KATHERINE'S DREAM

Twinnys Who Love To Decorate

2012-01-28T19:49:00.002Z

I am now confirmed as suffering from bloggly eyes...

Before I slump onto the sofa I wanted to show you my latest project.

I have painted inside my crackle glazed cabinet.

Painted in F&B Light Blue, which looks a kind of grey and matches my light blue walls.

Also I have had a shift around of furniture.

This little table got a fresh cost of light blue too, changing it from a deep blue of which I cannot remember the name of!

And I painted this from it natural state of light wood into

bright and white F&B Strong White to match the rest of the paintwork in my sitting room.

The insides are very dark, painted in Annie Sloan Charcoal.

I like the dramatic contrasts and the darkness shows of my displays especially the whites really quite well.

I think!

And now to meet my other half, my twin!

Well that is what my hubby calls us.

Of course she is a distant relative (my Dad and her Mum) but not my twin,

It is just that my hub says we are so very similar in so many ways.

The things we love, the colours we choose, the clothes we wear.

So here we are.

Happy lot.

So clever those self timers on cameras these days.

And now a second helping of my lovely friends home.

The kitchen.

Note the little Storm Lantern on the table, that is from our shop.

Everything including the kitchen sink.

I recognise that cabinet, I have one so similar.

We both love the cool shades of New England.

This fireplace has since been ripped out and log stove put in.

I will show you as I will be paying another visit or Loraine's very soon.

As she lives quite close to the NEC Birmingham and my two daughters and me will be attending the Trade Spring Fair to see what lovely items we can find for our new shop......Loraine's is a good comfortable place to return to after a busy day of buying.

No doubt dinner will be waiting!

Lol...

Landing.

Into the bedroom.

Gorgeous.

But I will not be sleeping in here sadly.

I will be in here.

I have gone and deleted the image of the bed.

Does that drive you mad.

One slip of the finger and it's gone!

Never mind.

I am getting so tired now.

It has been such a long day in the virtual office.

Sleep tight.

Our Shop

2012-01-21T19:50:00.000Z

We have started to update our new website. We will be adding more things from now and hopefully the shop will be open from the 1sty February 2012 for purchasing.

http://www.simplyscandinavian.bigcartel.com/

We look forward to seeing you there
C
X

Guilty Pleasures

2012-01-12T16:28:00.001Z

Setting up our new shop has been a learning curve as some you will understand.

But it can be fun and exciting too.

There is so much to think about and arrange before you can actually start.

We started with Home Parties, which we found very easy.

Getting the On-Line Shop open is more time consuming and complicated.

But,the fun bit for me,

My Guilty Pleasures

is choosing the stock from the suppliers and playing with it once I get it home.

This is meant to be Work!!!

This beautiful tray is one of our favourites.

Here I have grouped togther some Votives on the tray.

We have sold out of these particular ones as they have been so popular, but we have some slightly different Votives flying our way!

Some of our new stock, which we be linking with our Shopping Trolley and check out

very soon we hope.

This Zinc and Glass, very delicate glass! candle holder is different.

The intricate work is simply beautiful.

I have so many ideas for these Herb Planters, I could play all day with our stock!

I start early in the morning, then before I know it I am still in my nightie

and it is lunchtime!!!

This Zinc Planter I think is useful for more than just plants.

It makes a good container for the coming BBQ's.

Oil & Vinegar !

Line it with serviettes and put two types of cheese straws in it.

The Candles we stock, we have been using ourselves for a few years now.

The scents are yummy and fill a room for hours.

The Tin Candles burn for upto 45 hours.

Once the Pot Candle is burned out I am loathe to throw away.

I love this little plant, Baby Tears, it does go by many names but this one I like best.

I have it indoors, outdoors, hanging in baskets and now

in my recyled candle pot.

I think they would look good Lime Washed too.

So Candles are another Guilty Pleasure of mine....

Tea light candles, tall candles, pillar candles,

my home is full of them.

Sticks, votives and lanterns.

One consolation is our electricity bill was noticeably lower?? maybe me preferring candle light

to bulbs is paying off!

I have this great love for Zinc? and Pewter and Baking Tins!

Like our Pomander, in Zinc. I love this.

I filled one with cones onto which I dripped some of my favourite essential oils.

Gorgeous.

Just hang it where noses will pass by.

Like so many lovely ladies I know, I have a home full of Hearts.

I know why we love them.

We are Home Makers.

We fill our homes with warmth and love.

Oops...

I am feeling guilty, we could not resist these lamp bases and shades, with Hearts on!

Yes, our men will moan a little.

Moan, then smile and let us get on with it

They have given in to our insistence, that we need them!

Another Guilty Pleasure of mine is jewelry, and the answer is NO

I can never have enough!

My sexcuse.... new word for the dictionary here and quite appropriate for us ladies who collect!

is.... I have daughters to pass my jewels onto and maybe one day

Grand daughters!

This pretty dark mauve dish will be lucky to make it into the shop.

I have a keen eye on it.

Another lamp and another shade.

This base is tall, great as a bedside lamp, if like me you try to read in bed.

I usually manage one page or two before nodding off.

This Wooden Tray is going in the shop.

(The Sophie Conran Mugs are not).

A must for any English Man or Women I think... the early morning cup of Tea in Bed.

It just gives you an oooooohhhhh loverly to start the day.

And as I have pale carpets I insist on all drinks being take upstairs on a tray.

Stops drips causing drips!

We have two sizes of Zinc Heart Hangings.

Now please believe me our shop is not going to be only Hearts, it seems that I have only shown you hearts so far!

Ooops and there is another one!

No, I must apologise here, this is pure coincidence.

It was just the way I uploaded the images.

There are two types of Love Letters in our collection, single and on a stand.

Me just playing again with our Zincy bits.

I love this one.

The design is so pretty.

It will have so many uses.

Hanging Zinc Heart for tea light candles.

Twiggy Wreaths.

On Shed Doors.

Front Doors.

Back Doors.

Mirrors.

Walls.

Or as a Vignette which I am creating for my own home and will show you all soon.

Love this.

I will fill mine with Spring Bulbs and Stick Candles.

Stick Candles are the tiny 1cm diameter candles which stand about 15cm high.

They will be available in our Shop.

Dads Shed Sign.

The only place they may be able to escape into a world of

Fishing Tackle.

Tools and Old Wood Collections !

