Southern Highlands Stunner

I received an email from one of my blog readers, Ali, who has the most drop-dead gorgeous home in the Southern Highlands of NSW. In fact, it's so stunning, it's just been featured on The House of Turquoise, and I was only too happy to share all the pics with you all.<br /><br />'Summerfield' is set on 1.2 acres with spectacular views of the surrounding meadows. But it's best if I let the photos do the talking, so take a look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzLQjMYxwGsEURAMEc6l1P0e_WNg0eyOGnIApKqv5pe66an3Is1WlMukcdzaS65l9ZnVfIiNLw3pWttVioLjEKQrccZ4T2VdbpuwvVOdJ-cgmwLxvwtnZJrGx4JB5lTRREH5wyTvtFJI/s1600/summerfield12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzLQjMYxwGsEURAMEc6l1P0e_WNg0eyOGnIApKqv5pe66an3Is1WlMukcdzaS65l9ZnVfIiNLw3pWttVioLjEKQrccZ4T2VdbpuwvVOdJ-cgmwLxvwtnZJrGx4JB5lTRREH5wyTvtFJI/s640/summerfield12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUINtm0fJawd0aDDNjt695xjbYn2JlRllLXAiIkwoxT3fbr5DzhhbApuJ_oYJlcBbIuWsbazLNNLBRCvKEIq6TXHk1lktNYaiaCnTtOkGo2G5jeur7PegbwBWYzHhKD8SHs1z9fMmV11c/s1600/summerfield11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUINtm0fJawd0aDDNjt695xjbYn2JlRllLXAiIkwoxT3fbr5DzhhbApuJ_oYJlcBbIuWsbazLNNLBRCvKEIq6TXHk1lktNYaiaCnTtOkGo2G5jeur7PegbwBWYzHhKD8SHs1z9fMmV11c/s640/summerfield11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4eoFl_QxI6hg6zNt4_n5IWT-kxZSM95SXTbD5hyphenhyphennSkQ9r8QOzE81KjZG3-U0emXo7Y2gB8JOCRV86JNLxFyOadBA-f6XBvGHReV0-i0ydDrdE6EZyv1soCExYgePKFhgfabSmQ1248/s1600/summerfield10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4eoFl_QxI6hg6zNt4_n5IWT-kxZSM95SXTbD5hyphenhyphennSkQ9r8QOzE81KjZG3-U0emXo7Y2gB8JOCRV86JNLxFyOadBA-f6XBvGHReV0-i0ydDrdE6EZyv1soCExYgePKFhgfabSmQ1248/s640/summerfield10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> love the artwork in this room ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIAuwTRCMjK-hwRk0IOzGYu8XzswcZqViLfkPQfOEDmxTb_8tVqTGBuBQrsCcgz4CFDH-9MFaVQ6P5JVlZIEznDLIXkGH-uaOn7CYg-USAnyKwIKNLORL-8tqRTl9KfGs1g2jpzBd1DY/s1600/summerfield7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIAuwTRCMjK-hwRk0IOzGYu8XzswcZqViLfkPQfOEDmxTb_8tVqTGBuBQrsCcgz4CFDH-9MFaVQ6P5JVlZIEznDLIXkGH-uaOn7CYg-USAnyKwIKNLORL-8tqRTl9KfGs1g2jpzBd1DY/s640/summerfield7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb2N4QFsUveNEuDEdaYXxTx6uKJOs541b1zBOHGttgKioT5IZdciy0p8iOGMcSR1e8SaehXdfjkh6gS_D7uuIaflLCczm3x4V2orqgLepU1Z7D2U4Qgl-BkTZR8kzsiIBmbUJqHxG-EU/s1600/summerfield5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb2N4QFsUveNEuDEdaYXxTx6uKJOs541b1zBOHGttgKioT5IZdciy0p8iOGMcSR1e8SaehXdfjkh6gS_D7uuIaflLCczm3x4V2orqgLepU1Z7D2U4Qgl-BkTZR8kzsiIBmbUJqHxG-EU/s640/summerfield5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSLek6A5BDTGuWqD9dF6rcUHp1OTfRDuDjgTcpCrkooHhdJTAdbRUSPvFlMswOfPJQAR1n5PF6VrNyLAe1IA3pzafq1H32__g5amIk5zo27zQ_Ma22EZToJrS-qJFd1A-VPEoxqOWNTQ/s1600/summerfield4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSLek6A5BDTGuWqD9dF6rcUHp1OTfRDuDjgTcpCrkooHhdJTAdbRUSPvFlMswOfPJQAR1n5PF6VrNyLAe1IA3pzafq1H32__g5amIk5zo27zQ_Ma22EZToJrS-qJFd1A-VPEoxqOWNTQ/s640/summerfield4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgjuUkNiLG95gPbfQtTvoFbWA9fu2mhWoiFypbISgjxCH-oyTmzAq-_P4AJn0LnBLqhqeEVQAzfEBUXHUEqA75n_4DvpVvizK3itvkJBX1407xfrrWI6bx_Bc1tFo998_A78SmVe13rA/s1600/summerfield3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgjuUkNiLG95gPbfQtTvoFbWA9fu2mhWoiFypbISgjxCH-oyTmzAq-_P4AJn0LnBLqhqeEVQAzfEBUXHUEqA75n_4DvpVvizK3itvkJBX1407xfrrWI6bx_Bc1tFo998_A78SmVe13rA/s640/summerfield3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-8PNwhvQxjbC0oKhEO9aTwBQWCuplFjpoJYkun2GsTYNFd5F10jEkEyzKqUjo-YX_uVUV5pXwVI5VhCBb_hHCHD1Qm6RAx3-fPzcLKjQJqFDeUsZVmvISDp9RAytSYwKuqaI5FXI2wc/s1600/summerfield1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-8PNwhvQxjbC0oKhEO9aTwBQWCuplFjpoJYkun2GsTYNFd5F10jEkEyzKqUjo-YX_uVUV5pXwVI5VhCBb_hHCHD1Qm6RAx3-fPzcLKjQJqFDeUsZVmvISDp9RAytSYwKuqaI5FXI2wc/s640/summerfield1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As it happens, Ali's lovely home is now for sale, and you can get all the details over <a href="http://www.rwbowral.ca.com.au/cgi-bin/clients/randw/opropertyinfo4.cgi?gid=20178&type=sales&propertyid=2989361">here</a>. If only I was in the market for a country retreat - this would be absolutely perfect.<br /><br />By the way, I'll be back tomorrow with all the details of the project I mentioned <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/10/i-now-have-madeit-shop.html">here</a> - see you then!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Southern Highlands Stunner

