Olly's Grandmas cremation, a really sad day, but she honestly loved life so at her bequest I'm not going to be mournful but instead do a happy shop post!

But firstly.......see that lovely lady in the top picture? Isn't she beautiful? When we helped to tidy up Ollys Grandmas home, we found her in the wardrobe, and being the only person who loves vintage, she was given to me to look after........I love her!

Her skirt is filled with lavender, a nice change from hearts!

The village that Olly used to live in is so pretty, one of my new fave places there is the local village shop, its been taken over recently by two local ladies, who have given it a sensitive face lift/makeover........while retaining its old world charm.....

They still run the post office from there, also a craft shop in the back room, all products are handcrafted and most of the craftswoman live in the village or nearby.

One of my fave bits of the shop is the baking area......complete with a cupcake notice........cute!

They even run a tea shop....with cakes prettily presented on Cath Kidston plates......:>)

So if you are ever in Suffolk.......find Coddenham, its a wonderful village and is a perfect place to potter around!

BTW....I'm so not enjoying the snow, it was pretty on the first day, now its just plain dangerous!

My Christmas preparations are at NIL presently......anyone else not feeling the need to be part of the rush n panic? I'm feeling very laid back.......

Enjoy your weekend......have fun!xxxx

Mels Home made home.......

2010-11-03T14:15:00.004Z

Good afternoon ladies!

I really enjoyed KHMH last night, that house was SUPER lovely!

Now I know she ain't everyones cup of Darjeeling, but I like her enthusiasm, even if she does come across as a VERY bossy older sister type (like moi!) but all that aside, it was a lovely homely show and makes a great change from violent films and the evening news!

This morning I popped out to the booty at Carrington, not many stalls open today, but there was a sweet old lady, who had some smashing items.

So I bought the green glass bowl, the jelly mould and the handles for £1.50p the lot!

The handles are going to be part of a bag, for a friend for Christmas, I would love it to be like the CK one in this book, however, ££££££ put the mockers on that!

So I will have to downscale the idea!

Now then a question for you........how many of you have actually been skip diving?

What is your best find?

My best find, was the fire place in my bedroom, now it was not free, it was a tenner, but even so I was DELIGHTED to find it!

I'd be even more thrilled to find a monks bench in a skip.......that was a nice bit o'furniture.....:>)))

Corners of my home.

2010-11-01T11:09:00.003Z

There is a lot I love about my home.........

Its bright and cheerful.

Nothing really matches.........all the patterns clash.........but it always makes me smile!

The plaster on the chimney is plagued by salt in the bricks which makes the paint flake......but it does not make me unhappy, its an old house.........its just trying to breathe!

Its full of furniture passed down from family, such as my lovely rocking chair, it was my Grannies, and my baker stand, given to me by my sister.......

My two fave spots in my house.......my yummy bedroom and my little kitchen.....I think Pickle loves it too, she is sat in her fave spot.........

Whoops, sorry about the washing up......yikes....must stop swanning about and actually do some housework!

See you all soon!xxx

Impatience..............

2010-10-27T13:48:00.004+01:00

....................is not a virtue.

I could not wait till Saturday, I've never been hot on waiting!

I went to bed last night thinking how pretty my new scales would look laden with apples and pears. Am I the only person who thinks like this?

I so love them, they are such a pretty pale shade of green, very beaten up and well used. I think they are just perfick!

As I said in my last post, I've been waiting ages to find some, I seen loads over the years but for VERY silly prices, these were a fabulous bargain!

Till next time folks.....

Melxx

P.S.....Kirstie's back next Tuesday at 8pm on channel 4 and then over on BBC1 there is a very promising program called Turn back time: The high Street, the journey starts in 1870, a group of shop keepers will be aiming to trade through six key areas of history, the shops will be transformed to fit the era! How marvelous, SO watching that!

Happy viewing!

Let's get cosy!!!

2010-10-22T10:06:00.007+01:00

Hello everyone! Very nearly the weekend!

Has anyone been watching Autumn Watch?

Have you spotted the VERY cute tea cosy, that looks like a conker??? I'm a bit smitten, I've floated round the tea cosy sites today, hoping to find one....but alas it wasn't to be!

BUT I did find lots of lovely knitted cosies, some really super ones! My Lovely cottage cosy came from OXFAM, and was a steal at £4.99 (penguin cup & jug CS and "guest" cup Bridgewater factory....a very lucky n cheap find!) so let me be mother and make you a tea or coffee.......and lets feast our eyes on the cosy cosies!

This Autumn leaves one was the nearest I could find to the conker cosy, its beautiful, I love the colors! I cannot knit to save my life, but I so admire the ability people have to make these!

(All cosies are available on EBAY and NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM)

I also love the one with the black kitty on as it reminds me of Pickle, and who could resist the pumpkin cosy, with the cute mouse....ooohhhh so adorable!

Now then, it begs the question, are any of you cosy fans, do you have a fave cosy, can you knit them????????????

Well there is plenty of tea in the pot, and I've more sewing to get on with, so feel free to join me....:>))

Have a really super weekend...love Melxxx

An apple a day......

2010-10-11T14:06:00.007+01:00

Happy Monday folks!

Wasn't it gorgeous this weekend? Still lovely today too, cold but bright n sunny! BONUS!

On Saturday we went to Quarry bank.

Each year they open the apprentice house garden for "Apple Day".

I was amazed to learn that there are over 2000 different varieties of apple!

On these tables alone, there was 43 different apples.........this apple was HUGE! Olly put his hand next to it, to show the size!

Of course there were plenty of apples to buy, so we bought a few to make into a crumble, one of the easiest puds to make and SSSSSSOOOOOOO yummy!

We also bumped into a couple of chaps who were doing a juice making demo, they live a few streets from us, they are looking to make their own cider and are hoping to make our area more "green" apple green, as in planting apple trees and producing cider!

I don't drink, but Olly thought this a super idea!

We are VERY willing to help out, I guess Olly is happy to be paid in cider, like the good old days!

BIG NEWS! has anyone else heard that they are remaking Upstairs Downstairs???????

Will make VERY interesting viewing!

I've been loving Downton Abby, but then I'm a sucker for a costume drama, and I love a good noisy in Victorian/Edwardian kitchens! In a past life I was a house maid for sure!

Till next time!xxxx

A "STITCH" in time......new CK book!

2010-10-09T18:29:00.003+01:00

Such a surprise waiting for me when I got home!!!!

