Escape to Bamburgh

Hello, I hope you have all enjoyed your Christmas celebrations. We have had the most wonderful time. A few days ago we managed to escape the Baileys and Quality Street and drive north to beautiful Northumberland. This gorgeous cottage will be our home for the next few days.

Isn't it lovely? Have a little peek through the dinning room window.

Do you want to come and have a look inside?

O.k then I'll give you a quick peek in to the sitting room.

Isn't it cosy? I shall never want to leave.

But the best thing of all about this cottage is the view of the neighbours pad,

the stunning Bamburgh Castle

I would love to stay and show you more, but I really must dash.

It takes us 20 minutes to get 6 adults and 8 children, clothed with hats scarves and gloves, and out of the front door. But so worth it, as a bracing walk along the beach makes you feel alive.

I hope you all enjoy your celebrations this evening. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Welcome 2012 I can't wait to see what delights you have in store for us.

Bertie x

Summer lovin

I'm having such a fun Summer this year. I've been gallivanting around all over the place. Down to Kent for a family holiday, across to Scarborough to see Sir Elton, over to the lakes on my honeymoon, and up to Glasgow with my Mum and Sister to see Take That!

And now I'm home, I love to be at home. Just doing my thing and enjoying every moment of it.

I'm lovin the light Summer evenings, and going for walks across the moors,

to the local pub,

to enjoy a well deserved glass of wine.

I'm lovin these crocheted bikes spotted on holiday in Whitstable.

I took a photo of them to share with you, because I know you'd LOVE them too. They remind me of the ones in this magazine (yep, lovin that too).

I'm also lovin my morning routine of going to feed the hens,

and collecting their still warm eggs in my little basket.

I've fashioned together a pencil with a bit of string to tie on the side, so that can write the date on the eggs before I forget, and they all get mixed up!

And now I'm lovin GRASMERE GINGERBREAD, we visited this quaint little shop whilst on our honeymoon.

It smelt delicious!

I had to use all of my charm to get them to pose for this photo . Can you feel their embarrassment?(bless em)

I'm lovin having a sneaky slice in the afternoons, with a cup of tea in my new favourite mug. Ummmmm.

I'm lovin all my goodies sent in Lucey's button swap.

especially these gorgeous buttons that Lynda hand made for me. Thank you Lynda.

A little sneaky peak of some buttons I made for Lynda,

a little handmade rag ball, and lavender filled heart. I left them to rest in the jar to absorb more of the aromas. But I couldn't resist taking the lid off every now and then, to have a sniff.

I'm lovin Susan Branch's new blog. What an inspiration she is. I want to move in next door to her on Martha's Vinyard.

When I clapped eyes on the delicious coffee cake that she's working on for her new book, (can't wait for that to come out!)

My mouth started watering and I just had to try and make one myself,

and then devour it in five seconds flat on my new roses and raspberry plate.... Heaven.

I'm lovin the lawn just before it's fortnightly cut, bursting with a carpet of buttercups and clover.

I'm lovin my new shabby Amish star. I've wanted one of these for so long, and I couldn't believe my luck when I spotted one in my local shop of gorgeousness.

I'm also lovin that I'm still moving her around, to try and find the prefect spot to place her.

It's all part of the fun.

And last but not least, I'm lovin that our little den, the room that the children and I share, play and make things in, has had a makeover....... and has almost reached the status of organisation!

I'd love to share it with you when it's finally done, soon I hope.

With so much to enjoy this Summer. I don't want it to end. I sometimes wish I had a pause button don't you? I'll have to make sure I make the most of everyday.

I hope you're all enjoying your Summer too. I'll be back soon.

Bertie x

Yew Trees

We have had such a beautiful day here in Yorkshire. This is how the weather looked first thing this morning. I knew that once the mist had gone, it would be a cracking day. The kind of day that would be perfect for planting trees. Yes, 500 Yew trees to be exact.

We took delivery of them yesterday and have been blessed with such good weather. Don't worry you only have 445 to go.

 They have been having a drink in the pond, which is filling up nicely now. We even have some frogsporn in there, despite the cloudy water.

We are planting a hedge all the way along the top of our fields to act as a barrier. The pond is such a safety concern with small children, so the sooner it is marked off the better.

Don't you just love the fact that the landscapers are using pink twine.

 

The area above is where we are going to plan our kitchen garden. I am so excited about that. We just need to figure out how to keep the rabbits away.

PThey are nearly all in now. They just need a good drink, and plenty more sunshine to make them feel at home x.

Snow at last!

Yes, yes, yes!

At last the snow has come!

Order of the day.

No1. Make snowman.

No.2 Sledge your heart out.

No.3 Build an igloo

No.4 Admire igloo building talents.

No.5 Have deep discussion about not building igloo anymore, and going off to do more sledging.

No.6 Enjoy the beauty of it all.

I hope your enjoying the snow too.

Bertie x

Ice lolly giveaway!!!!!

Hello, gosh it's a bit hectic around here. My children finish school today for the Summer, YAY. I'm busily trying to get ready, so that we can all enjoy the best Summer ever! ( I say that every year) And of course that involves lots and lots of ice lollies.

I thought it would be fun to make some. I'm so excited to share these with you. They aren't the edible kind though.

No, these are going to hang around all Summer long.

Looking delicious.

Used as cute place settings, when friends come round for tea.

Reminding us all to enjoy the Summer whilst it's here. But most of all to have some fun.

I would love to send a little bit of Summer fun your way. As a way to say thank you for all your lovely comments, and for knowing that you understand my silliness for making things like this. I've enjoyed making these so much I just have to share.

Please leave me a comment and let me know how you celebrate your Summer, and I'll enter you into the giveaway. I'd love to hear from you. I'll draw a winner next week.

Bertie xx