tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123344642011-04-22T04:26:00.535ZVintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.comBlogger1911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-67645617607379999082007-02-14T10:20:00.000Z2007-02-14T10:14:14.070Z

It has been two weeks of furious key-pressing, swearing, screaming, deciding, signing-up and creating. I am exhausted, but glad to say that VintagePretty 2.0 is ready to accept visitors!So on this day of love, let there be VintagePretty!

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-47444079983888049632007-02-09T14:58:00.000Z2007-02-09T14:57:55.228Z

VintagePretty is moving home! You're all invited to the housewarming.More on the Big Day!

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-59587622299459384712007-02-07T12:40:00.000Z2007-02-07T15:15:58.856Z

How could I see this and not post it?Beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.-link-

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-19562152173643932452007-02-07T10:39:00.000Z2007-02-07T10:41:47.024Z

Despite the dusting of snow and the sub-zero temperatures (-3ºC ~ 27ºF), I am in a haze of excitement. I can't tell you much right now, but I'm a little hive of activity. There are Big New Things going on in the land of VintagePretty and it is all very, very exiting!But hopefully soon I'll be able to reveal everything. VintagePretty is getting a little bit older now, more comfortable in her

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170692084628504812007-02-05T16:14:00.000Z2007-02-05T16:14:45.013Z

Saturdays are met with great anticipation. We try to make the most of them because I work on Sundays and so Saturdays are the only day that my husband and I get to spend together. There are certain little rituals we try very hard to adhere to, like finding our favourite tea-room and having a coffee. And doing something worthwhile. This weekend we went to our local tea-room (where the ladies

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170433011377388392007-02-02T16:15:00.000Z2007-02-02T16:16:51.603Z

At any time of the day, except for the darkest of nights, if you take a walk down to the bottom of our garden you'll find an abundance of birds and their songs. They reverberate all over the garden, from the alarm calls of an intruder from the blackbirds, to the sweetest song of the robin or the dunnock. Within the tangled branches of the hawthorn they watch me, as I sat on my perch, watching

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170348077879366602007-02-02T15:24:00.000Z2007-02-02T15:37:42.850Z

I opened the blinds in the kitchen, whilst it was still dark, to wave to my husband leaving for work, when I saw the moon. But it looked different, and as I watched it disappeared behind some clouds, and changed colour as it did so. Eerie and beautiful.It reminded me of a harvest moon seen in September or October, where the moon is very low on the horizon and appears a reddish hue. Beautiful

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170343115160353522007-02-01T14:25:00.000Z2007-02-01T15:18:35.863Z

That is my new 'resolution', my challenge, to do an hours actual gardening a day, weather permitting, and if it's wet and cold, I'll do an hour's indoor planning instead. I feel more alive now than I have done for ages, and it's so good (I won't mention the strained muscles and rushes of blood to the head!).I love these mild days, for the first time in what seems like an age the heating hasn't

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170168540235945242007-01-30T14:47:00.000Z2007-01-30T14:49:00.346Z

Today, dear readers, I found my own mecca. I found culinary peace, zen and pefection. I have attained baking enlightenment. And it came in the form of bread rolls.Not just any bread rolls, but homemade, perfect, fluffy, wholesome bread rolls. Gone are the usual rock-hard bullets which taste good but are all stodge, and in their place are these light, soft, perfectly-risen rolls, and I will

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1170086665533077302007-01-29T16:03:00.000Z2007-01-29T16:05:37.210Z

We used to spend sundays in the garden, with neighbours either side in theirs we'd talk over the fence, swap vegetables and dig, plant and make our gardens beautiful. But since I started working on sundays all this has stopped, and the weather hasn't been conducive to a good day's gardening for a long time - until Saturday, that is, when I took the brave step of going out and digging. I can't

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169741315686375532007-01-25T16:07:00.000Z2007-01-25T16:08:35.856Z

It's starting to be really beautiful here, the heavy ice and frost has dissipated (the skyscape last night was breath taking) leaving a feeling of heady-springtime in its wake. There are many more frosts to go before I can start planting and spending days in the garden, but I'll settle for the earlier mornings and later evenings.I took the dog for a little run up and down the still-frozen lawn,

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169659951394552362007-01-24T17:31:00.000Z2007-01-24T17:33:32.970Z

We've had a visitor recently. Or should I say visitors, we've had more than one. They are here quite often, looking for food, nibbling all the birds' peanuts and running along the fence like deft gymnasts balancing on a waifer-thin balance beam.It is not only beautiful to watch, as they literally go back and forth, squirrelling their food, it is quite a priviledge to see them. Red squirrels are

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169566376287291292007-01-23T15:31:00.000Z2007-01-23T15:32:56.970Z

I was tagged by Zoe to the Six Weird Things meme, so here are my six!1. I get inordinate amounts of pleasure from letting our dog, G, lick out yogurt pots. I think it's because she crosses her eyes whilst doing so which is very endearing in a dog, and makes me howl with laughter!2. When I was younger I used to spend almost every clear, cold night watching the stars and learning their patterns,

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169135606493739882007-01-18T16:32:00.000Z2007-01-18T16:33:55.553Z

