Shrimpton and Perfect.

New Cushions

2012-02-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

It's a terrible thing to admit for such a thrifty girl, but I do tire of cushions very quickly. I don't mean the use of them, oh no, we all love a bit of comfort. It's just I have them for a while, then they start to look the wrong size, or colour and they start to irritate me.

Last summer I had this idea to throw frugality to the wind, and to ask a local maker to create some unique bespoke cushions, appliqued with images of my cat Pendragon and my beloved dog of choice the Wire Fox Terrier.

These examples are not they. Unfortunately within days of my asking Carola van Dyke to fashion my cushions, Mary Portas discovered her. And now they grace the House of Fraser at £70.00 a pop. Needless to say I didn't get my cushions, as Carola was rushed off her feet.

Almost broken but not beaten, I have continued my search for some new cushions. Today I found them, huzzah!

In the form of the humble postage stamp. Now if there's one thing I like more than a bespoke expensive applique cushion, it's a very cheap one with Royal connections. £8.00 at Matalan, I bought two, and I couldn't be more chuffed.

Baklava Muffins

2012-02-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

Had a meeting this morning, so I quickly rustled up some muffins. Had a rummage around in my cupboards found half a pack of walnuts, had a quick word with Nigella and Voila - Baklava Muffins.

For the filling

100g chopped walnuts

75g demerara sugar

11/2 teaspoons cinnamon

45g butter, melted

For the muffins

210g plain flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

half teapoon bicarbonate of soda

75g caster sugar

1 large egg

45g unsalted butter melted

250ml buttermilk (or 175g yoghurt and 75g semi-skimmed milk)

For the topping

125ml runny honey

Pre heat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6.

Mix all the filling ingredients together in a small bowl, and then get on with the muffins.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, bicarb and sugar. In a wide-mouthed measuring jug, whisk the egg, melted butter and buttermilk (or yoghurt and milk mix).

Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the liquid and mix lightly and gently, remembering to keep it bumpy rather than going all out smooth: anything more than the gentlest handling makes for heavy muffins.

Fill the muffin cases one third full, add a scant tablespoon of filling, then cover with more muffin mixture until two thirds full. Sprinkle any remaining filling on the top of the muffins.

Bake for 15 minutes, by which time they should be golden brown and ready. Put the muffins, still in their cases, onto a rack and drizzle with honey,

Makes 9.

I actually used olive oil spread rather than butter, it's a bit healthier :)

How to Find a Bargain

2012-02-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas when I managed to find an online voucher code for something I wanted to buy from Marks and Sparks, I always google voucher codes before any online purchasing.

Today I was looking for some nice cosy socks to wear during long haul flights. Found the perfect pair but could I find any discount codes for the company? well sadly no. BUT I called the company and asked them if they had any offers for customers buying from them for the first time. YES said the lovely lady you can have 15% off with this code, which she proceeded to read out to me. Saving me a whopping £20.40.

Don't be afraid to be a cheeky monkey, remember "he who dares wins Rodders".

Hockney & The Wolseley

2012-02-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Mr.S&P splashed out a bit today, we don't do it all the time, but days like today are why we save our pennies elsewhere. He took me and our lovely boy, who has been staying a few days, to the Wolseley for lunch. It's one of the places that you hear everyone talk about. It truly doesn't disappoint.

Neither does Hockney.

The Royal Academy was absolutely packed though. I booked our tickets on line, thank god, otherwise I don't think we would have made it in. And I would have been so upset to have missed this extraordinary exhibition.

I hope all you lovely bloggers have had a great day too. Here is my fabulous Gruau card from my Valentine.

And here is the one I sent him.

They say it's Frank's world, we just live in it.

Between Two Worlds

2012-02-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

Well it was very quiet at the Antiques fair yesterday, probably a combination of the freezing cold and lack of pennies in the pockets post Christmas. I still really enjoyed it though. Had a lot of compliments about the look of my stall, did I take a picture? duh no.

Also a lot of people liking my stuff even if they didn't buy yesterday. I always enjoy the day, probably because I don't do it that often but mostly because I love talking to people.

One of my work friends turned up and we were chatting about this and that, and in a swoop she solved a long standing mystery for me.

Years...... ago I saw a great black and white film on the box about a cruise liner drifting in foggy seas. As the ship's journey continues, the individual stories of the ship's passengers are played out. The film has a massive and spooky twist at the end which I absolutely loved. But could I remember the bloomin name of the film? I recalled that Paul Henreid was in it, but that was that.

Turns out it's called...............................

It was originally a play in 1923, made into a film in the 1930's then remade in 1944, BINGO!!!!!

My friend's husband is in a revival production of the original play, on at the Finborough theatre in London, only on for another couple of weeks. I'm desperate to go and see it.

Here he is, David Brett. 'Time Out' magazine are loving him. And well they should.

The play is called Outward Bound.