Olly had bought me the new Cath book!

I love it!

Not only is it a feast of CK prettiness, there are some gorgeous projects that will cheer up any home!

I LOVE this kind of needlework and I CAN'T wait to get started........I love the Provence rose cushion, the Stanley pencil case........

When I was in my late teens/early 20's I used to do a lot of cross stitch and tapestry work, then I discovered other things to do with my time pubs/clubs and drink....thankfully the hangovers are behind me and I'm loving my nest, so although I'm not fully ready for my "pipe" n slippers, I think I AM ready to indulge in some sewing fun again!

Have fun when your book arrives!

Till then enjoy the pictures here.....only included a few pictures, we don't want to have too many spoilers!

Love Melxxxx

Waste not want not.....

2010-10-06T13:30:00.008+01:00

Todays post is all about rubbish............here in Manchester we are taking part in a pilot scheme to help people with recycling.

They have taken away the standard wheelie bins....which I'm quite glad about as we had TOO many cluttering up the streets!

They have given us mini compost bins to put kitchen waste in, since getting this its made me more aware of how much food is thrown away and so we have adjusted the amount we buy and thought of better ways of how to use up our leftovers. I always thought I was good at this, but I think even I can improve.

The info leaflets are very clear and easy to follow.

Each mini bin comes with a roll of special compost liners, when these run out we have to tie the last one to the mini bin (below) and they leave you another roll........:>)

Here is the mini bin and outside in the ginnel you can just make out the large communal bins, one blue, one brown and 3 regular rubbish.

Now we have no larger bins my day to day recycling has to go into these two bags which hang on the back of our kitchen door.

Even my recycling bags are floral and spotty goodness, who says rubbish can't be pretty?

The one thing I've noticed is the drastic change in the area, it looks much tidier and is so much cleaner!

Also when you go out to pop your rubbish out, it often happens that someone else is doing so and I've had a few chats with people I've never really spoken to before, we are now looking to make other improvements in the area, with the help of the tenants association.

I might not always love the area I'm in, I do wish to be miles away in the countryside in my dream cottage, but I think its too easy to not care FULL STOP after all other people live here and its everyones duty to do something to improve standards.

Its all very WW2 (see the poster at the top)

Better pot luck with Churchill today.

Than humble pie under Hitler tomorrow.

DON'T WASTE FOOD!

P.S....My sister says thank you for the lovely comments :>))

Chim-chimmey........

2010-10-04T21:24:00.003+01:00

A friend gave me this for free!

I've wanted one for ages, but for some reason they seem to cost way more money than my moth infested purse can afford....

Once I get an ivy plant to trail over it, I'm sure it will cheer up my otherwise very plain back yard!

Vibrant Victorian and Elegant Edwardian.......

2010-10-04T13:42:00.004+01:00

Hello Ladies!

Such a wonderful sunny day today! I popped out for a walk earlier, I made my way over to Whalley Range, a very pretty leafy area. Some people call it the poor persons Chorlton, to my mind its very far from deserving that label!

It boasts some amazing houses, mainly Victorian and Edwardian........the house pictured at the very top is just the kind of home I would LOVE!

A kind friend let me take some interior shots of her home , which has fantastic original features such as a claw foot enamel bath and and pretty fireplaces! Plus wonderful stain glass windows and she even has the shutters that close over the main bay window at the front!

Its a yumtastic home!

The other houses pictured are just some faves of mine, that I never tire of cooing over, the cream coloured building has a wonderful front door/entrance, its so beautiful!

What is your favorite style of house?

Hope you're having a sunny day where ever you are!

Melxxxx

Sing a song of sixpence.......

2010-09-20T13:42:00.004+01:00

Thank you all for the warm welcome back.

I will pop round to you all soon, see what you have been up to!

On Saturday I popped to some CS in Didsbury, Olly and I were feeling slightly under the weather, but we thought the fresh air might jolly us along. I'm so glad I went as I found these two fab items!

A cute pie funnel, I've wanted one for ages, it was only a quid! YAY! Bargain!

Also a marvelous pair of green bow gloves.......I love em!

They are leather and were a total bargain at £3.99, they from a company called Red Herring.

I'm a bit into this shade of green at the mo!

I'm actually off work today, the "under the weather" turned into a cold with a migraine.....nice!

Olly is poorly sick too, so we are snuggling up on the sofa, watching some afternoon TV......

I'm going to have to go back in tomorrow, I really hope they get the right person for the job, someone who will do it full justice.......and I'll find my niche soon I hope.

Till next time.......

Melxxx

Hello........EDIT.

2010-09-18T18:04:00.007+01:00

Hello everyone, its been a long, long time.

So much has happened, my life has been a long run of downs not many ups.

So I thought it best to try to get my myself sorted, a good shake up was needed!

So gave that a good go and fell on my face again. Firstly the house of my dreams was snatched away.

We went ahead and tried for a house in Styal Village a beautiful thatched cottage, but because we have had financial problems we were not eligible, despite having money up front and a guarantor.

My new job has turned out to be a lemon.......I'm now presently working my notice to leave, its a VERY violent environment and I've twice been hit, swore at in language that people can only gasped at when I tell them. apparently I'm working in a primary school, though in truth its more like a baby borstal! Last year a 6 yr old child brought a knife in to stab a fellow class mate, this same child violently attacked the class teacher.......

I've worked in childcare for over 20 years and know that a lot of this behavior is due to extreme difficulties in children's lives and is no way a personal attack on me, but even so I don't think I'm quite thick skinned enough at my age to now do this sort of job, 15 years ago, I would have had more about me. As I already have the daily challenge of living in an area that has more than once been in the news, I feel its not possible to spread myself that thin, however, there are some people who do a wonderful job and they are marvelous for being so great at it!

My poor Dad, is not well and will be starting on dialysis soon. So I have been worried and sad about that too.

So as you can see doom and gloom..........:>(

On a brighter note, Cath's new book came, I wasted no time in popping to the local concession for a pick me up, after all I've one week to go! I need something to keep me smiling!

How have you all been?

I'll be round soon to say hiya!

Melxxxx

P.S, I've added a bit more to this, I really understand that certain behavior is definitely a cry for help both in children and adults alike, I'm so glad there are people who can manage it.

Today................

2010-05-19T16:04:00.003+01:00

..................I found this tray....................... ...................and this box............50p each on Carrington carboot.

