Welcome 2017

I've always tried to enjoy life to the full and with each passing year the desire to 'do' as much as possible increases, mindfully spending my time wisely. According to the 'experts', meaning in life equates to happiness. Well I'm planning to bring as much of that to my new life in the Peak District as I can. Family and friends are the blessings in life and I think with a good dose of hard work and some new experiences the rest will come.

I wish all of you, my blogging chums the very best for 2017. Health, happiness and prosperity.

My Birthday Treat at Miss. Potter's.

To celebrate my birthday which was on the 10th, the Mr and I went to stay in a very special cottage. Once owned by Beatrix Potter. The place was quite magical, full to the brim with evocative pieces. We slept in a four poster bed in a room that was hundreds of years old. It was an amazing experience, usually one only gets to visit such properties for the day and is never allowed to touch anything in the rooms. We lived and breathed it for a week, it was wonderful.

Christmas Cheer

I thought you all deserved another pre Christmas post, after my moaning Minnie one of Thursday. So I'm sharing a few of the wondrous delights that Chatsworth has to offer with their Nutcracker Christmas themed festivities.

I've been three times this Winter and will go again when they open for a few days in January before they close for the season. I admit to a teeny bit of an obsession with Chatsworth, brought on by my fascination of the strong women who have lived there thoughout it's history. Yes there have been Dukes, but they are not a patch on the women folk of Chatsworth.

Now I'm living in the Peak District I have become a 'friend' of Chatsworth and can visit free of charge as often as I like, plus I also get a number of free tickets to events. Oh dear, I think my obsession may get worse.

These delightful silhouetted dancing ballerinas were projected on the walls where the ancient statues are on display toward the end of the house tour. Whilst a real life ballerina pirouetted amongst the visitors.

I haven't really gone to town with Christmas decorations at home this year mainly because the rented house is tiny and we are surrounded by stuff as it is. But I did buy a rather handsome 62cm Nutcracker soldier who is standing guard over the presents. I think I may start a wee collection of Nutcracker soldiers and see if next year I can rival the Chatsworth display.

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.