December Reflections

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">December traditions continue as</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Queen gave her annual Christmas broadcast yesterday<br />( for the first time, in 3D)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is Boxing Day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">much like Black Friday in the US</div><br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06kDda5CwV_SKQ8mLhoM5vzYhowPJE2AXGxXfeJvnVeYP3Z4QKZFgmyCscHGfU0G9oBrPMW9uSqu0fv1-AgWciB8xc9_-yAH8CSNSgXYDp3WKdu89WTyeEBUv6JwLq2Qh80MoCp7rxOFt/s1600/DSC04253-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06kDda5CwV_SKQ8mLhoM5vzYhowPJE2AXGxXfeJvnVeYP3Z4QKZFgmyCscHGfU0G9oBrPMW9uSqu0fv1-AgWciB8xc9_-yAH8CSNSgXYDp3WKdu89WTyeEBUv6JwLq2Qh80MoCp7rxOFt/s640/DSC04253-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragrant and winter flowering<br />Viburnum x bodnantense</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter has its trademark stamp of</div><div style="text-align: center;">soft grey, mauve, peach skies<br />and</div><div style="text-align: center;">bare trees revealing their true structure<br /><br />And yet<br />green, green grass<br />velvety moss<br />and winter blooming viburnums<br />prove this island is very much alive<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weekday family time is mostly cloaked in darkness,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the sun sets as early as 3:55p</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening train commuters look like fireflies</div><div style="text-align: center;">with their torches/flashlights leading the way home</div><div style="text-align: center;">as our village has few streetlights</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rain does have a cozy comfort to it</div><div style="text-align: center;">The surrender<br />to a cozy blanket, warm fire, hot tea, and a good read</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that I'm not cold to the bone as I found myself in the snowy US<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2Hd3l7FCGpj-cj6U1muiDEXEeLZfGWPOFRPQ7vEiULnJvHunroQlEukmHsbnGEmbwND_DB6HUV1o86S4-kDCvavYqD31akvoJfDecci_5tDTUFbXbP3sOh1KHXLhxIKu7vx1pC_3bAg/s1600/DSCN6856-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2Hd3l7FCGpj-cj6U1muiDEXEeLZfGWPOFRPQ7vEiULnJvHunroQlEukmHsbnGEmbwND_DB6HUV1o86S4-kDCvavYqD31akvoJfDecci_5tDTUFbXbP3sOh1KHXLhxIKu7vx1pC_3bAg/s640/DSCN6856-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Absent for months,<br />this week I just start to hear<br />the welcome sounds of a squeaky bicycle pump -<br />the classic bird call of the tit/chickadee<br />announcing that Spring is coming :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The English sights, sounds, and traditions<br />are starting to settle into my soul<br />- feeling familiar and less of a curiosity -<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for joining my journey<br />this year<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ0NnlJCukB91g1XEj-SL5ljQfdj2-zVqmzOiGeFL2onaVjPh39f1Lx4cqPuQKLrvlhLfWoUDbdmCc3SgFwFOoLncgOol9i2oXQ0gIdUhX2BWueBe8HnMs_sQAk-3edpN6KGZUtvN0z4P/s1600/DSC_0013-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ0NnlJCukB91g1XEj-SL5ljQfdj2-zVqmzOiGeFL2onaVjPh39f1Lx4cqPuQKLrvlhLfWoUDbdmCc3SgFwFOoLncgOol9i2oXQ0gIdUhX2BWueBe8HnMs_sQAk-3edpN6KGZUtvN0z4P/s640/DSC_0013-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I look forward to seeing you</div><div style="text-align: center;">in 2013<br />:)<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

December Reflections

December traditions continue as the Queen gave her annual Christmas broadcast yesterday ( for the first time, in 3D) Today is Boxing Day, mu...

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We have a winner!

As promised, I'm back to announce the winner of my giveaway. I'm happy to say that the lovely <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">E</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">N</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Y</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">L</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">E</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">L</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">L is the lucky winner! Congratulations Wendy, you've received your recent Etsy order FREE! I'll drop you a line with all the details....</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJC6HolgrliGrEC-d4CANSrUlaXCTARywEXSHR6pgVctn-cl0ZhiOsHtpk-6OYGKH3Cvhyg_rHh2tApA9kb2wBC2S1uYGkbYBCXxvj09057ua__x8K0TeMFXQQ0EAY_BnrVnTjHJqpIxp/s1600/aqua+butterfly+pink+version+background+removed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJC6HolgrliGrEC-d4CANSrUlaXCTARywEXSHR6pgVctn-cl0ZhiOsHtpk-6OYGKH3Cvhyg_rHh2tApA9kb2wBC2S1uYGkbYBCXxvj09057ua__x8K0TeMFXQQ0EAY_BnrVnTjHJqpIxp/s640/aqua+butterfly+pink+version+background+removed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

We have a winner!

As promised, I'm back to announce the winner of my giveaway. I'm happy to say that the lovely  W E N D Y C A L D W E L L is the luc...

