Towards The End

It's been a funny ole year for me and from what I'm reading, for a lot of you folk too. Just now it feels like a year of endings without new beginnings. Partly because although we made the move to the Peak District in March we are still in a rented house. We have found a home but the purchase process is dragging on somewhat, largely due to the fact that the vendors do not seem to understand the legal process and have not been enlightened by their solicitors. Therefore the agreed exchange date of November18th didn't happen. We are still waiting.....................

This year has also seen the loss of many much loved people in the public eye. The deaths of Terry Wogan and Victoria Wood made me feel especially sad.

But I don't want to sound mawkish as I really do have a lot to look forward to and I do count my blessings, but even so, some days life is a bitch, no?

What I am looking forward to is seeing all the family at Christmas and I'm determined to enjoy it to the full this year. I shall look to the New Year with optimism and a sense of new purpose.

I hope that all of you dear blogging chums have a fantastic time with your friends and family over the Christmas season and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Important Stuff

Apologies for just posting the odd film or two at the moment. I will be back with lots more stuff in the New Year. This little film is a corker though and will make you teary and joyful at the same time.

I discovered it through my very favourite London cafe, http://www.scandikitchen.co.uk/.

I Love Wes Anderson

I found this gorgeous little film directed by Wes Anderson for H&M, over on a favourite blog of mine. If you click over to the blog there is also a link to access a fantastic Wes Anderson colour palette. Just what I need at the moment. Yes, we have found a house and yes, I have decorating in mind. Lots of it.

Recycle-nista

I'd never be a fashionista, nor do I want to be. Spending huge sums of money on expensive clothing is not my bag, so to speak. (In fact my actual bag is a high class model but I purchased it for £1.00 from an animal charity shop). I do try and look my best though, obviously, but I tend to buy few items at good prices. Usually this means cherry picking through charity shop rails. I know many of you lovely bloggers do the same.

My lifestyle generally is one of being thrifty, buying only when I need something and trying to buy or source second hand. Thrifty feels good. Good for me and good for the planet. I would love more folk to do the same. Love the planet and she will love you back. Use minimum resources and there's more to go around. That's how it works my friends.

Part of my plan in moving to the Peak District is to start up a new business here. Upcycling, recycling, repurposing and refashioning will be the beating heart of what I hope to achieve. I would love the business to be a totally local affair. Employing local makers to create useful and beautiful items, purchased and enjoyed by local folk, who will keep their money circulating in their own local economy.

I have booked a stand at a three day Christmas event in my local town of Matlock to test the popularity of such a venture. If all goes swimmingly I hope to open a shop in the Spring. I thought you might like to see my first product. Cafetiere or vintage coffee pot covers. Some made from vintage fabric and others from small amounts of scrap fabric and yarn. This idea came from an original cover that I bought second hand years ago.

I advertised in a local paper and found a lovely local lass who loves to sew.

She made the covers for me and has already started on my next idea. I'm really excited about the possibilities. A new business in a new place and hopefully a new home to go with it. Yes, I'm still searching, but getting nearer methinks.

'Ands Off Me Cockles. A Song For The Weekend.

Cro is having a sensational Summer, with lots of talented and interesting folk visiting him at his French home. His post today inspired me to bring this beautiful melody to your attention. Stick with it (only 1.40 mins), as the singer seamlessly moves into a brilliant Noel Coward impersonation.

Current Mood

Chickpea has found hers, it's gorgeous but it needs a lot of work. Sue has found hers and has almost completed it's transformation into a perfect forever home.

Meanwhile I'm still looking.

gif via giphy.com

Did I mention, I'm not known for my patience?

Gaia's Bounty

image via

Our home grown produce has taken a while to come through this season because of delays caused by the house move. We haven't planted as much either, but the little we have is being used as quickly as it's coming up. Sadly I can't see we will need to freeze any surplus.

I had thought being in a cooler region now (in the Peak District), it would be more difficult to grow veg or fruit that need a good deal of sun. Imagine my surprise when our next door neighbour Ted knocked on the back door with two home grown peaches for us.

The mister took this pic, he's called it 'Peaches in the Peak'.

In other news, I recently went to a rather jolly herbal workshop, hosted by a very knowledgeable local lass. My son came with me so it made the day extra special.

We were taught how to make face and body lotions, bath melts and Winter syrups. The tutor had a vast range of essential oils, I used the more unusual Frankincense, Violet, Clary Sage and Sweet Birch amongst others.

The whole experience was a delight and of course the knowledge gained invaluable. I shall definitely be making some fruity soothing syrups for the colder months.

Welcome to my latest follower Beth. Always nice to know the clan is growing.