Time to Plan

With the snow being a few changes to our best laid plans, we had time to sit and plan a budget for our kitchen re-furbishment. We don't have an insulted or heated space so the kitchen is particularly painful to live with this season. The quotes we are getting in have been higher than we budgeted for. This means we have to stick to careful planning and re thinking how our budget is spent. Honestly, the things we liked just cost too much to do. Armed with my books, tear sheets and pinterest we have come with ideas. I will try to credit these images later, as I have forgotten to book mark them!

All Together

Today is the last day of school, tomorrow is the start of family get togethers and from then on, we will be together seeing friends and celebrating the birth of Jesus. So armed with my list I am slowly working through it, but I am still distracted by pinterest.

HOPE

Lately I have been thinking about God in the midst of great pain, great heart break, great suffering. I found the last few weeks my dear friends and some new friends have had overwhelming heart break. But the truth in it all is that God was found in the centre of the grief. I cannot imagine the pain. I am not sure that I would be able to be as gracious and trusting. So with all the questions that our hearts carry, some unspoken and some asked over and over again. I am slowly seeing the great comfort that God gives, the great peace He gives to still anxious minds and broken hearts as the tears fall.

Less is More

Last night R and I talked about living with less starting on New Year's Day. Ideas of homemade jams and pickles and doing things for free got us excited. He then cheekily suggested that we have a blow out the weekend before New Year. However we approach this coming year I really hope I won't concern myself with planning and thinking this through too much. My desire is that it releases our creative side and gives us more time for the things that are important to our values and passions.

Last Week in Pictures

All be it that the days have been grey, we have been adding a little a colour into the days....mainly in the form of orange satsumas. We made some ice pictures, played snowballs and sat in front of the log burner. In all honesty I feel a little mixed up about Christmas, I am so aware of those that will be missing their loved ones at this time of family. The child in me is full of excitement over putting our tree up and wrapping presents. Give me a few days to ponder on whether or not I do some shopping ideas....if not I will try to be a bit more festive and upbeat!

Let it Snow

We have welcomed the snow today. Both our girls woke a little grumpy this morning, but as soon as they saw the snow, they were filled with delight. So today it is all about wearing lots of layers, throwing snowballs and sitting by the log fire.

This time of Year

We keep hearing about how this year is breaking records with how cold it is for November. However I am more convinced than ever I am not made for the this cold spell. The idea of hibernation is most appealing. But as my husband says, it is just a matter of keeping active and wearing lots of layers. Between us, I prefer to entertain the thoughts of snuggling up in bed, sitting in front of the fire and eating comfort food. So over the cold months, I am limiting my outings. Over the coming weeks I am aiming to try new recipes, start a good book, pack up our kitchen ready for the New Year refurbishment and finish my many unfinished tasks. Any ideas on keeping warm and things to do indoors?

A Chill in the Air

The winter Sun is out and keeping our days from being wet. But the chill in the air is undeniable. Some parts of the UK have had snow...so here's hoping for a white Christmas. My heart has been broken over the sad news (friend's have experienced an unbearable loss). Our prayers have been many. I wondered along our road and took photos of a neighbours rescued bench, our logs and the pine cones we collected for kindling.

More Moo Cards

Maybe it is purely that I love the smooth texture of these cards that I went ahead and bought another batch. Not sure if I will ever really use them, as I don't really promote my blog or have any goals on where I see myself or this blog in six months/six years time. I have a dream that I would love to have a make room or sell my photography, but with time often conspiring against me this seems a long way off. Any ideas what I can do with my business cards....? Oh, I will be starting a photography evening course in Jan, so watch this space.

Fashion Fix

With two girls under the age of six, days of wondering around the shops are long gone, (well until they approach teenage years). So with my instant addiction to pinterest, I have been falling for fashion...maybe the reality of my indecisive nature when it comes to picking tiles, flooring and debating the size of windows for our kitchen refurbishment is taking its toil. Anyway a few looks that I am loving right now. Taken from J Crew, Zara and Margaret Howells.