I received an email from one of my blog readers, Ali, who has the most drop-dead gorgeous home in the Southern Highlands of NSW. In fact, it...

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I now have a MadeIt shop!

As well as my new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/driftwoodinteriors">Etsy</a> store, I've also just opened a brand-new <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/OriginalArtByKerriShipp">MadeIt</a> shop.<br /><br />MadeIt is an online buying and selling destination showcasing Australian artists, craftspeople and designers, and I love the idea of appealing to both international and Australian shoppers alike with a combination of storefronts and websites. Over the coming weeks, I'll be adding more items to both sites, and I'll also be featuring some works exclusively, so keep an eye on my Facebook page for all the updates. And if that's not enough, paintings won't be the only things on offer (yep, another teaser!), there will be insider sales and special offers as well, so stay tuned!<br /><br />To kick off the new store, I've listed these prints:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUwOdNlZn2Cu_jf75N8Jo8koP53jjEuaOf0w36Vvnor56ipnYp7sHFrhTaAFZK_7FUwUk5krTBT048IBxX79Wb2pzrXCqKZ2cZ_g9vckF8aQAfb_e8iJIRwO9BqMzQCtGduC4viMPiw/s1600/Dynasty+in+Ming+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRUwOdNlZn2Cu_jf75N8Jo8koP53jjEuaOf0w36Vvnor56ipnYp7sHFrhTaAFZK_7FUwUk5krTBT048IBxX79Wb2pzrXCqKZ2cZ_g9vckF8aQAfb_e8iJIRwO9BqMzQCtGduC4viMPiw/s400/Dynasty+in+Ming+copy.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 'Dynasty in Ming'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw93cBDWX5d5BTgKWB746M23pGM5dC_TdBxTcu501lMLGPUI_np-4LlTSiQPNVIkQyEzd9webNdB0hdbBcnz9aiybgzGZL-JfoAbW-1yuetZFshZGf9N5L9Qi3lVGv2Bcxtlvp_H5Msg/s1600/ming+in+indigo30%25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw93cBDWX5d5BTgKWB746M23pGM5dC_TdBxTcu501lMLGPUI_np-4LlTSiQPNVIkQyEzd9webNdB0hdbBcnz9aiybgzGZL-JfoAbW-1yuetZFshZGf9N5L9Qi3lVGv2Bcxtlvp_H5Msg/s400/ming+in+indigo30%25.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">'Ming in Indigo'</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvacS2kmBQIHFO10RCx19i7roHBldUD7fUOW8lE4aIq4XaY6SZpSF3SC8oqmDMbwp2yDtUcOlK2GaTr2ZQfdu7Fr3LTyAKUCVv-MxGqNgyluvpT4f0Lmbw2IaMTvuo8s99Iakj4jpeGg/s1600/chinoiserie+in+green+watercolour+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvacS2kmBQIHFO10RCx19i7roHBldUD7fUOW8lE4aIq4XaY6SZpSF3SC8oqmDMbwp2yDtUcOlK2GaTr2ZQfdu7Fr3LTyAKUCVv-MxGqNgyluvpT4f0Lmbw2IaMTvuo8s99Iakj4jpeGg/s640/chinoiserie+in+green+watercolour+resize.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Chinoiserie in Green'</div><br />So pop on over, I'd love to see you there!<br /><br />In the meantime, I'll leave you with a little reminder of a project I've been working on - remember this?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlSAAr7Gai2SrBwLtwAcm-I4sUrCGgckKwZYNgsQdEojBg3o8yXwrmQwb1UkcjxfzVa7CNACDnaQahhVlUvrU9a5jNcTi0FOERJZcNV6MuyyHzugLU5iTSbCi-FMz51X1VITmoAlpxz8/s1600/bedroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlSAAr7Gai2SrBwLtwAcm-I4sUrCGgckKwZYNgsQdEojBg3o8yXwrmQwb1UkcjxfzVa7CNACDnaQahhVlUvrU9a5jNcTi0FOERJZcNV6MuyyHzugLU5iTSbCi-FMz51X1VITmoAlpxz8/s640/bedroom+2.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I'll reveal all next week - catch you then!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

I now have a MadeIt shop!

As well as my new Etsy store, I've also just opened a brand-new MadeIt shop. MadeIt is an online buying and selling destination showca...

