tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13645817448224202382024-02-07T18:07:58.510-08:00The CountrystyleCountrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-6590237548242070492012-01-09T10:28:00.000-08:002012-01-09T10:28:09.937-08:00Manning the Exhibition<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This morning I went to an exhibition of one of my favourite local artists; </span><a href="http://www.juliamanning.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Julia Manning</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. She specialises in printmaking and her subject matter is the nature, birds and animals. I like her work because it's energetic and little bit sketchy but somehow still very real. She captures the character, movement and nature of the animals without a hint of photorealism - it's the world around her as she sees it. She is also excellent with colour and her prints have a really graphic quality that I love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW9Ds6QmAURbsMeo4EpzwG0hOKYKi1ald8IJIcYhIiPM3CRC5v4rGfU9ORHZgVXXhX7SOlj10DESeAcwTF7oJbUruYqikwn8G_sEm7GI8hyphenhyphenD8hXY3OdFxKHDvcSRQsVfxH6PqfG-vsA/s1600/Julia+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW9Ds6QmAURbsMeo4EpzwG0hOKYKi1ald8IJIcYhIiPM3CRC5v4rGfU9ORHZgVXXhX7SOlj10DESeAcwTF7oJbUruYqikwn8G_sEm7GI8hyphenhyphenD8hXY3OdFxKHDvcSRQsVfxH6PqfG-vsA/s640/Julia+1.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The 'all things bright and beautiful' exhibition runs until 25th Jan at the </span><a href="http://www.johnleachpottery.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Leach Gallery</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> in Muchelney, Somerset.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm2iMS5zgcqK1_Cw2nOxe0fsLl7Sw5YVr43lOaqNs6k06CaoTkFYyETJNrSxah-UCJhoI0h6NgZdQ2cb4BqKVKxTc7L4XuA9JWjZWKRCq1H55GftZwIx41gM5GJLRPlFyHemLta8SFw/s1600/Julia+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm2iMS5zgcqK1_Cw2nOxe0fsLl7Sw5YVr43lOaqNs6k06CaoTkFYyETJNrSxah-UCJhoI0h6NgZdQ2cb4BqKVKxTc7L4XuA9JWjZWKRCq1H55GftZwIx41gM5GJLRPlFyHemLta8SFw/s400/Julia+1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wotan's Wut</span><br />
<br />
<div align="left"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am in love with her woodcut prints of Rooks and Ravens. I am saving up for the framed print above, though am torn between one big print or two smaller ones:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T0UybX3YMVFzdQYW-asRyVXeHMKIUQBkLuPp5Rt4lmi19Jf1woJEgMRECkdwGyCKShpSntiHby3RiO4F_MHwViimAuGLG8z8iUC6FH4-ZQJrCGC_AZBwWjWRbArd8OA2_jAX6mOL_w/s1600/Julia+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T0UybX3YMVFzdQYW-asRyVXeHMKIUQBkLuPp5Rt4lmi19Jf1woJEgMRECkdwGyCKShpSntiHby3RiO4F_MHwViimAuGLG8z8iUC6FH4-ZQJrCGC_AZBwWjWRbArd8OA2_jAX6mOL_w/s320/Julia+2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXVZjSR1B79XuvRZRc4GcI_SJoaLjUu5xRedE06bBC6_0XYgS8-1wBhyphenhyphenYRL5gFDlOIlQSIW34NCQBStbTq7Oh5Fxo2GEonZSCpWBH3lQgNJcHlbTaxHJv9ZcHeoXZgcphHfQQppOqLg/s1600/Julia+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXVZjSR1B79XuvRZRc4GcI_SJoaLjUu5xRedE06bBC6_0XYgS8-1wBhyphenhyphenYRL5gFDlOIlQSIW34NCQBStbTq7Oh5Fxo2GEonZSCpWBH3lQgNJcHlbTaxHJv9ZcHeoXZgcphHfQQppOqLg/s320/Julia+3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rook Star</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have until the 25th January to decide! No house to hang them in yet but I believe in being prepared!</span>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-90676741049527898852012-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:48:07.366-08:00It's been a while<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I gave up writing this blog just before I finally moved back to Somerset. After being busy with work for the last year and a half I'm ready to take it up again. It is a new year after all.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">So without further ado I'd like to get back into posting about things I've found that I love. For the last few months I've been staring at a postcard on my bedside table that I picked up at a Vintage Fair in Somerton. It's by artist and jeweller </span></span><a href="http://www.racheleardley.com/index.html"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Racheal Eardley</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="color: #45818e;">.</span> She has a beautiful naive handwriting. I particularly like the jewellery that she makes out of defunct coins, they are such an original idea.</span></span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.racheleardley.com/coin_rings.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="295" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6h4xRLO_X9aCYGp7iFQLLVNQ8SF-oANYxenMSpqJM5ZwEu0Y2Toiu3Ku4R4QsLNWH8KTYuEaUnp9jJIdGWK6HnQ_-T5Do5Z_Cfqn2lRnuqk1fpRNoipzkdiGBMWLrSJorbsa-qivFw/s400/Racheal+eardley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Various Rings - mixed alloys and silver</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am also a big fan of her embroidery. Taking already detailed pieces of textile such as a doily or a handkerchief and adding her own graphic designs of everyday items results in a piece of work that is nostalgic and modern at the same time. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.racheleardley.com/embroidery.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="370" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKKz84RRKX30p-dWhdJrXIMFxksI5hEiANIpehT4nr8MlWEwwhvLB1z4ysxBWLjn6FpwfPO7bemUA5wZsET3B34q5Df1-xdrs2KStqL1hpxTLhz0Yrh2YXd0Gm3yrQKlWMbTf-A8VRA/s400/RE2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Malted Milk</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Racheal Eardley's </span><a href="http://www.racheleardley.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">website</span></a><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and online shop is very lovely so I suggest taking a look. Her </span><a href="http://www.racheleardley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">blog</span></a><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> will keep you up to date with up and coming fairs and exhibitions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-72492108034599461972010-06-10T09:34:00.000-07:002010-06-10T09:34:54.849-07:00Coco...may I?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINpno1EpqOGBWXJSANBhdPspF4SfAHhA_Zr3naH-1aW94wvccE51_-3ZYBdwaHSF6SNygae1sbDwFWRGJTkYFki92k6XekR7mL1nHtxNhi71UD8p9m-8TvNNHnoO1CJ1676C2DKpgQQ/s1600/P5242204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINpno1EpqOGBWXJSANBhdPspF4SfAHhA_Zr3naH-1aW94wvccE51_-3ZYBdwaHSF6SNygae1sbDwFWRGJTkYFki92k6XekR7mL1nHtxNhi71UD8p9m-8TvNNHnoO1CJ1676C2DKpgQQ/s400/P5242204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I felt this box of chocolates from <a href="http://www.cocomaya.co.uk/index.php/main"><span style="color: #351c75;">Cocomaya</span></a> just really couldn't go without a mention...I think they are the most beautiful chocolates I've ever seen! The chocolatier and adjoining artisan bakery are located on up-and-coming <a href="http://www.connaught-village.co.uk/"><span style="color: #351c75;">Connaught Street</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;">,</span> a London street known for its luxurious collection of independent shops and restaurants.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GM9jBu9XdBoFqOeE_cZiAQ9ucvVr-DinffA8TUJTSjchqdlaXUyGspFxzizH7BT-30lkzzv_UQMaI0TLfBstPEfZJgHreIBFgbHotJ2bzV_i36fCj2EUhwlD0Mdlqj_tcZQXAmXAwg/s1600/P5242205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GM9jBu9XdBoFqOeE_cZiAQ9ucvVr-DinffA8TUJTSjchqdlaXUyGspFxzizH7BT-30lkzzv_UQMaI0TLfBstPEfZJgHreIBFgbHotJ2bzV_i36fCj2EUhwlD0Mdlqj_tcZQXAmXAwg/s400/P5242205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The chocolate shop specialises in anything chocolatey; drinks, ice creams and handmade cakes as well as exquisite chocolates like the ones below. They are all handmade, use the finest cocoa beans that meet fair trade standards, and avoid at all cost any artificial colourings or flavourings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd5rhrZE5i58wd55nXS4nsw0tUvCnIOLNTP6djAG4y6A-lyZ4AMuNynCYl7AFoDCCVpm_nCT6Pvfilid0Lao2Q3o2pUA0ljo6ZimQqawr1k5iNqMwnVJRMUHcyE95WIFavaOvme8BuA/s1600/P5242207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd5rhrZE5i58wd55nXS4nsw0tUvCnIOLNTP6djAG4y6A-lyZ4AMuNynCYl7AFoDCCVpm_nCT6Pvfilid0Lao2Q3o2pUA0ljo6ZimQqawr1k5iNqMwnVJRMUHcyE95WIFavaOvme8BuA/s400/P5242207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to get this little box for my birthday...the chocolates are molto costoso so I think it will be a while before I get to sample them again. They were delicious though <em>almost </em>too pretty to eat. There is also a cafe where they do great coffee and delicious (but expensive!) salads and sandwiches, but it's well worth the treat, and you get to have a wonder round the lovely shops afterwards. Super.