Simple things...

Hello my lovelies! Well, we've enjoyed a long weekend here in the UK, and it has been a lovely, lazy one for us! Life has become so hectic, and I have to remind myself sometimes that I am not a hamster on a treadmill! It is important to stop. Yes, stop. Climb off. And  take the time to smell the flowers...

So this weekend, we did just that. We made time to enjoy the simple things...

Leisurely cuppas...

Reading...slowly...without having to look at a gadget screen...

Relaxing to some good tunes...

We had cosy lie-ins, walks in the sunshine, BBQ's, family movie time by candle light...

And a little car boot thrifting! The whole family like a bit of car booty hunting, from the youngest to the oldest. I do try to teach the kids to have an attitude of re-purposing, re-using, and that 'new' doesn't have to mean 'never been used'! In this life so much is disposable, and people's attitudes are rather wasteful! I do think that we need to learn from our elders who believed that it was important to 'make do and mend'. And if you have a keen eye, you can find some really useful, beautiful treasures when thrifting. I did find a few this weekend!

This very pretty Cath Kidston teapot and creamer...I cannot believe it was no longer needed...

This cheery retro salt and pepper shakers...A 50p bargain for both! I kid you not...

A blast from the past! These quirky tumblers featuring the Asterix and Obelix cartoons. I grew up reading the cartoons, and watched it on the tele too, so this was most definitely a nostalgic purchase! They are originally from Germany, and were Nutella containers! I thought the kids would enjoy drinking from these! Best part...I had set out on the morning with 'tumblers' on my wish list, as we very much needed to replace some following breakages!

Three days have proved this...If you stop, and take time to enjoy the simple things, it restores a little sanity where chaos and the word 'busy' can cloud your mind...I hope that you too can find the time to enjoy the simple things...

Blessings

Let the music play!

Wowzer...Where has that last week gone?  It's just whizzed by in a hurry! I had eager intentions of keeping up a regular schedule here in Blog Land, but have just not managed it! But, it's been a wonderful week full of blessings! We were very fortunate to have the Watoto Children's Choir visiting from Uganda, and had the privilege of having a few of the children stay with us in our home. It's wasn't a first for us, and we were giddy with excitement at the prospect of having these young ambassadors staying with us. The children are all rescued orphans who have seen and experienced more heartache in their young lives than any person should ever have to endure. But, thanks to the ministry of Watoto, they have all been given hope and a future. You should hear them sing! They travel all over the world, so if they're ever in your neck of the woods, don't pass up the opportunity to go and see them. It will change your life!

So, at the end of such a wonderful, busy week, we have spent the weekend relaxing at home. Summer is finally winking at us with the promise of warmer, happier days, so it was only fitting to squeeze in the first proper visit to the boot sales! And I didn't come away disappointed! In fact, I hopped, skipped and jumped excitedly towards my car with my loot which to me felt like Christmas morning! I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a long time for a lovely record player, as I already own a few vinyl lovelies that were just chomping at the bit to belt out a tune. Well, today was my day...Just look what came home with me!

Now, for all you vintage purists out there...no, this is not a vintage piece. But, it is tippety-toppety marvelous!  It plays CD's, tapes (hmmm...yip, now THAT is retro!), radio and of course vinyl records! It does everything that I could possibly ask it to do, and more! So, the kids and I have spent the afternoon listening to 'The Sound of Music', and a record from 1967...'Jungle Book'...and of course a little bit of Doris Day!

Apart from striking gold with my newly acquired musical friend, this girl's wardrobe is singing hallelujahs too! Not one, but two tickety-boo pairs...Brand spanking new, and only a few bob!

As well as this Twiggy number...

And for my crafty soul...lovely Cath fabric and ribbon...just a few pennies later! Sigh...

What a super thrifty day! The best part of it all...this thrifty soul is singing out loud! I managed to sell off an old chair that we all just kept tripping over...lovely as it was it had to go! So, my new found bargains were funded by the chair! Happy days!

Hope your weekend has been restful, joyful, and full of blessings too!

Tania ♥

Now, for all you vintage purists out there,

A little thrifting and tweaking...

