"The Help" was Amazing

Well I loved it! Great movie, fantastic clothes, gorgeous kitchens and the acting, well let's just say there MUST be Oscar buzz. Especially Octavia Spencer that plays the character "Minny". Quite outstanding.
But the pie! The scenes with the chocolate pies made my mouth water (except that certain scene, and those that have read the book or have seen the movie know exactly what I mean). But this led me on a quest, so as a result I have found two recipes that are suppose to be either the pie recipe from the actual movie and the pie recipe from the author's maid, Demetrie.

Please let me know if you try either of them! Yummmmm!

Lisa xo

PS Blogger is so fussy!

Awesome

Excellent book. Read it in two days while away on holidays. I had to share it with my mother. The movie premieres here tomorrow.

Can't wait.

Trip to Bloomsbury

Have you been?

But you simply must!

You will love it!

If you cannot get there physically, then you must do what I did and get the book!

Charleston

:: a Bloomsbury house & garden

PS did you know we were lucky enough to receive 12 cm of snow yesterday? I thought not.

Crafty Goodness and Some Sweet Loveliness

Before I begin with all the loveliness can I show you my cottage pie? It was just such a perfect looking pie we didn't want to eat it! But I quickly came back to reality when DN3 said "you're taking a picture of that?"

I know, moving right along...

Craftiness. Not a word used around here lately, but I did manage two of these little cuties. One for me and one for Mother. It is a crocheted granny square done in pure, lovely wool. Then I felted it! My hot pots are very comfy now.

Then I lined the back of it with this lurvely fabric. If you plan on making one please email me and I will give you a few hints.

This charming bit of goodness I ordered for myself. Love it except for the fact I cannot get the melted candle out.

Gorgeous rose scented candle and holder from Ikea. I received two of these for Christmas from DN1's BF and adore them. Simple beauty. Did you see the pretty books? From DN1. My sweet daughter believes that mother should get everything she writes on her list. And I did!

Where did I get this darling little gem? Well my best friend, Clara, felt I needed more cornishware. And voila.

See how it fits in ever so cosy like? Too much happiness over here!

Isn't it just so easy to love Cornishware?

Clara also treated me to this delightful Limoges plate.

My heart is warm.

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The painting has begun. Sort of. The pre-painting chores. But this weekend? It's all about the paint.

Thanks for dropping by

xoxo

Unpopular Opinion

Before I begin, let me first say I love Christina Strutt style. Her sitting room is so tranquil and soothing.

But having just read her new book, "At Home with Country" I must say I was disappointed. I felt as though it was just a very large, expensive Cabbages and Roses catalogue. Almost every room is styled with her fabrics. Cushions, curtains, tea towels, the list goes on. Again I love her style and her fabrics are indeed lovely but I found it a bit much.

I do own most of her books and love her tips and philosophies with natural cleaning and her re-use, reduce kind of ethic.

I am thinking I am on my own with this. Any opinions out there?

Camera Lazy

Too lazy to find the digital camera, find batteries that are charged, take photos, upload to computer, resize and post. Just sending some from my blackberry. I am reading the Miss Read series, and loving them.

It is ridiculously hot here. Mid thirties (C) with humidity. Gross. Today is suppose to be cooler but tomorrow just as hot. Gross. I want cold nights and cool, fresh days. I want to cosy up in duvets and take walks with grey woolly cardigans.

Oh and bad pug. Barking his fool head off every time the crazy dog next door teases him. He just doesn't understand he is playing with his mind.

This is one of the rooms I am thinking about painting. I am still debating about the colour. This colour has been very warm and really the perfect colour for a more formal living area and dining room.

But change is in the air...

Summer Reading

A compelling and at times, confusing read but well worth the almost 600 pages.

From Australia to the Cornish coast you will turn the pages with anticipation and wish to finally find out who and why.

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Sorry for the lack of posts but the summer has been a whirlwind since my little trip. Planning three birthdays, holidays away and preparing DN2 to leave for school has been exhausting. Hopefully updates will follow soon!

I hope you are all having a wonderful and relaxing summer.

xoxo

Lovely June

Right on time again! The June picture from the BBC Homes and Antiques Magazine. The only thing I am not quite sure about is the silver spotlight lamp. But everything else, beautiful.

Did you see the May issue of Country Living? A wonderful spread on Rachel Ashwell designs. Stunning wallpaper.

And this egg blue chest with the flowers! Where does she find this stuff? I want to visit the sales she visits.

Oh, to dream.

And the most charming garden.

How many years must it take to establish this glorious wisteria?

