Change in the air

image from Toast

 Can you feel it too? It is distinctly chilly this morning - bright and crisp. I like it, my nose twitches like Boodle's, I slant my cheek to feel the sun's warmth through the window. This is the moment I long for that Toast dressing gown to drape around me and belt tight.

I have been pondering my composition and colour palette ( see my previous post "Good Gourd".) I remembered these fantastically composed still life images from an old Anthropologie catalogue.They are stand out! the blue velvet ribbon, the textured sack-cloth, yes! I am inspired to continue.

 previous images all Anthropologie

 Hmm, and so this weekend shall be a kitchen table crafts weekend - some more painting and a sewing project started at Jessie Chorley's workshop to be finnished.

I am also craving a slice of gingerbread loaf and a hot frothy, milky coffee.

Whatever you are up to have a brilliant weekend.

Sarah xXx

City lights and magical windows

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London................

At this time of year I am always struck by the urge to visit the Big Smoke and wonder at the lights and wonderful window displays put on by the big stores.

One of the things I miss most about no longer living in London is not travelling on the buses everyday and soaking up the sights and sounds of the city.

One of the things I love about no longer living in London is the thrill I now have as a visitor returning to it with renewed eagerness to see everything, and once again appreciate what a wonderful capital city it is.

I especially miss the bridges at night. I adore Albert Bridge with all those twinkly white lights adorning it. Even just crossing the Thames by train and seeing the lights reflected in the waters below is magical to me.

Any way the excuse arrived in the form of a Liberty invitation ten days ago now! So off I went after work on a wet windy night in December.........................

Much has been said already about the marvelous Luella Christmas windows so I will skip my photos of those but check out Hen's post here or Wee Birdy Here for more delights on this topic!

I thought you might just like to see this furry chap and toadstool just inside the store as you enter from Carnaby Street.

I couldn't resist a couple of snaps of these wonderfully English room sets in the windows, eclectic and gorgeous details. See the tin of Quality Streets below!

Now indulge me a little with these less than brilliant shots of lights and buses!

I love them!

Sorry about that! You get the idea though!

Anthropologie was shut by the time I got there, BOO HISS!

But I did love their window too

Sorry now a bit more of this.....

Basically I was consoling myself as I walked back up Regent Street towards Liberty!

Where I was not disappointed!

This was a heavenly Christmassy empire on the 4th Floor I think?

Then off to Bond Street where the theme changed from Stars to Bows

And outside Sothebys.....

These amazing arrangements were flanking the Grand Entrance!

Not a brilliant picture but a favourite with the moon peeping over the top of the buildings and Union Jack fluttering in the night breeze.

And then.... OH MY PIE, Tiffany and Co.

Speechless with joy I shot far too many picures of these masterpieces, imagine during the day when they are decorated with diamonds too!

They are exquisite!

Now in closing this post I must apologise for my woeful attendance these last few weeks! Working, working and stressing have been my watch-words and so I have been very lapse in writing to you all! I shall try and make up for it today and catch up on what you are up to, but if I don't manage to leave you a message sending you all Seasons Greetings and thanks for reading!

Love Sarah x























Hello! you made it to the bonus picture!

x x x