Beachy Beauties

I know I was raving on a few posts ago about embracing 'the fall'.

Ha! I almost had you all fooled right??!

When I saw these scrummy beach towels I did a pretty quick u-turn, I can tell you!

Oh beautiful summer, where have you gone?

I miss you already.....come back soon.

xxx

Today in history - 13 October 1925

The interminable Margaret Thatcher was born.

xxx

It's a work in progress.....

Here's a painting I have been working on this week.

Got a long way to go on it, but I will get there.....

Can't wait to show you all the finished product!

xxx

Tuesdays through the window.....Columbia Road

Confession: I am a frustrated house frau Mumma who used to earn a crust by designing shop windows. I loved my job. I miss my job.

That's why I am so excited by Julie from Swedish House's idea to post pics on a Tuesday 'through the window'. A window is a little peak into a different world.

I snapped these pics at Columbia Rd.

HELLO! Knitted bunting! A new obsession???

xxx

Pumpkin Lantern

Although it's not as pretty as Artemis' pumpkin lantern, I am quietly chuffed with my attempt!

xxx

Columbia Road

Absolutely my favourite thing to do in London is to visit Columbia Road.

It is probably a good thing they only open on a Sunday.

If they were open more often, no doubt, I would be there ALL THE TIME!

Todays highlights:

The banjo & double bass buskers playing 'girls just wanna have fun'.

Buying a box of 9 assorted mini cupcakes for £7.50

Finding the perfect duck egg green & white striped jug for £8

Buying bunches of tuberose, snow berries, freesias and oak leaves.

Supping the perfect latte from Climpson & Son.

Discovering a new & brilliant fabric shop.

Our friends Helen & Andy came too and it was their first time at Columbia Rd, they were blown away to say the least! Here are some pics of our adventures.

I spy Treacle cupcake shop through the foliage......

A little box of happiness....

Fabulous shops.....

Helen & Andy sampling croissants from S. Jones the baker.....

Max is stoked with his new tin spinning top for £2!

Max! Get out of the gutter!

Colours of the season.....

E2, it's a long way from SW6!

One happy shopper.....

Halloween leaf face.....

Some of the booty.....

xxx

Saturday Morning Frolics at Fanny's Farm

Today we loaded up the car early and headed to Reigate to Fanny's Famous Farm & Shop. I had been promising Max all week that we would see sheeeeps and cows at the weekend and he had been diligently practicing his animal noises.

I don't know if it is really worth the trip. It's kinda cool. I liked all the displays of pumpkins. And Max did see sheep, but only from a distance and (reading one of the many signs) don't touch! I think Fanny has really missed a trick by not making the place family friendly and I was slightly shocked when I saw the crate of plastic wrapped pre-made scones being delivered! Even I can whip up a scone!

We made our retreat back to the car and drove straight to Barnes Farmers Market. I bought my usual basket plus fresh chicken pieces for my lovely chicken & veg soup.

Here are a few photos of our frolics.....

xxx

Embracing 'The Fall'

People who know me know, I am a gal who LOVES summer.

I am never happier than when I am bare foot, living outdoors, tanned and fancy free.

I have always felt a creep of dread as the nights begin to close in and I have to put away my flip flops for another year.

But this year seems different somehow.....Instead of dreading those short dark days, I am ready to embrace them. I am imagining myself cooking up warming causoulets for Richard and Max, sipping mulled wine after freezing cold walks and keeping busy with various craft and painting projects.

I have recently been inspired by autumn as seen on the big screen. Movies like 'When Harry Met Sally' & 'Love Actually' do those colder months so well.....

When Harry Met Sally style, super cute......

A golden day in London.....

Central Park NYC.....

Love Actually, a perfect moment......

I am embracing autumn!

P.s. Guess where we are heading back to in December???

xxx