See it if you can, it's an amazing story.

Shrimpton and Perfect at Lewes Town Hall

2012-02-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

S&P will be stalling out at the Collectors and Antiques Fair this coming Saturday at Lewes Town Hall, East Sussex. I'm taking along lots of gorgeous and interesting vintage items including the hand made jumper above.

It's on between 10.00am-4.00pm come along and see me.

Garden Excitement

2012-02-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

Our lovely gardening chum Willy came to the house at the week end to help us get a handle on our garden. We stuffed him with lashings of hot chilli and a little red wine to fortify him for his task. It was very cold on Saturday, just a few short hours before the snow arrived. But he very patiently took me and Mr. S&P round our own garden helping us to identify every single plant we have. It was totes amazing because nearly all the plants are just twigs at the moment , but he knew each plant and it's properties and yes, even the latin names.

We have lived in the house for 4 years this March and it has taken us all this time to earn the cash to restore it. It really isn't finished yet, we need to decorate the drawing room, which is quite bleak and unwelcoming. I hope to turn that into a little art deco haven where I can listen to the wireless, read and knit of course.

But whilst we are thinking about that we want to get on with the garden plans. The garden I think will be a long and ongoing project. But we hope to grow our own veg, and maybe sell a little surplus. To have some flowers for the house and to have a few areas in the garden where we can sit out and enjoy the sun. We are slowly collating ideas and we will be visiting some luscious local private gardens when the spring comes, as part of the open garden scheme. But yesterday Mr. S&P utilised the snow to score out possible layouts, tres beans I say.

Monty Don is on board, good ole boy.

And Stafford Cliff.

The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire even let us take a peek in her garden last year during Edensor day.

And we have been taking pictures of inspirational gardens for quite some time.

At last we are making a start and it feels very good indeed.

Keep Toasty Warm

2012-02-05T03:23:00.000-08:00

Weather like this can paralyse activity outside the house, but it doesn't have to. It can also promote time spent on activities inside the house. Not just the usual chores we all have to complete. No, we can get crafty and make things that will help keep us snuggly and warm.

If you can, embrace the enforced time at home, take time out and relax.

It's freezy outside brrrrrrrrrrrr.

images Martha Stewart Living.

Easy Rhythmic Knitting

2012-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

The first garment I ever knitted was a fair isle, I loved the look of it you see, didn't think about the angst involved.

This isn't it. This is a small piece of knitting I did when I had the idea of creating my own fair isle designs. I do love fair isle but it requires so much concentration everything else has to go on hold. I much prefer the kind of knitting that you can do whilst relaxing at the same time. I find knitting and my limited experience of crochet soothing.

This is my latest finished project, a jumpee for Mr. S&P. The first one I have ever knitted for him, (shame on me). This should have been a fairly straight forward garment, but the b****y pattern was wrong, grrrr. I thought I had misread it, then thought I didn't have the necessary skills to finish it, but after consulting my fellow knitters at my knitting group we all came to the conclusion the pattern was at fault. So I made some adjustments, left off the big shawl collar, simplified the neckline and finished it. Things like that really knock my confidence as a knitter and I've been knitting for a long while.

Anyhoo I've moved on to a really simply sweet pattern now, nice and easy and I'm over half way through.

I'm making it in a pale mint green cotton rich yarn for my Danish friend Mia who lives in Florence and who is expecting her first baby. I have had the yarn a while, purchased for another project that I changed my mind about. Now that's thrifty and satisfying, the exact yarn I need, already in my stash.

The pattern is in this months Knitting magazine and is a great project for a beginner.
This is to be my next project, which I'm guessing will be easy once I know how to do it, right? I'm hoping to make some 'Blackberry Salad' cushions during a long haul flight I'm going on fairly soon. Of course the tricky part might not be the pattern, it might be getting the crochet hook on the flight in the first place. Anyone out there managed that recently?

Winter Views Today

2012-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Sun on the door.

Burning garden cuttings.

Smoke on the water.

Frozen water mid air.

I Love Fruity Metcalfe

2012-01-29T03:12:00.000-08:00

Not the real one you understand, no, he was Edward VIII's equerry. It's this one I'm talking about.

He was a Christmas present from my lovely husband, who doesn't really understand my fixation with wire fox terriers, or the need for me to own small models of them. ( Until I can get the real thing.)

Despite all that he indulges me. This really cute hand made mohair dog was purchased from a very clever lady

who makes all sorts of creatures. Her rabbits are something else.

These boys are my china wire fox terriers.

And this of course is the real thing, sometime in the future he will be mine.

But not until our much loved and adored grumpy puss has lived a long and happy life with us, she wouldn't understand you see.

Thriftiness

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

I revisted my thrifty tuna spaghetti recipe tonight, totes delicious. I added a small amount of white wine that I took straight from the freezer.

