Sunday 17 January 2010

Slim Pickings


I don't know about you, but getting going in the New Year takes me an age. It's the 17th January and I'm nowhere near up to speed yet. Maybe all this snow and bitter weather has pushed me into hibernation mode; certainly feels like it. Now it's melted away perhaps I'll come too a little?

But it doesn't seem I'm alone, even the shops and businesses are the same. I called into town yesterday for a whizz around the Collector's Market and the charity shops in the hopes of turning up some vintage treasures. Sadly nothing doing. Hardly any stall holders (not surprising really) and closed or lowly stocked shelves. Perhaps the year really needs to get going yet?

So I had a cast about the house and realised there were a few treasures from last year that got a bit forgotten about in the rush into Christmas and here they are.

 ~ the perfect treasure to bring a hint of spring to our soon-to-be-decorated bathroom

~ A new, and possibly the  most beautiful, Sally Page Flower Shop book.


~ Lovely £2.50 children's picture blocks.

~ I know - another one of these!

~ a once smelly, but now rather sweet cushion for my chair/bedside table

~ and a proper look at my favourite thrifted embroidery, found for 50p a while ago.

Hope you're getting up to speed quicker than me!

25 comments:

Hen said...

Lovely things, Steph. I really hate January, such a boring month, hurry up Spring, I say! I just bought one of those Blue Hyacinth sets too but not complete - yet!

bellaboo said...

I got a few vintage bits today but yes...they're few and far between at the moment.Oh just as well as the house is groaning with all my finds/clutter!

Bellaboo

Bobo Bun said...

Hi Steph - January has been speeding along for me far too fast really. Kids parties and a new job probably why. Also the snow gives a weird out of time feeling doesn't it. Or is that just me?

Now I think you were wise to stay in those jammies. Such cosy pictures.

Lisa x

GardenOfDaisies said...

January is clean up month. And "prepare-your-taxes" month. Not my favorite time of year.
Your little embroidered wishing well in the garden pictures is really cute!

Claire said...

Oh Steph, I can't believe you paid 50p for that vintage embroider, what a bargain.I love the picture blocks, they are gorgeous. I have two sets of picture blocks I was given when I was in hospital as a child. I still have them and the memories they evoke, when I take them out of their boxes, it's quite amazing.
I'm sure you'll find your stride once everything gets back to normal and the snow is a distant memory.

sarah-jane down the lane said...

nope, I am still firmly stuck in neutral! I will get going this week I have decided! I don't mind this little reverie, I think it can be good for us! so long as we snap out of it!
Two lovely looking books Steph, I have the red sky at night book on my wish list and the Flower book looks very intruiging, I must search it out!

Sarah x

Kathy said...

Yes ... I hate January too. But have you noticed it's very slowly staying lighter in the evenings... well - till half past four at least where I live. Surely that's a good sign. Bad sign - this morning they're forecasting more snow for mid week. Can we cope?
Love your embroidery ... my mum had one something like that on her dressing table when I was small.
Kathy xxx

Sue said...

Love the talc tin, gorgeous!

I know what you mean, I feel like the year's yet to begin and we're three weeks into it!!

Maybe I wound down too much at Christmas.

Sue xx

A Thrifty Mrs said...

I find it hard to settle into the new year. Doubley so this year because we are in the middle of packing up our entire house and throwing things away. I just want to snuggle under my duvet and let it all happen for me!

Adore the talc tin, it's so beautiful.

That embroidery is so beautiful, I'm a tad jealous.

x

The Fairy Glade said...

Hi there, know how you feel, just started to get my crafty head back on, such a rush of homemade things to be made for Christmas left me feeling a bit crafted out! Have browsed a few books, have a few ideas...as for the garden, the house etc, just a day at a time for the moment. Have a good week. dev x

Shari Sunday said...

You have a beautiful blog and a great sense of style. I love your vintage books the best. I hope you get that new car soon.

Pink Feather Paradise said...

To be honest I don't know who or what has possessed me but this January has been fabulous... I am getting very organised and I have been making a few bits and bobs ready for birthdays and valentines day and I feel really chipper!

I am loving January and the chance it gives me to prepare for future busy months...

I am loving your pre-christmas bargains... I think I might go to Sherborne tomorrow for a good browse around the charity shops while Danny is at pre-school...

hope you feel invigorated soon

x Alex

Serenata said...

Oh, I am so glad I'm not the only one who seems to be floundering this month. I can't seem to get to grips with the way the days keep disappearing so quickly!

MelMel said...

I was on the drag last week, this wee...I'm whizzing about!
Lovely makes......you have a whole year to enjoy making more!xxx

mollycupcakes said...

Hello Steph,
Just about got there i think lol.
Maybe still a little slow in waking up but once up, it's off i go.
Happy new year x
Love,
Catherine x

Jen said...

I can totally relate to your sloth-like entry to 2010. I still feel like it's 18th December. I'm dragging my feet reluctantly through January!

Beautiful photos.

The Curious Cat said...

Love the bricks! I know what you mean...Jan is going a little slow...I had adventures planned for the end of Jan and they have now been put back to mid April...not a great kick-start to the year but maybe it is good to practise some patience as I'm usually not great at doing that! xxx

Aqeela said...

Oh i love everything you found! I want some of those picture blocks for my little one but i havent come across any yet. im on the look out though!
Aqeela xx

Pipany said...

Lovely things Steph, but you can tell from the lateness of my finding this post that I am defintely not up to speed! x

...Nina Nixon... said...

Hiya Steph,

I couldn't find an email address to contact you, but wondered if you might like to check out this link?

http://countrydays.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/curlew-country/

take care and have a lovely, lovely weekend,

Nina xxxxx

Katy Noelle said...

Dear Steph,

I've been enjoying going to your blog since I saw it mentioned in the Countrydays blog from the Country Homes mag. I'm glad that you've been sharing for awhile because I have a lot to explore still. Your blog is so refreshing and happy and just perfect for me. I've tried to say thank you a few times but I suspect that they didn't make it to you. (I'm new to the comp.) Actually, you've inspired me to start a blog too. I'm trying to find my feet a bit and think that I might be a titch of a copycat. Sorry! Imitation can truly be the sincerest form of flattery. Anyway, thanks for breathing fresh life into me. My fledgling blog is http://www.inthesunnyspot1.blogspot.com/ (and let me tell you, it's a bit gawky like a new bird. I'll grow.) Thanks so much stranger-who-seems-so-much-like-a-friend-to-me.

Katy C ( now known as Katy Noelle)

Hen said...

Hi Steph,
Thanks for your comment. Are you coming to the next V&H then? Well, that's tooo exciting! My other half is more interested in making it to to your neck of the woods to the Churnet Valley Railway, he's even become a member and receives "The Knotty" magazine! May 1st can't come too soon, although at the moment amidst all this gloom, even getting to March will be good!
Hen x

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

I really like the cussons set. Vintage talcum sets are so gorgeous.
Very pretty embroidery, thrifting is so much fun!
Warm wishes
Isabelle x

French Knots said...

The Sarah Midda book is lovely isn't it? Such wonderful illustrations!

Anonymous said...

love your thrifty find.

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