Church Fete Finds...

Just a quick post today to finally show a few retro kitchen bits and pieces I've picked up recently, some bargain books and a couple of pieces of jewellery sent to me by the lovely Jem of Beautiful Clutter. I popped to a church fete a few weekends ago, and in addition to winning half their tombola prizes I had a quick look at the bric-a-brac stall and spotted this vintage 'Nutbrown' rotary herb chopper. [At least that's what is according to ebay. The woman who sold it to me for 10p seemed to think it was an egg slicer]. I think I bought it remembering that someone collects red-handled kitchen implements - is it you Loo? And if so, do you want it?

Metal fish mould, mini forks for pickles and h'or d'oeuvres and an erm, implement.


Early 80s Readers Digest British nature books

The book stall was worth a rummage too. As well as a few paperbacks for 20p each, I found these beautifully illustrated guides to birds, flowers and trees of Britain. They were a bargain at 50p each, but I'm not sure about the wisdom of using them as 'Field Guides', a trio of hardbacks would be rather a hindrance to any country walking I might be inclined to do. Perhaps proper ramblers think nothing of filling their rucksacks with several kilograms of encyclopaedia.

Finally I found this 'spooky skinny arm' (as Mr FHCS refers to it) in a charity shop in central Croydon. It's currently displaying a trio of bracelets made from a broken vintage necklace (restrung by Jem) and a brooch with a white cabochon stone and marcasite sparkles. Thanks so much Jem. [Do check out her blog, she has beautiful photographs and some lovely finds.] The picture is one from my stash of family photos - and shows Artie and Belle posing together in 1929. I'm not sure exactly how we're related, but I do think Artie is a fantastically dapper chap, I'm loving the hankie and pocket-watch chain, and he is rocking that moustache, eh ladies?

Bella and Edward
Belle and Artie

I've managed to resist the lure of the laptop a little better this week so haven't done quite as much blog visiting as usual, but normal service will no doubt be resumed soon. After all, St Swithun has decreed we're in for another 40 days of rain, so doesn't look like any of us in the UK will be getting out much. I think I'm finally ready to send my swap parcel to the very patient Amy at Blighty Boutique, so I will at least have to brave a trip to the post office. Someone suggested that I try and do a linky post so everyone can share their swaps, so  if anyone has any tips on how to set that up please let me know!

Lakota x

Linking to Flea Market Finds
Magpie Monday

Faith Hope and Giveaways!

Right lovely people, to celebrate winning a blog award, and in the spirit of  getting rid of clutter  thanking my loyal readers, I have a few prizes to offer in a my first ever giveaway! Oh yes, be excited. I have tried to make them vaguely relevant to my posts so far, but sadly all the birthday cake is gone - so I can't offer any black iced sponge delights. Shame. Anyway, here are the three fabulous prizes on offer (open to international readers too)

Two small vintage pyrex jelly moulds so you can start your own collection . Or just stick 'em on a shelf to gather dust.

In honour of my utterly lackadaisical approach to embroidery at craft group; a brand new (but with small tear in back cover) copy of Stitch by Cath Kidston. This comes with everything you need to make a floral purse. And yes, I know I've been rude about the sainted Cath. I don't hate her, honestly, it's just the sight of all her stuff en masse that sets my teeth on edge. I prefer the original items that she ripped off  inspired her. And I'm more rock chick than polka dotty.

The first ever issue of Simply Homemade magazine, the modern day Golden Hands. It has articles on crafts from soap making to stencilling, and has two free gifts - some pretty rubber stamps and a selection of printed papers.

Now onto the rules.
You can enter for any or all of the prizes, but you can only win a maximum of one.
To enter, please follow me publicly by Google Friend Connect (on the right hand sidebar) Then leave me a comment on this post saying which prize or prizes you'd like to win.
For an extra chance, you can follow me on Twitter @FHCShopping and tweet about the competition, linking back to this post, letting me know you've done that as well.
Or you can mention and link to the competition on a blog post of your own - which will also get another entry.
I - or a small child of my choice - will pick the winners on 28th March - Good luck!

I don't think you're ready...for this jelly

No, nothing to do with Beyoncé's booty, just a few additions to my pressed glass jelly mould collection.

Vintage fruit spoon via my Mother in law

The tall turquoise and oval orange were £1.50 each, and the mini red one was 80p. I love these, they make great traditional party jelly. Aren't they great? I'm after a rabbit one next, who can sit wobbling gently on a pile of chopped green jelly 'grass'.

I also picked up this set of 6 French dessert dishes for £3.00. Bargain.

For more Flea Market finds, click here , and for Thrift Share Monday, go here. For the Penny Worthy Project, go here. Also linking up to Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays over this way and thrifty adventures at Pill's Place