I have a confession. I haven't looked at the garden for many months. I haven't taken the time to even stop and really give it a look-over, because it's just been a mess. I was also put off because there is so much to do, and I honestly wasn't sure what I wanted.I keep a garden diary, and in it I post helpful tips and tid-bits of information, ideas for the next year's planting, plants I'd like

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169133629383783192007-01-18T15:18:00.000Z2007-01-18T15:20:29.720Z

This is my progress on my newest knitting project. The ribbing for the back of the tank-top jumper that I decided I'd knit.This will be the first piece of clothing that I've knitted apart from my socks. I've knitted hot-water bottle covers, scarves, cushion covers and blankets, but never something I can wear. I looked for the simplest pattern possible but one that I know I'll wear. And the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1169050357762755352007-01-17T16:11:00.000Z2007-01-17T16:15:36.443Z

In between bright sunshine, there have been dark clouds which has brought sleet. A cold wind whipped at me and the dog as I took her out at lunchtime. After the dark skies it brightened, continuing to sleet, so appeared a sleet-bow. Rainbows are the normal bright well-defined phenomena that happen in rain, snowbows are white (or reduced spectrum) and occur in snow (who woulda thunk it?) and

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168864398755893532007-01-15T12:32:00.000Z2007-01-15T12:33:18.906Z

After all that hassle and stress about my car's tyre, all it took was a visit to our neighbours next door and it was sorted. Our neighbour had the necessary expertise and equiptment to pump my tyre up which allowed me to get to a local garage that he recommended and within 10 minutes it was all fine and dandy. Mended. That was a huge weight off my mind!But seeing as my darling husband had

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168603827885874942007-01-12T12:05:00.000Z2007-01-12T12:10:27.920Z

Today is going to be about simple pleasures with as few nasties thrown in as possible. The last couple of days have been very stressful, as I was outside in a gale, walked past my car and noticed that it had a puncture. Which means I need a new one, right? The place that sells tyres order them in for next-day fitting, but as I couldn't get there to physically pay the deposit, because my car

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168520366235516442007-01-11T12:58:00.000Z2007-01-11T12:59:26.743Z

In my usual state of bleary-eyedness this morning, making my husband's bento-box-style lunch, I caught something brown on the floor race past me and go into the dining room. At first it looked like some paper, but then I did a double-take and, to my sheer horror, realised it was a mouse. It ran straight past the dog, who watched in disbelief as it ran past her legs ~ even though there is

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168439740980520442007-01-10T14:34:00.000Z2007-01-10T14:35:41.163Z

Because my Mum isn't feeling 'great' at the moment (I think she's coming down with something), and I can't be there to tuck her up into bed (where she needs to be!), I thought I'd bake her a muffin and send it through the wonders of the Internet so that it'll reach her without making her feel queasy. So Mum, this is for you ~ an apple, pear and vanilla muffin. Of my own devising, with help from

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168382445964817772007-01-09T22:39:00.000Z2007-01-09T22:40:46.086Z

Ooooh, so many new things are going on around here. People are posting beautiful things, there is beauty in the mild (although unseasonal) weather, and the sun is rising a little earlier every morning. My music tastes have changed from the wintry tones of Sufjan (although he's like an addictive lover, I cannot be without him for long) to The Be Good Tanyas, Joan As Policewoman and Kathryn

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1168108837263236392007-01-06T18:39:00.000Z2007-01-06T18:40:37.496Z

I'm not usually fond of this time of year, although it is nice when the morning start to appear ever-so-slightly brighter, earlier. I also get impulses to do things, yesterday it was to 'gut' our bedroom. My hubby has had the week off (delightful) and on the night of my birthday I went to sleep and vowed that we'd have a tidy bedroom by that time the next day. I was up bright and early, which

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1167931958055006492007-01-04T17:31:00.000Z2007-01-04T17:35:53.490Z

When I said I was off having fun, I wasn't lying! Today marks my 21st year of life, and what a whirlwind these years have been. Not all wonderful, but each serving a purpose.Today I feel really "grown up", we haven't done much differently, or celebrated in any over-the-top way, but still it felt lovely. From waking up and making pancakes, to spending the day pottering with my husband, it's

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1167856614346757682007-01-03T20:34:00.000Z2007-01-03T20:36:54.496Z

This week has been magical - we've both been amidst a whirlwind of new years, food, friendship and birthday preparations. I am exhausted but buzzed at the same time, it is just magical.As I type I'm running a bath, my husband is downstairs making my birthday cake (Nigella's Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake ~ with some help from me) and I feel a little over-stuffed from eating too much icing (it is

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1167599034129119162006-12-31T21:02:00.000Z2006-12-31T21:04:43.786Z

If 2005 was the year of new responsibilities, then 2006 was the year of small miracles. Recently someone in the blogosphere defined a miracle as being an event that was hoped for, but seemed so far from the realms of possibility, that often hope had disappeared. Then, out of the blue, this wonderful thing would happen. The Miracle. Away from any religious context, a miracle is something so

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1167488751907074422006-12-30T14:45:00.000Z2006-12-30T14:25:52.050Z

