Now we're all settled into our new home....

Myself, hubby and our little Jessica have all moved into our first home of our very own and it has been a very busy month here! 

I have just managed to pick up my crochet hook again and have some time to write again and I am loving this place! 

Here is how our home looked in the first week... 

That's my lovely husband removing the old fireplace in our living room. The middle picture is where I began to take wallpaper off and discovered that part of the back wall had collapsed in the past, hence why it was covered with wallpaper I'm guessing! 

We started removing wallpaper in the house on day 3 and found a wonderful 60s cowboy and spaceships wallpaper, which was the bottom of 4 layers in that room! It took us a total of 3 days to remove all the wallpaper in the house and we aso removed all the carpets too! 

We also had to have a whole brand new central heating system installed as there had never been any in the property! 

This was us clearing out the fireplace so that we could plaster in and around it. 

We also had to remove the entire kitchen! The kitchen had suffered a leak at one point and the tiles were so poor. In some places there were 3 or 4 layers of tile upon tile! 

The fireplace after being plastered. 

An empty kitchen!! 

We then discovered all the walls needed replastering!! 

So then we reached a stage of where things were almost starting to get better. This was only a week in! 

Second instalment to follow..... 

Xx

Vintage Hostess Menu Planning

Small Afternoon Tea

Cucumber Sandwiches

Petal Tartlets 

Hot Fruited Teas 

Crystallised Ginger 

Salted Nuts

Cucumber Sandwiches

Cut sandwich bread slices into rounds; lightly cover each with soft butter (about 1/4 teaspoon) or 1 teaspoon whipped cream cheese. Fill each 2 rounds with a thin cucumber slice. 3 rounds (2 inches) per slice. 

Petal Tartlets 

Sparkling 'flowers' to brighten your tea tray. 

1/2 cup shortening (part butter or margarine) 

1/2 cup sugar 

1 egg 

3/4 teaspoon vanilla 

1 1/2 cups plain flour 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 

Strawberry, cherry or apricot preserves 

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla. Stir flour, salt and soda together; blend into shortening mixture. Mix thoroughly with hands. Refrigerate dough for several hours or overnight. 

Heat to 400F. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth- covered board. Cut with 3 inch round scalloped cutter. Ease rounds into muffin cups. Fill each with 1/2 tablespoon preserves. Bake about 12 minutes. Cool a few minutes before removing from muffin cups. Set each tartlet on a washed green leaf, if desired. 

Makes about 18 tartlets. 

Hot Fruited Tea 

5 cups boiling water 

5 tea bags or 5 teaspoons tea 

10 whole cloves 

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/2 cup sugar 

1/4 cup lemon juice 

1/3 cup orange juice 

3 unpeeled orange slices, cut in half 

Pour boiling water over tea, cloves and cinnamon. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea; stir in sugar and fruit juices. Heat to just below boiling. Serve hot with orange slice in each cup. 

6 servings. 

So give the girls a call and get creating. This is an easy, no fuss recipe. And don't forget to pop over to our Facebook page and share your experiences of creating this fabulous afternoon tea. 

https://m.facebook.com/PenelopesVintageWorld

All recipes taken from Betty Crocker's Hostess Cookbook. First Edition. 1967. 

Vintage Fashion

Featured Vintage & Retro Fashion Retailer.   

Retro Daisy - Worthing, West Sussex & Online. 

So once a week I will be featuring a vintage fashion retailer of designer that I adore and this week, the first week I am doing this, I felt my obvious choice would be the fabulous Retro Daisy Vintage. 

This is a local shop for me and I feel so blessed to have the wonderful Shar and all her fabulous dresses so close that I can literally touch them! 

Shah is a massive Marilyn Monroe fan also which automatically makes her amazing! 

Her store is amazing, with fabulous stock. Dresses from Hearts and Roses, Collectif, Freddie's of Pinewood, Pin Up Girl Clothing and The Seamstress of Bloomsbury to name but a few. She stocks dresses, cardigans, handbags, shoes, hair accessories and even some men's rockabilly shirts! 

Some of the designers stocked at Retro Daisy Vintage, Worthing. 

You can even pick up your current issue of Your Vintage Life magazine! 

There is also a rail of some very exciting real vintage pieces for sale. 

Surely this is everything you could want from a Vintage Boutique?! 

Top this off with the friendly service you get every time you walk over the threshold, it truly is a space where you could return to over and over to, even for just a casual browse at the new stock. 

They are always adding new items to their website and Facebook pages too so you know exactly what is coming up for sale. 

Sales are taken in store at Warwick Street in Worthing and online via their website (please find details below). 

Also, they are currently running a competition to win a dress from the Hearts & Roses range. Please find the post pinned to the top of their Facebook page. 

Online store: http://www.retrodaisy.com 

Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/RetroDaisyVintage

Instagram: @retrodaisyvintage 

Let them know who sent you. 

Lots of love, Fiona xxx

Find me on Facebook for updates of more posts https://m.facebook.com/PenelopesVintageWorld

New Trend Alert: Kitsch Poodles!!

Poodles everywhere is a seriously kitsch 59's trend that's making a serious come back. 

You can get them anywhere! You can have them everywhere! Take a look at all the lovely goodies I found on Etsy. Squeeeeee!!! 

Poodles 

How stunning would this poodle family Planter look on your patio? Filled with some beautiful blue flowers maybe? 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/103606795/vintage-set-of-3-white-ceramic-poodles?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

I've just redecorated my bedroom in the most gorgeous pink and this Switch plate would look amazing! But I might have to wait for a while as my other half is still getting over the shock of the pink walls. Tee hee. 