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Trick-Or-Treating In The UK

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First of all, let me just say it is difficult to play my kids game of 'Unscramble The Halloween Word' when the word unscrambled is spelled incorrectly in the first place.<br /><br />I have a hard enough time with this game, but throw in 'dlub' to be unscrambled as 'blud' (blood) - well, the kids think I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. Hey, no fair! Love the kid moments :)<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnMCHnvk2OQDz-a9lfgaEpnaae8N1ZHPs4aJsZCX1Y2IyNpsbfiR7ZlzIxJN00D733nYmsbti4Ph79_I9RUkdws8MblHGUXHVtwQzDOtGd5GAQ1paCeaZnRB0GzOZEOMBRjtymQCefaw/s400/carriagefromCentsational+Girl-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this fantastic?  {via <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/10/october-favorites/"><u>Centsational Girl</u></a>}</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />In the US, Halloween and Trick-Or-Treating are practically synonymous. Not so in the UK. Whereas  Halloween was created hundreds of years ago in this part of the world, Trick-Or-Treating is an American tradition that began only in the 1950s.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been interesting to see how trick-or-treating is observed here. My sense is the older generation is nervous about this childhood activity - strangers coming to their door asking for candy. It is an unusual  tradition, isn't it?<br /><br />I think the dark side of Halloween has been the association with October 31st for a long time. I've heard many fear 'tricks' could be played by the children or by the homeowner - and I'm certainly not one to say if this fear is valid or not. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the parents with small children did not trick-or-treat when they were kids, so it is a newer tradition that is evolving.  In a country filled with so many old traditions, I find it exciting and fascinating to be part of a new one :) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmY7qGhywENLS4yPX2XrXwTOrcwu1MT50JlzyWZNMWDy4Zl2IvQkUZcJRZ1U_LQ0-1EYVEYGBVjA8JtarR4B_WWhEEJeJ7XqDvXYL_H4rOaEjGe2tFmX9ZDjnw81nw09jsCyv-bSmu7k/s320/centationalBonfireBHG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/10/october-favorites/"><u>Centsational Girl</u></a>}</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So far I've learned we are only to visit homes with a pumpkin displayed. When we ring the bell, I think we say 'Sweet or No Sweet' or perhaps nothing at all. I'll know more tomorrow :)  The kids will be given candy, cookies, or coins.<br /><br />Costumes are traditional Halloween garb and only fill half an aisle in the stores, if at all - monsters, ghosts, and witches. I've heard they think it odd to have a cute little Minnie Mouse ring the doorbell.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Another interesting element is next weekend is Guy Fawkes Night, which includes fireworks and the burning of an effigy over a bonfire. This event sounds dark and eerie to me, but I have been assured it is a family friendly night with games and bonfires at most schools.<br /><br />I sense that having Halloween and Bonfire Night so close together can encourage bad behavior from some over the next seven days - another reason some are nervous about this time of year.<br /><br />I often realize what is 'very American' only when it is absent. This is true for candy corn and peanut butter candy bars, which are only sold in the American grocery stores here. How I'll miss my Reece's Peanut Butter Cup loot from my kids Halloween bags :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow my little muffins will transform into Harry Potter characters and will celebrate Halloween and trick-or-treating with our fabulous new neighbors. Fortunately for us, there will be a lot of pumpkins outside the doors on our street :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Happy Halloween & Trick-Or-Treating wherever you are,<br /><br /></div>XO Laura

Trick-Or-Treating In The UK

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK First of all, let me just say it is difficult to play my kids game of 'Unscramble The Halloween Word' w...

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'Kellie's Vase'

As most of you are already aware, the lovely Kellie from <a href="http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/">Ada and Darcy</a> has just opened her brand new shop, <a href="http://adaanddarcy.com.au/">Ada and Darcy</a>, which is full of the most beautiful homewares. When I was browsing through, I came across a gorgeous cloisonne vase, and thought it would be the perfect subject for a new painting. Take a look at 'Kellie's Vase':<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKW3A4JkWaFgWxSlfVzDMqIHy1X5sH2WheenB39M8Dgi4DrkpaZX01xMWznvIF7_eY6eaYPmA56PRsCVuIscUxvjwBWiCWTaGDNJxm97opa29f7Vde8Hnf65U8TXF4vWVFJyFiosRPXk/s1600/kellie's+vase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKW3A4JkWaFgWxSlfVzDMqIHy1X5sH2WheenB39M8Dgi4DrkpaZX01xMWznvIF7_eY6eaYPmA56PRsCVuIscUxvjwBWiCWTaGDNJxm97opa29f7Vde8Hnf65U8TXF4vWVFJyFiosRPXk/s640/kellie's+vase2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />...and the original inspiration:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZNWTmwrli-Nn0M84OPyhOIQ98b0OsAnXBrY5Lcj-0Sygwvq6BpBaO__uuWy1TKTMp0Dx9kkEZRcpcsYMFU6U4h8Jx8LHcEa9k3crZT7UCOROYHF25noU0GKB53cs3Cbsx0gtZ1-Wn9U/s1600/vases+&+ginger+jar+via+ada+and+darcy+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZNWTmwrli-Nn0M84OPyhOIQ98b0OsAnXBrY5Lcj-0Sygwvq6BpBaO__uuWy1TKTMp0Dx9kkEZRcpcsYMFU6U4h8Jx8LHcEa9k3crZT7UCOROYHF25noU0GKB53cs3Cbsx0gtZ1-Wn9U/s640/vases+&+ginger+jar+via+ada+and+darcy+crop.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">courtesy <a href="http://adaanddarcy.com.au/">Ada and Darcy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, I've used a little creative license and altered the design, but I think the original piece is just gorgeous. If you haven't already, head on over to <a href="http://adaanddarcy.com.au/">Ada and Darcy</a> to check out the beautiful pieces on offer. Just keep your credit card handy - you're going to need it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>

'Kellie's Vase'

As most of you are already aware, the lovely Kellie from Ada and Darcy has just opened her brand new shop, Ada and Darcy , which is full of...

