I've got my eye on that fabric. Head over to the website now.
xx
Thursday, 31 May 2012
H is for Home
I have found a site that you really need to check out - H is for Home - below is just a few of the lovely things that could be yours...
I've got my eye on that fabric. Head over to the website now.
xx
I've got my eye on that fabric. Head over to the website now.
xx
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
A Right Royal Time
As I was driving back from work I couldn't help but notice all of the jubilee decorations that have sprung up over night. Now is the time to get prepping it would seem, and I'm all for following the trend. I must confess, I like the royal family. I know some people don't really see the point of having them around, but I think they do a great job representing us as a country across the world. Plus they bring in lots of tourists which helps boost our economy (and we all know the economy needs some boosting!). So I am quietly excited about the Jubilee celebrations, after all she is giving us an extra day off work! I didn't want to be too cliched with Union Jacks everywhere, so I have found some items to incorporate into your home that tip their hat to the royal family, obviously in the essential red, white and blue. Basically I have an essential Jubilee party kit - blue chairs, red table and white cups.
I hope you all enjoy the jubilee celebrations.
xx
I hope you all enjoy the jubilee celebrations.
xx
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Colourful Kitchen Storage
So everything is back to normal after an emotional couple of days. The new job is going well - if I little over whelming still - and today was my day at the farm with the cows and chickens. But back on track to the home. Over at Design Sponge they had a great before and after project which I'm really inspired by, check out the post HERE.
I particularly love the kitchen above. The use of bright colours that pop out of the white background looks fantastic. I also think this is a great storage solution idea and a great way to use up old doors or shutters. It would also look great in the bedroom for your bags, scarves and jewellery. Hope that gives you suitable inspiration, it certainly has with me.
xx
Images Courtesy of Design Sponge
I particularly love the kitchen above. The use of bright colours that pop out of the white background looks fantastic. I also think this is a great storage solution idea and a great way to use up old doors or shutters. It would also look great in the bedroom for your bags, scarves and jewellery. Hope that gives you suitable inspiration, it certainly has with me.
xx
Monday, 28 May 2012
A Wedding or a House?
So, a while ago I mentioned that we had some exciting things coming up in our future. One of which was the job, another that is shop related which I will tell you about another time, and a third that I will explain now. This one also explains my mood the other day....
I know I have talked about house hunting before but I'm not sure I have ever explained things fully? My current living situation is just a temporary fix with the parents. My other half and I have been saving up so that we could buy a house. We have managed to save up a nice little nest but both our incomes are quite low, so we were aware that we wouldn't be able to borrow a huge amount from the bank. But our deposit was healthy and we were hoping this would take us a long way.
We decided to have a look at shared ownership schemes. For any that don't know, this is where you buy a percentage of a property and then pay rent for the other percentage. The idea being that you only need a small mortgage but still get on the property ladder. Well we thought we had found the perfect place. It was the only property left on a new development in Frome, the building being a coach house with a 50% shared ownership. We had a look round and we really liked it. We spoke to a mortgage broker and they found a mortgage that was comfortably in our reach and we got a certificate of approval, we applied for the shared ownership and got approved. Everything looked rosy. We reserved the property and told the broker to get the mortgage going, and that's where it all fell down. The mortgage provider turned round and said that they could only give us the mortgage if we put down another 10% deposit, so rather than a 15% deposit (which is what we had) we would need a 25% deposit.
The cost of that extra 10% was basically our wedding budget.
As you can imagine I started to panic a little, so we went and spoke to other mortgage people and got exactly the same answer. So I was faced with the question, a wedding or a house? I know that most of you would think that there was an obvious answer to this. "Buy the house! The wedding is only one day the house is forever" But let me explain a bit further. The budget for our wedding is about £7000 - £8000, which is cheap!! We have already sacrificed a lot of what we wanted to go towards the deposit, and if we used every penny left to get to 25%, we would not have any money left. Not a penny. No money to furnish the new house with a fridge, freezer, washing machine. No money in case the car breaks down. Nothing.
