Best of The Country Living Fair

I went to the Country Living Fair in London yesterday for the first time in a couple of years ~ can I be brutally honest without offending anyone? I think I can probably count on the fingers of 2 hands; stands that were unique, British made or hand~made. I thought that those were the values of Country Living magazine or am I missing something?

There were more fashion/clothing stalls than I remember from last time; I started to lose the will to live after one too many rails of scarves ~ many of which were made overseas, and quite a bit of bought in product that actually was repeated on a few of the stalls. Hmm, so that was the bad....

Now here is the good...

There were some exceptional sellers there, with beautiful displays of lovingly handmade wares and from them, I took home lots of inspiration and a few purchases!

Wonderful handmade cushions, bunnies and lavender sachets from Chloe Vintage, handmade ceramics from Amanda Mercer, vintage ribbons from Rosie's Armoire. The Sea Garden had created once again a fantastic stand, with so much detail in it you didn't know where to start! Kitty's had a glorious, colourful display of Easter decorations and vintage treasures and Caroline Zoob's stand was so perfect I could have just moved in!

I didn't manage to take photos of very much due to the crowds of people and the lack of space, but I did quickly snap Chloe's stall and some photos of the goodies I found.

I also bought a copy of Country Living's new book, called 'Create Your Own Country Home' which is a sort of compilation of all the best bits from the magazine ~ and I love it!

In case you hadn't heard ~ The Vintage Jumble takes place tomorrow (Saturday 24th) at Rangeworthy Village Hall, Glos. Organised by Jayne & Michelle from the legendary Vintage & Handmade Fairs, it promises to be a perfect opportunity to have a good old fashioned rummage. I shall be having a stall ~ look out, I am having a workroom clearing out session!

Hopefully see some familiar faces there...

Until next time
Ali x

Jeanne D'Arc Living ~ New Lower Price!

As a very proud purveyor of the delectable Jeanne D'Arc Living magazine I am so pleased to announce that I am now able to offer my lovely customers a new lower cover price of £9.95!

From April, the magazine will also be published monthly!

As always, print runs are small and quantities are limited but I will continue to offer the magazine for pre-ordering via my website to avoid disappointment.

I have for a limited period only a special offer of a year's subscription (12 issues) at £12 per copy delivered to your door.

The next issue as pictured will be released on the 2nd April but can be reserved here.

The fabulous coffee table book 'Amazing Retreats' is now also in stock again...

Happy reading...

Ali x

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Me aged about 4

'What do I want to be when I grow up?' A question I used to ask myself a lot when I was younger, probably right up into my twenties when I changed my answer depending on my mood and how much money the job might pay! When I left school I had a clear path mapped out in my mind. My ambition was to become a make~up artist working in film and in order to keep my place open at a special college I first needed a qualification in Human Biology. So, I duly started the course ~ and hated it! Since then, I have changed direction quite a few times and stopped asking myself the question of 'what I want to be?' a long time ago.

Very recently I was watching something (I'm a closet Oprah fan) and a similar question was raised, but instead of asking 'what do you want to be?' a subtle, yet important difference was requested ~ 'who do you want to be?' I had one of those light bulb moments she often talks about.

At the recent Vintage & Handmade Fair a customer made a lovely, sincere comment. She told me that the things I make are obviously made with a great deal of love and care as it shows in the quality and detail. The way in which she spoke to me really touched me as it was so genuine and spontaneous.

I know who I want to be ~ someone who does things at work and in life with love and care. Much more important than a job title on a business card....

Until next time...
Ali x