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Celebration of a New Home

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When we moved to England, we sold our house in the US and brought everything with us. We have had a mourning period for the home we left behind. {Sigh} We loved that house - my canvas for home decor, our sacred space full of so many memories, the house we brought newborn Little G home to</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now we are renting a lovely Victorian home built around 1898 that oozes character. Except for an unhung  mirror (major procrastination), I think I can officially say we have settled in :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD10n6ZMO4tK7gDv07VbGdOgnI6FgZ16N9SryidccQhkQol7TYVIUultkQglRhTMpV5Xm6-BbOySKLCrFy9vjCQrzrmBi8ok3z4sy8KrY8_URxVSdsthzJ3c_jskZRuP7OgebWVw2tq00/s1600/DSCN1483-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD10n6ZMO4tK7gDv07VbGdOgnI6FgZ16N9SryidccQhkQol7TYVIUultkQglRhTMpV5Xm6-BbOySKLCrFy9vjCQrzrmBi8ok3z4sy8KrY8_URxVSdsthzJ3c_jskZRuP7OgebWVw2tq00/s400/DSCN1483-12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the original door & window design</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNVPK5deHQ4eeYXejjV_6I2ntAxCAfNOJ6hpkneA1t3DtaRjo3CAqTBe_n9I3i4Y1J1ZTMss32FX8aTurqC2RM11Lb2yBzYJsMPMIkPFVXSo_CmVZ8c7s-Y-kPF9CY6fwqVC9YTa5TLU/s1600/DSCN1484-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNVPK5deHQ4eeYXejjV_6I2ntAxCAfNOJ6hpkneA1t3DtaRjo3CAqTBe_n9I3i4Y1J1ZTMss32FX8aTurqC2RM11Lb2yBzYJsMPMIkPFVXSo_CmVZ8c7s-Y-kPF9CY6fwqVC9YTa5TLU/s320/DSCN1484-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bristles in mail slot keep the house warmer (so clever)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Renting this house actually has freed me of my design obsession. No more sewing curtains, pouring over paint colors, or ripping out inspirational magazine pages (well, not as many anyway). This home is imperfectly perfect for us, and there's not much we can do with it anyway. Who knew renting would calm my mind? At least for now?</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLa_tymzDnMt4e8dQOFl2bKUC7v-g2Vh8VPauXsT1t-sNdSH895wrLIU-3mjucUN9QhkAQ-zo_f5iAKaXrBX8vJK0s181h5_e-o1caSTpfvRH6Ooo9WevQO5PiKBA7CtXkaodZNCWzq4/s1600/DSCN1465-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLa_tymzDnMt4e8dQOFl2bKUC7v-g2Vh8VPauXsT1t-sNdSH895wrLIU-3mjucUN9QhkAQ-zo_f5iAKaXrBX8vJK0s181h5_e-o1caSTpfvRH6Ooo9WevQO5PiKBA7CtXkaodZNCWzq4/s400/DSCN1465-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Window</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbFku2VzPCC57SoJ9NQ9yO4lY0lSH_1KfYpDODY_iGdQrD7f9CjLvh2CEwvLlvkTvFJKF0PLXzdoOz8vEam0IIKoQEVxahTbrud4QFminO0YXmWFiJhz61XS2LhegPfl-28F3IB9UhLo/s1600/DSC_00652-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbFku2VzPCC57SoJ9NQ9yO4lY0lSH_1KfYpDODY_iGdQrD7f9CjLvh2CEwvLlvkTvFJKF0PLXzdoOz8vEam0IIKoQEVxahTbrud4QFminO0YXmWFiJhz61XS2LhegPfl-28F3IB9UhLo/s400/DSC_00652-1.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen + Blogging HQ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am posting photos of our home to help friends, family, and readers picture us here. Photojournaling is also a way for me to document and see the loveliness in the 'now'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrka4w_DgmSTqcp_wQJYiKGcWg6Q-oYuCAbMlku8RcyHgVcvKT4gLtaDbGjncaah9z52iSSoVxR6ljuEHXi22gou3FfC3z2tLFKAUH5xy2GUjhDgcG_qNJnntX5m_3eN-gNeinG0fJnc/s1600/DSCN1467-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrka4w_DgmSTqcp_wQJYiKGcWg6Q-oYuCAbMlku8RcyHgVcvKT4gLtaDbGjncaah9z52iSSoVxR6ljuEHXi22gou3FfC3z2tLFKAUH5xy2GUjhDgcG_qNJnntX5m_3eN-gNeinG0fJnc/s400/DSCN1467-12.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love all the molding</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ehoIFmZcD0fgcfXH2qD9UkDgAxLpV65c0UwG8nzgDTj9c2lOLuvlQzBd7eJsxI7faJMhIfafdSQimFIPadpQ93S-mXxxOC3QtUQ4JsDz2B5U_LUIBXYr1hAt33Sw6N89-dD6w-qWn9o/s1600/DSCN1507-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ehoIFmZcD0fgcfXH2qD9UkDgAxLpV65c0UwG8nzgDTj9c2lOLuvlQzBd7eJsxI7faJMhIfafdSQimFIPadpQ93S-mXxxOC3QtUQ4JsDz2B5U_LUIBXYr1hAt33Sw6N89-dD6w-qWn9o/s400/DSCN1507-12.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love vignettes and little 'creatures' around the house. The movers thought I was crazy to have brought so many animals across the ocean. What do they know?!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJWMmTbY7uG_P-QPihcS7_lzCkccF5gk2pBo782qjZCdeIA-PVPf4S24qb0uv23t_6-6dgpYnmXgLa5n0fHTxbdCg72VzyBMSGIWMUhGnkbG-NGFNvx2voj1ZD9friMeLgwZPJtGMdVU/s1600/DSCN1475-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJWMmTbY7uG_P-QPihcS7_lzCkccF5gk2pBo782qjZCdeIA-PVPf4S24qb0uv23t_6-6dgpYnmXgLa5n0fHTxbdCg72VzyBMSGIWMUhGnkbG-NGFNvx2voj1ZD9friMeLgwZPJtGMdVU/s400/DSCN1475-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX12vp6wWV_8bZWOL6_Qt8fOD4wi-vbLwR5ikht9tVotrws5DoSTElXHJEghfp26K1lxwh82yavkq3Ci1ZMS3JOAXVMYM7qVEVO6oOwQZzXooMJDGxJTVsJt2A05B7jk_exOZmkiMf-M/s1600/DSCN1476-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX12vp6wWV_8bZWOL6_Qt8fOD4wi-vbLwR5ikht9tVotrws5DoSTElXHJEghfp26K1lxwh82yavkq3Ci1ZMS3JOAXVMYM7qVEVO6oOwQZzXooMJDGxJTVsJt2A05B7jk_exOZmkiMf-M/s320/DSCN1476-12.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt Birds in Playroom Window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mostly decorate with items from Goodwill, Target, Pottery Barn Teen, and local artists. I like the challenge of having an eclectic style on a small budget.<br /><br />Everything is so expensive here, I have bought almost nothing beside necessities. I hope to find some flea markets soon :)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh448VfYNMEnfdMMF90K0nCzSqXvtFMYaP_AvJIhF94zir1Yi-pB_UlXqMfMU8xuO7Vip6r4KqIDq45FFHpxjcpd4A5kKJ0sUb9rZyGoPZbLzWMuKXdrjiEJgi54UJn0r7T8jHbSwZbaxg/s1600/DSCN1497-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh448VfYNMEnfdMMF90K0nCzSqXvtFMYaP_AvJIhF94zir1Yi-pB_UlXqMfMU8xuO7Vip6r4KqIDq45FFHpxjcpd4A5kKJ0sUb9rZyGoPZbLzWMuKXdrjiEJgi54UJn0r7T8jHbSwZbaxg/s400/DSCN1497-22.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Nook (and dog hang-out)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />One fun thing about putting this house together was taking everything out of boxes and setting it in a room. To decorate the house, I went 'shopping' in that room filled with things I love.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I wonder what new memories this new house will hold for us. I hope you have enjoyed a tour of our new home :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>XO Laura</div>

