Kids & Vegetables at Grubby Cottage

There's something so heart-warming about watching my little helpers prepare sunday lunch. It's one of those proud Mummy moments...

And not only do I get the help...

My little ones are eager to eat up all of their finely prepared vegetables. Kids & Veg? I know! It's as easy as that (so far...) All we need now is a veggie patch... 

Primrose Hill London

Primrose Hill delicatessen... 'Anthony Delicatessen' 146 Regents Park Road, London.

This has to be my favourite spot in Primrose Hill.
We often call in on our way home for the most delicious cured meats, olives, brioche bread and more recently...

Cakes!

There is something very homely and comforting about buying food from the bustle of London city then two hours later having lunch in the quietness of our rural garden filled with only the sound of birdsong. This is city and country living.

Primrose Hill is the perfect stopping off point in London. 

The kids can stretch their legs in Regents Park before a long journey home.

I guarantee that you will be spoilt for choice with the independent shops.

There is a Cupcake Cafe and a traditional book shop, a handful of coffee shops, Nicholas wine merchants and a florist.

Elias & Grace do the most delightful designer children's wear.

There are a few home interior shops such as my favourite Graham & Green. They are so helpful and will post to you if needed. 

Mary Portas's shop Mary Living & Giving is a great little charity shop too - my girls love the vintage wardrobe dressing room - check it out! 

Or, if that's not for you why not take time out for a 'recovery treatment' or 'party prep' at Cowshed?

'From Horns to Hooves"!

Cowshed offer a wide range of beauty and therapeutic treatments.

Shhhh, between you and me... 

Primrose Hill is one of London's little gems.

Sprite 400 Caravan - Interior Seating Renovation

My little Sprite 400 caravan project is flying along now after a very slow start. I've got so much to tell you! We've had quite a few Spring days and it's been a pleasure to work outside in the fresh countryside air. I've been balancing the interior and exterior jobs according to the weather and I've finally made progress with a huge leap.

Miss Potter's interior seating was in need of attention.
The chipped 1970's black stick-on tiles were a menace to remove from the hardboard frames.

We left the chip-board in situ and covered with a light-weight tongue & groove. We used NO MORE NAILS INVISIBLE by Unibond. This is great stuff! It has enough instant adhesive coverage to hold the T&G in place but if you make a mistake on positioning the bond allows plenty of movement before it dries. Definitely the product of the week for me!

The T&G was cut in bulk pieces for accuracy. No More Nails (Invisible) adhesive used. Clamps were used in places when needed but not necessary. 

Result...? A good cost-effective repair. I'm looking forward to seeing it painted. At the moment it looks like a 1970's sauna! 

Now, I did say that I've been busy with the exterior...  It's looking great. 

We must chat about it soon!

OKA - Garden Rooms Spring Collection

'Blur the boundaries between interiors and exteriors, borrowing the best from both worlds, to create 'outdoor rooms' where you feel right at home...'

Source: Annabel Astor, Sue Jones & Lucinda Waterhouse of OKA

I spy with my little eye... (adding to my wish list)

The most delightful 'Sorano Pottery' by OKA. A good price too.

Go on. Treat yourself...

Relax and enjoy an earl grey on a refreshing spring afternoon.

Vintage Caravan - Interior Clean, Prep and Prime.

What a difference two days can make...

Before

After

Step 1: 'Sugar Soap' wash of walls, ceiling, cupboards.

Step 2: Remove any *bolts/hooks from surfaces that will be painted. 

Tip * Place these in a named food bag for safe keeping. You will forget where they have originally come from.

Step 3: light sand of doors and wall cupboard.

Step 4: masking tape - for any surfaces you do not wish to paint.

Step 5: seal & prime using brushes and roller (foam roller for gloss).

Step 6: light sand (fine grade sandpaper) all cupboard doors and cupboard frames.

You are now ready to paint your top coat.

Tip * Keep your tiny work space clean, tidy and organised. Maximise your work space by removing tables and foam cushions.

Products used and recommended: Zinsser BIN

Plankbridge Shepherds Huts

My new exciting find... Plankbridge Hutmakers. They make the most beautiful Shepherds Huts. 

I really, really, really want one!

If you are considering buying a Shepherds Hut it has to be a Plankbridge.  

Take a look... PLANKBRIDGE HUTMAKERS

Officially a Spring Clean Day

The weather has been beautiful today. I've opened all of the windows and allowed the fresh air to breeze through Grubby Cottage. 

All the bedding has been line-dried and there is a distinct feeling of spring. 

In the garden we have the sheep on the farm that have now become cautiously inquisitive of our presence and soon there will be lambs born right before our eyes.

Today is officially a spring day at Grubby Cottage.

Image: my own. Walls: Farrow & Ball Wimborne White. Bed: Antique Black Iron and Brass Bedstead. Cushion: Jan Constantine 'Love'.

Vintage Caravan - Interior BEFORE images

We all love the before and after images so here goes...

BEFORE.

Time travelling back to the 1970's...  My little Sprite 400 has been sat in a barn for over 30 years.

The previous owners must have took so much care and pride with their little 4 berth Sprite. Even the gas lamp has attention to detail with a hand-painted flower.

...And the flower theme continues on the veneered kitchen cupboards. 

Completely stripped back of the 1970's decor. The dangerous foam of the 1970's has been removed. The turquoise curtains too and green carpet. 

There is NO going back now!

Keep checking for regular updates of Miss Potter - the vintage caravan renovation.