Puppy Love

With discussions mounting in the house over what to buy our 'puppy' for his first birthday this week, I couldn't resist a little blog post about him. Actually, 'Brigg' is not a puppy anymore, but a big bounding black labrador with lolling tongue, wagging tail, hair that sheds everywhere and a habit of lying in the middle of the kitchen floor causing a major trip hazard at every turn. He's had the dishwasher door slammed shut on his nose more times than I want to admit to!

I have three children of school age and most days have the house to myself. One year ago my day was crammed full of running my business and household chores. It was a home that was calm and quiet from 9am till 3pm. I congratulated myself on how I  (and  home) had come through the early years of childhood with sanity and furniture more or less intact. I wondered what lay ahead for the teenage years. 

And then this image appeared in my inbox one day last September with the words: "here is your new puppy". (My OH had agreed to take one of his friends puppies six months previously, but we had not until now managed to have a 'proper' discussion on the subject).

No discussion needed! Heart over ruled head and last October Brigg bounced into our lives.

Pots of bulbs have been shredded, shoes have been destroyed (I'm down to one pair of mismatched flip flops), cuddly toys have missing limbs, two birthday cakes have been inhaled, the recycling bin is his personal toy box. He knows the difference between a dishwasher being loaded and unloaded and he can hear ham being unwrapped or the snap of the flora lid at a hundred paces. He's caused more mayhem, mishaps and upsets then anyone else in the family this year, but would we be without him? Absolutely not!! With children at different schools and with varied ages, activities and interests, he is the one thing that is constant throughout. The common thread. Whether it be family walks, heart to heart discussions on school friendships,  camp building in the woods, hashing out GCSE choices on the rec, cricket in the park, he is there! 

He wolfs down his food,he drips water everywhere, he has no regard for doormats and leaves a trail of mess and destruction. Just like my children really! Okay, I don't have a spotless house any more, but I have gained a loyal, loving and faithful pal who makes me laugh and keeps me busier than ever!


And just incase you're wondering about his birthday present......he's got a new squeaky toy pheasant to chew on!(and yes, it will be gift wrapped) x

Picnic tea party

I've been waiting for a little ray of sunshine before sharing this blog post, but as the summer races by in a grey mist, there is no time like the present. Besides you cannot fail to feel sunny when you see these gorgeous pics from a photo shoot with Vicki Knights Photography late last August. They cheer me up every time I look at them.

If you are regular visitors to my site or facebook page you will have seen these photos over the past few months. I am only just sharing them now because a) I've only recently started a blog b) I was waiting for summer and c) they are simply timeless. Just beautiful summery photos that capture the innocence of girlish play. Truly whimsical and dreamy just like the nightdresses.

When presented with tea sets and cake stands the girls just sat down to play naturally and with the perfect back lighting from the evening sun the images of the girls are beautiful.

I do love a vintage tea set and luckily my in laws have a shed full. They should have gone into the vintage china hire business years ago!

This timeless Jenny nightdress is still the customer favourite online and at gift fairs. White with a  pretty rose print, lace trims and mother of pearl buttons, it is a suitable nightdress that little girls, Mummies and Grand Mothers can all agree on!

Charming, adorable, gorgeous are all words customers use to describe the nightdresses and I think Vicki truly captured the spirit of the girl's nightwear range in these photos. I am so excited to be working with her again this August. We are planning another outdoor photo shoot with the emphasis on our boys pyjamas this time and I can't wait to share!

You can see previous blog posts about this shoot here and here and on Vicki's blog here.


Janne x

The village fair

I haven't exhibited at many country fairs this year and just as well because what a wash out this Summer has been! However,on Saturday it was The Claygate flower show.This was my very first fair four years ago and I feel a strong sense of fondness and attachment to it. Besides it's virtually on the doorstep and I have lots of local customers popping by to see me and friends stopping for a chat, cups of tea and cake in hand. It's a sociable, family friendly day (and one where my OH will quite happily load up the car and put up my gazebo for me)!

The fair is steeped in tradition and is far more than a flower show. The WI have a cake stall, the scouts and guides run tombolas, the marquees are full of homegrown fruit and vegetables with gardening stalwarts vying for first prize year after year. All age groups can enter any number of competitions from 'best garden in a pot' to 'funniest family photo'. There's a dog show, a vintage car raleigh, a fun fair, morris dancing, marching bands and lots of lovely stalls like mine. There's a fancy dress parade, an animal petting area, BBQ's and teas a plenty. There really is something for everyone. 

Quintessentially English and charming, the Claygate Flower show attracts a huge crowd whatever the weather, but as I unloaded white cotton nighties from the back of the car (in the rain and mud) didn't know whether to admire my stoicism or question my eccentricity! 

My customers, I'm glad to say are equally stoic and despite two downpours and trudging about in slippery mud, brolly in hand, it was a great day. Of course we'll be back the same time next July! 

Janne x

London PJs

When it comes to children's nightwear it seems that bold London images are pretty hard to resist and these iconic Grenadier Guards pyjamas are proving popular with parents and children alike. (And several Hollywood A listers have also been spotted buying them for their kiddies too). With the Jubilee and Olympic fever this year, 2012 is the perfect excuse for celebrating with a little piece of your own London.

Making a bold statement at bedtime, Pixie Dixie PJs are made from the highest quality, softest 100% cotton jersey. At the moment we stock the traditional style button down pyjamas tipped in red at the collar and cuffs and with comfy trousers elasticated at the waist. We can't guarantee bedtime will happen with military precision , but having a favourite pair of pjs at the ready is quite an incentive for snuggling down!

We'll be stocking some more iconic London PJ styles in the Autumn ready for the Christmas PJ rush.

With many overseas customers looking for presents to send back home, we seek out perfect little gifts and keepsakes inspired by our capital. The London bus pencil holder is new into the range and the Rag doll Grenadier Guard and soldier laundry bag are always popular lightweight gifts to send in the post.

This month at www.myheartandhome.co.uk we are offering FREE p&p. Just select free postage option at the checkout.