The weary travellers return

My parents have finally returned home from an eight week trip to Italy and France.  Just a little bit jealous that we couldn't join them this time!  We missed them terribly, especially Miss TikiBoo.  Quite a few tears were shed over the last weeks.

Thank goodness for email - they borrowed an iPad from us so we could keep in touch easily.  French accommodation tends to frequently offer free wifi, and sometimes free international phone as well, so we had a few chats - in typical six year old fashion, Miss TikiBoo does love to chat on the phone, especially to her Grandma.

Of course they returned bearing gifts, so I thought I'd share a few photos of my goodies.

How gorgeous is this bangle.  Any guesses as to what it is made of?  Here's a clue - Mum bought it in Limoges, home of beautiful porcelain.  I just hope I don't drop it.





Apparently I am meant to share this. Not sure about that, I may have to keep it all for myself!





I have been looking some sort of table cloth for our round table for years.  It has been surprisingly difficult to find a round table cloth in the right size, and with a nice pattern, so it is one thing I asked my parents to look for.  I think they did rather well.  The green ties in well with the house accents.These little tablecloth weighs will also be handy, especially in this crazy windy weather we're having this week.






We are so glad to have them home!

What's the best gift anyone has bought you from an overseas holiday?

If you have stopped by, it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or just say hello so I know that you've been here. Thank you!

New York Shopping List

We are heading off on our New York adventure in a few weeks. I've been putting together a "shopping list" to cover all my birthdays, mother's day and Christmases for the next year or so!

First on the list is to head to Tiffany & Co on 5th Avenue, I shall of course wear black and stand by the window eating my croissant and coffee. Although possibly not in a Givenchy evening gown and tiara.

1. I've been eyeing off the Tiffany Locks Bangle for a while now.  Apparently Miss TikiBoo wants one too, but I don't think that will be happening!
2. I'm also keen to get a new cover for my iPhone, as the current one has been broken for a while and I haven't quite got around to looking for a replacement. Kate Spade seem to have some fun and colourful cases.
3. Jeans - apparently always cheaper in the USA!
4. Sunglasses - another on the "starting to break and need replacement list".
5. Miss TikiBoo is requesting I <3 NY merchandise. In particular underwear. Those who have seen "The Smurfs" movie will understand. 
6. Sephora! And a Sephora where the staff will speak English! Heaven. 
7. NYPD and 
8. Yankees merchandise - I'm thinking this is what the family will be getting for Christmas!

Is there anything I've missed?  What would you want to buy in New York?

This post inspired by Blogging Your Way!

Zip it.

Yes. I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one! I'm running out of inspiration, already. Hopefully we will have a lovely weekend and I can get out and about with the camera.

Mum and I went shopping yesterday, and picked up this lovely loot (please tell me I'm not the only one who gets excited about shopping for haberdashery?!). I guess I'm going to need to conquer my fear of sewing in zips!

Daily Tea

We have a trip planned later in the year...and it's going to be rather chilly at our destination.
Given she spends most of the week in a school uniform, I didn't buy Miss TikiBoo many winter clothes this year. She has several pairs of jeans and lots of blouses and long tees, however, I'm not fond of jeans for travelling, they just don't have that comfort factor required for long haul travel.

One of my favourite brands is Daily Tea, so now that the trip is booked, I hopped on over to Where Did You Get That? to see what they had! These dresses are a good quality cotton knit fabric. They are comfortable enough for a long international flight - and still look good at the destination!

I bought size 7, as I doubt a 6 will fit her next winter, but the sleeves are currently far too long, so I may have to see if we can put some elastic on the ends.

Miss TikiBoo was very happy with her new haul!