Today I went on a long walk with my Mum, like the old days when we did our childminding together, we did lots of talking...........I needed her and she needed me..................

Strawberry love....

2010-05-09T18:01:00.006+01:00

Today I've mostly been making these.......they will be on there way to two lucky ladies........

I'm not sure where the idea to make them came from....it just popped into my head........I'm not sure if someone somewhere is making them........so I can't link, I'd love to think I could claim them as my own. I'm quite pleased with them!

(If you would like to use my idea :>) pls do, but do link back to me!)

What have you been making that you are very pleased with?

Melxxxx

Good things..........

2010-05-08T19:19:00.012+01:00

Hello everyone!

This is a post full of goodness..........feast your eyes on extreme prettiness.........................Easy living have a freebie CK bag, saw this on my swap buddies post and thought woohoo........I'll shall seek one out, but I could not find it, then Olly picked me up from work last night and presented me with this......cheers Olly! There are two designs, but I don't need or want both, this is a lovely floral print....my kind of rosy loveliness!

I popped to Cath Kidston today and spent the last of my birthday money on these beauties............last year I so wanted a pair, but could not afford them........so a lovely treat!
(I also bought two tiny treats for my swap buddy!)

It was packed in there today, so many ladies enjoying the moment.........it certainly brings a smile to my face!

Charity shop joy, a CK skirt £4.99, a nice bargain............I actually got this a couple of weeks back, but I've been taking it in, its a size 16, CK clothes are on the small size any how so only needed it taking it in an inch or so, I like skirts to sit on the hip, not up round my middle......TOO uncomfortable like that!!!!!!!

Not sure what year its from, I can't find it in any of my CK wishing books.

Vicki Vintage asked for a picture of my little terrier I found on the market the other day.......he was pennies........cutie!

Talking of Vicki.............look what came for me this morning........its my "good enough to eat" swap!

Let me show you what this kind lady sent me.........

Yummy body n hand cream.....which is SO good enough to eat!

A sweet cupcake notebook..........love that!

All the people who have taken part in the swap have to include a recipe, if you click the pic you can read it...............I'll be having a go at making these, just the thing for my Country Living afternoon tea I'm holding soon at my house........more on that another day........:>))

Two wonderful handcrafted items............wow Vicki your makes are so neat! Lovely......:>))

We also must include a fair trade item...........Vicki popped in a couple of FT chocolate bars........I'm actually scoffing them now as I type!

As well as some scrummy Yankee candle tarlets.........I adore these!

I loved this!

A cake that looks "good enough to eat"..........

Thank you again Vicki........your parcel will be with you before the 16th of May........

and thank you to Claire and Emma
such a fun swap............

Just wanted to add a big thank you to everyone who reads my blog and takes the time to leave a comment............I've slowly been making my way round blogland, I've managed to say hi to a few of you, next couple of weeks are going to be crazy........OFSTED are due to the school I'm working in, so its a case of all hands on deck!

I'm am however going to be spending some time blog hopping today........so I may well be popping by!

Have a brew ready for me........milk no sugar!

Love Melxxxxx

At home.................

2010-05-02T20:46:00.007+01:00

Good evening my friends,
Well apart from food shopping, I've done very little else..............

...................a lovely "At home......." day!

Above is my lovely birthday gift from Olly, he bought it from that pretty shop I told you about in the post below............the heart wreath was from Olly's parents.........

We had Jess over for a visit, she loves to pop over to see Pickle.......:>)

We played a few games and listened to classic FM..........my kind of Sunday.........

Jess did some painting...........getting her inspiration from Miss Potter!

The line drawings were already in the book, but I do think she painted them very well, very neat!

Another present, from Helen (corrie house lady).............she enjoys CK as much as me and has just had her daughters room made over with CK curtains and bedding........AND the little girl has the B.E.A.Utiful CK throw that I wish I could own! How I stopped myself pinching it on Friday night I'll never know!!!!! LOL!

Helen also got me these...........its a standing joke between us, about how much I love to clean........I laughed like a drain when I unwrapped them!

Birthday treat from me to me!

I could not resist! Its my fave cup of the moment!

Bought in a small gift shop in Beaumaris..........

Thank you all for your lovely comments and birthday wishes, I'm sorry if I've not got back to you all, I'm presently applying madly for work, as the school I'm doing supply at sadly can't keep me on, but I'm hopeful that something good will happen soon............VERY hopeful........Good things come to those who wait.......or something like that!

Please don't be too mad or upset if I'm slow getting round to you all, this month is tough one already......as its nearly a year since my Brother passed away.....I'm kind of feeling a bit weird....and very emotional.......nuff said.....

With Love,

Mel Melxxxxxx

A jolly holiday!

2010-04-28T19:13:00.014+01:00

Hello all! I've been away..........to lovely Anglesey...............

It was such an amazing sunny week!

We enjoyed the beach..................

Celebrated my Birthday and our wedding anniversary.............

Olly programed the car dashboard to do this..............love him!

Me on my birthday...............

....................we enjoyed many teashop visits!

My birthday gift from my family and Olly.............................:>)

Loving it toooooooooooo much!

Plas Newydd.............lovely National Trust house..........

I loved this tree house in the garden there.............imagine all the children who have enjoyed playing here.........

Plas Newydd has a fine collection of Whistler's work............its well worth a visit.......

Seaside scenes........

Beautiful blue sky n sea.............

ANOTHER teashop.......the people who own this came from Didsbury Manchester, we always pop in to say hi....they also read my blog....so hi to you both!

they sell vintage home wares.........

More shop goodness!

I LOVE this shop ssssssoooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!

I was so totally delighted to find it, its newly opened..........I'll show you what I bought another time.........:>))))

Its triple nice inside!!!!!!!!!

Cute-tastic!!!!

Yummy scrummy!

Also found a grand antiques shop..........with some fabulous vintage goodies.......

I was very tempted to buy the hooks rail above, dreamy shade of green!

Its was oh so much fun, I was sad to come home..........

..............but a caravan makes it presence felt via the old back after a few days, so home we came.........back to work, shopping for food and normal life............oh well 12 wks to go and we can do it all over again......YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you are all well?

Take care and thank you for popping by....

Love Melxxxxx

P.S.......My friends house is now on Corrie........this week and part of next........its so weird to see it on the TV......:>)

My day.......

2010-04-10T16:38:00.010+01:00

Wow.......it was an official "no coat" day!
as it was so lovely.........we went to the park........this ^ one to be precise!