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSdGackef-HiLI572LXHFtj-aOINr2wfPxfMEnfhz_eY4dJdZuDWDr-uGeYxGw0TMNGZw8-rRITqGvicfm32wcjYFO2t673sdePjNDeao5qN5bvoMaKReU5chQgSkqONdjSxXh3XR7A/s1600/P5242208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSdGackef-HiLI572LXHFtj-aOINr2wfPxfMEnfhz_eY4dJdZuDWDr-uGeYxGw0TMNGZw8-rRITqGvicfm32wcjYFO2t673sdePjNDeao5qN5bvoMaKReU5chQgSkqONdjSxXh3XR7A/s400/P5242208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-11264759528688150842010-06-07T08:01:00.000-07:002010-06-07T08:03:23.304-07:00Garden of Eden<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKmeYZ5b_ndAvFhEZqWLs6Ua83ku3doXkw4NHqGTf4INL6eSnxvLFm5zFhRTETUkTLP4A2rFfLg5vPSdpEqjuBAVK25pNWzKQaDM0sebcIk-MQtxfqNSKrCuwWdXZAKeD8QvxAZrl_Q/s1600/P5262228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKmeYZ5b_ndAvFhEZqWLs6Ua83ku3doXkw4NHqGTf4INL6eSnxvLFm5zFhRTETUkTLP4A2rFfLg5vPSdpEqjuBAVK25pNWzKQaDM0sebcIk-MQtxfqNSKrCuwWdXZAKeD8QvxAZrl_Q/s400/P5262228.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A very belated post about the wonderful 2010 Chelsea Flower Show. There were some amazing gardens at this year's show. My absolute favourite was the </span><a href="http://www.edenproject.com/"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eden Project</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 'Places of Change' garden. The biggest ever show garden seen at Chelsea was created by 500 people supported by 43 homelessness agencies and 50 from eight different prisons, who teamed up with gardeners from the Eden Project in Cornwall.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxb5IkfHiqFioQnjzQillvdcBTZD287VaO5pRHJDql4rVGByhaCMSN3jDx90aoUjVXB9lBWo08f0fbtZP-4hD-6hdBRpEdKwl1tz4xa9tKtYX_6dINn29IWIj9WIihVxiKd6XRQtkig/s1600/P5262229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxb5IkfHiqFioQnjzQillvdcBTZD287VaO5pRHJDql4rVGByhaCMSN3jDx90aoUjVXB9lBWo08f0fbtZP-4hD-6hdBRpEdKwl1tz4xa9tKtYX_6dINn29IWIj9WIihVxiKd6XRQtkig/s400/P5262229.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The colourful garden was designed by </span><a href="http://www.paulstonegardens.co.uk/"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Paul Stone</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and I enjoyed it because it was a very 'real' garden that felt like it could be achieved by all, and on a budget. It incorporated flowers and vegetables, and I was especially intrigued by the greenhouse made from recycling plastic drinks bottles. Such a sustainable and cheap alternative to a glass house - I'm saving up my Evian bottles already!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLBir44ohM4gisiHCW_8uYwIs7iMp2OVJkXqQNXQ16J1gohQJfutS_ceFp-faozekUE1kldO_8D36N0HzfJuSGDKeKjomRFCy0eI17mjRssSB2dp33kKBtrzOrJuIex351ORlk7LDvw/s1600/P5262230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLBir44ohM4gisiHCW_8uYwIs7iMp2OVJkXqQNXQ16J1gohQJfutS_ceFp-faozekUE1kldO_8D36N0HzfJuSGDKeKjomRFCy0eI17mjRssSB2dp33kKBtrzOrJuIex351ORlk7LDvw/s400/P5262230.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can read more about it on the Eden Project's blog </span><a href="http://www.edenproject.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/eden-at-chelsea/"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MEs6FaRCCkbv-FbJxUzV4NvxnkYUbooOGAsqyKXx11_vqOsnO3z7bF7BDOfp3EHXl_Kb9NN4Lj83JweY_b_wpiPWWtAybvnwWJKv3roJ5QxieVEuQJFOVz4g4piNRs4N0kHkmehWeg/s1600/P5262231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MEs6FaRCCkbv-FbJxUzV4NvxnkYUbooOGAsqyKXx11_vqOsnO3z7bF7BDOfp3EHXl_Kb9NN4Lj83JweY_b_wpiPWWtAybvnwWJKv3roJ5QxieVEuQJFOVz4g4piNRs4N0kHkmehWeg/s400/P5262231.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also loved </span><a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/FO/Home.aspx"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">L'Occitane's</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> garden designed by </span><a href="http://jamestowillis.com/artwork/1340906_On_Provence.html"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">James Towillis</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, who has managed to successfully bottle a piece of Provence. The best bit were the ancient olive trees, which I was told were saved from Northern Italy from certain death and were thought to be dated between 100 and 400 years old. Amazing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-lTeJ7IfKY4w2pbeqbLEpqdpnmZnPhewCVEqJ1MKfJTiNmKZk5BbZrtyLWdJMvqf42aGEKywZo1OmG_ejtnsn0v4JdXKXuZ4UUIMcN5PP423QQwQqdtecjAl3X3BOvFUNlsOSvhUPw/s1600/P5262240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-lTeJ7IfKY4w2pbeqbLEpqdpnmZnPhewCVEqJ1MKfJTiNmKZk5BbZrtyLWdJMvqf42aGEKywZo1OmG_ejtnsn0v4JdXKXuZ4UUIMcN5PP423QQwQqdtecjAl3X3BOvFUNlsOSvhUPw/s400/P5262240.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-69028183483379730782010-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:002010-05-13T14:46:57.449-07:00Bee in your bonnet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA0n3zJKXzQTrOZco3PtEKrthjfxJybxnLatkvazN2wS2RQg4ZySBX695N9t1Zk31SuoTd75znIp2jwkmpfe1Tj9OhgHdz7VRqNzgxsQVZceQorExx-nRg5z2q1Oonam5eGaNadRBLg/s1600/yellow+hat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA0n3zJKXzQTrOZco3PtEKrthjfxJybxnLatkvazN2wS2RQg4ZySBX695N9t1Zk31SuoTd75znIp2jwkmpfe1Tj9OhgHdz7VRqNzgxsQVZceQorExx-nRg5z2q1Oonam5eGaNadRBLg/s400/yellow+hat2.jpg" width="267" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Up-and-coming new milliner and very good friend of mine <a href="http://www.bee-smith.co.uk/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Bee Smith</span></a> has just launched her first collection of hats. Bee has long been known on the craft scene with her unique range of quirky, hand-made accessories and handbags, with a following on <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/beesmithbridal"><span style="color: #674ea7;">folksy</span></a> and at her market stall at <a href="http://www.visitspitalfields.com/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Spitalfields</span></a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgfR8qdXaAaehuZiJzwWtEem-nBN_38evbJphJX_CN_iMSZYJQuhEkrd5WvVONweS90YTxOGqAhVEM3QX0jWrJREW07puGdIOdo6zwwrBkZn0eEDI3bfP7g-zMQm9X9kchFgp7fuw2Q/s1600/nat2_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgfR8qdXaAaehuZiJzwWtEem-nBN_38evbJphJX_CN_iMSZYJQuhEkrd5WvVONweS90YTxOGqAhVEM3QX0jWrJREW07puGdIOdo6zwwrBkZn0eEDI3bfP7g-zMQm9X9kchFgp7fuw2Q/s400/nat2_3.jpg" width="267" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bee has always been inspired by a sustainable approach to design and looks to alternative sources such as recycling garments and overlooked materials with which to create her accessories. Bee has looked to vintage wedding accessories when designing this collection which offers a chic alternative to the feathery fascinators found on the high street!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2bnQFQDqu9fjsCIFlaReEhyphenhyphenZsnWC0MezffpsaS0dKBJnCCFECl5i0lOotZr7TxXBb_FF6HfHyDC0reYFz6-Mw8u1CCMR9DB8pcVxj7axorb7IhBDVe-yc46Cn8ZZxHJ6cLaiQCuyFw/s1600/anemones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2bnQFQDqu9fjsCIFlaReEhyphenhyphenZsnWC0MezffpsaS0dKBJnCCFECl5i0lOotZr7TxXBb_FF6HfHyDC0reYFz6-Mw8u1CCMR9DB8pcVxj7axorb7IhBDVe-yc46Cn8ZZxHJ6cLaiQCuyFw/s400/anemones.jpg" width="267" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Her hair pieces are delicate and natural and offer a pretty addition to the veil for a bride or a delicious detail to the bridesmaids' outfits. Bee uses recycled parachute silk and vintage veiling where possible in her entirely hand made creations, ensuring a unique finish every time.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcvoY9psQKYFB4jcO-w4DR-xrRo4IVA74yhrgytpxN3dAsXGbnl7Skz8m2if03t4OXcCL8b3mvKFebZqc8ZfvxFSAyDwrXeC7nt9EEimiVX92tCCXFp_Sz-RcZlZFv4GvxpSk7LXwAQ/s1600/peach+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcvoY9psQKYFB4jcO-w4DR-xrRo4IVA74yhrgytpxN3dAsXGbnl7Skz8m2if03t4OXcCL8b3mvKFebZqc8ZfvxFSAyDwrXeC7nt9EEimiVX92tCCXFp_Sz-RcZlZFv4GvxpSk7LXwAQ/s400/peach+hat.jpg" width="267" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love her iconic 40's style hats which remind me of my grandmother's wedding outfit. The peach one above and the pink with the veiling below are my favourites.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNO6A4E4UBCpGBmnPhHg4io8VUVeZeO9t-jlbL93AXt9ajradYLjfYHpCuEA-Y0TIxONmnVZxr6m4TgBdXhUfbx_bCfSVPfaiqJc1T9Is2W_b7jKwV4VpXRRQhWoQVpiMr6nTd_pFfzg/s1600/pink+hat+reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNO6A4E4UBCpGBmnPhHg4io8VUVeZeO9t-jlbL93AXt9ajradYLjfYHpCuEA-Y0TIxONmnVZxr6m4TgBdXhUfbx_bCfSVPfaiqJc1T9Is2W_b7jKwV4VpXRRQhWoQVpiMr6nTd_pFfzg/s400/pink+hat+reflection.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At the moment Bee's range of hats, which would also be perfect for a day at the races, are available online from her folksy outlet: </span><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/beesmithbridal"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">www.folksy.com/shops/beesmithbridal</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, from her stall at Spitalfields market on Fridays from 10am - 4.30pm, and I suspect a few more stockists will be popping up shortly! You can see more of Bee's past collections on her website <a href="http://www.bee-smith.co.uk/pastaccess.html"><span style="color: #674ea7;">here</span></a>.