Silkie Sue

I want...

2012-01-19T17:19:00.003Z

oooo theres always something I'm lusting after...Gary Oldman...(Sorry husband)..seriously I am obsessed with all things vintage, in particular things I remember from years ago. I have such fond memories of my childhood, especially up until the age of about 12..then we moved and senior school happened which was a complete trauma for me..but I won't bore you with that. Anyhoo..I can remember things vividly, things, objects, cups, saucers..and I keep my eyes peeled on ebay for bits and bobs.

I have to blame 'flickr' for some of the things that have been added to my never ending list. (Now I know I do get some visitors from abroad so please forgive me as I don't think this will mean much to you!)

Somebody has loaded up the entire catalogue of ARGOS from 1976, 1985 and 1986. For those of you who are not familar with 'The Argos' catalogue, it basically sells everything you can think of from wine glasses to golf clubs, and these retro editions are right out of my past!!

And this weeks obsession is finding a red folding kitchen chair..which acts as steps too..but I think this is going to be very difficult to find...especially cheaply!!

Anyway dear bloggers..if you fancy a bit of nostalgia check the old argos books out on flickr!

Sam xx

PS the above vintage advert isn't from the Argos book...it was never that well illustrated!!

A New Blog..

2012-01-14T08:50:00.001Z

Hey Bloggers..

I'm gonna set up another blog...cause I realised after speaking with chums that maybe my interests in old movie stars and the silver screen would be better suited to a platform on the own.

As there is the illustrator Sam..

She will stay here...

and the Sam that loves to make Bears from time to time...

She will stay here too!

and the Sam that loves all things to do with making my home 'homely' and thrifty bargins.. she will stay put too!

But as I have a HUGE love for old films and movie stars..they are going to have a new home...
I'm not expecting anyone to read it...I think it will be more for myself so I can record what I watch and like..to be honest that is what my blog is about. I've never been interested in having a facebook page...getting hundreds of visitors or anything like that (Between me and you..I don't like Facebook at all..there I've said it!)......but its lovely that I get some bloggy visitors and comments from time to time.

But for one last cheeky mention here...about a movie related subject...can't wait to see The Artist..

Apparently the little doggy steals the show!! Tooo cute!!

Happy Saturday Bloggers...watch this space for my as yet to be named movie diaryxx

Samxx

Ageing on Film

2012-01-11T20:28:00.001Z

Hey Bloggers...hows you this January evening, where ever you are.

At the moment I am filling my spare time with one of my favourite pastimes...watching old movies..

You see I'm a film addict..and most of my favourite films are from the late 30's until the late 1970s...from spooky film noir's to, musicals and 1970's disaster movies...I love them all.

One thing that is so apparent to me is the way that for some film stars, being famous and on the silver screen, has recorded how they look act and age...which I think is lovely, but also quite strange in a way.

Here is the beautiful Deborah Kerr, I think here she is about 27. I have a HUGE soft spot for her, she was an amazing actress, and she was so elegant and beautiful. She is a role model to me, especially as she is a fellow redhead.

And here she is in her mid to late 30's...similar age to me right now...

And this was when I think she was in her early 70's... I really want to take a leaf out of her book, and hope to look like that when I reach her age..

And who do you think this is...her smile gives it away I think.. in her very early 20s..possibly younger..

and here she is in her late 30s..

and a bit older, from the time when she was in her own TV series..

and a little bit later...how cute is she is...Doris is a huge animal lover.....

I can't believe that Doris is almost 90!!...its hard to imagine.

Here is a very young Maggie Smith, if you have never watched her in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, you are in for a treat!!

I love her hair in this photograph...If I was going to have a short hair do it might be like this!!

Don't you just love Maggie in the Harry Potter movies?

Anyway I will leave you with a quote from Doris Day..

“The really frightening thing about middle age is the knowledge that you'll grow out of it.”

....heres to growing old gracefully like these ladies!!

Happy Hump Day dear Bloggers!!

Sam xx

This week...loving Faye

2012-01-05T17:26:00.000Z

Just a quicky extra...I mean she's holding a kitton!! couldn't resist!
S xx

Charity shop bargain of the day...

2012-01-05T17:17:00.000Z

Jane Shilton vintage Kelly Bag...£5...
Still hunting for bargain eiderdown...and lots of other things like a vintage standard lamp for my kitchen, oh and not forgetting a tiffany standard lamp for the living room. Since moving to our new house I've gone soft furnishings mad!! I'm determined to fill my new looking old kinda Artsy Crafty house into a real life cozy cottage...I'm so impatient though!! Off on an ebay hunt again!!
Bye for now!
Samxx

Eiderdown for sale?...

2012-01-04T13:12:00.000Z

anyone?

...ooo wheres my manners...happy new year bloggers!!
I really really REALLY want one...and I keep going on ebay and get out bidded!!

I am looking for a bargin though...or a swap?...a bear?

I know its a long shot but I thought I would ask....

Happy humpday!!

Sam xx

Happy New Year Dear Bloggers...

2011-12-31T14:12:00.000Z

Next year will b my 5th year of blogging!!..I can feel a bit of a Movie themed year coming on...to be honest with you I think I was born in the wrong decade!!

So heres a toast from Richard and Liz...no doubt sat in an edgy cocktail bar, on a cloud somewhere... looking as beautiful as ever xx

See ya in 2012...and thanks for stopping by..

Love Sam and Miss Sue xx

Lord Grantham....just tweeted me!!

2011-12-27T19:25:00.000Z

I can't be completely 100% certain, but after tweeting that I'd quite like to go for a pub lunch with the delicious Hugh Bonneville..I received a tweet back...the date isn't on, but It made my night!!

See if you can find me ...silkiesuesue... I have 9 followers!!

Happy Holidays!!

a Christmas Eve thankyou...

2011-12-24T19:34:00.000Z

To our dear friends...The Carters to be.....

we got a globe mini bar...thankyou THANKYOU...

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Lots of Love
The McPhillipsxx

PS Mrs Carter to be...have you got Christmas Tummy?

Happy Silkie Christmas!!

2011-12-24T08:58:00.000Z

How are you today? Have you got Christmas Tummy?...Can't believe its here again...it feels like it was Halloween 5 minutes ago!!

I have to say that I'm always a tad apprehensive about Christmas...but must try to relax a bit more about it!

And to quote another favourite blogger of mine...'See you on the other side!'

Happy Holidays!

Lots of Love
Sam and Silkie Suuuueeee!!xx

Ruby Slippers..

2011-12-22T21:26:00.000Z

Ok ...decided to make my own Ruby Slippers..

Found this at an amazing blog called the Ruby Slippers Blog....right wheres my glue gun......

xx

The Wizard of Oz...oh and other things..

2011-12-22T20:24:00.001Z

Firstly...you can buy replica ruby slippers..just like Judy Garlands!! link here

The Real Slippers!

oooo I want them BADLY!!

Basically if I was wealthy I would collect movie memorabilia...just like lovely Debbie Reynolds..

She recently auctioned her HUGE memorabilia collection..and you can download a PDF of the catalogue here..the link is towards the bottom of the page...FYI..Its amazing!!

(Quite chuffed..bought an original black and white photo and autograph of Debbie today, to add to my Kim Novak autograph...hoping to add other vintage movie stars to this as time goes on !)

It also seems that my wish to have a bit of a mini bar, is coming true in my kitchen...rather chuffed about that..

My house feels quite cozy at the moment...which is nice!!..Can you spot another Silkiesue?

Happy Christmas Thursday!!

Sam xx

My Blogging Nook...

2011-12-20T21:35:00.001Z

...bit of tinternetting...and an early Christmas Present...Cat On a Hot Tin Roof..(Thankyou Miss Carter)..
I just can't get enough of Elizabeth Taylor and Maggie Smith this week...just love the old movies...I really was born in the wrong decade....(ooo and not forgetting Miss Kim Novak, can you spot her?)

Happy Christmas Tuesday dear bloggers xx

Check this blog out...

2011-12-18T21:05:00.002Z

After having a lovely Christmassy day today..a shopping trip to Marlborough and seeing HUGO at the really old cinema here in Devizes...I came across this wonderful Movie Props Blog...(Basically I was looking up prop and costumes from Hugo)

........Hollywood Movie Costume and Props Blog

If you love films like me you are in for a treat, and is a good distraction, if like me you can feel the annual 'Christmas Anxiety' creeping up..:0)

Anyway must dash...Sunday night is Bath night, and I still have a week at work to get through before a weeks holiday!!

Nighty night dear Bloggers!