Christmas is once again over and done with in such an unusually fast time. In-between then and January there is always the down-time, still festive, but with all the shine taken away ~ at least that's how it's always felt to me. The big day itself was lovely, pudding, turkey (free-range, local), food a-plenty, and my mother even did the washing up (isn't she an angel?!). Christmas this year

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1166900464716160272006-12-23T19:01:00.000Z2006-12-23T19:01:05.163Z

* ***** | I got one of my christmas presents early - my husband demanded I open a little parcel that plopped through the letterbox this morning. He was worried it wouldn't come in time, it had come all the way from Hong Kong! It was the most heartfelt presents he could've given me - two of my favourite things wrapped up together (Sufjan Stevens and Christmas). Strangely enough I didn't

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1166824526106589892006-12-22T21:14:00.000Z2006-12-22T21:55:26.243Z

Christmas, that is. Sneaking up on those poor folks who didn't see it coming. The next few days are going to be spectacularly busy, and would you believe that I'm working on christmas eve too?! Thankfully I won't be on my own, we're running at a reduced capacity food-wise and it's only half a day, but still! I must be up early to fight the traffic, and work, watching the clock until 1 when

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1166735556944631072006-12-21T21:14:00.000Z2006-12-21T21:17:14.950Z

Today it is the shortest day for us folks in the Northern Hemisphere and also 6 months to the day that I got married. I must admit this occasion hasn't gone unnoticed, but with all the preparations for christmas at hand, it has been hard to get ready for christmas and find the time to actually do something special. But my husband came home armed with a bunch of red roses and carnations, and a

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1166528503105390302006-12-19T11:41:00.000Z2006-12-19T11:45:58.690Z

I have just had the nicest weekend! I'm still recovering from the insane amount of activity. The Parents-in-Law (with brother-in-law) came up to stay and I don't think I have laughed so much in ages. It was made more special because there is the festive vibe in the air, Newcastle was lit up with the prettiest array of lights, blues, whites and flashing snowmen hung over the streets. We saw

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165936579007905442006-12-12T14:57:00.000Z2006-12-12T15:17:16.760Z

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165700916354332842006-12-09T15:19:00.000Z2006-12-11T15:20:09.456Z

Can't you tell it was a productive Friday? With my trusty Be-Ro book I baked up a storm, and felt much better for it. Especially when I got to present my husband with a kiss and the afore-pictured plate. There is something so completely different about christmas-baking. The smells are different, there is occasion where perhaps there isn't usually (except the occasion of eating - which can be

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165581260087303072006-12-08T12:51:00.000Z2006-12-08T12:52:54.226Z

You know I mentioned I went out and found this gorgeous christmas tree? Well, I really excelled this time - the tree I saw didn't seem that large - it looked very similar to the one we had last year, and was priced the same, so I got one that I knew we'd like. And like it I do - it's marvellous. When it was wrapped up in its net, it still didn't look that big, if anything I could've sworn it

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165418853859756702006-12-06T15:28:00.000Z2006-12-06T15:28:38.773Z

We all have our little obsessions, don't we? Interests that, well, interest us and pique our desires to learn more. Well this time of year is what makes the rest of the year fade into oblivion. This is definitely my 'golden quarter', between Halloween and New Year, there are so many things to see and do. The nights are darker and colder and everything changes. I go from light fish dishes,

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165325892502533972006-12-05T14:34:00.000Z2006-12-05T14:55:38.660Z

I am writing this in one of my many breaks, which have now become compulsory ~ I can't believe just how tired I have become since this infection. It now takes me ages just to clean a bathroom because I have to do it in little slices and having to psych myself up to do the simplest tasks. Insane. The antibiotics are still making me feel woosy so I'm taking lots of probiotic yogurt stuff, plenty

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1165175471786356232006-12-03T19:23:00.000Z2006-12-03T19:51:11.926Z

Whilst I have been luxuriating in bed, reading and sleeping or sitting on the sofa watching dreary TV my darling husband has been busy. I gave him a brief - a new blog, please. Easier said than done. Two days hard work, hours and hours of testing, swearing and uploading later and doesn't it look amazing? I am the luckiest girl! Note the beautifully elegant menus ~ you are but one click away

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164983987967538792006-12-01T14:13:00.000Z2006-12-01T14:41:54.373Z

Nice Lady Doctor: What can I help you with today?Me: I, um, feel awful. I've got a bad cough, wheezing, temperature, chest pains and I keep coughing up grainy, funny-smelling phlegm (I saved the best for last, ya?)...Nice Lady Doctor: You poor thing! Did you have a cold a while ago?Me: Yes, but it got better and so I carried on and didn't think anything about it. Now I feel horrible.Nice

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164883856982377442006-11-30T15:57:00.000Z2006-11-30T15:57:53.870Z

I am currently based on the sofa, wrapped up in a fleece coat with hot water bottle and dog nearby (except to write this - I don't have a laptop!), avoiding being pulled into sleep by this overwhelming feeling of tiredness. In other words, I've got an infection. It has been there for a while, sat on my chest, but it has taken a turn for the worse and, gulp, I've actually got a doctors

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164732016487978972006-11-29T12:45:00.000Z2006-11-29T12:45:02.910Z

I had to break away, and leave the house for a walk. To breathe in the ozone, see the sea and feel the wild grasses brush past my legs.I left the house earlier than usual - not waiting for the sunset, the sun was getting low in the sky, but it was still bright outside. Brighter than it has been for a while. The sky was blue, pure azure blue as I walked through the fields of burnished gold.