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlLJNs3ipjcWPBAXmO0lHtMNY8QT21V0h6HwiebMsWpDYgVoO9REOmReSthUY3ivGvicxus3RBQ5kOEqtjnZ4ofcEKTF317oDt0Liai9XJIsjEIUv5hMGKAz6hVZOXqddeNGHoIxKdg/s1600/rose+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlLJNs3ipjcWPBAXmO0lHtMNY8QT21V0h6HwiebMsWpDYgVoO9REOmReSthUY3ivGvicxus3RBQ5kOEqtjnZ4ofcEKTF317oDt0Liai9XJIsjEIUv5hMGKAz6hVZOXqddeNGHoIxKdg/s400/rose+hat.jpg" width="267" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bee is also happy to undertake commissions so you can request something special for your big day. You can contact her through her website <a href="http://www.bee-smith.co.uk/contact.html"><span style="color: #674ea7;">here.</span></a></span></div></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-78056383321364119602010-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:002010-04-19T08:11:47.477-07:00Horrockses Fashions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWXAvYHcRaiqp7alU0QyJvSxioDU-LdM4QtlsiJfnaI8h3LrYVNPK8vXzs_X9NdnYaOJrqVL8HVHAfykRP0QHXnuGS3_9xWHKidFrzhe6oIme24mVtUxu6SPD5b4djuCLOb3CmdDHlg/s1600/horrocks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWXAvYHcRaiqp7alU0QyJvSxioDU-LdM4QtlsiJfnaI8h3LrYVNPK8vXzs_X9NdnYaOJrqVL8HVHAfykRP0QHXnuGS3_9xWHKidFrzhe6oIme24mVtUxu6SPD5b4djuCLOb3CmdDHlg/s400/horrocks+2.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5532&xSec=374&navlock=1"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">floral hanky (peach)</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drawn from the extensive <a href="http://www.vandashop.com/"><span style="color: #45818e;">V&A museum</span></a> archives, <a href="http://www.vandashop.com/section.php?xSec=374"><span style="color: #45818e;">The Horrockses Collection</span></a> available from the online shop is a great little find. These vintage textile designs feature on dainty handkerchiefs, cotton scarves and tote bags.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlPA-L3ZyZllKfqesv8XTQEr49sbvl1UGidi7ojbHsJuDAY7PnaWjYSsua54TKLssekRLduK3GHZF9NSDe2kmTkm8_OMZY7rm7B8yuwZ2sVoB-hYjHnlX7ME_gr_KEx-OZd8wD8AnxQ/s1600/horrocks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlPA-L3ZyZllKfqesv8XTQEr49sbvl1UGidi7ojbHsJuDAY7PnaWjYSsua54TKLssekRLduK3GHZF9NSDe2kmTkm8_OMZY7rm7B8yuwZ2sVoB-hYjHnlX7ME_gr_KEx-OZd8wD8AnxQ/s400/horrocks+1.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5703&xSec=374&navlock=1"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">daisy and rose stripe scarf</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Horrockses Fashions, a subsidiary of Horrockses Cottons was launched soon after the end of World War II in 1946 when ready-to-wear sales through department stores became increasingly important, following the 'make do and mend' ethic of wartime Britain. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t85PJ70ITv0SCqPtZITeAQkU9SY3hhPuCsimzCsW2OipMbO284aOYOjmja5dxIIjQXJG_bL5i-TgrOU-AXBZhXx8hghxFDZvyxpR4FTE46SF35H_xCmqucH-sHvCoDkLn6_TcS0fxQ/s1600/horrocks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t85PJ70ITv0SCqPtZITeAQkU9SY3hhPuCsimzCsW2OipMbO284aOYOjmja5dxIIjQXJG_bL5i-TgrOU-AXBZhXx8hghxFDZvyxpR4FTE46SF35H_xCmqucH-sHvCoDkLn6_TcS0fxQ/s400/horrocks3.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5864&xSec=374&navlock=1"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">floral textile notecards</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The couture silouette and youthful and modern textile designs of this ready-to-wear collection was incredibly popular with women of different age groups and social backgrounds. Relatively expensive, women would save up for the 'perfect' day dress or an outfit for their honeymoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNj4tYLiYRlkT-g5tZcsJkbvDY-ORruzrikVins75ql37dSXLnX5zI9yZ9MKxSeBe1S8HqWVd0hlg02cjam1OsmmYqcaEKnN3-lf5fcBKcUrCGM_dxlF8NxIrKBwLQL2fkVCy3R6R0g/s1600/horrocks+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNj4tYLiYRlkT-g5tZcsJkbvDY-ORruzrikVins75ql37dSXLnX5zI9yZ9MKxSeBe1S8HqWVd0hlg02cjam1OsmmYqcaEKnN3-lf5fcBKcUrCGM_dxlF8NxIrKBwLQL2fkVCy3R6R0g/s400/horrocks+4.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5825&xSec=374&navlock=1"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'The Queen' Horrockses fashion mounted print</span></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The V&A collection comprises a range of accessories, prints and garments inspired by the contents of the Horrockses archive. Would make very pretty presents for Summer birthdays!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxt2bB73s5iRg8KoeauOK-MnAF_6b9PJNEUd79Fd9bKFfcLc4068hNfA42xGKG3R_6MJk97158n6CIkxlxjuuBqA3FW6GuZI4d1ePMfxAfBsi7ykZsdQSSyH3D6sWg03_542Wn1Qq6A/s1600/horrocks+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxt2bB73s5iRg8KoeauOK-MnAF_6b9PJNEUd79Fd9bKFfcLc4068hNfA42xGKG3R_6MJk97158n6CIkxlxjuuBqA3FW6GuZI4d1ePMfxAfBsi7ykZsdQSSyH3D6sWg03_542Wn1Qq6A/s400/horrocks+5.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5696&xSec=374&navlock=1"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">utility rose tote bag</span></a></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-82608537726444839612010-04-15T14:16:00.000-07:002010-04-15T14:17:51.658-07:00Daisy Daisy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgruBdcprqd3rksaMb2T-UiucnP8Lo3V2F2RJ0xDRfV2Biuz03FxW3TRmkGogIgb1wFlBEXuswPs4NKeW8mS2RTw24CgF2xlrJDpPFzgxyjV0Q-0OxMTNEoXoE-8tl0ERDdPUbF7N8Q/s1600/daisyknight728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgruBdcprqd3rksaMb2T-UiucnP8Lo3V2F2RJ0xDRfV2Biuz03FxW3TRmkGogIgb1wFlBEXuswPs4NKeW8mS2RTw24CgF2xlrJDpPFzgxyjV0Q-0OxMTNEoXoE-8tl0ERDdPUbF7N8Q/s400/daisyknight728.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/piece/?id=94"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lornie large feather curl earrings</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My best friend sent me an email to tell me about this jewellery designer as she was convinced I'd love it as much as she does...and I do. </span><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Daisy Knights</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> delicate and detailed necklaces, bracelets and rings are feminine but with an edge that keeps them far from sweet.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbip_TTEsNbGS8oO_e0VkheUXRz80iroMClNwzHhcrzyJ__ZvRS1y8DgyOrIn1hxH9OXT3Js5HOaWB5agmPhhyphenhyphenV6TLJIV0_NcaPsqx5jNo_PufSTgogVexRLp4oCkKUGHk85fIxIavxw/s1600/daisyknights895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbip_TTEsNbGS8oO_e0VkheUXRz80iroMClNwzHhcrzyJ__ZvRS1y8DgyOrIn1hxH9OXT3Js5HOaWB5agmPhhyphenhyphenV6TLJIV0_NcaPsqx5jNo_PufSTgogVexRLp4oCkKUGHk85fIxIavxw/s400/daisyknights895.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/piece/?id=205"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sparky gem heart necklace</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Central St Martins graduate Daisy was already supplying Paul and Joe with her designs before she graduated, making jewellery by night in her bedroom. Now she continues to work alongside her team in her Cotswold studio to make every piece by hand. She is inspired by the beauty found in nature in the British countryside, the Isle of Wight coastline and by her friends and family, naming each range after its muse. I love this 'gem heart necklace' available in silver, blackened silver and gold with a choice of gem colour...it's my birthday soon, hint hint boyfriend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOCReJXLhYwexsWdWVbqpgPK3zK-qaGHRkBD9IhZRpm4rIPoNRYUkime6FhtRlmf9ueLWfPOU8kaMJpNdAA3Hx8KxiOcm6zbfLj1UJpx8gnIAvHKy3MtY3E05rUp8nxWoJwg-OMFRbQ/s1600/daisyknights688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOCReJXLhYwexsWdWVbqpgPK3zK-qaGHRkBD9IhZRpm4rIPoNRYUkime6FhtRlmf9ueLWfPOU8kaMJpNdAA3Hx8KxiOcm6zbfLj1UJpx8gnIAvHKy3MtY3E05rUp8nxWoJwg-OMFRbQ/s400/daisyknights688.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/piece/?id=110"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sparky heart rings</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Same with these....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0Rukon8ZGloGuGwvi7WtYEhHlZHRrRhHu8ZN30PGWqzr2JKDBmzeEr6Bn1xypvPkRyIrIZgaD9cACltV3x94Tf7poZ9g920JVz-lBifONtkIzBZN7O61acI5eAPZ2M74djVdsBosyA/s1600/daisyknights637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0Rukon8ZGloGuGwvi7WtYEhHlZHRrRhHu8ZN30PGWqzr2JKDBmzeEr6Bn1xypvPkRyIrIZgaD9cACltV3x94Tf7poZ9g920JVz-lBifONtkIzBZN7O61acI5eAPZ2M74djVdsBosyA/s400/daisyknights637.