I walked down the stairs this morning, and for the first time this year, it just felt like Spring (even though it's not official yet!) ... there was a glimpse of daffodils and the air felt warm ... I just had to record the moment.
March has been very busy so far ... at the very beginning, it was my birthday and I was a very lucky girl, my family and friends know me so well, and I got loads of things that I need and use, but also some lovely things that are just luxurious and lovely to have ...
like two of the new Emma Bridgewater rose and bee mugs Aren't they just perfect? Pretty, robust and with roses on too ... what more could you want ... a bit of cake maybe?
Well, my Millie came up trumps and made me not just any birthday cake, but my childhood favourite cake! Pineapple Upside Down Cake, served with custard ... just the thing you need after a day of celebrating (hic!) with your sister and lifelong friends.
It was Ruby's birthday yesterday she's now 9 years old (63 apparently!) but still acts like a silly puppy ... here she is wearing her lovely new spotty birthday collar.
The chickens have started tentatively laying again, after having a Gap Year (yes, really!) but think they're going to have to pull their socks up a bit ...
A thimble would have been more appropriate, I think!
They've been enjoying the sunshine too, and digging up the beginnings of summer's blooms ... they may be banished from the back garden!
I've been busy upcycling furniture, and as it was such a lovely day, thought while I had it outside, it was the perfect opportunity to set up a photo shoot. I've got some fairs coming up, so it's good to let people know what sort of things you'll be turning up with.
I found this adorable tray on my travels a couple of weeks ago ... do you all remember Betsy Clark? I had forgotten all about her, and then yesterday I found a chopping board. Isn't it strange how you don't see anything for years, and then they all appear at once?
I think that's enough excitement for one day, so I'll love you and leave you ...
Love Claire xxx
Oh Claire i love pineapple upside down cake but haven't had it for years,seeing yours brings back happy memories,happy belated birthday to you and i love your new rosey cup its perfect! i didn't know you had chickens too,how wonderful and yes i do remember Betsy Clark but had forgotten about her too,thank you for the memories xxx
ReplyDeleteOoo Pineapple Upside Down Cake - I haven't had that for years. Yes, there are smiles on everyone's faces and people are walking outside without scarves, gloves and hats. As I was driving home this evening in the sunshine, it was so lovely to look across at the fields of green and yellow and the sky so blue. We are nearly at spring's door! Looking at Ruby I will now have a spot of Ebay shopping to find a spring like collar for my Coco! Enjoy the flowers of spring xx
ReplyDeleteI've been loving the spring weather the last few days, just a shame I've been so busy working! Your furniture looks great! Sun is just fab for doing the photo shoots isn't it!?
ReplyDeleteOoh 'spring has a sprung' Mrs! I sat out side with a cup ~a this afternoon...Glad you had a fabby birthday....LOVE your entrance hall as always...Soo very welcoming...Hugs Maria x
ReplyDeleteHi Claire
ReplyDeleteGreat post, had me smiling cos', I too had my door open like you, and my favourite was Pineapple Upside Down Cake.....omg I could just eat it!!
Are you at the Urswick Show on Easter Monday, I am so hope to see you there. I am also at Hawcoat Park on Sunday 23rd March 10-3, would love to see you there.
Debbiex
It has been beautiful hasn't it Claire, we were saying at work that it makes you feel better if the sun shines. Its also nicer to travel home in the daylight. y=Yes, spring appears to be making its presence felt. The new EB mug is beautiful. I havent seen that design before xx P.S. Happy belated birthday XX
ReplyDeleteHello Claire. A belated Happy Birthday.. Isn't is wonderful to have life long friends to celebrate special events with.Your New Rose Mug is absolutely beautiful.. Your Pineapple upside down cake looks very yummy. I am sure your chooks will start pulling up their socks soon. They look very content in your backyard. VBG Lovely flowers. Hugs Judy
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely to see the sun shining and some blue in the skies after all the grey days we've had recently. Your furniture and finds are lovely as ever. Hope you had a wonderful birthday. Wow to the Emma mug - Not seen that design so far but its very pretty! Enjoy your cuppa - and yes I think the chickens need a bit of a lecture!!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to you, Claire! Nice to see your layers laying again. I love Pineapple Upside Down cake and haven't made it in years, maybe now I'll have to bake one. :)
ReplyDeleteStill a but nippy in these parts but at least it is dry, at last.
