Tuesday, 1 December 2009

Christmas Countdown!



Well, here it is at last - 1st December! This means we can officially be as festive & Christmassy as we like!
The Advent calendars have had their first little door opened (my children still have them even though they are 20 & 15). Mince pies can be eaten, mulled wine drunk & carols listened to & I can sing "tra-la-la-la-la" whenever I feel like it!
Has anyone put up their decorations yet? Mr Cottage has a date with the loft next weekend & the halls will be decked with more than a few boughs of holly.

I've received my first few Christmas cards but I have to admit that I haven't sent mine yet! Christmas shopping has to begin in earnest & then the wrapping - which I love to do.

You may have noticed that my blog has had a festive makeover - don't you just love the retro reindeer? We took this photo last year in the snow - good forward planning on my part I thought!

Vintage goodies have been flying off my shop shelves, so it has had a little update including some lovelies that might be good gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list.

The lovely lady above is a charming boudoir doll who doubles as a nightdress case & she is in superb condition.



How about some pretty hankies in a kitten decorated box? There is even a vintage gift tag included - I wonder why the original recipient didn't use them?



Lovely unused knives for the Christmas table.




A sweet stationary set for all those after Christmas thank you letters.




And what about the lovely McTavish who is looking for a new home this Christmas?




Or a tin for the mince pies & shortbread?





Finally, an adorable calendar to wish you luck for the coming year.

(Although this one is from 1939!)


There are lots of other super goodies, so, if you have some time why not pop in for a browse (I'll serve you a virtual mince pie & glass of mulled wine while you are visiting & I promise not to sing!)

Sunday, 29 November 2009

It's raining, it's pouring...


Will it ever stop?
If you enlarge the photo above you'll see all the farm chickens huddling up to the barn trying to get out of the rain. It's quite amusing to watch because as soon as the rain starts again they all run as quick as they can for shelter.


Our chickens are on strike and not laying - they say this weather is only fit for ducks!




Over flowing gutters, rain washed windows, sodden fields & flooded roads are all the order of the day today. Poor Dylan had to stay in his stable all day as the fields are just too wet to turn the horses out.

It looks like this weather is set to carry on next week too. Don't we deserve a break?

Photos taken by Mr Cottage.

Saturday, 28 November 2009

Mmmmm....mince pies...


I've just made my first batch of mince pies - I spotted cream laced with Bailey's at the supermarket & it was a wonderful addition - the two in the photo below are now history!

Friday, 27 November 2009

How much is that doggy in the window?

Patch

The Country Cottage Chic Dog House has a few little scamps looking for new homes this Christmas....a china dog is for life, not just for Christmas!
They are all house trained & very well behaved, don't bark, bite the postman, chew your slippers or even need a walk!


Dougal


Dotty


Tilly


Sam

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Daft Dog!


I haven't posted a picture of my lovely Lucy for a while & I just had to show you this one. I can't believe that she is almost 10 - you'd think she was barely 2 with the amount of energy & speed she has & she shows no signs of slowing down, but she definitely has the intelligence & brains of an older dog....the cleverest dog I've ever had.

Each of the dogs have their own baskets - a big one for Lucy & a small one for Toby.
Most of the time they cuddle up together in Lucy's basket but now & again Lucy decides she prefers Toby's & squeezes herself into his little basket!


They also have a habit of rearranging their baskets by moving them around & taking their blankets out as well - they are silly pups sometimes!

Sunday, 22 November 2009

Stocking Fillers

The elves have just returned from their tea break so now the "Stocking Filler" area of the Christmas Shop has been filled up with some delightful & fun vintage treats for young & old, crafters & bakers & doll collectors!




Friday, 20 November 2009

Christmas Shop Now Open!

Just a note to let you know that the elves have been working busily this week stocking the shelves of the Country Cottage Chic Christmas Shop.
http://www.countrycottagechic.co.uk

The doors have just opened so why not pop in to browse amongst the festive delights on offer?
Mostly vintage with a few vintage inspired items, there is everything from Christmas trees, baubles, gift tags, tins, festive pictures, reindeer & more.

We will be filling up the "Stocking Filler" corner this weekend as the elves are insisting on a break (they've been like this ever since they set up the 'Festive Worker's Union'!)

It's starting to feel like Christmas!