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/piece/?id=168"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Michelle gem stacking rings</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These </span><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/piece/?id=168"><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Michelle</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>rings are stunning, and were my friend's favourite too. They are stackable and available in a variety of colours. If I started now I could have ten before I'm 30, that's Christmases and birthdays covered until then. Easy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL6EpjKsdlZ6GCE9YfofducovDGEWZGnWCJMXoAKBp2lGRTVi5ZFRWbVuXb88htX7Xaez-d01Xiccv2nLrJ1jv8O6VUFXoHIsoS-1hz7L9jJnONzQt0GSdM-j_L8JFwBNc9F6lwEjLA/s1600/DKP20127_a_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL6EpjKsdlZ6GCE9YfofducovDGEWZGnWCJMXoAKBp2lGRTVi5ZFRWbVuXb88htX7Xaez-d01Xiccv2nLrJ1jv8O6VUFXoHIsoS-1hz7L9jJnONzQt0GSdM-j_L8JFwBNc9F6lwEjLA/s400/DKP20127_a_p.jpg" width="270" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.astleyclarke.com/Store/product-is-P20127"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">slender sea shell wrap ring</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The talented young designer won the Bright Young Gem award in 2010 issued by International Jewellery London and has just designed a collection for </span><a href="http://www.astleyclarke.com/Store/Designer+Jewellery/Daisy+Knights"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Astley Clarke</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> under their mentoring programme. Inspired by the seaside, the chunky silver collection is really wearable; "think white blouse, silver shell cuff and designer earrings on a beach in the South of France” says Bec Astley Clarke of the collection. You can keep up to date with Daisy's lovely designs through her </span><a href="http://www.daisyknights.com/news/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">blog</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-65793276126603488652010-04-10T08:27:00.000-07:002010-04-10T08:36:51.797-07:00Moominmazing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VKSjMjh8oBqrMOgfd8ZXrzpss_ecfqdyuC_IVIEYXqkZGZTrJrtfO2hE_IexbD_t93UsiRkJqOvzKh_FyLanQuxCvRNnndzRBTj90J6sOpgdtfLxxwy8ZvJ8MJ7Urw00R7eyr42Mmg/s400/38Muumi_iso.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/moomin-bowl-snorkmaiden-yellow-p-439.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Moomin bowl Snorkmaiden, yellow</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At school I unwittingly earned myself the nickname (I tell myself it was affectionate) of 'Moomin' due to an unfortunate hair cut. Since then I have developed a firm affection for the hippo like troll family, created by Swedish-Fin illustrator Tove Jansson, I have also been more careful with my choice of hairdresser. Time has passed and old wounds have healed, friends now buy me Moomin merchandise as gifts and we have a chuckle - though I honestly still can't see the resemblance, bad haircut or not.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_90XoyG9RjTfUixn63-c7ThoYKEf0AnMUiQmTbjbdNGM772baba50QTty8SJAWPR-RN1e2Wwj2EqBqVPeqxhP32vZdlIEEL7F1dQeJu_-YZD7qo0fWnTxOeYYgl_tnbgbupWUHI0Cg/s1600/49Muumi_iso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_90XoyG9RjTfUixn63-c7ThoYKEf0AnMUiQmTbjbdNGM772baba50QTty8SJAWPR-RN1e2Wwj2EqBqVPeqxhP32vZdlIEEL7F1dQeJu_-YZD7qo0fWnTxOeYYgl_tnbgbupWUHI0Cg/s400/49Muumi_iso.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/moomin-mug-moominmamma-red-p-374.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Moomin mug Moominmamma, red</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My favourite of these gifts was a Moomin plate and bowl which I adore. I always wondered where they came from, then recently I stumbled accross the </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finnish Design Shop</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, an amazing online shop featuring a whole host of unique and stylish pieces for the home, including </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/Marimekko-m-13.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Marimekko</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/Arabia-m-29.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Arabia</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, who I now know to be the creators of my precious Moomin ceramics. I prefer the fat, white Moomin characters and if I'm honest I find the other characters terrifying.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE_zs9T1ZcvBzgMb7iByfGKVTFpLRYTzasfE7sgZNCkxV9h9n97REyrc9JHyU27tvYdDFkPZ3wfv_2m_jsbpZE5Ebv-fMoNi8DGRM2urzt66WA-05jGNiFphbpcPowpQpv5m9J0ntQQ/s1600/50Muumi_iso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE_zs9T1ZcvBzgMb7iByfGKVTFpLRYTzasfE7sgZNCkxV9h9n97REyrc9JHyU27tvYdDFkPZ3wfv_2m_jsbpZE5Ebv-fMoNi8DGRM2urzt66WA-05jGNiFphbpcPowpQpv5m9J0ntQQ/s400/50Muumi_iso.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/moomin-bowl-love-pink-p-1632.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Moomin bowl Love, pink</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Arabia have been creating ceramics and tabelware for over 130 years and are apparently very popular in Finland. I can see why, I have fallen in love with their 'Runo' range of tableware by designer Heini Riitahuhta who was inspired by the different seasons, the designs are entitled: Summer Ray, Autumn Glow, Winter Star and Spring Drop. Lovely.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF64ZnB5voo0i9msPqkwx6Kg4uT6DQ-hLUd3V7-DissmqaJJpVLdCWhc8-CBwU2r8oQFrXQXsPyDeOUvxPpmK8JWqvvGtfK8CDPuOE5Khf1UKM4NNMIqt2-aBNHa_D_YP03-BKGkFGw/s1600/10ArabiaRunoKesasade_iso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF64ZnB5voo0i9msPqkwx6Kg4uT6DQ-hLUd3V7-DissmqaJJpVLdCWhc8-CBwU2r8oQFrXQXsPyDeOUvxPpmK8JWqvvGtfK8CDPuOE5Khf1UKM4NNMIqt2-aBNHa_D_YP03-BKGkFGw/s400/10ArabiaRunoKesasade_iso.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/runo-bowl-summer-ray-p-4262.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Runo bowl, Summer Ray</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are reminiscent of 70's enamel saucepans but remain on the right side of kitsch with a charming, naive quality and a graphic edge. I want them!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfUePtTQFz5g2mkTNxFOavnryBiH9k-WmylPc764Vh8FL9PIb3pM1TN7NXV0s-N034Y_2x58MzMW0jiZpZ48o83MblXE5g_5bwCc-bNXwmWquWUMcn60Mvx1C4VZBkZCdo-7F5cwE7g/s1600/product_thumbCA3LR7F2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfUePtTQFz5g2mkTNxFOavnryBiH9k-WmylPc764Vh8FL9PIb3pM1TN7NXV0s-N034Y_2x58MzMW0jiZpZ48o83MblXE5g_5bwCc-bNXwmWquWUMcn60Mvx1C4VZBkZCdo-7F5cwE7g/s320/product_thumbCA3LR7F2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/runo-plate-spring-drop-p-4247.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Runo plate, Spring Drop</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFSO1i17Fy5ySsCsF5VvdflKJ4Y49Q65cltoOGCSt0bD7JccQCzOy5gByrSk4jS1Dwtm5BtZrDpQTHLG9q8pWwMXLUpWvwXTx8mMbSzpDmNRH-h6YH-3rIi-4Nw53G5RjNnE5Ft4JfA/s1600/6ArabiaRunotalvitahti_iso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFSO1i17Fy5ySsCsF5VvdflKJ4Y49Q65cltoOGCSt0bD7JccQCzOy5gByrSk4jS1Dwtm5BtZrDpQTHLG9q8pWwMXLUpWvwXTx8mMbSzpDmNRH-h6YH-3rIi-4Nw53G5RjNnE5Ft4JfA/s320/6ArabiaRunotalvitahti_iso.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/runo-plate-spring-drop-p-4247.html?language=en&country=222"></a></span><a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.com/runo-plate-winter-star-p-4248.html?language=en&country=222"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Runo plate, Winter Star</span></a></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-57232908616690235962010-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:21:49.820-07:00you say Dovey and I say Dyfi...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoUiOrNtdVG4Gq1WHpbbhOpHbQlt-TYKMN6HYe0_qs28gWVKsqSSVDLnh7vKuo0YiPDBIUsY4JW1tEOngJhqaWxffDslbkn_D73mHZbTrpDjjswiGjnoOPwnv-BmgRGu9bbkNT4m7HA/s1600/aberdovey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoUiOrNtdVG4Gq1WHpbbhOpHbQlt-TYKMN6HYe0_qs28gWVKsqSSVDLnh7vKuo0YiPDBIUsY4JW1tEOngJhqaWxffDslbkn_D73mHZbTrpDjjswiGjnoOPwnv-BmgRGu9bbkNT4m7HA/s400/aberdovey1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Boats Penhelig, Aberdovey by Glyn Davies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;">Over the lovely Easter bank holiday weekend D and I went to Aberdovey in North Wales, my favourite place in the world. I have been lucky enough to spend all my holidays there from birth surrounded by my cousins, gran and various aunts and uncles in our homely static caravan just footsteps from the sand dunes and a fresh sea breeze.</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoFCCV9YbWRnNZ3HorzIB9N8iS6SxXRwdOadCZxusWcFxflV35-taiVGKWcAzXuUtYFJKUcwgQnpByoeS1uqTOLzssOJaOzSMKwfjxSp8LxGc2plpSfBMAUaxajWXkyzJxAXR1QneFQ/s1600/aberdovey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoFCCV9YbWRnNZ3HorzIB9N8iS6SxXRwdOadCZxusWcFxflV35-taiVGKWcAzXuUtYFJKUcwgQnpByoeS1uqTOLzssOJaOzSMKwfjxSp8LxGc2plpSfBMAUaxajWXkyzJxAXR1QneFQ/s400/aberdovey2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aberdovey Beach by Glyn Davies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My family all share this love affair with 'Dovey, as we were all brought up here! Not one of our homes is free from a watercolour of our favourite views by Claire or Glyn Davies. Claire took over <a href="http://www.galleryaberdyfi.com/index.php"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Gallery</span></a> in Aberdovey from her father Edward Morris in 1982, a wonderful shop that sells a wide selection of original watercolours and prints by this family of artists. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-wuTqDh_7gwTrOLcfwRX7RmWe6cFPmBiNeICuAaM_XE_kbCZt3NvKOODmpGEQS3Ini15yt9geTRGD5C4T0uDhVGH7IblexR5ZyDhv2t2xEfghgZpqt6XQnxukO7N2lP5pWwwTi_S5A/s1600/aberdovey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-wuTqDh_7gwTrOLcfwRX7RmWe6cFPmBiNeICuAaM_XE_kbCZt3NvKOODmpGEQS3Ini15yt9geTRGD5C4T0uDhVGH7IblexR5ZyDhv2t2xEfghgZpqt6XQnxukO7N2lP5pWwwTi_S5A/s400/aberdovey3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Evening Light by Glyn Davies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Gallery also stocks beautiful jewellery, objects for the home and hand thrown and painted ceramics by <a href="http://www.gwilipottery.com/"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Gwili pottery</span></a>, that I was particularly taken with. Sadly my budget didn't stretch to an original this time but I picked up some postcards to brighten up my flat. I've put a couple of my own photos up too which attempt to do justice to the dream-like light on the beach.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhwo9vbViExSJmF66K2d-xMBqPH91PB2qDm1qUDv8le4yJPd7XObdOFdLTlPJtXQKmvjA8X8ZHZQ3P-NORyXiywFVcvXUzqj6PKwAURZEoHGDP2c_IjK15YNTIqray1pHU8fJvpTX5g/s1600/P4031088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhwo9vbViExSJmF66K2d-xMBqPH91PB2qDm1qUDv8le4yJPd7XObdOFdLTlPJtXQKmvjA8X8ZHZQ3P-NORyXiywFVcvXUzqj6PKwAURZEoHGDP2c_IjK15YNTIqray1pHU8fJvpTX5g/s400/P4031088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The beach looking towards Tywyn and Cemetry Bay</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGhDAUyaRhBf32BoiIi3y4smnEtqspVfWAKoJ-tXjuq0Qa04eDGRgCOKnO0GVEjWy28Ke0aYVOQda46wd2R_PCaGIuv5f1u6n1kgUEGOW-TXV5vqaetLX5KRFa0nIXYcZroaF5CnyKw/s1600/P4031089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGhDAUyaRhBf32BoiIi3y4smnEtqspVfWAKoJ-tXjuq0Qa04eDGRgCOKnO0GVEjWy28Ke0aYVOQda46wd2R_PCaGIuv5f1u6n1kgUEGOW-TXV5vqaetLX5KRFa0nIXYcZroaF5CnyKw/s400/P4031089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Looking out into Cardigan Bay</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-80750897389721258992010-03-31T15:04:00.000-07:002010-03-31T15:06:31.727-07:001973<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePV5WJkdwbAaaWZ2hQu5OhjFB-Pukk4_bZFDtsftc8VwxiX6ySPKoJwWE7Uc8Od2Xakro8opSR5Fd-LhUURZQn9JllOI1W1QDqBIQWZGLlV6nPZWIUHHBxas8xd9zgs_eAvQu4aMY5w/s1600/2531_BB_NOTEBOOK_FIRSTMEET_MASTER-355x502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePV5WJkdwbAaaWZ2hQu5OhjFB-Pukk4_bZFDtsftc8VwxiX6ySPKoJwWE7Uc8Od2Xakro8opSR5Fd-LhUURZQn9JllOI1W1QDqBIQWZGLlV6nPZWIUHHBxas8xd9zgs_eAvQu4aMY5w/s400/2531_BB_NOTEBOOK_FIRSTMEET_MASTER-355x502.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">belle and boo first meet by belle and boo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A lovely company called </span><a href="http://www.nineteenseventythree.com/index.php?route=common/home"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">nineteen seventy three</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> who make cards, notebooks, stationary and wrapping paper with a unique designs by a variety of different illustrators including </span><a href="http://www.sanna-annukka.com/projects/?gallery=52"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sanna Annukka</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. They also sell limited screen edition prints.</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9wbd7z49iOioWgofQz-zoHQOSHj2MnkuCeNQthFaDdR7kPKEVF1QcwMFlLFPEKGIOgp5JHB5RWXlL10zIm9MU4x_C6VkaTlV3vIfv-D6B9LqpiZ9FnriyQpN1iVwNYF-iNZl5w_fTA/s1600/2532_BB_NOTEBOOK_COWBOYS_MASTER-355x502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9wbd7z49iOioWgofQz-zoHQOSHj2MnkuCeNQthFaDdR7kPKEVF1QcwMFlLFPEKGIOgp5JHB5RWXlL10zIm9MU4x_C6VkaTlV3vIfv-D6B9LqpiZ9FnriyQpN1iVwNYF-iNZl5w_fTA/s400/2532_BB_NOTEBOOK_COWBOYS_MASTER-355x502.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">cowboys and indians by belle and boo</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8whWj392oz8ZgXIwmwccM37w4A-a80V-vR0I-7Hf329cB_H5DEPc1rfcBXcchX03JXXpOa3aToMB30XD8ZU1NL-bRWVP7DTghtQc4k-qV7-6dp6OhMItzvBIK_V3JY457eS76mIZC8g/s1600/2533_BB_NOTEBOOK_EVIE_MASTER-355x502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8whWj392oz8ZgXIwmwccM37w4A-a80V-vR0I-7Hf329cB_H5DEPc1rfcBXcchX03JXXpOa3aToMB30XD8ZU1NL-bRWVP7DTghtQc4k-qV7-6dp6OhMItzvBIK_V3JY457eS76mIZC8g/s400/2533_BB_NOTEBOOK_EVIE_MASTER-355x502.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">evie's flowers by belle and boo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love the </span><a href="http://www.nineteenseventythree.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_57"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Belle and Boo</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> range because they very naive, delicate and pretty (and because my mum nicknames me 'Boo'!). I bought some of these notebooks as christmas presents...and ended up keeping them for myself, so naughty.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfT25HqOxXdMCrqjxynt2hDhRnCI0uMvbS2TR2QtA9KuhyphenhyphenwaqOrYYDoBiQjGmZGgCdH565-8zz-duXla8BTP5wZMwDrJzIeekeCi1m0DVX9vLWsKYTd8kSI5Ib93VI6g7o16746QOIg/s1600/1803_BRO-355x502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfT25HqOxXdMCrqjxynt2hDhRnCI0uMvbS2TR2QtA9KuhyphenhyphenwaqOrYYDoBiQjGmZGgCdH565-8zz-duXla8BTP5wZMwDrJzIeekeCi1m0DVX9vLWsKYTd8kSI5Ib93VI6g7o16746QOIg/s400/1803_BRO-355x502.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">deluxe by Sukie</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This card from the </span><a href="http://www.nineteenseventythree.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=35_51"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sukie</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> range is also lovely.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2043086107"></span><span id="goog_2043086108"></span></span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-61799378863384842662010-03-30T14:41:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:41:17.472-07:00Clever Clogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSHjhCcYjWqhQOg8Xu6Kq1y_i-VxmD1PBTohyhe3em_BD_GVh6Vt82POAKbiBFWHKPxubtqxs7P5Ja08825Ej0gUHZisW0A6rba5I4QeALweuxrKT9sFoXeWr0PvglYFcunn6-WXPNQ/s1600/Maguba_Product-43+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSHjhCcYjWqhQOg8Xu6Kq1y_i-VxmD1PBTohyhe3em_BD_GVh6Vt82POAKbiBFWHKPxubtqxs7P5Ja08825Ej0gUHZisW0A6rba5I4QeALweuxrKT9sFoXeWr0PvglYFcunn6-WXPNQ/s400/Maguba_Product-43+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Barcelona</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've had my eye on a pair of </span><a href="http://www.maguba.com/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maguba </span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">clogs for a while now. The clogs trend has really taken off this season, and every designer seems to jumping on the bandwagon, but these are my favourite because they are handmade in a family owned factory using traditional techniques.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FE59M5XmQguPWILFVCM53VLb52pPW-Xs3YlRIUqUe3ugmp7kcUjMGAjiuein7M6qlaxlZ5unLmT78QIJdDzY8aY5a6Ko0xqYXOeF0TVFrlJE_qyMwh2WFzGYn-aFTOIr2TM2MenImw/s1600/Maguba_Product-30+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FE59M5XmQguPWILFVCM53VLb52pPW-Xs3YlRIUqUe3ugmp7kcUjMGAjiuein7M6qlaxlZ5unLmT78QIJdDzY8aY5a6Ko0xqYXOeF0TVFrlJE_qyMwh2WFzGYn-aFTOIr2TM2MenImw/s400/Maguba_Product-30+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bologna</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are also made with the environment in mind and utilise natural materials such as wood, leather and water based paints, producing shoes that are both comfortable and durable. They are comitted to sustainable production processes and for every pair of clogs sold a donation is made to plant new woodland in an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrxWGcTmAs1_fnVZRrW8yM9Y6Uv97TA9d-2x89BVTH7gnZPhP-fkKvcDXe3gOeibcrvoxs9OFHoW61ylVvnM7o-g0iqqq7Ak0HO7Zen1hYZpInou4mS49CLmz7xLL6Tc-UfD6iuKo8g/s1600/Maguba_Product-46+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrxWGcTmAs1_fnVZRrW8yM9Y6Uv97TA9d-2x89BVTH7gnZPhP-fkKvcDXe3gOeibcrvoxs9OFHoW61ylVvnM7o-g0iqqq7Ak0HO7Zen1hYZpInou4mS49CLmz7xLL6Tc-UfD6iuKo8g/s400/Maguba_Product-46+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Visby</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What makes Maguba clogs even better is that you can </span><a href="http://www.maguba.com/#/create/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">design your own pair</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">! Choosing the style, sole and upper leather colour to create your own perfect pair. I fancy the </span><a href="http://www.maguba.com/#/shop/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Barcelona</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> in brown or orange...or gold?!</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-21682376874352137262010-03-18T15:42:00.000-07:002010-03-18T15:49:50.001-07:00The hills are alive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUtY0jjyvYRCDolevefXT3buXbh9CjRVfKq5-KwDzjL_5K5b3mukTZ8zN0oq6QXNM-2ygNSzIkbDr5YtTs336i53Z4r4G8JkTdBQUbvIkj5bZll9TUG-2e0bwTGEmfoTy1UAfOU9uOA/s1600-h/zermatt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUtY0jjyvYRCDolevefXT3buXbh9CjRVfKq5-KwDzjL_5K5b3mukTZ8zN0oq6QXNM-2ygNSzIkbDr5YtTs336i53Z4r4G8JkTdBQUbvIkj5bZll9TUG-2e0bwTGEmfoTy1UAfOU9uOA/s400/zermatt+3.jpg" vt="true" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Sunday I am off on holiday; skiing in Switzerland with friends and family. I am very, very excited. In celebration, a simple post containing some beautiful postcards I bought in Zermatt on last year's holiday. Above is a poster for the 'Chemins de Fer' made in 1895 by F.Hugo d'Alesi, from the poster collection at the <a href="http://www.museum-gestaltung.ch/E_welcome.html">Zurich Museum of Design</a>.