And to finish Part 1 of my Guilty Pleasures another lamp shade, grey and on a distressed wooden base.

Guilty Pleasures Part 2

I could go on for a long time listing my Guilty Pleasures.

One that I am quite passionate about is Perfume.

Vintage and New.

I love talking to the girls at the perfume counter if I am shopping alone.

My collection is 'big'.

My pleasure even bigger.

And the guilt, well......

but if like me you Love your perfumes you will probably like this site.

Fragrantica

I have my own wardrobe of my collection listed here and what is in them, when to use them, who Loves, Likes or Dislikes them!

So the Guilty bit is how much time I loose playing here!!!

I do get great Pleasure getting one of my men to do something I want when it really does not need doing! in some peoples eyes.

My son James.

It only took him four hours to remove, remodel and then go home.

(I am so happy James, I love it and it gives me and the dogs so much pleasure).

So with a few changes here and there.

A whole new look.

To paint things is one of my most enjoyable Guilty Pleasures.

Guilty because sometimes the wood is lovely and should maybe not be hidden under a layer of paint.

But pleasureable beacause

I like it better afterwards.

And bedding, I find Vintage or New it matters not, to good to resist.

I adore cotton and lace.

And this new fireplace and that old chair becon me now.

To sit with a hot cup of tea with my Teddy at my feet.

A well deserved pleasure in the late afternoon.

So what are your Guilty Pleasures?

You have to have one at least.

It is the rule.

ps, there are many more to add to this list.

But I did think I should stop here for now.

So I have made a new label for

Guilty Pleasures.

New Year New Shop New Dreams

2012-01-09T21:10:00.000Z

It has been a long time in the making.

Johanna, Katie and me are now

Simply Scandinavian

We started out with home parties and a weekend open day in the barn.

We have many great suppliers on board with us.

St Eval Candles which we love and have been using for a few years now, are one of our best sellers.

The Home Party was fun.

I loved the displaying bit!

The problem is... we want it all.

We really need a good website designer now for our On-Line Shop.

Still looking.

On-Line Shopping starts in February.

We would love to hear from you, so do leave us a comment.

Goodbye for now.

I will be back soon with my recent little projects to show you.

Wishing you all the very best for

2012

Christmas Time....and befrore

2011-12-04T23:45:00.001Z

Fitting it all in is getting to breaking point!

My posts are erratic.

So they are a jumble of everything I have been

doing.

I start with what should be the end of my post, the start of the Christmas Decorating.

Because that is what is on my mind at present.

But want to backtrack a few months ! as well.

This was a fabulous day on the Kent coast, well a week actually.

We took my Dad away for a little holiday.

After Guy and Ava.

I feel now able to introduce

Teddy to you properly.

Teddy comes everywhere with me.

My baby.

National Trust properties, shopping, school runs.

I dare not let him out of my sight.

I have painted with Annie Sloan paints as you know already, love them.

I have days filled with babies.

Hub gets to join in all the fun whilst I do the housework!

Yeah right oh, he is saying as I type!

Cheeky, of course I do housework.

I have visited the most wonderful shops.

This one a regular, a gorgeous Florist in Tunbridge Wells.

I go there often as I love this shop.

I could just move in.

The smells are Divine.

We have enjoyed the outdoors.

Beautiful, stunning sunsets as we camped.

I have gloried in finding lovely items such as this shade.

When I went back to get more they were all gone, no surprise.

I have crocheted.

Not a lot.

This poppy was very quick to make.

I did still buy one of course, but love my little woollen poppy for any time of year.

As you will have guessed. Teddy stole my heart.

Can't stop photographing him.

Cuddling, bathing and brushing him.

Such a handsome little boy.

I have nagged and nagged, something I am expert at so hub says, to make this shelf

for my jar collection.

I feel like a kid in a sweet shop with all these jars.

Last but not least, my sitting room Christmas Tree,

Not a great photo due to no flash.

And this year a New Christmas Tree for the family room.

Love it.

I have kept the decorations to a minimum this time.

With two blog's to run and my massage course to complete next week, which has been

recently added to the,

Carol's List Of Things To Do

spare time is very short.

Life is never boring. so should not complain.

I just wish I was better at organising myself.

Well it time to get into my bed.

Love to you all.

Carol

Cosy October Days

2011-10-19T10:55:00.002+01:00

Following on from the previous post and Chalk Paints.
This candelabra has been hidden away for many years as the gold didn't fit in with
anything I had in the room.
I have painted it in Charcoal Chalk Paint.
The paint went on very easily.

Once the paint has dried a thick layer of clear wax was applied with a brush
and then buffed with a soft cloth.
I painted this photo frame, which was waxed! no rubbing down, which is great.

Getting into full swing now.
I went to paint the roof of this Lantern.
The roof is metal and was white.
I think the darker roof contrasts so much better than all white.
The details are shown off better.

Then this wall lantern, which was dark green was painted Charcoal.
All this took no time at all.
And if you do get a bit on the glass it scrapes off with a finger nail easily.

All in all I had a fun afternoon.

This shelf was painted Old White.
If you follow me you remember it was painted in Farrow and Ball Charleston.

And this shelf just got a bit of tinkering.
A change of display.

In fact the whole room then got a bit of change around.
Red lamp replaced with my Hatley lamp.

If any of you love Georgian Style like me.
Watch At Home With The Georgians a BBC DVD with Professor Amanda Vickery.
I can watch it over and over whilst I paint or iron!
I love this era, the style, the colours.
It is all about the unique relationship the British enjoy with homemaking

Well you can never have enough candle light, can you!

I do enjoy a little bit of,

' look in the fridge and then throw it all together' as well.

You have vegetable's in the fridge but they flop a bit.

It is a sin to just chuck them in the compost bin isn't it.

So into a pot went my vegetable's that really are not good enough for the dinner plate.

Chopped and mixed with a little olive oil and some butter.

Season to taste, stir around a bit on the heat.

I add fresh chilli to mine

Now I could just sit and eat a bowl of this at this softish stage, they are lovely.

In a hot oven I roasted some Butternut Squash.

I hate peeling any squashes, so cut them in half and just let them cook till soft.

They are easy to scoop out as well once cooked and there is very little waste.

Into the pot of semi cooked vegetable's they go.

Give them a good stir.

Add some stock, whatever you prefer. I used chicken stock.

Add some single cream.

Let it all simmer nicely together.

Then it is up to you.

