Vintage Tins -

 Holding treasures & treats in a vintage style tin real is a childhood memory to cherish.  Recalling days of old, tins of buttons, biscuits, first aid & 'bits & bobs' (technical term for everything you never need but cannot bare to throw away, just in case!) 

set of three vintage style tins

retro style sewing tin (complete sewing set)

vintage style cooking tin's

vintage style spice tins

retro style tea coffee sugar vintage tins

Working From Home - eeekkkkkkk

Create an Office to be Proud Of!

Working from home takes the most amount of discipline & dedication. The concept of working from home is far different from the reality. The idea is defiantly not the reality and the 'perks' are equally matched with the 'constraints'. Simple distractions can easily throw your day off course. While you are effectively your own boss, you still have to have the discipline to achieve the results required & recognise that it can be a very lonely way of working. From my own experience here are some simple tips that could help you with a work/life balance & achieve success from working from home.


Make sure that you have an organised office area, away from your usual living environment so that you can actually 'go to work'. This not only helps you focus but also let's those around you know that you are 'unavailable' and 'at work'.  It also means that when work has 'finished' for the day, it will actually feel like you have finished!

Take breaks. Its easy to get lost in your work (sometimes a little too lost) when you find yourself in the same position you started  hours earlier without so much as a cup of tea or lunch. Make sure there is structure to your day. If the weather is nice, get outside for your lunch or take ten minutes in the afternoon to have a drink outside. Simply having a cuppa at your desk does n't constitute a break. Moving from your desk gives you time to refocus & getting fresh air makes you feel like you really have had a break.

It's ok to talk. Talk to reps, talk to clients, talk to other people at work. It's important that you don't become isolated in your job. Interaction is crucial to decision making, understanding and healthy working. Working in an office environment means you are constantly bouncing ideas and thoughts off colleagues and working from home shouldn't mean your isolated. Talking to your best friend for an hour doesn't qualify but chatting to your supplier, talking to office based colleagues & customer's is all part of understanding and developing.

Be strict with your office hours! This is a biggie. I am away's on time for work. For me this is a necessity for a successful day. However I have tended to finish later than intended; this wouldn't happen if I worked in a shared office or environment where other's left to go home.  You have to maintain the work/life separation and this is crucial for that. (note to myself, follow own advice!).

Finally enjoy it! Yes there are perks to working from home. You don't miss the post, you can pop a wash on when you take a break & you can (occasionally) work in your pj's (I said occasionally, you are at work after all!)

Competition Time

So to introduce the new Au Maison Range of Wipe Clean Fabrics we have created a Competition for a lucky Facebook follower to win a metre of the fabric pattern of there choice. With designs including, big red spots, blue stars, blue dots, forest green spots, vintage style damask cream, floral milli white, latte dots & classic red checked you can match it to your colour scheme (or go crazy and clash!!)  

How to Enter:

So how do you go about getting your hands on this gorgeous fabric? Simply 'like' us on facebook. Yes it's that simple (and don't worry if you already do you are naturally in the running for this prize).

So its easy, simply click the facebook button below and 'like' us (why wouldn't you?)

Competition Closes:
We will choose at random the winner at midnight on the 22nd May and email the winner in their inbox for delivery details. Simple. Easy.  

Au Maison  Oil Cloth

Oil Cloth From the genius that are Au Maison, this high quality cloth is perfect for everyday use, parties & fun fun fun design classics. This oilcloth is a standard width of 142cm(56 inches). It can be cut to size if this is too big but does not come in a larger width. For the length, this oilcloth is sold by the half-meter. When measuring we reccomend leaving about 9 inches at either end for the overhang if measuring for a table cloth. We are happy to send you a free sample of our oilcloth prior to purchase but as this product is cut to order, there is no return policy available on it. Contact us for your free sample today at             0845 072 8480       or email us at info@countrylivinginteriors.co.uk

142cm width available by the half meter various colours can be used as table clothes, cushion covers, outdoor bunting etc

Inspiration this season comes from layers, patterns & textures. Vibrant colours & strong patterns are a must for a classic, strong room scheme of vibrant summer fun.  Floral's are returning, as are retro prints & traditional intricate designs. Don't be afraid to mix and match, floral's, animal motifs, bold azure patterns & retro prints. Create a style that suit's you!

retro spotty dots from Cath Kidston

mix and match au maison wipe clean fabric

rustic textured olive memo board

ceramic plant pots in taupe with

pale blue 'potato print' style heart

animal motif & sentimental cushion

stitched heart canisters (mix & match)add fresh cut flowers

floral metal heart tins add a touch of design class

spotty ceramic canisters (mix & match)

rustic twig heart
decorate seasonally to update & refresh

floral rustic picture

Robin's Growing Class

Robin's Growing Class This saturday we will be covering: 1 Sowing seeds and planting vegetables in containers 2 Growing shrubs & perennials in containers £2.50 per person, including free filter coffee or tea. No need to book, just turn up, 9.30am till 10.30am

Easter Open Times

Easter is always a lovely time to sort the garden & get inspired.

So come on over to Fron Goch Garden Centre & visit us.

Garden Centre 
Easter Opening Hours:

Good Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm

Easter Sat 9:00am to 6:00pm

Easter Sunday closed

Easter Monday 9:00am -6:00pm

Why not head over on Saturday morning 9:30 til 10:30 & join in Robin's Growing Class

This Saturday we will be covering:
1 Sowing veg outside
2 Planting herbs outdoors
3 Rhododendrons & Azaleas 

£2.50 per person, including free filter coffee or tea. 

No need to book, just turn up. 9.30am till 10.30am

Easter Mugs

Just wanted to share these lovely Easter hen mugs. Available exclusively in our Fron Goch Garden Centre store. Simply hentastic! 

Easter Hen Mugs £4.99 each available in store