Invitation to a Tea Party

Today the weather here is dank, dark and dreary. A typical November day. So in my opinion, the only thing to do is this....................

You are cordially invited to a tea party, hosted by the dolls.

The Chatelaine holds the key to the tea caddy, pure leaf tea being a most precious commodity.

I baked a full sized cake as I for one have more than a doll's appetite.

Slice of cake anyone? Victoria sponge with a raspberry jam and fresh cream filling. Topped with lemon flavoured icing, crystalized rose petals and lots of pale green glitter.

Served on dainty rose patterned tea plates.

Mmmm, very pleasant.

Pass the cups please, there's still plenty of tea left in the pot.

Tickled Pink

Good Evening All. Let me start by saying that I am totally pooped. Today I have been compelled to undertake some heavy duty cleaning. All because of a new acquisition. Just a small item in the grand scheme of things, but it has caused me an awful lot of work.

I saw this little pink trifle last Thursday afternoon, soon after the antiques dealer had taken delivery of it. When I spotted it during a break from work, said dealer hadn't even priced it up. Her husband had just unloaded it, together with a matching chair and blanket chest. I wasn't interested in the other things, I don't have the room anyway, but I really wanted this bedside table.

On Friday my dearest heart was going into town and asked if I wanted anything bringing back. Didn't I just. He left with instructions to spot the item as I did my best to describe it, (there was something else similar and I didn't want him to look at the wrong thing) find out the cost and ring me with the information. It was affordable, thankfully, so said item was dutifully brought into the happy homestead. I just love the colour and it is in immaculate condition.

The less pleasurable task was to empty my old, blue bedside cabinet, move the gazillion books and magazines that surround my side of the bed, dust everything off, vacuum and rearrange it all. Plus take some photo's to share of course!

I love the gold detail, all original.

This hydrangia is one that I picked earlier in the year and dried. I have sprayed it with glitter and I think it looks quite pretty now. Thought it added a nice faded, pink touch to the arrangement.

I was interrupted in my task numerous times by a certain Mr Dante who always wants to be in on any action. Totally oblivious to the fact that he gets right under my feet, plonks himself down in the exact spot where I am trying to work ..............

........ and makes himself comfortable. Sigh. Oh to be a pampered pooch. Love him to bits though and wouldn't want him any other way.

When I had finished artfully arranging things I added a festive flourish to the bedroom curtains.

I think this little touch looks quite glam. The diamante brooch reminds me of a snowflake.

Ah well, time for a nice long bath now and check out if there is anything worth watching on the telly.

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Sandi x

An Afternoon in the Kitchen

I was in the kitchen this afternoon having a baking session. I spotted this little fella whilst weighing out some flour and grabbed the camera. I put the apples on the hedge a couple of weeks ago and was pleased to see that they are appreciated.Ah.......................sweet.

On to the baking. A chicken, bacon and leek pie. Followed by chocolate cupcakes and an excuse to use this vintage icing set.

I think I am seriously addicted to glitter, this time fine gold powder sprinkled over the top of the coffee flavoured butter cream.

Served on a doll sized plate.

After all that baking the only thing left to do is put my feet up for a well earned rest.

With a nice mug of tea!!!!!!!

Courtesy of sweet old Eeyore.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Take care,

Hugs,

Sandi x

Once Upon A Time......

........There lived a Prince who had been turned into a frog by a wicked witch. We all know the fairytale of course, so I won't go on. On top of our computer monitor are some silk water lilies and a frog who croaks when he is turned upside down. Don't ask me why, but these things have sort of settled there over time and I'm used to them being there. I quite like the green fella's company. So tonight, as there is football on the telly and Him Indoors is bursting more than one blood vessel watching it, I decided it was time to play.
So play I did. The Prince found his fairy Princess and of course they both lived happily ever after. But not before old frog face had received a few snubs along the way. Here are some fairies who were not impressed by his green, swarthy charms.

"No thank you very much Mr Frog, I'm already dating a cute elf from the Wild Wood. "

"I don't think so deary, don't you recognise the Queen of Roses when you see her? "

"So sorry, dear froggy, but you're just not my type."

"Do you really think a fairy with purple hair and ivy leaf wings would be interested in a frog like you!"

