Through the garden gate

I bet that you can guess where I went by just looking at the next couple of photographs. Come with me through the garden gate.

Don't the props give you a clue?
And the colour of this lovely gate?
I bet you guessed that we visited the holiday cottage of Beatrix Potter - Hill Top. It was lovely. We managed to miss the bus load of Japanese tourists (of which there are literally millions in the lakes) and it was fairly quiet and atmospheric when we got there. I wasn't allowed to take photographs inside which was a shame because everything inside was original and had belonged to Beatrix.
I was just a teensy bit disappointed as I had imagined it to be more remote than it was, but it is still in a very tranquil spot and there are lots of gorgeous walks round about. I'd love to do more of this area at a later date.
We wandered around the garden for a while.

One of the house guides showed us the house she bought when she married her husband. Its only just across the way.
It's a beautiful looking place and owned by the National Trust still, but lived in privately by custodians. She still owned the farm even after she bought this bigger place and would pop across to write there. If you ever visit, you must remember to book a timed ticked which I believe you can only do on the day of your visit.
We also paid a visit to Hawkshead whilst we were in the area (on the recommendation of Lyn at Everyday Life) - such a charming village with a million and one cafes! (I could see why you like it Lyn!!) The building below is where Beatrix Potters husband had his solicitors office and now houses a collection of her original paintings.



We had a coffee and cake stop in the square, but couldn't sit for long as it was just too hot! Plus I had a load more to see !

Climb every mountain

The reason we had chosen the Lake District for our mini break was that hubby fancied a bit of hill walking - with me tagging along. Because we didn't want to use the car very much, we chose to walk from Bowness up to Windermere, and walk up and around School Knott - about 7 miles in total.

The walk was as you can imagine extremely picturesque.
And luckily, it was a very steady climb up around the back of the hill.
We were rewarded at the top of the hill with a gorgeous "tarn" where we sat watching the antics of hundreds of toads!
It was truly beautiful and so silent.

Then, just over the hill was the summit.

I so wish I had a better camera, because the view down to Lake Windermere was absolutely gorgeous. We sat and ate our lunch declaring it one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Eventually we descended down back to ground level.

And sat and cooled our feet in the crystal clear stream.
And rewarded ourselves at the first pub with a beer garden that we could find! Well, we deserved it.

Morecombe Bay

Well done! We have indeed spent a lovely few days at Lake Windermere in Cumbria. On our way up, we stopped off at the Midland Hotel in Morecombe - somewhere I've wanted to visit since its refurbishment by Urban Splash (the company that are doing up the flats in Sheffield)


I wasn't disappointed - the hotel is a fabulous art deco building and looked magnificent against the backdrop of so much blue!
Inside, the architecture makes you feel very much like you are on a ship.

After a swift cuppa, we strolled along the pier outside which overlooks Morecombe Bay.


We stood and watched the tide race in before we resumed our journey.


So much blue!

A lovely break

Hubby and I managed to snatch a 3 day mini break away. I can honestly say that I literally enjoyed every minute og the last 3 days - it was perfect in every way. Can you guess where we went?

This was the view from our hotel bedroom - I couldn't take my eyes of it.

We called here on our way to there!
The weather was amazing - I cannot believe I sat in my swimming cozzie getting a tan in the UK in March!

Answers on a postcard - and prepare for a few days of photograph overload! xx

Play Day

I had great fun today at the wonderful studio's Hope & Elvis. We were taught how to make delightful free stitching pieces by the ever so talented (and patient) Janet Clare.

As well as a delightful play day, I got to have a meet up with some of my bloggy buddies. A day spent with the oh so chuchy Lyn from Everyday Life is always so perfect. She pinched my cheeks Michela!!
And conversations with Two Bones Deb are always a bit on the wrong side of bizarre, we are so on the same wave length!!! (gorgeous fringe by the way!). It looks like Louise is chasing you Deb!
I was so proud of my almost finished piece. I had never tried this kind of sewing before and am thrilled to find I can do this on my machine at home too. When I have finished it, I'm going to frame it.
I loved Lyn's piece - she is so creative and whipped this up in no time.
I also took another friend Lynn B along (for her birthday present) and she produced this great cushion cover. It features her son, his girlfriend and their huge dog. I think that they will love it.
Everyday Lyn also started this smaller piece - so pretty.
I took photographs of some of the other pieces produced by the other ladies who attended - I don't think any of us had done this before.
I loved this by Two Bones Deb who made this for her mum - featuring the house where they used to live.
And this piece was stunning. The fabric, texture and sewing all so beautiful.
I love Louise's studio. I love sitting and creating and being inspired by wonderful tutors and fellow creators alike. I love rummaging through the vintage fabrics to find the right pieces and coming home with something that well may become a family heirloom.
Many thanks Ladies for such a perfect day.