Almost

The bedroom is very close to the finish line.

This is a blue jar I picked up while away.

But I cannot show you anymore until it is done.

I wish my Etsy delivery would get here. Soon.

Patience.

xo

::photo by Chris

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

It Burned to a Crisp

For those that were waiting with bated breath to find out what happened to Mother's cake. I just felt so bad for her I did not have the heart to post about it. The problem was, and I really hesitated to tell her, was the use of TWO smaller pans instead of one large one as Delia states in the recipe. But let us not dwell on the mistakes of last year. As a new year begins I, like so many others, want to do a huge clear out of junk and begin some serious painting. Starting with my bedroom that has patiently been waiting for a make over. The iron bed I now have but I would like to start painting and am thinking of a pale blue or blue/green. Don't you just love the bedroom above?

And how pretty is this? But I often wonder how dirty/stained a padded cloth headboard would get? But so terribly beautiful.

Oh and my holidays were spectacular. My girlfriend and I drove down to pick up my daughter at uni on the 13th and she was here for two glorious weeks. Two weeks of eating, movie watching and cosy cuddles under eiderdowns. She had to return to school on the 30th for one and half weeks training before school even begins, but I am thankful for those blissful days together with ALL the family.

And it was a Sorel Christmas. The far right black ones were hands down my favs but not so practical. So I went for the fur trimmed ones second from the left. DN1 recieved gorgeous tan leather ones from her BF and DN2 got the short black ones.

Bring on the snow!

I do hope everyone of you had a festive, safe and fulfilling holiday.

And all the best, my lovely readers for 2011!

I have missed you so.

xoxo

Delia, Darling

Okay, Mother and Father have undertaken the daunting task of the Delia Christmas Cake. So far the ingredients have cost them 45.00. I cannot wait to see how this turns out!

Updates will follow...

Eiderdown Love

I am totally aware of the fact that this is a terrible picture, but the battery ran out of the camera and I had to use my blackberry. This is an eiderdown I found last week for a very good price. We know how eiderdown crazy I am right? Well this one is stunning. It is a pale green/blue with pinks, egg blue, greens just too beautiful for words. Did I mention it was like brand new? Right now it is in DN2 bedroom, the colours are quite lovely with her Cath Kidston colours and the touches of the Laura Ashley that are spread around the room. She will be home for Christmas around the 15th. The poor thing has been sick for over two weeks now and it is getting her so down. It is hard enough having away but when she is ill I JUST WANT HER HOME. I want to make her tea and honey and chicken soup and dippy eggs with toast soldiers.

Again trying to bring in all the flowers from the garden that are too healthy and beautiful to leave to the elements. Where these are going to go when the Christmas decorations come out I have no idea.

Okay, I know these pictures aren't the greatest either but it's the best I could do.

Do you bring in your geraniums in the fall? I have some that are 3 or 4 years old now. Where do you keep them?

And a gratuitous pug picture.

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I did go and buy the coat I wanted. It is perfect for this damp and rainy weather. And oh so easy to dress up. You know they ship worldwide don't you?

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Have a superb week my lovelies!!!

what i am loving right now

Lululemon clothing. Above is Gisele Bundchen wearing Lululemon pants.

Avril Lavigne (although she obviously did not take advantage of the free alterations)

Eva Longoria, again too long.

Ahh the beautiful Megan Fox. You can find zillions of photos with Megan wearing their clothing. She seems to live in it and now that I have been wearing their items I know why. The pants do something to your bum. In a very good way. It will look better. I am not kidding here.

Nicole Kidman, with a helpful trainer I might add.

Pink working it.

Reese Witherspoon looking cute as always.

I am totally hooked on this clothing line now. Everything I put on makes me look (and feel) GREAT. The pants can be worn with almost anything. Of course you wear them for working out, but you can dress these pants up no problem. With a nice cosy sweater or a comfy cardi everything will look good with these. They have an online site although I have several stores quite close. You have to try it. You will love it! My next purchase will be the yoga coat. Water repellent with a hood. Just what I need.

***and secretly it feels good knowing I can wear the same pants as a supermodel

Little Peeks

A peek at my new bed. But that is all you are getting until I paint it. Soon I hope. It is the iron bed "Savannah" from Pottery Barn.

Autumnal roses. And the only lobelia that did well in the whole garden. Nice.

Quick peek at the potting shed. Still waiting for a few odds and ends. I still have to paint the door the blue/grey colour, it is just primed.

And I think the tin on top is new (to me). I found it in the summer and I think I forgot to show you.

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Still busy painting, doing some clear out and going away here and there to see my daughter. The weather is cooling nicely now thank goodness. Love Autumn.

Lisa xo

Note: Okay my writing skills are next to nil. I meant I would be painting the room not the bed apparently that autumnal air is not as invigorating as I originally thought ;)

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!