❤️ We’re really pleased with our new driveway and paths created by @edendrivewaysandpatios. I didn’t want a bright, shiny one, but one that looks like it’s always been there and it definitely fits the brief. We’ve got a bit more garden to play with as the borders are a bit wider so I need to dig out the gravel and put more topsoil and compost in, then the planting can begin. As the lawn is in such a mess I thought I could begin my wildflower ‘meadow’. I use the term very loosely but was given some excellent advice on how to start the process by the wonderful, kindhearted, @dewinaannsmith , so I’d like to plant it in her memory. She’ll never be forgotten and will be missed by so many people ❤️ There are already plantain and oxeye daisies growing in the lawn, along with clover, dandelions, buttercups and daisies, so we’re well on our way! I’m going to give it a mow, scarify it and plant some more oxeye daisies and throw in some poppy and cornflower seeds. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next year. Ruby’s pacing around like a caged tiger waiting for her walk. It’s Steve’s turn today so I’ll get on with the planting while he’s out. There’s a storm forecast this afternoon so better be quick! A downpour will do the garden good and wash away the brick dust. Enough wittering from me … have a wonderful weekend! Hope you spend it doing something that makes you happy 🥰 #garden #gardenlife #home #itstheweekend #jobsagoodun #driveway #jobsfortheweekend #homedays #salvagedhome #erigeronkarvinskianus #wildgarden #wildflowermeadow #gardenplans #summertime #julydays #widn #❤️

❤️ Rhubarb and raspberry crumble for after tea! Isn’t this time of year wonderful? The pantry’s starting to fill up with jam but I’m giving it away as quickly as I can make it. I might try raspberry cordial next, now that elderflower cordial season is done. I’ve a friend calling for coffee and catch up this afternoon so I’ve been tidying up a bit. I set my oven timer for a couple of hours and I got loads done. The whole house needs a really good bottoming to be honest, but that’ll do for now. I’m looking forward to Millie coming home tomorrow … she was supposed to be coming for 4 whole days but her work has messed up her time off and she can only come for one night now … I’m disappointed obviously, but I’d rather have that than not see her at all, and we’ll cram a lot in. My son loved the ‘treasure’ I found for him yesterday! It’s not his birthday until the end of august but I wanted to make sure he liked it as if not, I could sell it on. He loved it and sent me pictures last night of how he’d displayed it all. ‘It’ was a box of 43 Lord of the Rings die cast figures; they weighed a ton! I don’t get it myself, but as long as he’s happy and they’re in his office 😀 Ruby’s telling me it’s dinner time so I’d better go … have a wonderful Wednesday 🥰 xxx #home #homemade #kitchen #countrykitchen #homebaking #handmadehome #countryliving #spotmycottage #homedays #cottagestyle #cottagecore #ilovebaking #widn #sweetpeas #werejammin #dayslikethese #crimblecrumble #summerdays #kitchentabletalk #❤️

❤️ I’ve just got in from seeing my Aunty, I did her shopping and then called in for a chat and a cup of tea. On the way home I went treasure hunting and found something that I thought would be fabulous for my eldest son who has a birthday next month. It was quite pricey but I thought perfect for him, so why am I now having doubts? This afternoon I’m going to clear away all the debris left from having the drive done; I’m dying to put my dolly tubs back in place but have to wait a few days until it all settles then resand. Hopefully it will be ok after that … it looks so bare! I’m hoping that after I’ve done that there’ll be time for a nice cup of tea in Dotty. Do you know, I’ve hardly spent any time in there this year, I’ve been so busy. What a shame, I definitely need to put that right. I just hope that when I open the door, she’s as spick and span as in this photo, but probably not! Yesterday afternoon I foraged for wild raspberries and got about a ton. I can’t believe no one else bothers to pick them. There are also plenty for the birds up high and in the middle. I made another five jars of jam and froze some too for next time. That’s quite enough excitement for one day, Ruby’s demanding her dinner rather loudly, so I’d best be off. Catch up with you all later, I hope you have a lovely day 😘❤️ xxx #today #julydays #summertime #vintagecaravan #spotmycottage #family #love #bigshop #salvagedhome #salvagedstyle #reducereuserecycle #secondhandfirst #homeday #nestandthrive #gatherandcurate #flowersmakemehappy #poppies #vintagesummer23 #caravanoflove #thehousemartins #livingsimply #thesimplethings #momentsofmine #widn #fabulousthriftedfinds #perfectlyimperfect #countryliving #aflowerfilledlife #handmadehome #❤️

