St.Albans is old, very old. So it's no surprise that it's home to the oldest pub in England 'The Fighting Cocks'. A pub has said to have been located here since Viking times. So obviously any good ghost investigator would expect a good haunting with their pint and peanuts. 

The pub has lots of ambience and atmosphere. Low lighting, candles and dried flowers (probably there to cast out evil spirits). We chose a lovely table next to a roaring fire perfect for an Autumnal evening. 

The conversation flowed and we quickly moved onto the topic of ghosts. We each shared spooky stories from our past. I decided to have a Google and find whether 'The Fighting Cocks' had any historical hauntings. Turns out we had chosen the exact table where some ghostly monks had been seen sat at after appearing from the cellar. I have to admit it was a very nice table and if I was a ghost, I probably would return from the afterlife to have a little sit there with my mates. 

I hope to return with Dereck Acorah and his spirit guide Sam. Happy Halloween. 

👻👻👻

Do you like books, junk and little dogs pretending to be ornaments? Then look no further, Hay-On-Wye is the perfect place for a rummage and a ramble. 

Hay- On-Wye is famous for its books, and they are literally everywhere. Even the castle ruins have book shelves! 

The town makes good use of its barns, low ceilings and uneven floors which have become home to a plethora of antique, bric & brac and curiosity shops. Many of the shops are run through the honesty model, where customers are simply trusted to leave the correct payment for their purchases. 

I am enchanted with with Hay-On-Wye. I urge you to make a date with it soon. 

I'm going to say it now loud and proud my heroes are none other than Rosie and Jim. If you are British and were born in the late  80's you are probably familiar with the puppet duo and their crazy canal boat adventures. If you are not than bad luck guys because you missed out on pure childhood joy. 

Here they are now meandering along some picturesque waterway living the dream. I want their life. I've almost persuaded my husband to jump aboard the decks of our very own narrow boat 

Whilst having a wander around Walthamstow Sue Ryder I discovered this beautiful gypsy style jug and fell in love. An absolute steal at £2.50. 

So very pretty and I think you will agree the perfect addition to any Rosie and Jim style adventure! 

I popped down to decoporium today and was once again tempted by so many nostalgic items.

http://decoporium.com 

I often recognise items from my grandmothers and great grandmothers homes and silently curse the person who decided to send them to the skip. I saw some charming things today but didn't make any purchases as I'm trying very hard to have a de clutter .. Here are some of things I was tempted by; 

1950's telephone 

Spinning toy 

Creepy doll and snazzy sunglasses 

Toby's gang 

When you think of Brighton you probably imagine pebbled beaches, slot machines and fish and chips. Like most coastline towns it has a penchant for attracting coach loads of pensioners desperate for some sea air. But besides the standard British seaside vibe, Brighton offers a host of quirky little shops hidden in side streets and alleyways. Brighton is a wonderful place to explore even if you don't fancy fish and chips. 

Nothing beats an afternoon of    exploring. I love a good rummage ...

Over the last year taxidermy has become somewhat fashionable again. I have (much to my husbands disgust) jumped on board the stuffed animal bandwagon and would like to introduce you to my new friend Herbert ... 

He's gleefully grasping a nut next to a magical mushroom. What more could a dead mouse ask for?!