Saturdays...don't you love them? We had a lovely morning out with the kidlets to a pet rescue centre, followed by Coronation chicken sandwiches, a favourite of ours! And this afternoon has brought some unexpected peace and quiet, as friends have absconded with all three my children to the cinema, and left me with some quiet hours to fill. Sigh...

So, I have tidied a little corner in our bedroom, and some thrifted treasures have found a new home at last! Here in the UK we often frequent car boot sales...either to get rid of things we've grown out of, or to pick up the odd little bargain or treasure. I have learnt over time that patience pays off...If you're willing to wait for that one elusive item you're looking for, chances are that you'll eventually find it! Now, I had this dull corner in the bedroom...neglected...sad...forlorn...But, I have it just the way I have wanted it for ages! All thanks to...

Sweetly thrifted, framed, floral loveliness...

A quietly beautiful, delicate mirror which needed a new home...

And flying swallows...

And what would such a corner be without a touch of Granny chic? I think this Melba vase, feminine doilies and floral tin would do nicely!

And for a touch of glamour? A vintage silver shell trinket holder...I was tickled pink when I parted with nothing but a couple of coins to bring this beauty home!

And so, this little corner seems happier somehow...

With a few old favourites...and a few new, yet old favourites!

Now I'll tackle the drawers inside the bureau. I've made a start. Sorting through my brooches, I have organised them in an old muffin tray...

Perfectly practical and pretty! I'll let you know how I get on with the rest! 

Happy Saturday to you and yours!
Tania

Friday Fancies...Florals

Happy Friday everyone! So glad the weekend is here. This week has been a long, cold, dreary one! I believe that the most depressing day of the year has now come and gone, according to researchers, who have pinned January the 22nd as 'Blue Monday'! Apparently it is the day we feel most unhappy, as the weather is so bitterly cold, debts have piled up after Christmas, and it's when most of us falter on our New Year resolutions. Well, it can only get better now, right? I must admit that I do struggle in January to maintain a cheerful disposition, but this year I've made a conscious effort to focus on the good things, and to stay busy! When I'm actively doing something, I feel a whole lot chirpier! So, today, to lift my mood, I'm thinking flowers! Oh, I so look forward to spring blooms! I've had a little tidy on my dresser, and thought I'd share some thrifty finds with you, of the floral kind. These are all little treasures which I've gathered over time from thrift shops...last of the big spenders I am! I think it's always worth remembering, that buying 'second hand', doesn't mean it's second rate. If you purchase something you love, it's new to you! 

A sweet  Pansy brooch from 'Good Intentions' jewelry makers of Wales...thrifted.

A delightful floral bowl, thrifted for a mere 99p! Perfect for holding jewelry...The yellow pearl earrings and bracelet were all treasures picked up from thrift shops.

I love orchids! Haven't worn this much, but think it perfect to cheer up a fancy hairdo in the summer...or winter!

And lastly, if you've got a few buttons you love, why not make a cheery button bouquet to add a little colour to a winter coat? Here's one I made to sell...but couldn't part with! :)

Here's to spring blooms! Have a cheerful, happy Friday!

Blessings
Tania ♥♥♥

A Most Marvellous Place To Shop!

Today we took a little drive to Northampton, with a very specific goal in mind...to visit  'A Most Marvellous Place To Shop'. This emporium of all things vintage, retro, antique and handmade was featured in issue 16 of  'Mollie Makes' a few months ago, and has been on my list of places to visit since! And, I was not disappointed! This warehouse is brimming with loveliness for the vintage collector, and is packed with all manner of quirky handmade gorgeousness. The only problem was that I felt a little like a chameleon on a Smartie box...I didn't quite know whether to be pink or blue with all the choice around! Where does one start?

Handmade brooches, pins, corsages...

 

 

Candy for the crafter...

 

 

Gorgeous collectibles...

 

 

 

 

Pretty perfect china...

 

 

 

 

Old suitcases brimming with beautifully crafted treasures...

 

 

 

Oh my...♥

 

 







Doris 'n' Doris handmade folk art...sigh...

 

I have a feeling I'll be heading back here soon...next time without the kidlets!

 

 

Blessings, Tania ♥

A nifty little thrifting challenge!