Either mash with a potato masher or liquidize.

If you like it chunky, just leave and serve as it is.

Simple, delicious, sweet and very filling.

We all love a little shopping, if you love interiors you cannot help it.

With on-line shopping it is even easier.

I saw these and even though I really shouldn't.....

I did.

I keep telling myself one day one of my daughters will love getting these to keep and remember me every time she looks at them.

They are gorgeous.

Perfect.

And came from here....

Oh So Vintage

It feels so good to get into clean cotton or linen sheets.

Not sure if I should put one on here or both.
Decisions!
Hub will moan he has another pillow to place in a Certain Spot...

Well it makes us happy doesn't it girls....

Have a good day.

Carol

September Sunshine

2011-10-17T14:37:00.002+01:00

I love September.
(Yes I know it is now October!)

Quiet days at home.

The low sun.

Once all the housework is done, well most of ! ha ha

I can relax and do what I enjoy.

A little painting.

With Lawrence on TV IPlayer,

I love watching him.....just love his voice.

Candles are lit.

My little oasis of calm is created.

I can get so much enjoyment from a little makeover.

Especially since finding these Chalk Paints which make it all too easy to do.

An old basket, a bamboo and wicker table were given a coat of Paris Grey.

And then waxed and buffed up to seal the Chalk Paint.

As it dries so quickly I was able to display my work the same day.

Which is just how I like it, instant.

Even an old terracotta pot got a quick coat.

Next makeover will be this Settle in my Family Room.

I like the colour but it is time for a change I think.

Bye for now.

Have a wonderful week.

Carol

July August and September

2011-09-26T23:52:00.001+01:00

Well you wait for ages and then three come along together!

June we went to Suffolk for a little break in the lovely town of Lavenham.

We stayed in The Swan Hotel, which was simply gorgeous.

Our room, where I indulged in an afternoon of bed, chocolate, a DVD and em

well, a small G&T... Just while Hub went off on a job he had planned for the afternoon.

I wanted to show this building to you as I was stunned at it's pure beauty.

I stood and gazed for ages.

The timbers have been limed to protect them from the elements.

They would not have been this colour originally,

yet to me the lime has brought

an almost ghostlike yet beautiful fading effect to the wood.

There was another reason for our trip here.

Another little Lakeland boy.

Called Teddy !

He has settled in well after almost two weeks of bad tummy upset.

It seems he cannot tolerate puppy food.

But now he is happy and content on his chicken or steak.

July took us to Santorini.

Just for a week of sun and sea.

I love Greece.

The wonderful salads, braised meats and bbq'd fish.

I oood and arred along this promenade.

All the beach side Tavernas were lovely.

But of course Santorini is the island of sunset's.

When the clouds would behave that is!

The beaches are shingle, which I like.

The island being volcanic.

The evenings were lively as we stayed in the capitol Thira.

Which I can highly recommend.

Some lunches were liquid !

Shabby Chic is here too!

Our table.

I came home and immediately set about getting some of those pretty cushions from Ikea!

What more could you want on little summer vacation, but just to sit and gaze out as life passes by you.

And this is our small and friendly Hotel.

Converted from a Mansion House.

I loved the Settles!

I did not expect to see so many different types.

I will go back to Santorini.

I loved it.

I have at last finished making my bedroom curtains.

And I had a seat cushion made for my ottoman.

It all looks nice and bright.

And as I am trying so hard to be very tidy it is easier to keep clean!

The log pile is ready for the first fire.

Two naughty little boy's went off to school.

Sorry for the poor quality of the image. It was sent from a phone.

My Dad has given me the old Bush radio that was my Mum's.

It looks perfect in the new bedroom.

Just need some huge batteries to make it work!

Oh and the lady who asked what the shade of paint was that I used in this room.

It is Cornforth by F&B.

Sorry it has taken so long to tell you.

On that note I am off to Bed!

Goodnight All

God Bless

June... And Lot's Of Thing's I Love

2011-06-04T09:47:00.002+01:00

The next few posts will be about everything I Love.

So this will be a long list !

Thing's that make me smile

My new real Vintage letters, given to me by Johanna's fiance Steve.

The M is really a W, but I kind of like a quirky bit of a display.

Touches of Red in my home.

Anything Pewter.

Candles, all sorts of candles.

A Ring Of Friends candle.

Strawberries in my garden.

With their beautiful simple little flowers and log piles ready for the winter cosy nights in.

The shady corners of my garden.

A little camp fire in the garden in the evenings.

With a cheeky little Gin & Tonic.

Vintage wooden crates from .local farms or London markets.

Companion planting.

White and blue flowers.

Blue flowers.

Ferns and geraniums and old London paving slabs dotted with red pammets, and old stock bricks.

A Herb garden in an old butler sink ready and waiting by the back door.

My kitchen, tidy but full of little pieces of vintage cookware, china, jugs, silver spoons........etc etc

If anybody has any of this particular collection, please let me know.

Of course Hearts.

Which will be found all over my home.

Late afternoon in my kitchen with the windows open, the sun now moved on to the end of my garden and plans for the evening meal underway.

With a cheeky little Gin &Tonic on the side.......ha ha

Rusty ironware's, especially when full of flowers.

Wooden trays.....with hearts on!

And two chilled glasses and a Bud to share with my better half after we have been very good and done a little gardening.

A walk through the fields in a nearby village.

With good friends.

And ending up in the pub for a tasty Sunday Roast and maybe...

a few more of those cheeky things....well it just to be done to round off a wonderful walk, doesn't it.

A white gate in a green field...and this is Paul my old mate since schooldays.

Well that is it for this post.

There is a lot more Lovely things to come.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend enjoying the simple things in life.

Love,

A Room Full Of Roses

2011-05-18T15:08:00.001+01:00

I have,

as those of you who follow this Blog know, a tendency to go for quite plain simple styles when decorating my home.

But not this time.

This is Johanna's old bedroom after we decorated it recently.

I wanted to use my curtains from the old cottage in Stow, so decided that this time I was heading off to Cath Kidston for some wallpaper to match them.

This gave me the opportunity to use my Ikea Rosili cushions and bed cover as well.

Also my home made loose lampshade cover was perfect in this room.

And two Vintage prints of Babies, which I have had for two years tucked away somewhere, look great in this little bedroom, well I think so anyway!

I love this room.

When Nige is on call during the night, I have the perfect excuse to sleep in here, heaven!

