Animal Hats - Vanessa Mooncie

I ordered this wonderful book from  Amazon
by Vanessa Mooncie.
Can't wait to get started on the fox hat for my
eldest daughter and my youngest daughter has
chosen the mouse hat. I love the chicken hat !
Shame I did not get the book sooner, these hats
would be perfect for the present weather conditions,
the house is covered in a thick layer of snow !
Keep warm and have a good friday.

I am a massive Orla Kiely Fan, and although her book Pattern has
been out for a while now, I have just received my copy.

 I often pick up bargains at her sample sale held in London, if you sign
up for a newsletter on her website, you will get details of the sales.
Held 4/5 times and year, with huge discounts on last seasons stock.

The sales are held over 4 days (in either Clapham or Shorditch, The Old Trueman Brewery) but get there early and be prepared to queue.

 I feel so many of her amazing designs are timeless, sale shopping makes so
much sense.

Orla Kiely wall paper is now available at Wall Paper Direct as well
 as the website and John Lewis starting at 49.00, previously selling at 69.00
and there is a much much larger choice.

Enjoy your week end and keep warm and dry.

Bird Brooch's

I love Brinja Kobenhavn's blog and love to follow her day to day news and watch
her adorable daughter growing up. I first saw these fab brooches on her blog.
And fell in love with them. As Brinja's shop is in Europe, that was that, until just
before Christmas I pop in to Sixtyseven at 7 Dials Brighton and found MY much
wanted brooches, very reasonable priced too at 3.25 and 3.75. Have a great day.

Happy New Year 2013

Made a simple New Year lunch today, stuffed peppers and roast tomatoes, which I served with bread cheese and salami.

Here's how ! ( allow one pepper
                        one tomato one
                        bottled anchovy and a few fresh basil leaves per person)

Cut the peppers in half and fill with one anchovy, 1 basil leaf and half a tomato , sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil or spray with fry light. ( I used fry light) Pop into a hot oven until the pepper is soft and nicely charred, it will take about 40 mins in a hot oven.

Roast Tomatoes

Cut the tomatoes in half and make a small hole to stuff in an olive sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spray with fry light or drizzle with olive oil. Roast along side the peppers.

A few new year resolutions include blogging more (sorry!) and showing you how to make some of the items I plan to make in 2013, for the house, cushions, pillows, curtains, small quilts for the end of the bed, yep you guessed the bed room is getting a much needed make over.
Have a fabulous 2013.

 I'm loving this newish cafe in Hove Flowertown on Holland Road.

 Also I am, lusting after the lights and chairs for my kitchen .

We sampled a toastie, delicious and boiled eggs yummy that were dyed
pale green to match the china. The milk for the tea is served in mini milk bottles.

London - Style Guide

I am loving this book by Saska Graville

A MUST for anyone visiting London.

Saska, shares the heart and soul of  London

area by area, showing you all the best and

more importantly hidden gems in the city.

Each area ie. Primrose Hill, Islington, etc are

shown individually so there is no chance

of missing a fab vintage shop or a yummy

bakery. I just want to pack my suitcase and

jump on a train....... 

Decoupage - Part Two

 My daughter had a very belated decoupage birthday party at the week end.
I got the boxes, glue and paper from Hobby Craft . I am so impressed
with the girls (aged 12yrs ) boxes.

 I did not get enough glue but a quick google told me that any PVA glue is
fine, and the girls used the decoupage/varnish for a final coat.

 These boxes would make a fab present maybe filled with a sewing kit or wool
and crochet hooks, Christmas is coming !

At last mine is finished and on the wall. Hope you too had a good weekend.