Ah...I'm so glad he found his true love.

Trust I haven't worried you dear visitors, I've not been at the G & T, honestly.

Take care.

Hugs,

Sandi x

A Snowy Night

Yesterdays sleet turned to snow last night. My intrepid husband felt duty bound to venture out and capture the scene for posterity!

It was rather late and there was not much in the way of people or traffic about. Of course there wasn't, all sensible people were probably safely tucked up in bed. However, the possibility of all this being gone by morning was uppermost in both our minds, so off he went.

I think the tyre tracks are his own.

I added this one because I love the effect from the street lamps. It reminds me of those party poppers when all the coloured streamers burst out. I do have a very vivid imagination you know.

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Sandi x

Sleety Weather and a Russian Pig

Today the weather has been really horrible.

I took this picture from my bedroom window just to give an idea of the awfulness of the day. A mixture of rain and snow which isn't very pleasant. So the only thing to do is cosy up and take a few photo's of more cheerful things.This mini post is in reply to Louise at Home is where the heart is. She asked about this little fella who sneaked his snout into a photo in a previous post.

All I can say is that he is Russian and I bought him years ago. He appealed to me because of the bright colours and I really love pigs, both ornamental and real ones:)

So here he is in all of his gaudiness!!
Hope you are cosy and cheerful wherever you may be.
Bye for now,
Sandi x

Hearts for Jam Tarts

Home made cakes are a real treat and jam tarts are so simple to do. This afternoon I made an egg custard and with the leftover pastry made these tiny morsels. I think the hearts add a cute touch of whimsy.

These will be eaten in no time at all!!!!!!!Enjoy your week-end whatever you are doing.
Take care,
Sandi x

Random Bits 'n' Pieces

Today I thought I would show you one or two things I have dotted around my home.
This plaque was done for us by my dad, the picture is actually engraved onto the glass.

I love anything featuring flowers.

I bought these from a very unusual shop - all the lady sold were hand-crafted mushrooms. Masses and masses of them!!!! I just had to have some.

I love hatpins. The purple and diamante one is very special to me - a gift from my husband.

I have lots of bits and pieces and am particularly fascinated by anything tiny. I don't collect anything specific, I would find that too restricting. When I go out 'mooching' I like to see what takes my fancy. I zoom in on some things instinctively but rarely spend very much. I do like a bargain!

Bye for now,

Sandi x

A Vintage Wardrobe

Today I tackled a job that strikes fear into my heart. Something that I put off for as long as possible. TIDYING THE WARDROBE!!!!!! Behind this very pretty facade lay a terrible sight. Not just the clothes, shoes and bags in awful disarray, but all sorts of things which have been stuffed in, out of sight, out of mind. Things which have no business in a ladies vintage wardrobe.Such unattractive things as a carrier bag full of odd socks, not even mine. A photo album, waiting to be filled. Birthday cards, waiting to be er, filed. You get the picture I'm sure and I've told you far too much now.

So, without further ado, I sallied forth. The silver bag was a recent find so takes current pride of place hanging off the door.

I will not inflict on you the shambles that lay within, but everything came out and the interior had a good vacuum and polish. Then came the fairly pleasant part. Placing everything lovingly back, carefully arranged on many pretty hangers. Memories evoked by so my things.

Ah, that's better, I'm getting there now.

Oh yes, improving all the time.

A small digression. My pride and joy, a witches cloak in black velvet.

In complete contrast a fairy cape.

Cute slippers.

A favourite pair of shoes.

Nicely padded hangers. Ok. back to the nitty gritty. Mutter, mutter.

Phew, thank goodness I've finished. Looks reeesonably alright... ish. But of course you didn't see the before, now did you? I don't profess to be any kind of Domestic Goddess and lean towards the more bohemian mode of housework. I think if you surround yourself with enough beauty, the odd layer of dust only adds to the romance. Tongue is firmly in cheek here. I'm sure Aggie and Kim would have something to say about my housekeeping. Never mind, I'm happy enough with my mess and I do blitz the place fairly regularly!!!! Now then, the next wardrobe beckons because that was the one with just the vintage stuff in. Really must have a clear out one of these days....but not just yet.

Time now for a much needed cup of tea, or six.

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Sandi x