Don't throw away that last inch of wine in the bottle, freeze it. Then it's ready to melt away into any sauce you choose to throw it in.

Sensational Silent Film

2012-01-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Have you been yet? have you? No? you must, you must. It is quite extraordinary.

My only proviso would be you must be in love with the whole era, otherwise I don't think you will 'get it'.

The exquisite visuals stand only, and make this film very special, that's without the unique silent treatment. The story is sweetness itself, and such a change from the usual. Last week I went to see Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, OMG how crushing was that?

The director is terribly clever and employs some fantastic visual trickery, and the humour of the script is great too. No, I can't tell you anything more it will spoil it for you.
Did I mention the dog yet? Too cute for words. A bit like the leading man...........

What a smile, what a guy, does his name really mean Johnny in the Garden?

Ah Me, Innocent Times.

2012-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Good Friends

2012-01-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

One of my lovely chums Pennie Dreadful has taken a leap of faith and has bought a really sweet house on the Isle of Mull.

The day she arrived with her hubby there was a rainbow, but unfortunately the weather has taken a definite turn for the worst ever since. They still have their main home quite close to where I live, as they are really testing out whether or not they would enjoy living up there full time.......very sensible indeed. Because she will be away for a short while we decided to keep in touch by snail mail. She loves texting but doesn't like talking on the phone, I hate texting but love a chinwag on the phone = small problem. Answer writing to each other. My first letter will be winging it's way to her soon, with a couple of little things for her new home. One of which is this really funny tea towel.

Join The Club

Just a line to say I'm living,

That I'm not amongst the dead.

Though I'm getting more forgetful

And mixed up in the head.

I've got used to my arthritis,

To my dentures I'm resigned.

I can cope with my bi-focals,

But - ye gods - I miss my mind.

Sometimes I can't remember

When I'm standing by the stairs,

If I'm going up for something,

Or have just come down from there.

And before the fridge so often

My mind is full of doubt;

Now did I put some food away

Or come to take some out?

If it's not my turn to write dear

I hope you won't get sore.

I think I might have written

And don't want to be a bore,

But remember I do love you,

And wished that you lived near,

But now it's time to mail this

And say "goodbye my dear".

I'm standing by the mailbox

And my face - it sure is red,

Instead of posting this to you

I've opened it instead!

(Just to set the record straight, neither of us wear dentures.)

Thriftiness

2012-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

As always I'm mindful of the money I spend as much as the money I earn, "a penny saved is a penny earned", as they say. But and this is an important but, I don't want to live a life eating cheap food and I don't want to fill my life with cheap products. In an ideal world I like to eat good quality food at reasonable/reduced prices, and I try not to buy anything unless it is a considered purchase. Frankly 99% of the stuff I buy is second hand, and there is soooooo much stuff about, you can cherry pick the best. Just today I have bought two items from a local charity shop, both still in their original wrappers but way under half the commercial price. I have been following this course for a few years now and I find it very satisfying. It means I'm not buying stuff I really have no need of, I'm not putting lots of debt onto credit cards, and the best feeling in the world .... getting a bargain. It also means that I can save up for large items or for very nice holidays.

I have only made a couple of purchases in 'the sales', because I do feel things are only a bargain if you really wanted them in the first place, before they were reduced.

Lots of my chums have been telling me about the merits of a slow cooker, so I have been considering buying one for a couple of months now. Last week on Huge Furry -Wintercoat's show he showed us how to use up left overs and how to cook up some delicious stews. Prompted by this I finally took the plunge and bought a rather sexy black slow cooker from the Co op. I used to shop with them regularly when they were our local store, because although they only stocked the basics, they are very ethical, especially where animal husbandry is concerned. I had £7.00 in loyalty vouchers and they had the cooker on sale at £19.99 reduced from £29.99. Whey hey was I happy. Now I can buy good quality cheaper cuts of meat and it will be slow cooked into wonderfulness. I'm going to try Hugh's recipe for sausage stew to start with. I haven't tried a sauage stew before because it sounds like it would be full of fat and not have a great taste. But I bought some Duchy of Cornwall chipolatas, mightily reduced at Waitrose, and I have a bottle of pear cider somebody brought round to ours sometime ago, so I'm now thinking , this could turn into a family favourite.

Looking forward to lots of tasty stews, with leftovers for lunch and of course more money left in my purse.

He's a good ole boy.

(image of Hugh via music.ihatemornings.com)

Peculiar Cats

2012-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

I think it's true that we love cats because of their indifference. Certainly true of my cat Pendragon. Any attention she gives us we are over the moon, and feel so privileged.

I spotted this cartoon by Hilary B Price on an American blog, so proof , if indeed it were needed, that cats are universally independent.

I particularly love the spot just up by the pillows 'heaving spot', right in yer face 'cat owner'.

Grumpiness is a speciality of my cat.