❤️ Rainy days and Mondays … ☔️ I’m not going to mention the weather other than to say it’s feeling more like October than July today! It doesn’t matter, I’ve got lots to do inside as I’ve a week off work and am going to sort the house out. My girl’s coming home for a few days soon, so I need to change her room from a storeroom back to a comfortable bedroom! I’ve just brought this pelargonium in from the garden where it was getting battered. I bought it as a houseplant so am hoping it does well; it’s one of those with rose scented leaves and it does smell amazing. It’s still chaos out there, I’m waiting for the drive men to come back and finish off … I’m really pleased with it, they’ve done a brilliant job, but it needs finishing off and I think we need fine days for that. I’ll show you what it’s like when it’s finished and everything’s put back. I’d just like to say how very sad I was to hear that @dewinaannsmith had died recently. What a lovely, kind lady she was ❤️ always helpful and thoughtful and never ever complaining. She’ll be very sadly missed. Sending much love to all her family and friends ❤️ xxx #monday #mondaymorning #brandnewweek #happymonday #widn #july #julydays #homeday #rainydays #rainydaysandmondays #thecarpenters #kitchentable #kitchentabletalk #handmadehome #salvaged #salvagedhome #vintagehome #reducereuserecycle #scaffoldboardfurniture #secondhandfirst #emmabridgewater #spotmycottage #today #gatherandcurate #nestandthrive #simpleliving #countryliving #countrykitchen #cottagecore #❤️

❤️ Thirty four years ago today … and I’d definitely do it all over again xxx #wedding #weddinganniversary #weddingdress #loveandmarriage #ido #vintagewedding #summerof89 #julywedding #bride #ourboy #family #love #weddings #80swedding #husband #❤️

❤️ I had an unexpected free afternoon today as the drive people aren’t coming back until next week now (don’t ask) so I picked up my friend Tracey and we went for a light lunch at The Orangery in Ulverston. Afterwards we had a walk around the Ford Park garden which is a very beautiful, peaceful place where herbs, wildflowers and vegetables mingle gloriously. Of course some plants came home with me; an achillea, a Veronica and some oxeye daisies. I’ve given them a good drenching and will plant them on Saturday. We went the scenic route on the way home and drove past some allotments that were advertising raspberries for sale. I screeched to a halt and did an about turn and managed to purchase 4lbs of them so think I’ll be doing an awful lot of jammin’ at the weekend. Last year I didn’t have any lemons so made it with limes and it was delicious, so tangy, so I’d better get some in. Steve and I have just packed the car as I’m back at Coniston tomorrow after 6 days off. I’ve missed it and am looking forward to working tomorrow. I’ve got lots of lovely things to stock up with. Well that’s all my news, nothing else to report, so I’ll love you and leave you, and wish you all a peaceful evening 🥰 xxx #today #dayoff #summer #summertime #junedays #garden #mylifeinpictures #thesimplethings #ulverston #cumbria #gather #dowhatmakesyouhappy #postitandsmile #botanicalbliss #agranddayout #momentsofmine #countryliving #daysofsimpleandslow #smallbusiness #vegetablegarden #ediblegarden #cottagegarden #wildplanting #flowergarden #flowersmakemehappy #aflowerfilledlife #floral #thursdaythoughts #cottagegarden #cottagegardenstyle #❤️

