Indigo Antiques - back where I used to work...

I'm always happy to go back and help out at this gorgeous place and the weekend before last they had a Spring Open Day and asked me to work for a couple of days.

Lots of wonderful things to see (and the customers bought loads too so we were busy ringing up the cash tills all day).  Delicious drinks and nibbles were served - probably one of the reasons Indigo Open Days are always well attended.  And here to follow for you to feast your eyes on : lots of  photographs of the gorgeous 'Spring-like' showroom just before we opened the doors : 

www.indigoantiques.com

Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff

So sorry I have been absent recently - not a post done since Easter time...  Naughty.

I have had an excuse though as I've been doing the above - Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff....  

At the moment this seems to make up the main part of each day.  The cottage here in UK has to be cleared and what is left is going into storage (which = $$$ so the more I clear the less it will cost!)  Some belongings are coming back to Australia with me which makes me happy...  And, I'm even more happy because my daughter is coming back to Australia too.  (Visas willing!)   

My 'sabbatical' here has nearly come to an end (well, beginning of July actually) and the light at the end of the tunnel can be glimpsed for my daughter with the end of her University days in sight.

So true

I was reading a really good article a few years ago about "downsizing" / clearing clutter and I was so impressed with the piece I kept it (yes, more clutter!).  However,  I've  been referring to it rather a lot recently and so much of it makes perfect sense.  I thought I would share some of the points that the author Jo Foley made just in case you are thinking of undertaking anything similar :

• If you decide to downsize / sort your "stuff and clutter" DON'T leave it too late - it needs stamina and do it at least 5 years before you think you need to.
• Allow plenty of time - getting rid of your stuff is a time consuming business.
• DON'T expect to profit from downsizing. People, shops and dealers are not desperate to take or buy your stuff.  People are more and more picky these days.
• Don't fool yourself - it's very unlikely you are harbouring a treasure. Anywhere.
• Start off gently and train yourself to get rid of something every day. Then a bag a week and ultimately a bag a day.
• You may even have to pay people to take things you don't want. Don't worry if they make money from it - it's out of your house and away from your life.
• Look on websites where you can give away things for free - like the special section of gumtree.com.
• Don't be sentimental about clothes and baubles but do be about your children's school reports, photos, your first doll,  your Dad's medals etc. and keep these in ONE treasure chest.
• Ask others for help and advice.
• Throw your home open to nieces, nephews, godchildren etc and invite them to take what they want to set up their homes.

Anyone got any other good tips?

Happy Clearing.....

Why do I have so much of it?

Easter Greetings

Cheep, cheep, cheep!

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break.
Loved these cute little yellow chicks all squished in together - especially their beady eyes.

And look what arrived on Thursday morning :

  Lovely flowers.- from Mr NT .. I know - v. lucky....

And a beautiful candle too - 

Have a happy time whatever you may be up to..... x

Party Pics from last weekend (and a rather gorgeous young man for you to see)

I had to re-think what I wore to the engagement party last weekend - this was the weather on the way to the venue.... Snow and freezing temperatures.

Never mind - the khaki leopard babes are snuggled back in their box ready for another outing. Did not want to spoil their loveliness in any way the first time they appeared.

Daughter and I... ready to go.  Woollen scarves as extra accessories.  I am wearing a sparkly sequin jacket (Zara) with another little bit of sparkle in a kind of light sweatshirt type top underneath - the lighter stripes have a bit of glitter.

Us at the party... Daughter kindly 'did' my makeup

Enjoying a glass of fizz... straight to my cheeks!  You can see the sparkle in the top a little more.

And finally, the pic I enticed you with....Daughter with a dear friend of ours...  (brother of the 'engagement girl')....Such a nice young man and he is going to be a 'regular' soon on a British soap opera - HOLBY CITY.

Have you been to any good parties recently... what did you wear?  Do you always reach for the same kind of outfit and what do you feel most comfortable in for an evening occasion?

Khaki Leopard Babies

I have been getting rid of things recently rather than buying more which has fitted in quite well with the concept of Frugal February.
Sorting out and chucking clothing and possessions etc. in order to make the mammoth task of packing a little easier.   However, when these gorgeous shoes flitted by my radar I could NOT resist.  I fell for them hook, line and sinker.  Guilty as charged.

They tick so many boxes :

• Leopardy pattern
• Khaki colourway
• Reasonable heel height
• Comfortable with a slightly cushioned insole ;-)
• Good value for money

I absolutely LOVE them....  (Oh, and if you are interested they are from ZARA and currently still on their website)

Happy weekend whatever you may be doing.  Myself and the "khaki 'pards" are off to a party together.

Very exciting.

Back again in UK

Well, I have been back for less than a week and the contrast in weather has been amazing...

When I flew from Melbourne the mercury topped at 38 degrees - too hot for me really...  Far too hot.
However, I did not bank on this when I returned to Wiltshire....  Do you know it actually snowed yesterday morning..?  It's meant to be Spring here.
Look :

Snow.. in March, who would have thought it?

Have to say the snow did not hang around long and just look at these gorgeous flowers I have seen out and about on my jogs/walks....

Beautiful aren't they...?  The first two pics are hellebores (Lenten or Winter roses I think they are also known as) and the last one some gorgeous snowdrops.

Daughter returns from university in a couple of days - can't wait to see her again although as this is her last year (my goodness it's all nearly over!) she will be hard at work during the Easter holidays and I will be on hand to wield the whip   gently encourage and keep her going with nutritious food etc. !

Oh, and talking of nutritious food this GORGEOUS man is back on TV tonight telling us all about how to make a good loaf of bread - looking forward to taking notes and staring into his beautiful blue eyes...

Mr Salt and Pepper tasty dish - Paul Hollywood

How is Spring shaping up where you are?  Or, if in 'my other hemisphere' any Autumn foraging going on?

La Dolce Vita

Well life is sweet in more ways than one for me at the moment.....
I have been in Melbourne for the last couple of weeks and for most of that time have been busy packing up the house as Mr NT and I are on the move. A little further out of Melbourne but still within easy reach of the city. And it has been good, very sweet in fact to be sharing time with Mr NT again.
Yesterday, though I took myself away from the bubble wrap and boxes and treated myself to a quick visit to MECCA COSMETICA in Camberwell. Oh how I love that place ....
And I splurged on a little treat - Nars Dolce Vita lipstick. A fabulous colour - maybe the holy grail at last. A pinky nude which doesn't wash me out and has that finished "looks natural but better than your lips" sort of look. I am impressed.
A couple of visuals for you....

Have a wonderful weekend! I am doing a garage sale tomorrow but will feel very glam with my new lippie on to face the buyers!!