 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/16339277/sassy-poodle-kitsch-1950s-vintage?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

This Lamp is just sooooooooo kitsch! Look at the attitude on the poodles face too! Isn't she just wonderful? 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/185256695/amazing-mid-century-kitsch-spaghetti?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

This fabric poodle Necklace is so bright and beautiful (i keep singing the hymn in my head when I see this!) if you want to go seriously 50's, wear with a buttoned up cardigan and full skirt! 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/184385635/pink-poodle-fabric-necklace-retro?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

This Figurine would be the perfect addition to any self respecting vintage lovers work desk! Just looking at her face will inspire you to keep going despite how hard it may get. 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/169915995/vintage-napco-yellow-and-white-ceramic?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

I adore these Hair slides! Whether you buy them to wear yourself or have a little girl who loves gorgeous and cute hair accessories, these are sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/172679980/kitsch-vintage-rockabilly-inspired?ref=sr_gallery_71&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Gah! I need to buy me some of these fab Earrings! They also do them in black for those who aren't keen on flashing too much pink but I have found that pink and poodles seem to go hand in hand so throw your reservations away and go for pink! 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/151402505/pink-poodle-earrings-bubblegum-pink-cute?ref=sr_gallery_74&ga_search_query=poodle+kitsch&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

This skirt just encapsulates the entire 50's trend of poodles perfectly! I can see this skirt being worn in Grease with ankle socks! 😍

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/59894372/ladies-50s-poodle-skirt-teal-with-black?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=poodle+skirt&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all

I love this style of soft Baby shoes and the poodles just make these shoes just that little bit more cute. Baby moccasins are so dreamy!  

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/165513103/robeez-style-pink-poodle-baby-shoes-crib?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=poodle+baby&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all

Look at this baby Planter! If you know someone that is expecting and loves vintage kitsch, this will be the perfect individual gift and might end up with you being god mother! Look how cute her face is! 

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/185695499/vintage-pink-and-blue-baby-planter-with?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=poodle+baby&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all

So do you already have some poodle kitsch in your life? If you do pop over to the Facebook page to share at Facebook.com/penelopesvintageworld or email me details to add on an upcoming post at penelopesvintagewares@gmail.com 

Don't forget to give my Facebook page a like and if there is any vintage research you'd like me to do for you, let me know. 

Until tomorrow my lovelies! 

Xxxxx

My favourite maternity finds!

Sometimes when your shape is changing so much, it is so difficult to find a dress to feel utterly dreamy in. 

I think we should all embrace our beautiful bumps and go on the hunt for some of the most adorable spring dresses specially designed to accommodate our wonderful curves. 

Here is a few of my favourites. 

ASOS ❤️ http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Asos-Maternity/Asos-Maternity-Skater-Dress-With-Mesh-And-Lace-Panel/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3892947&cid=8343&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Cream

Etsy ❤️ https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/177728550/maternity-gown-photo-prop-stretch-soft?

Nautical beauty from notonthehighstreet.com ❤️ http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bumpaliciousmaternity/product/nautical-striped-maternity-dress

This little gem is in the SALE at mamas and papas! ❤️ 

https://m.mamasandpapas.com/products.php?category=maternity-clothes/shop-by-product/dresses-skirts-tunics#product-S0011251

Jojo maman bebe. Perfect for a wedding! ❤️ http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+cream-rose-print-maternity-summer-dress-in-maternity-dresses+b4908

So what's your excuse? Don't sit indoors, sulking in your joggers! Get outside and embrace the spring season in some utter beauties!!!! 

Email me at penelopesvintageworld@gmail.com for my regular blog updates and to ask me any questions relating to any of my posts 

Lots of love. Xxxxxx

My clothing dilemma

Now, everyone that knows me well, knows I have a very healthy shopping habit. 

My 4 door wardrobe is so full up the doors barely close and I have other units full of clothes besides. 

I'm almost 15 weeks pregnant and already have quite a noticeable bump but I want a new dress! I'm feeling fed up so feel like I NEED a new dress, I'm sure others understand where I'm coming from? 

And I really want a lindybop retro style dress, I have a couple of their swing dresses already and utterly adore them but this time, I have spied a lovely land girl style tea dress which I think would be the right style to skim over a growing bump? If like something non maternity but light material for the slightly warmer weather that I am sure will creep up on us any day now. 

I'm sick of wearing jeans every day. I'm in a massive rut with my clothes. Who wants to wear a dress in this weather? No one. But when there is sunny days breaking through rainy nights, you can't help but to feel slightly positive about the arrival of spring, can you? 

A new direction

This is quite a tough post to write as I'm not sure how I should be writing it. 

I'll give you the bare bones first. 

I've found a potential gap in the vintage market which I am terribly excited about. It's main market will be pregnant ladies. Funny enough I myself am pregnant. I just started my second trimester today so I am 14 weeks only. It's a fabulous exciting time for me and my partner and a perfect time to launch this type of business as I will have my maternity leave to spend on building it. 

My main fear is not that it will fail but that my body will fail me again. I've been through pregnancy before, all the way up to 36+4 weeks, only to be told that my little Penelope was no longer with us. What if it happens again to me, as I am now fully aware that it can happen to me at any stage but also it might not happen and everything could be fine. 

My fear as far as this topic is concerned is what if something terrible happens and I must continue my work with other lovely pregnant women? What then? 

I think my decision must be to forge on with my plans but to remain focused 100% on my baby and making sure he or she is healthy and has the best chance. 

So watch this space, I have something terribly exciting for all you mothers to be and those planning to conceive. Trust me. You won't want to miss this. 

All my love, Fi xxx