Apologies for neglecting my blog for so long but a lovely weekend back to my home county of North Yorkshire inspired me to share it with you. If you haven't been to North Yorkshire I strongly recommend a trip. It has everything; history, beauty, friendly folk, big portions and plenty of vintage shopping.

Saturday mornings are all about one thing in York....the car boot. I miss it so much living down south and I've often thought about travelling the 210 miles every Saturday morning to get my bootie fix. When I saw the forecast for heavy rain my heart sank at the possibility that it would be cancelled on the one weekend I was in York. I had my alarm set for 6am although there was no need as I was awake at 5am, heart racing and the rain pouring.  I spent a good 20 minutes arguing with myself whether or not to get out of bed but then the wellingtons were on and I was off whilst still telling myself how stupid I was for going out in this weather for a carboot that probably wasn't even on. Well I arrived and although I wasn't the only dedicated bootie shopper there, plenty had decided to stay in bed! I didn't get my usual haul however still found some real beauties. I found a pair of very crusty wall sconces and an amazing vintage pink enamel french jug that even better is water tight and perfect for my flowers. It was well worth the early wet morning start.

The day had only just started by the time I'd got back so had a cup of tea and some breakfast before heading off to the coast. After a beautiful and inspiring drive across the Yorkshire Moors I arrived in the small fishing village of Staithes. After another heavy rainfall the clouds suddenly cleared to reveal beautiful blue skies and the sun came out to play. I followed the pretty painted higgledy - piggledy cottages that lined the cobbled streets down to the picturesque harbour. 

Staithes doesn't have many shops but my visit was purely to stop by Dotty about Vintage, a quirky little shop full of treasures from the past which are reasonably priced too. There's the most adorable shop dog that lives there too!

After a little drive further down the coast I arrived at Sandsend. I did a quick stop at a lovely little shop called Wild Hart. They also have a delightful little shop in York too. Full of pretty home accessories and gifts and a small antique section too. I love paintings of hares so couldn't resist this little card I'm going to find a little frame for. 

Whitby was my last stop for the day which is one of my favourite places, but the rain was coming down so hard now I couldn't leave the car. No trip to the coast is complete without fish & chips with extra scraps of course. I sat in the car overlooking the sea with the rain pouring down, fish & chips on my knee and a very greedy labrador watching my every bite from the back. Don't worry she got some!

Sunday, before heading back home; I called at the 'For the love of Home & Lifestyle Fair' in York. This event is held in a beautiful historic building in the Museum Gardens 

I made a couple of purchases below from some lovely exhibitors there and enjoyed a big piece of rainbow cake. 

One of my favourite purchases was some vintage floral linens I'm "hoping" to turn into some cushions ….watch this space! I bought these from a lovely lady called Vicky Trainor who also has an amazing website. You can explore her pretty garden of linens at www.thelinengarden.co.uk.

With the car full of vintage lovelies I said a fond farewell to York…it won't be long til I'm back. There's so many places I didn't get chance to visit this time so there will defintley be a part 2 to this post on my next visit!

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