At last another project finally finished.

Lilac Hatley canvas deck chair.

I saw this Lloyd Loom table in an Antiques Centre in Otford, as I was whizzing by in our car.

With the wonders of the internet on my phone, called the shop to say I definately wanted it and to keep it for me to collect in the week.

It was a real bargain.

I cannot disclose how much,

but I can tell you I saw the identical pink one in a CK shop for over £250.00.

The garden is looking all green and lush.

The pond water very green too!

A little woodland corner I created in my garden is the best it has ever been.

I really think the harder winter has worked a little magic.

The little bird house my hubby made are still looking perfect but still empty.

I really ought to get him to put them up on a wall.

And this brilliant wall in a local garden centre is meant to look like an old ruin, which it does.

I am sure my son can build one for me somewhere in my garden.

Emm.. I will work on this idea.

And now....

Meet Minimoo....Innocent Eyes.

A Lakeland.

Innocent Eyes !

Where are they then.

She is gorgeous....

and the very proud Mum of these two.

Meet My Ava....Minimoo's Sky.

The Minimoo bit is their Kennel Club name.

It was love at first sight, for us both.

Or rather I should say All of us.

She is very relaxed and quiet.

Made herself at home instantly, on my sofa, on my white cushion's!

I am happy, I have a little bundle of love.

And she sleeps at my feet as I type.....

Enjoy your week.

and

Ava

Goodbye To My Gorgeous Darling Little Boy

2011-05-05T09:36:00.003+01:00

I am sorry.

I did not expect to be sitting here ever so soon after Mum with news like this.

Yesterday Manya said please come back Carol.

I had to just get on here this morning, and do it.

Tears still falling.

The week before Easter I was feeling so much better.

I was happy and was thinking out in my head what to post.

A happy jolly post, a house post, a new room full of Roses.

But.

The Saturday before Easter my baby boy Guy Died.

Just over three years old.

He was always full of life, fun and cheekiness.

He injected so much life in this house which is now just flat, to me.

I cannot tell the whole story this morning as I have not the time, Katie is dropping the boys off soon.

I just had to post something quickly today.

To let you all know I am coming back.......

With love and fun and lots to look forward too, very soon.

I brought Guy home with me from the vet.

Wrapped in his blanket and looking as for all the world he was just asleep and soon would wake.

I cuddled him for about three hours as he slepted in his forever slumber.

Until I was able to let him go.

James came over Easter Sunday and we buried him

He now rests by the pond with his sister Maddy.

I love love love you little boy.

God Bless You.

All my love,

Carol

Goodbye Mum...............

2010-12-16T14:15:00.000Z

Goodbye To My Beautiful

Mum

Bye my Mum

I will see you one day

Until then you will forever be in my heart

Love You So Much.

December

2010-11-29T12:46:00.003Z

Getting in the mood for Christmas already.

I have not had any snow yet, but fingers are crossed!

Even so, the frost still makes me feel all Chrstmassy inside and I am really enjoying being in with the fire roaring away and the subtle light from the twinkling tea lights, which I must say add a little more heat to my cold old house.

Yet more house books from Amazon have been added to the already too big collection.

But I do love to hold and flick through the pages of these gorgeous books.

They inspire and excite.

I love the colours, the neat untidiness, the collections and displays.

And love the flaking paintwork!

The above images are from

Swedish Interiors

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/142360024X/ref=oss_product

and below from my interior!

I had started wrapping the presents whilst watching one of my favorite DVDs

Joanna Lumley

In The Land Of The Northern Lights

which is perfect to get me in the right mood for the Christmas wrap which I do not enjoy that much really but it has to be done, so the sooner it is finished the happier I will be.

A couple of trips to local antique shops has been worth while.

I had been looking for suitable lanterns for the barn and the 'Inn'

which may be called The Candle Inn or The Inn At The End!

I also found a few lovely old frames which one cleaned and a couple given a lick of new paint looked gorgeous.

This wooden lantern I found in Rye East Sussex.

It looks Austrian to me, but maybe somebody can tell me who knows about these things.

Yes it had to be a shade of white, didn't it.

I love it more.

Whilst I had the paint brush in hand the old green shelf got a new colour too.

This lantern I found in an Antiques Centre in Otford Kent.

I was not sure?

It is a bit ugly to me.

But it has grown on me, a lot.

In Rye there is a Kitchenalia shop which I love.

Kitchen utensil heaven.

I display my old tins.

Which does not mean I do not actually use them, I do and love it more as they are a treat to handle.

The three small tins below I spotted EBay and low and behold it was Ruth who was selling them!
Ruth has lots of gorgeous things for sale in her shop.

My baby Johanna is leaving home.

Steve and Johanna are now engaged and will be moving into their new home on Thursday....

Will I cry?

Will I miss them?

I am sure I will.

But I am so happy for them. They are both so into their own interior design already.

So I will post on their progress too.

They are only going to be 10 mins away so I am sure it is going to be a treat for me and Mr N to

go to them and raid their fridge!

With Johanna moving out and taking quite a bit from my home I now have spaces to fill.

Lovely, as I had been banned from buying anymore furniture!

I got this gorgeous cabinet from a barn in Kent.

I am going to crackle glaze it!!!

A first for me, so watch this space.

And this little pixie girl in red is just like my Johanna.
A little reminder of my mischievous baby on the mantle piece!

And finishing off today with a few pictures of my Christmas Decorations,

which are slowing going up each week now up until Christmas week.

A sweetie jar for my 'good' boy's.

I just added the bell's. can you guess why!

So that is it from me this week.

I hope your keeping warm and cosy indoors.

Not easy in these temperatures!

Have a good week all.

Love,

Carol

Bangers & Barns

2010-11-08T10:18:00.001Z

Firework night was on Saturday for us.

Any excuse to light the chiminea makes me happy.

Food prepared we all 'skipped' (soon as the boys arrive we revert to excited little children) to the bottom of the garden to the unfinished Barn.

It looked good with all the candles.

No electric yet as the rendering has still to be finished.

It is a shame that I cannot capture what is really looks like, the camera flash makes it too bright and no flash means the image is almost invisible.

Some of the oak beams still need to be put up to hide the rsj.

All my boys were there apart from James who was quick to escape with Francesca for a quiet evening alone together and Steve who was working late.

I have made a start on painting the beams, not a very good one though!

