Visit

I went down to Christchurch to visit Mummie yesterday, visited my favourite shops selling lovely things, and took in a new one, Pinks, in Bargates, selling everything for cross-stitch and embroidery. They teach classes as well. Opposite, is a lovely traditional haberdashery, Feather in the Breeze, selling all manner of buttons, ribbons and notions.  Lots of inspiration!
Other favourites are Lavender and Bay in Wick Lane, Cricklewood in the High St (www.crickle-wood.co.uk) Wisteria (www.wisteriagifts.co.uk ) and Thomas and Lucia (www.thomasandlucia.com) both in Bargates. Check out their websites if you can't get to the shop; well worth a visit if you are in the area.
We had lunch at the New Forest Perfumery, a proper old fashioned Tea Rooms, with its quaint wonky floors and beams, and then a stroll round the ancient lanes and alleys.

Flowers abound - even in the station's ironwork!

Then, before my journey home, to a Christmas Shopping Evening at Thomas and Lucia, browsing with a mince pie and glass of red. I found some wooden hearts on string, paper lanterns for tea-lights, two Christmas tree decorations (I treat the tree to something new every year) and a felt hanging heart, may make it to becoming gifts for friends, may stay with me.....