Wednesday, 5 August 2026

Make Do & Mend A Thrifty Post

 Years ago I followed a wonderful blogger called ' A Thrifty Mrs'.  She would pass on pearls of wisdom that were honestly life changing. She set me on the road of good value and no waste. I miss her thoughtful  contributions. I believe she sold the rights to her brand and probably went on to better things or at least things that required less dedication and hard work.

I have oft mentioned my resentment of companies and manufacturers who are constantly dipping their beaks in my pockets. Items that are poor value or which do not last a reasonable time, really get my goat!

 This week I took offence with my shower puff. I use a plastic puff, I know not good, but the sustainable ones don't work and frankly become unpleasant after a short time.

The problem with my chosen puff is that after a while it starts to unravel, then of course is not so efficient and starts to annoy me. At which point in the past I have purchased another. You can see where this is going.

Well no more I say! I have drawn a line in the sand, so to speak , and I have learnt from the all wise Youtube how to reassemble my puffs. A quiet revelation. Most satisfying.


Plus I have been darning my favourite pure wool socks in preparation for the cooler months, yes they will come.

These socks are ultra thick and cosy but wear through in one particular spot. So now I darn and don't purchase new pairs.


As they say up T'North, money saved is money earned. What thrifty tips would you pass on to other folk at this time of year? Do tell.










Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Happisburgh Norfolk

 This poor quaint English village is slowly falling into the sea. I believe it has been doing so for many decades now. Measures have been taken over the years to stop the erosion but alas it still progresses.


There are signs along the coastal areas to warn folk of imminent danger.


Famous for it's red and white striped lighthouse built in 1790, and St. Mary's, a beautiful 15th century church.








I was very taken with the medieval stone octagonal font, featuring carvings of Angels, symbols of the Evangelists and my personal favourite, Wildmen (woodwoses) and funny faced adorable Lions.

It would be so sad if all this was lost to the sea. Let's hope the local powers that be continue to fight the erosion.

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Harvest Time


 More to do today. My chamomile beds were a fail this year, but I've found some that have self seeded elswhere in the garden. Yippee.

Sunday, 12 July 2026

Beatrix Potter 160 Years

 Good morning dear hearts. Did I remember to tell you that I joined a little known society early on in the year? A little society celebrating a Great Briton.


Beatrix Potter had an enormous impact on my childhood, her little books took me to magical places which were an especial delight to me. A complete contrast to the bookless house I grew up in. It was years before I fully realised everything she had achieved in her life and what a wonderful human being she was and how in so many ways she touched so many lives.

This July 28th sees the 160 year anniversary of her birth and of course is a major cause for celebration. Emma Bridgewater who has a special place in her heart for Beatrix Potter has produced a lovely Peter Rabbit collection. It launched yesterday and I flew to the website to order a keepsake. I wasn't planning on making such a big purchase, but................



An heirloom piece to add to my collection. I'm super pleased with it. Not that I will need to employ it any time soon :)

If you have a chance do pop over to the Beatrix Potter Society website beatrixpotter.org.uk

Monday, 6 July 2026

Wiveton Hall A Jacobean Manor House

 








The Mr and I visited the wonderful Wiveton Hall in Norfolk last week. Actually it was a tour of the grounds and gardens led by the most eccentric and lovely man, Desmond MacCarthy, whose family have owned the house for several generations. 

He charmed and captivated the large group of about forty people with stories and tales of the past. It felt like he held our collective hands and took us back in time to meet the interesting and characterful folk who share his history with the house and gardens.

An eminent story teller and a deeply kind and authentic man, and as the website says the Hall is a place that is genuinely special, quietly beautiful and entirely itself. I don't think the word magical is too strong.

If you plan on visiting Norfolk please do try and book ahead for one of Desmond's tours. He will delight you and restore your faith in humanity.

Hello and a very warm welcome to Wanda a new follower, thank you muchly for pressing the Follow button.

Sunday, 21 June 2026

Summer Solstice Blessings Dear Friends

 


We're off to a Summer Solstice celebration this afternoon. It's being held in the orchard that once belonged to my lovely chum Linda who passed away in 2020. The couple who bought the house invited us last year as well, such a kindness. I might even feel brave enough to go inside the cottage this time.

I'll be making a headdress with flowers from our garden and I'll be wearing a tomato dress. Yes a dress covered in tomatoes! Purhased in the colder months for a snip. It will be it's first outing today.





Bright blessings to you all, enjoy your revels.

Make Do & Mend A Thrifty Post

 Years ago I followed a wonderful blogger called ' A Thrifty Mrs'.  She would pass on pearls of wisdom that were honestly life chang...