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Christmas In England

<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">The Christmas season comes earlier to England than to the US</span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyNXum2C1L3evm5eP87MSr1eVIdBcrQ6jxb8XBZBqTzxfFBjmJFakcDrm4PiiCtKE1itG77Fd9BGSIR-sQ3R5XSUVAtbM8HW0ZKX7b2zmMGPa6k3g45L7HeguA7v5D3flqMOljrb1445w/s1600/IMG_3147-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyNXum2C1L3evm5eP87MSr1eVIdBcrQ6jxb8XBZBqTzxfFBjmJFakcDrm4PiiCtKE1itG77Fd9BGSIR-sQ3R5XSUVAtbM8HW0ZKX7b2zmMGPa6k3g45L7HeguA7v5D3flqMOljrb1445w/s640/IMG_3147-001.JPG" width="610" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">In England, it creeps in as early as November 5th</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">after Guy Fawkes Night</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">In the US, <i>the season</i> officially kicks off after Thanksgiving</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">(end of November)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Although England is ethnically diverse</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">(especially in and around London)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">there is no politically correct </span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">'Happy Holidays' or 'Seasons Greetings' to be heard</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><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/AVvXsEjLtLZ3Sj_nAQtI5wdqS-Hd8nrm6QBpRuztCPg_juA7zcZYnVawBVrhMbfNeoyxVaqg_Nri3E7bN8NfDLeioBq-J9F6HBRUv-AScV1kKeY6Vqlix8HaB6Db9JVFx0jKjIDhZV2XspARFacu/s1600/IMG_3130-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtLZ3Sj_nAQtI5wdqS-Hd8nrm6QBpRuztCPg_juA7zcZYnVawBVrhMbfNeoyxVaqg_Nri3E7bN8NfDLeioBq-J9F6HBRUv-AScV1kKeY6Vqlix8HaB6Db9JVFx0jKjIDhZV2XspARFacu/s640/IMG_3130-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #444444;">See the English robin in lights?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy Christmas',</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">are not meant to be religiously assuming</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Just a general 'wishing you a wonderful holiday season'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">As Christianity is the official religion here,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">there is no pretending it isn't</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">(although they are welcoming of other religions)</span><br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU9gGW1o2e0i7ymQz5M60ku2Uqz4JRI1PoXblSB7BCZ9oKq882cIzJnX_L4cw-ubkUBcVvy-cKAWlXJ4Exxyi5fNOD8tiImyAwfHJZCQx75NJQ4_CYKQ5uKtUEIoXWqXpnoq30bcbs5aY/s1600/DSC_0075-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU9gGW1o2e0i7ymQz5M60ku2Uqz4JRI1PoXblSB7BCZ9oKq882cIzJnX_L4cw-ubkUBcVvy-cKAWlXJ4Exxyi5fNOD8tiImyAwfHJZCQx75NJQ4_CYKQ5uKtUEIoXWqXpnoq30bcbs5aY/s640/DSC_0075-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #444444;">We were surprised by how many Jewish neighbors lived in our area<br />when we saw 'menorahs' in many home windows<br />We soon learned these 'welcome lights' are actually a new, fast-growing tradition<br />originating from Nordic countries</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">English Christmas traditions include</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">browsing craft fairs and Christmas markets,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">visiting Santa in one of his many grottos</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">& attending a local 'panto' production</span><br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QvK82dy-PKxM-4ID8VuAEeH5WnD1AnT5-afndQNjpHD90zCdhaRq8nT2o-vAh4CQv0OERITcpXRaZouPYB9DDvRDse17tNdOvuz1xKYzEWrHUjQsYw924cDujrxsz3SF9e_6agYKtFAo/s1600/panto3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QvK82dy-PKxM-4ID8VuAEeH5WnD1AnT5-afndQNjpHD90zCdhaRq8nT2o-vAh4CQv0OERITcpXRaZouPYB9DDvRDse17tNdOvuz1xKYzEWrHUjQsYw924cDujrxsz3SF9e_6agYKtFAo/s640/panto3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #444444;">Family-friendly pantos take a classic story<br />and add gender swapping, songs, humor for adults & kids,<br />and loads of audience participation<br />photo: <a href="http://www.atgtickets.com/">ATG tickets</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Another activity includes stopping by a local <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/">National Trust</a> property</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">to view it in period holiday decor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEg2ri5JzYUYHqf9cYvm7rSjW9GhEmm8efBA1Bci3XrZqamoShcDlGhfS-YBkndXUXmjWh6xFiI-pJM01av6TriQGx6HXTGCygyrMm2yIL_KAL3gK8Viy6_iu4ZbHOFg5CRfVW6KYYU22o3a/s1600/DSC04078-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ri5JzYUYHqf9cYvm7rSjW9GhEmm8efBA1Bci3XrZqamoShcDlGhfS-YBkndXUXmjWh6xFiI-pJM01av6TriQGx6HXTGCygyrMm2yIL_KAL3gK8Viy6_iu4ZbHOFg5CRfVW6KYYU22o3a/s640/DSC04078-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Edwardian Christmas at Polesden Lacey (National Trust)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Although sending Christmas cards is an old tradition here,</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">family photo cards are just starting to catch on</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">The cutie-pie English robin is closely associated with Christmas</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">possibly because postmen in Victorian times</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">wore red uniforms and delivered cards</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">Postmen were nicknamed 'Robin'</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Post boxes have been red since 1884</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Also, the robin is one feathered friend still seen on the island this time of year :)</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjtykSYrg68Zz9-y_RFdAFkK6TdzfUZjvpH8OvIJtceIfNZK_pL2NEgvmFwwvjspaQyFOedq7kVQ11txMr-0380qD8Vc_DsYvZUAUDrnqQubA6olSf52Cize1gTjVCWnmxSNw7PBziHgL/s1600/DSC04235-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjtykSYrg68Zz9-y_RFdAFkK6TdzfUZjvpH8OvIJtceIfNZK_pL2NEgvmFwwvjspaQyFOedq7kVQ11txMr-0380qD8Vc_DsYvZUAUDrnqQubA6olSf52Cize1gTjVCWnmxSNw7PBziHgL/s640/DSC04235-04.