tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23827000205450070342024-03-05T22:45:13.477+00:00Pieces of wonderfulAll things crafty, shabby chic, vintage, country-cottage and polka dotted to inspire the perfect, pretty home.Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-59123992409071480612013-09-21T15:31:00.000+01:002013-09-21T15:33:18.409+01:00Francophilia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have always had a fascination with France, French antiques and the French language. I still don't know where it came from. When my grandparents moved to the Aquitaine region of France some 10 years ago I had a reason to travel to France and even more so when my mum moved out there in 2007. I have spent 4 summers and a Christmas in beautiful France and each time I visit I fall more in love.<br />
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My mum moved back to England in 2010 and since then, much to my dismay, I just haven't been back. Until this year that is. I finally went back to France earlier this month and had the most wonderful time.<br />
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This time I stayed in my Granny's beautiful home, which is the house of my dreams with it's pastel shutters and French farmhouse charm.<br />
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The weather was disappointing but I had the most amazing time with the best company. My Granny and I are quite similar in our tastes and she is possibly one of my most favourite people, she's a real delight to spend time with and not only because she loves brocante shops and bootsales as much as I do.<br />
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I had a relaxing week spending time with family, of the human and animal variety, shopping and visiting my favourite French towns and I couldn't think of anywhere I wanted to be more. The French lifestyle is so appealing, the surroundings are beautiful and I feel so at home over there.<br />
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Of course I took a lot of pictures along the way:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite French town - Segur Le Chateau</td></tr>
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As is always the way, the holiday was over too quickly. But the thing about visiting a place that you adore is that when you leave you can't wait to go back. Although I have been lucky enough to visit some lovely new places this year, I could go back to France every year for the rest of my life. So, roll on France 2014.</div>
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Of course I came home with a few (a lot) of French treasures both new and antique. Perhaps I'll share them in another post.<br />
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Thanks for reading about my French adventure today.<br />
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With love,<br />
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Lexie<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-68168696120281056572013-07-28T21:57:00.001+01:002013-07-28T21:57:27.341+01:00My Charcoal Challenge - Money Super Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Earlier this month I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/competitions/the-charcoal-challenge/terms-and-conditions/" target="_blank">Money Super Market's Charcoal Challenge</a> and I was offered the chance to take part.<br />
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I had £50 to throw a BBQ and so...I did.<br />
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I picked a weekend right in the middle of the heatwave and so the weather was beyond glorious and perfect for a BBQ.<br />
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My garden was looking lovely (thankfully) I hardly had to do anything to it to prepare but it did give me an excuse to have a tidy up, something which I had been putting off for a while.<br />
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And once that was done I only had to add a few touches here and there including, of course, bunting. I chose this spotty party bunting from <a href="http://www.dotcomgiftshop.com/bunting-cotton-spotty?ctid=5294&pos=6" target="_blank">Dot Com Gift Shop</a> specifically.<br />
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I knew this bunting would be perfect because I used to have some hanging in my house (before I donated it to a friend). The flags are large sized with durable material making them great for use in the garden, and the length was just right. I love the bright colours, perfect for a summer party.<br />
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Then came time to set everything up ready for my guests, there was to be five of us. I kept it small mostly because most of my friends and family aren't local and also this was my first time hosting a BBQ and I decided less people would mean less pressure.<br />
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I started with a drinks station which featured homemade peach iced tea. I tried to make use of as many things that I had around the house so that I could save my budget for the food. All my jars and stripey straws came in handy.<br />
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From drinks station to dessert station. I bought some delicious cakes for my guests and piled up some of my china collection ready for people to help themselves to.<br />
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And here it was ready for my lovely guests.<br />
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My guests arrived in the afternoon and bought more treats for us to enjoy including some yummy Fentimans drinks.<br />
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They didn't last long!<br />
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And soon enough it was time to light the BBQ. I left most of the cooking to my housemate as I am a BBQ novice but I did choose all the food.<br />
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I tried to keep it simple and headed for M&S. They have a deal on for the summer where you can choose three BBQ treats for £10 so I stocked up on Chorizo burgers and all the trimmings, some summer vegetable kebabs and sausages.<br />
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Plenty of sausages.<br />
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Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, me included. The summer vegetables and halloumi were even better with the M&S pesto mayonnaise that I picked up and the burgers included my favourite chedder - Black bomber, which I bought especially.<br />
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Then of course it was pudding time.<br />
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And as the warm sun started to set I turned the peach iced tea into something a little stronger and bought out my surprise addition. Tea cup alcoholic jelly. Thankfully I only made two, just as well as they were pretty disgusting. Although they looked very pretty...<br />
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And then it got silly..<br />
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Really silly..<br />
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So, how do I think my Charcoal Challenge went? I think it was successful. By being resourceful and gathering together as much of my own bits and pieces as I could I was able to keep to budget and by keeping my menu simple (but sumptuous) and my guest list small I was able to make sure everyone had a good time, including me.<br />
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A big thank you to Money Super Market for letting me take part in this challenge.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-78427749536640523082013-07-09T22:29:00.004+01:002013-07-09T22:29:30.628+01:00Fine furnishing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been doing a bit of rearranging at home of late to make space for some new additions. Recently I was lucky enough to acquire some lovely old furniture from my mum (and a second hand furniture store). Bu both pieces were in desperate need of a little brightening up.<br />
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The first piece was a beautiful dresser top stained in a very dark colour. It was drab and plain and didn't look quite right in my bathroom. Of course, there's nothing a coat of paint can't fix.<br />
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I found the perfect colour, a soft shade of pastel blue with a hint of green known as 'mint macaroon' by Duluxe. Two coats later and all was changed. I am very happy with the result.<br />
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I also picked up a shabby white cabinet after seeing it on the pavement outside an old furniture store. After a brief woodworm panic and subsequent woodworm treatment session I finally found its place in my living room.<br />
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I am tempted to paint it to freshen it up. But its a beautifully shabby piece and its shabbiness comes from age and is not artificial and I love that about it. The one thing I did know was that it needed something on the door panel.<br />
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I initially thought that some wallpaper would be best but then I remembered the old Peony & Sage style fabric that I picked up recently and it all fell into place.<br />
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I am so happy with this piece, even without a paint job. There is nothing quite like the feeling of happiness you get when a project turns out exactly as you'd hoped.<br />
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With love,<br />
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Lexie<br />
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If you're not already following me on Bloglovin please do so. I would hate to think that you are missing out on updates now that Google Reader has bid us farewell. Otherwise, you can still find my updates on your blogger dashboard if you use one.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pinterest</span></a> </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-42444457656238401582013-06-09T20:12:00.001+01:002013-06-09T20:12:09.514+01:00Adventures of a homebody<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well would you look at that..it's summertime at long last.<br />
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The sun makes me a much happier person. It makes days out more fun, it makes my garden come to life and it makes me want to go on adventures.<br />
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So what have I been up to these last few months? Well not a lot really. I've been busy working and visiting my poor neglected family but I have squeezed in a few trips to pastures new (and less new) but I'll save that for later.<br />