Paul and Johanna were in charge of lighting the fireworks, while the rest of us oood and aaarrrd.

It was a fun evening for us all.

Nice and easy.

Until the next morning when we went back down to the barn to clear away the debris.

This white lantern came all the way form Norway

It was very cheap so I am now wondering why I did not buy more of them!

It will eventually get its own hook to hang on but for now it hangs from the electrical cable (not live!)

where an electric lantern will hang.

This tall wooden lantern was looking very sad in a local Florist shop, left over from last years Christmas window display. It looks perfect in my rustic barn.

Perched up high on a table, which is standing on a table, I am free storage for Johanna's new home.

Ah....with our fire burning and seats ready after the clean-up we was ready to finish off them beers which were left over from the little party.

We sat there all afternoon chatting.

Then it was time to put the dinner in the oven and back they all came for their Sunday evening roast.

My plants seem to love the dappled light of the barn.

Hanging on the door to the 'Inn'...lol.....

is my wreath which is slowly growing into what will be a lavender wreath.

Just before we go indoors Mr N like to stand and look at all his hard work.

I had roast some chestnuts on the top bit of the chiminea, they were good, bit sooty but very yummy.

What a bargain this was.

I have been looking at glass cake stands for a while now but they are so expensive.

This one was in a the local Red Cross shop, brilliant.

£5.75!

And the lemon cheese cake with fresh berries on top was so easy to make and delicious.

Courtesy of Nigella.

It has turned really cold this week.

Time to get out the hats and gloves as well as scarves I think.

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Carol

November Time

2010-11-04T17:51:00.001Z

I have been busy here and there.

Flitting from one room to another.

I found a beautiful lace panel which I thought would look lovely in the new grey bathroom.

So cut down and tabs cut off I sewed a new hem at the top.

I have also draped some linen material over the rail in this bathroom to see if it will go.

This material was bought for the landing window and I thought it would look good in the small bathroom?

em not sure.....

But I am happy with the lace.

Maybe I need some material which is not quite so busy in this small room but I think the colours are perfect so back to my swatches I think.

I did say not so long ago that I was all shopped out!

Well with Christmas shopping to do, off I went.

And then spotted this zinc lantern, I could not resist.

I did want to put it outside but I am worried it may disappear like my lead containers with my treasured box

topiary!

Today has been a multi task day.

Curtains were laid out and cut ready for sewing.

A little bit of painting, what a surprise for me.

A little bit of re-arranging my displays.

More painting.

The small table and the TV cabinet, first coats only.

I am loving these colours.

And a little bit of spare material to make two loose lampshade covers.

Just draping at the moment to see how it all goes.

The images have come out really grainy I think it was the low light

But I rather like that look!

Another little purchase was this zinc like bracket to hang another lantern on and a picture for the hall, which I have not quite finished.

I am supposed to buying for Christmas but I keep finding these things which I know I should not buy as I have said many times, I am cutting back!

Just that some days I cannot help myself,
I think a little retail therapy

must surely be just what my Dr would order.

Bye for now.

October Time

2010-10-26T23:43:00.005+01:00

Half Term again so we planned a day out for the boys.

A picnic, a steam train ride and a castle.....

What more could four little boys want!

The train was on time.

Freddie and Rocco did just what little boys do lots of,

while we tried to stay calm and collected.

Just to be out in the fresh air was good.
So good.

Bodium Castle was a great place to let the boys have a little freedom without us having to worry about anything being knocked over or any attendant having their nerves put to the test!

The moat was full of amazing big fish.
Nanny these are Carp, Freddie advised us.

Bribery is the name of this game on a day liek this.

Fin is a very happy chappy, just so long as Mum's boob is close by!
God help me when she returns to work.

And moving on from a great family day out to back home.
I can tell you the Barn is nearly done. The Cedar Shingles have been laid on the roof by my very clever hubby, so we are water tight.....fingers crossed.
And if not I will be allowing the shabby chic look to rein supreme.

I am not happy to be swapping the summer
wardrobe over for the winter one, but it has to be done.

The best way round this on a horrible dull wet morning is to light my votive's, tune into a soothing radio station and get on with it.
So with stuffed vacuum bags retrieved from the loft
I took out all my winter woollies and re-stuffed the bags with the summer attire.

Will I ever loose this thing I have for twinkle lighting?

Oh and I am re-decorating the hall and landing.....in stages.....
slow stages to keep it achievable with the least possible stress.....stress being far too common place these days!

Or is it my just Age?

Anyway as I have said before I am sure, it is the little touches we make around us that can turn a chore into something to enjoy, even if only a little bit.

Food for the eye is so soothing for the soul.

Katie and I have been busy, one day at her house decorating together, then one day at mine, with babies in tow. And you know what that means.

Fin's room is almost finished, just like my hall stairs and landing.

Maybe this could be a new 'thing' rather like book clubs and knitting clubs.

Instead of reading or knitting together, decorate together!

Much more fun and it gets it done!!!

Well I guess this is it for now, as blogger is not letting me load any more images up.

So tired now, I am off to bed.

I will dream of nice things just like Katherine does.

Have a good week all...

September West Country

2010-10-03T16:19:00.001+01:00

Once again we returned to the beautiful West Country.

North Devon.

I have been visiting this part of Devon since I was about five years old.

I never tire of it.

I love the ruggedness of this coastline.

The beautiful cool colours of slate rocks and blue skies mixed with rich greens, mossy soft.

I love the icy blue green with the grey rocks.

I can sit for hours just looking out to sea.

I sort everything out in my mind in peace and alone apart from hubby..

I love alone, nobody here just us two with our picnic provided and served to me by very thoughtful husband.

At dusk we return to the little Georgian guest house tucked away in a very quiet valley, hidden by trees, perched on a little shelf cut into the rock face of slate.

Emmm we are in heaven, fire blazing and a meal awaiting.

What more could you ask for?

This little break was my birthday present from Mr N.

Here he is, happy as Larry!

And me waiting for Julia to bring in our evening meal.

This is soooo much nicer than a big posh hotel.

It is more personal, which I like.

I love to see Julia's collections.

Every time we visit something has been updated on the house and something added to her collections.

We share the same love of Vintage.

And both collect Sea Glass.

Treasure from the sea.

The old Victorian Conservatory was demolished and a one new one which is an exact copy or as near as.

Painted wood and glass, the original slate sink still there with its old taps and Ferns growing where they want to.