ReplyDeleteA happy belated birthday Claire, how lovely that you were made a cake especially as it's your favourite. The egg made me smile, I thought it was a giant eggcup in the picture!
ReplyDeleteThe blue skies and sunshine over the weekend really brightened my day too. It was my birthday a few days ago - all the best people are born in March xx it sounds like to had a wonderful day xx
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthdays to you and your puppy!! I am glad that you had such a great time and received such lovely things - mugs and cake, that has to be pretty good!! xx
ReplyDeleteYes, Happy Birthday, belatedly to you, Claire. I just posted photos of a retreat weekend I was on, where we took rest stops at vintage shops, yarn shops and a favorite cheese factory, and I thought of you :) It was sunny here today with the first of the daffodils blooming, too! Celebrating with you!!! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, March has proved to be lovely so far hasn't it!
ReplyDeleteBirthday wishes to you both. I've been craving pineapple upside down cake since seeing yours on Instagram! x
ReplyDeletePleased to hear you had a wonderful birthday. I love that new Emma Bridgewater design, it's so pretty x x x x
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a lovely birthday ... love those mugs.
ReplyDeleteYour little Ruby looks rather proud of her new collar!
And how cute is that little egg!!
M x
i've been enjoying this lovely weather as well - absolutely spiffing - glad you enjoyed your birthday - it was mine last week as well and i spent the whole day cleaning my son's flat!! (long story BUT my choice - as he pointed out!!) i think i may have had a deprived childhood as i have never had pineapple upside down cake!!!! my mum was a very good cook but a very plain one - i think she would have thought pudc to be exotic!!!! bless her ...... how weird that you should mention betsy clarke because i've been doing the odd bit of tidying up and i found my old card box and that had a betsy clarke card in it!!!! you've been busy with your paint brush i think - hope your sales go well and that you come home with an empty car!! take care xx
ReplyDeleteLovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, etc ad finitum. Now you've got me singing that song. I've never had pineapple upsidedown cake! xx
ReplyDeletehappiest of happy birthdays dearest Mrs T,,, sounds like you had a lovely day, i think my rosie would love that pineapple cake, looks delicious, xx
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you and Ruby Claire! Your new Emma Bridgewater mug looks lovely. What a beautiful gift. So is the delicious looking cake!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening!
Madelief x
Well now belated happy birthdays to you and Ruby (how sweet is she?!) Looks like you've had some lovely gifts - not least the pineapple upside down cake - YUM! Wish we had a window cleaner - this sun is lovely but oh boy do our windows need a wipe! Enjoy the lovely sunshine x Jane
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday wishes to you ... there are lots of lovely spring things in your post ... the tiny little egg is adorable ... Bee xx
ReplyDeleteMmmm ... love pineapple upside down cake ... well done Millie!! It's nice when you suddenly realize your kids have been listening to you after all ;) It sounds like you had a perfect birthday all round Claire! My Cody had his 9th birthday yesterday!! Isn't that funny that our dogs are one day apart in age. He didn't get any presents (only because my daughter isn't home to spoil him!), but he got extra treats and didn't even have to do a trick for them ... and we sang Happy Birthday to him and his ears pricked up at that! Happy pup. Your makeover's look great, and how I wish I could visit one of your fairs! Have a great day Claire :) Wendy xox (ps please package up some of that warm weather and send it overseas to me!)
ReplyDeleteHi Claire, Happy Belated Birthday ...sounds like you had a great time. Oh it's been so lovely and spring like this week until all the fog moved in ....hopefully when it moves off the sun will beam back out for us ! Gail x
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you, Claire, and wishing you a wonderful year ahead. Also birthday wishes to cute Ruby! Your new mug is gorgeous, and the pineapple upside down cake looks delicious.....haven't had that for years but must make one,
ReplyDeleteHope the sun shines for you this weekend!
Helen xox
Hello Claire
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday ..the cake looked so yummy sounds like you had a lovely day..and my you have been busy, I love the way you have set up the " lounge in the garden" hope your sale goes well
I had a lovely time with Maria yesterday and really enjoyed visiting you friendly little town..(I have left a little something for you with Maria)...perhaps next time we can all get together ( it was all a bit of a rush this time as Fin was not sure of when he was due to visit)
Happy Week ( it has been chilly and foggy here today)
Thea xx
Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you! So lovely that spring has come to your corner of the world. We still have loads of snow here but soon warm weather will arrive and it will all melt away. Hope you are having a wonderful day! Cheers, Nanny Anny
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