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I have also been busy being my usual homebody self. I especially love being at home in my current home because it is the kind of home I had always dreamed of living in. This year is likely to be my last year in this flat and typically it's just starting to look the way I want it to so I'm enjoying that while I can.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I also love spending my weekends exploring new places and recently I spent a lovely sunny Saturday surrounded by beautiful Surrey countryside. The best kind of adventure is when you stop in the middle of nowhere and go wandering and that's exactly what I did.<br />
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As much as I appreciate London, I'd rather be here any day. Forever a country girl.<br />
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While out making the most of the weather I visited the beautiful market town of Dorking which incidentally happens to have a rather large population of antique shops! One such shop is called '<a href="http://www.gorgeousgerties.co.uk/?p=our.story" target="_blank">Gorgeous Gertie's</a>' a vintage emporium with strings of bunting on the shop front..how could I resist? It's beautiful inside, an old building bursting with character filled to the brim with charm and treasures. I stopped for afternoon tea in the pretty tea room which was beyond delicious.<br />
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Before perusing the upper floors and spending a small fortune on beautiful old things...oops. Do please pay them a visit if you can.<br />
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I now have enough china to open several tea rooms..so if that dream ever comes true I will be well prepared. In the meantime if anyone needs to rent a load of vintage china then let me know. (I am only partially serious)<br />
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I also recently took part in another swap, this one was an Instagram swap arranged by <a href="http://lissylouandthe2littleboys.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lissylou</a> called 'the kindness swap'. The premise was to make or buy 7 gifts, each one beginning with the seven letters that make up the word 'Friends'. I loved making and buying things to suit my lovely swap partner and she seemed happy with her gifts. I was utterly spoilt in return!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_WyCg1wk1r1KwuFH0nNdlHJ9uZrXEoor7zgWLxJbffC7RTy7NNpTK0O-gXHx5fU6L_Vdby3aJksQYQtLlOw6SDMxHffLWg4ZLFeC-wqjEhVb653xJ9xLSsZnrXqroH4Z9YVXR09U1eDn/s640/blogger-image--650033152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_WyCg1wk1r1KwuFH0nNdlHJ9uZrXEoor7zgWLxJbffC7RTy7NNpTK0O-gXHx5fU6L_Vdby3aJksQYQtLlOw6SDMxHffLWg4ZLFeC-wqjEhVb653xJ9xLSsZnrXqroH4Z9YVXR09U1eDn/s320/blogger-image--650033152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the gifts I received from Emily for<br />the Kindness Swap</td></tr>
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Sadly, the sun has disappeared today and it feels a bit like April all over again but the good news is I have some much needed holiday time next week and I plan to do absolutely nothing at all except lay around like a cat and perhaps do some blogging about my recent trip up north...perhaps. I wouldn't want to strain myself though.<br />
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Until then,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
<br />
x<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-40408493712184208642013-04-15T18:32:00.003+01:002013-04-15T18:32:39.797+01:00Book Review: Pretty Pastel Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These days I do very well at resisting the pull of all the most beautiful interior design books (and you know there are many). They are all so tempting with their exquisite covers hiding perfectly styled photographs of the kind of home that I and many others dream about having. There's a book for every style and preference and I could easily take them all home. I would make furniture out of them if it was justification enough.<br />
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But, every now and again a book comes along that needs no justification and Selina Lake's 'Pretty Pastel Style' is one such book.<br />
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It may be the title, it may be the front cover, it may be the colours or perhaps all of the above. Whatever it was, the book had me from the start. They say you should never judge a book by its cover but I had high expectations for this book and judge it I did.<br />
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'Pretty Pastel Style' sets itself up as a book that will show the reader how to use modern pastels in their homes. Simple. In reality, it does this and so much more. Anyone with a fondness for vintage, shabby chic and quirk will find something in the chapters of this book to inspire a home makeover be it big or small. It has plenty to swoon over, plenty to envy and plenty to copy which makes it a book that keeps on giving.<br />
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The photos seem new and unique. There was never a feeling that I had already seen the same photo or the same elements before which is rare and nothing felt reproduced. I especially enjoyed the vintage elements in the photographs and I appreciated the time that had been spent styling them.<br />
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And that's always the draw with any Selina Lake book. Her styling is impeccable. It's work like Selina's that made me want to be a stylist for so many years and 'Pretty Pastel Style' is no different with pages full of photographs so dreamy that I will return to them again and again.<br />
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The advice that accompanies the pictures is sound and practical. I had wondered exactly how much you can write about pastels but this book is not short of tips and explanations, all broken down into a pleasing number of chapters with plenty of variety. This is definitely not just a picture book but the pictures were the biggest draw for me personally.<br />
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There are so many wonderful Selina books that you could choose from and If you can, you should own them all but this one is one of my favourites and any collection is not complete without it.<br />
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It also passes the coffee table test by being pretty enough to be on display all the time. That's got to be the best kind of book.<br />
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Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-33493676417407207712013-03-31T19:01:00.002+01:002013-03-31T19:03:02.236+01:00Spring Forward<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I won't dwell on the weather, I won't ask if you know where Spring is because I know you don't and neither do I. I won't mention the clocks or the amount of chocolate I have eaten.</div>
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Instead I will tell you that my plans for the long Easter weekend did not work out so I have had a blissful amount of time to catch up, to organise, to take stock and to relax. I have also had some time to try and rediscover my love of photography. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPukkaCOz-w90hwYgcR9A7OJRpiOmLepX_J8J_sBkEDoeF8Hl8Oqxn4yhCc7FhjA6nJkrWmxN3i0LOb7bdNKMRz_kE9toXV0ewRDOipKYkQZfLYjwN35zcEZ1BpzkjRB3pnedDVVdVWrz/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPukkaCOz-w90hwYgcR9A7OJRpiOmLepX_J8J_sBkEDoeF8Hl8Oqxn4yhCc7FhjA6nJkrWmxN3i0LOb7bdNKMRz_kE9toXV0ewRDOipKYkQZfLYjwN35zcEZ1BpzkjRB3pnedDVVdVWrz/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I seem to have lost my mojo, I'm not as creative or as passionate about it as I once was. I think my imagination is running dry. </div>
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So it's not often that I get the photographic urge. But I love it when I do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WTHeKG0N97Ab4FGPSBiL-OtD8mH7wlQ3OcWwVcWO8OlXIMovsORns7jIqB4X_BPVxo_x46sCbIz-xXITsjNgvDc1kKYZC3vLx7P6TAZmH3o1LF-Hju_A0snMKtFoZee5E9Y-7YcV0x5B/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WTHeKG0N97Ab4FGPSBiL-OtD8mH7wlQ3OcWwVcWO8OlXIMovsORns7jIqB4X_BPVxo_x46sCbIz-xXITsjNgvDc1kKYZC3vLx7P6TAZmH3o1LF-Hju_A0snMKtFoZee5E9Y-7YcV0x5B/s400/088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some things are better used as props than their intended purpose don't you think?</div>
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Happy Easter everyone.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lexie</div>
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x x x</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-49926044580145882962013-02-24T14:40:00.002+00:002013-02-24T14:46:15.745+00:00Splashes of colour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Let's gloss over the the shameful gap in postings shall we?</span></div>
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Let's just be <b>forgiving</b> and <b>understanding. </b></div>
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After all it is almost spring, the season where everything blossoms anew and winter is forgotten. So let's just say that my blog was going through its own winter while its writer conserved energy in a deep deep hibernation . </div>
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The truth is, I struggle with winter. Post Christmas the January blues creep in and I usually fall victim to some plague or another and motivation is always in limited supply. This year it's taken a little longer to get myself out of the January slump, mainly due to aforementioned plague.</div>
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But while the days have been grey, sometimes white, I have been doing what I can to bring those splashes of colour into my everyday life. </div>
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Whether it be physical, literal colour..flowers, decorations...teacups..</div>
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Or the kind of colour that comes from making something or doing something different, something interesting, something that takes your mind off the grey outside. </div>
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A new craft perhaps? A visit to a new town...</div>
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There's nothing like doing something creative to add a bit of colour to the day...and if the result also brings colour to my home then so much the better.</div>
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I kept myself busy this winter by making metres of bunting..just because. I hadn't made anything in a very long time and my home needed a lift after the Christmas decoration purge. Such a pretty pattern.<br />