I love Ferns.

During the day we visited all those special places that draw you back time after time.

Taking it all in again, the smells, the views and the sound of gushing water never seem to change. Ever!

I guess you may recognise these images, but if you don't something stops

me from telling you where this is, I want to keep the mystery.

Another lovely walk through a valley starts here.

The footpath passes alongside this large Inn.

We took a slow walk through the woods, beside the river down to the bay.

It takes about an hour to reach the sea.

There were quite a few other folk who had done the walk too just standing gazing at the sea or lying on the huge rocks.

Nobody seemed to make a noise it was silent apart from the crashing waves which funnily enough soothed rather and scared me.

Ugg boots are the most comfortable boot I have ever worn.

Ugly boots Mr N calls them.

I don't care! comfort over style sometimes has to be done.

Look very close and you will see the tiny people on the shoreline.

This will give you an idea on the proportions of the rocks and the size of the waves.

A magical place and as this rock pile says...

We will be back.

Back home now to all my little men, the biggest now at school.....oh where does the time go.

I hope you have a lovely week.

Enjoy the cosy home.

ps, note for Yvonne I did try to email you with answer to your question.

Maybe you can email me so I can reply.xxx

September Time

2010-09-11T23:22:00.003+01:00

September is one of my most favourite times of year.

I am now happy to accept long summer days have gone

(well the days that we really can call summery days were few)

now is the time to snuggle indoors with lamplight and candles.

The logs were ordered and neatly piled, always a great comfort to see my log pile is a big one and just waiting ready for the chilly afternoons to arrive.So what have I been up to this summer?

Well we have been very busy.

The barn is virtually finished.

We are just waiting on the Oak beams and facias to arrive and be fitted, then the final section of roof can be tiled.

We decided on Cedar Shingles for the roof tiles as they look so warm but moreover different.

The factt that it is not complete does not mean I have not been titivating, playing, arranging the candles and lanterns.

It may look a mess at the moment, but I can see what it will be like one day and I am happy.

I have been hunting down all sorts of old bits to display, a great way to spend an autumn afternoon.

I may even see if I can make something out of some dried leaves to hang!

Indoors I have been re-arranging.

Cyclamen, scented candles and new baskets to fill.

We have had days on the beach with the boys.

Come rain or shine.

Fin is growing so big and smiles all the time.

Lisa at Periwinkle knitted the boys snuggly white cotten jumpers, which look so nice and fresh and differnet on them both.

And those new baskets were quick to fill.

Just look what the boy brought home this time.

Another Lakeland puppy.

No, he is not staying,

I will look after him for a few weeks only,

then he goes, OK!

So I called him Teddy and

fell in love.

I cry at the thought of him going to a new home, but he really has to.

Guy loves him too which surprised us all.

They play happily together.

So there you have met Ted.

If you would like to give him a loving family home,

just send an email to me.

He is used to children and other dogs.

He sleeps well, eats well and almost every time

manages to make it to his pee & poo-mat.

He is just too adorable.

Our summer holiday was two weeks in The Baltic.

We visited Holland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Russia, Estonia and Finland.

I loved Finland and Estonia very much.

Below is Tallinn, a most beautiful Medieval town.

It was like being dropped into a Grimm's Fairytale.

The towers, cobbled lanes and squares.

The shops filled with the most tempting merchandise.

We did have a few words over a Handmade Iron Lantern, made exactly as it would have been in Medieval times. (It is hanging on the wall in the image of the new bard).

First he said NO,

Then he said but why?

Finally after much pleading he said OK and you have won AGAIN!

We had lunch in a little courtyard garden, sigh......local beer....now were are getting into the holiday mode.

The sun was hot everyday.

We had two wonderful weeks aboard The Celebrity Eclipse.

Look at this huge candle which apparently only took 3 months to get to this size.

Lets see if we can make one!

I am off now to relax in a nice hot bath with my book, almost finished reading the biography of Vita Sacville-West a really interesting read....and this book will lead onto Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa and then The Women of Virginia Woolf.

So nice little pile of books on my bedside table readly for the cosy evenings to come.

Bye for now.

That Stork Has Landed Again!

2010-06-30T09:26:00.000+01:00

Born on 10th June 2010.

Baby Fin, or Finley George when he is naughty.

Weighing in at 7lb 1oz.

Our gorgeous little chap is doing well.

So is Mum Katie.

The day before Fin was born Jude feel ill with that awful sickness bug, so no trip to the hospital to see his baby brother.

Then I caught it, then Johanna, then Nige then Paul.................

By Sunday Kate was in tears and wanted us all to visit, come what may.

So with bags packed I went to stay with Katie to look after her and 'the boy's' for a two weeks.

Two weeks to get over the worst of the C Section.

Baby Fin in his vintage cradle which I found in great little shop in Whitstable called Warehams.

My morning's were early!

Keeping Jude out of trouble and Katie sitting down!

Nothing is better than a baby dressed in white.

Visitor's came and went.

My Son James nipping in for a cuddle with his nephew's during his lunch break.

Bathing the make do way.

Fin did like it, I think the smallness of the washing up bowl made him feel safe.

He is a hungry, sucky boy.

Give Mummy a rest Fin, suck on this!

I love the cosy hand knitted jumper.

Eventually I went back home, with Kate and boy's in tow.

Freddie and Rocco celebrated their 3rd and 4th birthdays the same week.

A house full of little men, big men, hairy men....being the 3 dog's

and tired females trying to keep them all fed, clean and out of mischief.

Birthday present time for Fred and Roc.

With a little help from Jude.

All together now.

Smile.

No chance!

That's enough lad's, the baby is sleeping.

Baby Fin is a brilliant sleeper.

All the shouting, crying and screaming.... and that's just the big men yelling at the Football!

does not phase Finley.

He sleeps soundly through it all.

Thank God.

And for Mr N and me a little escape to Knole in Sevenoaks.

This is a lovely place to spend a quiet day.

Knole is the home of the Sackvilles, Vita Sackville being the one that I find very fascinating.

Vita makes a very interesting read.

Well I am now off to tidy the house and water the garden.

Phew.

I am taking a little Blog Break.

I will be visiting you from time to time.

Just not enough hours for me at the moment.

Love to you all.

Carol

June

2010-06-04T02:50:00.000+01:00

It has been said that both my better half and I both have buttons in our bottoms!