Still Distracted

Ok, so my sleep is improving, I am getting to the gym at least twice a week, we are saving money and I am still de cluttering. All good, yet at the beginning of the week, I was feeling a little out of sorts. In the silence of this morning and gratefulness of the sun, I finally felt a little more at peace with things. A quote I like, a photo I took of my new box file and I am still distracted by pinterest.

“Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die... Still you wait and will not try - A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.” By A.A.Milne (the creator of Winnie the Poo).

Table Lamp

Confession time, I have been utterly distracted by Pinterest. It is so easy to access countless images and ideas that create fabulous mood boards. Anyway this morning I pinned my latest find from Abigail Ahern. I am especially fond of the pelican lamps and the grey walls!

Pinterest/Cushion

My new cushion designed by Abigail Borg. I have a new obsession...Pinterest. I love it, although I am little behind on it all. If you get a chance, please check me out over here.. http://pinterest.com/dawnmead/pins/

Stripped Wall

We are getting ready for the builders to come in for a day to take out an old rotting patio door and replace it with a window. This means things will be a little darker but warmer in the play/desk area. I love the the tones of the stripped wall, hence L being photographed this morning.

Kitchen Table Wishlist

With Christmas fast approaching we are saving our pennies towards present buying. I have put together meal plans in order to minimise fridge content waste, cut back on magazines and we have cut back on eating out. In my search for Christmas presents for friends and family. I have found a few pieces that grabbed my attention. Firstly, the wonderful duo that is James and Tilla, and there stunning and simple ceramics. I especially like the pourers, it is a must for any table. Secondly a simple white coloured glass vase by Brissi, and finally to place it on, a runner for my pine table by New House Textiles.

Planning

So presently we are planning a kitchen refurbishment as we have never had a fully working heating system in ours. As it has been three years in the house we thought that we better deal with it. It is hard to visual Richard and my 'wants' as we are so different! Also I do like to put out that he is at work five days a week and not in the kitchen as much as me. Hopefully I will get a move on with my mood board and come with something we can both enjoy. In light of all this planning I have been distracted by searching out some vintage handkerchiefs for a similar feature wall.

Photo Credit, sadly I don't have one, I think that I may have found it via decor8 or design sponge, please let me know if you know!

Lovely Lights

It's cold outside, so my thoughts entertained with the cosy indoors. I am thinking blankets, slippers, log baskets and soft glow of candles and lights. I am particularly drawn to a locally based company called Cable and Cotton. I love the warm colours and textures of the these lights. Personally I think that my love for them stems from the stunning lifestyle shots. Loving the deep colours and distressed feel to the setting.

C, this morning

Another sleepless night, L had a bad dream. So my ability to concentrate is lost on anything other than the girls. My morning has consisted of sitting, tidying up clothes and toys in the slowest time ever. However, when I am tried I do tend to snap away a little more. I sometimes use it to interact with C, I snap, as we sing nursery rhymes together. Some shots to record that I do get to enjoy moments in my sleepy haze of life. Happy Weekend, here's praying for a lie in!

Book Crawl

The current episode in our life is sadly all about the lack of sleep. Last night was a record, two hours then up for 4 hours for various child/poorly reasons, then another 2 hours of sleep before starting the day. I am far too tried to talk to anyone today, so I am going to hide away. This week is looking a little glum....I truly need a good nights sleep. Sleep deprivation really affects me....is it just me? However on Monday these lovely books arrived to brighten the odd moment of my day.

ps. our girls are completely unaffected by their awakening.

In the Kitchen

We are lucky enough to have another sunny October. In the mornings we are trying to make the most of being outdoors in the autumnal sun, by late afternoon, with the sudden drop in temperature, we head back indoors. So most of our afternoons seem to be spent in our kitchen as I snap away finding food inspirations and the girls draw or make things we are slowly welcoming in the winter.