Jubilations

Jubilations

Britain has gone mad for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this month and why not? This year more than ever we feel the need to party and the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics are the perfect outlets for us Brits to wave the flag and celebrate all that we do well. We do love a good street party after all!

I remember the flag waving and excitement in 1977. The Silver Jubilee mugs we were given at school, the commemorative coin, a girl guide trip to see the Queen as she came to Cardiff (I lived in Wales at the time), the street parties and party games. I also remember my mother buying a Jubilee Tea set. The only tangible item that remains of that special year is the large Jubilee tea pot and whenever it is rolled out at family gatherings I am instantly transported back to my 'happy go lucky' 11 year old self!

So feeling very nostalgic this week and having just taken stock of some beautiful rag dolls,  I persuaded my own Princess out into the garden for a 1952 inspired tea party shoot!

The gorgeous red, white and blue bunting is from Jacqueline Jones and Eloise is wearing a rosette from Let the fun Begin with the words Jubilee 2012. Both make  really lovely keepsakes of the day

Isn't she sweet? This is Molly from new toy brand Ragtales. With her velour pigtails and freckles, and vintage inspired floral frock she'll brighten up any playroom.

And this is Megan with the prettiest polka dot frock and pink cardi. Both dolls come in their own carry bag with their names embroidered on the side.

This weekend me and my family are going to see the Pageant on the river. We'll wave the flags and join in the Jubilations and long after the celebrations are over I am hoping all the special momentos, bunting, rosettes, trays and cushions I have bought will be happy reminders of the occasion for my children to enjoy in years to come.

Ragtales

Ragtales

I was super excited to discover 'Ragtales', a new and emerging toy brand earlier this month. As an independent retailer of traditional children's pyjamas and toys I'm always on the look out for something different and less main stream to the high street offering. When I discovered the beautiful characters that Ragtales have created I literally felt......well like a kid in a toy shop!

Each character in the Ragtales range has been designed in the Uk. They all have individual stories to tell and are made using plush velours, vintage style floral prints, hand knitted and crocheted garments. 

There is 'Dasher' the cute little dog complete with his own little kennel and bone. He has a removable coat and pink flappy ears.

Then there are the Ragtags. A group of three little characters that will surely become firm playroom favourites.

Peter the hamster. A chunky little fella in a hand knitted coat.

Patch the Mouse. A cheeky character with mismatched ears and pink fluffy slippers.

Poppy the rabbit. A real sweetie with her ditsy floral skirt and pink cardi.

The thing I love about all these toys is the attention to detail. The packaging, labelling and the stories behind each character make them unique. You can see all these characters for sale at http://www.myheartandhome.co.uk and I can't wait to introduce Darcy!