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164448314626485822006-11-25T09:07:00.001Z2006-11-25T09:51:54.630Z

Radio4 programmes especially Crossing Continents (click to listen again) and a very strange afternoon play, which I can't find the link to, about a Scottish pregnant woman having bizarre conversations with her very wise, unborn child. Especially relating to shop-lifting and reincarnation. Very strange but hilarious.Taking photos of stunning sunsets and sunrises (see below) - there are few

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164131339136989882006-11-22T14:40:00.000Z2006-11-22T14:48:13.106Z

For the pâté sucrée, or sweet pastry:4oz plain flour, seived2oz butter, cold, cubed2 or 3 heaped tablespoons light brown soft sugartiny pinch of saltEnough cold water to make a doughMethod:As for making pastry, rub the fat into the flour until a very fine breadcrumb consistency is achieved. This usually takes me at least 10 minutes and is very enjoyable ~ don't use a machine, it ruins good

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164129126925144492006-11-21T20:08:00.000Z2006-11-21T20:14:53.270Z

It's getting to be really, really cold around here. Gusty winds, ice and a bit of sleet yesterday all trigger my "comfort-food" reflex ~ excellent for my husband, not so good for my, ahem, curvaceous body! But that aside, not only have I been making some wonderful culinary creations (blowing my own trumpet much?), I've been inventing some new ones along the way, and rather surprisingly, they

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1164034340022917312006-11-20T14:44:00.000Z2006-11-20T14:53:35.536Z

Those three words, strung together like beads on a necklace, are my favourite. They evoke lines from Dylan Thomas' poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night". Although that poem was relating to ageing and the death of his father, I somehow see it in a more natural context. The poetic link apart, for me, those three words signify my favourite time of day. The ending of what might have been a

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1163766048806136562006-11-17T12:14:00.000Z2006-11-17T12:20:48.850Z

But youi lie awake and try.Not to think of youbut who. Tell sweet disguise Although making.Fleetwood mac Lies turn page then rearrange.Alonequot moving ns Iepc. Yoursquore here magic appear of taste fear Irsquom afraid!Ff everything just find is have.Standing there often wonder of thinking or hope its.Weak strong heres a where belong perfect wont around. Its therell come day!Priest rsaquo Touch

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1163698172615691862006-11-16T17:23:00.001Z2006-11-16T17:29:32.640Z

I told you I've been busy. Hard at work, straining my poor eyes, with felt, seed-beads and thread. But it's been worth it, because these decorations are wonderful. I am inordinately proud of them, like a parent whose child manages to remember their lines in the school nativity play. Silly really, but so worth it.A star, made from red felt, with a mirror in the middle and seed-beads at the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1163590005770909242006-11-15T11:19:00.000Z2006-11-15T11:27:13.493Z

I know, I know, I am an awful blogger - it has been a week since I last posted anything and I've yet to comment on blogs. Sorry! But I will, I will. I have been keeping myself busy in the house, keeping myself free of the bugs that are doing the rounds at the moment and doing, fun, wonderful things like shopping in Hexham with my mum and making xmas decorations for us and others. I love the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1163001707726819652006-11-08T15:54:00.000Z2006-11-08T16:01:48.026Z

I will keep this brief as I'm up to my eyeballs in busy-ness! From one moment to the next things haven't stopped, and this is the first time online for what seems like ages (a day and a half, I think). I was under the weather last week, probably from the local bug doing the rounds, and some stress from work didn't help in the slightest - but now that's 'dealt' with I can get on with things and

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1162398142381547022006-11-01T15:54:00.000Z2006-11-01T16:22:22.953Z

I'm having a hard time not knowing quite what to do with myself at the moment. I awoke, after a horrid night's sleep, wheezing with some as-yes-unknown bug/allergy that's sitting in my chest, with an obscene passion for cleaning and tidying. So I now have an immaculate kitchen, but that, somehow, was not enough. So I thought I'd brave the garden because it's been hideously ignored for the past

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1162283599460179252006-10-31T08:26:00.000Z2006-10-31T08:33:29.520Z

There is a distinct advantage to being employed, and that is the spare (I say 'spare' loosely, it's the term given to my 'luxuries' money, that no one can touch!) money one has to play with each month. On my payday I go out into my local town and I shop. With only one thing in mind - usually, me. I can buy anything I like, it can be as whimsical (rarely) or as practical (usually) as I like and

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1162200149316558782006-10-30T10:27:00.000Z2006-10-30T10:35:10.763Z

My first attempt at [proper] cupcakey goodness was for a friend coming to visit. I've made fairy buns before, who hasn't? Those are a very specific sponge recipe - usually 4oz, 4oz, 4oz, and 2 eggs. But cupcakes? Now they are a very different beast indeed. Having some of our own, home-grown pumpkins left, and a Very Important Friend coming to visit what else could a girl do, with such

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1161773074681736172006-10-25T11:37:00.000Z2006-10-25T10:44:35.140Z

