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...

Staying busy helps...

As part of my plan to stay busy the potting shed is in the process of being built.

Along with the potting shed project I also want to paint my bedroom, the living room at some point (really big job) and a few other rooms.

I love all these photos.

But let's face it, they are a step beyond a simple potting shed aren't they?

But they are so lovely.

I want one of each!

As I said, I am trying very hard to stay as occupied as possible, both physically and mentally. I also want to thank you all for your sweet and thoughtful comments. I LOVE the bloggy world. I know many of you know exactly how I feel.

One day at a time...

all photos :: Shed Chic

A Rather Large Confession

I know I haven't popped in at all the last month and I should have. I really should have. But I couldn't. I mean the beginning of August was really quite busy and I knew that was going to happen but the last week and a half I HAVE HAD THE TIME TO COME AND POST. I even have a few bits and bobs I could have shown you that have been picked up here and there throughout the summer. BUT I DIDN'T. The truth is I am not dealing with my second daughter going away to university very well. I mean I am not breaking down and crying all the time. I know this is a sort of a crossroad with new choices and new paths.

And I know it is a time for a couple to reconnect, blah blah blah. But the truth of the matter is my husband and I have always connected. We have an amazing relationship. He is part of me. My soul mate, my confidant, my lover. I am incomplete without him. He has been an absolute sweetheart since I came back from dropping her off. He purposely booked up the following weekend to the point of near exhaustion to keep my mind and body busy. He calls me a few times a day just to say "hello". And I have two other daughters. The oldest is 21, still goes to uni and lives at home and the youngest is 12 and we are still active with her. But you don't replace one child with another, do you? I guess I'm just trying to say to please be a bit patient with me and I will try to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible.


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I plan on doing a few painting and decorating jobs over the next couple of months so I will try and keep you posted with before and after pics.


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Thanks for listening.





Lisa xoxo

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

Wee Trip

A few days away with the girls. We will drink too much wine, eat too many carbs and spend way too much. Bliss. I will see Rachel Ashwell at Target...
Hopefully see Liberty of London at Target.

OOOOOhh how scrumptious!

And of course...

visit Martha

at Macys.

See you next week my lovelies!

Roses, Peonies and Thrifty Finds

Hello my friends. Today I have gone through my pictures on the computer that I saved for you. These were my lovely peonies. They are quite finished now as the wind has been atrocious and many downpours had left them sodden. Thank goodness I cut them in plenty of time.

And that sweet bookmark? My dear mother made it for me for Christmas and it is one of the most treasured gifts I have ever received from her.

Just a snap of a dahlia and the pretty Mother's Day card I received.

The forget-me-nots were quite abundant this year. I had them spread all over the house. Every available vessel had wee blue flowers peeking out.

Such a pretty little flower, so humble.

Alfred de Dalmas. Has not made an appearance in my garden for many, many years. Two years ago I moved it to a new location and lo and behold, gorgeous blooms.

My dear, sweet William Baffin. Never, ever disappoints me.

Oh, you beautiful boy!

While we are talking about flowers, look at this sweetie I picked up. Charming tin with the most vivid colours. Really makes me want to pop something in the oven to fill it with!

And have been very lucky with the pink and green. A yummy pink stripe pillowcase and a little rosebud one as well. A wonderful sheet, all rosy and some stunning Laura Ashley fabric with tiny flowers although I am not sure what pattern this is. Anyone? Adorable all the same though.

The latest addition to the family.

The girls suprised me with this for Mother's Day. Almost as cute as my real handsome man.

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.

Where the living is easy...

All photos Cath Kidston and Greengate

Scones and other things...

Made scones for a dear friend today. Do you have a favourite recipe?

(ooops forgot about that no carb thing)

She came and dug up some of my elderberry shoots. I make a syrup in the fall with the berries that the kids originally hated. Now DN2 plans to take it away to uni and sell it for those suffering from coughs/flu. Enterprising little thing ;)

So sad for this little family...

They were just sitting at home watching their beloved Habs when their home was sucked into a kilometre wide sinkhole. How do you explain such freak and utterly unbelievable events like this to children?

Because you mean so much to me...Links with Love

Pip Studio

Similar to Rice with a touch of Cath

Do we like it?

Of course, Rice

Lovely coolers

Adorable bowls

And Tamar. I have been meaning to show you her website for 3 or 4 months now. I received a lovely ring from her during the winter and it is so terribly beautiful. When my manicure is done I will show it off but in the mean time, please visit her, all her items are so charming. She is also a lovely person that treats her customers with the utmost care and kindness.

Hope you liked your links ;)