Oh my goodness I can't believe how quickly time is flying by! Since I last wrote, it's been Halloween, Bonfire night and now the next thing you know it'll be Christmas!! The lights on Oxford Street have been switched on and I'm busy booking dates to go ice skating at Somerset House...where has this year gone?
So...Amsterdam was wonderful! Absolutely freezing cold - at one point I was wearing 6 layers! (plus leggings under my jeans!) It was so cold in fact, I had to invest in a 'snood' (half scarf, half hood, brilliant invention) which is currently my staple wardrobe item. (It was leg warmers last winter). In fact I can't stop wearing it (nearly slept in it the other day, though my boyfriend was quick to point out that I may strangle myself in my sleep which was wise). Anyway, back to Amsterdam...
We rented bikes (I fell in love with this spotty one above!) rode a pedalo on the canals, went to a windmill, drank local beer, visited the Van Gogh museum, drank a lot of tea. However, the highlight of the trip had to be...the vintage shops!! We spent hours (much to the shop assistants dismay) trying on clothes, hats, sunglasses and even vintage wedding dresses (which I have to admit was so much fun!) Below is my friend Jess, looking very fetching in an 1970's number...
This weekend, I spent in the deep English countryside - the beautiful Cotswolds - which my boyfriend organised as a suprise weekend break. (Very sweet, but to be honest I was a little nervous as it's usually me who organises our holidays - as to be fair, what do men really know?!) Anyway, I was blown away. The B&B he found was in a tiny village called Painswick which was stunning. This is the view from our bedroom window when I woke up on Saturday morning...
The B&B was crammed full of antiques - you couldn't even see the walls in our room it was so full of paintings and little nicknacks. This may be some people's idea of hell, but it was my idea of heaven! The owners were completely eccentric and self proclaimed antique nuts. (I was given some very handy antique auction hints!) They had left all sorts of goodies in our room - primarily a few bottles of wine, chocolate, biscuits....fantastic. Anyway, it was so nice to get out of the big city and enjoy some country time. I made sure I took a couple of deep breaths of country air to last me a while when back in London :)
I hope you're all well and are keeping warm!!
Molly xx
P.S I know Halloween has been and gone, but I just had to put up this photo below which was outside someone's front door in Amsterdam and I thought it was so cute.
Love this teapot and teacup hanging mobile
This blackboard in an old frame is a great and original idea for a menu!
Love these cupcake pincushions which were being sold at one cafe / boutique
Plus I've also been a tad productive making jewellery with my Mum (who does it for a living) and making some pretty hearts. Hope you like!
How sweet is her Laura Ashley butterfly cake stand?!
As I slowly rolled my way home, I comforted myself in the knowledge that it is the weekend and I will go to the gym next week...
So...Amsterdam was wonderful! Absolutely freezing cold - at one point I was wearing 6 layers! (plus leggings under my jeans!) It was so cold in fact, I had to invest in a 'snood' (half scarf, half hood, brilliant invention) which is currently my staple wardrobe item. (It was leg warmers last winter). In fact I can't stop wearing it (nearly slept in it the other day, though my boyfriend was quick to point out that I may strangle myself in my sleep which was wise). Anyway, back to Amsterdam...
We rented bikes (I fell in love with this spotty one above!) rode a pedalo on the canals, went to a windmill, drank local beer, visited the Van Gogh museum, drank a lot of tea. However, the highlight of the trip had to be...the vintage shops!! We spent hours (much to the shop assistants dismay) trying on clothes, hats, sunglasses and even vintage wedding dresses (which I have to admit was so much fun!) Below is my friend Jess, looking very fetching in an 1970's number...
This weekend, I spent in the deep English countryside - the beautiful Cotswolds - which my boyfriend organised as a suprise weekend break. (Very sweet, but to be honest I was a little nervous as it's usually me who organises our holidays - as to be fair, what do men really know?!) Anyway, I was blown away. The B&B he found was in a tiny village called Painswick which was stunning. This is the view from our bedroom window when I woke up on Saturday morning...
The B&B was crammed full of antiques - you couldn't even see the walls in our room it was so full of paintings and little nicknacks. This may be some people's idea of hell, but it was my idea of heaven! The owners were completely eccentric and self proclaimed antique nuts. (I was given some very handy antique auction hints!) They had left all sorts of goodies in our room - primarily a few bottles of wine, chocolate, biscuits....fantastic. Anyway, it was so nice to get out of the big city and enjoy some country time. I made sure I took a couple of deep breaths of country air to last me a while when back in London :)
I must admit though I did do a tiny teeny bit of 'market' research - literally. Having Googled 'Amsterdam markets' there does seem to be quite a lot to keep me occupied - I particularly like the sound of the Waterlooplein Flea Market a 'unique 300-stall outdoor bazaar' and apparently there is a floating flower market which sounds like fun! Let's hope my friend doesn't mind too much - it might be a case of leaving her at the Van Gogh Museum while I go treasure hunting :)