Sam xx

Oh Liz....

2011-12-15T20:46:00.001Z

I'm sure you must have heard that Elizabeth Taylor's belongings were being auctioned this week...

I have to admit I felt kind of sad, when I spotted this picture of her wedding dress, jewels and a photo of her wedding to Richard Burton..

Look at her bags...what I would do to get hold of one!..I would LOVE an autograph, but sadly they are WAY out of my price range..

Love this pic..David Bowie looks a bit scared!!

Always love you Elizabeth!!
S x

This week I'm...

2011-12-13T13:19:00.000Z

mainly obsessed with Maggie Smith..

After watching the VIP's last night..one of my all time favourite films..I decided to take lots of screen grabs..and annoyingly none of them came out!

I love everything in the film, the clothes, the actors, the sets, just everything about it I love. Maggie Smith is soo sweet in it..so I'm hoping to figure out my technical problem, 'grabbing' screen shots...which I promise to put up! So now I'm on a mission to watch vintage Maggie Smith films...just wish I had more time to watch old films!!

Be back soon bloggers!

A Vintage Christmas

2011-12-12T16:04:00.000Z

Just a few memories from my past Christmases!
Happy Tuesday!

S x

An early Christmas Dinner...

2011-12-11T14:57:00.000Z

...right better put the potatoes on...
Happy Sunday !

S xx

Oh dear...

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000Z

had no idea that my 'other' husband's wife is a 'bond girl'
Oh dear ...right...wheres my hair straighteners...and NO crisps today...
Happy hump day bloggers!!
S xx

This weeks obsession...

2011-12-06T08:51:00.000Z

I think its something bout this time of year especially that gets me really nostalgic...(Hold on....I'm nostalgic at the best of times!) Now I never had an original flight bag, but in a favourite film of mine with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (The V.I.P's...mental note must watch soon its set at London Airport), they travel by BOAC, and you can see in the back ground the lovely interiors, and clothes and I happened to spot a flight bag...Now I would be more inclined to travel by plane if you still got these!

Can you spot Margaret Rutherfords.........

I can feel another ebay hunt coming on!

Happy Tuesday Bloggers!

Samx

Kerdrunk....

2011-12-05T08:45:00.000Z

oooooo it got a bit messy yesterday at Mr M's Birthday Party...this is one of the BEST games EVER..
(Especially when theres a bit of drinking game going on as well!)
OOOO just about feeling human now..........
S xx

Happy Birthday Mr M!!

2011-12-04T11:12:00.000Z

He wouldn't like it if I ever put up a real picture of him on blogland (I'm not one for showing pics of my self either !)

...so heres a pic of George Peppard...as me and my Mum always say theres a little similarity!

Its a big birthday today...So Happy Birthday Robert !!

Have a lovely Sunday!

Love Sam xx

I couldn't resist....

2011-12-01T17:32:00.001Z

oooo I finally got one...a little very loved and worn Chicaboo. Shes got a bit of dirty face, and shes very loved, buts smells lovely!....It really made my day...almost like my Chicaboo from 1981 has come back to me:0)
I regretted very much getting rid of mine years ago...and thanks to marvelous ebay I'm on a mission to get a few nostalgic bits and bobs.. I can feel a hunt for some old board games coming on... anyone fancy a game of monopoly?

Byee!
Sam xx

Oooo I just HAVE to have one...

2011-11-25T13:19:00.001Z

I really REALLY reAllYYYYY want a vintage eiderdown...seriously though how expensive are they...
???I'm feeling all nostalgic and christmassy today.....Oooo tooo many things to lust after... Theres an 'ooober' blog/website I peruse from time to time, and this person has a stack of eiderdowns.... Not fair!!
I did get a little Christmas Treat for me today...just a second hand book from Amazon when I did this thing, where I'm buying presents..and then just add a present for me to the shopping basket...(do you do that?) To be honest most of the things I buy myself are second hand, I'm really thifty...and have to watch my limited pennies.. any hoo.. sorry for the waffle, I will get to the point. A second hand ex Library book of The Children of Green Knowe arrived to day (I have a massive thing about ex Library books..) and its

beautiful, to top it off it still had the library stamp.. and ...It smells of school...from back in the day..!
Well I'm off for some more ebay window shopping!!
Byeeee!
Love Sam xx

A bit random..

2011-11-24T22:02:00.000Z

I've always wanted a vintage globe mini bar...

Happy Thursday!

Sam xx

Nostalgic Christmas TV...

2011-11-22T08:51:00.001Z

The Children of Green Knowe series was shown back in 1986...It ran for a few weeks up until Christmas...

Its a gentle, and sometimes scary Ghost Story, about a lonely little boy called Tolly, who goes to stay with his long lost Grandmother.. and its set at Christmas!!
Its a crime that this isn't available to buy on DVD (Dear BBC, please sort this out!!), however you can watch it in segments on You Tube..phew, and here is the LINK.
On his first night staying at 'Green Knowe', he discovers a little mouse by his bed, that belonged to
a previous resident...(I won't give any more away)

Here is the original illustration from the book....
...and here is the replica you can buy from the house that Lucy Boston wrote the stories about..

Image from another Blogger...

The actual house is called The Manor at Hemingford Grey I would love to visit it one day, it must be just like being in the books!
I'm gonna have to get me Tollys Mouse now...in time for Christmas!!
I can feel a nostalgic Christmas Telly theme coming on :0)
Happy Tuesday bloggers!
Sam xx
PS...now go on...when you have a quiet 20 minutes...watch an episode, you won't be disappointed!

I have to confess...

2011-11-14T22:06:00.000Z

I do love another...

Oh Alec Baldwin...

you simply MUST watch 30 Rock - he is a LEGEND!!

Nighty Night!!
Sweet Dreams!!
Sxx

OMG..

2011-11-10T08:40:00.001Z

...Stefanie Powers AKA Jennifer Hart...from Hart to Hart is gonna be in UK's I'm a celeb get me outta here!!! I have loved Stefanie since I was about 7 years old...I have always imagined that Jonathan and Jennifer Hart are my 'other' parents..fighting crime, drinking champagne and driving fast cars abroad somewhere...Oh dear I'm gonna be hooked!!..

I'm also really annoyed with my self for missing my vintage Dooney and Bourke bag on ebay..I think it went for £11.00...oooo I could kick myself!! Still I'm am still on a mission to get one, I will keep looking, in actual fact I'm have decided to start collecting Vintage Leather Bags.....so heres to the beginning of a bargin hunt!

And just one final thought of the day...can it really be only 6 weeks this weekend til Christmas? How is that possible...You might have to check out some of the 'oooober' blogger websites...as I'm feeling a christmas panic coming on!
Byeeee!
s xx

My name is Sam..and I'm a handbag addict..

2011-11-04T13:18:00.000Z

Warning ...if like me you love Handbags more than ANYTHING..(well except husband, cat, family and chums..)do not visit Fossils website...they simply have the most beautiful bags I have clapped eyes on in ages..

Oh look at the lovelyness.. BUT I have also stumbled across a vintage brand of handbag..John Romain... see above...I WANT ONE!

Bit smilar dont ya think? These are 1960's bags...I HAVE to have one...you can get them on etsy...hint hint hint..

Oh and let not forget vintage Dooney and Bourke..

These pop up on uk ebay from time to time..if you are lucky you can get one for about £20..

So Santa if you are reading..I have been really really good..and I know its a long shot, but if anyone wants to swap a 'bear' for a bag..let me know..

Might not make it through the day!

S xx

Happy Halloween Bloggers!!

2011-10-31T17:00:00.000Z

Have a spooky night!!

And the winner is.....

2011-10-27T19:56:00.000+01:00

HAPPY HOMEBIRD...as chosen by the random generator thingy!!

Can you email me your address ASAP...samjneville@googlemail.com...as I'd love to send you your...yankee candle themed Halloween treat..so it reaches you by Halloween!!

I'm having a lovely Halloween week watching lots of spooky things...I'm sat here now watching a Hammer Horror Dracula!!

Heres to a spooky weekend!!

Love Sam xx and Count Silkie ..:0)

Happy 16th Birthday...Sweet Silkiesue Kitton!!

2011-10-21T13:15:00.000+01:00

Here she is doing her favourite thing ...snoozing....with one eye open a little bit just so she can keep an eye on things. Me and the hubby love Sue Kitton so much...she is one of the sweetest, cute...chatty cats, and we couldn't bear to be with out her...So Happy Birthday Miss Sue, heres to another 16 years!!..Prawns for T!!
Sorry I have been absent from Blogland...I have been OOOOBER busy after work, doing extra colouring in...and a spot of bear making too...Now this little bear is a new design, as I changed the proportions, and hes completely handsewn...

