at home with red

Breakfast and Instgram

2012-01-27T04:19:00.000-08:00

We are keeping it simple. Still shattered but resting. It is all about comfort food....for it is Toast, as I try not to indulge my love for bread as let's be honest it bloats me!

Under the Weather!

2012-01-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

Between C and I this week, we have been a little under the weather, having good days/bad days. Anyway due to being bunged up, I didn't sleep as well. So today the errands are on hold and we are staying in! My reluctant model C, humoured me and let me snap her. (The urge to pick up the camera was too much). Happy Australia Day, thinking of you enjoying the fab hot weather.

The Final Curtain

2012-01-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Last week we had our curtains completed in our bedroom. We love the gentle feminine feel it adds to the room and appreciate the black out lining. Because it is linen and crumples easily and it feels like it has always been a part of the room rather than being sleek. Yesterday I accepted an invitation to photograph a neighbours friends wedding in May! Hence my new pin board on pinterest.

Still Life

2012-01-23T03:59:00.000-08:00

This morning's still life offering, off to tidy up as requested by my 6 year old who has a play date at ours after school.

Packaging Love

2012-01-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend! Hope that it is a good one, we are chilling just the four of us as R has been working lots. So we are hoping to take photos, organise the hallway and catch up on sleep. C had a play date this afternoon and we were given these biscuits and I had to snap the packaging, as it beats Foxes Ginger Crunch hands down!

So Far

2012-01-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

This week I have dealt with one room at a time. Only two down and four more to go including our lounge which is still over run with laundry and paperwork. Tomorrow it will be all about cleaning the bathroom as I need not spend hours on it. However each day we are further away from the dust that our builders left behind!! I have been snapping whenever possible and so we have a mix of my iphone and my old canon as it has a fab zoom lens which helps as we are all little addicted to watching our feather visitors fly in for food.

A Sneak Peak into C's Bedroom

2012-01-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

It would read that I do a lot a sneak peaks and never the finished room. Truth be told is that we are always waiting for something to be done or finished. Also I think that I get so excited I snap away and then get into the swing of things and forget to take the finished look. Anyway I hope that this month is passing by with fond memories, future plans and is not too blighted by the January Blues?!

Now wash your hands...

2012-01-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

These have been shot on the SLR, however those following me on Instagram will know I took a iphone shot too. Soaps were bought in the i gigi sale and the little wooden bowl from a charity shop for .75p! With all the building work going on and coming to an end, I have I am longing to spend more time arranging some still life shots. So I milked this little set up....and shot these four items in four locations around our home, the precariously balanced on the banisters was my favourite light (the last two).

i gigi

2012-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today I had to go back to Hove to try to resolve our paint drama...we ran out and the shops did too! Alas it has been resolved by mixing brands! So I snatched a few minutes and popped into my favourite shop and cafe i gigi. It is an oasis of calm, muted colours and simple collections. The vintage finds lend themselves to displaying new. So I snapped away on my iphone, a rather discreet way of taking photos, although the owner had said that it would be fine.

Direction

2012-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

I rarely talk about my lovely husband R on my blog, not sure why? He is my rock. Even though he works long hours, when he is home, he adds substance, calm and gives so much time to me and the girls. Before we married, a friend said of him, that he has a gift of freeing me, believing in me and letting me follow my dreams, fifteen years on, this is proved true. Anyway R and two others are running a how to manage your money course at the end of this month and I am very proud of him. We however have been putting the principles in place and it was a struggle for me, but only two weeks in and I am seeing the rewards and it is so helpful to really see where our money actually goes. R thank you for supporting me as I try something new!

This is probably the most I've ever written, it is with a search for direction that I am writing this. I have toyed with the idea of a magazine type blog, with lots of features and finds, but it is my real desire to keep it simple and follow my passion of taking photos. Hope that helps you understand a little why I may seem as though I drift through my blog. Last year I planned on opening a little online shop, after the successful sales of my photographic calendar. I'm still hoping to do so. Thank you to your visits, following, kind words and support, I really appreciate it more than you realise. Any thoughts, advice would be openly received.

Yesterday and This morning

2012-01-11T04:03:00.000-08:00

This was truly the colours of this morning's sky. In fact the timeline this morning on Instagram were of similar ilk. It was lovely to see blue skies, what with the building stuff getting me down, the grey skies were simply not helping. So today I am grateful for the sunshine and blue skies, my scarf and gloves! Yesterday I popped to pick up paint and snapped some random homes in Hove.

