Magpie Monday - Pale but Interesting

Karen and her white house style must be rubbing off on me!

Rather than my usual colourful (some might say 'garish') finds, this week's offerings are more serene.

First up, I spotted this little set of espresso cups and saucers.  Plain white and very delicate, I thought they'd be perfect for serving desserts in - chocolate mousse; coffee ice cream, creme brulee that sort of thing...for all the dinner parties I host (in my head!!)

In the same shop, I found this set of glasses. Again very delicate, and unusual for me to find more than one odd glass.  I bought them not because we drink a lot of sherry, but because I thought they'd look sweet with little posies of flowers in until I get round to my candle-making I'm desperate to have a go at, and then they'll become little votives.

I thought I'd show you my lovely egg holder which my mum spotted for me a while ago in a junk shop.  We had chickens at the time, and often more eggs than we could keep up with, so this was a handy additional storage option, as well as being very beautiful.  It looks even more so with my white duck eggs in I've bought specifically for blowing for easter don't you think?!

Finally, I found this lidded glass pot.  With all this talk last week about Apothecary jars, I felt left out!  This is just as nice to me and for now I intend to fill it with my collection of vintage buttons.  It only cost me £2.50 and a quick whirl in the dishwasher and it's come out gleaming.

OK, that's the pale. Now for the interesting.

Last week, so of you may be aware I spent a day as a 1930's housewife.  You can read all about it here.  In fact I'd love you to go and at least look at the pics and watch the videos (that's right, my first embarrassing attempt at vlogging!).  The cynical amongst you may see this as a shameful attempt to make you read old posts, but the more generous will realise that I want to reward my lovely magpies, especially the most eagle-eyed of you.

So, I'm running a little competition.  I'd like to you look at the photos and videos in this post and guess how many items shown were acquired 2nd-hand.  If you've been paying attention, some have been featured on Magpie Monday posts!  It may include clothing, household items, decorative items etc etc. They may be in the background, or very prominent.

Leave your guess in the comment box here, along with a way to contact you.  The closest guess will be the winner, and in the event that more than 1 person guesses the correct number, the prize will be awarded to the earliest commenter.

Ah yes, prize.  I'm thrilled to be supported again by From the Wilde and they have offered this beautiful mirror and pouch, handmade using vintage fabrics by ELF.

If you're not already familiar with From the Wilde, you need to get over there now and have a good old mooch around their online store.  It's bursting with gorgeousness from some of Britain’s most exciting and contemporary designer makers, artists and illustrators.  They have very generously offered to give 5 randomly selected entrants 15% off too. Happy days.

The winner will also receive a copy of this fantastic book (hopefully right up your street). 'Bazaar Style - Decorating with Market & Vintage Finds' by stylist Selina Lake and Joanna Simmons -

"Create a beautifully individual home combining vintage, retro and flea-market finds with Bazaar Style. In this book stylist Selina Lake and writer Joanna Simmons show you real homes furnished with intriguing pieces from different eras and cultures, which mix and match colours, patterns and design. You'll discover a wonderful mix of vintage and retro influences, flea-market finds..."



So, what you waiting for? There's lots to do! Head over and have a laugh at me in my curlers, faffing about with carbolic soap. Get back here with your guess. Oh and of course, don't forget to link up your Magpie Monday finds here.  Grab the badge and away you go...

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Competition rules:

The prize is the handmade mirror kindly provided by From the Wilde, and the book.  5 other entrants will also be randomly selected to receive a 15% discount from purchases From the Wilde.

My decision is final! I have counted up the items, and counted 'sets' of things as one item.  I reserve the right to cancel this competition at any time.  The winner will be the person who has guessed correctly or the person with the closest guess.  In the event of a tie, the prize will go to the person who left their comment first.  Please ensure you leave a method of contact.  If the winner does not respond within 1 week, I reserve the right to pick an alternative.  Closing date will be 8pm Sunday 10th April 2011.