Cornwall Part 1

We have spent the last week in Cornwall.

I took lots and lots of photos, so in part one i will just show you the lovely house we stayed at in Padstow.

Before we could get into our house we went to a lovely cafe called Cherry Trees:

Join me for part two tomorrow and a special giveaway later this week

xx

The things i know for sure:

However many spot creams i have tried, white toothpaste still works the best:

 Everyone looks better when they smile:

No one looks good orange or with make up lines - blend, blend, blend:

Make time for your friends, the cleaning can wait:

 Date nights are essential for a happy marriage:

Too much jewellery is tacky. As a rule never wear long earrings and a necklace together. Marilyn Monroe was so stylish when it came to wearing jewels. Often she wore none, or just one piece:

 Crocs are a big no no, sepecially for adults:

 Audrey Hepburn is the most wonderful role model:

 Wine makes me very very ill:

 Bring me chocolate chip (egg free) shortbread and i'll be your friend for life:

 Its nice to say Thank you:

 Only you can make you happy:

 If you sit down with a box of chocolates or biscuits, you will eat them all!! Just put a couple on a plate:

xx

Pictures from Weheartit
Please note these are my opinions, you may not agree.

I love Charity shops and carboot sales

Over the years i have bought many things second hand: Clothes/books/toys etc

Here are some of my favourites:

Four of my favourite books:

 Ornaments that make me smile: (I used to have the little boy in my shop, but i love him so much i'm keeping him)

 This tin stores birthday candles, when not in use at Easter:

 When i got married i bought lots of tea cups and cake stands for our at home tea family tea party. I kept a few and donated the rest back to a charity shop.

One of my best ever buys was the blue glass jug with 6 matching glasses for less than £5:

 50p bargain:

I have bought lots of pictures and frames from charity shops and car boots. My son loves this print:

 Books, childrens clothes and toys have probably been my most purchased. Charity shopping makes me smile more than normal shopping - i know i'm helping plus i get a bargain, like the Laura Ashley bedding i got for my son for about £3:

 

 This is my Poppy and Daisy work planner for 2012:

I haven't found many clothes lately, but in the past i have bought a Karen Millen coat for £4, bags, jewellery, jeans and plenty of tops:

Some of the benefits of charity shops in the UK :

• xStatistics:Their trading raises over £110 million a year for good causes.
• They play a major role in the re-use of second-hand goods (helping the environment, eg reducing landfill and global warming)
• They're a more effective way of raising money for good causes than house-to-house collections
• They publicise the good causes they represent, and many provide leaflets and information/advice.
• They receive £ millions annually in cash donations.
• 120,000 volunteers donate their time, by working in charity shops.
• They provide good-quality, inexpensive goods - helping the less well off.

Please don't forget my other blog. Todays post is Baking and other lovelies.

xx

Swap/ free calendar/New tearoom/Rhianna

I now know that Amy Lane has recieved my Autumn swap hosted by Blueberry heart. Here is what i sent: A jute bag, serviettes, a homemade heart, hot chocolate, A couple of Dots and spots postcards, some purple buttons, a gorgeous smelling candle, and a recipe book.

 The free Prima calendar is out now - i've had it for the last few years. This year has a food theme. I don't think its as good as previous years, but great for a freebie:

 These are my favourite pages:

For anyone that lives/or visits Essex there is a new really lovely 1920's themed tea room in Leigh on sea. I forget to take my camera, so will be visiting again soon as its gorgeous, i have to show you the pics!!

The hubbie and i went to see Rihanna at the 02 last week. We had great seat, this is one of my shots:

xx

A few more days to enter my giveaway!!

You just need to either leave a comment at my blogshop or a like on the post at my shop facebook page.

Closes Monday

xx

Victoria sponge recipe

This is the first Victoria sponge i have ever made. Its pretty good, but i think i'll still hunt around for a better recipe: (I have already found my favourite vanilla cupcakes/carrot and orange cupcakes and carrot cake recipes, from The hummingbird bakery and Primrose bakery cookbooks) My books don't have a victoria sponge recipe. If any of you have a recipe for one from either of these bakeries would you email me it please.

 Ingredients:

180g butter
180g caster sugar
3 eggs
180g self raising flour
3 1/2 tbsp good raspberry jam
140g fresh raspberries
120ml whipping cream
A few drops of good quality vanilla essence
icing sugar for dusting
2 x 20cm sandwich tinned, greased and lined


Oven 180 oC

Put butter and sugar in bowl and beat together:

 Beat in the eggs (I don't eat eggs so i use this egg replacer) one at a time:

Sift in the flour and mix:

Spoon evenly into the tins (I weigh each tin with mixture to ensure i get the same even sponges)
Bake for 20-25 mins, turn the cakes onto wire racks, peel off lining paper and cool completely:

Spread the jam on one cake and top with raspberries:

Whip the cream to form soft peaks, add the vanilla essence:

Spread over the raspberries, put the second cake on top and sprinkle with icing sugar:

Make a cup of tea and serve:

xx