June to me is cherries and Sweet Williams. It’s the first time of the year that I spot them both in the shops and I can’t wait to buy them, bring them home, and have them on our kitchen table.

Luckily for us, near to where we have moved there is a row of independent shops. I don’t drive, so on a Monday it has become a bit of a routine to walk with Bailey to do some of the shopping. We go to the bakers, the green grocers and we might pop into a charity shop or two. I much prefer to shop this way, and it’s what my Mum always did when we were younger. I’m always surprised at what good value it is – especially the green grocers – plus it feels good to support local independent shops.

Bailey is loving the cherries as much as I do, they are so sweet and juicy, and turn her hands and face a fantastic sticky purple. Often we have eaten most of the cherries by the time we get home, but not this week as I wanted some to photograph.

I love the fact that the Sweet Williams are a mixture of colours from the purest white, to a soft blush pink, to a deep warm cherry colour. They have a real handmade look about them – which is a bit of an odd thing to say, but it’s because they are all so distinctly different. To me they are a no nonsense flower, something my Grandma Peggy would have bought and so pretty in their way.

The three stone earthenware pots were very happy finds indeed. Back in May I had the pleasure of exploring Hastings, guided by the rather lovely Jeska from Lobster & Swan*. I have been to Hastings quite a few times as it’s not too far from us, but Jeska introduced me to some real gems, that I had previously missed. There are so many good shops; antique, junk and indpendent. It is a proper shoppers paradise, especially if you are fond of a rummage, which I most certainly am. I have to thank my dear friend Sarah-Lou from Lapinblu for spotting this little pot with the circle pattern on it. She picked it up and said “this makes me think of you”. I was quite happy with that association and held onto it very tightly whilst scanning the rest of the shop for any more hidden treasures.

So thrilled that this week we have finally had some “leaving the back door open”, playing in the garden, sandal wearing weather, with that, and the Cherries and Sweet Williams, it finally feels like summer has arrived.

Don’t forget you too can join in with Styling the Seasons. Just style any surface in your home to reflect what that month means to you, share it on your blog or the social network of your choice and include the hashtag #stylingtheseasons and remember to tag Katy and Charlotte too.

* Ruth from Gathered Cheer organises little get togethers for bloggers and creatives. A chance to meet up, and talk and connect, all centered round a fun day out planned by that meet ups host. To find out more, and to sign up to any up coming events, have a look at Ruth’s blog. It’s a lovely way to meet others and I had a really lovely day in Hastings, thanks to both Jeska and Ruth.