Friday 28 February 2014

Remember 45s?

The very first record I ever saved up for and bought was a Single (45 rpm) and it was Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da by Marmalade!  I was reminded of this after watching a TV show last weekend all about 45s and people remembering their first.  Of course I have some still in the house, so after an extensive rummage I found them.


I had forgotten just how decorative some of the record sleeves were!  Particularly love this one for David Bowie's Beauty and the Beast.


Graham Parker and the Rumour - Hold Back the Night.



Theme From Harry's Game by Clannad - played this one to death, loved it so much!


Let's not forget the class act -  Spandau Ballet's Instinction and To Cut A Long Story Short.  Even some of the covers are classy!



Ok, I know that some of you are just young things, but do any of you remember the first one you bought?

Love, Liz

Tuesday 25 February 2014

What Goes Where?

I think I need a bigger table!


Been busy knitting for the last couple of weeks, so haven't had time to sew up my sofa throw.

I'm trying to place squares so that they look pretty together, but I think I need to use my dining room table.  The kitchen table is far too small for this project!

Love, Liz

Sunday 23 February 2014

Gingham Style

I recently made these two little gingham wall hangings.


I always think that gingham is so fresh.  I like sewing with gingham because it helps me to sew straight lines!


Now I just have to make a little hanger to put them on.


Love, Liz

Friday 21 February 2014

J for Jam

I love these cards because the illustrations are so sweet.


They are from a set of alphabet flashcards which I have written about before - here.


Thet take me back to the lovely little reading books I remember from primary school.


Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Love, Liz

Thursday 20 February 2014

Beautiful and Historic - Culross

I visited the beautiful Fife village of Culross recently.  It has to be one of the most atmospheric places in Scotland.  There are so many original, historic houses there, that walking around the cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time.


The mustardy yellow building is Culross Palace which dates from 1597.  This is the colour it would have been originally!


You might recognise it as the location for a few films, among them - The Little Vampire and The 39 Steps.



The village is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland who have worked hard to retain the village's historic atmosphere.  If you are ever travelling in Fife, you must visit Culross.


Love, Liz

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Pretty Paragon Plate

I found this gorgeous vintage plate in a local charity shop today.


It is a lovely colour and has a very pretty design.  It is by Paragon.



I was intrigued by the back stamp which reads -
By Appointment To
HM the Queen & HM Queen Mary


King George VI came to the throne in 1937 and died in 1952, Queen Mary died in 1953 and our present Queen Elizabeth was crowned in June 1953.  So I presume the plate dates from between 1937 and 1952.



Perfect!

Love, Liz

Saturday 15 February 2014

A Vintage View

Looking for a magazine to pass the time, I came across this - "A Vintage View" from the Woman's Weekly Classics Series.  I got mine in WH Smith in Greenock.



Its a fabulous look back to the years 1900-1920 through copies of Woman's Weekly of the time.  I love the pages of front covers which take in the war years and afterwards.

There are handy household hints, although I don't think I'll be trying the one for cold cream for use on the face and hands ... its main ingredient is mutton fat!  There are lovely pictures of the fashions of the days, recipes, household hints and adverts of the time too.  Some like HP Sauce and Pears soap still being used today.


There is going to be a series of these magazines covering the whole of the 20th century.  I'm really looking forward to collecting them all. 


Love, Liz

Friday 14 February 2014

Where Has the Day Gone?

OK - this is a bit of a rant ... so look away now if you are of a nervous disposition! Right!  What happened to the word day?  All we hear these days in connection with 14th February is ... Valentines!  Now, should that be with an apostrophe or is it plural?

At first it seemed to be just an American thing, but all I've heard on UK tv and radio recently are sentences like -  "Treat your love this Valentines" ??????  (plural or apostrophe?)!!!  It is driving me mad.  New Year's Day is rapidly going the same way!


I assume that all this ranting means that I have officially become a grumpy old woman!!!!!

Love, Liz

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Gorgeous Gainsborough Tea Time

I was given this lovely little vintage tea set recently.



It is by Gainsborough and has the design mark D77 with the familiar logo of a Gainsborough lady.



Very pretty florals - look at the lily of the valley at the back.



A lovely addition to my collection and perfect for afternoon tea on these cold, winter days!




Joining with Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday.

Love, Liz

Sunday 9 February 2014

Tootles the Taxi - Ladybird Book

One of my favourite Ladybird Books is this one -


Tootles the Taxi.

 Verses by Joyce B Clegg and illustrations by John Kenney.


Love these pictures -


so cute!


Hope they brighten up a wet and windy Sunday!


Love, Liz

Friday 7 February 2014

Pink Polka Dots

I decided that two pictures that I had in my guest bathroom were looking a bit tired - they are right next to a window, so the sun (yes, we do get it here in Greenock ... occasionally) had faded them.


Being of a thrifty nature, I found some pink polka dot paper from a roll of gift wrap which was in my cupboard, and two vintage advertising postcards from my stash. 


Ten minutes later, I had two bright and cheery pictures!


Wandering through the town half an hour later I walked into Primark and saw these lovely floral hand towels and face cloths.  The background was pink polka dots - perfect!


So, for less than a fiver and ten minutes work, my guest bathroom has a fresh, new look!  Isn't it funny how things just come together out of the blue (or pink, in this case)?!
Before

After

Love, Liz