If walls could speaK

2012-01-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

I've just sighed a breath of relief. The dirty/messy side of the last two bedrooms are done. The old wall is down the new wall is in, plastering done and tomorrow the last of the woodwork to be finished off. It is all about picking colours, arranging our belongings, the things that I love to do. So for now I am able to enjoy that there is no more dust be added to our home on a daily/hourly basis.

Gifts via the Post

2012-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

On a grey and wet morning, it is tempting to just stay in bed! However with the builders finishing off and the girls starting school this week, it is back to the same old routine. I was so grateful to receive this lovely gift from Mrs Cheese. I love handmade and it feels so special to have. Thank you so so so so much, I simply had to photograph it on my new instagram app!

New Gadget

2012-01-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, I am slightly distracted with my iphone, it really has been a long time coming. It's here and I am having so much fun with it, however I suspect that it may be a powerful distraction and possibly comprise my new year resolution for being focused. Trying to do one thing at a time, not procrastinate and use our time wisely.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

These delicious pop cakes were made by a lovely friend. Hope that you had a lovely Christmas Break and ready for what the New Year brings, hope that it is health, hopes fulfilled and happy surprises! Any resolutions made?

On the Sofa

2011-12-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

This morning opening mail, C playing on the Etch A Sketch and enjoying this lovely print, by the talented Anna Emilia Laitinen a gift from R for our new bedroom.

Bedroom Bliss

2011-12-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a little Sneak Peak into our unfinished, half decorated new bedroom. We have to paint our new headboard the same colour as the skirting (Lamp Room Grey), finish painting the second coat in en-suite and the dormer. Pictures are hopefully going up tomorrow and out bed is moved upstairs and unsure when the new curtains will be finished. So even though it is exciting, I am more thrilled with the wonderful response we got on Facebook re: random acts of kindness.
DM and I planned to go to one of the children's wards on Christmas Eve to deliver some gifts, but we learned that there are three wards with a total of 44 children in, with possibly most facing Christmas in hospital. We only organised ten or so gifts, so put in Facebook and DM mentioned to her neighbours and to date we have a totally of 4o+ gifts. We are bowled over by the generosity of others, so next year we are planning a christmas breakfast followed by gifts!

Still Life

2011-12-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

Each Friday I am thinking of having a regular life slot? Happy Weekend, I'm assuming that you will be busy as it is only a week to go! I'm off to Lewes for the morning, whilst R and the girls wrap presents and write cards.

Signs of Snow

2011-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

This morning the winter sun was bright and blinding, with a hint of chilliness settling in. Maybe it will snow tonight? We popped to a local visit, to hunt out the much talked about shop, 'The Den' to only find that it was closed. I snapped a peep shot of the inside.
ps. first photo was of L's last day with her favourite stripy gloves, that got lost in London over last weekend.

Christmas Clementines

2011-12-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Once again, you will find me being easily distracted, I will try to be more disciplined next year! I should have been writing cards, sorting out the ironing and working through my to do list, which 3 out of 11 items have been crossed off. But instead I was snapping away clementines on my newly acquired wooden chopping boards given to me, as they were no longer needed.

Getting Ready

2011-12-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

In the light of this seasons busy, excited and Christmasy posts, I must apologise that I am feeling a little deflated. The house needs to be cleaned for top to bottom, boxes need to be unpacked and put away and we are desperate for our home to feel a little more ready for Christmas. Our wardrobes arrive tomorrow, which means that clothes no longer need storing on our arm chair and sewing table. Also the carpet goes in for the new bedroom and then things should start to take shape. In the meantime, I visited friend to take photos of her cake creations for her website, which were such a delight to photograph. C, your home is so creatively inspiring. The photos will follow after the embargo date has passed. In the meantime a little glimpse of C & G's surroundings, my little grey and brown paper decorations waiting to go up and my assisted styling by my youngest Miss C. Fingers crossed that we will have the house a little more sorted before the week is out!

Oh...

2011-12-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

If I was listening to a friend talk about all the ups and downs that has happened, I would respond 'what a nightmare, what a stress!' So I am not going to bore you with all the going ons, fingers crossed moments, and groundhog scenarios, when all I truly want to bleat on about is homemade Christmas.

On a lighter note, my gorgeous niece was christened at the weekend. So I snapped a few photos. Hope you feeling inspired and not weighed down during this busy month.

At Anna's

2011-12-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

This morning I popped over to a friend's house to finish off a project that I was asked to do. The tones of grey throughout play a perfect backdrop for her injection of bright orange, lime and sky blue. Anna is a fellow fan of Farrow and Ball, antique finds and has three extremely fluffy cats!