❤️ The kitchen table … debatably the most important piece of furniture in the home, second only to beds. In my house anyway. We sit at it to chat, to eat our meals, to plan stuff, make things, to socialise and today it’s my workbench. It’s the place children do their homework while their parents get along with making the tea. This particular table wasn’t here when my family were at that stage but I’m sure they would’ve if it had been here. I love that since Steve made me a bigger table I don’t have to clear it when I’m working, I’ve just moved the flowers, the bowl containing elderflower cordial and various other bits and bobs, to the other end. Being a bit thrifty, it didn’t cost us a penny as we used an old table base and several scaffold boards that Steve found propped up in the garden. There are gaps in it and battle scars but I love that and I can scrub it and it won’t tarnish or need any polishing or mollycoddling. I’m going off on one again aren’t I? I’ll try and keep it short … it’s a stay at home day as the drive people have finally arrived (hurray 🙌🏼) and I need to be on hand. There are four of them and it’s taken less than an hour for them to lift all the old bricks and lay sand down, so I’m hoping it’ll be done in a few days. Weather wise it’s grey and damp so I’ve lit a candle, got Radio 2 on and I’m painting some shelves and other small pieces of furniture as I’ve sold some at Coniston and need to restock. A garden day had been planned but plans change don’t they? Hope you have a wonderful day, whatever you’ve got planned 😘❤️ xxx #today #tuesday #transformationtuesday #summerdays #homeday #painting #upcycling #anniesloan #spotmycottage #kitchentable #kitchentabletalk #handmadehome #homemade #summertime #mykitchen #salvagedhome #howihome #thesimplethings #home #nestandflourish #gatherandcurate #thrifty #makedoandmend #useitupwearitout #happyplace #workbench #cuisine #countryliving #countrykitchen #❤️

❤️ I’m going to really miss these frothy scented blooms until they re-emerge next spring. Elderflower season is very fleeting; this year it’s only been for about 3 weeks, but it looks as though there’ll be lots of berries later on. Elderberry cordial is something new I’m going to definitely try this year. We went treasure hunting this morning and afterwards drove along quiet country roads gathering as many of the elusive blooms as possible, as this will be my third and final batch this year. I’ve used @countrylivinguk recipe, just Google it, it’s really easy to do. While hunting for treasure I met a lovely friend @tinknmoo and had a long chat with her. She had some gorgeous things for sale! On the way home we stopped off at the roadside fruit and veg stall, so I’ve a rhubarb crumble to make later on. It’s another really warm day with the threat of rain, so I’m going to get out in the garden before it starts and plant out some that I bought yesterday. I go to a little nursery nearby; the plants are very reasonably priced and well looked after. The inside of it is in a very old greenhouse, with missing panes and shamrock growing along all the edges, but that just adds to its charm to me. I was talking to the man who runs it with his wife yesterday and he’d been clearing a piece of ground there and unearthed a fabulous galvanised tub with a pouring lip. It was oval in shape and as the bottom had rusted away, would make a fabulous raised bed. It wasn’t for sale though 🥲. Enough chitter-chatter from me, these plants won’t plant themselves you know! Enjoy your Sunday whatever you’re up to 😘 xxx #foraging #foragedfood #elderflower #elderflowercordial #homemade #handmadehome #reducereuserecycle #masoncash #spotmycottage #kitchentable #kitchentabletalk #countrykitchen #countryliving #cottagestyle #cottagecore #theforagedhome #homeday #sunday #sundayvibe #easylikesundaymorning #summertime #summerdays #gatherandfeast #nestandthrive #thesimplethings #livingsimply #today #widn #home #❤️