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div><span style="color: #444444;">Santa will find small mince pies, not cookies, </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">left for him </span><span style="color: #444444;">by the fireplace</span></div><div><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlwsaRDdqLjEzOdDTrOL6FxDW_iU7xn_YOVaUq1XVXDRT5hxOxLvcFHO3SsIoqGDvy0PuAS_Cr3XO7nohRvrZstW01jJIj_dVnW2SuMAlU1mu9Q5E9Ep61jEb4mzyWoXbO6i1ssL1q43D/s1600/DSC_0009-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlwsaRDdqLjEzOdDTrOL6FxDW_iU7xn_YOVaUq1XVXDRT5hxOxLvcFHO3SsIoqGDvy0PuAS_Cr3XO7nohRvrZstW01jJIj_dVnW2SuMAlU1mu9Q5E9Ep61jEb4mzyWoXbO6i1ssL1q43D/s640/DSC_0009-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Mince pies</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Christmas meals will be enjoyed at local pubs and in homes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">The menu is often goose, ham, or turkey with stuffing</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">In fact, turkey first appeared in England on wealthy tables in the 16th century</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">Reportedly Henry VIII was the first monarch </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">to </span><span style="color: #444444;">eat the exotic American bird for Christmas</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Today, brussels sprouts and parsnips also may be served</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">followed by Christmas Pudding</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">('pudding' is a general term for baked desserts)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEjK778jeZz_ooACnkmiELnVRloVBYFAIS-loe5eDJ1rpXCclrA_QjM5nZdsfpht8CSi6YunVdN3sg-yKDW4L0XTtHzoZff6bEhwtuQCubC7OsR2pQJ-z4_qjEqgYsEZ2TbaxcqPZpK1jfpO/s1600/mini-christmas-pud-muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK778jeZz_ooACnkmiELnVRloVBYFAIS-loe5eDJ1rpXCclrA_QjM5nZdsfpht8CSi6YunVdN3sg-yKDW4L0XTtHzoZff6bEhwtuQCubC7OsR2pQJ-z4_qjEqgYsEZ2TbaxcqPZpK1jfpO/s640/mini-christmas-pud-muffins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Mini Christmas Puddings</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">photo credit: <a href="http://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/mini-christmas-pud-muffins.html">Tesco</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Don't come to England looking for 'Figgy Pudding' </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">as it has been replaced by Christmas Pudding</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Figgy Pudding's key ingredient was figs and </span><span style="color: #444444;">was offered to carolers </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">as a thank you for singing to the wealthy community</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">'Oh Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding' </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">is a line from the carol </span><span style="color: #444444;">'We Wish You A Merry Christmas', </span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">originally sung in the 16th century in England's West Country</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">And although they don't have yummy eggnog here,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">mulled wine is a delicious alternative</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">- warm, spiced red wine -</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Another lovely tradition after the Christmas meal</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">is Christmas Crackers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhmiEB6Xymo_RHDV-j8aRhlbW_YOScR_qkPkQtIeYmOWTi1tGD6Gs8hf6GF6hiKQsahtm4cfDxwM9xEe70rJ1XW5YMjrI6eCodZEgNssFUmZFIqEfaiF4o78zx6nbgSPEWQb9wADLMC0ajT/s1600/DSC04075-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiEB6Xymo_RHDV-j8aRhlbW_YOScR_qkPkQtIeYmOWTi1tGD6Gs8hf6GF6hiKQsahtm4cfDxwM9xEe70rJ1XW5YMjrI6eCodZEgNssFUmZFIqEfaiF4o78zx6nbgSPEWQb9wADLMC0ajT/s640/DSC04075-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Two people pull each end to open the cracker to see what is inside</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">- a paper crown, small toy, confetti, or a joke -</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your loved ones</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">May you stay warm and cozy in heart and home :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos are my own, unless otherwise noted -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Sources: Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_box">1</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Robin">2</a>; <a href="http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel/">Arundel Wetlands Centre</a></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Christmas In England