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Prom was simply wonderful. My daughter's dress was the perfect one for her and she had a fabulous time. The only thing is, it is one more step towards...................leaving.

Birds, Buds and Blossoms

Hello! I am back! But before I forget, as I usually do, here is the April picture from the BBC H&A Calendar.

And before I went away I had picked up the March issue of Country Homes and Interiors but I did not have a chance to show you the lovely images. I lurve this wallpaper with all my heart and soul.

I fell in love with this yummy sofa.

The most charming bedroom all white with the pop of colour we all love.

How spring-like is this? Too beautiful.

I want to get in the garden right now. Our temperatures are to be around 20-24 C for the next few days, how crazy is that?

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Hockey was wonderful. We won the Gold Medal in overtime. It was my daughter that scored the winning goal. This means that her school hockey team is the best in the Province. What a way to end her graduating year! She was interviewed several times while we were there and had a radio interview and newspaper shoot when we came home. She's kind of a big deal in the girl's/women's hockey world. Did I mention she hates any kind of attention? Some of the interviews I don't even know about as she refuses to tell me, she gets embarrassed.

Well my lovelies, can I wish you all a fantastic week? And of course, a happy and relaxing Easter.

The English Home

Generally speaking, I am not a huge fan of the magazine "The English Home". Although I find it quite pretty to look at, I find the homes a bit too too if you know what I mean. I prefer a bit of realism in my home and in the magazines that I buy. Country living and BBC Home and Antique are a bit more my style. However, the April issue of TEH is so pretty I had to share with you.

Several articles piqued my interest this month and most seem to have the same theme. Neutral colours mixed with charming patterns. Now that is my style.

And I thought this beautiful green floral wallpaper was to die for.

Ah, a bit of realism to relish.

But that's just my opinion ;)

I will be updating you soon on the baby knitting, it is slooooow.

Some Answers

I have been asked a few questions lately and I think now would be a good time to answer them. But first I must tell you about my knitting progress. I am working on the second sock so going at the same rate as the first sock, I should be finished that one by this time next year. I am also working on another baby hat for my little niece/nephew that will be arriving the end of April. (I have so many things I want to knit but feel I am a little late at the starting line)

I wanted to get some Debbie Bliss or Rowan at my lys, but they order both brands in and I wanted yarn NOW. So I picked this up and it is gorgeous. Has anyone ever worked with this? Quite heavenly. And the colours a so beautiful. It is Sirdar Calico. Yummy.

How pretty are those colours?!

I picked up an issue of BBC mag and look who was featured in there? Btw, do we know how old this issue is? Yes, like October or November. Aren't we colonials up to date over here ;) Such a wonderful article, Julia, congratulations!

Oh yes on the computer, writing a post and not a bed made in the house. Yes, if you are checking up on me it is 10:07 am EST and not a bl#*dy thing done all morning.

Not that I always make their beds.

But sometimes, if the mess is really getting to me, I do. Slightly obsessive perhaps.

Mine. Not made. I am dawdling I know.

Still trying to get a decent photo of the curtains. I know, that isn't happening either.

Now for some answers...

1. Frances, the yarn is Trekking XXL from a few years ago.

2. Thank you Marie for the generous offer of sending me Marie Claire from France. How terribly, terribly sweet of you. I can find it here, however I must trudge downtown to get it, but I do get it.

3. I have had a few people ask about the Amy Butler Gumdrop Pillow. It is a copyrighted pattern. I would be in breach of this copyright if I were to post it here or email it to you. The pattern can be found at many online resources and at most sewing shops, especially if they carry her fabric.

And a few funny things...

1. I had a reader email me asking what she thought was an obscure question. Would I happen to know what the pattern of the blue dishes are on the "All Creatures Great and Small" series? Now, dear readers, I ask you, is that an obscure questions for those of us that absorb every detail of our favourite programs? That some us actually watch these shows, specifically for their curtains, dishes and furniture?
My reply was that I did not know but I would try and watch the shows (I have them on DVD) and help her figure it out. In the meantime, I suggested she try Lovers of Blue and White.
She did. And found her pattern and where to buy it.

How happy am I?

2. While visiting one of my favourite bloggers, Sairer, I got the word verification HOLYSIT. Sorry, it was just too funny not to share. Go visit her and perk her up a bit.

3. Finally, a big thank you to all your lovely comments on my handsome man. Especially you, Elyse, thinking he is pretty darn cute and you not even a dog person ;)

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And a special thanks to Bellascountry for an award!

I will be adding it to my sidebar, again, much appreciation.

Have a great day girlies.