Celebration of a New Home

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK When we moved to England, we sold our house in the US and brought everything with us. We have had a mourning pe...

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HALLOWEEN: Trick or Treat! HAPPY HALLOWEEN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">FROM MY HOUSE</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">TO YOURS!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiALHa9tc4ZhAyIRe77bYCbNfxeVuynncVZGfANb72KHsbon7apnU02seiA_zKg2CAh23YHNh3raFhm5yNx8AbIn2RKA9A7UqWeSJHkDoAv2oIkQpcIFNAjUikCsDIquTQTrvvzqc5Y-o/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiALHa9tc4ZhAyIRe77bYCbNfxeVuynncVZGfANb72KHsbon7apnU02seiA_zKg2CAh23YHNh3raFhm5yNx8AbIn2RKA9A7UqWeSJHkDoAv2oIkQpcIFNAjUikCsDIquTQTrvvzqc5Y-o/s640/IMG_2743.JPG" width="422px"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Some quick, instant mood makers:</div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/trick-or-treat.html#more">Read more »</a>

HALLOWEEN: Trick or Treat! HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS! Some quick, instant mood makers: Read more »

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My weekend project

I've been working on a little project for a while now, and as it involves quite a bit of mental concentration, I really need to be in the mood for it to work - at least, without much ranting, raving, and gnashing of teeth. In spite of really enjoying maths at school, I've come to realise that I have the kind of brain that trashes any sort of technical knowledge (quadratic equations and calculus anyone?) if not used frequently enough. Ask me for any sort of trivial fact, and it's no problem at all. Phone numbers of my primary school friends - easy. In fact, almost any phone number at all seems to be indelibly etched into my brain for some strange reason - but that's another story. Anyway, as my project involves much measuring and planning to look just perfect, I think I'll take my time, which, for me, is no mean feat. Patience is <i><b>so</b></i> not my strong point. So for now, you know what's coming - the dreaded teaser:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vlRoTR8qlTvn4JG3L-FCJN60YsGvINRzduot37zG8XB4dtKNHisPN_RJkmO50qHkQcr9rxHaKC2GFjNDn-KPvtXOyQbYFp7vSx3VjoMzc8Oq7rXK41n6IbtDXKJrcxha6U6SstgcqOI/s1600/dining_room_banquet_love_seat_bertoia_chairs_metal_mesh_collection_of_art_on_wall_fish_bowl_glass_pendant_light_chandelier_madeline_weinrib_rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vlRoTR8qlTvn4JG3L-FCJN60YsGvINRzduot37zG8XB4dtKNHisPN_RJkmO50qHkQcr9rxHaKC2GFjNDn-KPvtXOyQbYFp7vSx3VjoMzc8Oq7rXK41n6IbtDXKJrcxha6U6SstgcqOI/s640/dining_room_banquet_love_seat_bertoia_chairs_metal_mesh_collection_of_art_on_wall_fish_bowl_glass_pendant_light_chandelier_madeline_weinrib_rug.jpg" width="578" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylecourt.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via style court</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuyfw9V0AS-zxCbh0ZWp1n-8Mz3bf5KluzImZ0iHR_HxZv0fb2MhX72drOjFjOAYE6ZGmPPonZyBZdluoD9_PGCiwR1ljndyzXEEbd2ZV6KDd4vjBttkH28yLx8HXd5Z4EkYe1ZvH8Yk/s1600/design+to+inspire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuyfw9V0AS-zxCbh0ZWp1n-8Mz3bf5KluzImZ0iHR_HxZv0fb2MhX72drOjFjOAYE6ZGmPPonZyBZdluoD9_PGCiwR1ljndyzXEEbd2ZV6KDd4vjBttkH28yLx8HXd5Z4EkYe1ZvH8Yk/s640/design+to+inspire.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via desire to inspire</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9zCgmd3tzNqwTJ87bO4HHzTjW1po_l2BO-4wzsSafGCXWYCCPZ7DmMQK8MZX4INfvp5SB9NM_GT0fPFHtie2Mdnz-LU8BRCatq3naezlrMhfLWIZ8R2LVdkAbNhK34DQt2U4r1c-JQ/s1600/marthastewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9zCgmd3tzNqwTJ87bO4HHzTjW1po_l2BO-4wzsSafGCXWYCCPZ7DmMQK8MZX4INfvp5SB9NM_GT0fPFHtie2Mdnz-LU8BRCatq3naezlrMhfLWIZ8R2LVdkAbNhK34DQt2U4r1c-JQ/s640/marthastewart.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marthastewart.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via martha stewart</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqfOlzmuq5jET-sDGLPn552qGgQReqUAqC41A0jrOMQ53SfB0rQd6_S42WULqIdQrAGrFSqlclB4qrVbRg7PgY_tCftn-W5rrpGdaqGN0keVZyRKQRKefsATKf0Wl9wfOUKOqXbOGfo/s1600/style+court+madweinrib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqfOlzmuq5jET-sDGLPn552qGgQReqUAqC41A0jrOMQ53SfB0rQd6_S42WULqIdQrAGrFSqlclB4qrVbRg7PgY_tCftn-W5rrpGdaqGN0keVZyRKQRKefsATKf0Wl9wfOUKOqXbOGfo/s640/style+court+madweinrib.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stylecourt.blogspot.com/">via stylecourt</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlA8Q-_QaKUpoUjCun4v9FFvgapqludS6yXjOmeqXUUXei7GH8bh4Dwa5QL0_8WPe5JczJ3YlSRJwz8KzDOXbwHATNjOT3lShyZT6vPyie0NY5y4FSDdKliKE_yzyhAZgV8Lmw2x0Wqc/s1600/weinrib-rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlA8Q-_QaKUpoUjCun4v9FFvgapqludS6yXjOmeqXUUXei7GH8bh4Dwa5QL0_8WPe5JczJ3YlSRJwz8KzDOXbwHATNjOT3lShyZT6vPyie0NY5y4FSDdKliKE_yzyhAZgV8Lmw2x0Wqc/s640/weinrib-rug.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESMOd07z2HsGWujy8F5bUdZYVTmTP-QSVvYAFRUBw7gHRrC_KcnTVw0gY3GX1AgXHsNXfRNLvDXvWJmcBEy1AytHsDMzrgu7OGg_qgfuSae_Gw5sMXJg_SXaqcKyOQRuYUnZwWvR-z_E/s1600/21836_0_8-1037-eclectic-bedroom+via+houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESMOd07z2HsGWujy8F5bUdZYVTmTP-QSVvYAFRUBw7gHRrC_KcnTVw0gY3GX1AgXHsNXfRNLvDXvWJmcBEy1AytHsDMzrgu7OGg_qgfuSae_Gw5sMXJg_SXaqcKyOQRuYUnZwWvR-z_E/s640/21836_0_8-1037-eclectic-bedroom+via+houzz.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via domino magazine courtesy <a href="http://houzz.com/">houzz</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, that's my weekend. What do you have planned?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

My weekend project

I've been working on a little project for a while now, and as it involves quite a bit of mental concentration, I really need to be in th...

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Can I do it? My biggest challenge yet!