</span> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Tc41QGbbvn-hy2cyfmHBJXGw022XaaSXkLHgmlIuk1UJwi9VsMdj7ijzHRwTay0bSr4XV-hSnW8RirldJaDird5nMY3g7XIge1U4nGnAkdA-EkRIZt2xzoKGGZmZLv0TkLCIzof8g/s1600-h/zermatt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Tc41QGbbvn-hy2cyfmHBJXGw022XaaSXkLHgmlIuk1UJwi9VsMdj7ijzHRwTay0bSr4XV-hSnW8RirldJaDird5nMY3g7XIge1U4nGnAkdA-EkRIZt2xzoKGGZmZLv0TkLCIzof8g/s400/zermatt+2.jpg" vt="true" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This dreamy image of the striking Matterhorn is by Francois Gos, from 1925. It's a lovely illustration, but I sincerely hope there is more snow in Verbier, where we are staying, next week!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdSROjEBWuo5J7KKEEV35qCy8zIIY2V43CPFueXVMVhylxmOUfcA1zhOX2OSrO3lPhparYy11tbtDJLcMT5ypxZ90G8_PwD8HLVHiHvgyChQGPPqgThPj-_qL956fs06I7St38lOYg/s1600-h/zermatt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdSROjEBWuo5J7KKEEV35qCy8zIIY2V43CPFueXVMVhylxmOUfcA1zhOX2OSrO3lPhparYy11tbtDJLcMT5ypxZ90G8_PwD8HLVHiHvgyChQGPPqgThPj-_qL956fs06I7St38lOYg/s400/zermatt+1.jpg" vt="true" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is more like it. Crisp, white snow and a wonderfully stylised skiier flying through the air, like I will be shortly only slightly less gracefully (I don't do jumps). This poster from 1931 is by Pierre Kramer.</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-84409089583306416902010-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:002010-03-17T14:34:39.632-07:00I did'ne ken...but I do now<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuiuIEPUW9KACJYb6nAzXZp54m7SEIogXhWX6fUjFux9h0rx6ea4osIJdUUI-PsJoQ6sAHU5oXc8nlMplotuihQKcjOwPRZHxULYZi0-kp5YtahzcqWY_DFRRVUciLjFNn_UToBxrkQ/s1600-h/backpack_3q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuiuIEPUW9KACJYb6nAzXZp54m7SEIogXhWX6fUjFux9h0rx6ea4osIJdUUI-PsJoQ6sAHU5oXc8nlMplotuihQKcjOwPRZHxULYZi0-kp5YtahzcqWY_DFRRVUciLjFNn_UToBxrkQ/s400/backpack_3q.jpg" vt="true" width="317" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.i-did-nee-ken.co.uk/products/backpack/backpack.html">backpack</a>, courtesy of Julia Crew</span> </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The perfect bike needs a perfect bicycle bag, and I think I may have found one, well a whole collection of them actually. A recent graduate of <a href="http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/">London College of Fashion's</a> new MA course, entitled <a href="http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma_fashion_environment.htm">Fashion and the Environment</a>, <a href="http://www.juliacrew.com/homepage/home.html">Julia Crew</a> has designed a collection of sustainable man bags entitled <a href="http://www.i-did-nee-ken.co.uk/home/home.html">'i-did-nee-ken'</a>.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOepPiBvLsjjhutJ-0YBlgAL9u4Lgla5zkKsQQWiA0hPWauSTz8iduhzpDOCUqJHR9nUv-PHMo5Cnb6wEIiqudd69b0rsbJy9VPzTVazBcSxuPHqwZWLVFvC_5s4L2Kc-pIAQuVju7g/s1600-h/saddlebag_3q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOepPiBvLsjjhutJ-0YBlgAL9u4Lgla5zkKsQQWiA0hPWauSTz8iduhzpDOCUqJHR9nUv-PHMo5Cnb6wEIiqudd69b0rsbJy9VPzTVazBcSxuPHqwZWLVFvC_5s4L2Kc-pIAQuVju7g/s400/saddlebag_3q.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.i-did-nee-ken.co.uk/products/saddlebag/saddlebag.html">saddlebag</a>, courtesy of Julia Crew</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In this collection she confronts head on some of the environmental issues faced by the fashion industry, concentrating her design process into three main areas: Durable design, responsible sourcing of materials and the encouragement of a sustainable lifestyle.</span> <span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This has resulted in bags made specifically to appeal to cyclists, using the highest quality organic waxed cotton and sustainably sourced leather, that are made to last a lifetime. The collection name 'I-did-nee-ken' stems from a Scottish colloquialism meaning 'I didn't know' and illustrates the commitment to transparency and honesty Crew has shown throughout this project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GTkKW76NTch9VFu3bp6YCMYztlrk3n2gGfP9MbJgfhRaJQxMWPdjHIm-cW1b517KvuWyusqcSbQ7-kgjlFB8Uf1MtBPr6hznbyqkVD3m4uW0-L2sqwonZlq4F_qFFx-YwtK7A003TQ/s1600-h/smallbag_3q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GTkKW76NTch9VFu3bp6YCMYztlrk3n2gGfP9MbJgfhRaJQxMWPdjHIm-cW1b517KvuWyusqcSbQ7-kgjlFB8Uf1MtBPr6hznbyqkVD3m4uW0-L2sqwonZlq4F_qFFx-YwtK7A003TQ/s400/smallbag_3q.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.i-did-nee-ken.co.uk/products/smallsatchel/smallsatchel.html">small satchel</a>, courtesy of Julia Crew</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The best thing about these bags is undoubtedly the design; innovative styles that will appeal to a unisex audience (whether they want to or not) and functional features such as the reflective piping and copious amounts of chunky zip pockets. Julia is working on turning her first collection into a business and I for one am holding my breath until I can buy one. For more information on Julia's collection and her fellow student's solutions to environmental issues within the fashion industry you can see the article I wrote regarding the MA show for <a href="http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/">Amelia's Magazine</a> <strong><a href="http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/fashion/lcf-ma-fashion-and-the-environment-graduate-exhibition/2010/02/03/">here</a></strong>.</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-81081826336604816512010-03-15T13:12:00.000-07:002010-03-15T14:43:25.141-07:00Hello Princess<div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/princess-sovereign.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448958993782668930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrOdN09iWH8swhK23hW1KULGD5IcvDUJTKmU1lELQsUqjmko8q0V6mA19VJ8dhr_OQtL3QBTRBcpokfViRgd7GK4VKddgjadhZW3wyypPPfDXV8bhaam-dRQXcbgRlQCDCZ4-xWKUwA/s400/Princess_Sov_3Q_17x16.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">The Raleigh Apple with it's shiny red frame and bicycle box, was my pride and joy. It was the perfect bicycle - when I was six. It must be these sweet childhood memories that caused my heart to flutter when I saw the Pashley Princess for the first time. The classic hand-built frame, the front wicker basket, the antique brown Brooks saddle. Even the name is perfect. </span><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/britannia.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448965397212968178" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfy6Rn8TTI_cwI02gtUaCR72WMzXdTTBqtQw9cLvemaSIfSPsKqH1d6mvQ27jonxGhp4LdMfk28gk9J-jx-kFAuJ5224OueIzaD5b005PP7otX3Be9ZpmOEViHK4Q7EE1tkmlekFPXg/s400/Britannia_RED_3Q_26x26.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">For Spring 2010 <a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/index.php">Pashley</a> have released The Brittania, a special edition model based on the Princess in fire engine red, white and navy blue, in celebration of the company's heritage as the longest established manufacturer of hand built bikes in Britain. This lovely red number is, dare I say it, even better than the Raleigh of my memories.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/britannia.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448968164944291746" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkCf9mGSxwp5YG9I5xg2h4379_ejoAPPVNx5nGK3ILhoScObY8GNKaz-SOW89AXBkQbBMv8BsV1oA6kYTHPZXsKuRCCBpqbS6LMLyFogJVjHZnkBfcIj2B2yaLVU09ANMlY9Z1f-I9w/s400/Britannia_BLUE_side_39x25.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">The navy is my colour of choice - the perfect accessory to my current wardrobe and just asking for some new 40's style tea dresses to accompany it on bike rides in the country...a girl can dream.</span></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/leather-handlebar-bag.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448978703733754418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6JN-L1wd9zZifD6iEgb4epgd2zCznvoOl5LQNo7JNpYm3WVcaqY8ROocOrUsPL6FUCQnw5B8JHWw1S6iiOeiLin_6jkvgg-b376PXWOwtym9-9tFjgMSCTJMOpD_6d8CWvBbJ1kiUA/s200/Handlebar_Bag_18x18.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/leather-handlebar-bag.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448979143367012674" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinclptAJWwSuVtOsX2HPxugkuPTTcJM3meb17knot2r-aGFanc2AKq6HICawyXwTGDpO1SSJLl2fq64PQlMmbC3-c7_4LaYJlyOwdxz5NjF5CwzIoZQbzUObM4MlVdOm5iPkyHNq7mw/s200/Saddle_bag_18x18.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinclptAJWwSuVtOsX2HPxugkuPTTcJM3meb17knot2r-aGFanc2AKq6HICawyXwTGDpO1SSJLl2fq64PQlMmbC3-c7_4LaYJlyOwdxz5NjF5CwzIoZQbzUObM4MlVdOm5iPkyHNq7mw/s1600-h/Saddle_bag_18x18.jpg"></a> </p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="justify"></p>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-63710725879016195782010-03-12T13:18:00.000-08:002010-03-13T07:52:45.096-08:00Lady Muk<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjdEtR8k9QGWUoTd7M_I5QaIny96rLQeL62e9oFcB8BDGUIs-9wu2_eKiYY624msF8YRtnSh2siZQQU6nOKCxlGOopZJznqKRHxaEpagZrCZ2UTkOxmvjz835YzI__8eau4qpLEpxrA/s1600-h/MU5HBR.