Now he really needs some eyes!

and a bit of stuffing in his little legs..

And a scarf to keep him warm...Hes a present for a friend of mine...hope she likes him!
Before I forget, I haven't forgotten about my 'delayed' Halloween giveaway, but I will announce it by midweek next week...in time for Halloween...sorry for the delay!!

Happy Weekend!
Love Sam xxxand Miss Sue..who will always be a Kitton xx

Hello Bloggers

2011-10-06T17:19:00.003+01:00

Well I'm back again..
I have a rather busy few weeks ahead, with some extra 'colouring in' to do...and it seems like forever ago that I was in Devon.

I visited an amazing witchcraft museum, in a place called Boscastle in Cornwall.

It was full to the brim of real witchy artifacts..I was in there for ages, so much so that the husband came looking for me...and I bought a real broom....

and when I came back I treated myself to 'Hell Kitty' from the fabulous Miss Bumbles on etsy..I can feel a new collection coming on! You should really check her needle felted creations out, her little animals look like they have stepped out of a story book..
I had a lovely birthday too this week, with lots of lovely pressis from my chums..thankyou, you spoiled me!
I think something has gone a bit wrong with the 'giveaway' I blogged a couple of weeks ago...I was hoping to get a few halloweeny bits and bobs together, for a kind of Halloween Raffle..but It seems that I have had only 1 comment, which is a shame really. So I will leave it open for 1 more week..just in case....:0)..
Bye for now
Sam and Silkie xx

Silkie Sues Halloween Giveaway!

2011-09-16T21:34:00.001+01:00

Hey Bloggers!

Change of plan.. I did consider thinking about rounding a few bloggers up for a kind of Halloweeny Blog a Swap..but I decided to do a giveaway instead, to say thanks for popping by, and because my favourite holiday is coming closer and closer.

I'm not sure entirely what the giveaway will be..I have a few ideas...so bear with me...but it will have a spooky theme!!

Anyway...you have ages to to play...just pop a little link on your blog to miss sues blog, by the 10th October...and if you have any spooky stories to tell, or links to cool halloweeny things you will get another entry! (I will post all over the world!)

I promise I will make it a good prize!

Now I'm off for a holiday for a week...my folks have come to stay, as we are house swapping!!

Bye for now dear bloggy chums!

Love Sam and Silkie xx

Coraline...and handbags..

2011-09-13T13:59:00.002+01:00

Started watching Coraline recently...have you seen it? I love it..the sets, design everything..and seeing as I'm in an especially Halloweeny mood just now..its perfect!! Coraline has a little doll delivered to her, from 'her other mother'
Wonder what I'm making?
Also...check out this bag I purchased off ebay..

£12 uk pounds!!
Looks a lot like a famous brand...??
I was well chuffed...still lusting after the mummy brick bag!
Bye for now bloggers!
Sam x

Why do I keep finding such pretty bags...

2011-09-11T09:24:00.000+01:00

Its called a mummy brick bag...yum

S x

Another Stanley...

2011-09-10T20:22:00.000+01:00

He'll be off to a new home soon...happy Saturday!!

Sam xx

PS Yay..here in the uk Strictly come dancing is back!!!!

Anyone for a Halloween Blog Swap?

2011-09-08T17:10:00.000+01:00

This is my look of alarm when cooking...

Just a quicky - does anyone fancy doin a Halloween themed Blog Swap? I haven't played at swapseys for ages...normally really busy...BUT I think I could make time for this one..

Anyway - I won't be offended if noone fancies it...I'll put out an official swap blog notice in the next couple of days if I get a bit of a response..xx

Byee!

Sam x

Practical Magic

2011-09-06T21:29:00.000+01:00

Ok..its official...Halloween season for me has arrived.
I have been busy tonight sewing another toy, and I just had to have Practical Magic on in the background..

This one of my favourite Halloween films..I love the house they live in..and the spell book they use.

Guess what...its real!..the spell book !

The book was auctioned off about 10 years ago I think and this blogger owns it.. Octoberfarm
I couldn't believe it..how jealous am I ...I really want my own book of spells..

Here is another cool link about the film..

Practical Magic

I think its quite an old website but has lots of info..

Now..where am I gonna get an old spell book from?

s xxx

A little early..

2011-09-05T08:57:00.000+01:00

Check this out... Halloween Animation its beautiful!!

The Enchanted Forest...(and other things)

2011-09-05T06:19:00.001+01:00

Yesterday afternoon, after a 20 minute drive, after getting a bit stressed as we couldn't find parking we visited Enid Blytons Enchanted Forest, otherwise known as Savernake Forest..

I wish I had more battery power on my phone to take more photos..but I was a little nervous, as we saw only 4 people and wanted to keep the power on my phone..just in case!...The trees here are incredible...and we went off the paths too...I will be going back again armed with more battery power for photos...it will be really beautiful when the autumn is in full flow..and guess what...apparently its a haunted forest....at one point there where NO birds singing...seriously!

I have had a little bit of a splurge in the charity shops lately..check out my lovely old mantle clock..

and the sewing machine is out again..wonder what I'm making..

also got an amazing vintage print of Kim Novak from Bell Book and Candle..

and a vintage Bush radio for £15!

Silkie was pleased...she loves a bit of old tat..

Happy Monday!
Love Sam x

Beautiful Wickedness...

2011-08-30T19:48:00.001+01:00

Is it nearly September?

Does that mean...nearly October..nooo...does that mean Halloween ??

I am obsessed with anything Witch related..seriously...I even have a bag called Elphaba that Mr M bought me from the Wicked Musical, in New York.

This obsession has been going on for some years really..I used to play 'Witches' on my own in the garden...yup..

So as the leaves start to fall, and that familiar autumn smell is in the air...well, maybe at the age of nearly...ahem...38 I may have to start running round the garden again...with my witches broom!

Do you think they sell flyable witches brooms on ebay, I'm off for a look!?

Nighty night Bloggers!!

Samxx

A British Icon...

2011-08-24T13:39:00.001+01:00

The very glamourous and youthful Joan Collins..

I was very excited to see that she has a new book coming out The World According to Joan, some extracts have been published in the UK Daily Mail. I first remember her as Alexis Colby in Dynasty..(Which I have started to watch again!) I completely forgot that she was an artist too...

I think she is an inspiration, she is so young and youthful, which gives me hope, as who really wants to get older?

Anyway, I will be getting her book ASAP...I think you can find it in Sainsbury's next week, as its been released early...

Now tonight I think I will be mainly watching The Colby's ...do you remember that series...Charlton Heston appears in it...with Stephanie Beacham...its brilliantly glamourous and cheesy...I love it!

Happy hump day!

Sam x

PS...I have started Twittering...see if you can find Silkiesuesue..

Moira Shearer

2011-08-08T19:15:00.000+01:00

Theres something about the hint of autumn in the air, that makes me itchy to watch all my old and beloved movies. Over the years I have collected quite a few, but there are more and more I want to get..and I keep adding to my list every day, new titles that I want to get hold of.

I seemed to have missed that one of my favourite films, The Red Shoes has been digitally remastered,
so that had been added to my movie list of things 'to get'

I have always loved this film...

Isn't Moira amazing...I wanted to be able to dance like her..

Here she is on her wedding day, just married to Ludovic Kennedy. (He's very handsome)

She could leap about with ease!

I love candid photos..

Here is another on her wedding day...she looks a bit nervous...I know how that feels!

When we moved here to Devizes, 5 minutes up the road is a village called Avebury, where a ring of standing stones surrounds a village.. its that close that I could cycle to it. When I first went there I fell in love with it..and I couldn't believe it when I found out today that Moira lived there during her retirement with her husband, in one of the cottages on the high street...(Its the main road through the little village) I couldn't believe she lived so close to where I live now.

Sadly Moira passed away a few years ago...but she will always be Vicky from the Red Shoes to me.
If you have never watched this film, I simply urge you to watch it....

You won't be disappointed.

Sam xx

Mulberry

2011-08-05T22:13:00.001+01:00

I recently painted a few little pictures of Mulberry Bags for my friends sister, who works for Mulberry (The very exclusive and desirable luxury leather bag company)

Anyway, she showed them to a few people at Mulberry HQ, and they were quite well received, so they have given me a little mention on their ooooober blog..

Note...I will paint pictures in exchange for posh leather handbags... cheeky I know!!