Shared by Bronte, who surely must be some relation to my cat even though she lives in Australia.

If only she was a snuggly type of puss, we wouldn't love her any less. Just like these super cute cats over at henhouse, taking advantage whilst their mistress is away.

Sharing the Do-Gooder Vibe

2012-01-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

The inspirational and all round Queen of do-gooding Pip, has launched a very thoughtful and productive initiative. Although a basic idea it has the promise of unlimited wonderfulness. Simple premise........... just try and do something nice for someone else each day of 2012. I know we all do that already, but just thinking about it as a concept will surely make us all do just a little more. Cracking idea methinks.

So I'm in with it. I wont blog about everything extra I feel I have done, nobody likes a smug goody two shoes, but I might mention one or two things.

So first day back at work yesterday, and decided to make a gorgeous calendar for two of my favourite work chums.

This adorable very old calendar was my starting point....

These are the materials I used ....

And these are the finished article ....

I found the vintage postcard in a flea market in Florence a few years ago now, and what a simple process to scan, enlarge and print it on to photographic paper. The small tear off calendars were only about 25p each at Hobbycraft, so quite a thrifty gift too. I was super pleased with them, and one of the recipients has framed the image to put on her wall at home, so that's defo 'something nice for someone else'. Anyone else out there fancy joining in?

The Roaring Twelvies

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

We all reflect on the way we live our lives at this time of year. Blessed with good health (touch wood), I have decided, not necessarily in this order, to increase my fitness levels, learn Italian, to help others more where I can, to live in the moment more and to travel as much as possible.

Miss. Melrose's 1919 interpretation of the Black Bottom, pretty much sums up how I feel about 2012.

Bloomin Hestonthal

2011-12-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

OMG, I did, did you? What a taste sensation, there's no going back now.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

May no cloud mar the gladness of this festive time dear friend,

But Christmas bring you happiness and joy without an end.

Best wishes to all, have a healthy, wealthy and very happy 2012

Surprise

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

We had the best weather in East Sussex yesterday, not a cloud in the sky and absolutely no wind. The beautiful day coincided with a visit from our boy Jack, who popped down from up t'north to spend an evening with us before Christmas.

We thought it would be a cracking idea to get out and enjoy the day, after all almost all of the Christmas prep is done, we only need to go out today for the BIG food shop.

We are NT members so we took a short drive to Sheffield Park which was looking tres splendid and very wintery, added bonus, not many people there. We made a discovery.......................

This amazing 'secret' walled garden, within the Sheffield Park grounds. Owned and run by the kitchen garden brewery

The lovely chap there and his playful puppy Freddie were very friendly, the guy knows everything there is to know about the wine he stocks, they have their own vineyard on site, and his daughter is the micro brewer there.

Lots of plants and really unusual garden ornaments, a total pleasure.

Can you see Mr. S&P taking this pic, he looks like Monsieur Hulot, no?

We were dazzled by the choice of wines, but chose a couple, and also bought some Somerset apple brandy, Mr. S&P had to have one of each of the real ales brewed on site. Just the sort of shopping experience I enjoy, supporting local makers and meeting the people who have a passion for what they do.

Christmas Treats

2011-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure dear reader if you know but I do strive to buy and sell a little bit of vintage objet trouve. I once had high hopes for my on-line vintage knitting service, but alas for various reasons it just didn't work out. The plus side of that is of course I now get to search the highways and byways for all manner of vintage treasure. (As I used to do many years ago when my son was very small.)

bring out your vintage treasure
It is my hope to buy and sell beautiful vintage and retro inspired items at reasonable prices. I really do want to feel that when someone buys something from me they are very pleased with their find. And of course that they realise they are re purposing a once much loved and useful item.

Like most thrifters I find myself drawn to places where I can hunt out the vintage bargains, boot fairs, charity shops jumbles etc. You do understand I have to check out every possible source? I'm hoping next year to attend some 'proper' auctions to raise my game slightly.

Anyhoo the run up to Christmas has been a busy one and I will need to get a wiggle on in the new year to find some stock. Stock that is, not stock I buy then decide to keep.

Today I found some gorgeous little side plates, late 60's or early 70's, German made, but I need to keep those.

oh, and this wonderful oven to table bowl by Midwinter, it's called Stonehenge (which amuses me.)

Have to keep that.

And this little beauty, a mirrored triple tealight holder, but this has reindeers on it, so it's a keeper too. You can see there's a problem developing can't you ?

Black and white images
canberrasgotstyleblogspot
bluevelvetvintage.com

Hand Made Christmas

2011-12-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've given the old hand made a bit of a bash this year, it's always something I mean to do but never quite get around to. Not presents for other people you understand, just cards and a wreath for my door, something for my mother in law's door will be following at the end of the week. I'll try and remember to take a picture of that too.

This is the design for my hand screen printed cards, my inspiration was an old 1950's glass.

