All About Caroline: baking, books and bobbins
I am an editor, freelance copy-editor, education consultant, and aspiring writer and entrepreneur who enjoys little as much as scouring charity shops and visiting flea markets and car boot sales… Ok, except drinking violet martinis in Popolos, imbibing plentiful wine anywhere with the girls (red in winter, rose in summer, fizzy anytime!) and eating homemade chicken saag. I have a passion for food and cooking, clothes and shopping, and especially for bargain-hunting.
At the start of 2009, I made a decision to buy as much as possible second hand or handcrafted, for economical, ecological and ethical reasons. This includes clothing, furniture, kitchen goods… and some books (but not all – as a publisher and former Waterstone’s employee my conscience simply wouldn’t allow me to take my considerable custom from the market!). I also make a concerted effort to buy locally and seasonally where possible.
I am accomplished crafter and have been making and selling fairies and angels for two years now. You can follow their adventures in their blog, Down the Garden Path. I also make the occasional birthday cake for cash, alter and make my own clothes, and love to cook.
18 Responses to "All About Caroline: baking, books and bobbins"
January 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi Liz,
My friend bought the dress back in October from the Newcastle upon Tyne branch of Topshop. I don’t know whther you’d be lucky now, but the details are below.
Top Shop
Unit 4, Whitecross Way, Eldon Square, Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7XA
Tel: 0191 2329934
Hope this helps!,
Caroline
March 1, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Caroline,
I feel so sad about what has happened. I lost my love so many years ago and made myself avoid closeness so that I could never get hurt again. Don’t do that.
You are beautiful and young – love again.
Phil
Hey – I love the hands on hips pose in the hallway. The photo of your shoes is just wonderful.. take care
March 2, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Thanks Phil – I’ll do my very best, and thanks for the compliments. Glad you like the shoes!
March 21, 2008 at 4:26 am
Hello Caroline!
Was just stopping by enjoying your blog and thought I’d say hello…I love shopping, sewing, and clothes too. 
I currently live in the US but will be moving to Cornwall, England soon if all goes well! Any favorite shops in the UK you can recommend?
Cheers,
~Anna Kristine
March 21, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Hi Anna Kristine,
Glad you’re enjoying the blog! I can’t say I know Cornwall very well – I’ve been a few times on holiday and there are some lovely little gift shops selling unique jewelery. Otherwise I frequent Topshop, H&M, Primark and Zara. And it’s always worth checking out the charity shops!
Cornwall is just beautiful – lots of great surf shops too, if that’s your thing! My friend and I used to go down for the surf festival in Newquay when we were in our late teens.
Take care and fingers crossed for you moving across the pond!
Caroline x
March 26, 2008 at 5:57 am
Lovely blog, definitely adding you to my bloglist – and i can’t believe i’m already on yours! Good lord, your bargains are lovely! You have a good eye for em don’t you? xoxo
March 26, 2008 at 9:53 am
Thank you! I like to think I have an eye for them! (Now I’m chuffed someone agrees with me 
) And thanks for adding me to your bloglist – I’m a fan of yours already as you see! Cx
March 28, 2008 at 6:26 am
Hey Caroline,
Thanks for the shop tips! I’ll definately be checking out the charity shops as well!
I do love Cornwall…I’ve been there twice but both were for short stays. I’m looking forward to getting to know the area better.
Still enjoying your blog…:)It’s great to see all your bargains and fashion. Inspires me!
Cheers,
~Anna Kristine
May 11, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hey Cie
I need you’re advice since your a fshionista and all my friends have got fed up with me asking. I need to pick a dress for grad ball but don’t have many… I have my photos up on my blog and was wondering if you could tell me if you think any of them at all could be ball-like? Oh, and hope you’re settled in!
L xx
November 14, 2008 at 6:43 am
nice blog. i particularly like the crafts you make. =o)
November 14, 2008 at 10:10 am
Thanks selfpublishedscifi – I’ve not been very crafty this year, but hoping to pick up again in the new year!
November 22, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hey Caroline,
This may initially sound like a bizarre comment, especially coming from someone you don’t know, so I apologise in advance, but I just wanted to thank you.
A few months back, I was in the midst of something and I couldn’t see out of it. In my haze, I remember doing a random google search on the end of relationships and I stumbled upon your blog. Reading that someone else had been through a similar thing to me, and knowing that I wasn’t the only one who felt as though their heart was no longer beating, was a huge comfort to me. When I couldn’t think straight for the pain, I read on and saw that you had managed to come out of it and continue to live your life and become who you were meant to be.
It’s been 7 months for me now, and I can finally say that I am beginning to see again. So, I really wanted to thank you, so much, for unbeknownst to you, your blog offered me hope admist it all and has helped me to become brave enough to open my eyes to the world once more.
Best wishes,
Amy at WB x
November 24, 2008 at 10:16 am
Oh Amy – you’ve brought tears to my eyes.
I’m so sorry that you had to go through such heartache. I know exactly what you mean when you say you couldn’t see out of it – and if you’re managing to move forward after only 7 months you’re doing incredibly well. I’m coming up to the one year mark now, and still struggling some of the time, but it does get easier with every week that goes by. Just give yourself all the time that you need – no matter how long that may be.
I’m so pleased and honoured to have been able to help someone through my blog. Thank you for telling me.
Caroline xx
June 1, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Hello do you live in England?? I live in Massachusetts..U.S.A. It’s very beautiful were I am New England weather so sometimes very cold sometimes humid or too hot… Well have a great day Zulema
http://www.fashion1psychology.wordpress.com
November 1, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Hi Caroline,
I was just reseachring book clubs for Leamington and your site came up.
So, thought I’d let you know that we are just setting up a new book club locally. Check the Meetup website link for info.
I think there’s also a sewing group on there so, (assuming they aren’t on the same night!!), hope that’s of use too.
Take care
Claire
November 2, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Thanks Claire – I actually co-founded a Sewing group that’s on meetup – Sew Make Believe – is it the same one?
Anyway, thanks for the heads up!
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January 9, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi Caroline
This may be a bit of a longshot but I’m trying to find a topshop that sells a dress a friend of yours bought (according to your comment on this web site http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2007/10/topshops_floral.html). If you can find out the name/number of it I would be soo grateful.
Thanks
liz