If you walk through a forest at any time from august to november, and maybe even beyond, you're bound to see these little fellows peeping up all over the place.Sometimes they are thin, amazingly delicate mushrooms, quite alien and yet recogniseable. They are deserving of reverence, as one touch from some of them could mean death. The mushrooms you see on the top of the soil aren't actually the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1161461892623709882006-10-21T21:11:00.000Z2006-10-21T20:18:12.760Z

There is no particular knack to making a good fruit cake - indeed any cake at all. If you have a good recipe and measure everything out well, have an eye for what's 'right' and what's not - you can't go far wrong. That's my take on the subject anyway, and I'm often asked by friends what the secret is to a good cake. Is it the ingredients? Or how one treats the mixture, or does the perfect

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1161266834823446772006-10-19T13:45:00.000Z2006-10-19T14:07:15.076Z

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1161088307209434712006-10-17T14:54:00.000Z2006-10-17T14:00:51.056Z

The last of the wonderful flowers in the garden. These calendulas are still going strong, along with the roses, although soon they'll all fade away - I vow to enjoy them as much as I can before then.Sufjan Stevens. If you haven't already heard of the guy you really should, he has already touched many hearts in the blogging world with his mastery of words. I first heard of him in 2004 when his

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1161012016974404652006-10-16T14:26:00.000Z2006-10-16T15:21:33.036Z

You know what they say about things happening all at once? Well, it's true. We now have the most gorgeous fence at the bottom of the garden, doing a splendid job of keeping little holligans out, and the dog firmly in. And Santa came early. It's a long story, but I'm now the stupidly-happy owner of a really wonderful camera and when not working, or cleaning, or providing tea, sympathy and

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1160844960538377272006-10-14T18:15:00.000Z2006-10-14T17:22:32.300Z

It all started with a pumpkin losing its top - and ended up with its innards, cooking in cream until deliciously tender, then being devoured. It all went very well although the pumpkin wasn't overly flavourful - so I added some garlic and seasoning, which made it gorgeous. It was rich, and with half a pint of cream you can see why, but oh my, it's something I'd make again in a heartbeat.Once

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1160734764848673632006-10-13T10:03:00.000Z2006-10-13T10:19:33.993Z

When a girl is left alone all day and most of the evening, what can she do but make herself the most gorgeous bread and butter pudding? My other half was away at a party, so I was left alone to create a culinary concoction to be proud of. I am also craving puddings at the moment, so excuse the multiple-pudding-posts that will follow.I also harvested a cornucopia of Jerusalem artichokes (don't

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1160512495396595552006-10-10T19:59:00.000Z2006-10-10T20:36:10.463Z

I set my life around the seasons, and for me, each season has something new to do, appreciate or take part in. Now that the leaves are starting to turn, the nights are getting chilly; (must must must take the myrtle inside!) all thoughts have turned inwards and towards the inevitable Christmas, dark days and long dark nights, cold frosty mornings, ice and, of course socks. I am warding off my

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1160246705343836192006-10-07T19:39:00.000Z2006-10-07T18:45:39.060Z

My days are spent enjoying what little sunshine comes pouring through the windows, musing on my socks, coming together with pained expressions of anguish when I just don't understand how to shape the heel, and with long steamy days in the kitchen making soft, soothing foods that are eaten with my regulation cup of Clipper tea. Those up there? Chelsea buns, gorgeous buttery, sugary things,

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1159891094148680732006-10-04T10:11:00.000Z2006-10-04T09:20:29.646Z

Do any of you remember, when way back in April I mentioned that Robyn and I got our heads together and came up with the Bloggers' Breakfast idea? We shared a perfectly English high-tea, with platefuls of scones, sandwiches, cakes, cream and lots of tea. Now we've decided to do it more often, and we'd like to invite you all to take part with us. We both wanted to do another, but since we've

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1159516289587081382006-09-30T19:32:00.000Z2006-09-30T18:39:05.243Z

I spent all day (!) in the kitchen the other day, with a pumpkin, some home-grown tomatoes and some cooking inspiration. I desperately wanted to cook something wholesome, spiced and autumnal, using-up as many odds and ends as possible. The decision was made to find a pumpkin pie recipe, and with half of the pumpkin make a pie, with the other half, a soup. I must admit, I thought the pumpkin

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1159514593431604902006-09-29T06:40:00.000Z2006-09-29T07:23:13.730Z

[Image from windpower.org]It's been a while since I posted about my own Green Revolution, but we're still doing our best to make this little house of ours as green as it can be! Which makes today's news even better - B&Q, the British DIY magnate will be selling wind turbines, the first high-street chain to do so. Making green power finally accessible to the masses, which leaves me with the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1159345408604347972006-09-27T08:05:00.000Z2006-09-27T14:59:37.703Z

Just a couple of the vegetables that have graced our table over the last couple of days, not to mention the potatoes, peas, broccoli, chard and onions! The garden is still looking good, despite having pulled so many of the summer annuals up. The two smothered roses, Rosemoor and Felicite Parmentier are starting to enjoy their new-found freedom, and William Morris is literally dripping with huge

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1159179564798978432006-09-25T08:08:00.000Z2006-09-25T10:19:24.903Z