❤️ Taking time out to just potter … it’s been a busy week but I’ve a few days off now and I’m enjoying not having to be anywhere else today. The garden needs a good sort out, there are lots of weeds and instead of deadheading, I think it’ll just be a lot easier to cut the plants right back and hope they’ll flower again. We moved everything from the drive onto the lawn and the drive people didn’t come … hopefully they’ll come this week as promised or the lawn is going to die. I’m thinking though that that could be beneficial in my quest for a wildflower meadow? I’ve probably left it too late to sow seeds this year but I’m still thinking about it! The heavy rain all through the night has meant I can miss watering today and get on with something else. Checking on my mini greenhouse I’ve noticed that my kale has started flowering before I’ve even had chance to plant it out and two snails were having a grand old time chomping through my cabbage plants, which were waiting to go in the raised beds. I think I’ll look for more at the car boot sale tomorrow; will probably be better than trying to grow any more from seed at this stage. The elderflower syrup I made last week is going down really well (@nancy.birtwhistle) but I’ll need to make more before the season ends, so that’s a job for tomorrow. Whatever your plans, have a wonderful weekend, doing what you love 🥰 xxx #saturday #weekend #itstheweekend #weekendgoals #pottingshed #homeday #pottering #handmadehome #thesimplethings #botanicalbliss #elderflowercordial #homemade #intheshed #thesimpleeveryday #livingsimply #countryliving #secondhandfirst #salvagedgarden #vintagegardenalia #gardenalia #oldenamel #country_stilllife #happyplace #widn #summerdays #summerliving #mylifeinpictures #postitandsmile #spotmycottage #❤️

❤️ Phew, I think Ruby’s got the right idea, having a little siesta in Dotty, the vintage caravan. I’d have liked to join her but it’s been a very busy day; as I’ve been at @conistonvintagesummershop for the last two days and I’m back again tomorrow I needed to stock up, price and pack. The car’s all packed ready for an early start. I’m then off for nearly a week so I’ll hopefully get a chance to catch up on the housework and garden. I went looking for wild raspberries today, as this time last year there was a bumper harvest for about three weeks. At the first place there were one or two but didn’t look like there were any more to come and at the other place they were tiny, green and looked very dry. I think it’s probably because we’ve had so little rain recently they haven’t plumped up. I’m really disappointed because I was looking forward to my annual jamboree! It’s not the same making jam with shop bought ones and they’re so expensive too. Oh well, there’s always next year, let’s hope the blackberries are ok. An early night for me, I’ve got a new book to read by a local writer, @authorpaulajhillman and it’s set on ‘my’ island! I’m looking forward to it, and fresh bedding too 🥰 enjoy your evening xxx #mydog #dogsofinstagram #lovemelovemydog #rubyrubyrubyruby #patterdaleterrier #puppylove #oldlady #18yearolddog #vintagecaravan #dottythevintagecaravan #homethoughts #today #summertime #junedays #summerdays #foraging #workingday #spotmycottage #lauraashley #heartandhomehandmade #siesta #afternoonnap #thursdaythoughts #thesimplethings #momentsofmine #love #picoftheday #countryliving #perfectlyimperfect #❤️

❤️ It’s officially Summer and here at @conistonvintagesummershop we’ve got everything you need to celebrate the new season in style. From picnic hampers, blankets, thermos flasks and melamine crockery to beautiful glass sets for your Pimms, we’ve got it covered. We’ve even got a good line in festival attire! Call in and see us (we’re open every day until 1 October) at 15 Yewdale Road, Coniston LA21 8DU. Free entry, cash or card, disabled parking and dogs very welcome 🐶 ❤️ xx #vintage #vintageshop #vintageshopping #vintiquing #genuinevintage #coniston #thelakedistrict #happyplace #secondhandfirst #reducereuserecycle #doesntcosttheearth #savetheplanet #❤️

❤️ Come in out of the drizzle and have a good old browse at @conistonvintagesummershop … we’re open every day from 10am to 6pm until 1 October. Free entry, disabled parking, cash and card payments and of course, dogs are welcome! What are you waiting for? Hope to see you soon 🥰 xxx #vintage #vintageshop #vintageforsale #vintiquing #reducereuserecycle #secondhandfirst #ecofriendly #coniston #conistoninstitute #thelakedistrict #cumbria #whatsonincumbria #❤️