2011 - The Things I Know

Today is the last day of 2010 which I realise is not ground breaking news but I will start 2011 knowing that

it will be a year of austerity, difficult for all of us as the government keep on telling us but I know

that in 2011 a new life will start with the birth of our 8th grandchild. When Charlotte our youngest daughter gives birth to a baby daughter in March we must all ensure that little girl is given the gift of hope. I know she has a good role model in her cousin

Georgia our eldest granddaughter, who sings like an angel, is pursuing her career and loving every minute of it. She will reach her 18th birthday in February and I know that my

eldest daughter Sara will be 40 in October, this is now getting a bit scary even for me for I also know that I

will reach my 60th year in July. When I was younger my grandmother used to tell me she still felt 16 inside, which I found hard to believe but that has now proved true for me. I know for a certain fact that I will


travel more in 2011, I know that because it is something I have chosen to do and I do have choices and that in itself is very special to me. I know that by travelling I will continue to be

inspired to continue to create, not just to earn a living but to satisfy my soul. I know that I will take time to

stop and smell the roses, to appreciate what I have and not to dwell on what I don't have.
In the scheme of things my little life is like a grain of sand but I have been given choices and I am determined to continue to take those choices and make the most of them.
I am one of life's optimists and optimists take what they know and don't dwell on the maybes.
Happy New Year to everyone I know.

A Very Merry Christmas From Here

Thanks to every person around the globe who hangs around Designers Block, it's been fun. Merry Christmas to you all xx

And Then There Was Light - Painting My Floor White

This is usually the time of year when I have to apply a new coat of oil to the floor in the dining/kitchen area of our cottage. I knew it would get darker, as it does each time I do it. Living in a cottage has the drawback of deep set windows and low ceilings which if you are not careful can feel oppressive. SO I PAINTED THE FLOOR WHITE and what a difference. I LOVE IT!

It's bright and everything twinkles, not just the tree lights that I wrapped around the tree that holds up our breakfast bar. This instead of a Christmas Tree which means

the presents have to go somewhere else. Each year I try to wrap the presents in a new way. This year it was brown kraft paper with stencilled initials, a luggage tag with a stencilled initial, all piled up and tied up with ribbon, curls, party poppers, Mexican paper flowers and crackers. Took an age but saves rooting around looking for the recipients name on each individual gift.

The cottage is dressed and ready for Christmas but whether anyone gets here is still not known. The snow is still falling but it's warm, cosy and BRIGHT in my home right now.

A Sneak Peek of My Cottage on Design Sponge

Yesterday my cottage was featured on Design Sponge, the Mother of all design blogs. A big thank you to Grace and to Anne of Pret a Voyager who wrote and compiled the piece.
I have to say I feel a little guilty because I tend to take for granted what I have . The comments left on the post blew me away and made me look at my life in a new light. Speaking of light my

bath seems to have caused quite a stir on the web as it has internal lights and becomes soft when filled with hot water. Strange but true. My

staircase seems to have caused a similar stir.
Thanks again to everyone who made me stop and think again.

There Are Yule Logs Then There Are These

I don't think I can add anything to this post other than to tell you that they are by Christophe Michalak in France

The Guardian's Christmas Gift Guide

The Guardian has excelled themselves this year with a beautiful Victorian themed Christmas Gift Guide. A pleasure and utterly gorgeous. Much better than going to the shops.

Lighting Up The Garden

I just had to show these charming outside lighting ideas found at Campagne Decoration

WANTED!

these simple, understated, plaster Candle Holders by Jacqueline Morabito at Bodie and Fou.

Splendid Willow Avenue - Wellies and Coats

My lovely blogging friend Monika (Splendid Willow), a Scandinavian based in Seattle, has opened a new store - Splendid Willow Avenue - selling Wellies and Coats by Isle Jacobsen. I love the lace up design and the choice of colours is mind blowing.
We are being told here in the UK to expect the snow to return on Friday so it's back to wellies again but I wouldn't mind one bit if I had some of these with a coat to match. If anyone knows how to do snow wear it's the Scandinavians. Good luck Mon!

The Essence of Christmas

This image says Christmas to me. Rich, dark, warm colours, food, candles and a fireplace. Set against that dark grey wall makes even more perfect.
Image from Living etc.

I Leave You With These - Happy Weekend

I have been SO busy lately, hardly a moment for myself. I haven't even done any Christmas Shopping yet but I have taken time out to post these new items on Ghost Furniture. For any disappointed customers who wanted a Vintage Blackboard and found them sold, here's some new ones and some new Furniture & Accessories also.
Have a lovely weekend xx

Studio Toogood To Be True

The picture above led me to explore the website of Faye Toogood, stylist extraordinaire. I thought this would be a fabulous way to display my Ghost Furniture. To describe what Studio Toogood does here is a snippet from their site:
Under the creative direction of London-based designer, Faye Toogood, the Studio collaborates with clients who seek alternative ways of developing their brand or their interior. Its distinctive approach disregards convention in favour of something altogether more brave, joyous and impulsive.
VISIT, the images fill your screen and the ideas and details are extraordinary. I mean if you are chosen to do Liberty's windows you must be good.

Sumptuous

I have a great love of velvet, those heavy but so very soft velvets that drape beautifully and make you want to curl up inside them. Take 5 minutes out and visit de La Cuona and see their collection of fabrics. I love how they line their velvets with rough linen, a marriage made in heaven.

Look No Clasps

Jenna Postma is a designer from the Netherlands and this is just one of her very clever ideas. This bag has no clasps or decoration at all just knots. She named it Knot . Why knot? That's what I say.

Clever Christmas

I love to see new and innovative ideas for Christmas decorations and the following do not disappoint.

Tree made from vintage cake tins found at Realjunk at Etsy,

a totally new take on the Advent Calendar found at Florizel and

the most beautiful tree lights I have ever seen from Riviera Maison