Visiting Hove - Our First Whoopie Pie

2011-12-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is not the post I wanted to write to kick start December, I wanted to write about the things we are making for Christmas, the presents that I bought, but wanted to keep for myself, to even have a photographic advent image for you all each day. It was not to be. The builders are STILL here! They have to leave by next Weds, as the carpet arrives on Thursday and the Wardrobes on Friday. So I thought that I would share a first for L and I as we shared a whoopie pie for the first time yesterday afternoon. We visited Hove to collect latches and paint, then the delightful Patisserie Valerie. It was such a sophisticated break for us. What is your December looking like?

A little something...

2011-11-30T05:13:00.000-08:00

Here is the my photographic food calendar I made to sell at the fairs that we have been doing of late.

Home Inspiration

2011-11-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

For a long time I have been following a few things from my life. The author Veronika inspires with her talent, finds, styling, photography and her creative home. She has kindly allowed me to showcase her home. Hope you enjoy it too! Please feel free to pass on any links to other homes as I am trying to find inspiration, as I tie up our bedroom renovation, I will post our colour scheme tomorrow.

Sunny Sunday at Rottingdean

2011-11-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

The bait

The close up

The onlookers

The windy moments

The calmer ones

Over tea yesterday evening L asked what can she write about at school on Monday when they have to write down their account from the weekend. She was most upset that her Saturday amounted to hanging around the house, whilst I did errands, missing her Dad who was on a training course in London and wondering around carpet shops as I tried to find a happy medium between cost, colour and range. So we surprised her and took the girls to Rottingdean, Brighton for a spot of beach strolling and sunday lunch.

Styling my charity shop finds!

2011-11-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

Trying a little styling, from this to this!

Tomorrow morning I pick up my photographic calendar 2012. Mixed emotions of excitement and feeling vulnerable about having my images on print.

Four More

2011-11-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

These four shots were taken at Sarah W's home last Friday. Her lovely handmade rabbit and cushions, got me thinking about my own making ideas. Realistically this will not be until February next year. L' has asked that for her 7th birthday next year she would like her own sewing machine. So we may end with a mother/daughter make version posts! The reason it has to go on hold is to do with my current capacity, it really feels truly limited. R has a lot of work on up until Christmas, the girls have plays coming up, the main bedroom will be finished just before Christmas and January sees are builders descending on us for a further week to tie up the other bedrooms. Also Su and I are working on a new Magpie and Mustard poster.

Natural Flair

2011-11-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today I visited the lovely Sarah W at her stunningly located garden flat. It was a such a thrill to be surrounded by 'magpie' finds and homemade treasures. I can honestly say that Sarah has a natural flair for styling. She effortlessly throws things to together, which ooze colour, texture and untold stories of previous owners, now given a new lease of life. I have more from the morning, but will share them over the coming week, just wanted to give you a taste and wish you a happy weekend.

Red Delight

2011-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

Growing up in London, I took for granted how iconic our red telephone boxes are. This was brought home when L was explaining to C that you could make phone calls in these red boxes and C just laughed. Lately I have been photographing products/profiling people for websites, so watch this space.

Balancing Act

2011-11-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I love terracotta pots but with the right type of plant and usually three of the same. Yesterday it was time for me to experiment with painting one of pots. Today was less exciting, it was all about the chores. C amused herself whilst I sorting out piles of washing and cleaned the kitchen by balancing cars on the tops of our dining chairs. This got me thinking about all things I precariously try to balance in my own life. Some days I feel like it is an impossible task, yearning for more time to be creative or read, spending time with my girls, R and loved ones, errands and the things I forget to do! How do you find balancing daily demands and dreams?

Fast Forward

2011-11-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

With the weather a little cheerier today, I painted the final coat on our stool and a couple of other bits which I'll post tomorrow if not later. Also with another craft event fast approaching I shot these homemade mince pies for my photographic calendar for December 2012!

True Blue- Sneak Peek

2011-11-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

It is all about log fires, hot drinks and cosy toasty feet! After a mild weekend, we woke this morning feeling very blue. It has been a chilly start to the week, with coughs, runny noses and sore throats, here's hoping for early nights and a quick recovery. So I snapped this little tease of our recently renovated bathroom. We are yet to put cupboards up and a few more prints, but we are really pleased with it. Roll on the main bedroom!

My Random Week

2011-11-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

Honestly I feel like I've been running around, cleaning daily and consumed by the mess and disruption of the builders being here. We have mess and dirt everywhere, bar two rooms which are cramped with our belongings from other rooms, that we have had to vacate. In the grand scheme of things it is not life or death, but still consuming to me. I so want my home back, until then please bear with my random shots that bring a little comfort.

