A handmade cottage: vintage thrift shopping

Friday, 20 March 2015

Vintage crate furniture ideas!

I love crates. I've found them to be the most useful piece of furniture since sliced bread, as they are just so versatile. I realise that my ancestors will be looking over me now exclaiming 'but it's just an old wooden crate!' and miggins next door thinks it just looks like I haven't got around to buying furniture yet BUT, I care not, I love my crates. They're useful, practical and full of rustic charm!

Friday, 14 November 2014

My thrifty finds + The chandelier, the silver tray & the hunt for the floral mohair.

Well it's been a while since I posted some thrifty finds - but don't let this fool you into thinking I haven't been a thrifty bee. Once bitten by the 'vintage thrift spotting' bug it's in your blood and cannot be denied! I'm not the only one - Mrs Miggins next door loves to blow her bingo winnings on thrifty finds ... at least it keeps her out of the betting shops ;-) So what's new in thrifty podie town?

Silver tray gives dressing table focal point

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

The AHC guide to clothes shopping ‘vintage’ style

I've had this tea dress for years, its one of my firm
favourites and works for almost any occasion.

Entering the world of 'vintage' can be daunting for some. We long to look as elegant as the 'Audrey and Jackies' of this world but where do we start? many would argue that fashion is reserved for youth, well flimsy fashions that might be, but timeless elegance and classic style is not ... heck and blast no! My 83 year old neighbour Ros still dresses with elegance and vintage style, and never leaves the house without her silk scarf. 98% of my clothes are from charity and vintage shops ... (the remaining 2% are undies as one has to draw the line somewhere.) My love of vintage clothing started when I was a shabby student in Liverpool. It had some fantastic vintage shops and opened up a whole new world of shopping and style to me. Now I simply can't pass a charity / thrift shop without being tempted inside and I always manage to find something lovely ...

Friday, 23 May 2014

My thrifty finds!

It has been a while since I shared some of my thrifty finds with you so here's what I've managed to sneak past hubby in the last month or so (having said that it's often his own fault cos he points out pretty things for me!) I've also been trying to have a clean out - our little cottage is getting too small for us three so we need to either move house / do a charity run / car boot / get my eBay on / OR start a shop!? I always spend more than I make at car boots ... though it's always worth it for the banter alone ... "How much for the table love?"

"Fiver love"

"Take 50p?"

*sigh*

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

My thrifty finds - When Hana met Jodie

Today I discovered ECCO, the fabulous new GIANT Charity shop in Bishops Stortford. Hubby is distraught because he knows what this means. However, I only walked out with TWO things today ... a new tray and a new friend!

ECCO in Bishops Stortford - my new fave haunt!

Thursday, 14 November 2013

AHC is in the Press!!!

I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself (I have man-flu) when 'Home Sewn Magazine' came through my letterbox. Well, I say 'came through the letterbox' but in reality it was yanked out of the postman's trembling hand by a flying Jack Russell. Once I'd wrestled it from Ralphy's vice-like grip I was jumping up and down ...

Why?? because I have a full 3 page spread in it!!!

♥

(If I could speak I'd be squealing with Joy right now ... )

I'm so chuffed I had to share it with you. I started A handmade cottage in July 2013 (only 5 months ago) and I'm just so pleased I did. I've had two articles published this month which I'm over the moon about (it's so much fun being all *Carrie Bradshaw* in Costa Coffee) but more importantly I'm meeting some really lovely people, readers and bloggers along the way.

Monday, 4 November 2013

How to have a stress-free Christmas

Christmas is in the shops. Like Marmite - some love it, some hate it, but for many it's a time of worry and stress. The fear of getting in debt, stress of catering for large groups, having to buy so many presents and it all gets rammed down our throats in early October. Christmas is in the shops. Like Marmite - some love it, some hate it, but for many it's a time of worry and stress. The fear of getting in debt, stress of catering for large groups, having to buy so many presents and it all gets rammed down our throats in early October.

I LOVE Christmas and I strongly disagree that Christmas is just for kids. I'm 35 but I still revel is it's magic ... the crackling of fires, mulled wine, stockings (not the sexy kind) and I still put a mince pie out for Father Christmas (and he eats it!) and I still listen out for his bells (and I'm convinced I hear them). It saddens me to know not all share my enthusiasm so in the true spirit of Christmas cheer, rather than show you how to make a stocking (of course I will, but nearer the time) your Christmas fairy would like to offer some possible solutions and suggestions to help you achieve the Christmas you want, and deserve. I know it's only November but you'll be making plans soon so read on ...

Problem: Christmas advertising ...

In my humble opinion, the constant bombardment of advertising stresses us all out and has the potential to spoil all that's good about Christmas. I resent being told what food / presents / clothes I need and don't get me started on the Iceland adverts. The Christmas I want isn't anything like the Iceland adverts! The kids see all the new toys and games coming out, and it all gets added to their Xmas lists! It's the adverts we're sick of, not Christmas ...

Solution: Turn it off / dump it?!

We dumped our TV in a skip. It may sound extreme but life is far sweeter without it. We still watch films / TV series via our laptop, we just don't get dictated to in-between. Now if this is too extreme for you perhaps get a virgin / sky package that allows you to record programmes and fast forward in between. When you're not watching turn it off. This way it's not constantly dictating to you and the kids also won't see EVERY single new toy that comes on to the market.