So if you are interested check the link above! I thought it was really nice of them to mention me...

Thanks Mulberry!!

Nighty night!

Sam xx

The Birds...

2011-08-02T22:41:00.001+01:00

I have to get one of these..some how..

Barbie have released a collectable 'Melanie' Doll from The Birds.. I think they were released a couple of years ago..how did I miss this?

Now The Birds is one of my all time favourite films.. I just love every thing about it and I can watch it over and over again.

Because of my love of old films and movie stars I have decided to start collecting old movie star autographs too.. ( I only have one right now..an original Kim Novak autograph..on a black and white photo)

So in our living room, in a beautiful old art deco display cabinet, I want to start putting all my old movie bits and bobs..

You can get a wicked witch Barbie too..

I loved my Sindy and Pippa dolls, but these Barbie Dolls are AMAZING!!

There are so many things I want to collect... I have quite a collection of old movies, from the old ealing films..like The Dead of Night...to the Dirty Harry movies with Clint Eastwood, and the old disaster films like the Towering Inferno..

Now before I forget, I really want to recommend this movie..

Have you seen it?...

Pandora and the Flying Dutchman.. all I can say is WOW...Its actually available to watch on You Tube..but I just had to order it on DVD...

You MUST watch it, Ava Gardner is breathtaking...

So heres to the old stars of the silver screen and collecting stuff...what do you collect dear bloggers?

Nighty night

Love Sam xx

Quint and Mr Hooper

2011-07-31T21:28:00.000+01:00

Howdy Bloggers!

Sorry I just haven't been able to blog much at all this week...its been very hectic..at work all day and into the evenings too...very tired eyes!!

Just had to show you some pix of my friends Kittons..Quint and Mr Hooper..

They are apparently excellent Shark catchers..

They can find a shark for £3, but can catch and kill one for £10...

Now I think thats a bargin..

I don't think Sharks frequent canals though do you bloggers?

Nighty night...

Love Sam xx

Love Faye Dunaway..

2011-07-21T13:59:00.000+01:00

Wowzers...(Is that a word?) I have always thought Faye Dunaway was stunning. I can remember first really watching her in Supergirl The Movie Years ago..One of my favorite films is The Towering Inferno...(I have a bit of a soft spot for 1970's disaster movies..) Also watched her in Thomas Crown Affair recently...check out the kissing scene with Steve McQueen...its pretty steamy stuff..and it goes on and on and on.......

I read somewhere that she is quite tough to work with..but who knows..

another great film she is in is Eyes of Laura Mars...you should check that out too..

I'll be back soon...mmm what film star shall be next?

Samx

Stars of the Silver Screen

2011-07-20T22:42:00.000+01:00

Theres nothing I like more than watching old movies..especially on a dark cold rainy evening.
One movie actress I love is Deborah Kerr..did you know she was really good friends with Yule Brynner..the bald headed actor from the King and I.

They had chemistry thats for sure..check out a movie called The Journey..you can watch it on You Tube..he loved photography too, and took his camera on lots of movie sets with him!

More old movie facts and portraits coming soon!

Sam xx

Film Icons

2011-07-20T13:46:00.000+01:00

Today, I actually forgot that Elizabeth Taylor had passed away...I actually thought, oh I'll just google her to see how she was.. ..
I love the old movies stars, at least they are forever young and beautiful on the silver screen..
And don't get me going on Montgomery Clift...if like me you love old movies I absolutely urge you to seek out any film this man is in...I wouldn't use the word beautiful to describe a man normally...but he was ...

I read that Liz was in love with him, infact alot of his leading ladies fell under his spell....just watch him in something as you will see what I mean ..
I can feel a few more vintage celebrity portraits coming on !
Happy Wednesday dear Bloggers!
Love Sam xx

Ghost Hunting in Devizes!

2011-07-19T22:10:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers..

Here in Crop Circle capital, things are feeling a little ...dare I say it Autumnal...my favourite time of the year...not just because Halloween is creeping closer! (A little illustration of mine above...based on me and Silkie!)

I had a cool night on Saturday..we went to the local cinema..which is an old fashioned cinema, with peeling paint and old art deco lights...to watch Harry Potter..( Still have massive crush on Gary Oldman)

We then went to a pub just about next door..called the Black Swan, which has been featured on lots of ghost hunting programmes...as you can imagine I was a tiny bit excited!

We got chatting to a very nice lady called Fran, working behind the bar, who very kindly offered to take us to the cellar, which is where lots of things have supposed to happened.

(The above image is care of google image search as I didn't have my camera) We actually went down stairs on a new staircase behind the door you can just about make out to the left)..It was massive, kind of like vaulted caves..apparently there are tunnels all linking to the castle in the town centre..

This is another pic of the bar..care of google..

I loved it in there immediately, so I'm looking forward to going back again, with my digi camera to see if I can get any ghost photos... apparently in the autumn, you can stay in the really haunted bedroom...Room 4 and have a 3 course meal for quite a good price... if you are brave enough!!

Mmmm I'm tempted....!!

Looking forward to visiting The Black Swan again!

Nighty night bloggers..sweet dreams!!

Love Sam..and a slightly huffy Miss Sue, who just nearly had a scrap with another cat much bigger..she just doesn't like to share!

xx

Teeny Tiny peek

2011-07-14T21:03:00.002+01:00

phewy

what a week, between me and you dear bloggers I'm pooped..and my poor husband is even more tired..took him almost 2 hours tonight to cut the grass...seriously how much grass!!

I'm itching to show some pictures of the new homestead, but haven't had time to take any decent pixs..but heres a little one..

Hopefully the sun might shine a bit - and I will take a few more over the weekend..

I'm going to log the landscaping of our new garden..(sorry that sounded a tad effected!)
Basically it will consist of me bunging a few plants in the ground, but I will try and 'country living' it up for you a bit!

So if any of you can recommend any favourite plants...climbers, bulbs, well anything really, as I don't have much of a clue..that would be great!

Plus the sewing machine will be coming out hopefully...I've a bear to make!

Happy Thursday Bloggers!!

Love Sam xx

coooo eeee - back again!

2011-07-12T19:51:00.000+01:00

Hey dear Bloggers!!
Hows you?

I have only just got internet back...out here in the depths of Wiltshire, Internet is a strange and foreign thing...like radios and mobile phones..(We get a radio signal every once in a while!) probably because we are living in the British equivalent of Area 51..

Yep...we moved to Crop Circle Country...they are popping up all around us....

We live on the outskirts of Devizes and it takes about 7 minutes by car to reach the beautiful village of Avebury...

ooooerr...look another one of them there crop circles...

There are also quite a few of these lovely things to spot too..

We can just about see a leg from our house...and it was lovely last night, as even though we had been at work all day, we still managed to go for a bike ride in the country side along the canal, where I could see a chalk horse.

Its mad, I haven't been able to go for a bike ride after 'school' since I was 10 years old...seriously. We lived in a suburb of Bristol until recently, we were on a hill, and there wasn't really any where to cycle too, unless we cycled for ages...

Don't ya just love the countryside? I do, all I miss now is the sea, but you can't have every thing..can you?

Bye for tonight lovely Bloggy Chums...

Sam and Miss Sue xx

Back again..

2011-07-04T17:09:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers, just a little random post..we have moved, the house is more or less sorted out, apart from the garden, and Miss Sue, adjusted brilliantly...
I will be back with bear making, and photos shortly!
I will leave you with a little pic of a superhero, beloved to a close friend of mine, who along with his lovely lady helped us out last week..so big thankyou to M and H...xx
Byeeee!
Love Sam xx

and we are off....

2011-06-19T17:23:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers...

Just a quick message to say I won't be blogging for a bit, as we are moving house this week - its chaos here, boxes mess everywhere, and no internet for a bit.

Its funny - I didn't think I would get upset, but I did get a bit tearful today. We have lived in our current house for 10 years, and although I was never really in love with it, I suddenly remembered all the things that happened here, and I can't take them with me.

But I won't miss the memory of sitting in my living room some years ago balling my eyes out, at the thought of going to my HR job locally (seriously one of the worst jobs I have ever had) because a couple of the senior members of staff were absolute witches!

But I will miss silly things really, like my Dad tiling my bathroom. Every time I go in there I think, yep Dad did a good job of that.

The new house, is all made, nothing needs doing at all, I think it might feel like a holiday home to start with.

We have really good friends locally too, just up the road, so I'm sure there will be new lovely memories to make. Plus I hope Miss Sue gets on with the local felines, we had one beautiful cat, chat to us and follow us into the garden today.