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I also enjoyed working with this little bundle of colours when I decided to make myself a granny square blanket. This meant that I needed to learn how to crochet. Something which I was certain that I never wanted to do. But I'm a determined soul when I want to be. So with the help of many youtube videos, I taught myself and I spent many a dark night turning these little balls of colour into something that I can keep and pass down. Learning something new is fun isn't it?<br />
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It's getting there slowly.</div>
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Of course what I really wanted to be doing was writing but I seem to be failing in that area. So many ideas and such a lack of confidence. Somewhere along the line in this busy thing called life I feel like I lost my writing talent and I'm sure I had it once. Now, not even I believe myself when I say I'm a writer. Still trying to find a way out of that but for now the blog will have to do. </div>
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How did you make it through the winter this year? Or was the promise of spring enough to keep you going? Well it'll soon be here.</div>
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So until next time, let me welcome you all into March and bid you farewell. Until next time...and there will be a next time I'm sure of it.</div>
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With love,</div>
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Lexie</div>
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P.S I missed you.</div>
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♥ <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> ♥ <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> ♥</div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-24832946748040281192013-01-10T15:55:00.001+00:002013-01-10T15:55:53.067+00:00Christmas moments..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year to you all.</span></div>
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I'm late I know but it takes me a little while to get going in January. </div>
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It seems a little strange, a little sad to talk about Christmas now that it is so very long ago. But 2012 wouldn't quite be complete without a little peek back to my favourite Christmas moments.<br />
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So there was baking. I made these mince swirls last year by fluke and they were a hit with my family. So now I get special requests.</div>
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I took a moment on Christmas morning while sitting in my favourite dress and feeling ok in it for a change, to take it all in, Christmas seems to disappear so quickly that it's nice to stop and think...just for a second.</div>
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I love the decorations at my parents house. So very photogenic.</div>
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And although presents aren't everything on Christmas day..I do love to give them and receive them. I was utterly spoilt as you can see. I am very lucky. And I am loving my Ipad!<br />
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And then of course, as always, time with my family is the very best part of Christmas. Playing doggy doo and moshi monsters with my very excited niece and nephew was a particular highlight of mine.</div>
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So there it is, or was. My Christmas 2012.</div>
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The new year so far has been gentle, unassuming and quiet. And thankfully the rain stopped and I hear snow is on the way. I do love wintery weather.</div>
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I will be back soon to tackle the subject of 2013..what will it have in store I wonder. </div>
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New years resolution number 1...blog more, blog better! We'll see how that goes.</div>
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Lexie </div>
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x</div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-12524512406238674942012-12-24T16:12:00.001+00:002012-12-24T16:19:15.839+00:00Twas the night before...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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And so the day has come, my favourite day of the year. All the build up, the preperation, weeks of being surrounded by decorations and the sweet excitment in the air..I can't believe it'll soon be over for another year.<br />
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I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas wherever you are. Thank you for reading my sporadic posts and for sticking with me this year.<br />
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Lots of festive love from my family's home to yours.<br />
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Lexie<br />
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-26507892818153864112012-12-09T18:21:00.005+00:002012-12-09T18:21:40.763+00:00The Festive Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ahhh Christmas. Is there any other month more wonderful than December?..every day takes you closer to the best days of the year and while we wait we get to decorate our homes and enjoy the festive sights and smells.</div>
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I truly love this time of year.</div>
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My house is looking suitably festive, I trust yours is too by now. This year I am particularly happy with my festive home.</div>
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I have contrasting tastes when it comes to Christmas decor. I love a rustic, country Christmas style decor with natural garlands, greenery and scandi style red and white combinations. But I also adore a faded, frosty look that screams vintage oppulance. The two don't exactly mix so this year I have tried to keep them seperate and only mixed where I feel it looks right...mostly on the tree. I think I've managed to get it right for once...</div>
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The living room is rustic, with berry and ivy garlands on the mantle piece, candles and frosted twigs in a vase.<br />
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The tree is an ecclectic mix of scandi patterns, reds and whites as well as pinks, ivories and florals (of course).</div>
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The hallway is full of frosty white, ivories and golds. Lots of faded glitter, lace and vintage gold ornaments and some frosted pinecones to keep the rustic theme going.<br />
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My bedroom continues the theme with whites, creams and fairy lights. </div>
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And when all is decorated, I love to sit back and enjoy the sights by evening candle light..</div>
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And those glorious Christmas smells..cinamon, cloves, clemantines..</div>
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There definitely is no better time of year.</div>
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Happy decorating and thank you for reading.</div>
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Lexie</div>
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x</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> </span><a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-22498299063105873472012-12-03T21:31:00.002+00:002012-12-03T21:31:17.402+00:00Sweet Charity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Hello pretties.</span></div>
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I hope I find you well this December eve. November has been madness for me..from beginning to end. I have spent all of two full days at home this month and spent the rest of the time either working, at weddings, working, visiting people and more working. Phew. I need some quiet weekends to get my self ready for Christmas.</div>
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One thing I also spent my November doing was raising money for charity (no, not by growing a moustache). At work I have been taking part in a project called Micro Tyco where as a team you are given £1 to turn into a profit for charity. Well, me and my team had no end of fun coming up with innovative ways to make money and I won't bore you with the details. Except for this..</div>
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We decided to make some Christmas decorations to sell and I had such fun making them I had to share. To make these baubles I used:</div>
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10 polystyrene balls</div>
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Fabric scraps cut into small pieces</div>
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Tissue cut into pieces</div>
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Sheet music</div>
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Ribbon for hanging</div>
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Glitter varnish spray to seal and add sparkle</div>
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Simply cover sections of the bauble in glue and layer with a fabric or other material of your choice.</div>
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It's fun but quite fiddly. I got covered in glue, covered in glitter varnish and frustrated but for a minimal amount of effort the results were quite something. What do you think?</div>
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I set them up in their own display box in the hopes that people at work would buy them..</div>
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And here they are all set up at work ready for some customers. Have you ever tried making Christmas baubles? </div>
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Besides raising money for charity I have had plenty of other things to smile about this month. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodMjcxS2OL8H3_OOg8AbXB-D3iI2lhGuI5DpqGrsfB91lmZF4VDEyqKikC7kvz8ZDU8lEOiL3CgxFCgRdEacTnX3ek0I8PZVQHAJTmrBG8RtfPpKvtjb1cpZiS3eX-mnI8G_fIbgFVoDO/s640/blogger-image--1080898068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodMjcxS2OL8H3_OOg8AbXB-D3iI2lhGuI5DpqGrsfB91lmZF4VDEyqKikC7kvz8ZDU8lEOiL3CgxFCgRdEacTnX3ek0I8PZVQHAJTmrBG8RtfPpKvtjb1cpZiS3eX-mnI8G_fIbgFVoDO/s400/blogger-image--1080898068.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~1. Quality time with my niece ~ 2. Silly faces ~ 3. I went home to Wales<br />and met my mum's new dog ~ 4. I went to a wedding ~ 5. I enjoyed a welsh frosty morning~<br />6. I hung my decorations and I couldn't be happier.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">With love,<br /><br />Lexie</span></td></tr>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-818784040742915762012-11-18T14:58:00.000+00:002012-11-18T15:51:55.099+00:00Shiny & New<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello poppets..</div>