I'm afraid we chose the wedding. We feel that if we save up some more over the next year or two maybe we can start the search again, a new development scheme may be on the go, or our circumstances may have changed so that we are aloud to borrow more.
I still can't help feeling so disappointed in ourselves. I'm embarrassed that I thought it was all do-able. But now we have to search for somewhere to rent, change our mind set and carry on. I guess this was just a practise run. But I'm very sad to not be dreaming of our own home any more. Back to normal posts tomorrow with lots of exciting projects and lovely items for sale.
xx
I know I have talked about house hunting before but I'm not sure I have ever explained things fully? My current living situation is just a temporary fix with the parents. My other half and I have been saving up so that we could buy a house. We have managed to save up a nice little nest but both our incomes are quite low, so we were aware that we wouldn't be able to borrow a huge amount from the bank. But our deposit was healthy and we were hoping this would take us a long way.
We decided to have a look at shared ownership schemes. For any that don't know, this is where you buy a percentage of a property and then pay rent for the other percentage. The idea being that you only need a small mortgage but still get on the property ladder. Well we thought we had found the perfect place. It was the only property left on a new development in Frome, the building being a coach house with a 50% shared ownership. We had a look round and we really liked it. We spoke to a mortgage broker and they found a mortgage that was comfortably in our reach and we got a certificate of approval, we applied for the shared ownership and got approved. Everything looked rosy. We reserved the property and told the broker to get the mortgage going, and that's where it all fell down. The mortgage provider turned round and said that they could only give us the mortgage if we put down another 10% deposit, so rather than a 15% deposit (which is what we had) we would need a 25% deposit.
The cost of that extra 10% was basically our wedding budget.
As you can imagine I started to panic a little, so we went and spoke to other mortgage people and got exactly the same answer. So I was faced with the question, a wedding or a house? I know that most of you would think that there was an obvious answer to this. "Buy the house! The wedding is only one day the house is forever" But let me explain a bit further. The budget for our wedding is about £7000 - £8000, which is cheap!! We have already sacrificed a lot of what we wanted to go towards the deposit, and if we used every penny left to get to 25%, we would not have any money left. Not a penny. No money to furnish the new house with a fridge, freezer, washing machine. No money in case the car breaks down. Nothing.
I'm afraid we chose the wedding. We feel that if we save up some more over the next year or two maybe we can start the search again, a new development scheme may be on the go, or our circumstances may have changed so that we are aloud to borrow more.
I still can't help feeling so disappointed in ourselves. I'm embarrassed that I thought it was all do-able. But now we have to search for somewhere to rent, change our mind set and carry on. I guess this was just a practise run. But I'm very sad to not be dreaming of our own home any more. Back to normal posts tomorrow with lots of exciting projects and lovely items for sale.
xx
Saturday, 26 May 2012
A Part Timer
I previously mentioned that I potentially had some very exciting things coming up, well I can now fill you in. But first let me give you the background info:
Running your own business is hard. Particularly when it is just you on your own. I spend a lot of time on my own in the workshop and I really miss the stimulation of working in a team. I also have to confess that I have been a bit worried about our cash flow. Although I have my own seperate money for the business I'm not pulling in a wage as of yet for the house-hold, which means my other half has to keep us both going. I have been feeling intensly guilty that so much rests on his shoulders.
I have realised that I probably need to get a part time job, something that would keep me stimulated and also help balance the books. My training in conservation and restoration is a very valuable skill, and I so desperately wanted something in that field.
Well I have managed to get it! I will now be a Conservation Assistant for the National Trust at Stourhead House.
This is the house that I will be taking care of along with a team of other Conservation Assistants. The position is perfect; it is close to home, part-time and uses all the skills I currently have. My first day is tomorrow and I am so very happy, excited and nervous rolled into one!