I sent one of these to my son, who's living in Cheshire at the moment, and he called me to say how much he liked it. I had a little chuckle to myself whilst looking at his tree decorations made at nursery, still gracing my tree after 18 years or so. Funny how the roles reverse with your children eh?

I went to a workshop to learn how to make this wreath. Wonderful learning a new skill because not only can I always make my own in future but possibly make some to sell next year.

Apart from the florist wire and the copper base everything else was found. Fir cones, ivy with lovely dark berries and my favourite, pheasant feathers.

I'd love to be able to say this is also something I have 'just' made but no, this image is from the Templar Poetry Society's web site.

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer....................

Birthday Treats

2011-12-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

My birthday is just two weeks before Christmas. Not always a good thing. People are busy, restaurants are full of people having Christmas parties, so limited menu, stressed staff. So a little bit of creative thinking has to be employed to make it a celebratory event rather than just a prelude to Christmas.

Mr. S & P came up trumps this year.

Tea and presents in bed. Followed by Eggs Benedict for breakfast. Up to the big smoke in a train full of the Santa Claus family.

Hundreds of Father and Mother Christmas' in Trafalgar Square making merry and making sure we all know Christmas is coming.

A quick snifter in a rather gorgeous Dutch pub.

Then oh joy, The Theatre darling. This production of The Ladykillers is tremendous. If you see nothing else go and see this.

Spot of supper in China Town, then home. What a perfect day. And I've still got Christmas to look forward to. I have been doing a spot of home made this year, which I will share with you very soon.

Frugality, Ugly or Beautiful?

2011-12-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

I think just about everyone is watching the pennies, but it strikes me that means different things to different people. Blog world is awash with tons of chat about how best to make our money stretch. As far as I'm concerned it's all good, and even if you're reading stuff you already know, that's fine. Some bloggers seem to lead (to me) an unbearably frugal lifestyle. Looking for the cheapest of everything including food. I do understand that it is a lifestyle choice for them, and even when brought about by necessity, they seem to get a buzz from living in that way, because they have chosen to do it, rather than it being enforced.

I respect what they do and I'm not going to be critical about any efforts to lead a less consumable lifestyle.

But, yes you knew that was coming, I wouldn't eat and don't eat the flesh of an animal that has been ill treated or force fed. I'm well aware that good quality meat can be EXTREMELY expensive. But there are also many cuts of meat and special deals on meat that can make it an affordable option. Eat less meat and I include chicken in that, pad your meals out with veg or pasta or rice, and don't expect to have it with every meal. I was amazed to see a very well intentioned lady on a penny pinching tv programme last week feeding her two boys microwavable burgers.

Both boys said that the 'burgers' were disgusting but because they were cheap she had bought tons of them. Please don't buy and please don't eat this kind of s**t, it's not good on any level. Not good for the animals, not good for the producers of the meat, and truly not good for anyone who eats it.

Be creative, take all the advice out there and make your money go further, try to spend less or what you can comfortably afford, but also live well.

My vote goes to frugality is beautiful.

Pictures From Across the Pond.

2011-11-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

Oh dear reader this post was supposed to come hot on the heels of the last one, what happened I hear you cry?

Stuff, I cry!

I have been following this lovely gal's blog for the longest time. It used to be a vehicle for her vintage on line shop, but she has been developing slowly into an absolute ace photographer. Unfortunately the post I most wanted to share about the deep south, seems to have been deleted, or am I just going nuts?

Anyhoo please take a squiz, her images are really amazing.

Oh and the other thing is she loves cats.

What a Picture.

2011-11-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

You know how some people just have an eye for a good shot? Well I know just such a person.

Some of her images are obviously composed and are more pleasing because of it.

Others not

Go find her on Flickr under the moniker of penwren. But leave plenty of time, so many wonderful images to see.

Shutyerfacebook

2011-11-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

I am as you know dear reader, an old fashioned girl. It took me the longest time to buy a microwave oven, I still don't cook anything in it but I do use it to heat things up, all well and good. I held off for as long as possible before I succumbed to a mobile phone, and yes of course it is very useful and yes I feel odd if I go out without it now. But I hate texting and only really use my phone to make calls. A fact which totally bemuses my call provider when I tell them I don't want to upgrade my phone. So there is no way I would want to get involved with facebook or twitter or any other 'social networking site'. Less is always more for me. And in my mind nothing can or should replace dealing with people, acquaintences and friends face to face. Liking/loving people and sharing time and space with them is a very important part of what gives meaning to 'quality of life'.

Sharing Interests

Loving the same fashions

Just yesterday I took myself off to an Antiques event in Lewes town hall, where I set up my Shrimpton and Perfect stall and spent the day talking to the public and selling them top notch vintage accoutrements. It was the best fun, seeing and meeting all different types of people, and talking to them about what they love about vintage.