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My friends have asked me before where my money disappears to..I tell them I am just terrible at keeping track of it but in actuality I am just really very good at spending it.</div>
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I am especially good at spending other people's money, particularly in the form of vouchers and birthday money. So with a few birthday visits to my favourite antique centres (with birthday money in purse) as well as some Cath Kidston vouchers and an extraordinarily lucky win of a gift voucher from Dunelm Mill I have purchased a fair few lovely new things of late.</div>
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I made easy work of spending my Cath K voucher..</div>
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And of course, I always like to find pretty crockery for my collection. And thanks to a visit to the antique centers of Lewes as well as the Fleetville vintage emporium and now I have an even fuller cupboard..</div>
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I spent my birthday money on a few things that I have long pined for. Things like..my first eiderdown blanket. My mum had given me just enough money to make this beautiful blanket mine forever and what a lovely birthday gift it makes..one that I can keep and hand down. My cat loves it as much as me..</div>
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I have also been looking for a little footstool that could double as a coffee table. Fleetville was the place to find such a thing. And look at the beautiful antique rose style fabric. My favourite print. My nana is to thank for making this possible..</div>
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There have also been a good few unexpected treasures that I had to bring home. A rose print spoon, vintage cake forks and the sweetest mini tins. Star shaped pie for tea from now on!</div>
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And then there's the business of that Dunelm Mill voucher. I had never been to Dunelm Mill before but had heard great things. I won the voucher by submitting my vintage trunk makeover to their 'Like it or love it' design scrapbook and I waited patiently for weeks for the chance to spend it. I spent some of the voucher on some wonderfully priced practical grown up stuff (much needed) but I also treated myself to another glass cake dome. An absolute bargain at just £9.99 and it's huge! I'm so in love.</div>
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I have also given my bed a makeover with some new plump pillows, frilly cases and a valance. I'm trying to create that hotel look with an abundance of comfort! It certainly is comfortable now.</div>
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So thank you <a href="http://www.dunelm-mill.com/" target="_blank">Dunelm Mill</a>. I love my made over bed very much and all the other bits too.</div>
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And there you are, all up to date on the new bits and pieces that are keeping me happy. Better start saving for Christmas now I suppose.</div>
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Have you treated yourself recently?</div>
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Lexie</div>
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x</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> </span><a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-50733395291281217482012-11-11T19:34:00.002+00:002012-11-11T19:36:25.868+00:00Lexie in Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi petals.<br />
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I have had the pleasure this weekend of spending some time in Edinburgh. Although Saturday and Sunday were filled with work, work and more work I spent Friday afternoon in Edinburgh, exploring the city for the first time.<br />
Edinburgh has been on my bucket list for a long while so it is nice to have finally been there. Now I am desperate to go back.<br />
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We had afternoon tea at The Georgian Tea Room at The Dome which had been decorated for Christmas and looked exquisitely beautiful. And we walked and walked and walked through winding cobble streets. We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset with the sound of bagpipes in the distance.<br />
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I took plenty of photos despite it being quite dusky while we were there and I wanted to share a few. Enjoy.<br />
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Edinburgh has captured my heart and I am smitten.<br />
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Well that's it from me for now. I am exhausted so I am off to snuggle down and rest my tired eyes.<br />
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Lexie<br />
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x<br />
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-1576629224915279982012-11-04T20:28:00.000+00:002012-11-04T20:28:06.950+00:00Turning 20 (plus 8)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's Sunday, It's November...it's flipping cold and here I am bidding you all a fond hello...hello!<br />
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So last Monday I reached the grand old age of 28 and had a fabulous birthday weekend doing my most favourite things with my most favourite people.<br />
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On Saturday bestie and I headed to the city from our little London suburb. It's been so long since I spent time just wondering the London streets and wondering we did. We were meeting my lovely friend L for the day and we had a splendid albeit very cold time. I made my first trip to a Laduree shop (more about that in a seperate post though) and we lunched and chatted and ambled until the sun went down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">|Left to right: 1. Wrapping up warm| 2. Waiting for the train| 3. Kensington| 4. Breakfast in a park| <br />|5. Autumn leaves| 6. Feet| 7. The V & A| 8. Baked treats| 9. Macarons|</td></tr>
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On Sunday my surprise birthday weekend started...I was only told to pack an overnight bag, I did and then off we went, the bestie and I. Heading south for a surprise adventure.<br />
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We ended up in Lewes, East Sussex. Chosen because it is a gorgeous little town and absolutely teaming with antique shops which I was very quick to discover. My bestie really does know me so well.<br />
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I was in my element! We found the Lewes antique centre which was four floors of absolute heaven. I found a lot of treasures in there, including a birthday treat from my mum...an antique eiderdown. My first and it's a thing of beauty. Later we headed to the Lewes Flea Market which again housed a lot of treasures waiting for me to find them and take them home.<br />
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The surprises didn't end there. Our place to stay for the night was a gorgeous four star hotel 'Pelham House'. We had a girly night in our bargain twin room..watching tv, eating and relaxing before my birthday.<br />
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Monday morning soon dawned and I was 28 all of a sudden. I started off the next year of my life with a four star cooked breakfast and a visit to my favourite farm shop 'Secretts' and the beautiful Winkworth arboretum before getting back on the motorway and heading back to reality to carve pumpkins and eat some seriously decadent chocolate birthday cake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: 1. Lewes Flea Market| 2. Hotel room view| 3. The Pelham House Hotel| 4. Hotel artwork|<br />| 5. Views across Lewes| 6. Lewes castle| 7. Birthday dinner at Bill's| 8. Birthday morning| 9. Secretts farm shop|</td></tr>
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It was a truly lovely birthday weekend and I was very sad to go back to work on Tuesday. I felt older with a heavy heart. But I still had lots to look forward to..this weekend I have spent some time with both my besties and spent a wonderful few hours at the Fleetville vintage emporium...although, as much as I loved it second time around, it's not a patch on Lewes. Which makes me desperate to go back soon.<br />
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So as you can imagine with all the time spent looking around such wonderous places with birthday money in my purse I have acquired a good few new treasures for my home. I will share them with you very soon.<br />
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Until then, lots of love..<br />
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Lexie<br />
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-61751289374761115962012-10-31T19:20:00.004+00:002012-10-31T19:20:57.449+00:00Pumpkin O'clock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Pumpkins.<br />
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Just stopping by to wish you a Happy Halloween before I get another knock on the door from another small child in another adorable outfit!<br />
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I will be back soon with some lovely posts. I promise! I've been busy...I had a birthday and I've had some great adventures to celebrate. Can't wait to share. For now I shall leave you with my pumpkins.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hPqkMFNbAh7EmLfyR2xFPswSEctB_172OyhkRx-RSC62xoln7OX2cKYW-KqHqAD5esygjR_UhFZgjobs_yfwF_iMH4wB8PkGOMELT-LmKUAaVRlZFLygFi_fgLLjzsYdldZP1YjjT2lL/s640/blogger-image-298342922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hPqkMFNbAh7EmLfyR2xFPswSEctB_172OyhkRx-RSC62xoln7OX2cKYW-KqHqAD5esygjR_UhFZgjobs_yfwF_iMH4wB8PkGOMELT-LmKUAaVRlZFLygFi_fgLLjzsYdldZP1YjjT2lL/s400/blogger-image-298342922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oo there goes the door again!<br />
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x x x x<br />
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-19113959286468634872012-10-13T15:56:00.005+01:002012-10-13T15:59:28.534+01:00Autumn Leaves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well hello beautiful strangers.<br />
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I have neglected you and I'm sorry! Life got in the way again and I have had nothing to say. It seemed as if September was pulled from under me before I even had a chance to enjoy it and here we are midway through October. Where has the year gone? I find myself just two short weeks away from my birthday..oh how I love my birthday! But it blows my mind to think the end of the year will not be far behind.<br />