The Christmas season comes earlier to England than to the US In England, it creeps in as early as November 5th after Guy Fawkes Night In the...

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I'm shutting up shop for the year....

With Christmas almost upon us, the elves are working at full speed to get all my last Etsy orders posted. So if you've anything like me, and you've still got a few last-minute gifts to buy, don't worry - there's still time! But be quick - you only have until close of business <i>tomorrow</i> to get 20% off <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">ALL prints</span> in my store. What's more, I'll also express post every Australian order to make sure they arrive in time for the big day*. Oh, and don't forget - if you're really fast (i.e you order before midnight tonight, AEST), you'll also go into the draw to win your order FREE!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVBG5-_ltM4-d3KEENvgyWDMPXuglNT0OOnDYFK8u0hxLIZzkr0Dkm621axmcmTjhKTzULBTjgnPpXZh808i0yGKUTEPx-fWcfAMptGW9492UK2JS-EOwDB6h06h15zVRrwAB-j128pS8/s640/etsy+sale+last+orders+2012.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'll be back tomorrow to announce the lucky winner - good luck everyone!<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><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*express post guarantees next-day delivery within the Express Post domestic network. This covers most metropolitan areas of Australian capital cities (except Darwin), plus other centres. If you're not sure if your area is covered, feel free to drop me a line*</span>

I'm shutting up shop for the year....

With Christmas almost upon us, the elves are working at full speed to get all my last Etsy orders posted. So if you've anything like me,...

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Snapshot Of London In December

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">London, all dressed-up for the holidays!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Twelve Days Of Christmas' this year on Regent Street</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS1Cdvj6g_cq-o3jujHjwZqVDuYV76CYkDLJWnSF8Gl_C1E7lplggg7MvS3CwFfOQ5cL90wZDyjmqGyh30D835hberJNXypDunGDxJEScE8IGi5GZRgHWNtoEDoZZCt8zGdOuudYLtdWn/s1600/IMG_3103-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS1Cdvj6g_cq-o3jujHjwZqVDuYV76CYkDLJWnSF8Gl_C1E7lplggg7MvS3CwFfOQ5cL90wZDyjmqGyh30D835hberJNXypDunGDxJEScE8IGi5GZRgHWNtoEDoZZCt8zGdOuudYLtdWn/s640/IMG_3103-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to my sister</div><div style="text-align: center;">I discovered a new area, St Christopher's Place</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Vcv2znSP-s76Vw8Lmkggvzei6Y7JbA29xWLxO_CVk430EQROZnZNAB10Xbj3YVPCOKesiwjwZg8tsAps5AAUc5rr2ZzAUsye5EHmvII1M8PGzsjbrXIL3zhtUIOf_vZWNHmgmhyBFnx/s1600/IMG_3087-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Vcv2znSP-s76Vw8Lmkggvzei6Y7JbA29xWLxO_CVk430EQROZnZNAB10Xbj3YVPCOKesiwjwZg8tsAps5AAUc5rr2ZzAUsye5EHmvII1M8PGzsjbrXIL3zhtUIOf_vZWNHmgmhyBFnx/s640/IMG_3087-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carnaby Street is always a fun place to wander</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/AVvXsEgwdY7KkzuKRAeqpIp1dvrqk1on_Vtk9U74FgDvGf-x1404wMc382ahvvRfgJB356VAqiInnn6FM_ZiP-6g6Jda2kHjy53GQzSfe9aYngnEFV1cX34IgGlztFlZaVcy6KMrvkQopwApeO-m/s1600/IMG_3101-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdY7KkzuKRAeqpIp1dvrqk1on_Vtk9U74FgDvGf-x1404wMc382ahvvRfgJB356VAqiInnn6FM_ZiP-6g6Jda2kHjy53GQzSfe9aYngnEFV1cX34IgGlztFlZaVcy6KMrvkQopwApeO-m/s640/IMG_3101-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And lovely Liberty is adorned with simple greenery</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/AVvXsEiwIliA8IhjCmB7wJoM-57kVSYCm_o1n-eKsXiwxMAhjKn_fexvgaCjrQ_gxwlNH-67bjWFvWtT3Xo5PTd3ph9Z6rb6hqEulWX8kITomlEolopTSJJCCO2wNdKgEE7jHX_S2FHJf92q0BI8/s1600/IMG_3097-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIliA8IhjCmB7wJoM-57kVSYCm_o1n-eKsXiwxMAhjKn_fexvgaCjrQ_gxwlNH-67bjWFvWtT3Xo5PTd3ph9Z6rb6hqEulWX8kITomlEolopTSJJCCO2wNdKgEE7jHX_S2FHJf92q0BI8/s640/IMG_3097-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This month has been busy, as December always is</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Recently I was fortunate to meet one of my first blogger friends in person,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Suzanne of Privet and Holly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She wrote up a bit about her visit <a href="http://www.privetandholly.com/2012/12/still-learning.html">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you are enjoying the holiday season so far!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Snapshot Of London In December

London, all dressed-up for the holidays! 'Twelve Days Of Christmas' this year on Regent Street Thanks to my sister I discovered a ne...