I hope you don't all think I'm a complete sell out? The blog, shop and markets will still be running as normal, I will just look less guilty and worried. I'm hoping that I can achieve the impossible dream of having a perfect work, business and life balance. Wish me luck!
xx
Running your own business is hard. Particularly when it is just you on your own. I spend a lot of time on my own in the workshop and I really miss the stimulation of working in a team. I also have to confess that I have been a bit worried about our cash flow. Although I have my own seperate money for the business I'm not pulling in a wage as of yet for the house-hold, which means my other half has to keep us both going. I have been feeling intensly guilty that so much rests on his shoulders.
I have realised that I probably need to get a part time job, something that would keep me stimulated and also help balance the books. My training in conservation and restoration is a very valuable skill, and I so desperately wanted something in that field.
Well I have managed to get it! I will now be a Conservation Assistant for the National Trust at Stourhead House.
 |
| Image sourced from - HERE |
This is the house that I will be taking care of along with a team of other Conservation Assistants. The position is perfect; it is close to home, part-time and uses all the skills I currently have. My first day is tomorrow and I am so very happy, excited and nervous rolled into one!
I hope you don't all think I'm a complete sell out? The blog, shop and markets will still be running as normal, I will just look less guilty and worried. I'm hoping that I can achieve the impossible dream of having a perfect work, business and life balance. Wish me luck!
xx
Friday, 25 May 2012
New Item Friday
Hello!
I have some lovely items that have been added to the shop today - make sure you head over to check them out by clicking HERE.
Unfortunately, I have not had a good day. And although I had arranged a non-work day tomorrow to enjoy myself a little, it is now going to be taken up with a huge amount of none Springy Beard paperwork. I will hopefully be able to tell you more soon. I don't mean to be so cryptic, but I feel I need some time to process everything before I fill you all in.
Sigh.
That word seems to sum up my mood.
I do have something very exciting and nerve racking happening on Sunday which should make-up for everything.......but I am so very tired, and it really deserves its own post, so I'll fill you in on that tomorrow.
I hope you all have a gorgeous Friday evening.
xx
I have some lovely items that have been added to the shop today - make sure you head over to check them out by clicking HERE.
Unfortunately, I have not had a good day. And although I had arranged a non-work day tomorrow to enjoy myself a little, it is now going to be taken up with a huge amount of none Springy Beard paperwork. I will hopefully be able to tell you more soon. I don't mean to be so cryptic, but I feel I need some time to process everything before I fill you all in.
Sigh.
That word seems to sum up my mood.
I do have something very exciting and nerve racking happening on Sunday which should make-up for everything.......but I am so very tired, and it really deserves its own post, so I'll fill you in on that tomorrow.
I hope you all have a gorgeous Friday evening.
xx
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Tutorial: Doily Table Runner
I got a little inspired from my own post the other day. I have had a stash of doilies for a while that I have been wandering what to do with - if you remember I did a post all about 'What To Do With Doilies'. By a funny coincidence doilies appeared in my recent post about 'Table Runners'.
It was this image of a doily table runner that made up my mind. I decided my doilies would become a runner, and this is how I did it.
YOU WILL NEED:
METHOD:
1. First of all make sure that all your doilies are clean and have been ironed flat. Then begin by arranging them on a flat surface to give yourself a layout. Remember a table runner is normally log and thin but have fun and see what happens.
2. Once you are happy with the arrangement pin the doilies together.
3. You then want to start stitching the doilies in their positions. Try to use thread that blends in with the colour of your doilies. I used a simple running stitch and their is a 'How To' HERE.
4. Just keep going until all the doilies have been stitched together and your table runner is complete.
You could also expand this idea - if you had more doilies you could create an entire table cloth or throw for the sofa or bed, or even attach your runner to a simple roman blind. See how useful doilies are!
xx
 |
| Visit the image HERE |
YOU WILL NEED:
- Doilies
- Pins
- Needle
- Thread
METHOD:
1. First of all make sure that all your doilies are clean and have been ironed flat. Then begin by arranging them on a flat surface to give yourself a layout. Remember a table runner is normally log and thin but have fun and see what happens.