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It's so nice to see the leaves finally changing colour in London and falling all around me. My absolute favourite time of the year. I have mostly been trying to avoid the lurgy these last few weeks while having some fun times in between. Some family time, some time back in Cheltenham, some outings, some thrifting. Let's see shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45hEeto7bZmJTG-JSg_ec2fo3rbIyIA9SQ-CmPHPJrZFXoAW6RcWZDk5eGxD0QLTBWpZgZS5dygJ8bGoZrQphn4bj1I3hnpu9VBDJkcnLTfBNL2MoQMKCsoyWy6yb_WpEjcJJjFW1pu8/s640/blogger-image-321772352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45hEeto7bZmJTG-JSg_ec2fo3rbIyIA9SQ-CmPHPJrZFXoAW6RcWZDk5eGxD0QLTBWpZgZS5dygJ8bGoZrQphn4bj1I3hnpu9VBDJkcnLTfBNL2MoQMKCsoyWy6yb_WpEjcJJjFW1pu8/s400/blogger-image-321772352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went back to my beloved Cheltenham for the day. Had tea in the best tea room with the best of friends. Strolled through much missed streets and parks. Found a new hat and started making plans to move back there in the near future..yes indeed.<br />
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I spent a weekend recently at my dads in Essex and had the pleasure of looking after my delectable niece and nephew for the day. I love them so much I could squish them!</div>
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Of course there is always time for china hunting..and always space on my blog for tea cups! I was delighted to find a basket full of saucerless tea cups in a Cheltenham charity shop. I chose my favourites and brought them home with glee. I have also found some lovely pastel plates and utility wear bowls recently.</div>
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While I am yet to see some real autumn colour, I have been loving the changing season. I just love feeling the colder breeze, the fresher air and seeing the crisper blue autumn sky. </div>
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I am not the type to change my home around with the seasons but I do enjoy making my home more cozy as the nights roll in. That usually means the fairy lights get switched on and maybe moved around to new locations...it also means some much needed tidying and sorting. Perhaps to de-clutter my house and my mind and make room for the excitement of my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night and then...Christmas!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjTwCy2STGRV5xlaaqKtahmkT7BEVmQLlqQroYA_GINqweZE2sTUSX4O2pT4kbhENU8wgivYVIQLsxZwnrh50O38m-8jR3K0uiHJs7nmVC3gEqdTQt_RJILG01Kn4A6i35G_5t6DA6H1M/s640/blogger-image--1101214098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjTwCy2STGRV5xlaaqKtahmkT7BEVmQLlqQroYA_GINqweZE2sTUSX4O2pT4kbhENU8wgivYVIQLsxZwnrh50O38m-8jR3K0uiHJs7nmVC3gEqdTQt_RJILG01Kn4A6i35G_5t6DA6H1M/s400/blogger-image--1101214098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then there's these two...Buckley, the bane of my existence..a true devil cat. And my Austen..he follows me everywhere..preferring to perch up high so he's at my level...we call him shelf kitty.</div>
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And that just about brings us up to speed my dears! I am on birthday countdown..my usual crazy levels of excitement are kicking in..perhaps not just because of my birthday but because my birthday is the start of my favourite part of the year with so much to look forward to! </div>
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If you are using Instagram please do feel free to follow me and see what I'm up to when I'm not blogging. </div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Lexie</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-8013542780119825482012-09-23T15:05:00.000+01:002012-09-23T15:33:22.464+01:00The wonders of 'Washi tape'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Washi tape is no new thing. It is known and loved by many craft bloggers. I stumbled upon Washi tape when I picked up some Cath Kidston tape in their winter sale last year and another pack with different patterns a few months later. Sadly, Cath Kidston no longer sell the tape (you can find some of it on Ebay/Amazon or in outlet stores though)<br />
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But since then, Washi tape and the many equivalents are appearing everywhere. Much to my delight. I have blogged about my previous Washi tape projects <a href="http://piecesofwonderful.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/artful-intentions.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://piecesofwonderful.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/all-about-tape.html" target="_blank">here </a> and the other day I popped a little photo on Instagram of my most recent Washi tape project.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbbdVokHM-84lW_7fNYJw-roJG85qhi4tlhvqDHAWA8RgXBqMJeUBcyHtC1UkvgT0xb6tAtsOYNmiO2K0lgrVxpwvmWLtmofa4eeuc8it9TwCttgYn2kWVsrWoTrpt6nDrMySFH-PHp99/s640/blogger-image-472871186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbbdVokHM-84lW_7fNYJw-roJG85qhi4tlhvqDHAWA8RgXBqMJeUBcyHtC1UkvgT0xb6tAtsOYNmiO2K0lgrVxpwvmWLtmofa4eeuc8it9TwCttgYn2kWVsrWoTrpt6nDrMySFH-PHp99/s320/blogger-image-472871186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welly boot picture is a handmade greeting card that I picked<br />up in Norfolk. It was always destined to be framed.</td></tr>
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It's just an old white frame covered in floral tape. Nothing too special. But people were quite taken with it. What struck me the most was that people hadn't considered using the tape in this way before. This simply cannot be. So, I thought I would share some of the potential uses of this wonderful tape invention and hopefully give you some new ideas.<br />
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The great thing about patterned tape is that it is translucent and so when it sticks to a surface you can't see the tape and instead you are left with a painted pattern effect that is quite striking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bring new life to cheap old frames</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk_GYdP3T4H0-Xpm8g2iDq8zBrtHGh8UPA6pzWtg9tBxlJKDJSHikag9ZXHtKdyAWa0omSS2uGukvb2itKxu0ELWDEyavLqQa3gwGg8tEBcF194t_3ROcwzy_SqMUN0nt0gKEr1HSnX1n/s640/blogger-image-1121100486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIk_GYdP3T4H0-Xpm8g2iDq8zBrtHGh8UPA6pzWtg9tBxlJKDJSHikag9ZXHtKdyAWa0omSS2uGukvb2itKxu0ELWDEyavLqQa3gwGg8tEBcF194t_3ROcwzy_SqMUN0nt0gKEr1HSnX1n/s400/blogger-image-1121100486.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">You can pick up old frames by the dozen at any charity shop but why just paint them when you can give them a whole new look with a pretty pattern. Press the tape on tightly so it gets into the grooves of the frame and it will look natural and lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add detailing to furniture</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3Oe-6NYNyQDfYYqdQ41cSszVQWlzakm2zbMm5YfuHx7VnCMcrJbzkbtBc0vokmFjAbflWm54KuAGc50UfUEA9ouZaWJzasyLhBYkl28sK6CmwSPctjmfx4ru2YC2_CTvSJk-_bXJpPrK/s640/blogger-image-255047689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3Oe-6NYNyQDfYYqdQ41cSszVQWlzakm2zbMm5YfuHx7VnCMcrJbzkbtBc0vokmFjAbflWm54KuAGc50UfUEA9ouZaWJzasyLhBYkl28sK6CmwSPctjmfx4ru2YC2_CTvSJk-_bXJpPrK/s400/blogger-image-255047689.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Chairs, door frames, cabinet edges or shelf edges. Think about it. Anything with a flat narrow edge has potential for some patterned tape detailing. I used tape to decorate the edging of my craft cabinet shelf and I was instantly struck by the painted flower effect. It looked like I had painstakingly painted every rose petal onto the shelf. Similarly, t</span><span style="text-align: left;">he spice rack was painted and then every edge carefully covered with tape that had been delicately trimmed to fit and it looks lovely. I keep meaning to sell it but haven't got round to it yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brighten up woodwork</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vV-iBHnxNsH8x0Myq-mrvNutu-UnD6vUUpAraMI0RnNJCG_eJEugUMydumojN1Wc5cnNr2JrgIC-pSl0m1jWez9Xyqg4grgAAroKI4qzT26J9HuDAcPgjVPfG0qM28GDGdXte-rqcx-G/s640/blogger-image-1592517508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vV-iBHnxNsH8x0Myq-mrvNutu-UnD6vUUpAraMI0RnNJCG_eJEugUMydumojN1Wc5cnNr2JrgIC-pSl0m1jWez9Xyqg4grgAAroKI4qzT26J9HuDAcPgjVPfG0qM28GDGdXte-rqcx-G/s400/blogger-image-1592517508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plain wood is screaming out for decoration like this. I transformed this simple ikea frame with a layered tape effect to show two lovely patterns. The wooden crate was the first item that I decorated with tape. It was one of those "I'll just try this" moments and I loved the effect...it was the idea that spawned an obsession I think. I love the blue spotty tape but sadly is isn't available anymore. You can get a different set with a floral print and a green polka dot tape though on Ebay and Amazon.</span></div>
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So there you go, have a look around and see what might benefit from this simple trick. Patterned tape is available all over the place these days. I've seen it in Paperchase and Waterstones to name a few place but you can get an extensive range online. It's fiddly work but by far the easiest way to transform something with quick and effective results that I just adore. I hope you do too.<br />
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Happy taping.<br />
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Lexie<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥ </span><a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-16659445344357101652012-09-17T19:31:00.002+01:002012-09-17T19:45:06.312+01:00Step back in time..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello readers.<br />
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I had myself a little weekend getaway in Norfolk over the last few days, courtesy of some lovely friends. I had never been to Norfolk before and was very excited to see a new corner of the country and some new countryside. There will be a post to share some photos and the best parts of my adventure but for now I simply had to tell you about my visit to Sheringham..because I simply can't wait to share. Patience isn't my strong point.<br />
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Having never been to Norfolk, I had never been to Sheringham but on Sunday we found ourselves in the quaint little town, famed for its steam train and vintage station. Well, of all the days to pay the town a visit, we picked a good one. We landed right in the middle of the 1940's, well in the form of a forties weekend and boy was it a sight to behold.<br />
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Having never seen quite so many 1940's enthusiasts in one small area I was really quite taken by the effect and for a second or two I let myself get swept away and imagined I was in the 40's too..because my mind works like that, of course, someone carrying a great big camera would soon walk by and ruin the entire effect..(I'm ignoring the fact that I was one of those people with a big old camera). As we walked around the town and through the crowds I found myself feeling dull, modern and severely under dressed. They were everywhere, servicemen from every country, nurses, ladies, gentlemen old and very very young. Amazing really.<br />