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Frosty England

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never been a big fan of winter</div><div style="text-align: center;">but my kids are</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/AVvXsEhdwYv5m7Zo-T5puNnLDYwR7nKxFvR_h6GqKhXKfC-kfwpMrrpkId1kHszADHrVQ5ArfsZ473J75bY2tDMqBdjRGn-o6h04nWaK5wvNQI0eobXwyvRRdTMVoP2q_jTMFM__dUBJUGgkNNfo/s1600/DSC04165-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwYv5m7Zo-T5puNnLDYwR7nKxFvR_h6GqKhXKfC-kfwpMrrpkId1kHszADHrVQ5ArfsZ473J75bY2tDMqBdjRGn-o6h04nWaK5wvNQI0eobXwyvRRdTMVoP2q_jTMFM__dUBJUGgkNNfo/s640/DSC04165-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm one step closer to loving this season </div><div style="text-align: center;">for all that England has shown me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Making the most of every day</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>regardless of weather</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></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/AVvXsEhPMMyE8xwuPGfMzBRr0Y4zwAsdIyWOE4IECLP2qV4vUM-OUJQ5MCpqkQ3OYbaQ2cbB_VIP2KFnCc1dWG_EXh1pe7UM-36KJrmoPxG-_1dVjX8gmCCnERFS5282gp5wOEOsYujGxw4VjrmM/s1600/DSC04233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMMyE8xwuPGfMzBRr0Y4zwAsdIyWOE4IECLP2qV4vUM-OUJQ5MCpqkQ3OYbaQ2cbB_VIP2KFnCc1dWG_EXh1pe7UM-36KJrmoPxG-_1dVjX8gmCCnERFS5282gp5wOEOsYujGxw4VjrmM/s640/DSC04233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Each day is a weather adventure</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- snow, rain, sun, clouds, fog, or frost -</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhR4lnAMH3sUnkoCC-PG6EoqQ3NLimT0esE0_vbz-m6ufgmAVzkmBw65cMrocKeX_neC2tchh0BX599fTb-UbDuDMcnsXvVzqzuvqLgyRYH3rktJxz3AJTgrMY1w7q_GFXi4dAlmmHNY1/s1600/DSC04210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhR4lnAMH3sUnkoCC-PG6EoqQ3NLimT0esE0_vbz-m6ufgmAVzkmBw65cMrocKeX_neC2tchh0BX599fTb-UbDuDMcnsXvVzqzuvqLgyRYH3rktJxz3AJTgrMY1w7q_GFXi4dAlmmHNY1/s640/DSC04210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look for more</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></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/AVvXsEixxItimDKYJm_4nlxUtlYnZ3sK8H8rkVkF6K8o5WuviLzacVCnLDxJ9BHf7ymrbOeAR53Q-YeauRogNBNbzAJGd9xapiAI-rDsnhKy__S30RVCe69om5_wZnNae2sBv89tP2mwpCGEAXT2/s1600/DSC04112-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxItimDKYJm_4nlxUtlYnZ3sK8H8rkVkF6K8o5WuviLzacVCnLDxJ9BHf7ymrbOeAR53Q-YeauRogNBNbzAJGd9xapiAI-rDsnhKy__S30RVCe69om5_wZnNae2sBv89tP2mwpCGEAXT2/s640/DSC04112-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Frozen spiderwebs look like icicles due to 'hoar frost'</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">As we drove to school today</div><div style="text-align: center;">my daughter looked at a fence and asked if those were real spiderwebs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'No, those are too thick to be real'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But sure enough, spiderwebs were visible with all the frost,</div><div style="text-align: center;">revealing an invisible world </div><div style="text-align: center;">everywhere I turned</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unbelievable, no?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></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/AVvXsEjHkBjGMSR-7Eq9vIu1mXw6TIjChfYTuWOXAudYBQ1j4lm__t53QMa0MSFzWxPUcH_uuANFXHFFJS0IVLvz0iII8BbFErJJNm2owQybgGqpVq6r8GW6ChVBXAtXdJzkG2mFJCDg3S8d0YGe/s1600/DSC04124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkBjGMSR-7Eq9vIu1mXw6TIjChfYTuWOXAudYBQ1j4lm__t53QMa0MSFzWxPUcH_uuANFXHFFJS0IVLvz0iII8BbFErJJNm2owQybgGqpVq6r8GW6ChVBXAtXdJzkG2mFJCDg3S8d0YGe/s640/DSC04124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />This is exactly what it looked like - no photo tinkering</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Countless hues of grey*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- soft & muted -</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lighting in England is so different from anywhere else I've lived before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEjOv9MV14Zq5FYNqPYK_Xz_r_Kwzt6IZh65wFFYntU6ZqDzmmfY3RMSgeuTnKsLwp4jtqGhZD6i4s6V4biA-vNX0gzCyvZspCOSBNebGWn00BdTp4jQcXUAj9yxOKlBUjOoozzf9-Or4lTB/s1600/DSC04170-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv9MV14Zq5FYNqPYK_Xz_r_Kwzt6IZh65wFFYntU6ZqDzmmfY3RMSgeuTnKsLwp4jtqGhZD6i4s6V4biA-vNX0gzCyvZspCOSBNebGWn00BdTp4jQcXUAj9yxOKlBUjOoozzf9-Or4lTB/s640/DSC04170-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Frozen grasses look like white clouds resting in the heath</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Everything is better with a cozy blanket</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PLQgt8xVnPdPB3MyhyphenhyphenG1KGdxLR7uMv4tuz47pvOb7YtUpuKq-Zr4WUr-tjxeQ5uwoVwnfKKEg0u9D2K_i2flUyGA4QdFPOY88Jj9nGU32DiZNODxRY4nB_Ytr6j1T3A4zfcQ4TLKloV4/s1600/DSC04214-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PLQgt8xVnPdPB3MyhyphenhyphenG1KGdxLR7uMv4tuz47pvOb7YtUpuKq-Zr4WUr-tjxeQ5uwoVwnfKKEg0u9D2K_i2flUyGA4QdFPOY88Jj9nGU32DiZNODxRY4nB_Ytr6j1T3A4zfcQ4TLKloV4/s640/DSC04214-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A gorgeous countryside drive</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>is never far away</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzA-UVUJWe2ymEODEoAIxnKQFnMwTYacMlsb2ulO99-qg0J3Nnpx8fwrb1GfkgPYDynyvpjkccyw9JVsbWbw2ayIQA3qmA0_0ZLAlmh3mwDnXKGcNEJv_2ot3Ybiq_RhYvqGlfBoP4L0x/s1600/DSC04208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzA-UVUJWe2ymEODEoAIxnKQFnMwTYacMlsb2ulO99-qg0J3Nnpx8fwrb1GfkgPYDynyvpjkccyw9JVsbWbw2ayIQA3qmA0_0ZLAlmh3mwDnXKGcNEJv_2ot3Ybiq_RhYvqGlfBoP4L0x/s640/DSC04208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'All is calm, all is bright'</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9XhTUwEsNDpsgtKsmmXqMOYuO04W3lrgg5oKi1bX0kUUSMNpvoa9MdKHxGfUnldu0cqzzeNZGBiJRI14v8MTPOTyYV84x3vLIbcGcc2HiBzK31swuQcrQw9zNEqBx4otXaxyz2kLvZaZ/s1600/DSC04166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9XhTUwEsNDpsgtKsmmXqMOYuO04W3lrgg5oKi1bX0kUUSMNpvoa9MdKHxGfUnldu0cqzzeNZGBiJRI14v8MTPOTyYV84x3vLIbcGcc2HiBzK31swuQcrQw9zNEqBx4otXaxyz2kLvZaZ/s640/DSC04166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Beauty is everywhere</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT9xAEhTbn5_iO6L84DfT4cA8ukkYiwyR1M3EzfD7M8kjsp858ke9ZD3_xJh2AKj61NrG8JzLNKwY2t4pPkFBpBSZQnD7OIlmAdhCKpk12zGMqu1mUYPcbISoOgTnZrFVrwfUBje1V-p_/s1600/DSC04160-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT9xAEhTbn5_iO6L84DfT4cA8ukkYiwyR1M3EzfD7M8kjsp858ke9ZD3_xJh2AKj61NrG8JzLNKwY2t4pPkFBpBSZQnD7OIlmAdhCKpk12zGMqu1mUYPcbISoOgTnZrFVrwfUBje1V-p_/s640/DSC04160-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And wear gloves with fingers on next photo shoot </i>:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* 'Grey' is the British spelling; 'gray' the American - important as there is so much of it here :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Frosty England

