Unusual Houses

Low Impact Woodland House, Wales, United Kingdom
(I'm looking for a hobbit!!!)

Mind House, Barcelona, Spain

Conch Shell House Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Inside Conch Shell House

Stone House, Guimaraes, Portugal

Here are some pictures of some of the most unusual dwellings I have ever seen!!  What do you think?

The French Bedroom Company

Just about half an hour's drive away from my home town is Haywards Heath,  where a gorgeous place called the French Bedroom Company is situated.

I have just received my latest issue of Country Homes and Interiors (UK) and on page 82 is the most gorgeous bed.  So I searched for the company who made the bed and lo and behold,  it is local to me.
I have added some pics from their website for you to drool over........

I love them all!!!  Happy Monday to you all!

The warmth of a log fire

I have just had new heating installed (it was delayed for six months making Winter very cold indeed!!) it made me think of the days spent when I was younger in front of a huge log fire.  It was so comforting on a cold Winter's evening.  A cup of cocoa and a good conversation,  or quiet gathering of thoughts after a long day.

I love big fireplaces,  especially inglenook fireplaces.  They were more prevalent in England and France and are becoming more fashionable, even in the United States.

Some fireplace!!!!

Modern take on the inglenook

The old ones are often found with an adjacent bread oven.

A traditional bread oven

Meanwhile Spring is around the corner,  can't wait for country walks and sunny days!

The key to my heart!

Or rather the key to my imaginary country house!  I came across this Georgian(?) iron key and decided to frame it,  a gorgeous and huge key.......although I would rather have a Tudor home than a Georgian home!  Quaint and thatched and surrounded by roses and the obligatory white picket fence!!

I tried my hand at 'prettying' up the other picture,  but am not satisfied with either of them yet.... maybe a little lace around the key? ......watch this space!

Have a wonderful week
(painting 'Country Cottage' by Joshua Fisher)

A meditation for Ash Wednesday

Well,  it is Ash Wednesday,  a day on which we reflect upon our past and hopefully make ourselves more kind, open, loving and spiritual over the next year.  My own belief is that it should not be limited to one period per year.  We should always try to be that better person!!  Easier said than done.
I like to meditate and calm down with a lovely tealight with a delightful scent,  and just be.................

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

I have surprised myself!!

Hello everyone!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

I have a dislike of the colour yellow, and, by association I dislike orange and green.  Now I have seen two rooms that I really like,  and they are green and yellow!

The green room is from Better Homes and Gardens, and the yellow room is from Country Living.

I really like them!!

A Valentine's Day amble through my town

The day rose crisp and bright under a winter's sun,  eliciting a happy urge to venture outdoors to see what was going on on St Valentine's Day in  my town.  It was alive with people,  enjoying the break in the weather,  gentlemen looking embarrassed while searching for roses for their wives.  Women shopping, children skipping.  A mime artist standing stock still like a statue,  a harpist playing music from Heaven. The sea was like glass, and the fading and rusting Victorian esplanade even looked chipper over a calm and blue ocean.

The little boutiques were resplendent in their Valentine colours.  Here is a sample of my little walk...

(With thanks to The House of Treasures, The Secret Garden, The Banana Tree, and C & H Fabrics)

End of winter blues

I have the end of Winter blues.  My soul is longing for the beginning of Spring,  when the flowers pop their heads up and say hello to the world,  the squirrels scurry about the park with luminous eyes.  The foxes forage about,  and the world is full of birdsong.  I have a camera sans batteries at the moment,  so I will just tell you what I am searching for...a cloche,  a large bunch of lavender, and some inspiration!  On that note I will scurry off to look at your blogs to get the inspiration!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Give-away result!

Hello my lovely blogging friends!  I have drawn my giveaway today,  as it is tomorrow in the US and Australia. (does that make sense?)
I am happy to announce the winner is the Old Geezer!!  Please OG send me your e-mail address so you can claim your prize from CSN.
Have a lovely day!

Softly, softly

Better Homes and Gardens are featuring colour at the moment,  I love the soft blues they have used,  what do you think?

And some unusual bathrooms that take my fancy, a little luxury, a little quirkiness (love it)!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday

Ooooh  love it

Oh, by the way,  can anyone tell me what a mud-room is?