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Well..see for yourself..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved these two, they looked so refined and<br />honestly looked like they had strolled right out<br />of the forties. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I spent too much time looking at these two!</td></tr>
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I didn't really get to look around the station itself, it was packed with people which made photo taking quite interesting. I just had to look over the fence from the outside like a commoner but it was wonderful all the same.<br />
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As we walked down the street a procession of service men and women passed us as all the shops played 40's wartime music..and then there was the window displays, all fitting in with the forties theme. What a great time to visit a place, that's all I can say.<br />
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Having spent the morning at a 1950's costume and textile fair I was feeling all kinds of nostalgic as you can imagine.<br />
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What an experience.<br />
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In other less interesting news, I made my first sale in my shop today!! Have you stopped by yet? Better have a look at my china before I decide I can't part with it!<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥ </span><a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-48057548667272160472012-09-08T20:55:00.001+01:002012-09-08T20:59:07.096+01:00Coming up roses..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Saturday my dears,<br />
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Has it been a scorcher where you are?<br />
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The universe was smiling down on me today. I sulked this morning because I had a serious craving for a boot sale..yes I crave them! Can't explain it. But I had booked a hair cut this morning and I had to go, I'm terrible at convincing myself to go because I hate going so having already booked it I really couldn't flake. Well would you believe it, when I walked out of the salon onto Chiswick high street with my OK but not perfect hair cut I spotted a boot sale on the green opposite the high street. Madness. It was completely one off, never been there before but there it was today, waiting for me. I found some treasures too, most of which have been added to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Piecesofwonderful?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. Some of them stayed with me though of course.<br />
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Anyway, I am not here today to tell you about my latest finds. I am here today to finally share something creative that I have been doing.<br />
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It may have come to your attention that I am somewhat obsessed with rose prints, specifically vintage rose prints. I live and die for them, honestly I do. I have to fight against myself very hard to not cover my entire house in them. So I came up with a little compromise...rose decals. I found a supplier of rose decals/transfers and have filled my world with different patterns and prints. They are just perfect for putting a little extra something onto your plain glassware, furniture, plastic..whatever. I especially enjoy using them to beautify plain jars and glasses.<br />
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Do you want a peek?<br />
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With just a damp sponge and some heat these beautiful vintage style roses will stick to anything. It reminds me of the temporary tattoos we used to wear as children, except much prettier! Today I gave this £3 glass jug from a supermarket a bit of personality with a pretty floral bouquet. I saw one similar in an antique centre with six glasses but it was selling for £20. My jug is just a lovely now and much better on the old bank balance..<br />
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And here's those beautiful roses up close..<br />
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Now I just have to fight the urge to use rose transfers on everything! Seriously, if you put anything down in my house, chances are it'll end up looking rosey..<br />
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Have you discovered rose decals? How do you use them? Are you as obsessed with vintage rose prints as I am..shall we start a support group?<br />
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If you haven't paid a visit to my vintage emporium yet, do please stop by. I have filled it the brim with mismatched china and vintage wonderfuls.<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-10790082134075099022012-09-04T20:42:00.001+01:002012-09-04T20:42:28.649+01:00Teacups for sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good evening all,<br />
<br />
Feast your eyes on these beauties for a moment:<br />
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Are you in love as much as I am. These beautiful specimens of vintage china lovliness are now for sale in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Piecesofwonderful?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">shop</a>. Head on over and if you love them enough to keep them forever then make sure you use the discount code 'WONDERFUL' when you check out to get 10% off.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-5729902286719554462012-09-02T15:48:00.007+01:002012-09-02T16:13:14.442+01:00Open for business..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello petals,<br />
<br />
How has the last week treated you? My week seemed to go by very quickly, always the way when you have a lot to do.<br />
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I have something exciting to share with you today. My Etsy shop is now officially open for business and you are all invited to have a look round. While you're there, enjoy a special 10% discount just for you my lovely readers. Just use the coupon code 'WONDERFUL' before you check out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Piecesofwonderful?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Click here to visit my emporium</a></td></tr>
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I am calling it my 'Vintage Emporium' because it just always sounds so magical to me, like a place full of wonder and those kind of places always put a smile on my face.<br />
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In my shop you will find beautiful vintage treasures from mismatched china to linens and some hand made bits as well but my aim is to sell the treasures that I find...because I always seem to find something. I have some really really lovely vintage trios and other china bits to list very soon so do keep checking back. You will not be disappointed, I honestly don't know how I'm going to part with them.<br />
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So apart from busily listing vintage lovliness on Etsy I have had a very relaxing weekend. I had the pleasure of spending Saturday with one of my best friends in her families holiday home in Shropshire. We were surrounded by such incredible countryside, different to any I had seen before in the UK (and I've seen a lot of the british countryside) and we had a lovely day. We spent a few hours in the gorgeous market town of Ludlow. What a place. We stumbled across many a treasure trove for me to rummage around in. A rather wonderful print and art shop that for some reason had an amazing collection of mismatched china to rummage through. Hooray.<br />
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I am becoming an expert at spotting pretty plates in the middle of a stack and carefully dismantling the perfect piles.<br />
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When I eventually tore myself away from the piles of china I spotted this sign..<br />
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I cannot resist the word 'brocante'..sadly everything inside was extortionately priced so I was very restrained but it was a delight to explore the three floors crammed with history be it in the form of clothing or home wares. Of course I took some pictures of my favourite corners.<br />
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But I think, the highlight of the trip was the architectural salvage yard that we stumbled upon. Salvage yards are the kind of places that I have long wanted to visit but never had the opportunity. My mum swears by them and I can absolutely see why. What an incredible mix of such eccentric items. From huge stone boar statues to stain glass windows, you couldn't move for all the fascinating items. And in the barn area they had a wonderful selection of fixtures of fittings, door knockers, old locks and keys, gas lanterns..you name it. I didn't expect to find a single thing, but..I seem to be on a bit of a winning streak lately. I found the most wonderful Victor wrought iron book stand. I had been looking for one for ages and this one was a real beauty. Heavy, chunky and really old. You can buy them new for £30-£50 but let me tell you, the one I found was a fraction of the price and with ten times the character, history and appeal. </div>
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And here they are, my treasures. The sugar bowl is now for sale in my shop if you like it. Don't forget that discount code.</div>
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Until next time readers,</div>
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Lexie</div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-77087632408195811792012-08-26T20:56:00.002+01:002012-08-26T21:26:40.735+01:00The Wonder Emporium and other tales..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Sunday lovely readers.<br />
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I could not be happier about it being a bank holiday tomorrow. It's been a long time since I had a Monday off at home, sometimes all you need is a quiet Monday at home, a chance to enjoy the feeling of not having to kiss goodbye to the weekend and leave your bed at an ungodly hour. It certainly isn't my most favourite thing. Bank holidays however, are definitely a favourite thing. Especially this one. This one has been just a little bit wonderful.<br />