I feel like my feet have not touched the floor for the last week. My mother came up to visit, as well as working, it feels like I've not been home for so long that I'm just enjoying being able to catch up on the computer for a few moments of unadulterated bloggy bliss. Nothing much has been happening per se, but with my mother up to stay I've had a lovely week of doing very little except what

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1158158291477151312006-09-13T13:25:00.000Z2006-09-13T14:39:46.113Z

These days are just flying past, perhaps because I am having a fair bit of fun. Work is marvellous, absolutely hectic, tiring and sometimes stressful, but I'm enjoying every moment. I didn't think I'd say that, but working part-time is proving to be a very stimulating, enjoyable occupation indeed. I will miss working during the week, as I have been recently, doing my stint at training has been

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1157790528430090352006-09-09T08:02:00.000Z2006-09-09T08:28:48.460Z

Remember me mentioning I had something very exciting to tell you all, but wouldn't, for fear of jinxing it? Well, I can now reveal that I have got myself a little job and can now be considered a working girl! It is the first time I've been employed by someone else, and the first time I will be working a 9 to 5, but it's only one day a week, so I can still be at home and doing all of the things

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1157545642237431982006-09-06T13:21:00.000Z2006-09-06T12:27:22.346Z

The last couple of days have cleared my head wonderfully. Along with other excitements I've had my windows cleaned (lovely pair of chaps do it monthly - honestly, me, up a ladder?!), done heaps and heaps of ironing, vacuumed downstairs (duct tape is a wonderful thing...) and for the first time in aaages I've been in the mood to bake. I left my sugar-free regimen on hold, because during times of

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1157382635175049342006-09-04T16:04:00.000Z2006-09-04T15:13:55.286Z

Days at Chez VintagePretty are manic. This, my dear readers, is an understatement. It has been the strangest two weeks possible, ending in the most frightening event of my life to date. So apologies for not posting or commenting! Hokey dokey, where to start? Well, the whole strangeness started a couple of weeks ago - at least this is where I can remember things starting to get a little weird

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1156795904801992282006-08-28T19:30:00.001Z2006-08-28T20:11:44.846Z

Along with the berries ripening on the rowan next door, I too am preparing myself for the long winter ahead. It's been a long summer in some ways, which has come now to an all-too-abrupt halt, and now begins autumn. It is sad to see plants being got rid of, beds cleared and weeds pulled, ready for the frost to break up the soil. There is so much to do! The last three days (amen for bank

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1156171770716847042006-08-21T14:11:00.000Z2006-08-21T14:49:30.853Z

When the market stalls are selling leeks and potatoes, there is only one thing you can make - a hearty leek and potato soup. Perfect for all this drizzly weather we've been enduring. Is it still August? Note the scones, they are made with wholemeal flour which I am now coveting - it tastes better and is better for you! I'll be posting recipes soon enough - bear with me!I can't say that the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1155899485483081402006-08-18T12:06:00.000Z2006-08-18T11:11:50.260Z

This weather is rather magical, I love rain. I don't like the dog coming home covered in mud after a long walk, nor do I like having to mop the floors constantly, but I love sitting inside and watching the rain patter down and hear the low din of thunder in the distance. I think it's completely magical.Days like this make me want to walk amongst dripping trees and enjoy the changing colours of

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1155588834263770802006-08-14T19:48:00.000Z2006-08-14T20:54:28.413Z

Hi. My name is VintagePretty and I am a sugar addict. It has been this way for too long, but I've overcome my denial and I'm going to conquer my addiction. *waits for rapturous applause*Actually, it's mostly physical - I have a nasty case of the hormone collywobbles, which in turn gives me the insulin resisting collywobbles, which means I can't process sugar and insulin very well at all. It

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1155198755407244322006-08-10T07:38:00.000Z2006-08-10T08:34:42.120Z

I apologise for the hideously long time that it's been without a post but I've been off gallivanting around having a good time and doing anything but what I should be doing. This is the first real online time I've had since Friday because there was a lovely visit from my mother and I've been planning changes in the house, sorting out mounds of paperwork and trying to sit down to do something (

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1154617225611167452006-08-03T13:28:00.000Z2006-08-03T15:02:29.246Z

If it isn't pipes bursting and outing whole towns, it's coming from the clouds in torrential amounts, water has definitely been on the brain of late. It really is surprising just how much we depend on it, not only for the essential drinks and food, but for washing ourselves, our clothing and our houses. We were lucky, I don't know how people in drought countries survive, our water came back

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1154463555966533032006-08-01T20:02:00.000Z2006-08-01T20:19:16.380Z

The era that brought bright red lipstick, utility garments and the most beautiful hairstyles the century had ever known is back! I've always been interested in anything from the 20's to the 40's, the lifestyles, the make-do and mend mentality, and the neighbourly attitude they had back then. Sure there were the bad times, after all it was the decade that brought war on an unprecedented scale,

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1154420957125535522006-08-01T09:20:00.000Z2006-08-01T08:37:00.366Z

We're without water. We have been without water since 3am yesterday. It's not just us, it's three towns, thousands and thousands of people. Just as I was going to post a green eco-tip about saving water, too*. The water board have put 4 water bowsers in our town, unfortunately all within 100ft of each other - not at all helpful for the few thousand people who live nowhere near those 4 bowsers