I've never been a big fan of winter but my kids are I'm one step closer to loving this season  for all that England has shown me... ...

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So, what do you think?

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">So the colour of the year for 2013 is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Emerald Green</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">, according to Pantone. I was quite surprised actually, as the early money was on Monaco Blue - and as you know, it's one of my favourites. But I have to say, I do love Emerald - it's strong and distinctive and not for the feint-hearted. Used wisely, it's a show-stopper. Used not-so-wisely, it's a hot mess. So I hope you think my new range of emerald sea corals is firmly in the first category....</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisa-gqrw2OJ_TUoHZ6hyphenhyphenJfBii-lifouk7Bb1UQxgz8GShtRvzPH7IYo04C5GEC_LSFAzixX6rFVoFuuVrwZh0vhK_oVs8XufBJIH2D49SxxtKx5ddl2C-LwYb_5a8X3NyfmPmb6Zui-TI/s1600/coral+series+in+emerald+in+situ+crop+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisa-gqrw2OJ_TUoHZ6hyphenhyphenJfBii-lifouk7Bb1UQxgz8GShtRvzPH7IYo04C5GEC_LSFAzixX6rFVoFuuVrwZh0vhK_oVs8XufBJIH2D49SxxtKx5ddl2C-LwYb_5a8X3NyfmPmb6Zui-TI/s640/coral+series+in+emerald+in+situ+crop+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">My Oceana Series in Emerald Green</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">for sale in my <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy Store</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I've put together some pics to show how lovely emerald can look. For me, I like it best when used as a pop of colour - the supporting act rather than the lead. A little can go a long way, but if you're game, it can really pay off - as the following pics show...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">How gorgeous is this emerald chinoiserie wallpaper? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">It's in the home of the lovely Dagny of <a href="http://www.scandinavianchic.com/2010/06/laundry-room-before-and-after.html" target="_blank">Scandinavian Chic</a>, and I was smitten the minute I saw it. It's the perfect solution if you're a little scared of colour - a smaller space, away from the main living area is a great place to test the waters....</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVwDXyAsHIJFdD8ahkPn-jG7CxHFOaT1aQfV29GcO9TaLlYxWYZCSn__7dVdZMjvvBl95YChz68lDA_p-SSZLIA_vefH5RCzgJ3XEeEJ6cSRqkxagyLWcca9PhiDxnxscAYALuyhLxK3a/s1600/Dagnys+hus+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVwDXyAsHIJFdD8ahkPn-jG7CxHFOaT1aQfV29GcO9TaLlYxWYZCSn__7dVdZMjvvBl95YChz68lDA_p-SSZLIA_vefH5RCzgJ3XEeEJ6cSRqkxagyLWcca9PhiDxnxscAYALuyhLxK3a/s640/Dagnys+hus+010.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">f you want to make a softer statement, try pairing it with soft tones of greens and blues - it lessens the impact and is soothing rather than strong...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlyB2o0S6NRuVTfp8DvsgKQL5PmJylB4WyuKzGMQEEcVUKLQ65A0Io5dYG59S6P1L_BYlepggvhW1NBrVR48_dkrHu-4bJ5LlgJn8-he27-ix-wdq04hGQOVoOGbCxck_hxHFCsp-RTvg/s1600/creamylife1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlyB2o0S6NRuVTfp8DvsgKQL5PmJylB4WyuKzGMQEEcVUKLQ65A0Io5dYG59S6P1L_BYlepggvhW1NBrVR48_dkrHu-4bJ5LlgJn8-he27-ix-wdq04hGQOVoOGbCxck_hxHFCsp-RTvg/s640/creamylife1.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.creamylife.com/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Here, the island is the stand-out, with the green repeated in the wallpaper pattern for a cohesive look...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPNKXEgVwYaMsSJat3lSZQ1FeJW-0Ij4JlfONkmBvIfTm8s1cIsjXc_DAg5VaPwlZIiVy_1TVNu2QvMvqzSc9U0pL51uH7Xikx5V27wsjC9vZfIPSfOTdd6bgBJR-XRxQgJbqHMCdpEYh/s1600/DP_O-Interior-Design-white-kitchen-with-blue-green-accents_s4x3_lg_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPNKXEgVwYaMsSJat3lSZQ1FeJW-0Ij4JlfONkmBvIfTm8s1cIsjXc_DAg5VaPwlZIiVy_1TVNu2QvMvqzSc9U0pL51uH7Xikx5V27wsjC9vZfIPSfOTdd6bgBJR-XRxQgJbqHMCdpEYh/s640/DP_O-Interior-Design-white-kitchen-with-blue-green-accents_s4x3_lg_lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.ointeriordesign.com/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I love emerald with a grey background - it takes it down a notch yet still packs a punch. Although these tufted bedheads are not <i>quite </i>emerald, they'd work just as well if they were, and I love the pops of jewel colours in the room - the perfect accompaniment....</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyvEhieeN7z7L3GNG6TSnipCT2nq6s8nnfMx0MINMo-T6Q3Mo-ThG1-ucek-KPQ7GVaU4rzw9opg51Dr48I5RGDt7l_TYLpHAaqmORVHwAs88n4qKyxIziGyVXWQ4C2nDT9f3tGgZTQFq/s1600/emerald3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyvEhieeN7z7L3GNG6TSnipCT2nq6s8nnfMx0MINMo-T6Q3Mo-ThG1-ucek-KPQ7GVaU4rzw9opg51Dr48I5RGDt7l_TYLpHAaqmORVHwAs88n4qKyxIziGyVXWQ4C2nDT9f3tGgZTQFq/s640/emerald3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/img.htm?404/404_4_10g.jpg" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Nothing like a making a dramatic entrance - this sets the tone from the get-go....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiC1CDXJP5KDwmmPBKBQ0SVctqBbzX1nfkGU20Tgij134Fy5_Vf-HH8kNlqi7fcaRRMxbylDTxUZTlQnWFbbyhxo0Tdpn-xAAXJjPRAqA8bH4_ZVYQkUy-L6FdW5oodXL7jBLHjn5yPFn/s1600/door1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiC1CDXJP5KDwmmPBKBQ0SVctqBbzX1nfkGU20Tgij134Fy5_Vf-HH8kNlqi7fcaRRMxbylDTxUZTlQnWFbbyhxo0Tdpn-xAAXJjPRAqA8bH4_ZVYQkUy-L6FdW5oodXL7jBLHjn5yPFn/s640/door1.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.frontdoordesigns.co.uk/2012/05/13/closed-door/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">So, what do you say? Are you a fan of Emerald, or do you think Pantone totally missed the mark? Love to know what you think......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></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>