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Yesterday I begged my housemate to drive us to the 'Fleetville Vintage Emporium' in St Albans. I had read about it on both <a href="http://littlegems-world.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gem</a> and <a href="http://prettylittlejewels.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jewel's</a> blog and was dying to go and being quite close by it seemed like the right time. I have been hunting for a dresser for my kitchen for almost a year. I have been making do with some crappy shelves for a while now and I go dresser hunting every chance I get so I simply had to go..just in case! I convinced my housemate with promises of second hand books and off we went. I was in love the moment I walked through the door. The clutter, the bric a brac, my idea of absolute heavenly goodness. It reminded me of the country living fair that I attended earlier in the year except it was quiet, there was room to rummage and take some time and the best thing about this emporium is that I loved pretty much everything about it. Every 'unit' had something wonderful to look at even if I didn't want to buy it and it was all very much authentically vintage - extra wonderful. So I had a good old browse, taking in the beautiful things, the cluttered shelves, the buried treasures.<br />
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Unfortunately everything was still at London prices! Not very thrifty at all. But I did manage to find myself some lovely treasures. Did you expect anything different?</div>
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I found myself a beautiful Limoges plate. I didn't know it was French when I spotted it on a dresser, out of reach behind vintage tables crammed with breakables. I climbed through and around the obstructions to reach it from the shelves and that's when I saw the French stamp on the back. My heart fluttered a little. I love vintage china..I love French vintage china even more. This is only my second piece. I also found a beautiful cake slice and an embroidered vintage tray cloth.</div>
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As if one emporium isn't enough, there are two others behind Fleetville. The superbly named 'Scally dog Curiosity Shop' and 'Alley Cats Emporium'. Despite the sudden biblical rainfall we hot footed it to find more treasures. Sadly there was none to be found but what wonderful, treasure filled places! If you're ever in the area you must make time to have a mooch around all three. </div>
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Before leaving we had some lunch in the little tea shop in the Fleetville Emporium. It was really quite charming.</div>
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And then after a rummage through some charity shops just down the road we headed off. I had planned to go to go on to another town to visit some junk shops I had heard about but time was getting on and the rain was getting heavier. </div>
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Homeward we headed through thunder storms and sideways rain (In August? Really?) We'll just stop off at the furniture recycling shop just down the road from home, I thought. Just in case there is a dresser in there. My dresser hunt has really stepped up of late. I needed the storage space in the kitchen desperately. I had the money saved and at the ready and it was just a case of finding the perfect one. My wishlist grew and shrunk, my requirements changing every time I saw and fell in love with a different dresser. Prices went from the bargainous to the absolutely rediculous but Ebay and local bootsales just weren't coming up with an answer and I was getting fed up. </div>
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So we stopped off at the charity shop and there it was. Out came the tape measure, perfect size. A big one. Excellently priced and right around the corner from home. I'm not very spontaneous really but that often leads to me deciding not to get something only to find that I regret it wholeheartedly a day or two later. I have made that mistake a dozen times and not learnt from it. I knew that if I walked away from this dresser I wouldn't be able to come back for another week and by then it would be in someone else's kitchen. So I had to have it. Of all the times to be spontaneous, this probably wasn't the time. Is was thrashing it down, I had no cash and the shop closed in 30 minutes. Ten minutes later I ran back into the shop, rain soaked and giddy and I handed over the small amount of cash. Now there was a problem. Would it fit in the car, maybe! But certainly not all at once. The base fitted quite nicely, thankfilly and with the boot slightly ajar and me clinging on to the wood for the short journey home, we made it. Then my housemate headed back to the shop with 10 minutes to go before closing time, leaving me to clear space for the new dresser. Cue big dilemma and panicked phone call from housemate, the dresser top didn't fit. Too wide. So off I went, marching back to the shop in the downpour and thunder storms very aware that my housemate might get a parking ticket any minute. She didn't. So imagine me, a few minutes later, desperately trying to carry the damn thing home down side roads to avoid the stares and pointing of passers by as I struggled down the road. It was heavy, it was raining, I was bedraggled and by the way, I'm scared of thunderstorms! I found myself wondering why I had been so spontaneous, why this time wasn't the time I just said no. But it was ok, I stopped at the planned spot halfway home and a few minutes later my housemate had parked the car back at home and hurriedly returned to help me carry it and soon enough we were home and setting it up. Seeing it all come together was the perfect cure for the aching muscles. We later found out that housemate could have parked on one of the streets near to the shop and saved me from carrying it half way home..but shhh we don't like to think about that too much.</div>
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And here he is folks..</div>
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Absolutely perfect. It has made my whole month. (simple things and all that). The happy feeling has obviously spurred my productivity on- whether it be completing horrid bank holiday tasks that I have been putting off forever (mostly cutting a lot of ivy) or writing horribly long blog posts (sorry about that) I have ticked a lot off my long term to do list today, even things I didn't know were on there.<br />
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I hope your bank holiday weekend has been as superb as mine.<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
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x<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span> <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-89235842542750692652012-08-16T21:07:00.001+01:002012-08-16T21:11:24.700+01:00Lovely lovely things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello.<br />
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I'm here. I'm sorry. I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth, I have just been a terrible blogger with nothing to tell you about. Is a silent blog better than a boring blog? I don't know but I didn't want to risk boring you all with pointless posts.<br />
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I have been busy of late, occupying myself with little pleasures (and bigger pleasures) that make life a bit more special.<br />
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So what have the last few weeks been filled with?<br />
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Well last weekend was filled with these smiling lovely faces..<br />
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I spent a sunny saturday with my darling nephew Sam and Niece Emma. We sang, played in the park and watered the flowers..<br />
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And we had tickle fights and enjoyed the loveliness of my dad and step mum's garden. What bliss.<br />
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Lately everything seems to be a bit cluttered, in my home and in my head. My house seems to get messier by the second and that makes for a messy mind in my case. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend to de-stress and de-clutter.<br />
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Other than spending time with my family my week has mostly revolved around a shiny new arrival of the Iphone 4s kind..I loved my 3gs but you won't get me going back to that, no no. I have been walking around the place trying to find reasons to photograph things with the wonderful Iphone camera..finally some good quality instagram photos! You can see the latest photos just over there to the left. If you're an instagrammer feel free to follow me @lexie_b29. I'll see you there.<br />
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Sadly, I have not been very creative of late..boo, hiss! I know, terrible of me. But I will make an effort to show you my exploration into rose decals from a few weeks ago..it'll be thrilling!<br />
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One last thing before I toddle off...I was very pleased to be award the 'One lovely blog' award by the sweetest of sweeties <a href="http://craftthriftandlove.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mrs Thrifty</a>. Thank you! I accept it with gratitude but will play along another time I think.<br />
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So tell me petals, what's new with you?<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lexie_b" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Twitter</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-69209513107518621732012-08-04T17:56:00.004+01:002012-08-16T21:03:00.490+01:00A jar full of love..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh hello, how are you?<br />
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It's been a while, sorry about that readers. I have no excuse really, life just got in the way and somewhere along the line I went from Olympic cynic to Olympic addict and I seem to spend all my time glued to the tv. It's all good fun isn't it.<br />
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So what's new? you ask.<br />
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Well firstly, I have to tell you about the goodies that I received in the post. I recently took part in my first official group craft swap and I was paired with the lovely Faye from Cartwheels and bubbles (who incidently is the sweetest person).<br />
