The Spring Country Living Fair, Mother's Day Treats and Vintage Treasures

This is a bit of catch up for the last couple of weeks I am afraid as I have been rather lazy and not managed to do a posting for a while. Anyway a couple of weeks ago I went off to London with my lovely girl to The Spring Country Living Fair. Although it was exceptionally busy it was still good fun and there were some beautiful stands. Afterwards I had a browse around Camden Passage antique market. I was really surprised to come away with this Union Jack bunting at a bargain price. Not what you expect in London at all. I think it dates to the 1940s or 50s and is in pristine condition with 27 flags. It wasn't exactly cheap but knowing what this is currently selling for on ebay I know I got a bargain. Mr C has been looking for some of this original bunting for ages for us to use at The Northampton Vintage Fair and we hadn't found any at a reasonable price.

Of course I had to pop in to Cath Kidston to spend some money I had been given for my birthday. I treated myself to this lovely bag which is a great size for shopping.

This large vintage Kilner jar was from Acorn and Will's stand at the fair. I think it looks great used to display some cheerful daffs.

The Bluebell Posy candle smells wonderful and was purchased from 'Made In Pixieland's' beautiful stand.

The large fabric covered box was from Velvet Ribbon's lovely stand.

This rather delicious eiderdown also arrived last week. I originally purchased it with the idea that I would probably sell it. As usual by the time it had been washed and dried on the line I had decided I couldn't let it go and it has joined my ever expanding eiderdown collection.

Mr C and I had a day out a couple of weeks ago visiting places recommended to us by Debbie of Lalabibaby. First stop was Hitchin flea market where I found the old French linen mangle cloth and the pair of vintage Kilner jars.We also stopped off at a lovely cafe and deli for some lunch. I couldn't resist a photo of the window displaying the delicious looking meringues.

We then headed off to Country Matters in Hexton where Debbie sells some of her beautiful handmade quilts. This is a village hall which has been turned in to an Aladdin's Cave of vintage and hand made treasures and a lovely tea room. I found the red vintage shopping basket and the old pond yacht. On our way home we stopped at a house clearance shop and I picked up some pretty cups and saucers and old tin sandwich box. All in all it was a lovely day out so thanks Debbie for all the recommendations.

Finally on Sunday I was very spoiled by my lovely girl. These beautiful flowers were delivered to me on Sunday morning and I love them. They are stunning pink roses from Jane Packer, displayed in a pretty pink hat box. They are still going strong and look as good now as when they were delivered.

In the afternoon we headed off to Canon's Ashby which is our local National Trust property.It was as beautiful as ever and we wandered around the house and gardens.I love this gate and think I have probably shared a photo of it in a previous post.

The views from the garden are stunning and it is so peaceful. I would definitely recommend a visit if you get the chance. There is also a lovely tea room and shop as well as a second hand book shop. I managed to find a pile of old Ladybird books very cheaply which are destined to be turned in to more bunting to decorate the next fair.

Vintage At Hampton Court Flower Show

Yesterday on what must have been the hottest day of the year so far we headed off to the Hampton Court Flower show. After a long, hot drive we reached the magnificent Hampton Court with it's stunning gardens.

I love the regal avenue of yew trees, they are such a beautiful dark green and wonderful shapes.

Inside the flower tents were beautiful displays of some of my favourite flowers.

The ferns looked wonderfully cool and shady on such hot day. They were displayed by Fernatix who have appeared at Chelsea and on Gardener's World.

I love sweet peas and bought seed for the lovely dark pinky red ones in the top right hand corner. They are called 'Fields Of Fire'.

A table set for tea in a country garden

I thought these looked spectacular together

This year there was a vintage theme at the show. I wasn't expecting this so along with the Country Living marquee and the Vintage marquee I was very happy.

There was a theme of vintage village fete and tea on the lawn and the marquee was beautifully decorated with bunting.

The chair was completely made from plants as was the tea pot and cup cakes.

The blue cushion on the Lloyd Loom chair was made out of delicate flower heads.

These were some beautiful posies on Jane Packer's stand.

The show gardens were interesting but struggling in the heat.

This one wasn't my usual sort of style but it looked so cool and inviting.

In the rose tent there was a theme of A Midsummer Nights Dream. The David Austin roses were beautiful as always.

We left at the end of the day as the sun was starting to go down and we watched the green parakeets flying wild over the lovely gardens.