2. Once you are happy with the arrangement pin the doilies together.
3. You then want to start stitching the doilies in their positions. Try to use thread that blends in with the colour of your doilies. I used a simple running stitch and their is a 'How To' HERE.
4. Just keep going until all the doilies have been stitched together and your table runner is complete.
You could also expand this idea - if you had more doilies you could create an entire table cloth or throw for the sofa or bed, or even attach your runner to a simple roman blind. See how useful doilies are!
xx
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Doctor Doctor
Some lovely news, one of my items has been featured in a very cool medical related treasury list on etsy.
I love medical related items. I actually used to work at the Science Museum and I spent a lot of time looking after surgical instruments, prosthetic legs, etc. etc. This treasury list made my heart flutter a little bit as I thought about all the objects I left behind when I moved away from London. I know you shouldn't get too attached to inanimate objects, but the museum's collections were like my babies.........hmmm, a bit worrying........I think I need to get a pet.
xx
 |
| Visit the treasury list by clicking HERE |
I love medical related items. I actually used to work at the Science Museum and I spent a lot of time looking after surgical instruments, prosthetic legs, etc. etc. This treasury list made my heart flutter a little bit as I thought about all the objects I left behind when I moved away from London. I know you shouldn't get too attached to inanimate objects, but the museum's collections were like my babies.........hmmm, a bit worrying........I think I need to get a pet.
xx
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Empire Records
A wonderful thing has happened, my love for home and vintage has meshed beautifully with one of my all time favourite movies. Courtesy of Design Sponge we are 'Living In: Empire Records' - check out the full post HERE. Who knew that the 90s would come back in fashion!
All Images Courtesy of Design Sponge
xx
Monday, 21 May 2012
Very Tiring Weekend
So the weekend is over and I have worked my socks off. We had a great day both Saturday and Sunday with a good number of sales, so I feel I have earned a more restful Monday, but unfortunately it doesn't look like I am going to get one. Accounts to do, unpacking of stock, visit to the bank, make lots of phone calls and collect some auction wins.....I'm tired just thinking about it. So, before I have to do all of this lets have a look at some of the photos from the weekend.
I'm at the Farm again tomorrow so a nice early start and the first time I will be collecting eggs on my own! But I think now is the time for another cup of coffee......
xx
DEVIZES
BATH
xx
Friday, 18 May 2012
New Item Friday
I have some lovely new things added to the shop today which you can visit - HERE.
Don't forget that I will be at a market in Devizes on Saturday, and at a market in Bath on Sunday. You can check out the details by visiting THIS post, or go to my facebook page. If I don't have chance to speak to you I hope you all have a lovely weekend, lots of interesting things coming up next week so stay tuned!
xx
Don't forget that I will be at a market in Devizes on Saturday, and at a market in Bath on Sunday. You can check out the details by visiting THIS post, or go to my facebook page. If I don't have chance to speak to you I hope you all have a lovely weekend, lots of interesting things coming up next week so stay tuned!
xx
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Table Runners
Now should be the time of year where we start to have lovely family get togethers, particularly with the birthday season upon me. But the current weather does not really help, I have thoughts of lovely evenings spent in the garden with delicious food and good company, but currently I think we would get a bit wet and probably freeze. But I live in hope and in the mean time, to help cheer up our interior dining room, I have been looking at very gorgeous table runners to adorn my table at all the family gatherings.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Fill Your May Weekend with Markets!
So this is the schedule for the upcoming weekend.
Saturday 19th - I will be in Devizers for an 'upscale' car boot where my stall fee has gone to raise money for Cancer Research. The car boot is being held at Stert Country House and buyers are welcome from 8:30am. I will have lots of bargains with me so if you are in the area make sure you come and visit. For any sat nav users the postcode is SN10 3JD.