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447861815266766626" style="WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjdEtR8k9QGWUoTd7M_I5QaIny96rLQeL62e9oFcB8BDGUIs-9wu2_eKiYY624msF8YRtnSh2siZQQU6nOKCxlGOopZJznqKRHxaEpagZrCZ2UTkOxmvjz835YzI__8eau4qpLEpxrA/s320/MU5HBR.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphGhkdqy4wojGl1nahkIvOSwNnZA-Giu3aBKW63qXNgcfSlGSuIz-9jbHqWIKyrzXL5BODcEdtBlMmWNw9L7NPyFiFkGGPWZOd4Kdf9mUV2H0QR9JH1Q0M4QqpmdQzyo7nmPjxeqUfA/s1600-h/MU1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447861807538424530" style="WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphGhkdqy4wojGl1nahkIvOSwNnZA-Giu3aBKW63qXNgcfSlGSuIz-9jbHqWIKyrzXL5BODcEdtBlMmWNw9L7NPyFiFkGGPWZOd4Kdf9mUV2H0QR9JH1Q0M4QqpmdQzyo7nmPjxeqUfA/s320/MU1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#336666;">I love the </span><a href="http://www.muklukstore.com/product-categories.asp"><span style="color:#336666;">Muks</span></a><span style="color:#336666;"> AW09 collection. The combination of soft suede, sumptuous fur, Italian leather and tartan makes for the cosiest footwear I've seen (and so much chicer than uggs!). Based on the moccassins (Mukluks) worn by Candian aboriginals, the boots feature bead designs that traditionally represented the different tribes. All of Muks fur is responsibly sourced as a by-product from an existing manufacturing process, but they do offer fur free options too.</span></span><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU9HjowLyAPwUqNnh4NJZupKBjHpC2nJVAz-_pkYO5i0sACja-7jSZB93LCO2NoUCar_10l4NTGMpLSC18BglET-w6UV1DP1NbmjJs2Nm9kZsHhH-sagOQqwy5ohLbXgIj7hZwPUdDA/s1600-h/MH2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447865249232062578" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU9HjowLyAPwUqNnh4NJZupKBjHpC2nJVAz-_pkYO5i0sACja-7jSZB93LCO2NoUCar_10l4NTGMpLSC18BglET-w6UV1DP1NbmjJs2Nm9kZsHhH-sagOQqwy5ohLbXgIj7hZwPUdDA/s400/MH2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlziMC5Vl2W9gGAg6Z-BlkyR6Hc86zcZE8ION3QrVZo6WPWECixcvtbGz0oBmel0fDIl9nu7OHDPdjLMLSydXaMb0uJm_plG7Tibn0KpU3bsrILSBFsqXodKRf3GwSgricQp5LGaEkbw/s1600-h/MUKS_M_H_Wrap_Black_0020%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447865266236089458" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlziMC5Vl2W9gGAg6Z-BlkyR6Hc86zcZE8ION3QrVZo6WPWECixcvtbGz0oBmel0fDIl9nu7OHDPdjLMLSydXaMb0uJm_plG7Tibn0KpU3bsrILSBFsqXodKRf3GwSgricQp5LGaEkbw/s400/MUKS_M_H_Wrap_Black_0020%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnIzbeOwNI-7lOWKBUuin3yGP2Wtfy1xfP8vHqk59cneAfxdHUmO-m-z8gX1SUQLRTBySiZ-HO1_2_aJJ-_0WWFP74k3k9KeNsvVoPBy8mLgqfLOBZv0ZML5geqbaINrm8-ezYDG2eQ/s1600-h/MUKS_MH1_0002%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447865263911750802" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnIzbeOwNI-7lOWKBUuin3yGP2Wtfy1xfP8vHqk59cneAfxdHUmO-m-z8gX1SUQLRTBySiZ-HO1_2_aJJ-_0WWFP74k3k9KeNsvVoPBy8mLgqfLOBZv0ZML5geqbaINrm8-ezYDG2eQ/s400/MUKS_MH1_0002%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#336666;">I particularly love this cartridge bag style satchel...because I designed it! I undertook a freelance project for Muks over a year ago inspired by the Canadian pioneers and this was the result. I have to say I'm so pleased with it. You can buy one </span><a href="http://www.muklukstore.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=89&cat=21"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">here</span></span></a><span style="color:#336666;">. The Pioneer collection features some vintagey, almost Victorian style </span><a href="http://www.muklukstore.com/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=21"><span style="color:#336666;">lace-up boots</span></a><span style="color:#336666;">, all in subtle dusty shades of leather, with antique burnished gold fittings.</span></span></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QcXl8zKBcjBZig361S38tUqKwpoIF1yHYrlCNfvfn7Pn0yPwQqpw_uHsyJW7laOrz2z7eJzBiOTDv4XYapL9Xhyphenhyphen7KVlUgisGx9MjTvmxCz35AN-yQjStdH9sJzgqvrIPMBy2ExF0Cg/s1600-h/MU6H.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447867783965527970" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QcXl8zKBcjBZig361S38tUqKwpoIF1yHYrlCNfvfn7Pn0yPwQqpw_uHsyJW7laOrz2z7eJzBiOTDv4XYapL9Xhyphenhyphen7KVlUgisGx9MjTvmxCz35AN-yQjStdH9sJzgqvrIPMBy2ExF0Cg/s320/MU6H.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6KjDtmapUjOD51fTG2DbmPXtPppcsGK6HMyZcEHdPt6LIObcsFmwwD8L7cVsYzG4sdv9wKXmbYvEWflFuKldW5HJGKjATEP5WtDmesvZJNmQR5A-XGsEcym-0zyIZQIPFNx4IMb_lA/s1600-h/PTC1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447867788485001314" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6KjDtmapUjOD51fTG2DbmPXtPppcsGK6HMyZcEHdPt6LIObcsFmwwD8L7cVsYzG4sdv9wKXmbYvEWflFuKldW5HJGKjATEP5WtDmesvZJNmQR5A-XGsEcym-0zyIZQIPFNx4IMb_lA/s320/PTC1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify"> <span style="color:#336666;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Isn't the styling lovely too? So warm and cosy, it's almost a shame the Spring's on it's way... well we probably have a couple of months yet to make the most if it!</span><br /></span><br /></p>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-12981221469791315452010-03-10T11:32:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:43:48.871-08:00healthy happy jobs<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaCT9RBu9yzVWSFXoWWyMfOlleIjQ0E1yrUk5kVC7VSOE1YNM1sA7yY1CQlh-UMbNdobSGKWaK_IVOMXagcCvIxs7YPiLoySpCH3pj4v0077j0eWlWtUVm7XkyXTJ_5dbfV5xf4BmYw/s1600-h/poster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447092043285813650" style="WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaCT9RBu9yzVWSFXoWWyMfOlleIjQ0E1yrUk5kVC7VSOE1YNM1sA7yY1CQlh-UMbNdobSGKWaK_IVOMXagcCvIxs7YPiLoySpCH3pj4v0077j0eWlWtUVm7XkyXTJ_5dbfV5xf4BmYw/s320/poster.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">This post is dedicated to strong women, like my cousin Soph who is celebrating some very good news today. She has been accepted to study for an MPhil and PHD in Social and Economic History at Cambridge University. Clever girl, I am so proud! </span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">So</span> <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/images?sourceid=navclient&hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4PBEA_en-GBIT244IT245&q=Landgirls&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=0gGYS6_WE4H04gautp3qCg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCAQsAQwAw"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">Land Girls</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> or <span>The Women's Land Army</span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">, their image on iconic posters such as these glamourised agriculture during the first and second World Wars, when in reality it was back breaking work. It was the first time that women were able prove that they could work just as hard as men and were an essential part of the war effort. I've always had a romantic view of the landgirls, mainly because they were so stylish!</span><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.antoniandalison.co.uk/shop.php?category=14&product=25&chosen=262&listposition=0"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447101724480225618" style="WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2NwmUExoq0KKn-K7Wf9kGnRCcsoOG8U9ObefiHCdMKpH4ScoTit5L-Dh9s5BVvOL7_oJ5E9o2tUR0iVz2adGr6s8OP7aiTz2Ode9r7TSdm3IosMnKSfdkXOE2q5C_DPI3AQoC7rNOw/s320/6__SCARF_-_HEART_.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.antoniandalison.co.uk/shop.php?category=14&product=25&chosen=268&listposition=9"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447101728814741794" style="WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5GHOOOJ5tKxnQnxycTIV_Uh6LRx8X2OyGWg3uxfctL5JynJyBG96cI5hH1DWs4-k9IXV1v81G06TGH7v8ghTSOVVTFr6YZt_avCBCFHQGkrC5HmpI0lL71_k238-JKWptVsMc7o6iQ/s320/13__SCARF_-_PIXIE.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">'Heart' and </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#336666;">'Pixie' designs, pictures courtesy of Antoni and Alison.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">I found these beautiful silk scarves by</span><a href="http://www.antoniandalison.co.uk/index.php"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> Antoni and Alison</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">, perfect for keeping hair out of your eyes while weeding the garden. They have a wide selection of 100% silk scarves with their unique, naive prints. </span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.view&ProductID=11332&PCategoryID=4&RangeID=1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447103400408036322" style="WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59EQW-v3BJ9Y3Md44nf9Q16UK6x8wd4RGSnWh6EAhLW35BhK5pbHlanC1K3R1JXo0lZ6FXEtkBPo_qi2gAUVAvHfdV_qohL68jWMFaQj29hC5rQz44qUX8bsuZtEkN_Q1C71qzF4dMw/s320/barbour.