Glorious Glamping - Patchwork Project

Wow what a weekend had by all.  The Isle of Wight did not disappoint and the wonderful weather really helped.

We stayed at a  beautiful campsite near Ryde called Whitefield Forest.  The facilities were amazing and very clean.  All electric pitches are allocated at  Whitefield Forest and seperated by gravel pathways, which limited the mud and mess.  There was an eclectic mix of tents, caravans and camper vans.  I would highly recommend it to anyone taking a trip to the Isle of Wight.

We had two evenings in Cowes with some good friends.  We have never been to Cowes before.  We will definitely be going again.  Such a festival atmosphere, with live music, boutique shopping, drinks and ice creams.

On our last day in Ryde, before hitting the sandy beach we had a mooch around the shops.  Ryde is very much like much of the Isle of Wight, quite an old fashioned, old school, british seaside resort.

However, spread out up the high street hill, we discovered a number of hidden gem boutiques.

My Top 3

Crocus Interiors

Simple the most beautiful quaint shop selling everything from homewares, baby clothes and toys,  paint, fabric, wool.  

Cloth and Comfort

Very cute and quite small quilting shop, stocking American fabric as well as american treats, such as Hershey's chocolate.

Chic Antique

A very chic furniture shop blending the old with the contempory, stocking furniture and other household treats.

On a slightly different note, my next project is a Patchwork Quilt for our future Glamping trips.  I stumbled across some perfectly themed fabric the other day from Fabric Rehab which will be the start of my patchwork.

So imagine my delight when I stumbled across these beautiful fabric samples in both Crocus Interiors and Cloth and Comfort.  How apt to add fabric to the patchwork from places we have been camping.

I look forward to keeping you up to date with the patchwork progress.

Nice to see you again.
Xxx.

Camping or Glamping - The Essentials List

This week we are off on our first camping trip of the year.  We are so excited, if not a little apprehensive as always, weather permitting!

This time we have decided to on the Isle of Wight.  We are joining some friends who are currently enjoying the delights of Cowes week.  

I have not been to the Island since I was a young child, but I have very fond memories.  I am especially looking forward to going for Cowes.  An added bonus is that it is my birthday on Friday and it appears that the regatta has decided to celebrate with me, I love a good firework party.

I love camping!  This surprises me each time I say it, what follows are flash backs of stressful packing, forgetting things, erecting a tent in wind and rain, the cold, the wet, the mud, the air bed, only a few hours sleep, horses invading stealing food, bugs and creepy crawlies.  

But I really do love Camping.  I think it is the freedom of a camping holiday I like, stripping back to the bare minimum, low level distractions, time to relax, talk, listen and laugh.  Last year we brought an eight birth Gelert Beyond Meridian Tent, which comes with it's own carpet and porch.  I love saying that too!  It is fab and will be our home for 3 nights and 4 days.  

So while I have been sorting through all the camping gear I thought I would share with you The Essential List for successful Camping or Glamping.

Camping Essentials

1. Tent
2. Tent Pegs and Mallet
3. Airbed, pump and bedding
4. Table and chairs
5. Gas stove and gas and/or BBQ
6. Torch with spare batteries
7. Washing up bowl, washing up liquid, cloth and tea towel
8. Plates, bowls, saucepan and/or frying pan, cutlery, cups, knifes, tin opener, chopping board, kettle
9. Bin liners, kitchen towel, dustpan and brush
10. Cool box and freezer packs
11. Matches 

Glamping Essentials

1. Duvet, blanket and pillows 
2. Table cloth 
3. Servettes 
4. Bunting
5. Candles 
6. Deck chairs
7. Bog in a bag or a Go girl
8. Mirror
9. Electric hook up (hairdryer)
10. Sheepskin rug

I would love to hear what you pack in your Essential List for Camping or Glamping.

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Fashion Friday - Rain Rain Go Away

Well I have to admit I have struggled to be inspired for Fashion Fridays recently as I am having daily wardrobe malfunctions, as I struggle every morning with what to wear for this out of character season we are experiencing.

So if you can't beat it join it!  So here is this weeks Fashion Fridays.  My current wish list for the rain.

• Topshop

• Frill Trim Mac by Annie Greenabelle**

• £89.00

• Miss Selfridge
• Navy Frill Front Mac Coat
• £65.00

Jack Wills Denison
£139 reduced to £89 

Penfield Rochester Zip Through Jacket

£85.00 
NOW £51.00

Joules

 Printed Wellies

£36.95

Cath Kidston 

Royal Rose Birdcage Umbrella

 £26.00 

Well lets hope that very soon Fashion Fridays will feature a number of recommendations for our Indian Summer!!!

We are off camping in two weeks so whatever happens I will make sure I am prepared!

Nice to see you again.
Xxx