I think I'm too sentimental for my own good..

Hope you are all well and happy :0)

Be back soon

Sam and Silkiesue
xx

Middleton Fever!...

2011-06-16T13:54:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers!
Hows u this week? I'm still in limbo - we should hear today if we are moving next Friday..Its weird really, Mr M has taken on most of the burden of organizing things, that on top of his work it has been rather stressful (Weird how people don't reply to emails and phone messages) - but he has handled everything amazingly..well done husband if you read this (Between me and you, I don't think he stops by here that much!) So for me I'm still in a bit of denial that its going on...so to keep my mind off things, I have been looking out for the latest outfits the 'Middleton' sisters have been wearing...can't wait to see Kate and Wills photographs from their tour abroad, I think it happens in July sometime.. Just love it that they wear clothes from the high street!...Wonder if they will go to Wimbledon next week too?
I'll be back soon!!

Byeee!
Samxx

Thrift Shopping Joy..

2011-06-09T20:51:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers...long time no speak?

Well I'm still in limbo at the moment, still waiting to hear from the lawyers about the move date, I think we are in the final stages, so hopefully next week we will have a better idea of when we need to pack up.

Well, I can't really show you any photos of much at the mo (So I have included some little doodles, hope thats ok!)

The house is looking 'lived in', I can't really be bothered to plump cushions any more as we could be out of here in 2 to 3 weeks..so I'm making the most of lounging about!

Since I last popped by my little spot of blogland I have rediscovered something, that I have not really enjoyed for over a year, and thats visiting the local charity (or thrift shops). Up until recently, my local shops, have been well, a little lacking...then I came across some new secondhand shops to stop by on my lunch break...

And I have really picked up some bargins!

As a 30 something, I have in recent years, really lost interest in fashion. I think, for me anyway since turning 30 some 7 years ago, I have really struggled with what to wear, and have been completely uninspired.

That was until 'Middleton Fever' happened, and 2 very elegant, stylish ladies really came on the scene.
Although they are ..ahem a little younger than me, I have to confess that I love all the beautiful clothes that Kate and Pippa Middleton wear, and the majority are from the high street...

So what started as a 'Bag Crush'

Yummy Bristol Modalu Bag!

has turned into something else, and boy have I purchased some bargins this week...I think my favourite was a practically new Zara Grey Cashmere jumper for the grand total of £3.00, from one especially good charity shop in Bath.

So any way dear Bloggers, hope you are happy and well, where ever you are in the blogosphere...

I will be back soon with some more bloggy waffle!

Heres to bargin hunting!!

Love Sam xx

Looks like we are moving!...

2011-06-01T19:44:00.000+01:00

Devizes Castle

Do you like it bloggers?

(Only kidding!)

We we had the news today that we have a mortgage..phewy..so it looks like it is full steam ahead to moving in about a months time to...

do do doooo

Devizes in Wiltshire.

It has lots of locks, and pretty countryside, lovely shops and pubs too! Our new house (which is a brand new house built in the style of an old house) is a 10 minute walk away from the canal. This is why I want a new bike...so I can cycle along the river bank.

Its about as close to Devon, as you can get without the sea...but near enough to work for both of us, Plus you can get to the New Forest in 40mins, and Portsmouth in about an hour and 20mins...near to where I grew up before I moved to North Devon.

Devizes has a lot of history, and more recently has a lot of history to do with World War 2. (I'm looking forward to going to the local Museum)

Our really good chums live near here...in a very old town house...

Theres a lovely old pond too - about 20 mins walk from our new place..

and these are the locks...

and there is an old fashioned cinema!

and apparently Far from the Maddening Crowd was filmed there too!

Well if its good enough for Julie Christie...its good enough for me!

Happy Wednesday Bloggers thanks so much for stopping by!

Love Sam..

PS I just wanted to say a particular thankyou to Jo Jo - who without fail, leaves messages to me all the time, I really appreciate your friendly words xx

PPS...I'm still lusting after the Pippa Bag by Modalu...so if anyone has one they would like to donate to a mad bag lady, I would be ever so grateful :0)

Pint Sized Darth Vader...

2011-05-31T21:34:00.001+01:00

Check this out dear bloggers..

Bloomin brilliant..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0

Especially for you Mr Carter xx

(Love to Mrs Carter too...xx)

and check this out....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM3s37fZZts&feature=relmfu

Random Post part 2

2011-05-31T14:00:00.000+01:00

If we move...fingers toes and all bits crossed! I want a new bike...an old fashioned bike, as our new country home is located in a lovely flat town..and our really lovely friends (Hey Matt and Hannah!!) live about a 25 minute walk away...which I can get to (fingers crossed) by cycling along a canal...
I found this on line..

Do any of you know any where, where I could buy a 'cheap' old fashioned bike on line in the uk?

Thanks so much bloggers - thanks for messaging me I really appreciate it!
Sam xx

Random Post..

2011-05-31T07:57:00.000+01:00

Well I've been awake since 5.30am, gotta take Miss Sue to the Vets to check her out after her funny turn, and cause the poor thing has sore skin too...I get really nervous going...plus the house move is really playing on my mind!!

:0(

So here is a completely pointless post to distract me for a moment..

Random things about me!

I can swear like a trooper..gasp!
I love any thing spooky, ghost stories, haunted houses...you name it!
I have a soft spot for Britney Spears
I'm a mad cat lady..and think that I can speak to cats..seriously!
I have a new mobile called the HTC desire, which in my opinion is the BEST mobile EVER
I love playing on the Xbox
My celebrity husband is Gary Oldman, and second reserve is Michael Fassbender
My favourite TV programme is Community...(funniest tv series from america)
My friends think I'm 'the funny one'
I've never had a problem with having red hair...
I have a flying phobia
I wanted to be in the kids from fame as a 10 year old
I'm a handbag obsessive

Oh and I love Duran Duran

Happy Tuesday Bloggers!

Love Sam

Like the best adverts on UK tv at the mo...

2011-05-30T19:06:00.000+01:00

and its for a mortgage company...

cuteness!!

Heres the link!

http://www.ingdirect.co.uk/home/media/tvads.asp

Love Sam xx

Me...cooking?

2011-05-29T15:34:00.001+01:00

Well, in preparation for our hopeful move..to a house with a much improved kitchen...I have started to
take a 'small' interest in cooking..

I love being as thrifty as I can, and here in the UK - a well known supermarket called Sainsburys is running a campaign at the mo, to feed a family of 4 for £50 a week. (Theres only 2 of us and a spoilt Pussy Cat, but that doesn't matter)

Now I have made a couple of the meals already, and they have made a huge difference to my purse...

But randomly I have just found this website that I wanted to share with you..

http://resourcefulcook.com/

It looks amazing bloggers...check it out!!

Lots of bargain meal plans for these thrifty times!!

Happy Sunday!

Love Sam xx

Lost at Sea..

2011-05-28T13:11:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers ..hows u?

Well I've lost my blogging voice a bit at the mo, lots of things are going on, I feel like I'm lost at sea!

We are waiting to hear about things to do with our move to the country, so I've completely lost interest in my current abode at the moment, and I had a rather stressful weekend last week, which I won't bore you with. But hopefully next week we will hear every thing is ok!

We are part exchanging our house, so we can move without the worry of selling this place, although it is still stressful waiting for the morgage to come through, we've had people coming into look while we are at work, so I was worrying about poor Silkie who is SOOOO nervous of strangers. So I have been squirting Feliway about for her, and in the last month she has decided that her favourite place to sleep in or on is an old sleeping bag I washed one day, she gets in it and sleeps on it ALL the time, and I refuse to move it for the viewings...

And speaking of dear Sue, she had a bit of an episode last night. We think she had an epileptic fit last night, completely out of the blue, which really frightened Mr M (And poor Sue Boo) as she was asleep on his lap, then completely slumped, then suddenly freaked out, twisting and flipping, scratching and panting.

Anyway - we phoned the vets, and she's going in for a blood test Tuesday...I know she's an elderly cat, but I want her with me for as long as possible...cause we love that darn cat ;0)

And I REALLY wanted that Pippa Middleton Modalu Bag - but couldn't justify buying it, so I thought I would sell a few bits on ebay, to fund it...and guess what..they've ALL sold out.

Has anyone got one to sell?

Grrr

Any way - enough of my grumbles...I'm doing some admin for the husband today..but its not all bad - I can watch some films while I'm doing it.

Hope you have a lovely weekend..

And if you have any tips about moving a cat to a new house, I would be very grateful. Sue's going into a cattery while the actual move (Fingers crossed) happens..but any advise would be very gratefully received xx

Love Sam xx

The karate kid - all grown up!!

