Despite knowing that it was coming for the past year, Christmas has snook up on me again and here I am wishing it wasn't quite so close! Still, I've managed to make the house look festive and mostly I am ready.

Mr. Bloom will do the last of the food shopping tomorrow and collect the turkey - ha! rather him than me - serves him right for finishing work today while I don't finish until Friday.

Really, I'm most looking forward to the extended break after Christmas, I intend to spend at least one day being a couch potato with a few good DVD's and Christmas leftovers.

I was fiddling around with my camera settings and my pictures have come out rather 'warm'.  Maybe I should also spend some time learning how to use it properly!

Anyway, wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas, thank you for visiting and following throughout the year, see you in 2011!

Lovely things

I feel I should be starting to put out my Christmas decorations, in fact I would love to be doing that but I am still dealing with the aftermath of the Fairs (the ongoing 'not enough house' problem).  At the rate I'm going I might just have time to think about decorating by Christmas Eve!

As promised, some pictures of my purchases at the fairs.  First two pics are a divine lavender sachet, tags and crumpled ribbon, from Shirley at Simply-Chateaux.  In fact most of the things I bought were from Shirley, her stall was just divine, makes my mouth water just to think about it.

Above, lovely pink fringing bought from Leonore at the Vintage and Handmade fair, plus a pretty quilted blue cushion just seen in the top right corner.

French books and Ephemera from Shirley.

This fairy doll just epitomises vintage Christmas for me, I bought her at the Vintage and Handmade fair, sorry but I don't know who from, I was doing my usual rushing back to my stall at the time.

I'm so glad these lovelies are mine - otherwise I'd be very envious (hee hee!).  Back to the grind, hope to have some Christmas piccies soon!

Two Glorious Days (and a feast of loveliness)

If you read my last post you'll know where I was last weekend - two glorious days at two glorious events. Not even the freezing weather could put a damper on them, I had such a wonderful time. Of course, it's hard work too, and for me a little stressful until the doors open, but I'd do it all again in an instant (and hopefully I will next year!).

In case you didn't read my last post,

Day 1:  Sunday 28th November,The Vintage and Handmade Fair, Chipping Sodbury.

From small beginnings the Vintage and Handmade fair has gone from strength to strength with an amazing 40 beautiful stalls this time.  Once again Jayne and Michele organised a fantastic day with hoards of customers and even some carol singers to entertain us this time.  Thank you ladies!

The "setting up" frenzy

This time I managed to get set up with some time to spare and managed to snap a few photos of the other stalls.  I just need to learn how to used my camera properly, as most of the pics of my stall came out blurred.

A feast of loveliness - some of the other stalls

Day Two: Monday 29th November, Vintage at the Village Hall, Pamhill, Dorset

My stall:
(normally my lamps are lit, but the electric meter ran out.  Not a problem usually, but see that white cupboard on the wall to the left of the pic, the one blocked by one of my shelves?  That was the electric meter!!!)

If you have read other blogs on this event you will know that very few photographs were taken. I myself have the following excuses:

1. I was late getting there (driving in the dark and cold are not my favourite) and by the time I had set up and done a bit of shopping it was opening time.

2. During a rare lull I got my camera out and started with my own stall, the lull ended unexpectedly and I got no further.

So, all I have are a few pictures of my stall.  I would much rather have shown you the other lovely stalls, I guess I'll just have to go again next time and be more organised.  (I am hoping very much there will be a next time!)

When Elaine invited me to attend this fair I was thrilled to bits. I wasn't sure what to expect with it being the first one and on a Monday, but Elaine should be congratulated for such a fantastic job of promoting the event. Customers filled the hall all day long and at times there was barely room to move. There was a lovely festive atmosphere and the quality of the stalls was first class.  Thank you Elaine!

A few pictures of the fair can be found here on Lizzie's blog and on the Vintage at the Village Hall blog.

And of course to all the lovely customers who support these events, a huge thank you too!

Here's a peek at some of my shopping - more next time...