So, what do you think?

So the colour of the year for 2013 is Emerald Green , according to Pantone. I was quite surprised actually, as the early money was on Monaco...

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Film Locations: The Holiday & Bridget Jones

<div style="text-align: center;"><br />A few months ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">I asked you what <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/yep-thats-me.html">questions</a> you have for me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a while </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been chewing on this question </div><div style="text-align: center;">from Debi at <a href="http://debikirksey.blogspot.co.uk/">A Tale of Two Cities</a>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><b>Do you have suggestions for cute towns that would be</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>great day trips for us London gals wanting to get out of the city sometimes?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>We've been to all the tourist sites of course, but we love cute towns</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>and villages that we can get to by train...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The picturesque village of Shere comes to mind,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the heart of the rolling Surrey Hills </div><div style="text-align: center;">just 30 miles south west of London<br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iI_my8As829mR1pm7z-5OKu7mWyMWbtFrBoxXRtX9e8lRfLXyNFOxoyv1wEO2UAfYa95lLN77rqr3f9ZNwoAVnjtAxve9ilzOGvnoKwbDXRO0-POQTCrgL8UqHZA_fQ_xAjtviLO-i0n/s1600/DSC03972-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iI_my8As829mR1pm7z-5OKu7mWyMWbtFrBoxXRtX9e8lRfLXyNFOxoyv1wEO2UAfYa95lLN77rqr3f9ZNwoAVnjtAxve9ilzOGvnoKwbDXRO0-POQTCrgL8UqHZA_fQ_xAjtviLO-i0n/s640/DSC03972-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo by me)</td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_994876842"></span><span id="goog_994876843"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To get there, take a train from London Waterloo to Guildford</div><div style="text-align: center;">and hop in a taxi for a 20 minute drive to Shere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because it is a village, it is quite small by definition</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Set in Tillingbourne Valley, medieval Shere</div><div style="text-align: center;">is complete with a ford, stream, ducks to feed, ancient church, teashop,</div><div style="text-align: center;">stores, and pubs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Need something to do?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How about a nose around for local film locations :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEhhLM9p1HPZ26iGoaL5jci8Atz4mg-xtJiwvjn2ciWVXECzfwtEcYrEUiPEuxXG5TdhbwiPIUJ-NvDyFYQJkckTkWPFxY9W_gUBc1BHFDRgac3W8q0jUv9YRQ0KiPtlsTBblzL6e3sCKP5r/s1600/Holiday10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLM9p1HPZ26iGoaL5jci8Atz4mg-xtJiwvjn2ciWVXECzfwtEcYrEUiPEuxXG5TdhbwiPIUJ-NvDyFYQJkckTkWPFxY9W_gUBc1BHFDRgac3W8q0jUv9YRQ0KiPtlsTBblzL6e3sCKP5r/s640/Holiday10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shere Lane on filming day<br />via <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/12/05/kate-winslets-english-cottage-in-the-holiday/">Hooked On Houses</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see they pumped snow all over the village for a Christmassy look</div><div style="text-align: center;">but as it rarely snows here, I can't promise you'll see the white stuff on your visit<br />- I got lucky this week ;) -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiID83iPFGmf1NjA5zy_x1f7Zx-nX1YtfGKjBYNiIte2THHs6-1wJX39QEDNVQm-M-5PWZrXrEQv1FqmsxQJ_6bXNz33bOaOF_cnNNCgyP-SfhkUuh232KN-dFSHrq6QeMr_JxP3J3teDqI/s1600/DSC03999-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID83iPFGmf1NjA5zy_x1f7Zx-nX1YtfGKjBYNiIte2THHs6-1wJX39QEDNVQm-M-5PWZrXrEQv1FqmsxQJ_6bXNz33bOaOF_cnNNCgyP-SfhkUuh232KN-dFSHrq6QeMr_JxP3J3teDqI/s640/DSC03999-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo by me)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous Church of St James is Grade I listed and was built in 1190</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It provided the backdrop for the final wedding scene in </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason</i> (2004)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cameron Diaz was dropped off in front of the church graveyard</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the romantic comedy, <i>The Holiday</i> (2006)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a walk over and enjoy a pint in the former smugglers pub, </div><div style="text-align: center;">The White Horse, built in 1425<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgizGkf6ZUuVYoLecca2lP1Jg6dnWDsohvFJiRgR_bYnSQQsnPiurQPGkPRI6O9C_WeWFLkkgWj5HQLg4Zwy-fa8PeabLE9LRhNeTktHzETU6A09KF-vFALqZhzghKW61B3xmtecBJ0aoVs/s1600/Happy+Homemaker+20122-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizGkf6ZUuVYoLecca2lP1Jg6dnWDsohvFJiRgR_bYnSQQsnPiurQPGkPRI6O9C_WeWFLkkgWj5HQLg4Zwy-fa8PeabLE9LRhNeTktHzETU6A09KF-vFALqZhzghKW61B3xmtecBJ0aoVs/s640/Happy+Homemaker+20122-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filming at The White Horse with Jude Law<br />(Photos used by permission, <b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">©</span></b> <a href="http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/estate/asdg39/index.html">Chris Capstick</a> Photography)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In <i>The Holiday</i>, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz enjoy drinks in this fire-lit pub</div><div style="text-align: center;">with ceiling timbers from Nelson's ship, HMS Victory, which was in the Battle Of Trafalgar</div><div style="text-align: center;">The cast and crew enjoyed their wrap up party here too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a rumbly in your tumbly?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amble over to 18th century pub, <a href="http://www.thewilliambray.co.uk/">The William Bray</a>, for a scrumptious meal</div><div style="text-align: center;">(great outside seating on a sunny day)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To walk off your meal in the breathtaking countryside</div><div style="text-align: center;"> go past St James Church </div><div style="text-align: center;">and find the public pathway to the <i>right</i> of the church</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Up the hill you will see the field where Iris's cottage was created for <i>The Holiday</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a film set, the house is no longer standing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the photo, you can see the church spire in the background</div><div style="text-align: center;">(and no snow on the hills)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEiCZ5c0EQccjhtXqD1c4BS2m2cVCG7dZWkP34XEvOti_UoB7CJ-iY1yMb7G8vVCtF6K62OkklwSZVe5k0PkAQYjNmJmo5dx2oxxem8HABN8Pz3Thrxpzy7GmgrRxKz0jeW9vXbnGOIDvBIG/s1600/Happy+Homemaker+20126-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ5c0EQccjhtXqD1c4BS2m2cVCG7dZWkP34XEvOti_UoB7CJ-iY1yMb7G8vVCtF6K62OkklwSZVe5k0PkAQYjNmJmo5dx2oxxem8HABN8Pz3Thrxpzy7GmgrRxKz0jeW9vXbnGOIDvBIG/s640/Happy+Homemaker+20126-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of house via Chalk and Talk <a href="http://chalk-jenny.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/holiday.html">Blog</a><br />Back view via Paul Orford on <a href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/11483494">Panoramio</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the photo on the right,<br />it looks like the public pathway is on the left side</div><div style="text-align: center;">(you can just barely see people standing on it)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The field is on private land but can be seen from the church path</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And that adorable cozy English interior?</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Filmed in sunny Sony Picture Studios, Culver City, California</div><div style="text-align: center;">- the horror! -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEigg_-P-pfePeZT3iX7Td3sM1JGC8cVOmdXK_WlJMZF5-mkUQx8ln5D8jqJbw1w39MZZowJDfUOHMOKFq0T1BAE9hUsYqPHn3YlBsynPX77us17QhgN3oFX8BXxg3aVljlcCKI7o8EHxSZD/s1600/Iriss-living-room-still-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigg_-P-pfePeZT3iX7Td3sM1JGC8cVOmdXK_WlJMZF5-mkUQx8ln5D8jqJbw1w39MZZowJDfUOHMOKFq0T1BAE9hUsYqPHn3YlBsynPX77us17QhgN3oFX8BXxg3aVljlcCKI7o8EHxSZD/s640/Iriss-living-room-still-large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/12/05/kate-winslets-english-cottage-in-the-holiday/">Hooked On Houses</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Although you won't see the storefronts from Diaz's famous driving scene here</div><div style="text-align: center;">(filmed 8 miles away in Godalming),</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Shere Shop is a cute village shop worth a visit when in Shere<br /><br /><div>Another worthy walk is along the stream heading out of town</div><div>where you'll pass the community (allotment) garden, </div><div>16th & 17th century timber-framed houses, a ford, and a pasture for horses</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shere holds a special place in my heart,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as my husband took me there</div><div style="text-align: center;">to woo me over with the idea of moving to England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it worked :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">{ Read my post about the building of Iris's cottage <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/holiday-with-twist.html">here</a> }</div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: <a href="http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0457939/locations">uk.imbd</a>, <a href="http://surrey.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/surrey-film-locations-2505/">GreatBritishLife</a>,<a href="http://www.pub-explorer.com/surrey/pub/whitehorseinnshere.htm">Pub Explorer</a>, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.beautifulengland.net/photos/main.php/surrey/shere_001/">Beautiful England</a>, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/visit-britain-us/warm-fires-hot-cocoa-movies-ideal-holiday-village-032319902.html">Sports Yahoo</a>, <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/if-re-planning-vacation-london-england-be-7279970.html">Voices Yahoo</a>, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php?option=com_films_online&task=view&id=1612">ReelStreets</a>, <a href="http://www.emilymurray.co.uk/fireworks/pdf/OTHERSTUFF/TravellerJude.pdf">EmilyMurray</a>, <a href="http://www.theweekenders.co.uk/places-to-stay/rookery-nook.php">TheWeekenders</a>, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.debbieward.co.uk/articles/general/surrey%20bandb.htm">DebbieWard</a>, <a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1l0lm/essencemagazingeIssu/resources/37.htm">EssenceMagazine</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Film Locations: The Holiday & Bridget Jones

A few months ago I asked you what questions you have for me For a while  I've been chewing on this question  from Debi at  A Tale of Tw...