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1154084133421606752006-07-28T09:46:00.000Z2006-07-28T10:55:33.533Z

I have been AWOL for the last few days - it's migraine season again (yay!), which hit on tuesday and completely wiped me out these last couple of days. I am however feeling much better now, and with no little demon stripping veins out of my eyeballs, I can get back on track! Since getting back from the honeymoon I've wanted to do nothing more than nest, but the weather has prevented any serious

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153859252057790992006-07-25T20:19:00.000Z2006-07-25T20:27:32.176Z

Whilst sweeping the yard at 8-ish this morning, our lovely neighbour stuck his head around the gate and asked me whether I'd like any blackcurrants and redcurrants. Of course this was met with rapturous squeals of delight, with thoughts of jam, tarts, crumbles and cheesecakes galore! They're from a friend of theirs who owns an allotment - they had too many so offered their glut to our

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153829380367025252006-07-25T12:04:00.000Z2006-07-25T12:13:00.766Z

Make a quiche. Yep, it's been a staple in my family since time immemorial. My mother always made them when anyone came around to lunch, and it's not summer without a quiche, Jersey Royals, salad and a glass of something cool. I have always found quiches to be really easy to make. Many people find pastry-making a hideous job, but I have never found it hard at all (and I have perpetually warm

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153664534180337352006-07-23T14:20:00.000Z2006-07-23T14:22:14.196Z

There has been a strange occurrance in the front garden of late. Everything is looking healthy, and on our weekly inspection a couple of of months ago, I said to The Husband "Look at this! We've got a cabbage growing!". He eyed me suspiciously, with a kind of contempt reserved soley for one of my practical jokes. He didn't believe me until I showed him, but sure enough, there were the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153406120878558032006-07-20T13:31:00.000Z2006-07-20T14:36:39.600Z

This hot weather is definitely not fun, I like a good sunny day, but when you open the door and the hot air hits you like opening an oven door, it starts to be a nuisance. I remember being at school and hating the classrooms, which always had the heating on in the hottest days before the school holidays, and the tight, restricting uniforms. Thankfully this house is kept pretty cool and no part

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153304946045965622006-07-19T09:45:00.000Z2006-07-19T10:29:07.623Z

The Fiancé and I were approaching the registry office, with nerves, apprehension and clammy palms. We met all of our relatives at the front of the office, we walked there together hand in hand, and looked upon the spectre of the crowd. With my heart in my mouth we entered the building that would forever change everything, we met with the registrar's assistant, the lady who would fill in our

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1153232312227720412006-07-18T14:02:00.000Z2006-07-18T14:18:32.466Z

To a very good friend. Just as we got through the door after the long post-honeymoon drive home, we were greeted by a pile of post resembling Kilimanjaro, and amongst it was a little card left by our postman telling us that we had a parcel waiting for us to collect.In it was an amazing amount of stuff, crammed into the cutest little box, which had come all the way from America! Inside wrapped

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1152715095324995182006-07-12T13:41:00.000Z2006-07-12T14:38:15.503Z

I am a firm believer in fate, always have been, always will be - until I'm proven otherwise. I think this stems from so many unexplainable coincidences over my lifetime, little things, signs almost, that come to you when you need them most. A serendipitous phone call when you're at your lowest ebb, a stranger deciding to smile at you, turning a grey day to a sunny one, small things that make

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1152606447369632812006-07-11T07:43:00.000Z2006-07-11T08:29:16.230Z

Just a quick to post to say that we both survived! We are both back from our honeymoon having had the most amazing time. I have so much to say but am a little too overwhelmed to say it! The wedding was amazing. We had a small registry office ceremony, but it was much nicer than I thought it'd be - the man officiating was very nice and gave a lovely speech, although the marriage part of the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1150732887277666742006-06-19T15:45:00.000Z2006-06-19T20:49:37.406Z

This my dear friends, will almost definitely be my final post before the wedding (eep), and most likely before we return from our two weeks away in the glorious South West. Things have started to get pretty busy around here! Nearly all of the shopping for the reception has been done, glass hire has been booked, our gazebo is ready and I'm left in the middle of it all wondering just what has

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1150384401687874442006-06-15T13:35:00.000Z2006-06-15T15:19:19.986Z

We're both recovering from this bug that's been around - I'm feeling better but the poor Fiancé is off today feeling very icky. Just as well we got all of this stuff over before the wedding, eh? Talking about that, it is now a mere 6 days until the big day. Someone from my side of the family can't come, another dear family friend had to pull out too because she is now too unwell to travel and

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1150128554025918212006-06-12T15:57:00.000Z2006-06-12T16:09:14.050Z

Baking chocolate cookies for the Fiancé, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon in my kitchen, feeling pleased that I was finally done cleaning and preparing for today. I saw a gang of youths, probably around 12 of them, dressed in Adidas tracksuits, all similar looking. Baseball caps pulled over faces, one on a bike, turned to look at me before they did it. Smiling as they did so, running

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1149851010415475292006-06-09T10:22:00.000Z2006-06-09T11:03:30.436Z

