It is time to come back...

HELLO DEAR FOLLOWERS,

Where have you been I hear you cry? Not a word since October...

The break was not planned but it was needed.

Over the past few months, I've had to take a step back from work, blogging and other interests to devote extra time to other more pressing and important matters. My daughter being one of them, she has been going through a number of emotional and personal difficulties, including high levels of anxiety and sleeping problems. 

Hard for an 11 year to deal with. 

There is also a close member of my family who is very ill and that has had a strong impact on me. This person is a fighter, never complains and has endured a lot. It is so hard to see a loved one having to go through that. I have so much love, respect and admiration for this person. The past couple of years have been an emotional rollercoaster, especially over the past 9 months.

Two months ago, I closed the unit which I was renting and for now have put fairs on hold.  I admit that I was very disappointed as I had put so much work into the new shop which was about to be launched online but I just couldn't do it all and give Miss P the time and support she needed and still needs. No question about it, Miss P comes first!

When things have settled then I will start again little by little...

One of the reasons I didn't continue with my blog is that during these past few months life has felt very serious and I didn't want my blog posts to reflect that. Talking about vintage pretties seemed so trivial, my heart wasn't in it. Besides, no one wants to read about moaning and feeling low. 

I have always wanted my blog to be a happy one, filled with inspiration, escapism, travel and optimism. I know, real life is not like that though...

Having said I felt I owed all my devoted followers an explanation for simply disappearing without a word...

I think that it will do me good to go back to blogging, I am in need of a bit of fun /distraction and to reconnect with all you lovely people out there!

I strongly believe in the power of prayer and would ask you to pray for my relative please. Thank you

Thank you to those of you wishing me well and asking after me. It was lovely for me to know that despite me not blogging your thoughts were with me. 

Just a little note to say that The Vintage Bazaar Fair will be on at the Cheese and Grain in Frome, Somerset on Saturday 21st April 2012. Be sure to be there, it is one of the best vintage fairs. The standard is always very high! I won't have a stall there this time but I will be going to visit.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Vintage pretties I bought at the fair

In my previous post, I forgot to show you the vintage pretties which I purchased.

Two pretty brooches from "Daisy Darling"

Some Suffolk yoyos from "Donna Flower"

Absolutely gorgeous embroidered border from "Neo Belle Bizaar"

 The mustard coloured flower from "Lucy Bloom"

Really beautiful and individual things which I could never find in High Street shops.

This is the pleasure of buying at fairs such as The Vintage Bazaar.

The next one is on 21st April 2012.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Bazaar fun!

Another successful day at the Vintage Bazaar in Frome. It is an event which I very much enjoy. 

Thank you to those of you who follow my blog and came to introduce yourselves. 

It was very interesting and lovely meeting you.

I've taken a few pictures of my stall. I didn't take pictures of other stalls as my battery on the camera was about to run out...I forgot to charge it up last night! It is a pity as there were many beautiful looking stalls there.

THE STRING OF LIGHTS ON MY STALL

A number of people commented on how nice the the string of lights were. For those of you who asked about them when I was not at the stall, they are called "Maroq string lights". I bought mine online from "Party String Lights". They are also available through other well known online shops whose catalogues are often enclosed in home magazines but are around £10 more than through this company. "The Glow Company" also has them at a reasonable price. It pays to do a search on Google first.

Well, it's been an enjoyable but long day!  

I am looking forward to a relaxing evening. We might go out for a meal at our local cosy country pub - The Strode Arms in Cranmore or maybe just stay in and relax by the open fire...

Have a lovely weekend.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Quilter's delight! More goodies coming to the fair...

It's been quiet on the blogging front but with good reason...

So much to do with the Vintage Bazaar Fair coming up tomorrow, SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2011!

I thought I'd post a few more pictures so that you can see what you can expect to find on my stall. 

I will have French Enamelware, Vintage spice jars, decorative items, painted furniture, pictures, lots of fabrics & embroidered linens and many other pretties.

If you like quilting or sewing, you will be spoilt!

Little quilt parcels

 Jam jar covers

 Quilt cuttings in various shapes (birds, pumpkins, snowmen, gingerbread men, apples etc)

Twine

Quilt pieces

and

fabric...

I almost forgot...the painted and decorated  fold-able shelves below will be available to buy too!

I hope to have whetted your appetite.

My stall is on the left hand side of the main hall as you come in.The stall is against the wall just two stalls away from where you pay your £1 entrance fee.

For more details about the Vintage Bazaar click HERE.

See you soon!

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

It that time of the year again, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

I've had a bit of an unplanned blog break.

A combination of being unwell and now catching up with the preparations for next Saturday's event...

Please click HERE for more details of where to find me on Saturday 29th October 11.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Afternoon tea in Cerne Abbas

I had an appointment in Dorset today so on my way back I made a detour via Cerne Abbas, better known as the home of the Cerne giant. When I moved from France to Dorset in 1981, I stayed in Cerne Abbas with my parents and my sister for the first night and the next morning we drove to our new home in Affpuddle.

Cerne Abbas is a pretty place with a mix of architecture including many pretty thatched cottages.

The New Inn  shown on the right is where I spent my first night of the move in 1981

 I had afternoon tea at Abbots, a pretty tea room with a wonderful selection of homemade cakes.

After refreshments, we went in search of the giant...

 It is a giant carved on the hill. The history behind the giant is mixed but the first known written reference of the giant was in 1694.

www.google.co.uk

The views in this area of Dorset are particularly beautiful.
Dorset will always have a special place in my heart

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

THE BARN THAT TIME FORGOT

Opposite my house is a barn, it has been left untouched for decades. Our house was built in 1870 and we think that the barn was probably built at around the same time. It is likely that the barn has not been used for at least 50 years. It has a magical quality to it, almost as if time had stood still. The area where the horses used to be fed still has hay in the troth and we have found horse shoes and parts of leather reins.

I have mixed views about buildings such as this barn, part of me likes them being left just as they are and another part of me feels they should be restored. Having said that, would it be the same if it was restored. Would it still retain it's magical feel? 

We don't own it so it is not a decision we will be making. I can't help feeling quite protective over it though. It holds a special place in my heart.

Now it gives a welcome home to owls, bats and mice.

What I would not want to see is having it turned into a bungalow or holiday home...that would be sacrilege! 

The barn is at its most magical at the end of the day, when the sun sets it is filled with a golden glow.

I try and visualise how the barn was used, what he daily routine was like. I'd like to find out more in time.

I have added some NEW PRODUCTS over on 
TINY TIDY COTTAGE

A bientôt!

Isabelle X