Just behind the tennis courts you find this haven of blissness..........

Pretty eh?

We bought some cheap strawberries and sat and scoffed them in the sun.........

^Olly basking in the rays!

Olly updating his FB or Twitter.......so his family can see what we are doing today!

ME!

there is also a lovely teashop...well worth a visit..........

Oh fun over............time to get home with the shopping, we are doing many house jobs today, cos its back to proper work for me on Monday...........:>))

I'm so glad to be going back, after no work at all the first week of the Easter hols, we are lacking in green backs..........so I had to phone my back up agency and beg for work.....result, 4 days in 2 different day nurseries.......can't say I enjoyed the experience........the little one was better than the well known "corporate" nursery, which is part of a well known chain (in Manchester), sadly I saw babies lefted to cry for well over 20mins, children referred to as the "beasts" which filled my heart with terror and sadness, so needless to say I made a couple of phone calls, I'm just not the kind of person to let that go unchecked...........makes me feel sick, please, please if you are thinking of nursery or any kind of day care for your little beankin............check and check again....spot check, turn up randomly........

Ok enough ranting........on to some CS goodness........

A nice runner for a few ££££££.......bought in Cancer Research Didsbury.........yay for CS's......

Reminded me of this CK fabric........

I'm home now (obviously) washing the rug on a cool wash....looks ok so far....eekk!

I have a chicken cooking in the oven........which we are having with salad and new potatoes......Pickle is sleeping on the window sill.........AND doctor Who is on today...........what a fab day..........sun, good grub and the Doc..........woohoo!

Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.........

Love Melxxxx

Market day.......EDIT.

2010-04-01T12:38:00.005+01:00

Good afternoon everyone.
Well I was meant to be working today, but after being "on call" for work from 7.30am to 10am, I decided to call it a day.....its been a bit like that all week, so in the end I got fed up......anyway, I've come back now from being out and still no work........
Moving on to some fun stuff.............I bought this lovely toast rack at a CS in Ellesmere Port last weekend.........I'm using it to store my address book........its a lovely shade of green, not sure its got any real age to it, but for less than £1 it'll do me!

Thank you for all the good wishes for the happy arrival of my little Nephew, I'm so sorry but I'm not allowed to put his name up........but its a Scottish name and really lovely.
He is so cute!
AND....he has such a yummy baby smell.......all Johnson's cream and scrummy.........

So on to my market day, popped to Salford flea market, thankfully it had stopped raining.......
My parents bought me this lovely, slightly well used Victorian ink well........but you know I just adore it........it will be used as a paper weight.

While walking round the market, my Mum showed me this, something for us to do next week and totally free..........yay!

Love free stuff.........especially free garden stuff...this time hanging baskets.......cool!

Another market bargain.....Laura Ashley notecards....30p!

Stopped to admire the sun streaming in through the window...........better enjoy that while I can!

More market goodness.........two OXO tins..........quid each............loving them!

In situ...................with more sun, which makes the picture look quite delightful.......

Well that's all folks........going to be ultra lazy now, I'm going to switch the goggle box on and watch Birds of a feather.........bit of guilty pleasure.......:>))

Oh and devour an Easter egg........with a steaming cup of tea.......total bliss!

Have a super weekend.

LUKE 24 verse 1 to 12.......

Melxxx

.P.S. Hi, I was given permission by my Brother to put the baby on here for just a few hours, so I have to respect his wishes, sorry if you didn't get to see the wee one!xxxx

A lovely day........

2010-03-24T15:48:00.003Z

Hello friends!

I'm whacked..........been out shopping with chums this morning..........was fun...cheers ladies!

It's nice to take the weight of my feet............I've made a brew in one of my fave cups, opened a new packet of biccies.....yummy!

I can't believe that while shopping this morning, I bought nothing for myself!

HUH!??????

After I said my goodbyes, my Dad met me and we popped to Selfridges, I had some special shopping to do for my give away.........and to look for a gift for my new Niece or Nephew, who has not made an appearance yet! I'm so excited........I love being an Auntie, I've no children of my own (yet!) I've 3 nephews and two nieces........one of which will be appearing on Cbb's soon, on Mr Maker........how cool is that?

While there, I treated myself to a tiny gift...........yep you guessed, I have been to CK AGAIN!

I do like the cowboy print so much.....such fun!

I also got a couple of the CK mags.........

So tea and biccies to hand I have settled myself down, lets see what CK is tempting us with this Spring!

OOOOOhhhh.........NEW floor tiles!

I LOVE em!!!!!!!!!!

Loving the new bags!

ME!

Well the bag anyway.....I know that its sitting over at my Sisters house.........I want it now....but I'm having to wait...till next month!

My family and I have decided to cut back on the amount of ££££££ spent on birthdays/Christmas etc....by clubbing together to buy one well thought out gift, I think its a really super idea.........

..............how cute the plimsoles are!

Wonderful coats....I would like to own one very much.....but that will never happen....for two reasons......

A. I can't afford one.

B. I'd get it all mucky! So wasted on me in my line of work.....plus I don't think that it would do well on woodland walks!

I also kind of love the little pumps pictured here.........:>)))

To be honest.....I think its more a case of what don't I like....the answer.......typically I LOVE it all..........once again.........Cath has managed to produce some VERY lovely n cheerful items, woohoo!

My poor purse.............:>)))

I'm back in work tomorrow, but soon its the Easter hols, sadly I'll be working in Day Nurseries! EEEKKKKKK..........oh well long weekend coming up.........woot!

Enjoy the rest of your week..........

Love Melxxxxxx

Lazy Sunday afternoon......

2010-03-07T18:07:00.005Z

Hello my friends....
Haven't we been lucky with the weather? Some beautiful sunny days here, cold but very welcome!
I had such a busy week last week, lots happening at work.....we are doing a very interesting term on houses and traditional tales........for National book week, we all dressed up as our fave character from a book........some how I ended up as Goldilocks, not my choice, more to do with the Teachers planning! Still was fun!
I was so glad when Friday came round........as soon as I got in from school, I popped on my dressing gown, settle down with a take away.........THEN.........the phone went......it was my sister......she had had a new sofa delivered........in the process of swapping her rooms round, she had managed to lodge the very large table in the flipping hallway!
So Olly and I had to rescue her and the table....in the end we had to take the table apart........
that done we came home...........and finally my relaxing weekend began......
Breakfast in bed on Saturday........
then a mooch round the Trafford centre popped to Cath Kidston (norty) bought two VERY small treats!.............popped to Mrs C's house.....she is now back at her own house, ITV have gone, Norris has packed his PJ'S and gone home......but he has left a yellow duck behind...a cloth/washmitt style one........so look for that when they show the house on Corrie........should be aired in March/April......
Saturday night we went back over to my Sisters to have our monthly pizza and scrabble night.....