Is there a wedding going on around here? What is this you speak of? Who? Me? Never! Nah, really. Couldn't be me, could it?! Yeah.If you're reading my blog in the conventional way (i.e. not through an aggregator), then you can't help but notice that in less than 2 weeks I will no longer be a Miss, but a Mrs. But, before I go whooping it up, I'm going to mention that I'm also trying to

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1149760841296639592006-06-08T09:07:00.000Z2006-06-08T10:00:41.363Z

If you take a stroll down our garden, in the cooler evening breeze, before the sun has set and is bright enough to illuminate everything for you, there will be something waiting there that makes life seem ok - however desperate you may feel. Hop over the garden fence, through the snicket, between the land where the squirrels play, and onto a field and a hill. These hills are man-made, the

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1149593305376747602006-06-06T10:58:00.000Z2006-06-06T11:28:25.420Z

It's a simple fact that as the season progresses, all that I need to do in the garden is weed, mow and adore. The plants that were planted, the seeds sown, have all done their thing and have taken over the beds and borders in complete confidence. Peas, poppies and wildflowers are everywhere. Spinach, lettuce and Jerusalem artichokes are growing, waiting to be eaten.When the washing goes out on

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1149260702091344092006-06-02T14:52:00.000Z2006-06-05T16:01:16.460Z

I mentioned that I make my own washing-powder for our laundry - and I also mentioned posting the recipe, so without further ado, here it is, with lots of other 'green' tips thrown in for good measure. I am actually sort of qualified to ramble on about this, as I have run my own cleaning business in the past, and was absolutely shocked when one woman gave the orders for me to bleach the lot.

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1148846304038398212006-05-28T19:04:00.000Z2006-05-30T11:11:44.583Z

An early Saturday morning's errands produced a plethora of goodness from a local organic 'eco' supermarket. The stuff in the picture? Oat cakes, most wonderful to eat. 'Safe' washing-up liquid from Bio-D. Shampoo from Faith in Nature. Multi-surface cleaner from Ecover. Toothpaste from Weleda (unlike some 'green' toothpastes, this one tastes good). Vegetable soap (which smells gorgeous)

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1148671140361040352006-05-26T18:52:00.000Z2006-05-26T19:21:46.010Z

Going green is an ethical minefield. When one starts out on the crusade, it seems easy enough if you're willing to do something about it in the first place, but boy it gets complicated! Not to put any readers off, perhaps it is my own mind making things more difficult than they have to be - and lets think about it, I am prone to the odd philosophical outburst. Thinking about the impact that

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1148381213165478282006-05-23T07:16:00.000Z2006-05-23T13:28:04.406Z

This week it has rained. And rained, and rained and, just for good measure, thrown in some more rain. In one week we've had the whole monthly allowance of the stuff! But on Sunday it let up long enough for me to be able to make the most of a nice day (and good damp fertile soil) to get some hard work done in the garden. Slightly perturbed since four of my lovely, healthy pumpkins were

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1148052673496839542006-05-19T16:29:00.000Z2006-05-19T15:31:13.533Z

Firstly, thanks to everyone who left such supportive comments - I am so glad that you're interested in becoming green - if only a few people on the 'net take this on board then I'll be satisfied that I've done something good!I mentioned in my last post that I'd make some green promises, and have come up with some. If anyone out in the blogosphere wants to have a go, join in with the same

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1147877549285266222006-05-17T14:12:00.000Z2006-05-17T14:52:55.576Z

If I asked you to tell me what a cigarette, a liver in a bottle and some washing up liquid (dish detergent) had in common, could you tell me? Go on, have a good think. It isn't obvious. Want me to tell you? Ok, it's formaldehyde. A common ingredient in cigarettes, pickled body parts and also washing-up liquid. I kid you not. You didn't see that one coming, did you? But it's there, in

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1147703903861317212006-05-15T14:08:00.000Z2006-05-16T13:22:55.800Z

It's really beautiful here at the moment. It's not overstatedly so, just small flowers opening, some weeds, some not. The last of the cherry blossom hanging delicately on the branches of the tree, waiting for a gust of wind. Rain, the rain comes and pours, slowly seeping, deep into the roots, and feeds the thirsty.The Fiancé found a frog in the middle of the road, and rescued it. Calling to

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1147359678369171512006-05-11T14:46:00.000Z2006-05-11T15:01:47.920Z

I was tagged to take part in this meme a while ago, and didn't (I'm terrible at such things) but I've got some time to have a go, although how I'm to keep it to ten - I don't know! In no particular order, my Ten Simple Pleasures...1. Being out in the garden, flowers all around me, drinking in the rain or the sun, feeling every single plant and creature, and being at one with my surroundings. I

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12334464.post-1147186271047451862006-05-09T12:28:00.000Z2006-05-09T14:51:11.130Z

It is time to cook, for me at least. I have felt like attacking the kitchen and, like the alchemists of yore, coming out with something so different from the bare ingredients that I started with. I have been adventurous, and everything has been attempted. From lemon surprise puddings, to bacon, pepper and broad bean risotto - from Nigella to ad-libbed stuff from little ol' me.[My take on

VintagePrettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417348122069803064noreply@blogger.com4