It seems every time either of us sits down the buzzer goes off and then up we jump to get on with some job around the house.

We could not disagree could we.

I know my Dad thinks we are mad and that we should relax more.

Hey ho, one day I am sure will be rooted to the sofa!

I have over the past few months been having a huge sort out .

Nothing has escaped my eye.

At one point I was even looking at the dog's, not joking I was.

But I wouldn't of course.

Once the decision is made to part with something that is no longer really ever going to be worn again or used again I feel great, happier to be rid of it.

I have also, and this may sound weird, recently felt all shopped out!

I can honestly say I need nothing more.

Which makes me feel a bit sad as I love to go shopping or bargain hunting, but how much stuff do we really need.

Today while out with Katie, shopping! I walked around the shops with a feeling of...

hmmm do I really need to be here, apart from having lunch.

Odd to say that but I had no real interest in looking at anything at all (apart from little dresses).

Now this maybe a good thing.

We shall see.

So less visits to the shops means I can enjoy what I do have and that's it.

Now having just said all that, I still have a few things that I have stashed away that need to be given the treatment.

This Settle is for the 'Barn'.

I have painted it in Designers Guild paint, Mid Lead...I think!

I do not need cushions, I have already told myself.

I have just remembered I have a couple of nice checked ones that will be just fine..

Blue skies really do change my mood.

Even though I am into my greys at the moment, I hate grey sky, so depressing.

So this is the view from the kitchen window this morning.

Happy.

Moving now into my little workroom....

Note the candles, I have to set the mood, relaxing smells as I beaver away.

Blue skies give energy to get on with things.

So I potter in the garden, watering my pots!

a favourite pastime as I find it so relaxing and a great time to think things out.

Followed by...

at long last.....

curtain making.

I went out and bought this material after the were burgled.

I just felt too open and wanted something to pull across the windows in my kitchen.

The window where they got in.

I didn't want nets or a heavy curtain, just something to give privacy without blocking out the light during the day if I felt the need to close them.

In no time they were up. Not finished, still pinned at the hem!

But the pelmet which I had made when the kitchen was fitted, did not really go.

Could I be bothered to go out and buy more material?

No.

Luckily I had a small strip of material left over.

I made a trim which I then pinned over the red ribbon, I will hand sew this over the top of the red trim which means I can take it off easily if I decide to make red check curtains for a change in the winter.

I am pleased with them, so easy to make, I wonder why it has taken me this long to get them done.

Probably because I have spent too much time shopping!

It does take time to get used to them after not having any curtains there at all.

They have given the kitchen a different feel, more country.

Well must get back to bed really.

Falling asleep on the sofa at 8pm was not a good thing.

I could not nod off once I did get into bed, the cat nap seems to have put me all out of sync!

Goodnight.

May !

2010-06-02T01:06:00.003+01:00

May and I missed it!

My monthy post.

The promise to myself to post once a month has failed already.

But then again it has been a busy month in this house.

Many projects started which keeps me or us rather out of trouble.

The month started with a trip to Clapham Junction.

A place where many a fun weekend was spent in my youth.

There are lots of wonderful shops to while away the hours in and if you feel peckish a great choice of gastro pubs, cafes or bars where you can park your bottom for a while.

Jamie Oliver has a shop there where you can learn how to cook and buy very reasonably priced goodies.

I found this shop in one of the side streets.

It was packed full of all the things that I love.

Noa Noa including the children's range !

Quilts. Toys. Hearts and Cushions made from French Vintage fabrics.

It was a fab day out.

I did buy some interesting vintage pieces.

Back to my home and the long awaited arrival of a hand made leaded window I had commissioned.

The main reason for our trip to Clapham was to visit Cabbages & Roses so I could choose some fabric for the new curtain which will hang somewhere, somehow,

not yet decided,over this window.

On the first Bank Holiday we had planned to take the

boy's to the beach for a picnic.

Turned out that the day was freezing and

the heater was not working in the camper which helped us quickly to make up our minds to give the beach a miss and find a nice warm pub for lunch instead!

As you can see the boys were no trouble at all on the trip to Brastead.

I did say lots of projects, didn't I!

Well this is by far the biggest one we have ever taken on.

My massive garage come junk room, snooker room and bar is to be make into a series of smaller rooms and an open barn bit....emm watch this space for updates.

Oh yes and that is my James, I love to see him working.

And while James was busy in the garage, Jude was doing the hoovering again.

That boy loves housework and he is so thorough too.

Even the walls got sucked.

But now it is time for another break with our friends.

No points for guessing where.

Such a beautiful City.

But very expensive, like most wonderful cities I guess.

Loraine and I fell in love with this quaint little restaurant not far from our hotel.

But I very quickly fell out of love when the bill arrived!

Your may know that Paris is divided into quarters which makes it easier to navigate your way around and work out where you want be and go.

This is the old Jewish quarter which I found very interesting.

I loved Paris and would like to go back someday.

The last weekend of the month and we escaped for a day to a place I love.

Chartwell the home of Sir Winston Churchill.

And his lovely wife Clementine.

We have been a couple times to Chartwell as it is so close to home.

The house is fascinating, the gardens beautiful, but most of all I love Sir Winston's paintings.

The gardens being the reason he bought Chartwell, have two lakes.

One of which he had built as he had to have one bigger than Lloyd George!

A rare sight.

A Black Swan.

Not long to go now.

The countdown has begun.

Bag pakced.

Nursery ready....alomst.

Just need to know what it is so the correct paper can be hung.

Well that is it form me for another month.

Gosh time is whizzing by.

I will be dusting down my Nurse's uniform and doing what I love best.

See you all in June sometime.

Bye for now.

Carol

April Make-Overs

2010-04-28T16:20:00.001+01:00

It has been so long since I sat here and blogged.

I have not been able to visit many either and I have missed you.

I really wanted to get an April post in before April disappeared. I have promised myself to post once a month as time is in short supply of late.

So now some more make-overs.

My little room got a lick of paint and a new shelf!

Not another shelf he said, as I begged him to put it up for me.

It is a gorgeous shelf.

I had to wait ages for it to come back into the shop where I first spotted it.

He in the meantime just smiles and says 'if it keeps you happy'.

During a little orating break, I had to put in an order into Amazon for two books I have wanted for ages.

The simply divine Cabbages & Roses book and Sophie Dahl's Voluptuous Delights, which it is.

