Friday 6 June 2014

Friday good things


It's been the usual mixed week: mixed-up weather; moments of craziness (toddler-chasing) and quiet (toddler napping); household chores; bedtime reading (I find myself staying awake far too late because the whole Cazalet saga has me turning just one more page before lights out).

So, to reflect my patchwork week, here are some of the little things that have contributed towards making it a good one.

Firstly: a little bunch of eryngium, or sea-holly. I love the subtle blue of it and its spikiness and the fact that it dries nicely. Jay commented 'You like colourless things, don't you?' and that got me thinking. 

It's not 'colourless' things I like. I love turquoise and mustard and acid green. But I love muted, natural colours even more, particularly in the house. Natural as in landscape colours: greys, mossy greens, smoke blues, heather. 


There's more floral stuff going on in the garden. Again, Jay likes the bright oranges and reds but I tend to go for the plants with purply foliage and softer colours. These dahlias appeal to me with their white petals with a violet streak running through them.


After drizzling for most of yesterday, the early evening weather picked up and the blustery wind died down to a light breeze. We headed out after we'd eaten and went for a wander in the last of the sunshine.


There were a lot of foals about. I love horses. Grown-up ones and baby ones.


I'm making elderflower cordial for the first time ever (thanks, Sue, for the recipe). I even managed to buy some reasonably-priced bottles with stoppers on my supermarket trip today. They were reduced - I suppose it isn't really preserving season.


Speaking of purchases... on Monday I had some Joe-free time and went to spend the rest of my birthday money. I went underwear shopping. Sounds glamorous. Let's call it necessary.

I don't know why but I always see buying new underwear (the pretty kind, not the serviceable sort) as being a bit of a frivolity. Yes, I'm aware many people consider it an important part of feeling good about yourself and all that but when you're watching the pennies it's one of those things that is often reserved for birthdays and Christmas.

Anyway, I picked up some very nice things and enjoyed the luxury of a child-free shopping trip.

I also bought this 'S' mug, which I've had my eye on for ages. It's nice and big and comforting to cradle in your hands whilst sipping your tea.


I  received some vouchers for my birthday too, so I got a new denim jacket. The last one was donated to a charity shop after a slightly over-zealous wardrobe de-cluttering session, and I've regretted it ever since. Another lesson learned: take a bit of time to think about whether you really want to let something go.

Plans for the weekend include lots of good eating and - drum roll - we're finally starting our packing ready for the move. First up: the loft. I'm looking forward to rediscovering a few long-lost books and whatever else has been hiding up there...

Happy Friday - have a wonderful weekend.

22 comments:

  1. I love sea holly too, the colors are just perfect to me. I have the same tastes in plants you do, I think. I always gravitate toward the purples and dark greens for the yard but we can't grow much of it here unfortunately. Good for you buying pretty underwear. I never do that anymore and I should get back to it, maybe just a little here and there. :)

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    1. I keep meaning to save a little bit of money each week, then to go and buy something nice... I have to say I'm enjoying opening the drawer and seeing all these posh new things.
      Definitely worth treating yourself now and then :)

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  2. Your week sounds very good, full of simple but lovely moments. I hope the packing goes well.

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    1. Oh, me too! We've emptied the loft so far and probably 80% has gone to the recycling centre or (for the nice things) charity... Still a lot of boxes to pack though (gulp)...

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  3. What a beautiful photo of the eryngium. Those muted natural landscape colours are my favourite too, they are calm perfection. I'm glad you've got a new denim jacket. Mine is still in the cupboard, I've held on to it! Have a good weekend Sarah, CJ xx

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    1. You too! It's raining cats and dogs around here - hope you either dodge the rain or find something nice to do indoors...
      S x

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  4. We had an elderflower cordial making demo at WI last week so I thought I'd have a go as we have a (self seeded) elder in the garden and the blossom is just opening. Haven't read any of the books in the Cazalet series but loved some of EJH's other novels which I devoured some years ago. Happy weekend and happy packing!

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    1. Hope you have a good weekend too!
      The Cazalet book is really good - and so is the knowledge there are plenty more in the series :)
      I'd strongly recommend making some cordial. I tried some last night with prosecco and declared it possibly the nicest drink ever (I was sober, I promise)...
      S x

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  5. I'm with you on the neutral palettes, I think I gravitate towards the taupes, creams and muted blues and greens in the home because I find them so calming. Your photos are striking! Good luck on the packing, hope you find some long-lost treasure! Chrissie x

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    1. Thanks! The packing's at full speed now. Lots of boxes filled yet somehow the house doesn't look too different. Oh dear... x

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  6. Hi Sarah. What a pretty patchwork of happy things! I love slightly muted colours too, brights have their place but softer shades are easier to live with. I'm still waiting for the elderflower to come into full bloom here. I'm hoping to try some cordial too. You are just right to treat yourself! Well deserved, I'd imagine! Enjoy your weekend, Bee xx

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    1. Hi Bee, I hope you get to make some cordial. Mine's all gone now (but I did give a few bottles away and there's some in the freezer). I don't think I'll get around to making any more this year as we're cracking on with moving-related things.
      Frustrating as there are so many elder flowers to be had!
      S x

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  7. A patchwork week - I like that. I am very tempted to try elderflower cordial and Sue's post got me thinking about elderflower icecream too... It's nice to buy some new undies and clothes now and then, there is nothing wrong with frivolity and wanting to look and feel nice. x

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    1. I agree! Although having worked my way through the biggest mountain of ironing (and then stood back surveying my very full wardrobe) I think I'll have to employ the 'one in, one out' principle...
      S x

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  8. I'm glad that you bought nice things that are just for you and no one else! It is good to treat yourself sometimes. I hope that the packing has been successful and that the weekend was a good one. xx

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    1. Hello! It is nice to treat yourself - and if it's an occasional thing you appreciate it all the more.
      As for packing... I really did think we didn't have that much stuff. Seems I was very wrong. I'm glad it's such a small house we live in so there's a limit to what we've been able to fit in!
      S x

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  9. I'm making elderflower cordial today and I had sea holly in my wedding bouquet. Enjoy your frivilous purchases! New undies are always a treat.

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    1. Good luck with your cordial making! It's lovely with sparkling water - despite looking cloudy and a bit unappetising, mine was so good I'm down to the last of it...
      I do like having new underwear in the drawer. And finally throwing out the older stuff! x

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  10. I like to have a few new things every now and then. It does make you feel and look nice. I love your concept of a patchwork week too. x

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    1. Thank you! It's pretty hectic at the moment - I don't mind packing too much, it's notifying all the various people (DVLA, bank etc) that drives me up the wall. Endless phone calls and endless menus to choose from, as opposed to just speaking to someone at the outset.
      Must try to remain calm...
      S x

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