The December issue of Country Living is published and all's well. I've been a little worried of late about my beloved CL and its contents. Maybe because I'm a sad old woman and I've bought every copy ever published, I have become set in my ways and cannot accept change. However, in the last few months there has been too much of a sixties and seventies influence for me and not enough pretty floralness. There I've said it....it has been a'bit off' recently. This month it is back to sparkling form and is the best of the Christmas issues I've bought so far this year.
Fellow blogger Michele over at Cowboys & Custard is also featured in Emporium this month. Pop over and take a look at her box frames filled with vintage finds.
This weekend we took a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to begin the dreaded shopping. I can bear Christmas shopping if I'm somewhere civilised and pretty and not congested. Stratford is one of the larger places I enjoy visiting...for this shop in particular.
This shop is lovely at any time of year and is full of goodies by Greengate, Yankee Candles and all sorts of Christmas themed goodies. This next shop is also good for a tasty treat for yourself.
I did manage to control myself in these two shops but I did come away with a new winter coat from elsewhere. After a pub lunch we moved on to Broadway for Afternoon Tea and a browse around its lovely shops.Pretty as always but even more attractive in the twilight just as the lights are beginning to come on.
Here is one of my favourite shops.
And the Thomas Kinkade Gallery.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to have supper here at The Lygon Arms.
Never mind...there's always another day.
15 comments:
I 100% agree about CL mag, it's bag to fine form now and I hope it continues that way.
Hiya, You're not the only one! I've not liked CL for ages now, not 'country' enough for my liking! I prefer Country Homes and Interiors magazine. I find some of those mags a little pretentious - you know that most of the readers live in Fulham and have nothing to do with living in the country or country issues!
oo i love shops at christmas :-) and all year round of course but especially christmas when the lights are on and xmas goodies to be purchased ! the Vinegar Hill shop looks fab wish I was a bit closer!
lesley x
For some reason that really got me into the Christmas spirit!! ;-)
Such pretty shops. I feel all Christmassy after reading this post. I can't wait to get Country Living later this week. I am glad you think they are back on form. I've been a bit disappointed with it in recent months but I just can't give it up!
Lovely places like that (almost) make shopping a pleasure. Hard to resist bringing goodies home for yourself though:)
I can't comment on CL as I don't buy it but I'm in a similar mind about Period Living...having got every issue since it started, I think it's gone downhill these last couple of years. I've even thought about cancelling my subscription! It's annoying when a fave mag goes off the boil a bit isn't it?
Deb x
I hardly ever get time to read my CL these days but love looking at the photos as I flick through..
I have bought it since it was first published.. how I wish I had held on to the early copies. It would be so interesting to see how it has evolved..
Love Vinegar Hill.. we have a store here in Bath.. I have to wear blinkers when I pass it!
Thank you so much for the mention.. I have finally received my copy of CL in the post. It is such a thrill to see Cowboys & Custard in print!
Love
Michele xx
Both these places are close to my Mum and Dads and I love visiting both. Broadway is particularly lovely I think. I agree about CL this month. A great Christmas issue although I do find it slightly disappointing that they only feature one house in the Christmas edition. But it's lovely anyway. I am taking my time to read mine and savour every page.
I received my CL today too & after admiring Michele's lovely frame I wondered if I could live in the magazine for a while!
I love Broadway for a bit of relaxed shopping too.
Totally agree about CL but didn't want to say it out loud if you know what I mean. I am guessing that you subscibe because I haven't seen it in the shops yet. Can't wait now and am considering a subscription as a present to myself. Dev X
I agree, I was considering not renewing my subscription but this issue is much better.
Stratford on Avon looks a lovely place to shop.
Yvonne x
Goody, I am just about to go and read my CL Mag...cant wait now hearing all your reports about it!! I do also agree that it has not been up to form for a while! Good Luck with getting the latest CK Bags! x
Now that's my kind of shopping! You luckly thing.
And I couldn't agree more about CL, I've gone right off the interiors lately although I do love the other features. The Christmas one blew me away though, perfect, just what I'd been hoping for. Having worked in publications I can see how they need to keep rinigning the changes so I'm always chuffed when one right up my street arrives - and it being te Christmas one was a proper treat. Joy!
Stephx
We stayed in Stratford a few years back whilst touring around the Cotswolds. Unfortunately we didn't make it to Broadway, but hope to on our next visit. A lovely part of the country I must say. I had a year's subscription to Country Living as a present, I do like it, but don't buy it myself. These days I really don't have time for reading magazines, too much blogging! x
Lovely blog... I used to live in Stratford and it brought back nice memories. Ah.. Vinegar Hill!!!
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