Vintage Tea

2011-11-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Last week it was a friend's birthday and I bought this charming book The Vintage Tea Party Book. She wrote a message saying "she is seriously in love with this book and cannot put it down" and who can blame her. I cheekily photographed a couple of pages, in fact too many to choose from. From the styling to the illustrations I too have a lot of love for this book. Alas I have to be sensible about spending my pennies and owning too many things, so I am pleased with the simple notion that someone is enjoying this book more than me.

Art Junky Event in Brighton

2011-11-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

We are very excited as tomorrow Su and I have a stall share at Art Junky tomorrow in Brighton. We have been playing around with display ideas and preparing our magpie and mustard prints. Please wish us luck and if you are in Brighton please stop by to say 'hi'!

Great Expectations

2011-11-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

It has only been two days and I have already managed to annoy our builder. I felt that he could squeeze in finishing the final stage of the fourth bedroom, before the 16th of December. He was adamant that this would be impossible as the panels and wardrobe will not be ready. However I feel that they could make a head way as we have a whole week free before Christmas. I guess I just don't seem understand time the way others do. For example, I think to myself 'I'm ten minutes early, so I will do this first, then this second and this third'! Then before I know it I'm late and other folks would have simply attempted one extra thing instead of three. Anyway he was in the wrong, as he failed to tell me that he has allowed for some of his employers to finish early for Christmas. So between moving the finishing date earlier and my unrealistic timing, we won't have two out of the four rooms finished before Christmas....Boo! Here are some current images of our present bedroom, less the mess!

Five Minutes

2011-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

The thing about half term is finding that precious five minutes when your thoughts are free to wonder without interruptions. Five minutes to lose yourself in a memory, a photo or song. I have been going to bed late this week in order to have an 'evening', so with tiredness brings emotion. So when one of my dear friends visited from London today, I felt so sad to say goodbye. I love the years that build up with friendships, for me my friends that I made in my early twenties feel so valuable. This shot was taken in five minutes, a fair task as I grabbed things to put in and arrange it, this song over and over in my head, this memory the first time L & D came to our house for dinner.

My harbor has a boat in it BY Benjamin Francis Leftwich

The water makes its way around it,

When the sun shines down the hills,

winds blow

I miss you more

You said I'm young, but I'm yours

I am free, but I am flawed

I'm here in your heart

I was here from the start

Other Peoples Homes

2011-10-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

My first impression of Sarah's home was her vast and stunning collections. From jugs to utensils to mirrors they were all cleverly displayed and each item recalled a memory.

Sarah is truly fascinating and underestimates her creative eye and her mastership in display. Last weekend she granted me permission to photograph her home. With each wall painted in Farrow and Ball, rugs shattered throughout and pieces of antiques collected over the years, her home echos a time gone by that has been lovingly considered.

Not forgetting Sarah's beautifully landscaped garden, which admittedly has been neglected in the recent weeks of autumn setting in. But I loved the feeling of abandonment now that the summer days has passed. Sarah laughed when I stopped her from adjusting the flopped cushions on the lounger.

Leaf Project

2011-10-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

What a sunshine filled weekend, so lucky that the weather is not too hideous. We managed to lock ourselves this weekend and our neighbours were away for the weekend, so we had to call lock assist out! However it meant that as we could not get in, we went to Brighton on the train as we had no car keys, which was a great delight for the girls (even though it's only a few stops away)!
Then we baked a cake, visited Wakehurst and collected leaves for our leaf project.

Wondering

2011-10-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I took some photos at my friend's J's house, her husband made these rock cakes and they grew the garlic themselves. Presently I feel like my days are made up of bits. A bit here and a bit there, rather than a committed chuck of the day being highly productive. So I am practising being adaptable, which doesn't come easy. How do you give in your day to day?

Leaves, Milk and Cookies

2011-10-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Today C and I went for a walk and wondered around kicking leaves. We tried a different route into the village and browsed the charity shops on the way back home. When we got in we had a snack of milk (green tea for me, as I don't like milk) and cookies, alas not homemade, one day! Next week I am off to see Benjamin Francis Leftwich play in Brighton.

Up to things

2011-10-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Admittedly I have been a little more frequent with my blog posts, firstly I think it is because I am indoors more during this season, I love my new lens (basic but fab) and because I am preparing for the builders coming back next week. The eggs shot was taken at a neighbours house, the hallway needs a revamp, we've been collecting conkers and I have been playing around with still life on the kitchen table! How you are spending the rest of October?