Today............up early......went to Styal Village, bought bacon butties from the village shop and take out tea.....walked up Holts Lane, one of our fave walks.........such a wonderful brisk day.......

........then home..........hot tea and biccies....a pile of housey mags, including the new CL one.....a new (thrifted) book............

Got my PJ's back on...........my lovely CK stanley socks..........cosy!

Found a brill black n white 1940's film on E4........bliss..........a perfect lazy and relaxing Sunday afternoon..........

..........looks like I'm not the only one enjoying the sun and a comfy chair!

Hope you have all had a good weekend........
Back to work tomorrow..........thank goodness for Larkrise to Candleford.........makes the week begin in a sweet way!

Love Melxxxxxx

P.S.....thank you to all the new ppl who are reading my blog, also to the ladies who have nominated me to do a show n tell.....and awards n stuff...I'll be back later in the week, with a give away and the post on my shoes and other stuff........TTFN!

On Location.......

2010-03-02T20:34:00.008Z

Last weekend....Olly and I had a babysitting job at this lovely Barn conversion in Bollington Cheshire......it did mean missing a party....but our friends needed our help........ .................lovely isn't?
I love the staircase...........its my dream to one day squeeze one these beauties in a home of my own..........

So back to what the title of this post is about........

A few weeks back, we went to visit my old Nanny Family........I've known them over 12 years now, I've helped bring up all 3 of their children...........I love them like they were my own.......:>))

Well Mrs C had some news...........the BBC came a calling.........they found her beautiful farmhouse out in the middle of a field quite by chance and wanted to use it in a TV program(CORONATION STREET)........so she said ok.......they came in took some piccies...raved...cos it is a bit nice!

Went away..........she then phoned her OH.......he said "Corrie? But that's on ITV!!!!!"

PANIC!!!!! she phoned the Police....who checked with ITV.......was all above board! phew!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway..........they have been filming there for two weeks now and the episodes will be aired sometime in March.........it all centres round a character called Norris and a women he has met, she enters a competition and they win a break in a hoilday cottage (MrsC house!).

We popped by to watch the filming....pretty dull.........as we could not see that much.........the house is in a right tip..........I mean a real mess........good job they will be paid a lot of ££££££££!

So if you are a Corrie fan (I'm not, more an Eastenders girl) and you spot this AGA.......then you will be getting a TV tour of her house........I quite liked the Barn they are staying in....nice to have somewhere lovely to stay while ITV mess up your home....LOL!
I'm sure it will be spick n span when they go home.........:>))))

Melxxxx

Calm & cosy.........

2010-02-24T15:51:00.004Z

................is how I would describe my home today. Wednesday is my day off, perk of being supply, you can tailor your week to suit you!
Monday and Tuesday at school was SO busy.........I was up n down corridors at speed to be on time to read to the children who are doing practice SATS........
Then back to class......where I have loads more to do.........I now have a phonics group, 4 children with S.E.N and my E.L.S group.........plus all the other T.A duties.
I'm getting quite into it all now, I've had a lot to learn.....all very different from EYFS and day care work.
The school may have a job for me in September.......so that's nice to know......

...............as I'm so busy now and only supply, I think that the above might have to become my mantra!

BUT today, I'm chilled out, I've had a lovely morning in bed, reading mags and drinking tea.....scoffing marmalade and toast......yum!

Pickle joined me, she had a good roll on the white duvet, so its a bit hairy now. Nothing a sticky roller can't handle........boy she is shedding hair at the mo! I managed to catch her in her bed, this is the one I made. Its on the kitchen chair, her fave spot........mainly because she can see lots of other kittys from the window...:>)))
This afternoon I went out with my parents. I was meant to see them this morning and have a friend round today, but she is poorly sick. I took her some chocolate, on my way to Costco. I bought nothing, I was tempted by a book about New Moon (Twilight) but decided against it. My parents bought food in bulk, loads of meat, milk, soup and we sampled the freebie stuff. I did however skip to Cath Kidston in the Trafford Centre..........bought a couple of norty things..........

Its was all too busy and mad, so I was glad to come out!

I do love a good potter round my own home..........I love the way it feels, how it makes me happy n calm........how is it possible? Odd that bricks n mortar and trinkets and china can make you feel all nesty and snoozy.

Another picture of Pickle wickle.........all cosy n snug......

My home is a feast of colour and is vibrant and welcoming........

..................its where I dream, cry.......laugh.......love.......its my home.........(and Olly's n Pickles!!!!)

Home is where the heart is..........I love to be "At home............."

Didsbury Vintage and craft fair.......

2010-02-21T14:50:00.008Z

Last post before going back to school.....I've completly excelled myself this week........so you might get a rest from reading my blog.........:>))

Hello to all the lovely new readers..........thank you for wanting to read about my doings......hope that you enjoy the new blog posts!xx

On Saturday Olly and I popped to Didsbury........Olly wanted a hair cut, his long hair was annoying him, so he has a bit of a Hugh Grant cut now.....much neater....:>))

I was going to mooch round the CS, when I spotted a great big sign, saying "Vintage Fair here today".....well!.......fantastic I thought....so off I ran......:>)))

I bought the bangles above..........lovely shade of green.....
......and the two very sweet badges........very me........50p each....what a steal!

Some of the peeps who had stalls........

If you click you might be able to read them.....

But if not.......here are the details......

Ruthie Mc Call........http://www.ruthiemccall.com/

Historys Attic.....Claire Kenyon 07972 754 930 http://www.historysattic.co.uk/

Clothing with a conscience.....Afflecks Palce Manchester...0798 213 8667

Email....clothingwithaconscience@hotmail.co.uk

Vintage and Craft fair.....http://www.kennedyandmccall.com/

Was a fun 30 mins!

Lots of great hand crafted items, vintage clothing.......
So many goodies.........I wanted to own most of it.......:>))

I think this Lady said her company is called The Wood Chip Boutique.......But now I'm not totally sure she did......Think thats right tho......
she was a lovely lady, thank you for letting me take the photo........