2011-05-18T19:19:00.000+01:00

I don't know how I missed this - Ralph Macchio aka the Karate Kid was on America's Dancing with the starts!!

I had a HUGE crush on him in 1986 when I watched the sequel...seriously!!

Look at him now!! - 49 years young and boy can he dance!!

Sad thing is he got booted off the show...

I still love you Ralph xxxx

Oh and talking of love...ooooo I have a knew bag crush..

I know, I know - its true I love the Middleton Girlies - especially Kate - she ooooozes style, and her sister Pippa doesn't look too bad either!..

She has been seen with a Modalu Bag...which I covert...hint hint..

Theres a waiting list now - so I would be able to get one for a while...I'm so over Mulberry...well not really don't think that will ever happen!

Happy Wednesday Bloggers

Love the mad bag lady Sam xx

New Toys..

2011-05-16T07:50:00.000+01:00

Stan and little Sue are moving to Texas...

They are very excited, they love the sun you see!

Happy Monday!

TEAM BLUE!!

2011-05-14T08:55:00.000+01:00

Yes...I'm afraid I have a small confession...

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Blue..:0) I will be watching tonight!

Had a REALLY busy week...finished off a little book, nearly finished 2 new toys..pix to follow, and lots of house admin...

I will be back!!

Happy Saturday!

Samxx

Moving !!!

2011-05-11T14:00:00.000+01:00

Well exciting things are afoot...

Well if all things go to plan - Miss Sue, Mr M and I will be living somewhere in the country..in about 6 weeks!
I will keep you posted!!
Sam xx

Warm here today my Bloggy Friends!

2011-05-06T19:55:00.000+01:00

Phew...suddenly got rather warm here in the city of Bath where I work.
Wanted to share with you a really cool website I have just discovered called Pinterest it is literally a digital pin board..where you can search random images...

How cute?!!

How on earth did they get the lil fox to stay still?

The above photo is of a very famous painter..whose name I have instantly forgotten to write down with his kitty!! (If anyone know who he is could you message me?)

Vivienne Leigh and her Kitty..(can u spot a theme here?)

And Jane Fonda...
Sorry as you can see I'm rather in love with animals.....Cats especially !!
Love Sam xx

Hey Bloggers!

2011-05-05T13:57:00.000+01:00

Oooo Royal Wedding related obsession part 2...

Had to put this pix up I found whilst oooggling..don't ya love it!!

Completely lusting after Pippa's Bag too!!
Sorry if I'm ranting about my new royal family obsession...I'm a bit over tired! Things are a bit hectic at the moment..I've been working on a little children's book, and have started making a couple of toys too, plus the full time job..so I'm a bit tired..!!
I always have 'handbag' fantasy's when I'm tired!!
Happy Thursday!
Love Sam xx

Ok..I'm obsessed!

2011-05-04T13:58:00.000+01:00

When I like something, I really like it!!

Since the beautiful royal wedding I'm totally in love with the royal family!!
That's all I have time to write at the mo...just thought I would share that with you...!!
Love Sam (I will be back!)
Oh , and I'm going to resist buying the £6.00 copy of Kate Middleton's engagement ring and fragrance..
Or am I !!
( Its rumored that the fragrance is by Illuminum..White Gardinia Petals!!!)

Royal Wedding - 30 years ago!

2011-04-29T09:33:00.000+01:00

heres a blast from the past, 30 years ago - my costume for a street party on the Saturday before Charles and Diana's Wedding! (I came 3rd in the fancy dress competition!)

Have a good day where ever you are...Oh and I wish Victoria Beckham would smile a bit - she looks soooo miserable! (Just been watching live TV)

..I would be smiling if I had David Beckham on my arm!!...(he weirdly looks a bit like a good looking Ricky Gervais!)

Love Sam xx

Royal Wedding Countdown!!!

2011-04-26T14:00:00.002+01:00

Its rather exciting don't ya think?

Byeee!!

Happy Easter Dear Bloggers!!

2011-04-22T08:25:00.000+01:00

Have a lovely Easter Holiday...my dear Bloggy Friends!!

Lots of Love Sam and Miss Sue xx

Day Trip to the City of London!

2011-04-17T09:47:00.001+01:00

Hey Bloggers...hows you this lovely Sunny Sunday?

Yesterday Mr M and I went to London, for a little day trip. They day flew by, and we literally ran everywhere. I paid the price for having a fun day, by getting the worse headache I have had in years on the way home, plus I had forgotten to take any pain killers...(Something I always carry...) but hey ho, all ok now!

We managed to go to the British Museum, a really cool book shop called Gosh, walked along the embankment, had a couple of beers and an ice cream...then went to the Winston Churchill Rooms..which were AMAZING!

So I took as many snaps as I could...as we were running out of time....and didn't have as long as I would have hoped!

These were the war cabinets secret offices, under the ground. Winston Churchill and his staff lived and slept down here, where it was secret, and because they thought they would be safe, because of reinforced concrete above their heads. Turns out, that if they did take a direct hit from a bomb above them, it wouldn't have saved them...

These rooms were kept safe, no bombs fell on them, and Hitler didn't know it even existed!

We were a little hesitant about going in, as the entrance price was £16.00..but it was well worth it, as there was so much to see, and what was really amazing was that it was as if the people who worked down there 70 years ago, had just left for the day....quite spooky!

Apologies for the lighting...I didn't use a flash, and had to take all the photos quite quickly!

There were so many things to look at!

They even had a cat!

The senior members of staff had their own bedrooms..

I have a couple of bed covers like the one above, that used to belong to my Grandmother..(The husband hates them...too granny for his taste!)

Everything is just as it was...letters, pens, telephones..

I'd have loved to have had a closer look...but its closed behind glass!

This is Winston Churchill's bedroom..

I took so many photos, and there were so many rooms to look at...so I would recommend a visit!

Have a lovely Sunday where ever you are...I'm off to paint some pictures!

Love Sam x

Message to Giveaway winners...

2011-04-14T13:57:00.000+01:00

All ted's are now in the post!...Jess I don't know how long Old Bear will take to reach you...maybe a couple of weeks?...
Happy Thursday!

Love Sam xx

Drum roll please.....

2011-04-09T10:04:00.000+01:00

Hey Bloggers!

Hows you?
Here in the UK the sun is shining...I must get outside today...(don't forget suncream...!!)

Anyway - thankyou all for leaving messages...now I had a quick chat with the old toys..and they have decided as they all have email addresses and can keep in touch like that, they don't mind going off to new homes individually. To be honest they have spent so much time together in one of my old baskets, that I think there has been a bit of squabbling..:0)

So here goes...winners chosen at random, with a random number generator thingy...

Ted..

Fraggleemma

Panda...

Rose a petis pois

Old Bear...

Teddybearwednesday

and lastly

Rabbit...

Rose & Bird

Could you all email me your full name and addresses and I will get the toys in the post to you next week!

samneville@blueyonder.co.uk

(I just wanted to say also that these toys are very old and not suitable for small children...)

Thankyou so much again for leaving posts...I wish I had an old toy to send to all of you!

Enjoy your weekend!

Love Sam xx

Vintage Toys Adoption Giveaway!

2011-03-31T19:57:00.001+01:00

Well here is the 'little' gang...normally I keep everything, but as I am being really strict with myself about
hoarding things...I have decided to put these 4 friends up for adoption for free.

They do need a clean, possibly restuffing... a bit of darning - maybe a new nose or a jazzy ribbon.....

(They do not smell musty at all)

The panda has a crunchy texture, so does the bear next to her, I think she is made of sheep skin. The big old Ted is jointed and has lost all fur, and the rabbit feels like she has wood wool in her too.

I don't EVER give old toys away, but because these old friends will have to be wrapped up and put away when we 'fingers crossed' put the house up for sale, I would much prefer they go to live with someone, who can put them on an old chair, or bed so they can watch the world go by.

They have obviously been loved and lost by someone once, and I think they must be between 60-70 years old...

So all you have to do is leave me a message.....saying why you would like them

I will post worldwide, and will pull a name out in a week!!

Bye for now

Sam xx

PS...If you would like one particular toy I will try and figure that out too..just leave me a message :0)

Emma Bridgewater seconds sale..link here!!

2011-03-30T21:52:00.000+01:00

Had to share this with you dear bloggers..

Goulds on Line

Quite a few half price 'seconds' free delivery if you spend £20!! 2 weeks left!

Bought a few bits today...going back for a second look!