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'Vintiquing' In England

<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/AVvXsEhTvUbUhUQx_N43NjYj4dL54h8tuJStUdK32NIfYLrHXCgB7hj_4BLBVw5sWGkZO-T3a9vVOG5KRH5PPNsyXUd-_PalUHTipcvEajHsHEYABTXmPJ0DN-P-62dfsl3DexfO7zL3mraoKGik/s1600/DSCN6814-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvUbUhUQx_N43NjYj4dL54h8tuJStUdK32NIfYLrHXCgB7hj_4BLBVw5sWGkZO-T3a9vVOG5KRH5PPNsyXUd-_PalUHTipcvEajHsHEYABTXmPJ0DN-P-62dfsl3DexfO7zL3mraoKGik/s640/DSCN6814-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portobello Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I almost wrote 'Nervous Nellie' when the form asked my name,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as I registered as a buyer at an antique auction house</div><div style="text-align: center;">along with experienced antique dealers</div><div style="text-align: center;">What had I gotten myself into?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The nice man gave me my numbered card to raise during the auction</div><div style="text-align: center;">(could I exchange it for my favorite number 9, please?)</div><div style="text-align: center;">(elderly lady behind me smiles and says her mom always asked for a 3)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was really the last frontier of buying cool vintage stuff for me</div><div style="text-align: center;">It showed my absolute dedication :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and I was sooooo nervous</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would I be able to understand their accent</div><div style="text-align: center;">as numbers flew out of their mouths?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dare I remove a stray hair tickling my cheek</div><div style="text-align: center;">in fear of accidentally buying something?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would my American accent 'out' me as a foreigner,</div><div style="text-align: center;">my shaky voice indicate my inexperience,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or would I accidentally double the price?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's how it worked:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went a few days before the auction to view what was going to auction</div><div style="text-align: center;">I marked on my paper the items I was interested in (2 paintings)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sheet indicated the opening bid</div><div style="text-align: center;">On that particular day, there were loads of furniture, artwork, and kitchen goodies</div><div style="text-align: center;">all at <i>incredibly</i> affordable prices/opening bids<br />Basically wholesale antiques!<br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial6FwVATjrnO8KT5v-98UgvMDHKs6tQZEZlnyf1QpzwIL_QibvUO-Wb2V8NIdG5S_mR_goH0TYVO2JYTZKeJPv7sx7db__ywj0rXd1DZ8M2iP0lgWzp6EIOklPYB2dQEkW1ZiDf2nKxUd/s1600/DSC03933-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial6FwVATjrnO8KT5v-98UgvMDHKs6tQZEZlnyf1QpzwIL_QibvUO-Wb2V8NIdG5S_mR_goH0TYVO2JYTZKeJPv7sx7db__ywj0rXd1DZ8M2iP0lgWzp6EIOklPYB2dQEkW1ZiDf2nKxUd/s400/DSC03933-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my recent purchases-<br />Groovy vintage printers tray by blogging friend, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Vintagesheetaddict?ref=ss_profile">Vintage Sheet Addict</a><br />Authentic letter blocks from <a href="http://www.the-bothy.co.uk/">The Bothy</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />The day of the auction I found about 70 people in the room</div><div style="text-align: center;">The auctioneer was very easy to understand and spoke slowly (yay!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">They went through the items only by number, so I'm glad I went on preview day to view the goods</div><div style="text-align: center;">Typically only about 2 or 3 people were bidding on a particular item</div><div style="text-align: center;">The highest bidder paid for the item and took it home that day</div><div style="text-align: center;">(delivery available)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because most of the bidders were dealers,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they would drop out from a bidding war early</div><div style="text-align: center;">as they didn't have the emotional tie to items</div><div style="text-align: center;">and needed to make a profit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got my two paintings at half the price I would have paid at an antique fair</div><div style="text-align: center;">with no embarrassing mishaps</div><div style="text-align: center;">- plus a story to go with it and conquering the fear of auctions :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEg4s3N6iRZW3zxT8rO7yNPNCIQzXffgOymZUinlF2GypA6Y5p5WYuk6t6a2_6kMj2Nt18ypugYMD3IUBA3i_aiBH6VzV4_-kqX9-ZcNQMIV-9ooU4QOdPS9odvdC7Z058VVRF7Fob4aBwpv/s1600/IMG_2312-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s3N6iRZW3zxT8rO7yNPNCIQzXffgOymZUinlF2GypA6Y5p5WYuk6t6a2_6kMj2Nt18ypugYMD3IUBA3i_aiBH6VzV4_-kqX9-ZcNQMIV-9ooU4QOdPS9odvdC7Z058VVRF7Fob4aBwpv/s640/IMG_2312-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardingly Antiques & Collection Fair</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you must know, </div><div style="text-align: center;">my happy happy place for vintiquing</div><div style="text-align: center;">is <a href="http://www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly/">Ardingly Antiques and Collection Fair</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">held only twice a year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is HUGE and jam-packed with vendors from all over Europe</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is open two days in a row, but only go the first day when it is full of vendors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everything you could imagine is there</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so freaky-good that I get giddy<br />each time I step foot among the treasures yet to be discovered</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have found London to be too expensive,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but nearby Surrey has some other great finds:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sunburyantiques.com/">Sunbury Antiques Market</a> (2x/mo)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hamptoncourtvillage.co.uk/Shopping-in-east-molesey.html">Hampton Court Village</a>, East Molesey  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dorking's <a href="http://www.dorkingantiques.com/">West Street</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bourne-mill-antiques.co.uk/">Bourne Mill Antiques Centre</a> & <a href="http://www.packhouse.com/">The Packhouse</a> in Farnham</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've found car boot and jumble sales have great deals </div><div style="text-align: center;">but rarely provide good loot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The most bizarre thing I've seen in my foraging?<br />A container of human glass eyeballs from Victorian times(!)<br /><br />My recent brocante obsession?<br />Kitchen scales and kitchen containers<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have any tips to share?<br />Your obsession?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="color: #500050;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://www.ewbankauctions.co.uk/">Ewbank Auctions</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related post: <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/buying-vintage-in-england.html">Buying Vintage In England</a></span><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

'Vintiquing' In England

Portobello Road I almost wrote 'Nervous Nellie' when the form asked my name, as I registered as a buyer at an antique auction house ...

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