Bits & Pieces ...

Today's post is going to be a bit of a mish-mash.  Firstly I want to share with you two of my favourite pictures, one picked up last year in a little vintage/antique shop and the second at a garden sale earlier in the Summer, each within walking distance of our home.

Both are by the artist C. Z.  Shand who I can't  find much detail on, other than postcards for sale on Ebay.  Usually when you buy something at a flea, vintage or boot fair there is little you know about the previous owner, but what I like about these two is that there a small, if but simple story behind  both.   The one on the right is called 'Ready for the Ball' and features a girl and Pierrot and was purchased from a collector who sells at Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair.   The one on the left I bought from a couple with connections to the theatre and one of whom used to have a stall on Portabello Road.  I personally love the anonymity of on-line shopping for just about everything, but when I buy something old I like to make a connection with the vendor, one of the nicest things about buying this way is the people you meet and how talented & interesting they are. 

Talking of talent I was lucky enough to win Athomewithred's first giveaway.  I chose the lemon print which arrived yesterday, beautifully packaged.  I am both pleased and delighted with my win.  Once I find a suitable hanging spot and frame I will post a photo.  In the meantime, please take at look Dawn's craft which I describe as beautifully classic.

Finally, here is the recipe I promised for the Pear & Ginger Cake I posted earlier in the week.  This was my entry for the baking club I have joined.   The irony was that after mentioning the 200g of butter required for this cake on Sunday, the club had arranged a presentation on healthy baking which was excellent, although I did feel a little guilty about my fat content!  It is fascinating to see how club members interpret the given theme, which results in such a wide range of delights that we  have the pleasure of sampling, my particular favourite was the Pear Frangipane Tart.  The Pear & Ginger Cake received positive feedback but my favourite review has to be from a colleague at work who sent me the following message after trying the cake;

'Moist, sweet with a generous kick of ginger, perfect balance of sweetness vs crystallised sharpness'.

Have a great weekend xxx

Welcome to my new followers, in particular Lisa at Jumble and Jelly and Penny at Being Penny Wise.