Happy hump day!

Sam xx

Hello there Bloggers..and a possible giveaway...

2011-03-27T11:17:00.000+01:00

How you all doing...

Well I have been struggling to write anything remotely interesting lately to be honest so forgive me for my wafflings :0)..

I have purchased my first and only Emma Bridgewater mug..I painted a picture for a friend and she gave me an amazon voucher..

I hate to admit it, but my coffee/tea tastes better!!...it does really!

I have also nearly dismantled my boxroom studio...all my bits and bobs are in plastic boxes as I have decided to turn it back into a bedroom, as we are hoping to put our house up for sale in the future.

We really want to be near some really good friends who live in Wiltshire, and live much more in the countryside, so bye bye desk.........bye bye craft room...

I am obsessed with old movies and movie stars...and have decided to collect biographies...I have already read Liz Taylor and Richard Burtons...so I'm on the hunt now for Doris Day's...(Apparently she lead quite an interesting life, and was a bit of a part animal!)

Now going back to my massive clear out I am thinking of doing a giveaway...I have too many old toys sadly. I never throw toys away, and if I see any looking sad and forlorn I always rescue them.

So I was wondering if anyone would be interested in adopting a small group of old friends who have seen better days...

They do need restoring/washing/restuffing...and I think they are very old....so before I formally advertise my giveaway..let me know what you think?

I don't really have the room to display them at the moment, the only thing is, is that I would like them to go all together to a new home...There are 2 bears, a panda, and a rabbit... as they have always been together...

And if nobody wants them, I will keep them, so don't worry...

Let me know?

If I get any interest I will pop up a giveaway (I will post anywhere)...

Now bye for now bloggers!

Love Sam xx

R.I.P Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T13:41:00.000Z

Very sad to just hear that Elizabeth Taylor has passed away...I have always been in love with her and Richard Burton. I hope they meet up again somewhere..

A favourite candid photo of them...I love Richard's giggly face..I wonder what they were laughing at?

Thanks Bloggers!

2011-03-17T20:30:00.003Z

Hey there..

How are you all this spring Thursday?

Firstly I wanted to say thankyou for the messages regarding my new obsession..Emma Bridgewater...

The above is what I would like my kitchen to look like!! I wanted to give a mention to Sian...she left me a message about the brilliant Dunelm Mill, which sells lots of really cheap things for the home, then oops...look what my husband bought us..

Two of these really well priced 1930's chairs...yum! YOU MUST, check this WS out...really well priced homey things seriously! There is some especially lovely pottery that looks like old cornishware..

I was also told to check out Past Times too..(I always loved that shop)

Check this mug out...£6.00...ooo I love a bargin!

Little Teacup 2nd from the right, has arrived safe and sound in Russia..all of the above toys have all found nice new homes now, apart from Lucy the Fox, who has asked to stay with me...I couldn't say no!

Oh and something else came home with me too yesterday...thanks to my friend Ag for some vouchers, and a little pot of savings from my sewing escapades, I saved up for this lovely bag ..

I think I have also got another little children's book to work on, and a couple of other possible projects in the pipeline, so I will have to keep you posted on what I am up too...plus I might have to get the ole sewing machine out again...If my colouring in projects come off, I might be a little house bound for a bit!!

So I'll be back again - hopefully over the weekend, with abit more waffle..

THANKYOU, for stopping by!!

Love Sam xx

New Crush Mrs Bridgewater..

2011-03-12T19:42:00.000Z

ooooo I have a new 'thing' I'm obsessing over..

and her name is Emma Bridgewater...

I blame my husbands best friends girlfriend...a while ago she told me she has spent rather alot of her hard earned pennies on EB pottery (she works very hard and deserves it I can assure you!) and she showed me her collection...and I have been quietly obsessed since.

But seriously Mrs Bridgewater...how expensive are your wears? The half pint mug above is about £18...yes it is beautiful...but come on!

So here is a little blogland plea..now I know you bloggers love a bargin! Has anyone stumbled across any cheaper lookalike versions on the highstreet anywhere...I don't expect to find handpainted birds on mugs..but anything similar to the spots and hearts..if you could let me know I would be really grateful.

I thought I could buy a couple of real EB bits and muddle them in with cheaper bits and bobs if you know what I mean!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Happy Saturday

Love Sam xx

Cat Portrait...

2011-03-11T13:29:00.000Z

For a friend..

Happy Friday..Love Sam xx

Hey Bloggers..

2011-03-10T13:29:00.000Z

Hows you today? To be honest I'm in a bit of a creative dry spell. I had a lovely few days back in my home town in Bideford, North Devon. (I would LOVE to live there) But now I'm back all my creative energies have gone poof. Although I busy in the day job, I love pottering and painting in my own time, but just lately it feels like I've been churning out so many things that I have run out of fuel! So maybe I will have to get the ole sewing machine out again at the weekend - or go for a MASSIVE walk. I also did the fatal thing of looking at other folks blogs...and thinking to myself, oh my goodness, how do they do all that...or how brilliant are they at painting?...I must point out that I don't feel down at all, just bored!

Anyway, I will post some nice pictures up of Devon for you to see...I do love it there :0)

Hope you are having a good week, hopefully I will be back soon, with some new creative energy!

love Sam xx

evening bloggers!!

2011-03-02T20:56:00.000Z

Ooo where has the week gone?

To be absolutely honest I have been feeling a bit bored and restless at the moment. I feel as if I'm in a kinda groundhog day...work, sleep, work sleep...with nothing much interesting going on!

But, enough of that...look can you spot Stanley - he has moved to Russia and looks as if he has lots of new chums!!

And the good news is that another bear I have made called Teacup is off to join him too!!

Teacup and Lucy the Fox

My Mr M, also bought me a genuine signed photo of one of my favourite actresses..

Do you recognise her?...

I will give you a clue..Halloween...
She sits on my desk for good luck!!

Any way dear bloggers - I'm off on my own to see my folks for a few days...so I will be back next week!!

Take care!!

Love Samxx

Help Bear Makers - aging Fur...

2011-02-21T18:55:00.000Z

Hey bloggers..

Just a quicky little ask really..

Can anyone advise me on the best way to 'rough up' my toy Bagpusses fur? Its a man made fur, not like
the lovely mohair you can get?

Basically I want him to look 'roughed' up like the original...

Any tips would be very appreciated!

Thanks!

Sam xxx

2 posts on a Sun?

2011-02-20T21:01:00.002Z

Ooo I've gone all 1970s again..no surprise then...and its toy related...

THE REAL BAGPUSS in the Rupert Bear Museum UK

I have ALWAYS loved Bagpuss, maybe thats why I love cats and old things so much. Just before christmas when it was really REALLY cold, Mr M bought me a (now forgive me this sounds slightly rude :0) a Bagpuss warmer...(Titter titter)

Anyway...its basically a slightly smaller than the real thing Bagpuss plush with lavender weighted beans inside that you microwave instead of a hotwater bottle. Now of all the Bagpuss toys and bits and bobs you can get, this one looked the best, as I think most mass produced toys look well rather naff.

But I never really fell in love with him...even Silkie sniffed him and turned her nose up..hes just been sat under my dressing table out of view....

THEN I had a brain wave...hes just needs a bit of well tinkering with...his fur needs roughing up and he needs glass eyes and a glass nose, and whiskers...!

So I have done a bit of shopping on the tinternet...and thanks to one of my favourite bearmaking supplies I have ordered a few things to make Bagpuss - look more like the real bagpuss...!!

So I will keep you posted..hope it works..

Nighty night bloggers!

Love Sam xx

Clangers and Cozies!

2011-02-20T13:30:00.000Z

Well...I have been having a bit of a crafting weekend..it was long over due..!!

To start off with a couple of years ago, my mum knitted me a clanger from the original pattern that was actually used on the 1970s tv show.

But its been sat in my knitting bag since then - as I was never happy with the colour - too bright pink..
But I happened apon an some info on the WWW, and apparently they dyed the wool in tea..

So I'm hoping to fiddle about with my clanger this week, currently in the airing cupboard drying..

I have also purchased a new sewing machine.

My previous...'mini' sewing machine broke twice, and as lovely as it is, my 'foot crushing' far too heavy old sewing machine is well...far too heavy. Its that heavy if you dropped it well...its too horrible to think about...so a nice sensible fairy light sewing machine is now on my desk and has been used to make an IMAC cozy for my good friend Ag..

Its sews like a dream..

And heres a little pix of Ags Owl IMAC cozy

Hope she likes it...Ag loves the colour red..

