Where Did You Get That Hat?!

I had promised myself that this year I would stop buying glossy magazines and put my pennies towards wiser or more necessary investments. So, I was rather cross when I found myself flicking through February's edition of 'Homes & Antiques' in the supermarket this morning! - But I'm actually quite glad that I did, as I suddenly spotted an article on vintage hats. I confess that the copy did find its way into my shopping trolley and will be my treat this evening in front of the TV.

If you have read my blog in the past, you may know that I have a passion for millinery lovelies and cannot resist these old floral confections, with their diversity of style, colour, shape and materials.

What surprised me with the magazine article though, was that the photo shoot appears to have been staged at 'Bea & Evie's', one of my favourite shops in Frome.

I haven't read the piece yet, but I feel sure I'm going to enjoy my indulgence!

There is also a review of last night's episode of 'The Antiques Roadshow' that was filmed in the Bishops Palace Gardens at Wells. Another of my local haunts!

My second treat of the day was waiting for me when I returned from my shopping trip. A brown paper parcel tied up with string! Whatever could it be? I wasn't expecting anything in the post...

It was a Valentine's Day gift from Monica! Beautiful handmade cards and a box of chocolates...I will be spoilt this evening! Thank you again naughty lady - you are very kind.

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Something else that I wanted to share with you - I never cease to be amazed by the vintage discoveries that can still be unearthed. Hubby and I were actually in Wells on Saturday for a few hours and called into 'The Trading Post', there. It's a little rough n' ready inside, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this beautifully hand painted tray in one of the furniture salerooms.

It's quite large and weighty, even before loading it with afternoon tea, but is delicately painted with a soft moss green background and a limed oak frame.

Another surprise find over the weekend was this c1950's plaster lady with pretty floral costume and a spill holder behind her.

I feel lucky that she lacks the usual chips and missing chunks that is so common a find on these vulnerable plaster statues.

And then there were these tiddlers! I am reliably informed that these miniature buttons would have been made during the time of the queen's coronation. They are fabric covered and appear to be unused - something that I shall soon put right!

And to finish, one final surprise of the day: This evening I was catching up on reading some of the comments left on my blog recently. I came across one published on the 'Tighten the Purse Strings' post below. It was from 'Millie'. I duly clicked on her highlighted name, expecting to come across another blog that I had not yet discovered, but it lead me nowhere. I feel touched that a complete stranger would write with such sincerity and kindness, that I just wanted to thank you Millie on my blog.

It is one of the nicest comments that I have received in a long time and I am gratified that you would take the time to put your feelings into words on my post, especially when it sounds as if things are not so good for you just now.

I am very grateful for all the comments that I receive on my posts. If truth be known; English lessons at school were never my strong point, so it is flattering to me that I have visitors to my blog who enjoy my wittering(s)!

Hope you have a wonderful week - I have lots of sewing that I need to make a start on, which I hope to do tomorrow...

Niki x