I also met two new fabulous women who were also there on their own selling their wares. Margaret and Pepita.

Two women more unlike you couldn't possibly imagine, but both lovely bright energised people with a love for life. What a great day. Now I suspect our paths may cross again but if they don't it doesn't really matter, the day was perfect as it was.

I do have a good circle of friends, some close friends and one special friend, I know how lucky I am and what friendships mean to me. And yes I have 'friends' in the blogging world but that is on a different level. Valued but different.

These two ladies have been great friends since they met at primary school over nine decades ago, they are both 101. They have stayed close throughout their lives and have had many shared experiences. Real life experiences not virtual ones. Times are very tough, we can help each other through it, family, friends and community.

images

1&2 Beryl Cook

3 Don Pasquale Glyndebourne

4 Mydaily.co.uk

5 Menmedia.co.uk

Anyone Seen a Wabbit?

2011-11-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

If you have a pet you love you'll know what I mean when I say although our cat does have a 'proper' name, we do call her so many other things, depending on our mood but let's be honest mostly dependent on hers.

Sometimes she just is a rabbit.

He's Gonna Find Out Who's Naughty or Nice

2011-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

It's on it's way folks, Christmas that is, hopefully not the snow, I think that should be reserved for Christmas day only. Most efficiently I've started my present shopping and it's all going rather well at the moment. I've ordered some 'things' for Mr. S&P and I'm rather pleased with myself because not only did I get free delivery but I used an online discount code (for the first time ever) and also got 10% off the order too. So they really do work. Who'd of thought?

I have put in a small request to Santa for myself, Mr. Buble's Christmas album. I've just been on to Amazon to check out the tracks, they are all super smooth and very festive, with the added bonus of guests The Puppini Sisters and Shania Twain. I wish I could also have some reindeer in my garden, look at these beauties, any chance Santa?

Downton Abbey No More.

2011-11-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

I'm missing Downton Abbey already. I used to wake up Sunday mornings and think oh good Downton tonight. I've enjoyed it so much and I'm also a little bit in love with Carson the butler played by Jim Carter, I think it's his voice, but strangely it's also his furrowed brow and austere demeanour. A man in control.............lovely.

I don't watch huge amounts of tv but when I find something I do like (especially a series) I really hate it when it finishes. Good drama, great locations, fantastic costumes and pretty perfect casting too, Downton has it all.

Michelle Dockery aka Lady Mary has played the part brilliantly, so sensitive, reserved and well spoken. But the fact that she speaks soooo slowly made me wonder if she is as upper class as she sounds. Well no actually, she is an Essex girl and her Mum hails from Stepney. Well done girl.

So now we'll all just have to wait until the Christmas special to hear more of the delightfully acerbic comments from Violet Dowager Duchess of Grantham.

Cora " I might send Mary over to visit my aunt. She could get to know New York"
VDD of G " I don't think things are that desperate"

VDD of G "What is a weekend?"

VDD of G on entering a room " I do hope I'm interrupting something"

all images via Daily mail

11 11 11

2011-11-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Driving to the gallery today with my chum we pulled over and sat silently together for the 2 minutes silence. I wish I had seen more people observing this and showing their respect.

Watts Gallery

2011-11-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

I went off to Compton in Surrey today on a little bit of business that turned out to be a whole lot of pleasure.

I visited the Watts gallery there which has recently reopened after a very expensive renovation project. The small gallery is full of the work of "The greatest painter of the Victorian age" George Frederic Watts.

Close by is the most extraordinary chapel built by his wife Mary, heavily decorated in a celtic art nouveau hybrid style. A strangely eerie and moving place, with exquisite internal decoration. I don't want to be over descriptive about it, as I hope you might be interested enough to find out more and maybe visit.

Many of the paintings were moving and beautiful, but my favourite was quite ethereal and peaceful, and quite appropriate for the difficult times we are all facing at the moment.

Hope
On loan from a private collection but only for a short while.

Happy Birthday

2011-11-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Pssst, Shrimpton and Perfect blog is one month old today, I think I'm gonna become a follower to celebrate, what about you?

image via awhitecarousel.com

Charleston Farmhouse

2011-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Charleston farmhouse is now closed for the season, but the shop will be opening for weekend shopping every weekend until December 18th between 12-4pm.

The gallery space attached to the shop has selected local crafters and makers plying their wares and Shrimpton and Perfect is in attendance. So if you live locally come and see us, enjoy some complimentary mulled wine and festive nibbles, and buy the most wonderfully original presents for the people you love.

It's not snowing there yet so hurry, hurry, hurry.

Marzipan Fruit Cake

2011-11-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

There's always one person I turn to when I need a reliable baking recipe, and she has never let me down. Mind you I don't bake as often as I would like otherwise I'd be scoffing cake all the time, and that really isn't very good for my battle against the flobbage around my middle. Which MUST GO.