<div><br /></div><div>So, my dilemma is this - can I take a tired, outdated relic, albeit with good bones and great location, and inject at least a few of my favourite style elements? Or is it just too hard? I think I can, but you know, those doubting Thomases' are sometimes hard to ignore. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Ok, here's a bit of background info. I live in a dark brick, 70's/80's style home, but what I <i>really</i> want is this:</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x2m4BuMxStNh1O5PZJaExCkwjagf0Mr8QMJIyp40OjZO_yaQwng1fONxAPohlK09EzwhmBOlXn3HM0tF2_QlkPmyw8tRQjh1LGM_vLynzKlSbYO-ERNJBiVMBhVa5_3qn8WoYTC02zQ/s1600/arsl01_rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x2m4BuMxStNh1O5PZJaExCkwjagf0Mr8QMJIyp40OjZO_yaQwng1fONxAPohlK09EzwhmBOlXn3HM0tF2_QlkPmyw8tRQjh1LGM_vLynzKlSbYO-ERNJBiVMBhVa5_3qn8WoYTC02zQ/s640/arsl01_rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3B14LQj33iMShHVMDh-f9tGRVuvuOEyqekqpJc_PcxqRoOeNy-DKamOF_IBJiDXlbFbXMY-llSSWFnTEFTGa4C2LaaiMsbwLyBd2ViZN37-zr9EV0EVClHcJwY0Y3zrQNcPOQrIg2ps/s1600/106126285al1263605819+18+delecta+ave+clareville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3B14LQj33iMShHVMDh-f9tGRVuvuOEyqekqpJc_PcxqRoOeNy-DKamOF_IBJiDXlbFbXMY-llSSWFnTEFTGa4C2LaaiMsbwLyBd2ViZN37-zr9EV0EVClHcJwY0Y3zrQNcPOQrIg2ps/s640/106126285al1263605819+18+delecta+ave+clareville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb3N8rT3p4wuQUaB9ddhlk6CMo4rv-_6Jj0kdUXDazNunz756-8tiv3Nskxsht24BCI1wBGiH_Y4JyaP7EC8gHMDhXFoh-gLgritXgyAX4mdZnnXjxZevGMwSuwVNtjzQ5rQk9zBU0mw/s1600/bellevue+st+avalon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb3N8rT3p4wuQUaB9ddhlk6CMo4rv-_6Jj0kdUXDazNunz756-8tiv3Nskxsht24BCI1wBGiH_Y4JyaP7EC8gHMDhXFoh-gLgritXgyAX4mdZnnXjxZevGMwSuwVNtjzQ5rQk9zBU0mw/s640/bellevue+st+avalon3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhYWJXIKfmmiQBkT1M-fdDLPp0r18iMqRtKb6UEZBTioI93jXCa-_WsS7-zg6a29ccmRR7SobelVwoeZZoJxezTJ8agy4GY2m8h4d86xkVL3cWfIgEJDlfm_w6diBjS4UtTb4ERb67AQ/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhYWJXIKfmmiQBkT1M-fdDLPp0r18iMqRtKb6UEZBTioI93jXCa-_WsS7-zg6a29ccmRR7SobelVwoeZZoJxezTJ8agy4GY2m8h4d86xkVL3cWfIgEJDlfm_w6diBjS4UtTb4ERb67AQ/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4rz-lAjJFwemGPQxwZEDcYExTqk-1w9EyNZ8nvKDWbVRw-zOzmZSqWUOc0yJCjNwgqzoyPY6OqBQMnsH3PMi3bxeZ3G-yxPNsx6NSbVF6VZDgSZrp9sOSH20Aq96NlUmh0rcAcs0IaA/s1600/southern+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4rz-lAjJFwemGPQxwZEDcYExTqk-1w9EyNZ8nvKDWbVRw-zOzmZSqWUOc0yJCjNwgqzoyPY6OqBQMnsH3PMi3bxeZ3G-yxPNsx6NSbVF6VZDgSZrp9sOSH20Aq96NlUmh0rcAcs0IaA/s400/southern+living.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXxMKY-Z9Jh1vaCdTmF6S34yyTtlCuBLD0TU_-wr6V26m8av0gSeryNCIdhn-eu4Zuf-RqyqPheQGJNoZd00fpzHNPqOi_2eeXXvBmHMStac8cV6t46BDvpQ3Cco2P06lqhomGz1e-KA/s1600/12+currawong+ave+palm+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXxMKY-Z9Jh1vaCdTmF6S34yyTtlCuBLD0TU_-wr6V26m8av0gSeryNCIdhn-eu4Zuf-RqyqPheQGJNoZd00fpzHNPqOi_2eeXXvBmHMStac8cV6t46BDvpQ3Cco2P06lqhomGz1e-KA/s640/12+currawong+ave+palm+beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And I have to say, it doesn't help when I'm surrounded by super-stylish examples of my blog friends' gorgeous homes, that, of course, are in exactly the style I love:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlY8NtliKUe5io1vhWe87KaxZKzvygxqz-wnLc0sSjkvrQ0zgUJPy9tM5w3sj8hWZNh0di5LkfCzcwYLW0nEP3M2tnJN8sQbYY2I27Hs1btXrSby8QAOL_-dPlwB138hgdgjZSGHdb6U/s1600/106166266jl1258953587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlY8NtliKUe5io1vhWe87KaxZKzvygxqz-wnLc0sSjkvrQ0zgUJPy9tM5w3sj8hWZNh0di5LkfCzcwYLW0nEP3M2tnJN8sQbYY2I27Hs1btXrSby8QAOL_-dPlwB138hgdgjZSGHdb6U/s640/106166266jl1258953587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beach-chic perfection - handiwork of the gorgeous Judy of <a href="http://verandahhouse.blogspot.com/">Verandah House</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_veK4AoS6Yid4VOtUqMT6tTKHaBerYIdQVBw6APqd2O9MCKZVbXZCzQ17rgtMuu3r28ncBwu1OFKPH44JvfH1p70c9rUSvS3Bf3YoAMTB8qtej3X7lujcnCbCgprOL2y0D40an9-ACc/s1600/2008275255_2_FS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_veK4AoS6Yid4VOtUqMT6tTKHaBerYIdQVBw6APqd2O9MCKZVbXZCzQ17rgtMuu3r28ncBwu1OFKPH44JvfH1p70c9rUSvS3Bf3YoAMTB8qtej3X7lujcnCbCgprOL2y0D40an9-ACc/s640/2008275255_2_FS.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">of course, many of you will already be familiar with the lovely <a href="http://thehousethata-mbuilt.blogspot.com/">A-M's</a> home - need I say more?</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_o7Jup022uUeVaZfW9fVoDwqkcFJ9s6eWuCVHkRRKloioTsUJx7nfRDFO_J1WbQPuxHIGPNhRofDzNtML4JmTSkHoUaZ6vJfLGnazRWNmtXAHEvOiRiq7oy9QUO-21vEXkq5Q21ymCc/s1600/gumdale+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_o7Jup022uUeVaZfW9fVoDwqkcFJ9s6eWuCVHkRRKloioTsUJx7nfRDFO_J1WbQPuxHIGPNhRofDzNtML4JmTSkHoUaZ6vJfLGnazRWNmtXAHEvOiRiq7oy9QUO-21vEXkq5Q21ymCc/s640/gumdale+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and oh my, <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/">Sharnel's</a> home is as gorgeous as she is!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><div>I've had so many people tell me to knock it down and start again, but in this financial climate it seems so wasteful and irresponsible to demolish a perfectly good home in the pursuit of the right 'look'. Now don't get me wrong, many of the above examples are far beyond what I have in mind for my home, but you get the idea. My brilliant solution (to my mind anyway) of covering our ugly brick with weatherboard is met with howls of protest and scorn from every male I've been foolish enough to mention it to. Is it really that silly an idea? I can't see the problem, and I don't believe that rendering is the only remedy. I think a combination of render and weatherboard could look great, but as it's a little out of the box, I'm finding it hard to garner much support.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>So it's over to you, my stylin' friends - what do you think? Could it work? Do you have any other ideas for me - if so, I'm all ears. And I'm going to print out all your fabulous ideas and brandish them as proof, whenever I'm met with resistance. </div><div><br /></div><div>You know, I'm almost tempted to give it a go myself on my art studio........I'm sure my husband has another work trip organised in just a few weeks......!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day everyone,</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Can I do it? My biggest challenge yet!