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/department-is-women/producttype-is-boots/product-is-20339342"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447103401789706162" style="WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRlf5BCYsLfc9_7dTa6y1Yaf4pPLp6yM81frD15wLi994MswYLkgp8nJU3plFL4ZKyf5hoWCvXrTO6RbAv2dYRQtyjtTd5cZsbr1Ry4l4TqaKHRs6riMg6RseDjRaFce_2KjTPCEIBA/s320/clarks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">I'm always stealing D's </span><a href="http://www.barbour.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">Barbour</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> jumper, it's the perfect shade of bottle green, and is really warm. It has to be a man's jumper though...for the perfect chunky proportions. I especially like this one with the shoulder patches, I can't tell but I really hope it has elbow patches too. I am also enamoured with these </span><a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/department-is-women/producttype-is-boots/product-is-20339342"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">Marg Kate</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> boots from </span><a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">Clarks</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> of all places...the greatest (or only?) thing to come out of Street in Somerset - where I went to college!</span></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#336666;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#336666;">For a perfect tribute to forties style run for shelter at a Blitz party in Shoreditch. See <a href="http://www.theblitzparty.com/">http://www.theblitzparty.com/</a> for more information. Wonderfully authentic with sandbags, gin fizz cocktails, ration books and doorstop cheese sandwiches...but obviously minus the bombs; the perfect night out!</span></div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-88944202368624383622010-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:47:00.325-08:00Stylish seeds<a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=507"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727851624540978" style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW-9ygZikzGmDYrl-fCEITmDwLWvDj1_Kv9sv1Rfmf6-2r2-99Ed9ABeTJmdAyyBd5yE_k8ieVI3tCsLXxtkFaYg-2_FA3J1v4ryJvFLVHSyl_WA0P5PDKAzcjlYrHTGnLBkEotVxIg/s320/507-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=504"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727839335328402" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJx7ZJQ7vW1hS3nh5OC_5M52ESUp0qRPvRyPMm4raD8W5aPfsiYSUyGnK1YVLnahIMWzprd24pOOJXkDmhds1UXqJ99VEUlIZ10VFpyQh4RYf6j5wIIudnbuYo5hHk_y9MK13ejBa7Q/s320/504-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=504"></a> </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=502"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727832351706066" style="WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIscXQD2KwP9iDjCWDhUaENjNuID6JV5_15rb6IRit10zh4xhvMgsqwWYkE-Ovdx2K8j3hIOPvLJpod0nhJXqPRcQlxtdvvjoKHSK2P-UiAgib7ZQqL9ImuMCfJenai3pdpUIROPN_A/s320/502-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">The next exciting step is to choose what to grow! I discovered </span><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/default.asp"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">The Allotment Shop</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> by chance at </span><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show/2010"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">Chelsea Flower Show</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;"> last year, they offer a fantastic range of gardening essentials (and extravagances) with a quirky, nostalgic edge. This year they have introduced a special selection of Franchi seeds from Italy. The seed packets themselves are frame-worthy and the choice of vegetables are exciting and like nothing you can buy in UK supermarkets. I discovered the Romanesco Precoce (pictured above) when I was living in Italy and having never seen it before, had no idea what it was and have been calling it Dinosaur Broccoli (it's the scales). It is absolutely delicious and really good with pasta, sausagemeat and chilli. I have been longing for it since I moved back to England, so that will be the first thing to be potted up in the greenhouse!<br /></span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=483"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446731292161843922" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh3MFIJ6dLsnCspgmAvRTvXT2UYej80vGKRWwH93AuM5WAcMRw79ALFNzaX7ne946DJLZRYyg2rSKou4Qj66jgAoj8epxagScmQuTuKLqJed4atCW1iGyzKn8okvSa0vdT7yuzaK58Q/s320/483-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=267"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446731299081000802" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2AM8cTZGc5-BRz5Sl4_p3sp-6PxYqqpI7k3Q3cOe99DcTDP7eSSi2gJUn3WLfT8a_NLDqUppjpA-eFbCc8Wo-Jl_BmOg0ur6_6VGsUsA_tuvhs-BmGQNxfEqjKm8E2Rt220ydDiVjA/s320/267-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">These wonderfully retro seed packets, produced exclusively by The Allotment Shop, hark back to the wartime days of rationing and combined with this pretty, enamel teapot are fuel to my landgirl fantasies! As well as through their online shop, these chic garden and home products will be touring the country this summer at various gardening shows including The Malvern Show, BBC Gardeners World, Hampton Court and Tatton Park in Manchester</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#336666;">. Hmm...next stop is a silk headscarf and a cosy fairisle knit.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.theallotmentshop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=364"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446731295284328994" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLh5SPnYWW5-8mkskEdtE8EjLjaCrbPzEt2Yx3aM4iLn-wFutdtXvYU_aBB9JBcknC25HJzDeSgMEVlIZdO7ZlrWdLBvHuwnz9HXCQa9ZFXnODreyRZqYuV1Cij3i-yf79W_Fg1NLd6g/s320/364-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1364581744822420238.post-41112510021452485972010-03-08T02:53:00.000-08:002010-03-08T03:55:13.789-08:00The Greenhouse<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjhcwfc8ZJGaazPzzQSmsD_-DQdm5fkuQ1sbzhf2Z2pPuERZgJsxDVlmKcgKxHXtlZe-VAhQNRpySNEli-7Ql7_1Eo5xfMSz-byVlg1ESthNZ_PYqoHnXXp-zQ26Hrwa5ks-foZSHFA/s1600-h/P3062186.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446217181987255394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjhcwfc8ZJGaazPzzQSmsD_-DQdm5fkuQ1sbzhf2Z2pPuERZgJsxDVlmKcgKxHXtlZe-VAhQNRpySNEli-7Ql7_1Eo5xfMSz-byVlg1ESthNZ_PYqoHnXXp-zQ26Hrwa5ks-foZSHFA/s320/P3062186.JPG" /></a></p>
<br /><div><br /></div>
<br /><div align="justify"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">We were very pro-active this weekend, D and I. We were awake by 7.30am on Sunday morning and in the garden in record time. I donned my navy blue </font><a href="http://www.hunter-boot.com/2/9/Shop-Online/Original-Colours/NAVY/W23499_NVY.aspx"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">Hunter</font></a><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms"> wellies and D his (much posher) </font><a href="http://www.lechameau.co.uk/index.php?p=productdetail&pid=96&gender=neutral"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">Le Chameau </font></a><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">lovelies-these have a warm neoprene liner to keep your feet cosy. Our task was to clean out the greenhouse which was previously home to a flock of quail...that were delicious roasted the other weekend! We want to grow our own veg and the sunny, Spring(ish) weather spurred us into action. </font></div>
<br /><div><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="justify"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">Growing veg is something I have wanted to do since I was about 14 and had an unhealthy obsession with 'The Good Life' (still do actually), unfortunatley I have very little natural ability with plants. I once managed to kill a plant gifted to me by my boss of the time who said "it would take a miracle to kill this". Well miracles can happen, it was shrivelled and dry in two weeks flat. D has promised to guide me through as he is something of a green fingered pro, being a tree surgeon by profession.</font></div>
<br /><div><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms"></font> </div>
<br /><div align="justify"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">Three hours later the greenhouse was sparkling with cleanliness, the assortment of pots just itching to house the exciting array of delicacies we want to bring to life. I have signed up to the RHS' 'Fr</font><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Grow-Your-Own/Pledge-form"><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">uit and Veg Pledge' </font></a><font color="#336666" face="trebuchet ms">campaign which encourages individuals to - well grow their own fruit and veg. I signed up in the hope of obtaining a free starter pack, which I think have now run out due to the high demand but you do still get a monthly e-newsletter with expert advice and tips, which I will be pouring over. </font></div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div> </div>Countrystylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15701169325177670488noreply@blogger.com0