More thrifty finds.

What a wonderful weekend!. I hope everyone enjoyed the Sunshine and made the most of being able to spend some time outdoors. We are meant to have rain tomorrow!.

Yesterday we went to Robin Hood country show at the Brentwood centre. Was such a fun day!. The children were super excited to go and see all the different animals. 

 Poppy held a 2 day old baby duck and got her face painted and the twins were kept amused by the woof woofs, that's dogs to you and I. There was so much to do and I would definitely recommend as a fab family day out. Unfortunately I have NO photos :( my beloved lifeline, the mobile phone, has broken and is in the menders. How will I cope?!. Three weeks with no phone.

Anyway, despite the phone dilemma I did manage to get some pictures of some of the thrifty finds I bought this weekend. I was pretty successful!. 

1960's sewing box. FOR SALE.

1950's sewing box. FOR SALE.

1950's kitchen wall unit.

1970's Fisher Price toy garage.

Pyrex mixing bowl with lip and scales. FOR SALE.

Pyrex jelly mould and 2 small jelly moulds. FOR SALE

Vintage colander, rolling pin and what I think is a hanging egg basket. Although the man I bought from said it is a 1930's salad drainer. FOR SALE.

!950's glass Christmas baubles. FOR SALE.

1960's Ravenhead boxed dessert bowls. FOR SALE.

If you are interested in any of these items please send me an email at lauren_sutherland@hotmail.co.uk

Lauren x

Thrifty finds.

We woke this morning to some sunshine. HURRAH!. And sunshine can only mean one thing. Thrifting!.

 I dropped Poppy at school and drove up to the second hand market. And look what I found.

Dressing table set

Early 1900's stew bowl

Retro plate for Poppy's room

Staffordshire pottery mugs

Pyrex plates

Retro Sindy caravan for Poppy

Replica 1960's Sindy doll for Poppy

How cute are the Sindy bits?. With Poppy's birthday coming up I am going to put these away as presents. Not a bad morning!.

Lauren x

The more that you read the more you will know.

I am obsessed with old books. I love the smell, the delicate pages and faded prints. 

After a treasure hunt through my nan and grandads garage the other day I came across 4 HUGE boxes of books. My nans books. Once upon a time my nan was an avid reader. Literature, poetry, plays. You name it she has read it and studied it. 

 My nan is the main reason for my love of reading. When I was 11 she gave me my first proper read. A midsummer nights dream. My love affair with Shakespeare began.

 And can you believe my joy when I found all her old books. Packed away neatly, some with notes attached. Here are a few of my favourites. 

All classics. I love them so much. And this is only a handful. I still have more to go through. I am going to have our very own little library at the house. A quite corner packed with books. With a little light and a comfy chair. 

A little something like this;

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Lauren x

Water, water everywhere. But not a drop to drink.

So for the past 3/4 weeks Essex has been experiencing a serious bout of rain.

 Mr weather man, I know we have the hosepipe ban, but really?!. This much rain?!.

For about half an hour yesterday evening we had this;

And then back to rain this morning. Theres only so much muddy puddle jumping you can do!.

In other news we have started painting the floors!. Here's a few pictures of our bedroom and Poppy's bedroom. Primed and the first coat of paint. I love them all ready.

We have used Wickes quick dry floor paint in white.

Cannot wait to see the floors finished now.

 Lauren x

Showing off with shelves.

Work has FINALLY begun on the kitchen!. 

I can see that tiny pin prick light at the end of the tunnel. And I think my husband, FIL and dad are happy too!. It has been a huge project to take on. Especially with me bossing them about ;) !!!!

 I get very excited about the kitchen. I  feel that as a family of five it is an important room.

 Here is the kitchen now. 

 I am a little obsessed with open shelving in kitchens. I want to show off all the fabulous retro wares I've been collecting over the past two years. The kitchen isn't huge and we won't have that many cupboards but as we will be having a larder I am not at all worried about cupboard space. Even the thought of a little dust collecting on open shelves doesn't worry me. 

Here's a little inspiration.

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I love that blind in the last picture. I have some similar fabric. I think I am going to try and re create one for our kitchen!.

Off to prepare for a fair I am doing this evening. Have a lovely Thursday.

Lauren x

Pictures from the past.

I love old photographs.

Especially ones that are of my family.

Let me introduce to you the Kilmartin/Seery family (my mums side). These are just a few of the treasured photos I have ready for a photo wall at the house.

 So many generations, smiles and stories. And they are my family. Love.

Great Nana Ethel.

Grandpa Jim.

Nana Ethel and Auntie Teresa.

Great Nana Ethel.

My mum and her twin brother christopher. xxx (Natural labour might I add! Even though my mum was breech!).

Great Grandpa John Kilmartin

My mum as a newly qualified nurse

 Auntie Betty and Uncle Fred.

Great Nana Margaret.

So nostalgic.

 Lauren xxx

P.S Please do not copy these photographs without my permission. I don't bite so please ask if you would like to use one. Thanks so much.