A handmade cottage: My favourite fings

Friday 30 May 2014

Strawberries in hanging baskets

I love Strawberries. So I have a lot of strawberry plants. Last year I'd skip outside with my basket ... reach down to pick a juicy ripe strawberry and let out a scream that would make Miggins next door choke on her spam sandwich, for the strawberry would be hollow, and filled with mini slugs. Eww! SO, this year I dug up the entire patch and split them into hanging baskets. Planting strawberries in baskets is ideal because:

* The slugs don't get them * They don't turn mouldy from sitting on damp soil * It will free up space to plant other veg * Makes use of space * ideal for small gardens * Great easy project for gardening newbies * A baby could do it ... well, a toddler perhaps *

Despite having lots of plants, I didn't collect many strawberries at all
last year, the slugs meanwhile were looking very buff and well fed!

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Friday 23 May 2014

My thrifty finds!

It has been a while since I shared some of my thrifty finds with you so here's what I've managed to sneak past hubby in the last month or so (having said that it's often his own fault cos he points out pretty things for me!) I've also been trying to have a clean out - our little cottage is getting too small for us three so we need to either move house / do a charity run / car boot / get my eBay on / OR start a shop!? I always spend more than I make at car boots ... though it's always worth it for the banter alone ... "How much for the table love?"

"Fiver love"

"Take 50p?"

*sigh*

Friday 9 May 2014

Getting away from it all

Well as I told you earlier this week, it's our 1st Wedding anniversary on the 14th May * still beaming * so we're OFF of holiday!! We're both in dire need of a break so we're packing up our sombreros, flip flops, bikini, sun crea .... NOPE sorry, wrong holiday ... we're packing up our walking books, books, craft basket and dog, and heading to the lush green hills of SHROPSHIRE!

Ok well this photo was actually taken from the top of the
Brecon Beacons in Wales but you get my point!! : )

Friday 2 May 2014

The bedside book of the garden - by Dr D.G.Hessayon

The bedside book of the garden is on my bedside right now, and it occasionally joins me in the bath too. I find it the perfect companion for bath-time because if I have the window open I can see the garden from the tub ... and occasionally the neighbours too (ohh-err missus!) Turns out, it is about gardening but it focuses more about where the garden came from, and the people that gave it to us. It also gives us practical tips such as; How to press flowers, make wine, floral perfume, hops pillows and so much more. It's just a lovely read, and if you love flowers and gardening, I've no doubt you'll love this. This following explains it better than I can ...

How very true ... the wise words of Dr D. G. Hessayon

Friday 25 April 2014

A picnic in the Bluebell Woods

Bluebell woodlands are by far, one of my favourite fings ... well places. There is something truly magical about Bluebells. This might be because they are, in fact, little faerie houses or maybe it's their heavenly scent. Whatever it is, spending time in a beautiful bluebell-covered woodland is by far, one of the best things you and your people can do this April.

Bluebell woodland - by A Handmade Cottage

Friday 4 April 2014

The William Morris 'Tree of Life' Tapestry Cushion

I've always loved the 'Tree of life' tapestry by the 19th Century artist William Morris.

It's such a beautiful design, so I was over the moon when I discovered this beautiful

loom-woven Flemish Tapestry cushion over at Wye Needlecraft. I found the cushion just after hubby and I were married, so I thought it would mark the occasion perfectly ... now it sits quietly in the corner watching our marriage 'grow' and it's always in reaching distance should I ever need to hit him with it : ) Aw not that I would!

My 'Tree of Life' cushion by William Morris.

Friday 28 March 2014

My favourite fings - My mum (on Mother's day)

My mum.

I have a lovely mum. She's the kindest, most loving, most humble person I've ever met, and not a day goes by when I don't feel loved by her. So since Mother's day is approaching, while my mum isn't an actual 'fing,' she is one of my most favourite people.

So today Mummykins, you are my favourite fing!

Friday 21 March 2014

Pretty Nostalgic Magazine

Pretty Nostalgic Magazine. I've just discovered this after ordering a free back copy (how very generous of them!) and I have to say ... everything about it is just LOVELY. It's an independent magazine, filled with all things vintage, crafty, foraging, upcycling, natural recipes, craft fairs, vintage fashion, home decor and really interesting stories. In short, it's Jodie Podes heaven!

Friday 14 March 2014

Pretty notepads

Notepads. I love them. I love using them as travel diaries, crafty fings and shopping lists. But I'm not talking any old notepad, they have to be pretty notepads. I know this makes me a notepad snob but my reasoning is, if it's pretty I'll want to use it! What's appealing about a regular ole A4 WHSmiths jobbie?? that just takes me right back to school * shivers * no thanks, pretty notepads all the way! which leads me to showing you these little beauties ....

This week I found these gorgeous little notepads by Lau & Home on t'internet. There are 4 in a pack (which is very handy) and they're perfect handbag / shopping list size (17cm) The paper inside is even a lovely old fashioned natural brown. Worthy of ink and quill I'd say!

For all 4 notebooks it's a mere £6.50 + P&P

Buy from amazon HERE

JM x

Friday 7 March 2014

Seasonal decoration - Bringing the blossom in

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL out there people?! The BLOSSOM is out. I don't care what anyone says, that signifies Spring to me. Even if it snows ... it's Spring snow (?) So for today's 'Favourite Fings' I wanted to share a few photos of my foraging adventures this month ... and show you how to save pennies (and the planet) by adorning your house with Spring.

