Do pets and a vintage home mix?

I recently bought this pretty little vintage rug. Last night I thought "awwh".. when Lilly settle on it and happily lay there on her back with her four paws in the air.

However, today...Larry had different ideas...














"Well what's wrong, why are you looking at me like that, can't I have a bit of fun?"


" I know that look.... I'm off.."


"Why did she have to do that? I was having so much fun"

I love my cats and wouldn't be without them. I also really like vintage things, having a nicely decorated, clean and tidy house BUT with 2 cats and a child it's not easy having it all as you picture it in your head.

Take the windowsills and the white painted floor boards for instance, when it rains, it means constant cleaning as they come in with muddy paw prints. (I knew all that when I decided to paint everything off white)


Even though we have an absorbent door mat in the kitchen (where the cat flap is), it's amazing how much mud/water they still bring in!

We live in the countryside, our road is a single track lane used by tractors quite a lot which results in this when it rains...





You can imagine the state of the paws when the cats come back in. To add to this, Lilly has a bit of a droopy tummy so it also comes back wet and muddy...

The other issue I have about having cats is furniture scratching! ;-((
Our sofa is about to be replaced and I do not want this sight for the next sofa!


I have put some citronella essential oil in the areas where they like to have a good claw sharpening session but that hasn't worked! Cats are supposed to dislike that smell and it should have put them off but it hasn't. I would love to hear from any of you if you have found a successful solution to this problem.

I know that a lot of people would say that if you have pets and children you should furnish and decorate with them in mind. I'm not inclined that way...I would rather do that extra bit of cleaning/work and have the furniture & decor that I like.

The mop is on stand by as it is pouring down with rain again today! I forgot to mention that the cats are not put off by the rain. Amazingly, they don't mind it!...This means that they go in and out several times throughout the day (I keep them in at night) instead of staying in the dry and warm house like sensible cats would....

Despite all that extra work I wouldn't be without them!

I hope that you all have a good Easter weekend!

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Retro Fair - Frome

Thank you for your good wishes. I have been gradually catching up with work, housework and emails..

Today I went to the Rook Lane Retro Market in Frome. It was held in a lovely 18th Century building with tall windows allowing the day light to stream in to the room.



As well as vintage and retro stalls, there were refreshments provided in a room at the back of the hall. The cakes and biscuits (vintage recipes) were homemade and what we sampled was delicious!

There were some lovely vintage outfits worn by visitors and stall holders alike adding to that retro/vintage atmosphere.

Here is a flavour of what was there.



























On the look out for a vintage dress to add to my wardrobe

Whilst there I saw some fellow bloggers, Liz, Clare and Elaine as well as other familiar faces.
When I arrived at the fair I took my camera out ready to take photos and realised that I had left the card behind. Luckily Alan came prepared so was on hand and took some photos for me. Phew!

I brought back a few things back with me....











After the retro fair I headed for Frome town centre. I went to all the charity shops but only found a couple of small items worth buying. Being the end of the day all that was worth having had already gone. I can't complain though, I had a good day.

I hope that you are having a good weekend what ever you are up to.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

What has taken me so long???

It's been almost 3 weeks since my last post!

I'd love to say that it's because I've been away on an exotic holiday somewhere in French Polynesia...Oh how that would be lovely!...

But that's not the case. I have been physically and mentally drained..Things will catch up with you in the end...

On Saturday I decided to venture out a bit further as I felt better. Up until then, my energy levels had been very low. Frustrating for someone like me who is always on the go. I didn't really go that far, I went to Bath to spend some vouchers which I had for Christmas. I bought myself this tea dress. That cheered me up! ;-))



After buying the dress, we went to Cafe rouge where I had French Onion Soup & Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream, delicious!

Once lunch was enjoyed, it was time to head back to the shops. After having been unwell it was showing on my face/skin, it was in need of some pampering and re hydrating. So I went to Neal's Yard with my 20% off coupon from latest Marie Claire magazine and bought some Rose products


I like their products, the Wild Rose Beauty Elixir feels lovely on the face.

Speaking of roses, a few weeks ago I went to a local village vintage fair and bought a few things. It was a very small fair and half of the stalls were of people who owned vintage shops in Frome. I had hoped there would be more individual stalls.


I bought this pair of curtains, a few other pieces of fabric and a handful of Ladybird books.

I have some catching up to do... A mountain of ironing awaits me...so I'd better get started. I will soon be posting about the lounge corner & cupboard makeover...


A bientôt!

Isabelle X

and the WINNER is.....

Thank you to all of you who took part in the giveaway. I had a wonderful response. Tonight both Alan & Miss P helped out preparing for the draw. After all the names were written on pieces of paper, it was time to fold them up






Alan's Grandfather's bowler hat came out of it's box for the occasion.


Once all the pieces of paper were in, it was Miss P's job to mix them around


and pick one out


WELL DONE TO KAREN FROM SUSSEX WHO IS THE WINNER! Please email me your full address so that I may forward the goodies to you.

Miss P is beginning to feel a bit better, the draw was a welcome distraction for her. Thank you for your get well wishes which I passed on to Miss P.


A bientôt!

Isabelle X