Denim and Doncaster

Look at that sunshine!

It's been cold but beautifully clear; I like these lovely in-between days when I need extra layers but haven't yet unearthed my faux furs from storage.

Denim dress, cardigan, belt and bangles - charity shopped
Clockhouse 1970s-style patchwork suede jacket, boots and 70s tooled leather bag - Ebay
Pendant - gift 



I had a feeling this denim shirt dress would look good layered up with tights and boots, I'm liking the 70s vibe...

...although I'm clearly not showing anything like enough thigh.
(Source)

When my mum and sister came up to visit in half term, we went to Brodsworth Hall, near Doncaster, and I somehow never got round to putting the photos together into a blog post.

So here they are.

There is much to enjoy in the Victorian house and gardens.

No photos were allowed in the house (I got told off for getting my camera out, although there were no signs to say photography wasn't OK and my mind-reading skills are clearly ineffective).

We loved the elegant statues and beautiful monkey puzzle tree...

...the ghost trail, Victorian ironwork, pets graveyard...

...autumn colours, fungi, sheep, topiary...

...and the sunlight through the trees.

A ridiculous child photo bombed the topless statuary...

...and the kids enjoyed some time with their Grandma.

A good afternoon. 

And should we have a Gratuitous Pussy Pic to finish?

Of course we should!

xxxxx

Armful of moss

Boys.

Funny creatures, aren't they?

Seldom Seen and his friends seemed to enjoy the birthday sleepover, with its zombie movie, snacks, XBox games, and a ridiculously late night.

They all chose to sleep together in the living room, lined up on the rug like sardines in a tin, with a motley collection of pillows and cushions, sleep mats, quilts and sleeping bags. I can't believe they were comfortable, but I left them to it.

A Stern Voice was eventually required to get them to settle down and go to sleep. I do a good Stern Voice.

I seem to be gearing up for activity.

I've been planning our school's Christmas fair again, sorting the posters, put a notice on our local online forum, sussed out an ad for the events column of the local paper, been to buy the gifts for Santa's grotto, and set dates for more shopping, cooking, and gift wrapping. I won't be able to help on the day this year as I will be working, so I feel I should do as much as possible beforehand. 

And I start work at Debenhams next Monday.

Phew.

1960-70s Tricosa herringbone/lurex maxi skirt - antiques centre in Matlock

1970s suede jacket - street market, years ago

Orange top - jumble sale

Cardigan, 1960s vinyl/tapestry bag and bangles - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

Necklace - gift from Gisela

The weather is distinctly autumnal, and so am I today.

I love how my garden goddess appears to be carrying an armful of moss.

I feel the same way. But I am trying to view the various tasks and responsibilities on the horizon as opportunities rather than burdens.

It's only moss might be my mantra over the coming weeks...

On Saturday evening, we all went out for a Chinese meal to celebrate Seldom Seen's birthday;

Dim Sum for the Dim Son.

The food was delicious.

Littlest tried her hardest with chopsticks.

I blame Miley Cyrus for the tongues.

So that's me.

I feel a bit.. oh I don't know - on the cusp. 

Of something new. 

And it's a good feeling, albeit a slightly daunting one. I'm going to be busy, and I am essentially a lazy arse, so we will have to see how that plays out.

Thank you so much for all your good wishes and encouragement - I really appreciate your support.

xxxxxx

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

After the whirlwind of kids and cake and and film-watching and the occasional stern voice (time to settle down now, boys!) and pancakes for breakfast and swimming and a birthday tea at our favourite Chinese restaurant, a quiet day was definitely in order.

Lazy Sunday afternoon, I've got no mind to worry...

Dress, suede ankle boots and C&A Clockhouse suede jacket - Ebay

Black top (ancient) and belt - retail

Hat, bangles and tights - charity shopped

Pendant - car boot

So what have I achieved today?
Hmmm...

Bit of breakfast-making.

Bit of photographing, measuring, and putting a few things on Ebay.

Bit of nagging support and encouragement about homework.
A minute of silence.

Lots of tea drinking. 

Bit of chocolate indulgence.

 Bit of ironing.

Bit of tomfoolery.

Fed the cats. They wouldn't let me forget to do that.

I spy the Seldom Seen Kid! 

Did some Birthday Boy cuddling.
Delicious!

Close my eyes and drift away...

I'll be linking up with Patti's ever-popular Visible Monday.

Hope you have had a lovely weekend!

xxx

Crazy for paisley

The weather has definitely changed now, with some fierce winds and lots of showers.

If you can guarantee anything in life, it is this: if it is going to rain, it will do so between 8.30 and 9.00am, and again between 3.00 and 3.30pm, just as I trudge to school and back.
I could do that walk blindfold.
I was a bit concerned about the puddle situation this morning, but needn't have worried.

Crimplene is fantastic for being quick-drying, my hem wasn't even wet when I got home!

OK so the Flying Squad suede jacket probably wasn't the wisest choice in the rain, but it goes so well...

 

             
                     Twirling is obligatory in this skirt. It's practically the law.

                    
                         Can't resist showing you my backside, hahahaha!

1970s Co-op crimplene paisley maxi skirt (vintage fair), purple T-shirt (ancient and baggy), White Stuff  linen tie cardigan (charity shop - have you SEEN how much their range is full price?? Would never pay that!), Clarks stack heeled ankle boots (community centre fair), baubles, bangles and beads (charity shops, flea markets or gift).




And finally, these flying ducks have appeared on the gable end wall of a house just up the road. Even in the rain, they always make me smile!

Happy Thursday!

Mermaids and leopards

I was intending to head to my favourite Thursday flea market today but ended up doing the rounds of a few charity shops instead.

Here's what I wore.

Look at Charley, our new kitten, showing you his bum... Don't know what I'm looking so smug about in this photo, perhaps it's the fact I am wearing my favourite skirt, and the jacket makes me feel as though I should be in an episode of the Sweeney. And I have just observed that I need to wear a black bra with that top... Oh well, you won't be looking at my boobs, will you? The kids call this my mermaid skirt, and the pattern does rather look like fish scales. The Ebay seller I bought it from was selling off old stock from a fancy dres shop; this isn't fancy dress, it's every day wear, right?

1970s brown suede/leather jacket (had it years), 1970s lurex scallop maxi skirt (Ebay), black/tan heeled brogues (Ebay), 1970s scarf, sunnies and black Jesiree top (charity shopped).

When I got home and took some photos, I had a rush of blood to the head, and wondered what the skirt would look like with my faux fur leopard print jacket. I have usually worn this wonderful skirt with plain tops/jackets, I felt she needed to be the star really, but what do you think? Too much?  

     1970s leopard print faux fur jacket (flea market). Damn red-eye removal not working, I look hungover.

Charley thinks the leopard is going to eat him, so he's high-tailing it out the door. That puss is a wuss. Actually, I had to take him to the vet this week (he's fine now). Thankfully I won't be making any Mrs Slocombesque references to my poorly pussy. Apart from that one, of course. Helga, I can hear you guffawing from here!

I brought a few goodies home.

Another 1970s pussy bow blouse (£3) - couldn't resist.

And yet another 1970s polyester blouse (£3). Look at the groovy collar! I love the colours and the print.

 1960s (I think) Ladies Pride turquoise skirt suit (£6). Not sure about this one, love the fabric and the skirt fits well, though may ditch the rather boxy jacket. Although it has wonderful metal filigree buttons and braid detail...

Hope you've had a good day!