Problem: The huge expense

Christmas is a huge expense for most families. Once upon a time we were overjoyed by a simple orange in our stocking! Now it's quantity over quality. We think the more we buy, the more it shows we care. In my family, we used to buy each other SO many presents that we'd spend the ENTIRE day opening presents, with a quick break for dinner. No time to play, relax, fall asleep. All emphasis was on presents; most of which wouldn't get used, the kids would start shouting 'next' and worst of all we probably all got ourselves in debt to make that happen!

Solution: A family discussion

My family had a discussion and agreed that Christmas isn't just about gifts (even if the TV keeps telling us it is). We decided that in order to get our Christmas back we'd agree to only get each other one big present or three little things, maximum. Three thoughtful little presents rather than 20 random stocking fillers. Now we have a lovely day and the children are no longer brats and appreciate their presents more. Also ... the reason I have never been in debt at Christmas is because I'm not afraid of buying from charity shops. Most of what I buy is in brand new condition but at a fraction of the cost. If you're not used to charity shopping read my guide The art of thrifty shopping and you'll be a master in no time!

Problem: Cooking for the 5000

Don't be a martyr. If you've got 15 people coming over to you for Christmas dinner, or even 6 then make life easier for yourself and ...

Solution: share the load!

If each couple brings a dish you'll have it covered easily and no-one has the stress of doing it all themselves. Family will be more than happy to help (cos they can do the same when it's their turn!) One brings starters, one brings desert etc ... OR get them involved on the day. It's nice having Uncle knobby peeling the spuds while Aunt Doris rear-ends the Turkey, and you can put your feet up while hubby washes up!

Problem: Ever expanding gift list

Every year my gift list grows. Not just family but friends, acquaintances etc it's never ending. So when it comes to groups of friends, a simple way to ease the burden on everyone is ...

Solution: Secret Santa!

Suggest a £5 / £10 / £15 limit, all put your name in a hat and each pick out one person to buy for. Everyone gets a gift and you're not all in debt. Remember, everyone struggles at Christmas so people are relieved to hear solutions like this so don't be afraid to suggest it. Another fun solution ... agree to pay for yourselves to all go an outing instead!

Problem: Dividing your time

So many people run around like crazy on Christmas day, trying to see everyone so they don't actually relax and enjoy the day themselves.

Solution: Alternate

We used to struggle seeing Hubby's folks AND my folks on Christmas day so we just told them we'd rather relax and have quality time with them so from now on we are going to alternate. This year we'll spend the Xmas with one set (and the other shortly after) then visa-versa next year. They're happy with that as they get more time with us too.

Problem: Lumbered with Mrs Miggins

At Christmas many of us often end up spending the day with people we don't particularly like, or want to be with. Now this is the tricky one as Christmas is a time for charity and kindness. HOWEVER, it is also your Christmas and if you'd rather spend it with just your close family then you shouldn't feel guilty about doing that. There is a solution ...

Solution: The 'happy' sandwich

Try this. You'll find it useful in ALL aspects of life. When you want to get out of something try the 'happy sandwich' ... say something nice, say the bad news, then say something nice. You don't need to offer an explanation. When I wanted to get out of something I always felt I needed an excuse as to why I couldn't make it, then hubby pointed out you don't actually need an excuse. Simply say "I'm afraid we can't but thanks for inviting us!" Back to the happy sandwich ....

For example; 'Mrs Miggins we love having you over at Xmas but we're going to do something different this year, however we'd LOVE to have you over for dinner in the New year if you're free?'

Also Share with siblings! If you always have your parents / grandparents try saying to your other siblings .... For example; 'We always get to have mum and dad at Xmas so we thought it's only fair that you get to spend Xmas with them too! Let's alternate and we'll take them next year!'

Ultimately, our happiness is in our own hands. I love Christmas because I choose too. I make the most of all the lovely aspects of it, and try to ignore what I can't change.

I truly hope this helps some of you to have a better Christmas.

Your crafty Christmas fairy

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

How to make a teacup candle

What girly doesn't love a teacup candle. They are feminine, decorative AND they serve a function! (this is what you point out to loved one when you get told off for buying more toot.) They also make a perfect gift. When hubby and I were married we made all of our decor by hand. There was a LOT of decor and it took 8 hours to decorate a beautiful Tudor barn. But that's another story ...

One of the things I made were 50 Teacup candles as favours for the womenfolk. It was my first time at making them, and I wanted to give them something they could keep and enjoy, and in years to come remember us when they're sipping tea from their pretty cup : ) It may sound like a huge undertaking but it really was much easier and far cheaper than you think. It was also fun, easy and hugely satisfying. Buying a ready made teacup candle can set you back £12 a cup, but to make it is pennies. So why not start collecting, and make some up ready for xmas!!?? your girlies will love you for it ... (and feel free to send one to me for giving you the idea : )

Pages

Friday, 20 March 2015

Vintage crate furniture ideas!

Friday, 14 November 2014

My thrifty finds + The chandelier, the silver tray & the hunt for the floral mohair.

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

The AHC guide to clothes shopping ‘vintage’ style

Friday, 23 May 2014

My thrifty finds!

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

My thrifty finds - When Hana met Jodie

Thursday, 14 November 2013

AHC is in the Press!!!

Monday, 4 November 2013

How to have a stress-free Christmas

Problem: Christmas advertising ...

Solution: Turn it off / dump it?!

Problem: The huge expense

Solution: A family discussion

Problem: Cooking for the 5000

Solution: share the load!

Problem: Ever expanding gift list

Solution: Secret Santa!

Problem: Dividing your time

Solution: Alternate

Problem: Lumbered with Mrs Miggins

Solution: The 'happy' sandwich

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

How to make a teacup candle

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