Sunday 20th - I will be at Bath Race Course, being very brave with an outside pitch (keep your fingers crossed for nice weather!). This market is a must for any one in the area as you can wander around the grounds as well as checking out all the lovely stalls. Buyers are welcome from 9:30am. For any sat nav users the postcode is BA1 9BU.
So, if you are looking for something to do this weekend please come and visit me. It would be lovely to see you.
xx
Saturday 19th - I will be in Devizers for an 'upscale' car boot where my stall fee has gone to raise money for Cancer Research. The car boot is being held at Stert Country House and buyers are welcome from 8:30am. I will have lots of bargains with me so if you are in the area make sure you come and visit. For any sat nav users the postcode is SN10 3JD.
Sunday 20th - I will be at Bath Race Course, being very brave with an outside pitch (keep your fingers crossed for nice weather!). This market is a must for any one in the area as you can wander around the grounds as well as checking out all the lovely stalls. Buyers are welcome from 9:30am. For any sat nav users the postcode is BA1 9BU.
So, if you are looking for something to do this weekend please come and visit me. It would be lovely to see you.
xx
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
A Scottish Weekend
Everything is back to normal today. We woke up this morning back in our own bed with our usual routines, I got up to feed the calves and the other half got ready for work. We had such a lovely 4 days in Scotland and I thought I would share a few of our favourite photos with you.
Now to look forward to the upcoming week. I have a very busy weekend ahead of me with a market on both Saturday and Sunday. But for now, I will let you enjoy the photos and dream of your own holidays. I will fill you in on the markets tomorrow - I believe the phrase is 'no rest for the wicked'....
xx
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| Our B&B Moraybank |
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| The gorgeous sleigh bed in our room |
 |
| The bride and groom |
 |
| Barrels of whisky at Glenmoray Distillery |
 |
| Craigievar Castle near Aberdeen |
Now to look forward to the upcoming week. I have a very busy weekend ahead of me with a market on both Saturday and Sunday. But for now, I will let you enjoy the photos and dream of your own holidays. I will fill you in on the markets tomorrow - I believe the phrase is 'no rest for the wicked'....
xx
Saturday, 12 May 2012
A Beautiful Morning in Elgin
Just a little taster of the beautiful morning we are having in Elgin. The picture is the view from our bedroom window of the church where the ceremony will be later on today.
Having a lovely relaxing time. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday mornings. Xx
Having a lovely relaxing time. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday mornings. Xx
Thursday, 10 May 2012
New Item Thursday...
We are flying up to Scotland tomorrow so I thought I would be organised and add some new items to the shop today instead. I have added 2 very special items which take me back to being a little girl. I was never a barbie kind of girl (truth be told I preferred My Little Ponies), but I always loved paper doll books. I would proceed to use them so much that the paper would get torn. These 2 dolls are from the 1970s! How have they managed to survive so long? They deserve a new and loving home so head over to the shop - HERE.
We are heading to Elgin for a friends wedding, which is taking place on Saturday. We decided to make a long weekend of it as we haven't really been to Scotland before. We will arrive in Aberdeen airport first thing Friday morning, and are hiring a rental car so that we can drive about and see all the sights. The wedding should be amazing, and finished crossed we will also get to see a pink castle, a whisky distillery and a watermill! I will be back posting on Tuesday to tell you all about it, so I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
xx
We are heading to Elgin for a friends wedding, which is taking place on Saturday. We decided to make a long weekend of it as we haven't really been to Scotland before. We will arrive in Aberdeen airport first thing Friday morning, and are hiring a rental car so that we can drive about and see all the sights. The wedding should be amazing, and finished crossed we will also get to see a pink castle, a whisky distillery and a watermill! I will be back posting on Tuesday to tell you all about it, so I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
xx
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