Sunday 26 January 2014

Hold onto yourself, Bartlett, you're 20 feet short

                      

It's been a quiet weekend; I felt like staying home and drinking tea and reading and relaxing and watching films, rather than braving the wet and wild conditions outside.

So that's what I did. 

I passed up a jumble sale and a vintage fair. What's wrong with me?
 
 
 

Actually, nothing. As much as I like to browse, I knew I wasn't in a position to buy anything, and it felt quite liberating to let these events go on without me. 

I need to get selling again on Ebay before I can consider buying, and I never bother with January, it's been horribly slow in previous years.
 
 
 

We watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the kids; I can't remember when I last saw it, it must have been when I was a child. I have to say I don't rate the songs much, but the kids seemed to enjoy it.

The real movie joy this weekend was watching The Great Escape with the Seldom Seen Kid. The girls weren't interested, but it was  great fun to watch such a familiar movie with someone seeing it for the first time. Simon and I kept saying ooh, this is a good bit, and asked him to guess who gets away (he was right about Danny, Willie, and Sedgewick, but gutted that he was wrong about Hilts.)
 
 
 

And we had a discussion about our favourite characters. You can keep Steve McQueen as Hilts the Cooler King; it's James Garner as Hendley the Scrounger all the way for me!



 
We are compiling a list for future film nights; SSK has quite eclectic and grown-up tastes, so we can extend the range beyond kids' films and action adventure movies. Some classic thrillers might be good, and not-overly-horrific horror and sci fi.

What else?

In culinary news;
 
I've tried again to make decent shortcrust pastry, always a challenge for me; Eldest (a fan of The Great British Bake Off) criticised my soggy bottom...




Homity Pie. Tasted good, but I think my hands are too hot for pastry. 

Any tips?
 
 



 
Minnie watched the rain from the safety of the back of the sofa, and tried to catch the raindrops.
 
 



1950s tweed jacket, cardigan, tights, scarf, beret and bangles - charity shopped
1970s dress - vintage shop (heavily reduced because it needed repairing)
Boots - Ebay
Leather gloves - gift
 
 
 
These photos were from earlier in the week, a day when the sun put in an appearance.
 



On this week's agenda;
 
  Littlest joins Cubs, there's a PTA fundraising cake sale at school, a parents' evening for Eldest, a night out for Tracey's birthday, and a sleepover at the weekend as a belated birthday treat for Littlest.

It's going to be busy. Hope my cakes turn out better than my pastry.
 




I'm joining in with all the Visible loveliness over at Patti's.
 
 See you later! 
xxx



44 comments:

Suzanne said...

I love your eclectic outfit. Gorgeous pattern mixing and colours.

bisous
Suzanne

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Such a cute look...I love the hat and the skirt!

Connie said...

I love you in this outfit. You look quite the spunky schoolgirl!

thorne garnet said...

I can't roll out pie crust either, I cheat and buy it frozen

Love the color combo.

Off the watch Downton Abby

Patti said...

Sounds like a perfectly lovely weekend - The Great Escape is such a classic, and I must confess to being a fan of on-screen Steve McQueen, although I hear he was rotten to women in his real life. Love your sassy outfit, and thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xox

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

The cobalt blue sweater fairly sings with joy!

The Baking show sounds fun. I wonder if I can find it online. I really enjoyed the first season of the Great British Sewing Bee. I sure hope they are airing another one of those. You know, I hardly handle my pastry dough. As I sprinkle in the water, I mix with a fork, and then only handle it just enough to get it onto saran wrap. Then I use the saran wrap to form it into a ball, wrap it up and pop it into the fridge to chill. After an hour or so, I roll it out with the rolling pin. The Homity Pie looks delish, but it also looks like an egg and milk base and therefore would naturally make the crust a little soggy, unless you precook the crust partway first.

Val said...

What a beautiful mix of colors and patterns - too bad you didn't go out to show off a little. But I hear you about staying in. All I did today was go for a walk and look at blogs, more or less.

We saw The Great Escape on TV about three weeks ago. What fun! I also like James Garner and his character. Steve McQueen is a bit sullen and thick. Tonight we get Downton Abbey. This season is pretty good.

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Absolutely everything about your outfit is so pleasing! LOVE that frock, and the jacket, with the boots & scarf. Meanwhile I'm lying around in a threadbare cotton house dress in front of a fan. Good old Oz! Xx

Sue said...

Soggy bottom indeed! I love how our kids score our cooking. Good for you staying home, hard as it is to not go to jumble or a fair. But movies with the family is always fun. Your cat is too cute.

Fran said...

You always look great in your eclectic outfits. I haven't the talent for sunc combos. Cool kitty and rain shots.

Angels have Red Hair said...

Can you send us just a bit of your wet and wild conditions? We only have dry and dryer over here.
You look great in those colours.
xx

Olga Rani said...