Autumn Feelings

2011-10-18T02:52:00.000-07:00

With the crisp mornings and late afternoons being so dark and chilly, I dug out our scarfs and gloves ready to embrace the days ahead. I love this time of year, it is not to bitter cold and feels natural to stay in a little more. This season bestows fallen leaves that crunch under foot, log fires crackling making the perfect backdrop for reading a good book and comfort food, hot, healthy and full of flavour.

Sneak Peak

2011-10-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

We have posted a little sneaky peak over at Magpie and Mustard of our latest design. Please venture over for a look and share your thoughts xx

This Weekend

2011-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

We have had a jam packed weekend, a little unlike us to tell the truth as we usually like to chill. We've visited family in Hertfordshire, meet our 6 day old niece, celebrated our nephews second birthday and my husband's 38th birthday, went to church and cleared more stuff out into storage and finally L road-tested her replacement scooter as the last one was stolen. In the midst of clearing out we have decided to say so long to our Norm lighting!

First Attempt

2011-10-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I attended a tester day in Letterpress. I loved being in a studio that smelt of paint, it bought back memories of my art room at school. Anyway with such a fiddly art to master, I came away with a few trail and errors and this print was by far my favourite, even though there is a tiny error. Would love to hear your thoughts. Also I have two copies to give away (PRINT only), if anyone fancies one!

Our Girls

2011-10-13T02:59:00.000-07:00

It is all about blowing bubbles in her Ribena and climbing up the banisters in our house!
Music Fix at the moment is The Civil Wars, Feist and Ben Howard.

Neighbours

2011-10-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I popped to see our neighbours new kitchen table and wood burning stove, when installed I will try to photography Karen's kitchen as it oozes creativity and comfort. I love the idea of a wood burner in the kitchen, alas it is too late for us. I took a little snap of her kitchen corner with an array of wonderful utensils. Also during the dreaded weekend food shop, I found this lovely packaging by the wonderful Artisan Biscuit Makers.

Trying to give it away.

2011-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

So my dear husband jested that if I want to keep things for sentimental reasons, but have no need for them or no place for them, I should photograph them and give it away. It is all about less is more in our house. Presently we are swamped with the contents of two bedrooms in the lounge, (unless they did not make it to storage). I am ridiculous about hoarding random stuff, in case we may need it one day! Honestly I make more work for myself and miss out on doing the things I love, because I am sorting through mess on a daily basis. This has to change. The above is a jug, six tumblers (four shown) and a matching plate/tray that we received as a wedding gift and sadly it has no place in the new guest room, so it has to go. The idea of having the things I find hard to give away photographed works for me. I can simply file in away on my computer. Any tips warmly welcomed.
***Update I put this on facebook and one of my lovely friends has taken it and is now displayed in her bedroom! Very happy that's it is in a lovely new home.

New Lens

2011-10-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

After researching and saving over the last six months, I am now the proud owner of 50mm 1.8D lens for my Nikon. I am hoping that in the midst of the builders being here, I will still be able to get to know my new lens.

Shooting figs

2011-09-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

We have the builders back in for the next few months as we are trying to remodel our bedroom lay outs. I am hoping that my newly ordered lens will arrive in time for the weekend, as I am planning on taking a few more shots ready for my postcard selection pack. So even though I am dreading the builders coming in, as no matter how much try to keep the home tidy and organised, I fail. Here's hoping that my new lens will entertain me.

Biscuit Packaging

2011-09-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months we have had our fair share of National Trust Visits. We have been members for over 4 years now and are completely behind this charity. We have been inspired and learned more about England's history and had our eyes open to the beauty of english gardens. It would be inevitable that during our visits, we'd end up popping into the tea rooms or gift shop. I honestly bought these for the packaging alone, but have to admit they are rather tasty on the palette!

Magpie and Mustard Framed!

2011-09-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't see these over at our Magpie and Mustard Blog, I thought that I would share it over here. We have found a super fabulous framer in Brighton and we are getting ready to sell the framed versions online.

Music I'm listening to..

2011-09-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

It is little chilly outside, so I have been busy putting play lists together. Love the mellow and stunning voice of Agnes Obel and then to the other extreme of the disco beats, mixed with the soft attitude of Friends single I'm his girl.

Could I get away with this?

2011-09-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

So when I was seventeen I bought my first second hand satchel and then ditched my obsession in my twenties. However over the last few months I have rekindled my love for this style. Admittedly it has been kick started by this lovely back to school range created by French Label Bakker with Love, found on the little zebra website.

