Merry Christmas

 
 
To me the last weeks up to Christmas are often among the happiest of the year. I love to decorate our house and the Christmas tree with the girls, do a spot of baking, work my way through a pile of cookery books and magazines on my bedside table, and visit one or two Christmas fairs. It's the jolly songs on the radio too, the magical window displays in the city centre and the lights in the trees and houses, that catch my attention as I cycle through town.

Last Thursday morning, when on my way to the station at six thirty, to catch my train to work, a bearded young man on a bicycle, headphones on, passed me by, singing Rudolph the red nose reindeer at the top of his voice. A moment later I could hear the distinctive sound of sleigh bells ringing..... A broad smile appeared on my face. It's small things like this, that bring happiness, and make the start of a day and the weeks up to Christmas special.

And now, on Christmas Eve, with a Bundt cake in the oven, a mushroom soup simmering on the stove and the girls in front of the telly watching a film, I sit behind my laptop writing this post to you. Before tomorrow's celebrations start and we will all be busy,  I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. I hope you will have a wonderful time with friends and family.

Thank you for visiting my blog too and for  leaving such sweet comments, both here and on Instagram. I very much appreciate it.

Love, Peace and Joy,

Madelief x

Photo's 1, 2 & 3 were taken in Bruges, photo 4 and 5 at the Exhibit 'With love to Audrey' at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, photo 6 to/incl. 12 at the Marienwaerdt Christmas fair. The other photo's were taken at my home. 

 

All things vintage

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Since I was a teenager I have been interested in all things vintage. From (custom) jewellery, porcelain, linen, glassware to fashion. Over the years my collection has grown. I don't keep all the things I find myself, I give them to friends and family as well or sell them at a vintage market once in a while.

Recently I have taken up looking for vintage fashion. It's so much fun to find something unique at a bargain price. The reason I gave it up years ago, was that I often couldn't get rid of the musty smell a lot of pre loved clothes have. I don't want to go out wearing a beautiful outfit, smelling like a damp cellar or someone who hasn't washed for a long time.... 

I tried it all: washing in vinegar, freezing, adding baking soda and all kind of chemicals, but to no avail. Until recently.....  I now soak the clothes in lukewarm water and add a few drops of Dettol disinfectant.

When you leave the clothes to soak overnight, the musty smell is replaced by a 'Dettol smell'. You can easily get rid of this by washing the clothes in the washing machine once or twice. Somehow this did the trick for me. It doesn't work on all material, so please keep that in mind. You have to find out for yourself. Most cottons and synthetic fabric do well. I haven't tried it on silk yet.

My daughters aren't too keen on my new method. It even makes my youngest gag. It reminds them of the time children had thrown up at primary school. Teachers used to clean with Dettol afterwards. So, whenever I use this method, I put my tile on the balcony :-)  

In today's post some of my latest vintage finds: a colourful kimono style blouse by a well known Dutch designer, a German pink/red/blue blouse, a tapestry bag, an orange/black French paisley dress and a yellow/green/orange paisley shirt.

The glassware, porcelain cache pot, jewellery, (botanic) prints and teacups come from Charity shops and thrift stores.

Do you have a method of your own for getting rid of musty smells in fabric?

A Happy week!

Love,

Madelief x

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