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I was very very excited to send and receive the jars and let me tell you, the wait was well worth it. Faye put such care and effort into her jar that opening it was a real treat. She recently wrote <a href="http://cartwheelsandbubbles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/jar-of-love-swap.html" target="_blank">the sweetest post</a> about the jar I made for her so please have a look if you want to see what I sent..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNAtVfVFBTXG9INlDEN0flsJYMxBdW0u1hBpRYP-pDXwlFMzycl6_MPdqNypW1taIzxbVTcsOV5XWgTkByJnmYnkIZ7GN-lRDAiHBbniBWENoMiAn4V8xhC6ckizFn6r-gCEBuJ0xowX/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNAtVfVFBTXG9INlDEN0flsJYMxBdW0u1hBpRYP-pDXwlFMzycl6_MPdqNypW1taIzxbVTcsOV5XWgTkByJnmYnkIZ7GN-lRDAiHBbniBWENoMiAn4V8xhC6ckizFn6r-gCEBuJ0xowX/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cookie jar full of treats and lovely card.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely detailing on the jar lid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite items, three little spools of tape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkR_bx1jT2l0REIqK67I5eXhOth6zkhxx2_onqWF6VL2ePaQBoShvYsdFgf-QHJorX56D5Q2ROScIGeMDMKhHNA-O80aprm0A1kqgcZhf13kywDdRcPs-01hM8LkhGIkeYLAFe0V5I2S8/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkR_bx1jT2l0REIqK67I5eXhOth6zkhxx2_onqWF6VL2ePaQBoShvYsdFgf-QHJorX56D5Q2ROScIGeMDMKhHNA-O80aprm0A1kqgcZhf13kywDdRcPs-01hM8LkhGIkeYLAFe0V5I2S8/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty magnets, pretty ribbons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFCaQmV-wt5Wjnp5ySvDWWcCwPJs_f9BwnBDFG4AvNzd1GuZfwpBqzuzIU8TH8gv0zoiUcHTwXVcnhMgdYijmomfjfo5DkV8gAG_-PITOyHM9tyzxHFuoKScQplzcWCRYZU7B5qtOVko8/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFCaQmV-wt5Wjnp5ySvDWWcCwPJs_f9BwnBDFG4AvNzd1GuZfwpBqzuzIU8TH8gv0zoiUcHTwXVcnhMgdYijmomfjfo5DkV8gAG_-PITOyHM9tyzxHFuoKScQplzcWCRYZU7B5qtOVko8/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of lovely trinkets.</td></tr>
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There was much more in my jar for me to fuss over, I loved everything but these were my favourites of the bunch. As if this lot wasn't enough, there was also an extra something that Faye included. While emailing each other, I was very happy to find out that Faye currently lives in Cheltenham. I lived in Cheltenham for five wonderful years, probably the best five years of my life so far. I told Faye this and that I used to work in Cheltenham Library..and this is what I found in my jar parcel..<br />
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A book from the Cheltenham Library sale shelves. Strangely. the labels are supposed to be taken off the books when they are withdrawn for sale but somehow this one escaped. The best thing about this thoughtful gift was that the book had only been stamped between the dates I was at the library so I probably stamped it, most likely shelved it a few times. It was a really thoughtful gift that touched me more than Faye probably expected it would because I can link it back to such a special time in my life. So I did very well out of this swap and I enjoyed it immensely. Funnily enough myself an Faye had had similar ideas and put similar things in our jars, most notably a single cookie cutter and some lip balm. The 'Jar of Love' swap was kindly arranged by Katie at <a href="http://booty-fullthings.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">booty-full things</a>. Thank you Faye, thank you Katie.<br />
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In between swapping jars and cheering very loudly for team GB (aren't we doing wonderfully well? I have never been so excited about sport) I also took a little trip to Bicester Village the day after pay day. I went there specifically to visit the Cath K outlet but found this treasure of a shop which was far more exciting..<br />
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The Emma Bridgewater outlet is something special indeed. Bright and full of colour and wonder. There are treats wherever you look and some wonderful prices. Make sure you visit the shop if you're ever heading that way. It surpassed the Cath K shop by far..even though there were lovely Cath K dresses in the outlet and I was very tempted to buy them all. But I brought some EB Melamine instead.<br />
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And despite being busy this week I still had time for some boot-sale fun. Despite getting caught in a monster rain storm that sent most of the sellers packing. I stuck to it and managed to get a good look round and I picked up a whole lot more china. I even got the pleasure of rummaging through a trunk of old china that no one else had seen and found some beautiful rose bud china..my absolute favourite.<br />
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A trip to my local charity shop lead me to this lovely cheese dome and glass jar. I plan to pair the cheese dome lid with my glass cake stand and the jar is now holding my cupcake cases because my old jar just wasn't cutting it!<br />
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Phew. That's about it for me, it feels good to have caught you all up. Now tell me, what's new with you?<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></span> <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lexie_b" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Twitter</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>
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Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382700020545007034.post-44059926848441534772012-07-22T19:10:00.000+01:002012-07-22T19:15:21.640+01:00How does your garden grow?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh how much better everything feels when the sky is clear blue and the air is warm. How are you all, my sunny smiley readers. To ask if you are enjoying the sunny interlude would be silly so I won't but I trust that you are all soaking it up as much as you can.<br />
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Sunny weather means time in the garden for me, particularly when I am waiting for payday and need to avoid spending money. It's probably un-natural to enjoy my garden so much at such a young (ish) age..but I am what I am. I don't make any apologies for it. The heart wants what it wants.<br />
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This evening I took a little wonder around with my camera to capture my summer garden this year. It's looking lovely in the sunshine, I must say..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNCOE4oEBD_boK8sBD2pu5z1CICBflYAcS8dZAcDfdQI4WQuWq5L1bQHu4OAhrOAbj4WB1NBayxWQFiqQpFkPGs24r7Av_VdCSMQbvWASSEHgJUylJyq7mgF8yG1N-29vWeekbU1VJu3G/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNCOE4oEBD_boK8sBD2pu5z1CICBflYAcS8dZAcDfdQI4WQuWq5L1bQHu4OAhrOAbj4WB1NBayxWQFiqQpFkPGs24r7Av_VdCSMQbvWASSEHgJUylJyq7mgF8yG1N-29vWeekbU1VJu3G/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spotted this little guy getting intimate with my lavender. It's smelling wonderful<br />
at the moment (the plant..not the bee)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9FNpzJoH1eCTzzQwIbxQd_OvoMCdmF84hMzN-nYsaU2x3GWOB7Dpoy_gPXutrJiSFT3VKtwHQKZFs7x2IHyQnF_NPbtZki_zeO6aIDoEEQ8k6n-FKRhyhe7CFPpyCIMl7VN4Ms0m8rMp/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9FNpzJoH1eCTzzQwIbxQd_OvoMCdmF84hMzN-nYsaU2x3GWOB7Dpoy_gPXutrJiSFT3VKtwHQKZFs7x2IHyQnF_NPbtZki_zeO6aIDoEEQ8k6n-FKRhyhe7CFPpyCIMl7VN4Ms0m8rMp/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-YPZU7pWnj7OKTBteJJcrAEOxi1TDFLPb6eNWMt4LdIOAJSCkg0NgDbYMLmhsKvM6ZphZrz1UK4Xe3J0lZwRC5J8ftBR7yfznSkHA3kmdBjBFh4IAZcJ4CYKEQhCGu5dOc6OtJsvU9GP/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-YPZU7pWnj7OKTBteJJcrAEOxi1TDFLPb6eNWMt4LdIOAJSCkg0NgDbYMLmhsKvM6ZphZrz1UK4Xe3J0lZwRC5J8ftBR7yfznSkHA3kmdBjBFh4IAZcJ4CYKEQhCGu5dOc6OtJsvU9GP/s400/010.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My climbing rose has finally learnt to climb and now it has outgrown the 7 foot trellis and<br />
is now reaching on up into the blue sky. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVWafT13GsdfKloD73jFXgsqzTRIxnR-FK61BBu013nFzVlgNEDfvkkLZYDL5NxVQf6qktg1Xqfs8ZkzFP2aXbWCiZtyHOCCNoFVtHeLPALSHRZGtQcUZUeBmncwDWY8uXFatEB6VTI5a/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVWafT13GsdfKloD73jFXgsqzTRIxnR-FK61BBu013nFzVlgNEDfvkkLZYDL5NxVQf6qktg1Xqfs8ZkzFP2aXbWCiZtyHOCCNoFVtHeLPALSHRZGtQcUZUeBmncwDWY8uXFatEB6VTI5a/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful penstemen, I adore the colour on this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckz-MyunPAkJQQP-iXa96Q8Qy59e4K-uw4MqVktM2tUlIPZoxiHzLi_WxBy3pjeADB32CRxzvPop__GNqByG3JB68dp8rBT64gYyhi12pahvF-xJGpFa7Man4bdpFxhM7QvCheYMpVX-X/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckz-MyunPAkJQQP-iXa96Q8Qy59e4K-uw4MqVktM2tUlIPZoxiHzLi_WxBy3pjeADB32CRxzvPop__GNqByG3JB68dp8rBT64gYyhi12pahvF-xJGpFa7Man4bdpFxhM7QvCheYMpVX-X/s400/025.JPG" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory cat photo, he's such a poser is that Mr Austen.</td></tr>
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Thank you for your wonderful book recommendations in my last post. If you missed it last week and you have a fabulous book that you think I should read, do please let me know. I am currently avidly reading 'The Language of Flowers' as suggested by the wonderful Jem from <a href="http://beautifulclutter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beautiful Clutter</a>. She was spot on with this recommendation as I had been thinking of reading it anyway.<br />
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Besides reading and enjoying the sunshine, I have been coming to terms with the fact that change is afoot..both at work and in my personal life. Not bad change, not at all. Just some things that will make a real difference and I am excited to see where it leads. (Not the work stuff, that's pretty boring). Change may also be on the horizon in other ways. I am considering upping sticks and moving to the country and I have been pining over beautiful homes in Sussex and Surrey. It's defnitely on the cards! On a less serious note, I have also been getting busy with some rose decals and decorating any glass vase, jar or drinking vessel that I can lay my hands on. It's so simple and so effective. Have you ever tried it? I will post my results some time soon. But if you are following me on <a href="http://followgram.me/lexie_b29/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> then you may have seen my little sneaky peak.<br />
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And that is all for now. What have you fine folk been up to? How are your beautiful gardens doing these days?<br />
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I am wishing you a splendid sunny week whatever you have in store. Do please think of me as I prepare myself to battle the tube journeys to work and back again during that big sporting event that is starting on Friday. Roll on August 10th..that's all I can say.<br />
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With love,<br />
<br />
Lexie<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lexie_b" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Twitter</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> <a href="http://pinterest.com/lexiebowman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a> <span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span></div>Lexiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938366712263944558noreply@blogger.com8