RHS Chatsworth Flower Show

I am at home in the countryside and I think there is something really nice about summer when flowers are blooming and everything is as green as it can be. Which means I was pretty happy a couple of weeks ago as I wandered around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth at its first RHS flower show.

There were prize winning gardens, natural installations, and blow up greenhouses. There were dozens of cacti and some of the most intricate plants I've ever seen including an allium called 'Art' - a simple and apt name!

The weather was a mixed bag. I started the day in layers, put my hair up against the wind and a scarf on, and then by the end of the day I had shed almost all of it and was having my first ice cream of the summer!

Below are a few snaps I got from the day.

I think my favourite part of the show was the giant greenhouse. It was a blow up dome based on The Great Conservatory that used to be in the grounds of Chatsworth. Heated by coal it was demolished after World War 1 as the cost of it became too much and they didn't have the man power to run it. I was completely inspired by beds full of striking white striped leaves and all the vivid reds and oranges. 

It was a chance to spend time with two of my favourite people in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth, and with food trucks, coffee and live music too it was a pretty nice way to spend a day!

Have a lovely weekend!

Katie 

A Weekend in Sussex

Last Bank Holiday I went down to Sussex for a weekend away. It is somewhere I haven't spent a lot of time but now I would  like to go back! The area where we stayed was beautiful cottage after beautiful cottage. The village had a green in the middle of it and more than one pub. We had do-it-yourself quesadillas one night. The chicken came sizzling on a skillet.   

Petworth 

On the first day of our weekend we went to Petworth House. For a weekend that saw us hiding from the rain for a chunk of it we got lucky with blue skies and fluffy white clouds. A cup of tea, a look around the house (renowned for its art particularly the Turners) and a visit to an exhibition of Sky's Landscape Artist of the Year was topped off with a wander into the grounds. 

Little Hampton

The second best thing to a beach in the sun is a beach on a grey, windy day. It all looks a little moody and you can wrap up like Michelin Man! Trust me I did. It was so blustery that as I rearranged my scarf I was overwhelmed and got lost in it.  

Not exactly a vibrant day at the beach but I'll always enjoy a wander down to the water or a walk along a very British promenade.

This 'bench' seemed to run the length of the beach with coloured panels all along it and a couple of these installations too. 

Weald and Downland Living Museum

It is always interesting to see a snatch of history in this way - with buildings from all different eras. I don't think I've been to a museum like this since I was a child so it was nice to go back now I'm older. However the child in me couldn't resist making a wish and blowing away the clock of a dandelion. There was a meadow filled with them and a small lake with adorable little ducklings.

This day was a mess of crazy British weather. I started the day in layers and was down to a t-shirt at one point. That was for a second before the sun slipped behind the clouds and I needed to put a jumper back on. Still with moody clouds and blue skies everything was very vivid.

Getting a breath of fresh air is one of my favourite things to do. I try to do it on the day to day but it is always nice to escape for a few days. 

I hope you had a lovely long weekend. I got a good dose of laughter, friends, family and food. 

Katie 

Lately

I'm taking a moment to appreciate the small things.

At one point last year I decided I wanted to have some plants. I had a couple of succulents and the poor little things didn't make it. I don't think I got the balance quite right when it came to watering! For my birthday earlier this year I was given (entrusted with) a few plants including a lovely hand painted pot of cacti. So far so good!

I first found this recipe for cheese and Marmite muffins when I wanted to bake but someone else was bringing pudding. On the few occasions I have made these cheesy treats they've been met with raised eyebrows. It takes a bite! And after that people are convinced. They've even won over a couple of 'hate it' Marmite people! A note to anyone who is making them - They look nothing like the picture. They look messy but taste good. Make sure you try them warm!

I've really been enjoying listening to Rag and Bone Man while I've been working this week. The perfect accompaniment to creating, admin and ticking jobs off the list!

Happy Wednesday!

Katie

Katie Sarah and The Planets Bend at Fired Works

Last year I told you that my cards were now available in Fired Works. My greetings cards are still available to buy there and I supply seasonal cards for lots of different occasions. I stocked up with some new designs just a couple of weeks ago. Do drop in to say hi and to see the selection!

Marie, the owner of Fired Works, makes some lovely glass items - both decorative and practical - and with summer coming up I thought I would share some of her seasonal creations from last year.  She also makes some lovely pieces of silver jewellery - many of which can be personalised for the perfect present. 

Alongside her glass and jewellery, Marie also sells some items by Jenni from The Planets Bend.

Jenni sells a variety of braided bracelets and druzy necklaces in Fired Works. Fun and colourful for both adults and children alike, a lot of her jewellery can also be custom made with a choice of colours. I decided what colours I would like for myself from the bracelets she had for sale and then bought my own Kumihimo bracelet in purple and blue!

Jenni’s druzy necklaces come in both silver or gold and are made with naturally occurring bright and colourful crystals that have formed over millions of years. 

If you’re interested in finding a card or a gift, pop into Fired Works at 28B Market Place, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, SL9 9DU

Have a good day!

Katie