A Money Saving Idea

Good afternoon blogging chums. You know of course that I love to save a penny or two and will do my best, always, to get good quality at a reduced price if possible. So I thought going forward if I spot something I will let you all know. This weekend the Mr and I are popping to a travel show, to garner some information and to spot some jolly holiday options that perhaps we have missed before. It is on at the Manchester Central. We got free tickets through a newsletter I received, so far so good. We are then having a late lunch with our lad and his lovely girlfriend at a Spanish tapas bar. I googled said restaurant and tried to find any discount codes or offers. One popped up, The Tastecard. No I hadn't heard of it either, offering 2 for 1 on main meals. But It looked like you had to pay £79.99 for a year's subscription. I continued my search and saw it did have free trials etc but nothing I could access. Then BINGO! The Lidl App plus, which I have only installed about four weeks ago has a free trial for 90 days, and after that you can pay for a year's useage for only £29.99. I like the sound of that.

My Hope For 2025

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone joined in?

Vicar of Dibley Royal Mail Stamps

My very good friend Linda who passed away a few years ago now, was a HUGE fan of The Vicar of Dibley. She would have rushed to buy this new set of Royal Mail stamps, celebrating the iconic comedy series. These ones are available now on Ebay despite not officially being released until the 14th January. I'm not a collector of stamps myself but I kinda feel I need to buy them on her behalf, is that silly?

Everyone Is After My Money

It's the same all year really but the constant bombardment, post Christmas, for us to buy buy buy, is grating with me. The temptation to'grab a bargain' is very real, but actually resisting spending can be much more satisfying. The Mr and I did go out a few days ago to take a look around our local shops, more to stretch our legs than to look for something to buy. We did buy a few things, which I'm very pleased to say were all second hand from our various local charity shops and of course therefore very cheap. I also donated a few items at the same time. Win win. I did buy an old box which caught my eye because of the hand decoration on the outside. It appealed to me. I'm wondering how old it might be and whether it might perhaps have been a tea caddy in another life? I wonder if any of you, my blogging chums might know. Also the small brass insert shows a crest, any ideas?

Bright Blessings for 2025

It's been a funny ole year what with one thing and another. The Mr and I are still desperately wanting to get moved to Norfolk and that is our primary wish for early 2025. The end of 2024 has seen a lot of ill health in our extended family, with even the mr and I falling by the wayside in the last two weeks of December. Friends, we cancelled Christmas. But I am looking forward rather than back now. 2025 will be a healthy joyful one for us and I hope for all of you lovely blogging chums. Thank you for being there, I hope to do and share more with you all in 2025, sharing joy where I can. A toast to you all.

Emma Bridgewater - One of My Heroines

I'm sure most folk who live in the UK have heard of Emma Bridgewater, who, when only a young woman had the desire and the vision to save an enormous ancient pottery in Staffordshire. She says that literally everyone told her not to do it. In previous centuries the area was known for it's many potteries and of course the filthy air they created. Today there are only a few working potteries left. The Mr and I visited the Bridgewater pottery a few days ago, we had breakfast, a tour of the factory, we even painted some plates, which will be sent to us once they have been fired. The whole experience was top notch and I would recommend a visit if any of you get the chance. After witnessing the labour intensive process involved in making her pots I fully understand the pricing and their worth. Incidentally all the folk working there were very happy with their tasks. Take a look at our plates above, can you guess which one I decorated and which one the Mr did? Before we went he wasn't sure it was his cup of tea but he absolutely loved doing it. When we recieve them back I'll post another picture so you can see the difference in the glazes after several firings.

JUST WOW

Watch it all if you have time, you'll be smilimg ear to ear, with just a little tear.

Lucky Girl

"The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, some one even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours." Alan Benett, The History Boys. Today I was gifted two very special items for my yet to be reading room and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here is one of them. I'm a lucky girl.

And here is a very special boooooook. To grace my shelves.

Would You Like A Reading Room?

If we have the space in our new home I would love a sun filled and cosy reading room. In my dreams it would have a glorious log burner and beautiful architectural features.

I'm also thinking it should have a Bloomsbury vibe. Years of working at Charleston Farmhouse has rubbed off on me, I have very fond memories of my time there. And luckily I did buy a few things for my house. This Chair is covered in a Duncan Grant designed fabric. It was designed for the first class areas of The Queen Mary in the 1930s I believe. The design was never used, the total design concept deemed too modern and with nudes mixed in the design, too controversial.

I couldn't believe my luck this week when a pair of interlined curtains in the same fabric but in a different colourway came up on Freegle. I wasn't the first to reply and request them but managed to get them from a very nice lady who is a big fan of the 'Bloomsberries'. My guardian angel was looking out for me methinks. We had a lovely chat about Charleston and she said she was so pleased to give me the curtains.

My risque standard lamp will add the right finishing touch to my reading room I feel. It was an expensive item when I bought it many many years ago from The Charleston shop, I don't think I could afford it now. I absolutely love it.

What do you think folks, do you like the Bloomsbury designs or are they too funky and bright for you?

Painting Dreams

A wonderful painting from Wendy today, find her on her Painting Dreams website. I'm looking forward to my Christmas present from the Mr this year ordered from Wendy, another piece added to my collection of wall hangings.

Embracing Autumn

The changes in seasons can be hard, I find the encroaching darkness the hardest aspect and the drizzly days. But I'm trying to focus on the positive. I do love a log burner and candles always look better in the darker months. Hearty comforting food is just that at this time of year. Shepherd's pie, spicy curries, slow cooker stews , rich in flavour and so warming. As you know dear reader we are hoping to move to Norfolk by the sea as soon as we can sell our house so we are both determined to cosy up and enjoy the next few months in this house whilst trying not to yearn for future sunnier climes. I hope you all are keeping well and warm, enjoy Halloween tomorrow and settle into Autumn.