When the opportunity for a little me-time presents itself, (which doesn't happen very often might I add!), I love spending that time thrifting. Some woman hit the shoe shops, I go straight to the car boot sales! This weekend hubby occupied the kidlets so that I could  have some down time, and a little 'hunting/gathering' was just what I needed! I do try to go with a clear idea in mind of what our home needs, as opposed to indulging in impulse buying , you know, buying just for the sake of it! After all, one has to try to be wise with the pennies! So, I set myself a strict budget of ten pounds, and made a little mental list of little necessary treasures to look out for. For one thing, we were in desperate need of tumblers...the combination of young children, a very unforgiving Belfast sink, and brutal granite kitchen worktops, have meant that many a glass have died a death, and so we needed to replace these! I could just go to Ikea, or the supermarket for these, but that's no fun! And boy, did I have a successful day's thrifting! And of course there is always room for those 'necessary' homely touches that you just can't pass up...

Just look at these lovelies...
Vintage Panache Flamingo tumblers! They don't get more kitsch and yummy than these!

 

 

1960's Plastic Toy Tumblers...so cute! And useful of course...

 

 

Beautifully crocheted flowers...

I'm sure they will come in handy...

 

 

 



A little while ago, I sold a print which I had grown a little tired of. It was a lovely piece, but sometimes a change is needed! I have been keeping my eye out for something a little lighter and more cheerful, and I found a beautiful original water colour painting titled 'Summer Glory'.

I'm in love with it...
(And got it for a song!)

 

Lovely summer bouquet...

 

 

 

This Liberty of London teapot had my name on it...I can't believe it wasn't wanted anymore...♥

 

 

 

 

 

More florals...a Wedgwood plate, and cute little jug...

 

 

 

 

Another much needed necessity is bowls for cooking and serving up food...Mine seem to have gone AWOL one at a time...Over the years we have socialised and attended gatherings of a 'bring and share' nature. Somehow, by taking food to events, I have lost some of my lovely dishes over the years. And I'm slowly replenishing stock. I didn't want to just buy any old dish. I've had my eyes peeled for Pyrex dishes, as I love these! They remind me of my childhood, as I remember my mum having some.

 

Finally, I spotted this sweet rose Pyrex dish...granny chic at it's best!

 



 

 









The one I couldn't ignore...

I love old tins, and this commemorative tin celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was too lovely to pass by!

 



I am absolutely delighted, tickled pink, and full of the joys of spring over all the spiffy thrifty bargains that have come home with me. The best part of course, is that I managed to save myself quite a bit by buying pre-loved items, objects of loveliness which are useful, have got much life left in them, and are needed! Happy days!

 

Have a superbly, blessed week!

Tania ♥



A tickety-boo lamp make-over!

Quite some time ago, I found a floor lamp at a local Antiques Centre, and purchased it for a mere, cheerful sum of three pounds! I think I caught the salesman at a very busy time, as they were moving a lot of stock...he just wanted to get rid of me, and the lamp to clear some space and time! Well, no complaints here! I was aghast when I spotted a near identical floor lamp just two weeks later, in the same spot, and priced at £30! Woop-woop! Anyhow, the said floor lamp has sat in our living room, just crying for a little attention. It looked dated and tired, and needed a fairy godmother to wave her magic wand across it's dark, grubby appearance. Well, I'm no fairy godmother, but I've tried my best to turn it into something spiffy.

I started by stripping the lampshade back to it's carcass...

 

 

Armed with scissors and a hot glue gun, I cut strips of assorted fabric and twisted it all around the wire frame, gluing it in place...

And then...Using four different types of co-ordinating ribbon, I weaved through strips of loveliness...Some butterflies and a cheeky little bird sit among the perky ribbons...

And the not-so-cheerful part was sanding the lamp stand...tedious, but preparation is key...A lick of paint later, and it's looking tickety-boo!

Let it shine...
I love the glow and pattern created by the ribbons...♥

This lamp makeover was so much fun, and so easy to do. I don't know why I didn't start sooner! I do know that this very casual take on a lampshade might not be for everyone, but I am tickled pink with how it turned out! Happy days!

Tania ♥