Once my little room was done, the hall looked a little sad...

So more paint and the oak floor was sanded, limed and then sealed.

Well, we couldn't just stop there could we...so on we went into the Family Room which is so much happier now.

But blow me down.....sanding this floor was a mission!

After 16 hours of sanding, wiping, hoovering, rubbing and more sanding, it then had to be limed before we retired or rather collapsed into our bed, covered in wood dust but just too knackered to care!

Here comes Harry our

no. two dog.

My lovely flowers are worse for wear, all droopy and dry, just like me.

After decorating being able to put some of my bits back into this room is the best bit, I love to play houses.

This beautiful jug is one of the Kew Garden range.

I got it from a wonderful little shop in Columbia Street Market.

Oh and my Gnome has arrived from Lisa over at Periwinkle.

I think he may need a wife soon!

And maybe little Gnome Babies! do Gnomes have babies and wives?

Half the room is back now, just have to finish sealing the rest of the limed floor.

And then we can move swiftly into the kitchen!

I have never seen my kitchen so tidy.

My clutter all had to go before we started the sanding.

I did manage to get the 'shelved out' wardrobe which came from The Cottage painted and distressed while he was not looking!

The mess is everywhere, I can stand it.

Still soon it will all look nice and fresh and tidyish

My Dad says our house is like the Severn Bridge....we will never stop, ever!

Hope you are all enjoying our beautiful blue skies.

Carol

March to Lyme Regis

2010-03-04T11:29:00.001Z

Quite a few years ago we stayed in The Alexandra in Lyme Regis.

We were meeting our friends who moved to Birmingham some while ago and all thought Lyme Regis would be nice this time of year!.

Dispite the threats of gale force winds and torrential winds.

The Hotel was gorgeous!

I love almost all of the interior design.

The image below was the hallway from our room.

Below is the sitting room.

A lovely bright place to sit and read.

The large windows of the sitting room looked out over the garden and onto the sea and the Cobb.

Check out that gorgeous blue sea!

This is the bar, the barman made a wicked Bloody Mary!

The bar led through to conservatory dining or a formal dining room.

All very elegant.

Our bedroom was wonderful.

The view fantastic.

We could see The Cobb which was to the right but you cannot see int his image.

This is The Cobb.

Remember The French Lieutenants Woman?

I love that film.

After seeing it in the 80's we booked The Alexandra Hotel just so I could walk on The Cobb!

I am silly like that!

The day we arrived was chilly but dry, at least..

It was great to get out there,

well wrapped up and smell that wonderful sea air.

Of course no trip to the beach would be complete without real chips in a paper bag!

And they were so good.

Here we are, a bit fuller and fatter which was to get steadily worse as the weekend progressed!

Next day after breakfast and feeling even fatter, we put on the walking boots and set off for

The Golden Cap.

You can see the soil erosion in this image.

We huffed and puffed our way along.

Up hills and down dales, which was good.

I could feel the 'good' it was doing in my calves, my bottom and my lungs!

Every now and again Loraine and I were allowed to stop and take in the view

and catch our breath!

But, let me tell you,

we struggled and moaned as we tried desperately not to fall over in the deep sticky mud.

Well I failed and went down...but managed to laugh!

It was bad idea to wear tight jeans, still we gave our men a laugh as we tried to get over the styles and gates without falling off.

My poor aching legs.

At last we were on the top of Golden Cap and the view was beautiful.....but no way were we going to let them take us back down the way we came up.

Not unless we were happy to slid down on our bums in the mud.

After yet more food and drink we collapsed into wonderful big cosy beds with feather duvets and pillows.

Next day after another large breakfast we set off for Axminster and a visit to River Cottage Shop.

Food for the eyes.

And just in cast we needed more food, a little place to dine as well.

But still feeling stuffed to bursting point we gave it a miss this time.

Dave bought a book on Fish Cookery.

Not a suprise, that man is Fish bonkers!

Eats it, grows it and catches it....all the time it seems to Loraine!

This was a fab weekend to midweek break.

Too much food and drink....

But it has to be done sometimes.

Big diet this week!

So.....

Lots of lovely beach walks.

Wonderful weather.

Fossil hunting.

And a even a little Shabby Chic paraphernalia hunting.

Made this a great place to share with great friends.

This is one of those places you should try to visit someday.

So where next then Loraine?

I hope that you have a good weekend, looks like I may venture out into the garden if this glorious weather continues.

A little up date on Mum....she has suffered a minor stroke, but is looking like she is making quite a good recovery after receiving treatment.

Carol

February And Family

2010-02-25T22:12:00.001Z

F is for Freezing,

Families and Fun.

So far February has not been too glum.

For a long time I have wanted some Maileg Bunnies.

The pretty wooden furniture for them is gorgeous, well I think so.

This is Brother and Sister, no names yet, not has time to think of any.

Arn't they lovely.

I also bought two baby bunnies, this is little brother in his wooden pram.

Baby sister, in her wooden crib.

I will make a little patchwork quilt and crotchet blanket, someday!

Remember these two which I asked Periwinkle to knit for me ages ago.

I suppose you can say I have got a bunny thing going on here!

They are fun, oneday I may have a little girl who will love playing family with them.

Now my family.

Mum has settled in well at the home.

We are all really pleased with the care that is given.

The staff have been wonderful.

16 ladies now live here just like one big family.

It was Mum's birthday on the 20th February so we organised a tea party for her.

Moi and my two daughters, Katie and Johanna.

All these photos were taken at the party in the Sun Lounge at the home.

My big soldier James and his little soldier Rocco, who will be three in June.

My sister Jackie holding Katies baby Jude who will be two in April,

James two boys, Freddie who will be four in June and Rocco.

My son-in-law Paul holding his baby Jude, married to my Kate.

Janice my cousin and her daughter Grace.

Paul and Katie.

Another cousin Norman talking to my sister Jackies boyfriend Malc and Johanna being cheeky!

It was a lovely day and so nice to get us all togther for Mum, sort of makes some normality in the home/

Me agian with Mr N....Nige and my son James.

My grandsons love to be togther and I love to see them togther.

Presents and cake.

Mum smiled but I am not sure she really knew what was happening.

We must not forget the monthly image of little tiny Bump.

Such a pretty Bump!

Well that is it for this month.

Family, nothing like it.

We all have our ups and downs.

Just have to make the most of every day.

And be there for eachother.

Carol