Magpie and Mustard

2011-09-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

With the start of the new term under way. Su and I are getting things off the ground with Magpie and Mustard. Today our Etsy shop went live with the lighthouse prints and hopefully in the next twenty-four hours the Hot Balloons will follow.

Listening...

2011-09-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

I promised Jo that I would post or email her my playlist for Sept 2011, this is still follow, but I couldn't resist mentioning that I cannot stop listening to Simone White, it helps me to know that she is signed to Honest Jons (Damon Albarn's record label). Love her voice, please have a listen and share your thoughts.

Goodbye to the Summer

2011-09-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

We ended the summer Holidays on a high/low. The high was the stunning place we stayed in with Matt and Jo was truly amazing and the time spent with friends at the Grange was the BEST. Low because we had to come home and leave them, knowing that they are returning home to Canada. Another low is my to do list, from sewing labels, to clearing out cupboards, ordering last minute stationary bits to ironing, washing and changing bed linen. A brutal wake up after a dreamy summer of bliss.
Above in this order, we stayed here, hosted by Matt, Jo and Baby G, and also with them!

Hydrangeas

2011-08-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made the most of the late summer sun and warmth, as the forecast for the rest of this week is rain and white cloud. We met up with a friend and her two little ones and took a picnic to Wakehurst Place. For those of you that have visited Kew Gardens, Wakehurst is equally stunning on a smaller scale. I snapped the little ones and other random shots, but my main interest turned to the array of Hydrangeas.

Holiday Snaps

2011-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Fell in love with Oxburgh Hall, Deer at Knoll and Sunny days at the beach. We walked, talked, drew, ate, visited, bought ice creams, cherished our time and photographed a simple week in Norfolk.

Unrest

2011-08-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

In the light of the disturbance and mindless acts of destruction here in the UK, I have been feeling such an unrest and disappointment with our society. My dreams have been vivid and laying awake worrying about the elderly folk and families in the area, who must feel so terrified. I can only hope that the parents of those on our streets are asking their children to stay home and stop.

Preparing

2011-08-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

I have been excitedly and nervously reading the handmade marketplace by Kari Chapin. We pick up the posters today and the last four months is starting to feel like a reality and there is so much to think about. So I distracted myself by snapping these lovely poppyseed and sesame wafers and playing with the arrangement for my letterpress storage. Also this photo of the girls at Knoll makes me smile. What are you nervous about?

We're Back

2011-08-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

We are slowly unpacking and the washing pile is going down and the memories were magic. We had a lovely week in Norfolk and I snapped over 800 photos! Watch this space. Also this week we collect our children's posters ready to sell via Esty.

Pia Jane Bijkerk

2011-07-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

A birthday gift from Becca, this is my summer reading, tales and images to drive into. There is so much romance in Pia Jane Bijkerk book My Heart Wanders. Not around as much over the next week or so, family and friends visiting, day trips out, but I will be posting some photos as soon as possible. D x

More Slow

2011-07-25T06:26:00.001-07:00

With a sunshine start to the holidays and weekend, we have been making the most of seeing friends and being outdoors. We have had far too many hypothetical scenarios talked about this weekend, which left me feeling unbalanced that change maybe coming...small changes yes, big changes feel so unsettling. Naturally there is a part of me that loves change and adventure, but we were discussing leaving England for two years. I love our home and the girls feel safe and familiar that I would like to stay in this country for now. Would you pack up for two years, sell your house and live aboard with a 6 and 3 year old?
ps. Listening to Metronomy, Aimee Mann and The Horrors (esp. Still Life track)

Papermash

2011-07-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Look what arrived in the post this morning. A Beautifully packaged 'happy tape' and personal thank you note. I love this tape, it is great for brightening up brown paper packaging, lovely to stick images into my journals and to make collages with. One of the packs in going to be used as a little add on present for my friend. I bought them from papermash, a perfect online store for those who love to get creative or find something a little different. My next purchase has to be paper straws firstly for nostalgic reasons and secondly making paper straws necklaces with my girls over the summer holidays!

Three

2011-07-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today our youngest turned three. Clara likes talking all of the time, cuddling, pretending to read, pretending to be a mummy, pretending to be a teacher, dancing, watching Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig, singing, playing with her sister and friends. Today she proudly announced to passers by 'it's my birthday and I am three.' We learn so much from you Clara, your sweet nature and compassion touches our soul and changes us daily.

Wandering White

2011-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we all went out for an evening walk and bike ride. With the stillness and setting sun it was a perfect opportunity to photography a series of white. Feeling more at peace today, so it feels fitting to have some mellow white.

Blown Around

2011-07-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Having an emotional time at the moment. Need to breathe slowly and live in the now, not it the what if's!