I also bought the little Liberty scarf......was only £1.50....I'll use it to tie my hair up with.....

I had a super time, looking forward to the next one.

For anyone who is interested......there is a Vintage and Craft fair on here.......Victoria Baths.

This building won the Restoration program a few years back, I've been on a couple of tours, its a super way to spend an afternoon, also it helps support a worthy cause.......all details of up and coming events will be detailed on the website.......

Have great week.......

Love Melxxx

Neat as a pin............

2010-02-19T17:54:00.010Z

Happy Friday to you all.......... I've been VERY busy today.........

My day started with a trip to the local Charity shop to see if they had a chest of drawers, that I could make over.........zilch!

So instead we popped to IKEA..........

Where I bought the very well priced BILLY bookcase...........

I was totally sick of my fabric being screwed up into a big holdall........I want to see what I have and also to make the room more user friendly.......

I feel so much better now that its all neat n tidy............I'm very pleased with how it looks and even did some ironing...........*grin*!!!

Its had a big change around........

I moved this little laundry basket from our room to better use here as a bedside table.

I "LOVE" it.........tis a perfect creating/sewing/utility room/guest room........so many uses for such a wee bedroom.......

Here is the picture that the lovely Paula did...........I remember the day the actual photo was taken......he was such a lovely little boy, always smiling........busy being spirited (norty!!!) I truly feel that Paula has captured his essence.......
My Parents love it Paula........my Mum in particular........Jason was the apple of her eye, her lovely boy....so thank you a million times for untaking such a special picture........

If you have never been to Paulas blog..........click the link and say hi........:>)))

Now then from one special person to another..........my little cheeky Niece, she came with us to IKEA........

She made a list of all the things she wanted, which she will no doubt show her Mummy later!

Jess, you appear to be eating fesh air.........:>))))

You're such a funny little muffin.........I promised that I'd upload these so she can see herself later, when she tunes into my blog.........

Its back to school for me on Monday, I'll be doing SATS........eekkkkk!

I'm going to be helping children with English as a second language.....so that will be worthwhile.....

hope they do well.

Have a great weekend, whatever you're doing......

LOST tonight, live EASTENDERS!!!

Its the "whose dunnit" I love a bit of Enders....so depressing yet so entertaining!

Love Melxxxx

Reasons to be cheerful.........

2010-02-16T13:35:00.004Z

Hello everyone.......
I NEED to do a cheerful post today, full of pretty pictures.....in the hope that some how it will make me all happy and smiley too!
I've been a bit down of late.......I'm not able to put it into words........its mainly feeling just so unhappy that my Brother has gone.......the last few weeks, made me unravel a bit, so cheers for those who have stuck by me, I know when I get like this a close myself off, so thank you for your patience........I think I do it because I don't want people to see me unable to cope.
One person I want to thank with a huge ((((hug))) would be the lovely Paula, from the wonderful blog "Painting new Memories" for the amazing pencil drawing she did of my Brother, I'm having it framed, so when it comes back, I'll show you............I'll also do a proper linky to Paula's blog, so you can say hiya!

Reasons to be cheerful.............
1.My hubbie is at home, its half term and we have been sat scoffing biccies!

2.I went to York on Monday to meet my good friend Jenny.........and bought some pretties to cheer myself up!

3.I noticed I have no new wrinkles......so that's good!

The mirror does not lie.........
which is a big shame!!!!!!

4.I'm thinking of Spring /Summer............ponytails and pretty hair slides.........summer hol's and ice creams.......

5.I have a new CK bag...........I liked this bag when I saw it online.....I'm going to line it with some vintage CK fabric, that lovely green one.....to make it a bit more substantial

6.Pegrail with pretty hearts from ppl who care.....

7.I have some money in my new tiny purse..........in truth coppers........:>))

Still better than no £££ at all........:>))

8.I have ppl who love me........a warm safe home, pretty things and a lovely kitty, food and thankfully my health, even tho I feel slightly bonkers sometimes!

What is making you cheerful today, how have you all been doing?

I know last year was hard for a lot of ppl, thank you for all the support via here, all being well, I'll be back to my old self soon......

Love Melxxxxx

Mel's home made home.....

2010-02-05T20:04:00.004Z

Just a very quick post.....to wish you all a great weekend....and show you my new make...:>) Thought I'd have a go at making those tie backs.........

........not a bad attempt.......

They are made using some of the fabric my chum sent me.....cheers Jenny!

Ok dashing now...cos Lost is back on....the next 3 hours will be gripping!

Sawyer....YAY......woohoo!xxx

Bye for now!xxx

Making, doing....mending..:>)

2010-02-04T19:03:00.004Z

Evening everyone....
I had such a lovely day off on Wednesday........popped to my friend Adeles House to check out her new chooks. Enjoyed a lovely chat with her.........
Read the last of my Twilight book..........bliss!
Now then what do you think of my new coat.....its a bit "out there" with the big green buttons....but I love something a bit different!
The coat was found in a bag of clothes handed into Adele to be mended, I spotted the potential right away and quickly offered her a few quid to take it off her hands......five buttons and a wash in the chine (wool wash, sack paying dry cleaning bills...its come out just perfick!) later. Hey presto a new coat...tis a Per Una coat, lovely black corduroy.

Its calf length and pure Mary Poppins.......I love it!

Make overs like this not that unusual in the 40's.....I feel so inspired by my new little book.....

Totally timeless....full of great info.....
The pretty scarf is a gift from Adele......pretty ain't it???

She is a top knitter!

Great at Crochet too!

See the picture of the monsters in the basket on my sidebar...?

That picture if clicked will lead you to Adele's new blog.........

If you get a spare min to yourself........pop in and say hi.......she is a lovely lady....welcome to blogland Adele!

I'll be back soon.......this weekend, I will be doing my kitchen make over, I've been itching to use those fabrics.......the ones Jenny sent me........I also need to make some curtain tie backs, as my nice blue tassled ones fell apart.......:>(

Still it will be fun to make some.......

A busy weekend coming up....Family do on Saturday night, followed by my Nieces 7th Birthday party on Sunday.......

I'm so exhausted......I've picked up some random tiredness/sicky bug......headachy.....hope your all well....take care till next time.......

P.S Oh by the way, is anyone else enjoying Material Girl on Thursday nights?

I'm loving it!

So is Olly, surprisingly!

Out and about....bit o' this bit o' that..............