Love the colour and pattern combination in this outfit. And love the photo of the cat looking at the rain through the window.
Answering your question about Orenburg shawl, I used to have one when I lived in Russia. But then I gave it to my mom, she still has it. It is more useful for her there then it would have been for me here.

Sheila said...

Blues and greens together are so cheery, even in the rain! Spent a quiet weekend here, too - good for recharging the ol' batteries.

Unknown said...

Love the tweed jacket!

Penny-Rose said...

Great outfit - the colours in the dress and the jacket and the accessories!!! As for pastry, I use a pastry blender. Mine was actually my motherinlaws. Its also good for mashing potatoes and and making crumble.

Melanie said...

This is one of my fave non-maxi outfits on you - could be the greenie tweed jacket. You SPEAK to me in this.
I'd like to have your kind of weekend for myself next weekend. When I saw the water on the window it reminded me of alcohol tearing on the glass. Does that make me disturbed? Is that what Minnie was seeing too?
Soggy bottom? Well, I suppose it's much better than a crusty one.

Asparagus Pea said...

Time at home doing nothing is good for you. Head space just important as physical space in a busy life.as a friend of mine was fond of saying to her children 'How can you write your first novel if you're never bored?'

Liesl said...

I really love this outfit combination, classic yet quirky.... I have been hearing the call of tweed for some time, now I realise why! We also had a movie afternoon this weekend, snuggled up under blankets eating goodies x

Fiona said...

What a sensational (sounds much better in French) combination these two pieces are. They were made for each other, the green in the frock is perfect with the fab fifties jacket - very Helga matchy-matchy.
I think TGE must have been on several times recently and agree about James Garner, liked him in The Rockford Files too. No tips re pastry I'm afraid as I always cheat and buy it but wondering if you blind baked your pie? It looks delicious anyhows. No chazzing for me this month either...how virtuous we are! xxxxx

Goody said...

That dress pattern is lovely.

The only thought I have with respect to the pastry is to chill your flour along with the butter and water before starting. *shrug* So long as it didn't collapse, I'd consider it acceptable.

Unknown said...

Missed out on a jumble sale and a vintage fair blimey its this weather it puts you off doing anything except staying home in the warm so i don't blame you at all :-)I can make pastry but its not perfect, did you bake it first? with beans and baking parchment that normally prevents a soggy bottom. Sounds like you have a busy week and weekend ahead of you, have fun with everything, dee xxx

Unknown said...

Missed out on a jumble sale and a vintage fair blimey its this weather it puts you off doing anything except staying home in the warm so i don't blame you at all :-)I can make pastry but its not perfect, did you bake it first? with beans and baking parchment that normally prevents a soggy bottom. Sounds like you have a busy week and weekend ahead of you, have fun with everything, dee xxx

Miss Magpie said...

I know the feeling, this weather is too miserable for words. Tea and films are definitely the way to go.

Peaches McGinty said...

Gorgeous! I do like your outfit, hello to your fabulous legs too,such a magnificent skirt and wonderful tweedy excellence! you make pastry too? I cheat and open a packet, although sadly I still have a soggy bottom, even when it's been vigorously pricked too - I bravely passed up a table sale last Saturday, it's a blooming long January! good luck with your super busy week x x x

Unknown said...

The Great Escape! i have seen that movie about 20 times i think -
Yeap Hendley is one of my fav as well- I liked very much the British officers as well, can't remember the names -
Love your outfit too, le beret is the magic touch along with all the fabulous colors and patterns !

For the pie, cook the crust a bit before putting any filling in- it will be less soggy -

Take care

Arianexo

Krista said...

This dress is too dang cute Curtise and I adore it with the tweed jacket, you are looking too CUTE!!!! How funny you say that January no one buys why Cristi and I just took a bunch of clothes to sell at a local vintage shop we are purging over here:) It feels good. Just like staying in when its shit outside.

I am a huge pippilongstocking fan or I was as a kid, I rather like that SSK has more of a sophisticated taste why I think we have an intellectual snob in the making :)))))

Lots of love to carry you through your busy week.
XXOOO

Dawn Elliott said...

My mother always told me that I should never wear blue and green together, but I beg to differ! Your outfit made me gasp with joy...seriously! I adore everything about it...the brilliance of the blues, the vibrant accessories, and the uber-cool vintage green blazer - Yeowza!

valerierbrems said...

Love the mixing of the different patterns in your outfit!

Ivy Black said...

Lovely outfit petal...nice mix of patterns and a lush combo all round.
I'm the same with January...I sort of can't be arsed and this weather is so naff I'd rather be in. Totally with you on the Great Escape...I love James Garner in anything mind you. I do love Donald Pleasence's turn too.
You can borrow my mitts if you want...I have the hands of a cold witch.
Loves yer bits.
xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Have I seen The Great Escape? Think so. Can't remember anything at the mo. Who are you again? :) :)

Lovely lovely outfit, Curtise. I agree with Suzanne: amazing pattern mixing, and textures too.

