Winners giveaway

This is my last post before my family and I are off on holiday. This year we will be staying in The Cotswolds. If you have any suggestions on beautiful villages, castles and gardens, or interesting antique shops and vintage fairs to visit, I would love to hear!

Thank you all for taking part in my give away! I had not expected such a huge response. Especially since the summer holiday is in full swing. To all new followers: a warm welcome!

This time both giveaways will go abroad. The teacups will travel all the way to Russia, to Natasha from the blog Natalia Glazacheva. The Vintage tea book will cross the Noth Sea to Vivienne, from the blog Greenrabbitdesign.

Dear Natasha and Vivienne, will you please mail me your addresses, so that I can send the presents to you? I hope the other ladies and (a few) gentlemen will have more luck next time. There are still some lovely giveaways featured in the sidebar of my blog.

The Sweet Peas in my garden look amazing at the moment: the colours, the heavenly scent..... To me they are perfection itself. 

Wish you all a wonderful summer! I will be back again at the end of August. 

LOVE,

Madelief x

Pashley Manor Gardens

On a sunny day at the end of May, my friends and I visited Pashley Manor Gardens in East Sussex.

Pashley is an award winning garden, with beautiful old trees, a romantic landscape and an imaginative way of planting. All through the garden you can see impressive sculptures.

The Tudor House, that dates back to 1720, is still lived in and not open to the public. I would have loved to see how the inside looked like, but alas! There is a garden room with a terrace near the house, where you can have a drink or snack. When we visited, part of the house was covered in Wisteria. Sitting on the terrace, enjoying our salad, the smell was intoxicating.

The borders were full of tulips in yellow and red and the combinations made with other plants so very pretty

At Pashley it was the first time I saw a bluebell wood. It was absolutely enchanting! It took me back to a 1990s Merchant Ivory film. I think it must have been Howard's End.

Pashley Manor Gardens is worth visiting. When in the South of England, do go!

When you like tea & teacups, don't forget to enter my Vintage tea party giveaway!
On Saturday I will announce the winner.

Wish you all a lovely Wednesday!

Madelief x

Daisies

DAISIES

At evening when I go to bed
I see the stars shine overhead;
They are the little daisies white
That dot the meadow of the Night.

And often while I'm dreaming so,
Across the sky the Moon will go;
It is a lady, sweet and fair,
Who comes to gather daisies there.

For, when at morning I arise,
There's not a star left in the skies;
She's picked them all and dropped them down
Into the meadows of the town.

by Eveleen Stein


I dedicate this post to my uncle and aunt in Wahlwiller. I hope the stars will reach you and bring a smile to your face. Wish you lots of strength. Thinking of you constantly and hoping for a miracle.


LOVE,

Madelief xox

 

Treasure trove

As a lover of vintage porcelain, I am always on the lookout for the best shops in town. Lia's shop House of  Seasons in Rotterdam Kralingen is my favourite! Lia sells a wide range of brands, from Emma Bridgewater, Greengate & Meander to the beautiful stationery by Paperstyle. She has quite a substantial collection of vintage china and tins too. Her shelves are lined with pretty floral teapots, cups and plates. To me Lia's shop is like a Treasure Trove.

So far I did not manage to get out of the shop empty handed. It's the perfect place to buy presents, or find something pretty for your tea in the garden. Like the floral bunting in my last post.

It's always a joy to visit the shop. Lia is a kind hearted woman, who always has a cup of tea ready when visiting. She serves it in a most beautiful Emma Bridgewater mug, which makes it taste extra special :-)

When you haven't met Lia yet, please pop over and meet her at her blog House of Seasons.

Don't forget to take part in my giveaway.

Have a lovely Wednesday,

Madelief x