Thursday 21 April 2016

Bishops Stortford Craft & Farmers Market



I love farmers markets, so I was pleased as punch when a monthly craft & farmers market popped up in my hometown. Wandering around the market with my little basket, I tasted cheese, chatted to the local sellers and was reminded of bygone days - when food was grown, sourced and reared locally, by local people. This is how our grandparents brought groceries on a daily basis. But such produce seems to be a luxury to us nowadays. I know many would argue the produce at such markets can be overpriced compared to your local supermarket, but it's vitally important to recognise the difference between the two. Much of our supermarket food is mass produced in factories, and crammed full with preservatives and (cheap) artificial ingredients to ensure a good profit. So while it may not be practical to buy from a farmers market on a daily basis, treating ourselves and our bodies to fresh, quality produce when we can, whilst also supporting the lifeblood of local family businesses, really is worth every penny, and it makes for a such lovely afternoon out! Here are some of my highlights ...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 7 April 2016

DIY rustic 'scandi chic' farmhouse trestle table

As you know I've got a new craft room! I'm going to show you the room in detail very soon, but first I wanted to show you my new craft table. I wanted a strong, rustic trestle table for my craft room so I went looking for one online. I was flabbergasted to learn just how expensive there are … with cheaper ones starting around £170 and nice rustic vintage ones between £600 - £1000! They are beautiful of course but goodness, that’s a family holiday! So in true AHC stylie I decided to make my own. I'm so happy I did, as the table below only cost me £45. This would make a lovely farmhouse-style or scandi-chic dining table … and it would also be ideal for al fresco family dining as it can be easily dismantled. You could also paint and distress the legs for a lovely shabby-chic look. I might paint these legs, but the character of the bare, aged wood has really grown on me so I'm keeping it 'au natural' for now. 



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 3 March 2016

This month in pictures - February


Hi popsicles! I hope this finds you all well on this chilly March morning. I've just been for a brisk walk with Sir Ralfred .... my hands and toes are icy cold and I can't WAIT for summer to warm our cockles now. As much as I love the cosiness of autumn and winter, I'm so ready for flip flops and hazy days now. Roll on bluebells and bring forth the sunshine! This was our month in pictures ....



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 26 February 2016

Botanical print feature wall & how to hang pictures easily


Botanical prints feature wall


I was watching the TV programme ‘The Good Wife’ a few years ago and I noticed the lovely feature wall in Alicia's apartment. It was covered in uniform frames of botanical flowers - and I loved it. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to re-create this wall art ever since, and now I have a new craft room I thought this would be an ideal opportunity! It was quite by coincidence that when hubby’s lovely Grandmother Joan passed away a couple of years ago, Grandpa gave me a beautiful set of botanical prints that once belonged to her. I was so touched by this - as not only could I make a beautiful wall of art filled with flowers and nature, but it would also be a lovely way to remember Joan, who aside from being a keen nature lover and gardener, was also a crafty soul herself.


Botanical prints

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 18 February 2016

The 300 year old Belleville cottage, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.




Where is it: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Sleeps: 8 ( in 5 bedrooms )
Price from: £500 for 3 nights (based on 8 sharing)
Pets: Welcome

Last October hubby and I attended a wedding in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, along with some of our close friends and their baby. So rather than book into a hotel, our little group of 7 decided it would be much nicer (and cheaper!) to make this into a cottage holiday break. As soon as I came across Belleville Cottage I knew it would be the perfect home away from home for out little weekend in Kent. Now as you know my preferred holiday cottages are old, rustic, rural and isolated. However we wanted to be quite central for this particular trip so while Bellville isn't isolated as such, it certainly is very old, and the countryside surrounding Royal Tunbridge Wells is very picturesque and beautiful, and quite deserving of it's well-known nickname 'The Garden of England.'


Belleville Cottage - Photography by John Pickup


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 11 February 2016

How to make: Handmade personalised photo cards




I love this project. It's such an easy but effective way to make a handmade card for any occasion - it looks lovely, takes 5 minutes and all you need is some card, a photo and an envelope so it's ideal for and last minute occasions. As Valentines Day is coming up I thought I'd make one for hubby (and Ralphy of course). Real romance isn't always about big gestures or splashing out, and it's certainly not reserved just for youngsters ... for me romance is about the little things, and thoughtful gestures. So get your bits together and think of all the brownie points when you remember Valentines day and your other half doesn't! ;-)  


How to make - personalised photo cards for any occassion

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday 5 February 2016

A month in pictures - January


Well January has been and gone in a whirlwind. I'm still getting my craft room in order (it's still a bit of a mess but it's almost ready to show you.) Despite the busy start to the year we've had some lovely walkies this month and I've enjoyed getting stuck into some lovely crafty projects; one to lighten and brighten our living space and the other project would make a wonderful Mummy's day gift! it's only a few weeks away so if you're blessed with a lovely mummy then have a lookie and get crafting! Here's our month in pictures ...



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 28 January 2016

Decoupaged keepsake box + with pretty florals and old photos.


How to make a decoupage keepsake box


So lately I've been trying to think of some crafty ways to make use of all the photos that are sitting on my laptop, and since Valentines day is coming up I thought I'd make a pretty personalised decoupage memory box using pretty floral papers and old photos! This project is super easy, making it an ideal craft project for kids too. This would make a lovely thoughtful pressie for any occasion as you can really personalise it with photos, old love letters, maps, or simply your favourite fings! It's my mummy's birthday on Valentines day so this box is going to be a surprise for her (providing she doesn't read this first!) it features photographs of all the wonderful women from my mums family, from both past and present. A lovely way to remember them I think.


How to make a decoupage box


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 14 January 2016

Quick and easy - sample pot makeovers


Christmas has been and gone, the decorations are down and everything looks bare and downright boring. Spring is just weeks away so I thought I’d do some brightening up in my little abode. When it comes to home makeovers we assume it’s going to take a lot of time and a lot of money, but this needn’t be the case. Picking just a couple of things to lighten and brighten can make a world of difference, and for small projects like these, all you need is one little sample pot of paint! 




Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Thursday 7 January 2016

Our month in pictures - December

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I hope this finds you all well, and a good stone heavier than you were in November. I've been trying to give the remainder of our chocolates away and I shan't be looking in a full length mirror until Feb, and I definitely won't be attempting to squish into my skinny jeans anytime soon (even if they are elasticated). We had a lovely Christmas, filled with good cheer, competitive board games, too much food and plenty of laughs. Come New Year we were so worn out we spent the New year playing games and supping tea (in our PJ's) with some good friends! (so rock n' roll I know). I'm VERY excited about this year as hubby and I have lots of possible adventures on the horizon. I've also been thinking of all the craft projects I want to make and share with you this year and I can't wait to get stuck in ... starting with some bits and bobs from my new CRAFT ROOM! In the meantime here's a little glimpse of our month in pictures ...



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...