Can't offer any tips on pastry, alas.

I haven't thrifted since being in the UK over a week ago. Sometimes - rarely! - the mood just doesn't strike. Sometimes it's just nice to take a break. Enjoy all the upcoming events and celebrations in your life! Xo

silvergirl said...

sometimes a nice quiet weekend is just the ticket
love the plaid jacket
Brett

Señora Allnut said...

lovely color combo, so pretty jacket and matching gloves! and your dress print is lovely too!, that blue and citron colors and all your bijouterie are fabulous!
And The Great Escape is one of my favorite classic action films, I've watched it a lot of times and it's still fresh for me (not for my family and friends, sigh!), it's perfect for a long rainy evening!
besos & films

WordsPoeticallyWorth said...

An interesting post that I enjoyed reading.

Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

Helga said...

I saw The Great escape when very young, so can't quite remember it, but what fun to introduce your children to your favourite old films!!! My mate Gillian is having a blast watching Dr Who and Star trek with her son, and he's right into it, despite being pretty scared of Dr Who at first!
Your Winter style is rocking my world!!! I'm almost looking forward to it, as I'm getting such great inspiration from my Northern Hemisphere lovelies!!!
Our Peeprs goes out and PLAYS in the rain. She's weird. then she comes in sopping wet, howls to be dried down, and promptly goes out again!!! Attention seeker!
I've been blithering about trying to make pastry lately. I'll likely have a hissy fit, but it can't be that difficult! I've got loads of recipes for it, including Vix's olive oil pastry, so I need to pull my finger out and give it a go.Your homity pie looks delicious! I'll be requiring tips from you, my lovely!
I had a little break from opshopping over the Chrissy period, and have just got back into it recently...it is good to discipline oneself, I think, because it becomes habit and less pleasurable, in my opinion!
Loving YOU!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

You are such a fashionista! I love the color combination here. =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

You just mix prints like nobody's business, kiddo. That trim little jacket looks bespoke for you and you alone. I just love to look at thoughtful mixes as you do them. Beautiful. Blue, green and your hair is a nifty combination, Curtise. You want to watch how you use that much power!

Ahhhh! The Great Escape! One of my two great crushes was in it ... Richard Attenborough. He made another of my favorite epic films from the era with Steve McQueen; The Sand Pebbles. Has SS seen Lawrence of Arabia? Or The Guns of Navarone? Or the Longest Day? I especially love the big, lush, star-packed historic epics.
Been doing a lot of cuddling up all afternoon with a book and the pets, myself. Old movie marathons are a big deal at our house, too.

I hate January. Sooooo slow for us. Know what you mean. Hang in there ...

two squirrels said...

Oh you look fantastic in your layers sweet, I just love the olive green gloves matching your gorgeous jacket.
You are an amazing mum.......it must be so hard juggling everything, work, house and kiddies.
The pics of Minnie at the window are so so cute.
I am sitting commenting with the computer of a purring pussy cats back. Tee hee.
Love v

Unknown said...

Wow!! Cutis do I see Tweed :) I'm back on here and been sooooo busy with my website just are not enough hours, pie looks yummy xxx

The Style Crone said...

I love your brilliant combination of blue and green, with pattern mixing to really jazz it up.

A weekend at home, watching films and enjoying the people you love, sounds like perfection to me. And just as enjoyable as a vintage fair. Only different.

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

You look great in the blue and green!
Movie night? I recommend ET if the kids haven't seen it. I practically weep when the kids fly through the air on their bikes.
And Constance has REALLY enjoyed the Home Alone movies. I mean, almost peeing with laughter.
xxxx

Trees said...

Oh a quiet weekend with movies and baking? Throw in some sewing and its pretty much my dream weekend! I love the pattern on your skirt - so very pretty. This weekend I have a quiet day and a very busy day - not sure what I'm looking forward to more? I hope you all have a great weekend.

freckleface said...

I love you in that jacket. It is perfection, especially with your hair. Hurrah for quiet weekends, i'm addicted to them at the moment. It's too nasty out. Your homity pie looks delicious. I'm so impressed that you made your own pastry. My only tip would have been to buy it ready made... Old films, oh yes. I love the songs from CCBB but that's because we grew up with them, same with Mary Poppins. When i was about 13 my parents took us to see Gone with the Wind and West Side Story on the big screen (on the rive gauche coincidentally). They made such an impression and i will never forget it. It's a lovely thing to watch films en famille. Have you anything nice planned for this weekend? Xxxx

Rachel said...

This weather is such a bore now isn't it! We have had a film day by the fire today.
Making pastry scares me as it's not a forte of mine. It doesn't seem to matter how cold I keep my hands! xxx

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

I am so behind in my blog reading!! I absolutely ADORE the olive tweed with that blue print!!!
Ah The Great Escape- fabulous movie!!