Birthday Weekend ( Part Two)

On Friday I had a day's holiday from work and Mr C and I drove down to Hertfordshire to explore. We headed for Berkhamsted, somewhere we hadn't visited before. First stop was this lovely shop, 'Home and Colonial'. Four floors of beautifully displayed antique and vintage items as well as lovely shabby chic home wares and gifts.

The 'Attic Cafe' on the top floor was wonderful. The setting was amazing, enormous floor to ceiling sash windows overlooking the street, high vaulted ceilings, vintage furniture and advertising pictures. Oh and the food was delicious too !

The top picture was an enormous and beautiful advertising poster, and the Zebo poster was also a large original displayed above the window.

Further down the street we found another little antique centre full of quirky pieces.A few of my purchases are propped up outside. I found a pretty basket, a dainty sugar pink clothes airer, and a yellow handled rolling pin amongst other things. We then headed off and explored Hemel Hemstead Old Town and found more antique shops before finally heading home with some lovely purchases.

This pretty vintage American rose postcard was amongst one of my finds last week I also purchased this pretty rose and heart hankerchief. It appears to be a vintage one from the fabric and has no label on it. However it is so Cath Kidston in style I am wondering if it is one of her designs, if you recognise it please tell me.

I have picked up a few old glass apothecary jars over time, one of which I decorated with vintage sailing yacht decals last year. These two have finally had the same treatment using vintage American rose decals too. They make great storage for lotions and potions in the bathroom.

Birthday Treats

Yesterday was my birthday and I was thoroughly spoiled. I had a lovely day with family, eating nice food, chatting and taking Josh out for a lovely long walk with my mum and her dog.

My lovely girl had some wonderful surprises for me. Another deliciously smelling Yankee Candle and a gorgeous Emma Bridgewater mug. Unbeknown to me she sneaked back to Hope and Greenwood when we were in london a few weeks ago whilst I was busy trying clothes on in another shop. She bought me the lovely tea towels in their new design and also the fab 'Life Is Sweet' book.

It is full of delicious recipes for old fashioned sweets as well as gorgeous photos using lots of vintage tins and other vintage items to show off the mouthwatering sweets and chocolates.

She also treated me to these gorgeous Cath Kidston tins I had admired the last time we were in the shop. As I said I have been well and truly spoiled.

My friend Debbie gave me this lovely 'Tramway Art' book. she knows I love old travel posters.

From Mr C I had this lovely Per Una linen coat I have had my eye on for a few weeks. The photo really doesn't do the colour justice.

He also bought me this gorgeous fabric covered hat box. I love hat boxes and when we were out on Friday I had spotted this and reluctantly walked away convincing myself that I didn't need it. He had sneaked back and bought it for me when I was in another shop and I am so pleased he did.

It came from a beautiful shop called 'Home and Colonial' in Berkhamsted but more about that in my next post.

The little dogs and the Robert Opie book were from my mum and dad. I am not sure of the maker of the dogs but wondered if they might be Sylvac. They have no name on the bottom just a number. If you have any idea please let me know.

Anyway back to house work and Vintage Fair preparations today.