2010-01-27T13:33:00.012Z

Well hello Ladies!
Wow, has a week skipped by that fast???? I've been a busy bunny.........:>(
Last weekend, Olly and I took a jolly spin out to Buxton......at just under an hour from our home its a perfect place to get to and make a day of.
There are oodles of lovely shops, but just as I wanted to take some pictures of a very interesting shop my fone/cam decided to run out of battery life!
Just in case you ever get to pop to Buxton, check out the shop, its called Potters.......its very good!
All fitted with the original fixtures and fittings.....dating from the early part of the last century.
The main purpose of the trip was to pop to Pooles Cavern......see link for more on that!If you hate the dark and the damp then this might not be for you, was drippy!
BUT so interesting.........

Witches fingers!

Buxton is so pretty, quiet on the day we went, beautiful in the Spring, there is a sweet park where you can feed the ducks.

Also a wonderful vintage shop, which is on the first picture, where the railings are.

Loads of CS......about 8 I think!

So well worth day out there!

I've been busy making book marks and coasters from CK wallpaper samples.

They are laminated to extend the usage.....I've made loads!

This gift is for a poorly sick lady in Blogland, whose blog is very popular....the lovely Jane over at Posy.
Hope you feel much better soon Jane...xx

So on to today......Its my day off, so I dragged my Parents round the Imperial War Museum (north) which is only 10 mins from my house, in a place called Old Trafford......quite near the United football club.......
What a truly fascinating place!

Full of 1940's goodness........but also sad and thought provoking......above the make do and mend case......check out the handmade slippers!

amazing!

While I'm on the subject of MDAM........check out my good friend Josie Marys blog, she is now running a forum called Make Do and Mend......looks good fun!

I took this picture mainly because of the poster........looks so inspiring....I can understand why ppl wanted to do their bit when posters like this looked so glam!

When the reality was so much less so.

I suppose today I was more interested in the role of women during the war....and my next few posts are going to be centered round key roles that women played in shaping our history....so stay tuned!

I loved these clothes.........they both appeal to me for different reasons, I suppose because ~I quite like the landgirl look, when you watch TV programs based on the 40's, they girls looked so wonderful.......and then absolute knockouts when all dolled up for the evening.....

I think I'd enjoy having chance to wear either of these......

I loved this poster!

So happy to do her bit!

Some poster fun.....but very serious back then!
Still so relavent today...........

Smart uniform.....

I just adored this car!

Vintage green and cream!

Smashing!

A memory box....full of love letters to a sweetheart from her soldier.......This so brought a tear to my eye.......

Down to the shop....full of goodies!

I thought this display so cute.....its been put together to encourage children to grow their own food.....and basically what life was like for a wartime child.........

Old fashioned games............

The ever popular "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON"

A feast of 40's goodies........

Finally my few little buys, I've wanted the MDAM book for ages now, so treated myself to that and a few little cards n a KCACO magnet......

I also bought a big poster with Miss Sew and sew on and 3 other pictures, its going to be cut into 4 and then I'll frame them. They are to put in my dining room...need to get to IKEA first to get the frames!

Clearly my obession with WW" and the 40's shows signs of getting ever stronger!

I love that time....I know from speaking to Ollys Grand parents that its nt as glam as it appears to us on TV....but still I feel its more me as an era.

Close up the book...love the cover, maybe I'll learn to darn....then I'll get to use the darning mushroom I bought!

AND finally........ny new NT book is here.....so here I sit , all the afternoon to myself, a big cup of tea.....some biccies and a lot to read!

Have a great week.........

Thanks for reading!xxxxx

Happiness is.................

2010-01-20T15:07:00.007Z

..........................shopping!
My lovely new bag..........................

Hello everyone!

How are you this fine day?

Today is my day off, but last night I was called in to work today...............then this morning I wasn't needed!

Annoying or what?

So I missed on on meeting up with my two lovely friends..........sorry gals.....I'll make it up to you! xx

So I popped back to bed with a cuppy of tea and some toast and marmalade, read the last few pages of my book...........then thought hhhmmm...now I need the last one to read, I'm currently obsessed with the Twilight books.......along with half the female population!

Phoned my Mum and Dad talked them into a visit to Costco...cos the book is half price there....:>)

Then as you have noticed by now, I ran across the road to Selfridges and skipped up the stairs to my mecca........Cath Kidston!

I never will tire of her pretties......so many new things to feast my eyes on, after such a hard Winter, the new Spring range is a joy to behold!

LOADS of Provence Rose........ooooohhhhh I love it!!!!!!!!

I had to really rein myself in as I'd just bought the book and had only a few quid left.

I had a mental list of things to buy as my eyes darted from item to item........giddy.......or what?

Having said that I did only buy the bag at the start of this post.........I have birthday in April.....and a visit to York next month....so wanted to save some ££££ for that!
I took the liberty of snapping a few pictures, with permission from the lady in charge, who also asked to read my blog, so if you have found me.....HI!

While there I picked up a copy of the new catalogue to tease you further!

The book..........

So lets dive in........................

Loving the scrapbook on this page......

NEW prints........yummy!

Yumtastic P.Rose!!!!!

I nearly bought the butterfly slide.........I'll be popping back me thinks.....

New bags, they have made the book bags in a canvas cloth now, and made them more roomy......

Yet more P.Rose......cheers for listening to the emails CK!

Bit of J.Cooper......love her books, must have read Riders, at least 30 times....I kid you not!....Rupert Campbell-Black is my perfect rogue!

I just adore the new cherries oilcloth........triple cute!

Two ladies sprang to mind when I saw this.......
Sorry I missed meeting with you today....hope you had fun?

So I think I'll get my new book and a cuppy and flick through my new mag....the CK dossier......and gaze at my new bag and enjoy the rest of my day off!

Thank you for reading.....take care, see you again soon!

Love Melxxx

Bygone Times.....

2010-01-16T17:19:00.015Z

Hello my friends.........Olly and I had a jolly jaunt to Bygone Times in Chorley today...... Firstly I'll show what I came home with..................I tell you what, I could easily have come home with 4 times the amount, I was spoiled for choice!
I found a little postcard from the War (above) love the little rhyme, I can just imagine a Wartime sweetheart waiting to hear from her chap.....

...............picked up another one with a yellow rose on, my Granny loved yellow roses, so that reminded me of her......

I was thrilled to find another doorstop....in such great colours....how cheerful is that little beauty???