So, my dilemma is this - can I take a tired, outdated relic, albeit with good bones and great location, and inject at least a few of my favo...

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Enchanted Exhibit at Kensington Palace

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My friend, Ashley, surprised me with tickets to Kensington Palace's current exhibition, 'The Enchanted Palace'.  Thank you, Ash! </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyVbuVpezhNAKzQVj33ffpG8NIkNu2dMqaxtAFBuVTQaS-KwLBtG1U-cMUsb3zA9AW7UvaG8UHryixsV8x2N3zNW6vmVIQ3Ye8gK-hRXzD42MKSffmSrIJv-HWt4dRdoVf3QAzgm9WA4/s320/Kensington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit: The Enchanted Palace</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyVbuVpezhNAKzQVj33ffpG8NIkNu2dMqaxtAFBuVTQaS-KwLBtG1U-cMUsb3zA9AW7UvaG8UHryixsV8x2N3zNW6vmVIQ3Ye8gK-hRXzD42MKSffmSrIJv-HWt4dRdoVf3QAzgm9WA4/s1600/Kensington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a treat to go into this famous palace in London, home to many including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.<br /><br />As you may know, many royal weddings united countries through arranged marriages to strategically strengthen their European foothold.<br /><br />Can you imagine marrying someone whom you've never met and doesn't even speak your language? As a result, many of the ruling families were loveless and quite dysfunctional, which makes for wonderful literature - doesn't it? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33D6o-CJAavbVMVeWbOyAyGAWAEHPVVJVJwzcAMSzuIU2F1bEjpkQcPpTtM3Mo5kMfoErEnQqIxxB0leCEAsfYrdiAmBZj5MdTnyTAWIhoHdkbxvCvTSLcpxkashHuPeZfUqY3rxel8A/s400/Ken5-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kensington Palace</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33D6o-CJAavbVMVeWbOyAyGAWAEHPVVJVJwzcAMSzuIU2F1bEjpkQcPpTtM3Mo5kMfoErEnQqIxxB0leCEAsfYrdiAmBZj5MdTnyTAWIhoHdkbxvCvTSLcpxkashHuPeZfUqY3rxel8A/s1600/Ken5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>While most of the palace is closed due to construction, the State Apartments have been transformed for this temporary exhibition. The rooms looked, well, royal - tall ceilings, flocked dark wallpaper, heavy curtains, and beautiful wooden floors.<br /><br />I had to hand it to them - it was a creative blend of classical masterpieces and modern art installations in a traditional palace setting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gtKh485tiP3JtIzfj5mK6hAEFaWO5anhm2Gv39auFyrcAXNltROAAKjDh7d2SoVSV3WR3CTALs0Xmz_Azt_M4H71YOfZ4I9dCEJtu-xkLVeL6AMMYqTFPZTy0BUBfBtAnQyyHGhvMKk/s320/Ken1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Victoria's childhood bedroom</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gtKh485tiP3JtIzfj5mK6hAEFaWO5anhm2Gv39auFyrcAXNltROAAKjDh7d2SoVSV3WR3CTALs0Xmz_Azt_M4H71YOfZ4I9dCEJtu-xkLVeL6AMMYqTFPZTy0BUBfBtAnQyyHGhvMKk/s1600/Ken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjLihP6KUXjakb6AQO43COz0pDW8vzSDyLWteDi_iAyvoR_xAE2dpEOV7UUcrrmadgKqCH72G1qA3ZPVwp-7TL-cXpRhiggs_iFawPvn2vYUdxB68q1GOYAWr8hk7vjDLQeECXKaSTyc/s320/Ken2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King's Gallery</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjLihP6KUXjakb6AQO43COz0pDW8vzSDyLWteDi_iAyvoR_xAE2dpEOV7UUcrrmadgKqCH72G1qA3ZPVwp-7TL-cXpRhiggs_iFawPvn2vYUdxB68q1GOYAWr8hk7vjDLQeECXKaSTyc/s1600/Ken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The Gallery of War and Play featured thousands of plastic GI Joe-like soldier figures on the floor, while in the the ballroom a Victorian silhouette danced on the ceiling to a Duran Duran song. Traditional meets contemporary.<br /><br />You may want to drop by this quirky exhibit which runs until February 28th, 2011. Click <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/">here</a> for details<br /><br />Afterward, you can stop by The Orangery for tea and scones - yum!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All images from <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/">Historic Royal Palaces</a> website</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>XO Laura

Enchanted Exhibit at Kensington Palace

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK My friend, Ashley, surprised me with tickets to Kensington Palace's current exhibition, 'The Enchanted ...

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