Yesterday christmas began in my house, Rob had gone fishing so I had the girls all to myself. We got our tree and decorations down from the loft before going out and picking out a few new festive bits. I got into full festive spirit and put a christmas carols album on and we had a great time decorating the tree.
Here are a few pictures of our decorations so far…
Sorry they’re a teensy bit out of focus, my camera hates taking pics without a flash! Have you put up your decorations yet?
Yesterday I attended the private view of a pop up art exhibition hosted by Sweet ‘Art a non-profit art collective dedicated to the promotion of upcoming and established artists through exciting pop up art events with a difference.
The pop up is running until 10th December at the Espacio Gallery in Shoreditch, where they will be raising money to support Shooting Star Chase, a London-based children’s hospice service.
The art which is all sized A3 or smaller is an eclectic mix, and with so many different artists showcasing their work there really is something to appeal to all tastes. From sculptures to photographs, traditional paintings to contemporary pieces. Some of the original work is priced very reasonably and would make an amazing christmas present for an art loving loved one.
‘WANNA SCHLAP?’ ‘OOH I SAY’ and ‘PAAAT’ by Donna Harle
‘Women of Chelsea’ by Alex Streffen
For smaller budgets there is also a little shop section with t-shirts by Maison Twenty and a vast array of prints and cards so you can take a little piece of art home with you. Or just go along to take in some really interesting pieces of art.
Tammy having a rummage through some of the fabulous prints for sale.
I came home with this beautiful illustration by Sarah Underwood for Lila’s room as well as these beautiful christmas cards to send to my favourite people.
‘Little Ones” by Sarah Underwood
Sarah Underwood christmas cards
Elspeth Scott Christmas cards
I absolutely adore this painting, and the cards are perfect for a London loving friend for christmas.
Art wise highlights for me included an interactive installation which you entered through a wardrobe Narnia Style, a sculpture made using false nails and eyelashes (above) and some pencil drawings by Nicholas Brown who I have known through his girl friend for many years. Here are some pictures of my favourite pieces, however there was so much to see that I could only feature a few.
‘Plums’ by Nicholas Brown
‘Spitalfields’ by Timothy Shepard
‘Second Class’ by Rart and Sete
If you are based in London I would really recommend paying this fabulous exhibition a visit, it’s open until 7 each day so it might be one to pop into on your way home from work.
The exhibition is curated by Corrina Eastwood
Find out more on the Sweet ‘Art website here.
5th-10th December 11am-7pm
Espacio Gallery
159 Bethnall Green Road
London
E2 7DG
I had wanted a vintage hairdryer for absolutely ages. I think they make great decorative items on dressing tables, and the pastel colours go really well with my bedroom. So I was delighted when I spotted one in the summer at a car boot sale in it’s original box. At only £3 I couldn’t leave it behind. It has no plug but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t use it anyway and I may get an electrician to put a new one on if I do ever want to get it working.
I had put it away in a cupboard waiting to be cleaned and found a home in my room, and managed to forget about it until this morning, so now it’s out I thought I’s take a few pictures and show it off!
I love the box, she is such a Betty Draper a-like!
I love that the original instruction are still in the box.
Does anyone else have one of these? If so have you managed to get it working?
Last year I wrote a review for Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop of Dreams by Jenny Colgan. I read a lot of vintage books but when I fancy a bit of chick lit, Jenny Colgan is always my first point of call Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop
This little delight of a book follows on from where the first book finished. Rosie is still living in the village of Lipton in the Peak District which is buried under a blanket of snow, and running the sweet shop. As christmas approaches she has to contend with the imminent arrival of her family from Australia which she has failed to mention to her boyfriend Stephen. When an accident hits the village she puts off the news even further.
She finds herself looking at her future in Lipton and the future of her relationship, does she really have a life in Lipton or would she be better elsewhere? And when a tragedy strikes at the heart of their little community, all of Rosie’s plans for the future seem to be blown apart.
I won’t go into too much detail about the plot as I wouldn’t want to give anything away. But it’s every bit as good as Colgan’s other books and I absolutely sailed through this one.
What is says on the back: (taken from Amazon)
“Rosie Hopkins is looking forward to Christmas in the little Derbyshire village of Lipton, buried under a thick blanket of snow. Her sweet shop is festooned with striped candy canes, large tempting piles of Turkish Delight, crinkling selection boxes and happy, sticky children. She’s going to be spending it with her boyfriend, Stephen, and her family, flying in from Australia. She can’t wait.”
The book is a lovely dose of drama with a sprinkle of sugar for good measure. The characters as usual are brilliantly written and you care about every one in their own right. Rosie is adorable and there are times throughout the book where you could happily offer her some advice, but she is loveable in a very girl next door kind of way.
The book is deliciously festive and reading it just before the craziness of December definitely put me in a christmassy mood. There is plenty of drama as the characters face some mild peril leading up to Christmas day.
If you’re looking for a christmassy book that’s so delightful you will enjoy every page then this is the one for you.
It also includes some yummy recipes at the back of the book, one of my favourite things about Jenny Colgan’s recent books.
Buy the book from:
Amazon - Foyles – Blackwells - The Book Depositary – Waterstones
Two weeks ago I posted my 1920s Inspired Christmas Party Outfit Ideas. It turned out to be quite a popular post (thanks Pinterest!) So I’m now bringing you my 1930s inspired favourites. As I said in my last post these aren’t meant to be authentic vintage looks just beautiful dresses and accessories that pay homage to the glamour of a by-gone age.
The 30s were all about elegance and beautiful details, which is what I’ve tried to go for here…
Clockwise from left…
Sylvia Cowl Neck Dress- £225 – Ghost at House of Fraser
Stardust Maxi Dress – Was £259 Now £149 – Coast
Pandora Shoe – £104.99 – Miss L Fire at What Katie Did
Paige Tapework Full Length Dress – £325 – Phase Eight
Persia Shoe – £95 – Miss L Fire at Revival Retro
Petal Stretch Bracelet – £6.99 – New Look
Gold Metalic Box Clutch – £19.99 – New Look