Friday 28 February 2014

Organised ribbons on wooden dolly pegs

When you live in a little house you have to be organised, or charm quickly turns to clutter. When it came to ribbons no matter how hard I tried they'd always end up in a massive tangled mess.

Friday 21 February 2014

Patchwork house bunting

I love all things patchwork.

In fact I'm planning to do a post or video soon showing you just how easy it is! But today I just wanted to share this lovely bunting with you. It's from Sass and Belle, though my mum found it for me on a little crafty market stall (bless her little cottton socks!)

Sass and belle patchwork house bunting

Isn't it lovely?! it's such a simple idea and would be very easy to make ... perhaps we could do it together, another day perhaps?! It seems to be discontinued on the Sass and Belle website but it IS available from amazon.

Have a lovely friday munchkins,

JM x

Friday 14 February 2014

The importance of romance

It's easy to pick a fight with Valentines day. I've heard the phrases "it's just an excuse to make money out of us" and "I don't need an excuse to tell me wife I luv 'er" more times than I've had hot dinners.

Valentines day is a day to celebrate the love we have in our life, and it's no time to be stingy.

We all need romance. It's not just reserved for young people, it's at the heart of every long-lasting happy relationship. Romance means different things to different people, but whether it's a trip to Paris or simply holding hands it generally stands for thoughtfulness, companionship and attention. If you think your relationship doesn't need romance then you are probably heading for the rocks my friend, and you need it now more than ever.

Friday 7 February 2014

Dogs

You already know how much I adore my little dog, Ralphy. He's my furry son. But today 'My favourite fings' is about all dogs. I've been a dog lover for a very long time and if I didn't have such a small house I would have LOADS of them. I've even started a new photo album on facebook called 'Ralphy and friends' - which (rather surprisingly) contains Photos of Ralphy and all his little doggie friends and family.

Ralphy the dog - wearing his homemade coat!

Friday 31 January 2014

A cup of tea

Mid afternoon and early evening are my most favourite times to stop, and make a pot (not cup) of tea.

Preparing my lovely little teapot with loose leaf tea, and choosing which pretty cup is all part and parcel of this little ritual that marks some 'time out' for me, and it's one that I've come to really love.

Friday 24 January 2014

Old family photographs

This is the view from where I sit at the piano, and it's one of my most favourite places to sit.

Around me I've placed old photographs of my family. My parents on their wedding day, grandparents, my great grandmother (who I'd give anything to meet) and other family members; some whom I've never met, and some I miss deeply.

My family photographs - where north meets south

Friday 17 January 2014

My new toadstool lamp by White Rabbit

In November I saw this lovely little Toadstool lamp by White rabbit england in a local craft / nice fings shop. I immediately took a picture and put it on my Christmas list.

Toadstool lamp in red (they also do blue!)

Friday 10 January 2014

Mason Cash bowls (in the forest)

I'm a sucker for ceramics ... mugs, jugs and bowls especially. When is comes to bowls you simply can't go wrong with Mason Cash. Established in 1800, this iconic brown bowl has held our cake mix for decades. I was always on the lookout for a classic brown Mason Cash bowl in the charity shops but I had no luck. Annoyingly my best friend did and she clearly took pleasure in telling me so!

Photograph from Mason Cash

Friday 3 January 2014

Change and the adventure it brings.

Change.

Some people are afraid of change. As a people we seem to thrive on routine and often associate change with something bad. I'm also a creature of habit, I like my little rituals but I like change too. I embrace it ... If I didn't I wouldn't be writing this blog. Now and again I feel there's something in the air ... like in Mary Poppins when Bert says in his extremely convincing cockney accent ...

' Winds in the east, there's a mist coming in ... like something is brewing, about to begin '

Then Mary pops by and does fabulous magical things. I admit to a small crush on Bert (Hubby's disgusted at my taste in men ...?)

One man band Bert sensing Mary's arrival.

Friday 20 December 2013

My favourite fings - Switching off

Nowadays almost all of our daily activity involves technology of some sort. Now I don't want to sound like ole Miggins over the road, "we didn't have all these fancy moblies in my day", but I have to admit that occasionally I find it HUGELY satisfying to switch it all off.

Some of you might love the thought of turning off all phones and putting laptops out of sight, whereas others will have started to sweat at the prospect of not having 24 access to facebook.

Switched off, on a cottage holiday.

Well yes at first it is quite strange. You'll keep going to check your phone or when faced with a question to which you don't know the answer you'll panic when you realise you can't ask google. But after a day or two it's just SO lovely. I feel refreshed, free, and more relaxed than I ever thought was possible. We are utterly consumed by technology. So I find from time to time that it's a good idea to give your brain a break and your loved ones 100% of your attention.

So even if it's just for a day, perhaps give it a try ...
you might love it so much you won't want to switch back on!

JM
x

"I'm not answering that phone ... I'm on 'oliday!"

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Friday 30 May 2014

Friday 23 May 2014

Friday 9 May 2014

Friday 2 May 2014

Friday 25 April 2014

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Friday 28 March 2014

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Friday 28 February 2014

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