Archive for August 2013

Upon Reflection.

This time I have no excuse. I have not been on holiday. I haven't even taken a long weekend. I have however been working, but probably not as much as I should have.

I would like to think my life was so eventful and exciting I could post  daily novels about a certain restaurant or holiday destination I had been to recently...

But it is not to be, for now anyway. For the moment, this moment of reflection, I'd like to show you todays happynesses.

Picture A:
I went into town today to meet a friend and go for a hot beverage. I came back with two old, smelly and very cheap pots from my local thrift/charity store to home my latest hoardings. They are truly hideous, but I love them.

Picture B:
It's here! I am fast becoming infatuated with this paperback marvel.

for similar pots try here (may require hours of page scrolling)
and order your copy of cereal from here.



This has to stop.

Today I got my AS Ceramics results back, and the good news encouraged me to treat myself. What happened? I bought another succulent. 

I only went to the garden centre to buy pond weed! I almost didn't notice myself pick this up, pay for it and carry it home. This is beyond an obsession, I think I need some help. 
Joking of course, one can never have too many pot plants!

P.S. No am not starting some very unusual pescetarian diet, I just saw this as a good time to present to you my new spoon I bought on my holiday to Norfolk.


Celebration video, and Mittsy's claim to Stardom

September the twelfth is a very special day. It is what I am calling my '1st year ig birthday', which means (other than I'm very sad and need a life) I have now officially been an Instagram member for a whole year. To celebrate this momentous occasion, and take advantage of the new video feature, I decided to make a rapid stop frame of all my photos I've posted. Ever. Is it possible to watch 470 photos flash past in 14 seconds without getting a seizure? We'll see.

Anyway, what do birthdays need? Cake. It seemed only fitting to have a baked dream at the beginning of my video. And everybody loves cake, so I decided to put one at the end as well. One of my favourite Instagram feeds is that of Ariele Alasko, who a little while ago posted a cake with her lovely kitty (Mr C) posing next to it. Ariele's photos and Mr C are on my draft video at the bottom of this page.

I really wanted to include Miss Mittsy in my video, and have her next to a freshly butter creamed sponge with a flag and marshmallows... but is my grumpy little farm cat into the whole film star fantasy, or would she just prefer to sleep in inappropriately chosen places and catch shrews?

Bellow are some test shots of her with some cow parsley. I thought maybe a more fragrant starting point would be more appealing to a delicate, if slightly furry feline nose.


Wiverton Hall Farm Shop, Norfolk

This morning I experienced what can only be described as a breakfast fit for royalty. The Wiverton Hall Farm Shop, as well as providing a wonderful gathering of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a pick-your-own scheme, has just moved up into one of my 'favourite cafe' spots. 

Situated mid fruit farm, left of the car park and parallel to where the guinea fowl take their morning strolls, The cafe is a weather-borded, pastel-coloured jewel in the coastal crown. As I tucked into my raspberries and cream, sipped my coffee and fondly anticipated my cheese scone, I watched the potted plants dance in the summer breeze, and my mother eat her bacon roll. If you ever happen* to find your self in Norfolk, its well worth a visit.

*in other words pack your suitcase and set your sat nav!

Bluejacket Workshop, Morston

Today we went for a walk from Blakeney to Stiffkey along the Norfolk Coastal Path. Naturally we stopped for a cup of tea along the way, and chose Morston Quay as a suitable recharging station. Whilst I was sitting down sipping a peppermint tea, I noticed blue sign. But not any old blue sign, one that promised 'handmade furniture, art, textile work and antiques'. Intregue, curiosity and my Mother lead me towards the Bluejacket Workshop.

A truly unique collaboration of craft and excellence, in a secluded and tranquil atmosphere away from the beaten track, the workshop and shop were an inspiration. It stands out from the local crowd of manufactured lifestyle outlets. The combination of masterfully crafted homeware and hand selected antique gems are well worth a visit to the North Norfolk Coast.

for more information, see http://bluejacketworkshop.co.uk/


Branksome Beach, Dorset

I have just returned from my holiday in Bournemouth, Dorset, where I stayed with my lovely family. Almost everyday we went down to the beach, which from a photographic point of view was splendid. We were blessed with beautiful sunny spells, and deep sapphire seas. I spent a lot of the time marching off into the ocean with my iPod tightly grasped above my head, but when I wasnt doing this there were many land-based luxuries to enjoy as well. The highlight of the holiday, naturally, was eating brown paper clad cones of golden chips for lunch on the second day.


I'm back!

Hello! I'm sorry for a recent lack in blogging, I've been on holiday (I know of course this is no excuse). What am I enjoying this month? Glad you asked.

Currently I am obsessing over two objects that until recently I had never imagined owning, or thought I needed. Item A: a round circle of well sanded oak that sits next to my bed. Item B: an LP of Regina Spektor's "What we Saw from the Cheap Seats" with 11 original songs including 'Don't Leave Me', 'Small Town Moon' and 'All The Row Boats'. Why are these so essential to my new-found well being?

Well, firstly, about three years ago I decided I was going to construct a scale model of an Ercol pebble table, finally excepting that my ownership of the real thing was very unlikely. I carved the table top and legs from an oak floor board, left over from the re-decoratoion of the sitting room. My project ended there, however, as I no longer had time to put the pieces together. They have hibernated in my bottom drawer ever since. On cleaning out I was challenged with finding a new use for them, kindling not being an option as sitting in the rain with a router and sand paper for hours on end had caused me to become rather emotionally attached. The legs were, I'm sorry to say, not very useful, so they did end up  in the bucket next the wood burner. The table top, on the other hand, has been reemployed as a coaster. Every evening I like to enjoy a herbal tea. Whether it be peppermint, camomile or a special 'Clipper Sleep Easy blend', I find it helps me to relax, and settle down for the night. Resting it on top of a tissue to protect my Chiltern chest of draws was less than satisfactory, so this nifty little gadget has been perfect.

Object B I hear you ask? If you're still reading this, and haven't fallen asleep at your monitors, part two will commence shortly.

On Monday I had the indescribable privilege of going to see Regina Spektor at the De La Warr Pavilion. The building itself has been a favourite of mine for many moons, and Regina... well she's just amazing. I wasn't able to take any photos in the concert itself, but at the merchandise stall (comparable only to Aladdin's Cave) I found the perfect memento. I don't actually own a record player yet, but am probably surfing eBay as you read this. Every time I look at the sleeve, I am reminded of the wonderful evening, and just want to pick it up.