Saturday 17 May 2008

Summer Treasures

So the rain has finally come and I must admit I was rather pleased because we still haven't managed to get the outside tap working and lugging the watering can about to tend my precious plants is a bit too much like hard work.
Even though today was grey an drizzly it was full of hapiness for me because I had a wonderfully rare treat, a couple of hours of Barney and mummy time on a trip into town. It doesn't happen often and I worry a lot about our special bond diminishing now that he's at school and because on work days I hardly see him at all. Thankfully, even though he's fighting off a cold, we had a perfect time today being quiet together, holding hands, spotting elephants in the town quiz, wondering about things and chatting.

(A treat from mum's garden, aren't they fabulous.)
A trip to the old fashioned sweet shop in the Butter Market is always the first port of call. The lady there always talks so kindly to B and he's ever so polite back that it makes my heart want to burst! While munching plenty of chewy teeth, white mice and fried eggs we pottered around the collector's market looking at the wonderful treasures on display.

B was given a small, vintage-style toy car because the chap was selling it in a tray of various bits and bobs and didn't really want anything for it - it made B's day. I found an ancient galvanised bucket to use as a planter and this sweet tiny cake stand for just £1. I think I might use it to display my few strings of pearls or save it for vintage baubles at Christmas.


My most favourite find were these wonderful watercolours. There was an enormous pile of floral and country scenes that had come from a house clearance and we rummaged through the lot to find this lovely pair, again £1 each. They're quite big so I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for some bargain frames. I think they're glorious, just what I was looking for to add some colour to our rather plain, cheerless hall and stairs.

And as soon as the sun comes out again I'm going to be skipping through the fields in the most lovely skirt I think I have ever owned. The minute I saw it I knew it would be coming home with me - sorry for displaying this on my dresser again! It's the best place in the house to take pictures as the light floods in through the conservatory but everyone must be so bored of seeing these plates!
And finally a rather dull, everyday picture but one that makes both me and Woody so thrilled. After living here for six months we finally have somewhere to display our books!

Our funny triangle shaped house with huge windows means that there are very few places to put up shelves or bookcases, but that big blue & yellow Swedish shop came up trumps and delivered two of these slim, bargain bookcases which finally make our place feel more like home. They need a bit of prettying up but for now I'm so pleased just to have got rid of a few more boxes!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Steph,

Seems like you both had a fabulous day. The skirt is beautiful, and you were so lucky to get the watercolours they are very pretty.
Nice to know someone else lives in a triangular house, my great grandfather had this one built, narrow at the front and wide at the back - a bit tardis like...
Rosie x

Pipany said...

The material on that skirt is so pretty. Just need the sun back to match but Cornwall is deluged with rain again today xx

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Sounds like a lovely day.
I love the paintings too.
We have the same bookshelves and they are so, so useful.

pinkgreen said...

what fantastic finds. I love the skirt, and the watercolours are lovely. Glad you have finally got some books out of boxes!
Cathy X

alice c said...

Don't ever apologise for photographs of your lovely dresser - I love looking at it! I also admire your finds so much - if you ever need to off load any because you are running out of space just let me know. Perhaps you could set up in business as Mrs Find-A-Bargain for people who don't know where to start looking.

Funkymonkey said...

I've really enjoyed reading this post and looking at all the things you've found. I think many of us will be envious of your gorgeous skirt and as for the watercolours - you are so lucky finding them. Well done you.

Aqeela said...

I love everything in this post!

I found youir blog a while ago and enjoyed it so last night i read it all from start to finish! Its lovely and makes an enjoyable read!

So i am pleased to tell you that no longer are you on my blog under the heading 'blogs i like to read', you have been moved up into my 'my favorite blogs' section!!

I look forward to reading more and seeing more of your inspiring home decor photos. I read alot of 'shabby chic' blogs (as i like to call them!) and many are very pretentious, well yours isnt! So well done to you!

Lindsay XX

The Fairy Glade said...

Hi Steph, that skirt is devine, where did you buy it? Love the piccys too you are so lucky all our charity shops are so expensive. Bit of a cheek when you think that everything is donated. Love a days shopping with my daughter too. DevX

The Fairy Glade said...

p.s that should have said "divine" ooops!!!

Sal said...

The watercolours are so lovely!What a great find! ;-)Sal

Anonymous said...

Ahh, what a perfect day and your little boy sounds so sweet Steph. That is one stunning skirt, and I love those watercolours. If you like vintage style paintings, you might like http://www.gailmccormack.com/
Enjoy your week.
Carolx

driftwood said...

such a fantastic skirt!
we always refer to that store as the blue and yellow shop, it seems to suit it....

Miss sew n sew said...

I love those watercolours they will look stunning framed! It's nice to share precious mummy time together glad you enjoyed your day, I have two bookcases exactly the same as yours from the blue and yellow shop!
Sarahx

jessica daisy said...

Sounds like a wonderful day, those watercolours are so pretty.
I have one of those bookcases too, although mine is now mostly full of fabric instead of books!
Jessx

Anonymous said...

You do know how to find a bargain don't you, was that lovely skirt a bargain too? Never get tired of seeing your dresser either. Know what you mean about one on one time ,, it's very rare that I get to go anywhere with just Milo.
Lisa x

Ragged Roses said...

Hello Steph, what beautiful floral finds! Love them. I have visions of you floating around a wild meadow in that gorgeous skirt!! Love the watercolours, they are so pretty!
Kimx

prettyshabby said...

hi steph..lovely goodies you found there..what bargain prices too! Nice of that chap to give your little Barney a car..maybe its a start to a love of vintage things for him too!

Summer by the sea said...

Hi Steph, those watercolours are beautiful - I bet they will look wonderful framed. Your bookcases are great too - we live quite a long way from Ikea now, but I have built up quite a list of things I want to look for there, so I feel a trip coming on soon! - Natalie x

Summer by the sea said...

Hi Steph, couldn't find your e mail address so leaving you another comment! - Thank you for the info about Ikea delivering - dangerous information! however I quite like to browse so I will keep on bending Tim's ear until he relents and takes us there! I notice that 'I Capture the Castle' is among your favourite books - I am halfway through it and am loving it - do you have any other recommendations? - Natalie x

mommyholly said...

Love the bookcase!! :) And what a nice day to spend with your little one... I am sure you both enjoyed yourself to no end!

mollycupcakes said...

Hello Steph,
Isn't it good to have some one to one time and it means so much to them as well. He sounds like a real sweetie, bless.
Gorgeous treasures and photos. Have you thought about that big blue and yellow shop for some large picture frames? they are very reasonable in there. And be painted or stained any colour.
That book case is so nice, we're getting snowed under with books might have to put on and have a look myself.
Hugs.
Catherine x

Deb said...

What a lovely day you had Steph looking (and finding) such treasures! The watercolour paintings are fabulous.

Carol said...

Hi Steph, what a lovely skirt.
Your water colours are beautiful, I prefer water colours to oils.
My house was a triange! it is a chalet! but it has been extended and lost the huge triangular roof which is a shame really.
Carol x

claire said...

I've just found your blog and I'm sat here green with envy over your beautiful home :)
You have excellent taste plus the gene I'm lacking that enables you to pull it all together to look fabulous.

Claire x

ps skirt lovely too

mollycupcakes said...

Hello Steph,

Tag your it!
Pop over and have a look on my blog hun x

Catherine x

Rosie said...

What pretty water colours - you must be thrilled with them, it will be fun choosing frames for them:)