Follow my journey as I attempt to transform myself from self-confessed townie to country bumpkin!
Well it seems that leaving suburbia for the country is THE fashionable thing to do. Tom and Barbara have left our leafy London suburbia to expand their one dog to two dogs, a donkey and several acres of vegetable garden. Not one to be outdone, I told my darling husband Jerry, in no uncertain terms, that we just had to move. Primrose (4) and Poppy (1) simply must ride ponies and have a black lab. Perhaps I could even keep chickens?
I have since been scouring pages of Country Life as well as my dear friend, Barbara’s Country Living and Jerry has finally given up arguing. WE ARE MOVING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE! However, Jerry has issued me with an ultimatum….
- Learn the ways of the countryside and….
- Try something new each week so that I can actually put all the ‘countryside’ items I have bought to good use.
I mean how hard can it be to make a pot of jam or make your own clothes – Barbara has been doing it for years! And……my Dubarry boots and never worn Barbour will be just divine against the backdrop of the Hampshire countryside.
I would suggest you need to ride. Given that you are a good cook how’s about once a week try and make something WOW for darling Jerry. Knit or crochet perhaps?!?! I know someone who could teach you to fish. You could always take up painting or photography.
Darling Margot: fairies and cupcakes? This all seems rather too civilised for country tastes! I think Primrose and Poppy need to get a good coating of mud in readiness for life in the wild old Shires. I propose a trip to a city farm! Time for you all to start SMELLING the good life……photos should you get there please!
Quite right quite right! Look out for muddiness and more Margot mayhem at the end of this month when we visit Tom and Barbara in their rural idyll!
Dear Margot,
Oh, I love you. And your Twitter wallpaper. I think you should contact @LadiesShooting and ask for Victoria. Not only will she give you brilliant country-living tips, but she can also introduce you to The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club. And V and her team are always looking for fun new guest bloggers.
Very best of luck in your countryside endeavours,
From your fan,
Carlie
Ooh you are too kind! I know those lovely shooting ladies on Twitter and am definitely going to book a day! Thank you for being such a fan! I am honoured Xx
Such a great blog and I know lots of my readers will love following your story as they plan their own leap into the countryside! Keep up the good work
How wonderful! Definitely chutneys and jam making should be on the list! My husband would love this…I’m too scared to take the leap…shall be following closely though!
Ooh tell your husband to follow too! Thank you so much for lovely comments.
A move you won’t regret, we did just the same 11 years ago.
Are regular visits back to London allowed? – for some indulgent shopping or for the ‘Big City’ atmosphere. Or must they be restricted and confined to “occasions” or just one visit each season?
Can’t help but ruefully recognise myself in some of your musings … and we called our daughter Margot … ! Can say from experience that there will be some regrets … BUT they will be outweighed by the lovely stuff.
I love this post.
We are also in the process of moving to the countryside and my friends tease me saying ill be in the Barbour shortly.
I look forward to reading more about your country life.