I also received my Doggie from Northfield Primatives...Beautifully made, and such a reasonable price considering all the hardwork that went into making him.. Go on bloggers treat yourself!

Stanley my Mohair Doggy that I made reached Russia safely...he has gone to live in Moscow...can you believe it?...He was very excited about it :0)...Between me and you he found living in the west country far too boring..!

Right I'm off...bit hungry...and I'm so in the mood for watching old movies at the moment...

I watched Yield to the Night this morning..with Diana Dors

Its a tale of Murder Love and Revenge..you can watch it on the internet.

I blubbed my way through it I have to admit!..

Have a great Sunday Bloggers...don't work too hard, or do too much house work!!

Love Sam xx

A Valentines for youxx

2011-02-14T17:04:00.002Z

Cats and their routines..

2011-02-13T07:36:00.001Z

Here I am on a rainy Sunday morning at 7.30am sat in the dark in my living room, as Miss Sue has a routine..I swear she is like a furry alarm clock!

Ma oooooooo...MA OWWWWWWWW MAAAAAOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW...(It gets louder as she has twigged that the bathroom acts as a sort of microphone, and I forget to shut the door!)

Play with me, she moooos...

I want to go out...I don't want to go out...
Yes I do want to go out and look for Sky, a neighbours cat who Miss Sue just cannot tolerate.

MaOWWWWWW...now I need a wee....MAOOOOOOOOWWWW

But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Happy Sunday Dear Bloggers!

Samxx

I Love Doggies too!

2011-02-07T22:01:00.000Z

I have been looking at these lovely dogs for ages on the Northfield Primitive Blog and well
I just clicked purchase!!

Isn't he adorable - I have a little stack of vintage suitcases he will be popped on...in the front room!

Oooo dontya love crafty bloggers? and I have to say such a good price to boot too!

Have a good Monday dear Bloggers!

Love Samxx

I love Cats

2011-02-02T18:54:00.000Z

Its a fact....happy hump day!

Love Sam xx

Introducing Stanley...

2011-01-31T19:51:00.001Z

Why hello there little Pup!...where did you come from...?

How do you do, its a pleasure to meet you too!..

Now theres no need to be sad..I'm sure you won't be alone for long :0(

But you are quite happy and warm...and like to snuggle up on a big bed..

Well young Stanley you just stay there...for now!!

Stanley is made from 100% mohair, fully jointed with cotterpins..stuffed with Kapok and a few little glass beads for a nice texture..made from my own pattern, (He is a relative of Hamish..another toy I have made) He is a lovely warm auburn colour...which I think suits him very much. (A little bit different from Stanley no.1)

Stanley is hopefully moving to Russia, he would like me to tell you that he is really looking forward to living abroad! But for now he is happy to stay snoozing on my bed!

I will be back again shortly - just a mad busy work week last week dear bloggers!!

Be back soon!

Love Sam xx

Diaries and Stanleys and Cliff...

2011-01-22T13:31:00.001Z

PSHey Bloggers

Hows you this fine Saturday - well I'm pottering about today..Mr M is flying home from seeing is family..and between you and me and blogland - I am still in my PJ's..:0)

Well I've nothing pressing work wise to do at the moment, but I am starting to make a Stanley for a lady called Olga...

Heres Stanleys bits...

I might start sewing him up this afternoon...

I'm also still fiddling about with my other obsession...filofaxes..so I'm pulling all my old ones apart, and filing away old notes and things I have collected over the years.

One blogger asked me why I love filofaxes so much.

Well I have always been into - organising - even when I was small. I love having everything in its place, whether its my artwork, or cupboards, well anything really.

So for me filofaxes are a portable filing system - plus you can customise them, cover old ones, use them as scrapbooks..and the more used they get the more I love them!

You see I always have lists too...films I want to watch/buy (I love old movies) things on ebay to look for...at the moment I want a vintage saddle bag, and some old pretty pyrex bowls for my nice new fridge.

And theres music to get - I have a massive range of music I like - some I won't admit too! (Guilty pleasures...Cliff Richard 1970s...ooopps it slipped out!)

Plus theres my boring work schedule too - could be without my diary for that!

I have also got a lovely Emma Bridgewater calendar, which is brilliant too - just in eye sight at my desk..

Well - I'm off for more pottering!
Have a great Saturday!

Love Sam xx

PS...I must point out that its a very narrow point of Cliff Richards career that I like - Devil Woman...wired for sound...and ooo duets with Olivia Newton John!!

Byee!

Sewing and Diaries...

2011-01-20T22:23:00.000Z

Bit of a random post this one dear Blogger..ooopps sorry how rude of me..

How are you?

Ok?

First off the sewing machine will be coming out again this weekend, as I have been asked to make a 'Stanley' ...theres a picture of him here on the side bar...

Here is the first bit..

Get all his 'bit and bobs' marked out.. then chop chop chop!

Now I did treat myself to something recently...I have another guilty pleasure...Nope its not all cats and handbags here...

I LOVE FILOFAXES..

Yup I'm obsessed..

I have a little collection..some old..and recovered...and I have a new baby now..

Why hello there you lovely thing you...and yes you have lots of new inserts for me to play with!!
A personal sized leather filo - in the WHSmith sale...YUM Yumxx

I shall have fun writing in you!

Nighty Night - off for a glass of vino - and a bit of an old Miss Marple film too...

Love Sam x

Working with a Cat...

2011-01-15T19:30:00.000Z

Can't get much better..trouble is I can't always always reach the paints..

But I love it when Miss Sue sits and watches with me!

Happy Saturday!

Love Sam x

Vintage cook books...

2011-01-11T22:29:00.002Z

Hey Dear Bloggy Chums..

Hows you today?
Well I'm back in the swing of work - and I have to confess I'm missing the warm fuzzy feeing of the christmas period....even though this year I was getting rather anxious about the pressure of it all..

During the break although I was working from home on my freelance work, I really enjoyed myself - especially due to all the old Christmas Telly I found to watch and a bit of the new too! You see in my little home office - I have a spare old monitor of Mr M's so I can have TV on as I work - even if I'm just listening I enjoy it. Plus Silkie has now decided that she likes to sit on my lap too...Oh how I miss my dear Cat on a normal work day when I have to go into work!

While I was at home I enjoyed watching Sue and Giles Christmas Special - Living the Good Life..

Clip Here

Sue is a Comedian/Writer Telly person and lovely Giles is a food Critic...(Slight crush alert!)
Hes posh and funny fatal combo as far as I'm concerned...any hoo..I digress,

This programme reminded me that I love all things 1970s...and I really love nostalgic cook books from the 70s too, even though I don't really cook!

Now you'll never see me here on blog land sharing cooking tips like dear Fanny Craddock above...there are plenty of Oooober bloggers that do that...

But you will find my witterings, pictures and general woffle leaking out of my head - with a dash of crafting and nostalgia....

I have recently purchased the above cook book, which is witty and retro, written by Len who invented the Harry Palmer character, portrayed by Michael Cain...(I must point out that Len was also a bit of a graphic designer and illustrated his cooking tips for a UK Newspaper)

Now although its written for a 1960's bachelor...I thought it was brilliant - especially the section about having a party and organising a mini bar......

I will have one..one day...like out of Mad Men - just like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burtons Bar in their house..

What parties must have gone on here?

I also discovered my forgotten love of ...

Morcambe and Wise, a beloved comedy team from the UK, most famous in the 1960's and 1970's..

To be honest, their humour passed me by as I was a little young at the time - but watching them now, as a 30 something - I just love em!

Anyway - I will leave you with a little sketch - there will be some more toy making too - as I have just been commissioned to make a Stanley Dog...

Night night!

Sam xx

Dear Mr Simon Le Bon..THE BEST NEW ALBUM ALERT!

2011-01-09T20:20:00.000Z

As I'm sat here working away - I am listening to THE BEST album I have listened to for YEARS!!

Do baby animal illustrations and Old School Pop go...

YEAH BABY!!

ALL YOU NEED IS NOW - is the albums title...they sound just like they used to when they recorded Rio...

Amazing...If you and the boys want to pop over please do...I'm sure my Husband wouldn't mind!

Love Sam xx

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

2011-01-06T22:47:00.000Z

How did I miss this?

DURAN DURAN have a new album out!!!

I have literally been rocking out in the bathroom to their new single...All you need is now...

Oooo lovely John Taylor...ooooooooooo

I love you!!

I feel 12 again...

I had posters of them all over the place...

Right I'm off to I tunes...that Album will be mine..

Take that? bah...

I'm a duranie!

Sam xx