But Christmas is on it's way and I thought I would make a cake for the family, usually my husband eats most of what I make so a slice or two is in order for me over the festive season.

I chose this cake because I had half a bag of mixed fruit and a pack of marzipan that have been kicking around the pantry for a while. And because if I ever eat fruit cake it has to be home made otherwise it normally tastes like candied cardboard, dry, dry, dry.

This is Nigella's recipe, I did substitute the type of fruit I used for something cheaper and instead of white rum I have used Malibu and left out the orange flower water, because nice as that sounds I wasn't gonna buy it for one teaspoon in a cake. Kirstie Allsopp made a caribbean fruit cake on her tv programme last week so I'm thinking I'm in good company.

Ingredients

150g sultanas

100g natural-coloured glace cherries, halved

150g dried pears, chopped

100ml white rum

250g marzipan diced and frozen overnight

50g ground almonds

zest of 1 lemon

175g plain flour

100g caster sugar

100g butter

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon orange-flower water

20cm springform cake tin, buttered and lined bottom and sides, so that the parchment comes a good 10cms above the rim.

You start by soaking the dried fruits in the rum overnight in a large bowl, and dicing and freezing the marzipan.

When you come to make the cake next day, preheat the oven to 140C/gas mark 1.

Beat together almonds, lemon zest, flour, sugar, butter and eggs. Add dried drained fruit, orange- flower water and frozen marzipan. Put cake mix in tin, levelling surface and making a slight dent in the middle to get an even surface when cooked. Bake for 2-2+half hours or until a cake tester comes out clean. Don't overcook as it will continue to cook in it's own warmth as it cools.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin before rewrapping in parchment and foil to store for a week. Feed with little more rum before you wrap for a richer taste. Just puncture top of cake a few times and slowly dribble a few spoons of rum over.

Because I didn't add the flower water I didn't drain off my fruit as there didn't seem to be much excess rum in the bowl.

Here is my cake having a little drop of Malibu for it's lunch today. It actually looks a lot lighter than this picture, rather like a blonde cake, and it smells divine.

Glamorous Blondes

2011-11-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am a blonde myself, not quite still in the flush of youth, more in the first flush of the perimenopause. But that's ok I think, we can't stay young forever, and I suspect it would get boring ev-en-tu-ally, of course it would. But glamour is seductive and I must confess to having some favourite blondes.

lovely Diana Dors

Scrummy Scarlett, image via marieclairvoyant.com

And I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the new Monroe film 'My Week With Marilyn'. Who doesn't love her?

I'm also looking forward to my new Nelly slippers that I have tucked away until Christmas, I love 'granny' almost as much as glamour.

Jules, Constance and Phoebe

2011-11-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking these little old ladies with their pretty needle felted faces are quite amazing.

They were just hanging around at the textile exhibition at Lewes town hall last week. Made by Julie O'Brien who described them as 'older women who meet for coffee once a week'.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T02:32:00.000-07:00

image via Martha Stewart

Thrift and Thrive

2011-10-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Home made soups are the answer to thrifty meals in the Winter. Root vegetables like Parsnips are great with some curry spices, I just use a pre mixed 'curry powder' blend, saves buying lots of individual spices, if you haven't got them in your store cupboard already.

Simply add some oil to a large saucepan, throw in some chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery ( incuding the celery leaves), and parsnips. Seal all the flavours in by turning them in the oil, add your spices or herbs if you prefer, add some stock enough to cover the vegetables and simmer until everything has cooked. Then blitz with a hand blender. Eat some and freeze some.

Do You Know Martha?

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I can't remember when I first discovered Martha Stewart but it was several years ago, probably more than 20. And Oh how I love her and her super clever ways. What an inspiration she is, she's right up there with Margaret Rutherford and Mary Poppins for me. Like them she gets things done.

If you're planning any sort of Halloween bash for your children take a look at her website and you'll be spoilt for choice for fun ideas. She always has great clip art for every seasonal event which you can download for a really professional look.

All of these images are from the Martha Stewart magazine which you can get in some shops in this country. Did I say she's American?

Not too sure about this last project, but it looks really atmospheric, doesn't it?

Vintage Life Magazine

2011-10-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm super pleased, Shrimpton and Perfect is still a baby less than a month old, but those lovely gals over at Vintage Life magazine have given us a wee mention. Featuring some of the knitwear we've made from Vintage patterns. I'll be taking these and other jumpers and cardigans to the Antiques Fair in Lewes Town Hall on Saturday November 19th. My stall will be a feast of desirable vintage trifles. If you can't make it to that and you want to get in touch please feel free to email me.

Mmmmmmmmmm Moquette.

2011-10-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if this little discovery is gonna be good or not. You see it tempts me to purchase something I don't really need, but I do believe to be beautiful !