2011-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Now when it comes to Gardens, I am often at a loss. I feel incapable of finding direction, I literally want architectural meets rambling cottage, meets low maintenance meets child friendly grow your own vegetables meets no lawn or all lawn! You get the idea, I have no idea. The above is a shot of my friend Jodie's garden, it is inspired by Italian gardens. Our dear friends the Rivards over the pond have just had their garden landscaped and too be perfectly honest, I think it may be the way we have to go.

Packaging Love

2011-06-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Some of my gifts from Su, my creative partner at Magpie & Mustard bought me some food treats. I have to confess that this is in fact my replacement box of Rude Health thins, as I love them. I have yet to taste Miller's Toast, as I am saving them for when we have friends over. But I keep stroking the box as I love the photography used in the packaging. Oh how I would love to go into food and still life photography.

Re-Sizing

2011-06-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Just trying out larger photos on my blog. I took this photo of C this morning, she is thrilled with a 'new' t-shirt! It used to be L's a few years back, but it is new to her!

Display

2011-06-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

My new Ginger Beer Bottle bought from a car boot sale for £2!

My Random Week

2011-06-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we had so much planned. R had the rare week off work and we planned days out and house updates. Alas L, woke at 2am on Monday with a vomiting bug...two days later C caught it, so we have laid the plans to rest. So when I could I took a photo!

Packages

2011-06-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

This arrived a day early from my friend Jen. Thought the colours clashed beautifully and loved the patterned paper. Today we celebrated my birthday.

New Venture

2011-06-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

These are the two possible logos for our new venture Magpie and Mustard. My friend Su and I have joined forces and come with a few posters and cards to sell online and through other stockists. The first will be a children's poster. So please watch this space!

Words

2011-06-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Words are both my friend and my enemy. They define and they blur. Since last week my love affair with words are started to rekindle. I am guessing it is because I have been thinking so much about designing children's posters and cards. Also I keep remembering that when I was studying my degree, we would discuss for hours what the author or filmmaker wanted to leave with their reader or audience. Now hours of reading is reduced to minutes. So I am trying to think of a sentence a day, similar to the habit blog.

Brillant Brighton

2011-06-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

A few scenes from our visits to Brighton this month! Presently I am working with a friend on some children's posters, so please bear with me and watch this space.

Details

2011-06-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hope that it gives you a little feel of what our refurbished kitchen looks like!

Before and After

2011-06-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Now there is still a few finishing touches that we have to deal with but here is a couple of before and after shots of our kitchen and dining space.

Peonies

2011-06-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

It has been all about the sunny days and making the most of the weather, until late yesterday when the rain clouds descended. It was long overdue, as the grass and plants in our back garden needed a good soaking. L asked me why peonies were my favourite flower, I managed to bore her with my answer. I gleefully explained that the texture and scent of this flower reminded me of summer days filled with happiness and romance with natures beauty and how when the flower blooms in seems to full of endless amounts of petals....yawn! She laughed as I told her I snapped about 86 photos of our bouquet on the kitchen table.

Days Out

2011-06-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

This half term, we have made arrangements to see just one friend. I made the decision that it would be nice for it to be the three of us and R when he could join us. The girls loved being together and L benefitted from having one to one with me. We are at that stage when we have to take the girls off for one to one time. Also in the midst of seeing friends most weekends, we seemed to have forgotten how to hang out with just 'us'.

True

2011-05-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

This week I have been mainly washing clothes. We are back from camping and the smell of the camp fire lingered on everything. In it all it means that I have not been out and about as much. Over the last few weeks I have been taking stock and processing some changes. I am currently reading Love Wins by Rob Bell and it has given me much food for thought. Both R and I are putting in place what we are learning, letting go and not buying things. This year we are planning on opening our home to those who we have nothing in common with, too often we surround ourselves with like minded friends. R and I have slashed our spending and are thinking of ways to reduce waste. Please stick with me on the journey as I learn and think about how I make others feel.

Green Fingers

2011-05-23T02:41:00.001-07:00

Last week R and I bought a few herbs and plants for our little corner area. We were busy planting the long awaited herbs. I was particularly taken with the pink Dahlia that I picked up from our local green grocer.

ps. Listening to the new friendly fires album and loving the galvanised tub I picked up from a car boot sale.

Behind

2011-05-19T03:52:00.001-07:00

I grew up in a separate home to my siblings, I hardly see them, know them or feel connected to them. Our girls, play, dance, sing, splash, draw, fight, cry and cuddle together. I am fascinated by their bond. What they share and grow in may not be my personal experience, but learning so much about family/siblings/sisters through our girls.