I could not resist this lovely pink darning mushroom.......quite honestly I've never darned a sock in my life....but hey....tis pretty!

I did a tiny skip when i saw this..........a lovely vintage basket........I remember seeing a basket just like this one on that recent "Land Girls" program.....woohoo....I have my very own one now!

YAY! Its not showing up so well on the photo, but its green round the handle and the top of the basket.......:>)))

With so many lovely things to buy my eyes were out on stalks......this little brush was in my price range......if you click to enlarge you will see that the handle is a little toadstool...its very worn...but just fab!

Olly spotted these, so in the basket they went...love the colour......just perfect......

So I made them into a little display.......above the side table we bought there last time.....

When I tell you that all my goodies came to just over £15.......you will be shouting "where is this wonderful place........!!!"

Well as it happens, I took some pictures of the shop, so you could come on a tour with me!

this wonderful sight greets you on the way in........

Vintage and new, side by side......

So many wonderful corners to explore......

Vintage clothing and accessories...............oh so much of it........

.................see what I mean...and that was just one stall!

I very nearly bought this....but Olly talked me out of it!

Pretty screen........hand papered by someone......

Lovely vinatge toys!

Hand crafted......quite CK this tea cosy, also nearly made in into the basket!

But I have a nice cosy, so I left it for someone else to enjoy......

Lovely old radios!

Beautiful Arts & Crafts tiles, I have a weakness for these, I use mine as pot holders.....

How cute is this?

Another...." I WANT!!!!".......

Cute dolls house......

I honestly wanted this so badly, but really what would I do with it?.......if I had a Daughter, then it would have grabbed!I had a sudden image pop into my head of a blond little girl when I saw this........was so odd!

Olly in the Anderson shelter..........taking cover......this was in the 1940's section.....totally absorbing, I actually didn't want to leave, it was set up like a house........oh the fun!

I thought this was very pretty, its by the same lady who made over the table we have.

Another lovely house, I could easily live in the big version of this........

I was so suprised when I spotted this.....when I was in my 20's, I did the very same tapestry......I'm sure its a Kaffe Fasset....one......?

Mine was then made up into a cushion, I must go through my old stuff at my Parents see if its still there, I'd quite like it back!

Random Vintage cuteness.......

So ends the tour, hope you enjoyed it?

If you feel like a visit, then check out this link........Bygone times.

They also do "Ghost nights" and there is another wonderful shop to visit too.....about 20 mins away, so make a day of it!

Enjoy....

love Melxxx

FABric!

2010-01-13T19:41:00.009Z

Hello everyone! I've had a lovely day off, I started with a god snooze in bed till 9, then up and out to pop to the CS with my Parents.

I found two things.........firstly this cute blanket...which Pickle loves.......:>))

£1.50 from the St.Anne's Hospice CS in Fallowfield.

I also bought an IKEA CK-esque quilt/throw.......like the one I already have on my bed, except its a single, which will come in useful as a spare. My Mum spotted it, which was lucky at the time I had my eye on a Lloyd Loom stool/chest, but at £12 it was too pricey to buy and sell on.... I noticed on closer inspection (when back in the car) that he had given me two £5 notes, plus three pound coins.......I'm a honest gal so I went back in and gave him £5 back......he was so shocked that I had been good enough to pop back in..........

My M&D came home with me to have a cuppy of tea, when the doorbell rang.......and look what came!

My lovely friend Jenny had sent me this lovely lot of goodies!

Some fab CK fabrics!

I think this is Jane Churchill?

Its a 1991 fabric, I know that cos its printed on the edge, I could just make out what appeared to be the last few letters of Churchill........its so pretty!!!

Fishy fun!

Also some Elanbach fabric......

Vanessa Arbuthnott.......its totally dreamy....I'm going to have this in my next home....I love it!

....And I think this may be Greengate fabric.......the stars one is CK....that paisley is gorgeous, think I may use this to give my kitchen a make over, needs a freshen up......I'm seeing this made up into new pelmets and a cupboard curtain.....

I love this next one, apparently Jenny is having a makeover on her sitting room and this C.Zoob is part of the new look......Jenny was lucky enough to go to Carolines home -Monks House a few months back, lucky lady!

Jenny makes wonderful curtains and blinds at her charming workshop at the Granary in Sussex, if anyone would like more details you can contact me here OR by email, I'll pass your messages on to Jenny!

Ok dashing now, snow watch is on......

Bye for now!

xxx

Vintage cuteness......

2010-01-09T16:22:00.010Z

Happy Saturday......
I've had rather a lovely week.........popped to work on Monday, had Tuesday and Wednesday off because the snow took over.....YAY!
I spent Tues looking after my Niece which was fun, we made some little bits on the sewing machine, she is getting quite good now and hardly ever catches my finger under the needle!
:>)))
Wednesday, braved the snow in a sensible pair of boots, so as not to slip.......carefully made my way round to my Mum's and had a lovely afternoon sorting her clutter.......:>)))
chatting, drinking tea........was lovely! Back to school Thursday and Friday........but that was ok because this terms topic is toys old and new, which explains why I have all these toy pic's on here, thought I'd better get that in incase you all thought I was stock piling for a happy event!!!!!
:>)))

We took the children to Manchester art Gallery, these toys are stored in the Educational studio, so members of the public will not see them unless they are in an exhibition....

I loved this old Noah's Ark......think it was the roses round the top that struck me......so pretty.....

The Children had to discuss which toys were modern or old fashioned/vintage......
then describe them and sort them.....into two hoops.

Some very interesting comments......one which I took with a pinch of salt......Mrs P are you as old as these toys?

HHhmmmmmm....children can be so spirited at times!

I thought this duck was so cute!

Not all the toys are true vintage, some are repro's, but then the good stuff can't really be bashed about!

"Can you tell me the way to the nearest petrol station?"

Talking about vintage(well more vintage inspired I would say!)........I'm loving my strange yellow shoes......bought in the next sale, they appealed to me for the wackiness of the colour....and the comfort.....they are the solereviver shoes.....pure pleasure to wear!
Granted not every ones dream colour....but we can't all love the same things!

:>))

Bit of CS shopping next......a little vintage inspired smock top....from TOPSHOP...on the £1 rail......

Looks lovely with the Stanley brooch and co-ordinates well with the CK bag I made.

I'll be wearing it to visit Olly's Grandparents tomorrow........

Have a great weekend....

love Melxxxx