London Transport museum shop are making furniture covered in their "tube and bus" material, Moquette. The patterns are so 1930's, and of course deeply desirable. But I'm saving up for a big holiday next year so must resist. Repeat, must resist.

Not sure why this is called the Harlem cube, but I wouldn't mind a bit of Harlem in my living space.

Look at these amazing fabrics, they've loads to choose from. I'm pretty much loving all of them.

Midnight In Paris

2011-10-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

A girlfriend and I went to see this film last night. I adore Woody Allen she is not so enchanted by him. Funny, the things I love about his scripts are the very things she hates. Anyhoo the night was a success.

As usual Woody was taking the rise out of pseudo intellectuals, and highlighting the not so warm and fuzzy characteristics of the American wealthy classes. But Paris was the star of the film, and the storyline was very light and entertaining. Lovely vintage sets too.

Ah me, who remembers Annie Hall?

Kaffe Fassett's Colourscape.

2011-10-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of both Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, they are wonderfully creative, and also wonderful in their own right.

I am just finishing a project using Kaffe's Colourscape chunky yarn. The yarn is very similar to the hand spun yarns that I aim to produce myself one day. My friend Ann is an expert spinner and dyer of yarns, and is keen for me to learn, I just can't find the time at the moment. I'm trying to negotiate a 3 day working week with my employer at the moment to free up some time for personal development. Fingers crossed that comes off.

The item I've been knitting is really the first proper thing I've ever made for my husband. It should turn out to be a lovely warm and hopefully stylish cardigan. The self colouring nature of the yarn is really nice.

This is just one of the arms being blocked, but I'll post the finished article, Mr. S&P loves a bit of modelling.

The Haslam System of Dresscutting

2011-10-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a knitter, have been since I was quite a little dot. I really enjoy it, and have tried this year to increase my skills by taking on projects that challenge me a bit. I also started crocheting this year, but it still feels like a foreign language to me. The lure of the granny sqaure will keep reeling me in though.

In my ideal world I would also be an expert seamstress, I have a pristine still new and in it's box (in the attic) sewing machine. Perhaps I could follow Miss. Haslam's system of dress cutting?

How amazing for her to set up her own company and work out a sewing and pattern cutting system, in what I suspect was her home town of Bolton.

Honeing her skills and building on her reputation, to create a successful business.

None of the books are dated, but the first one looks quite basic and functional and the images inside look like they may be wartime clothing. I'm loving this glamourous overall, chanelling Lana Turner.

In the second book the styles reflecting the post war Christian Dior 'New Look'.

Book three looking the most sophisticated, with full colour images. I would so love to make some of these patterns up. Perhaps a project for the future ?

Thrift & Thrive

2011-10-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

I do read quite a lot of blogs that are really helpful with tips on frugality and thriftiness. Most of them talk about how to live on the lowest amount possible, because some of these bloggers have serious reasons behind their necessity to count every penny. I'm not in the same situation as them but I am greatly interested in what they say and do, and I have every respect for them, and I also value their tips and advice. I just can't stand waste of any kind, it's just not right. The less wasteful we are the more there is to go round.

For the last few years I have become more creative with left over food, and in using what I already have in the store cupboard. I find it very satisfying to create a truly good meal form odds and ends.

So I'm loving this book, lent by a friend at work.

Page 170 Spaghetti with Tuna and Olives, serves 3.

450g spaghetti

1 x 210g tin tuna in oil

1 large onion peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

110g button mushrooms sliced or quartered

450g ripe tomatoes, skinned

tbsp tomato puree

1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence

50g green olives

a little butter

grated parmesan cheese

seasoning

First drain the oil from the tin of tuna into a saucepan, heat it gently and fry the onion and garlic until softened. Then add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for a further 2 or 3 minutes. Now add the tomatoes to the pan, then the tuna, tomato puree and Herbes de Provence, cover and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced to a nice consistency. Next add the olives, taste and season. Cook the spaghetti as per instructions, and drain and toss a little butter in. Serve with the sauce and some Parmesan cheese.

I don't usually buy tuna in oil because I think it's extra calories but had some in my cupboard that my son had bought a while ago. It was perfect in this recipe and saved using my normal oil, plus added extra flavour. I swopped the fresh tomatoes for tinned and the Herbes de Provence for a mixture of herbs I already had. Left out the butter, again extra calories, and used a bit of Cheddar on top instead of Parmesan. It was absolutely delicious.

Well Here We Are At Last.

2011-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's always a bit nerve racking when you do something new, especially for me with technology. But for some time I have wanted to upgrade my blog to share more things with you my dear readers. So I have moved to blogger and have changed from a specific vintage knitwear specialist site to a site that encompasses more of my interests.

image via the decorologist.com.

I am expecting a few hiccups with this new venture, because I'm going to have to learn on the hoof so to speak. But hopefully it will mean I will be better connected to the sites that I'm interested in and also we will all be sharing readers. So better for everyone.