Kitchen Corner

2011-05-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I have been playing silly beggars with a lomo studio app. Here is a shot of our kitchen corner. This weekend, we had fun at the school fete, visiting Brighton and I'm back for another term at Safehaven. As for that song competition it was completely of my radar until a friend mentioned that the UK entry came 11th??

Collecting Images

2011-05-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

My blog has been neglected in the light of Pinterest, I love pinning images. It allows me to waste time on virtual mood boards which saves money and space by not buying magazines and finding somewhere to store them. I have been trying not to neglect taking photos and have been snapping away with the Nikon and my old Canon. Random shots, but very special moments....even the red onions had my youngest involving in arranging them.

Today

2011-05-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

The sun is shinning and I have not been tempted to venture out. Instead chores are getting done, eating blueberries, planning a mini break and listening to the fantastic Agnes Obel.

Seated at the Street Party

2011-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

R wanted me to put this one in too, as he loves the collection of our neighbours. Glorious day, roll on next year!

Street Party

2011-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Friday 29th April- we made the most of the long weekend courtesy of Will and Kate and kick started it with a Street Party. Loved seeing young and old finding things in common, the children running up and down and in and out of houses, and loving the sense of community and celebration.

Sweetling

2011-04-20T01:33:00.000-07:00

In a matter of months, it will be two years since I cut down how much television I watch and a year from deleting my profile on Facebook. The main reason was to use my time wisely. I have noticed the benefit, more sleep, a little less chaos, more time to enjoy things and discovering the art of conversation. By chance I stumbled upon a lovely programme following the world of buying, and hearing stories of those hoping to get their work/product realised in a consumer market. A particular story touched me, two sisters-in-law set up a range of training bras. Recently in the UK there has been so much bad press about how retailers are exploiting our young with padded and push up bras. The brand that is sweetling could not be more timely. The designs are so pretty, unlike the bland pack of two training bras that my mother bought me.

Images taken from Sweetling website.

Weekend Out and About

2011-04-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend our dear friends from St Albans visited, we sat around the Kitchen a lot eating and chatting, but we did get out and about. We visited Hove Sea Front and ventured into Brighton. I love sharing time with friends whom we have a sense of history with. The girls loved a their little boy and we were sad to see them leave. I snapped this photo of bunting, as it made me feel excited about our street party on the day of the royal wedding. Also I bought some wool in the Charity shop as to make some pom pom's!

Shepherd Huts

2011-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

If money was no object I would be fairly tempted to invest in a Shepherd Hut. Our garden is a work in progress, is what I keep telling myself. We have little time to enjoy it and lacking in the creative design. Also the idea of having a reading nock or a make area is a wonderful daydream. The above images, are taken for a Sussex based family business that restore Shepherd Huts.

For further information please visit http://www.roundhillshepherdhuts.co.uk/

Weekend in Gardens

2011-04-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

With a jam packed weekend of seeing family and friends, I managed to wonder around the gardens, snapping little ones and spring! Also I fell over a scooter and gave myself a fat lip, scar from nose to upper lip, bruised knees and a black eye and cheek...nice touch for R getting back from a week in Italy and Mother's day! On the mend and focusing on getting early nights, as I start the day a little too early for my liking. (Woken by the dawn chorus)!

ps. There is something about walled gardens.

Thrilled

2011-03-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

Ever since I first learned of Samantha Robinson's ceramics, I have loved her work. I love the patterns, designs and colours. While R was away in Australia he stopped by Husk and bought me these two cups. I love them and hope you like them too!

Primrose and Plum

2011-03-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

We have a lovely family friend staying with us. It is a shame that the weather has turned so very grey. So I thought I would briefly pop a post on about this rather stylish lemon and grey blanket. For more finds visit Primrose and Plum.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

Even though I am not getting enough sleep, not sure why not? I love waking up to sun kissed mornings. We have blue skies and just walking down our road the signs of Springtime are evident. Today we are off to the garden centre to get some plants and pots. Truth be told I am a fair weather gardener, but each year the green finger bug grows. My wish list is all about roses and lavender.

Day of Rest

2011-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week, our worktop and sink are in and is much appreciated. Never again will I take my sink for granted again, we were without one for the best part of six weeks. Anyway last weekend we celebrated LV's six with her friends and family. The Balloons adding the birthday touch to the decorations, although it felt that it was the grand opening of the kitchen. I have been sneaking in time to fill my muji books, listen to Charlotte's new album (JR), and drink my latest addiction this water's Lemon and Lime.