Who's house is it?!.

I would like to introduce you to Nana's House or could it be Ethel's House?!.

 The new name for the business. I just can't decide.

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 I love both these names. But don't know which I prefer.

 Nana's house.

 Because my customers tell me that they always feel so nostalgic when buying something from me. A teapot that reminds them of Nana Pam. A washboard reminiscent of dear Nana Doris. Love.

 Ethel's house.

 My mums mum and her nan were both called Ethel.

 This is also our chosen name if we were ever to have another baby girl.

  But the main reason behind this name is that my mum always tell me that my taste in interiors and home design reminds her of  great Nana Ethel. We always pour over old photos of her and I ooh and ahh at the fabulous retro curtains and my mum tells me stories about our family from up north. More love.

 So this is the question guys;

 Is it Nana's House or Ethel's House????. (P.S I am undecided on the colour for the logo so just went with blue for today. No doubt it will be a variety of colours before I finally decide).


Lauren x

New beginnings.

Over the past few weeks, possibly months I have been doing some real soul searching regarding my business and little shop. It is something I love with all my heart but I really feel like I have been neglecting it of late and that my heart hasn't been in it as much as it used to be.

 I have had a wonderful first year as Poppy-Lauren Vintage and have learnt a great deal. I feel like 12 months on I know the market better, my customers and where I want the business to be heading.

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 After realising that I would like to take a different approach I have decided to re brand the business. I want the blog to stay the same. The whole 'Musings of a vintage mother' is exactly what I like blogging about but am changing the name of the business, getting a new logo, website etc.

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 I have already decided on a new name and 'brand' idea. Its something I have had in my mind for a few months now and I just couldn't get it out of my head. After chatting with my husband and mum, who told me they loved the idea, Ive decided to go with it. My gut has been telling me this is a good idea. And as Will.I.Am once said 'Go with the gut!'. Ha ha!.

 Things will be taking shape over the next few weeks and I really cannot wait to start this new chapter in my life. I will keep you all posted with all the happenings.

 I feel positive, re energised and excited. Here's to new beginnings. 

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 Lauren x

The wedding planner!.

I am so honoured to have been asked to style my lovely friend, Carolines, wedding this year. 

 After I missed the opportunity to plan my own, (My husband and I took part in 'Don't tell the bride' season 3. I will  do a post on this but am saving it for our wedding anniversary), Its really quite a big deal. 

The wedding is at the end of July and Caroline is going for the very English tea party theme. I love this look!. With it being so popular I am constantly thinking and looking for new ideas and inspiration so that Caroline's wedding is unique to her. She is so laid back and sweet. I hope I can portray this is the decor. I want to create a relaxed, pretty atmosphere. Simple and understated. 

 With the ceremony being held in a stunning country church I want to carry the theme onto the reception, which is being held in the grooms parents garden. Complete with its own outside bar. Fabulous!.

In my mind I see;

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I think you can see where I am going with this. But don't want to give too much away. I hope I can help make Caroline and Rob's a day to remember. 

 Lauren x

Some time away.

Hello strangers!.

 I know I've been useless on the blogging front and I am sure you are all dying to know how the house is. Well....Its the same!.

 Nothing has changed since we last spoke. My husband and I decided to take 10 days away from renovating as we felt totally drained and were starting to loose interest. So instead we have been spending time with the children, doing housework and we even had a very rare night out together on Saturday. I even got a bit drunk. Crazy, I know.

 But thanks to a little time away we are feeling millions better and have a new zest for the renovation. Here's a little taster of what I have been inspired by the past few days. Can you guess what will be going on this weekend?. :))))))

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Both pictures from same Source

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I finally feel excited about this again.

Lauren x

A day with nature.

We had such a lovely day at Wat Tyler country park yesterday. 

The children loved it. There are so many educational and fun bits to do. We did a nature trail, a bird watch, learnt about pond life. We had a picnic on a bed of daisies and bought a bird box for the our garden. It was brilliant as the twins were able to pretty much roam free and explore, albeit a few ponds. I didn't feel like I was constantly saying don't do this and don't do that. The walk around the park was beautiful and listing to the chorus of the different birds was amazing. 

Best of all. Everything was free!.

Was a wonderful day, peaceful day. We had 3 sleepy children by the time the sun set.

 Lauren x

The £5 wallpaper in all its glory.

The wallpaper is finally up in Poppy's bedroom. My bargain find. Four rolls of 1960's vinyl wallpaper for £5.00. Happy days!

 Do you like?. I love!. And so does Pops.

 I have been trying to organise Poppy's room. I really want it finished first so she can see her new room and adjust to the idea of moving house. With her starting full time school in September I really want her to feel settled and ready. So first stop; get her bedroom completed!.

I am now working on a scandi/retro theme. I want to incorporate lots of bright colours with the white floorboards. Look at these pictures I am using for inspiration. So cute.

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Jenny Komenda at the little green notebook

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I actually had a very similar wallpaper to this on my bedroom walls when I was a little girl!.

Lauren x

(P.S I have almost 2 rolls of the wallpaper left if anyone is interested).

Spring Fever.

Cbeebies have done it again!. Sampling Elvis Presley & Shelley Fabares Spring fever for the Easter/springtime ad. Not only entertaining the mums and dads but musically educating the children too. My three have been swinging to Elvis all morning. Thanks cbeebies :)

 Lauren x

Fun at the farm.

I love half term. 

Pops is off from pre school for 3 weeks and I hope to pack in as many fun activities as I can. One of our favourite things to do is go to the farm. We are lucky enough to live fairly close to a rare breeds farm at Hadleigh castle country park. It re opened this weekend after being shut all winter. We spent the day there yesterday. Feeding the animals and enjoying the wonderful warm weather. There is nothing better than getting the children out in the fresh air. 

 Tomorrow we are off to the local museum. There is a dinosaur event. And its free!. Spring days with the children are my favourite.

 Lauren x