Chilli time!

Finally, after what seems like forever, the chillies in the greenhouse have started to turn red and are ready for harvesting. First up are the Thai Chillies and Twilights, as instructed, I have left them a couple of days so the stems can shrink and dry a little before I will hang them in ristras and put them in the lean-to, along with the garlic and onions, to finish their drying out ready for use in the cold winter months ahead. The Orange Habaneros and Paper Lanterns appear to be next, pics to follow.

Curtains to Cushions

Hidden Norfolk Talent

It's not often I meet independent artists whose talent I champion, one such person is Amanda Colville of Mangle Prints. I very kindly received a a carefully packaged bundle of hand printed bunting (pictured) after admiring it on twitter and it now hangs in our guest bedroom window where it catches the light and admiring glances from staying guests, She works from home in Kings Lynn creating all manner of hand printed items (most recently her sublime Christmas cards) Her prints are so beautiful they should be sold in Liberty and all manner of swish Department stores in fashion loving cities across the globe. How such an incredible artist can remain a 'Norfolk Secret' is a scandal, she deserves support and recognition, If you seek something so sublimely tasteful and individual, you would do well to purchase one of her pieces - or indeed her stunning bunting and Christmas Cards. 

Teddybear Sunflowers my new favourite

How could you not fall in love with these? It's like 'Van Gogh in a Vase'

The ladies are still firing in all cylinders

I'm not sure what it is that I am doing, but after chatting to other owners of chickens in the area, I have found out my 'ladies' are still laying a great amount of eggs. While I know that the numbers should be dwindling in preparation for the lack of eggs we are meant to receive over the winter months, I am still averaging a decent 6 or 7 out of 9 chooks per day. So the sales continue unabated, Brads going to build an honesty box to sell any excess eggs from outside the house like true country folk and the ladies are due to be moved from the allotment to the back garden in time for winter, I can't wait!

I long for Buenos Aires

I fell in love with Buenos Aires and it's people from the moment we set foot on Argentinian soil. If ever a time came when I have to leave the beautiful Norfolk shores, you can fine me there. I will be sipping strong coffee on a sidewalk in chic Palermo, scouring antique shops and markets in San Telmo or photographing the the exquisite architecture in virtually any part of the city. The Argentinians have style - in abundance. The shops are beautifully decorated, cafes styled to perfection and the people themselves the friendliest I have met by far.

It easily replaced Dublin as my favourite city in the world (I do not count Cape Town in this list as nothing could top it)

I lost my heart to Buenos Aires and am desperate to return and see more of Argentina....one day....for today in windy Norfolk though, I dream.

Vin-Stitch

Since I finished working full-time in London a couple of months ago, I have been waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. Something a) that would earn me a living, b) that I love doing and c) would not involve travelling to London endlessly. 

It seems that opportunity has arrived and will involve some hard work and cash so I have set up a little business to earn me some cash to put into the venture that will take place ready for the summer season of next year. It's unbelievably exciting and my dream business so watch this space!

In the mean time Vin-Stitch has opened its doors. I am saving all money made to fund next years business. I will be taking in all manner of alterations, mending and pattern cutting here in North Norfolk. Something thats definitely missing in this area.

All major sewing jobs will be out-sourced to a very reliable seamstress in Brighton who takes in work to make money to give to animal charities - her passion. So it's win - win all round!

Here's to next year!