3 Things I Can't Live Without: Abbi

Hello all you What Peggy Said readers! Kim was kind enough to swap buttons with me and let me guest post on her lovely blog.I'll be posting about Three Things I Can't Live Without; but first, I'd like to introduce myself.  I'm Abbigayle Rashae from True Blue Abbi, my lifestyle baby! I'm fifteen, turning sixteen on July 31st. I live in Iowa, on some land with a small hobby farm. I adore reading, writing, photography, fashion, and food! I hope you guys stop on by my blog and say hi. I love visitors! 

I decided to not be really lame and say stuff like a house and food and air and such. I thought of some things that I adore, that I would hate if I didn't have! 

First off was BOOKS. Ever since I can remember I have loved to read. Just the other day I sat down in the evening, and in a few hours I was done with a 228 page book. I just love to read! 

Second on the list is Friends/Family. I know this one is kind of cliche, but honestly, as much as I feel like I hate my family and am annoyed by them, I really do love them, and I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have them. I'm also incredibly lucky to have the friends I do! They're amazing people. 

The last thing is FOOD! I know that I said I wasn't going to put this down, but you guys don't truly understand my love for food. I'm always wanting to snack on something. And if food isn't in my mouth then by golly you can expect gum to be! I'm a Gum Addict. I swear. Whenever I have to help plan an activity, my comment is always, "As long as there's good food, I'll come." 

Thanks so much Abbi! Go and stop by Abbi's blog, facebook and bloglovin and say hello! Kim xo

OOTD: Vintage, Petticoat & Cash

Last month we got ourselves dressed up and ready to rock n roll to the sounds of Cash, the Johnny Cash tribute act that stopped off at the Waterfront in Norwich for the evening.
I took this opportunity to wear my favourite vintage dress (yes, a day dress, but who's checking, eh?) and a bargain petticoat from ebay and my brand new clogs. Rory scrubbed up pretty well too.

After feeling a little bit chilly, I put on my mint green tights. Trust me, I got some very strange looks waiting for the bus that night.

After a couple of cheeky glasses of rose, we wandered across the bridge, stopped for some photos and got ready for some music. Lucky for us, Cash didn't disappoint. They were so spot on with their sound, both vocally and guitar, and we had the best time. Naturally, Rory and I danced like loons and sang along to every word while many others simply stared. I hope they come back to Norwich soon, it will give me a good excuse to find another vintage dress to wear!

Said some goodbyes, shed some tears

Alfred and Amelia were Mum and Dad,

They had six kids- they must be mad.

Grew up in Melford- what a place!

Everyone there knew his face.

He went to Germany and drove a tank

Became a carpenter and sawed some planks

He loved his music, and played the drums

Formed a band with all his chums

Then met Enid the love of his life

She was soon to be his wife

Mandy was first – they didn’t waste time

Jane and Simon were next in line

Caravan holidays all over the land

He was there- bucket in hand

Ivan and Helen were their friends

I’m sure he drove them round the bend

Socks pulled up, not best dressed-

He always wore his cardi and vest.

The family grew over the years

Said some goodbyes and shed some tears

With Helen he found the friend he needed

To explore the globe they had proceeded

On the Canberra they went to cruise

A second visit? They couldn’t refuse.

Turkey and Tinsel or a Mystery Tour?

Where they were going, they never were sure.

In the Argos catalogue, he wanted the lot

For gadgets he had a real soft spot

Mr Benn and Shaun the Sheep

Countdown’s on and then a sleep

Playing Scrabble, he’d always win

Triple word score and a cheeky grin

A really rude joke he couldn’t resist

Grandad you really will be missed.

Since Easter, life has been upturned in the What Peggy Said family, and just under two weeks ago, my Grandad said his final goodbyes.

Obviously, family has been at the forefront of my mind for the past few weeks, and everything else has been put on hold. Now that time has started to pass, and the funeral is over, it is time to begin looking ahead to the future. Obviously, my heart strings have been pulled to within an inch of their lives, especially with my wedding fast approaching, but Grandad wouldn't have wanted me to dither about, he would have told me to just get on with it, so that's what I'm going to do.

The poem above was read at the funeral. It did a good job of making us all laugh.

I'm really pleased that everyone said it would have made Grandad laugh; and the family told me I must share it here. 

Normal service will resume shortly, I promise.

Calendar - May

So, May is upon us- How did that happen so quickly?
Here are this month's calendars for your desktop and iPhone screens. I hope you enjoy them this month.

As ever, if you have any trouble downloading or saving these, do let me know, and I'll try to fix it ASAP!

Thrifted :: Terrarium Case

 I happened to find this misshapen little glass case at a charity shop a couple of weeks ago. For just £2.50, I had to bring it home.
I assume it was possible a hurricane lantern type thing for a candle (?) but I have decided to use it to house some of the prickly little cacti that didn't make it into my previous terrarium efforts.

I put a couple of the plants in metal buckets from Hobbycraft that I had lying around.
Also, who doesn't love a plastic moose and an elephant?

What do you think? Am I crazy for really loving this little arrangement? (apologies for the dodgy photography, ridiculously tricky to photograph without a million reflections!)

New shoes!

As a girl, I think I am pretty alone in that I don't buy shoes too often. I used to buy tons of cheap shoes, but just like Mamma said they would, they wrecked my feet bigtime.

Since I started teaching (ie: standing up for most of the day) I have had to buy 'proper shoes' and spend a bit more cash on my poor feet. That usually means Clarks or Hush Puppies. Thankfully there is an outlet village near my Mum's house, or else I would never be able to afford such shoes.

I recently discovered Lotta from Stockholm, and found a whole range shoes in a style I had been craving for about the last year. I just treated myself to these beauties, and I couldn't be happier. They have a small platform and heel, but it really feels like your feet are flat - perfect combination if you ask me.

I bought these through the 'Seconds' sale (I think it's because there is a tiny dent in the wooden part of the heel, not that you'd notice) so they were considerably discounted, I keep checking back for more- I love to get me a good bargain!

Red leather was the obvious choice for me. My favourite summer shoes, red dolly shoes from Clarks have seen better days (but there is no way I am parting with them any time soon!) and needed replacing.

I was so pleased with the service- the delivery was speedy (they arrived Monday and I ordered them late on Thursday night) and most importantly, FREE. They are comfy and look great. Rory even said so, and believe me, he is honest when he doesn't like something.

All round 10/10

I am now pining after these green ones:

Be still, my beating heart...


(not a sponsored post, just in love with my new shoes!)

Pretty Nostalgic

Pretty Nostalgic- such a gorgeous magazine.
It's got thick paper (that smells like new books - is it weird to admit I love that smell?), well written articles and great styling.

Can you believe my surprise when a few months ago I received an email from one of the editors who had spotted my Mod Podge Table DIY, and wanted to feature it in their Curiosities section?! I was so excited!

Issue 6 sees my lovely little table on page 10, it's strange to see it in print in a real life magazine! Also, how funny is it that the feature next to me is about a guy called Rory? #spooky

As I continued to read, I was thrilled to find that on p88 there is an article written by Retro Chick, Gemma Seager (who I just love - her blog really inspired me to get writing myself!) about a vintage filled stroll around Norwich. It pretty much takes the same route as Erica and I took last week. Great minds, eh?

Thanks so much for printing my photo and link, Pretty Nostalgic. My copy of the magazine will be kept to show the Grandkids one day (who I'm sure will shrug their shoulders in bemusement)